TRANSFER CANNULA

Abstract

A transfer cannula for sterile transfer of fluids to powders or fluids to fluids from a first receptacle into a second receptacle has two tube sections running in the same direction which have different lengths in the longitudinal direction of the tube sections, the longer tube section terminating in an insertion tip. The tube sections are rigidly connected to a coupling wall surrounding the tube sections in a cylindrical manner. The coupling wall has a cutout which extends as far as an end edge of the coupling wall and in which, when viewed from the side, an insertion tip of each tube section is exposed. The coupling wall projects beyond the insertion tip in the direction of the longitudinal extent of the tube sections, and the cut-out widens in a corresponding V-shape at the end edge.

Claims

1. A transfer cannula (1) for sterile transfer of fluids to powders or fluids to fluids from a first receptacle (2) into a second receptacle (3), wherein said transfer cannula comprises two parallel tube sections (4, 5) that have different lengths in a longitudinal direction (L) of the tube sections (4, 5), wherein the longer tube section (4, 5) terminates in an insertion tip (6), wherein the tube sections (4, 5) are designed to be rigidly connected to a coupling wall (8) surrounding the tube sections (4, 5) in a cylindrical manner, wherein the coupling wall (8) has, associated with each insertion tip (6) and arranged oppositely on both sides with respect to the longitudinal direction (L) of the tube sections (4, 5), a cutout (15) that extends as far as a terminal edge (16) of the coupling wall (8), wherein the insertion tip (6) of the tube sections (4, 5) is in a side view respectively exposed in said cutout, wherein the coupling wall (8) protrudes beyond the insertion tip (6) in the direction of the longitudinal extent (L) of the tube sections (4, 5), and wherein the cutout (15) widens in a V-shaped manner at the terminal edge (16).

2. The transfer cannula according to claim 1, wherein the transfer cannula (1) is realized mirror-symmetrical with respect to a central plane extending transverse to the longitudinal extent (L) of the tube sections (4, 5).

3. The transfer cannula according to claim 1, wherein an extent of the cutout (15) from the respective insertion tip (6) up to the terminal edge (16) of the coupling wall (8) corresponds to one-third or more of a length (g) of a circumferentially closed tube section (4, 5).

4. The transfer cannula according to claim 1, wherein the tube sections (4, 5) are surrounded by a first cylinder region (Z.sub.1) for a closure region (9) of a receptacle (2, 3), wherein said first cylinder region forms a retaining wall (7), and wherein the cutouts (15) are formed in a second cylinder region (Z.sub.2) that is provided coaxial to the first cylinder region (Z.sub.1) and forms the coupling wall (8), wherein said second cylinder region extends at a radial distance from the first cylinder region (Z.sub.1).

5. The transfer cannula according to claim 4, wherein the insertion tip (6) protrudes beyond a terminal edge (17) of the first cylinder region (Z.sub.1), which extends transverse to the longitudinal direction (L) of the tube sections (4, 5).

6. The transfer cannula according to claim 4, wherein the first cylinder region (Z.sub.1) is realized in a circumferentially closed manner.

7. The transfer cannula according to claim 4, wherein ribs (14) extending in the longitudinal direction (L) of the tube sections (4, 5) are formed on the outer side of the second cylinder region (Z.sub.2).

8. A transfer cannula (1) for sterile transfer of fluids to powders or fluids to fluids from a first receptacle (2) into a second receptacle (3), wherein said transfer cannula comprises two parallel tube sections (4, 5) that have different lengths in the longitudinal direction (L) of the tube sections (4, 5), wherein the longer tube section (4, 5) terminates in an insertion tip (6), wherein two oppositely extending retaining walls (7, 7′) are provided starting from a central region with respect to a longitudinal extent (L) of the tube sections (4, 5), wherein coupling walls (8, 8′) that each extend radially outside of a respective one of the retaining walls and surround the tube sections are retained on said retaining walls so as to be displaceable in a longitudinal direction (L) of the tube sections.

9. The transfer cannula according to claim 8, wherein the coupling wall (8, 8′) is guided on the retaining wall (7, 7′) in a rotationally fixed manner.

10. The transfer cannula according to claim 8, wherein each retaining wall (7, 7′) has a longitudinal slot (19), wherein a rib (20) of the associated coupling wall (8, 8′), which is directed radially inward, engages into said longitudinal slot.

11. The transfer cannula according to claim 8, wherein a radially extending projection (22) is formed on the retaining walls (7, 7′) in a central region with respect to a longitudinal extent (L) of the tube sections (4, 5), wherein the coupling walls (8, 8′) can abut on said projection in the retracted state.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0041] The invention is described in greater detail below with reference to the attached drawings that, however, merely show exemplary embodiments. A component, which is described with reference to one of the exemplary embodiments and not replaced with a different component in another exemplary embodiment, is therefore also described as a potentially existing component in this other exemplary embodiment. In the respective drawings:

[0042] FIG. 1 shows a transfer cannula according to a first embodiment in the form of a side view;

[0043] FIG. 2 shows a top view of the transfer cannula;

[0044] FIG. 3 shows the transfer cannula in the form of a perspective view;

[0045] FIG. 4 shows a longitudinal section along the line IV-IV in FIG. 1;

[0046] FIG. 5 shows another longitudinal section through the transfer cannula along a plane of section that differs from the section in FIG. 4;

[0047] FIG. 6 shows a perspective exploded view of a transfer cannula according to a second embodiment;

[0048] FIG. 7 shows a corresponding side view;

[0049] FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of the transfer cannula according to the second embodiment in a pulled-apart initial position;

[0050] FIG. 9 shows a corresponding side view;

[0051] FIG. 10 shows a top view of the transfer cannula;

[0052] FIG. 11 shows a longitudinal section through the transfer cannula along the line XI-XI in FIG. 9;

[0053] FIG. 12 shows another longitudinal section through the transfer cannula along a different plane of section than in the FIG. 11;

[0054] FIG. 13 shows a perspective view that corresponds to FIG. 8, but concerns a pushed-together usage position of the transfer cannula;

[0055] FIG. 14 shows a corresponding side view;

[0056] FIG. 15 shows a longitudinal section that corresponds to FIG. 11, but concerns the usage position according to FIG. 13;

[0057] FIG. 16 shows a longitudinal section that corresponds to FIG. 12, but concerns the usage position according to FIG. 13; and

[0058] FIG. 17 shows a section along the line XVII-XVII in FIG. 16.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0059] A transfer cannula 1 for the sterile transfer, e.g., of fluids to powders or fluids to fluids from a first receptacle 2 into a second receptacle 3 is described below with reference to a first embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 5 and with reference to a second embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 6 to 17.

[0060] The transfer cannula 1 has two parallel tube sections 4, 5, wherein each tube section 4, 5 respectively forms an insertion tip 6 on one end.

[0061] A central longitudinal axis x of the transfer cannula 1 extends in the longitudinal direction L of the tube sections 4 and 5. A first cylinder region Z.sub.1 surrounds the tube sections 4 and 5 essentially concentric to this central longitudinal axis x and at a radial distance from said tube sections, wherein this first cylinder region Z.sub.1 forms a retaining wall 7 for a closure region 9 of the respective receptacle 2 or 3. Furthermore, a second cylinder region Z.sub.2 that forms a coupling wall 8 is provided coaxial to the central longitudinal axis x and at a radial distance from the first cylinder region Z.sub.1. The respective receptacle wall 10 may be encompassed by or supported on this coupling wall 8 in the corresponding associated position, particularly in the course of the transfer, e.g., of a fluid from the first receptacle 2 into the second receptacle 3 or vice versa.

[0062] The two tube sections 4 and 5, preferably extend in an essentially tubular manner and are arranged adjacent to one another such that the central longitudinal axis x may extend between the tube sections 4 and 5 in the region of the tangentially contacting tube walls (compare particularly to FIGS. 2 and 5, as well as 10 and 11).

[0063] The tube sections 4 and 5 extend in the longitudinal direction L with different lengths a and b starting from a transverse plane E, which is aligned transverse to the central longitudinal axis x and at the same time may also represent a central plane or plane of symmetry. For example, the tube section having the insertion tip 6 on its end in this extending direction may extend over a length a that corresponds to approximately 1.5-times to 2.5-times, furthermore to approximately 2-times, the length b of the other tube section as shown. In comparison with the insertion tip 6, this other tube section with the shorter length b ends in this longitudinal direction in a rather stub-like manner and accordingly has a wall, which in a cross section transverse to the central longitudinal axis x at least approximately extends circumferentially in the opening plane.

[0064] In contrast, the insertion tip 6 has an opening area 29 that includes an acute angle α of approximately 10 to 20 degrees, furthermore approximately 15 degrees, with a line extending parallel to the central longitudinal axis x.

[0065] In a mirror-symmetrical arrangement to the transverse plane E, the tube section provided with the insertion tip 6 on one end terminates in a stub opening on the other end whereas the tube section provided with the stub opening is designed longer beyond the transverse plane E and forms an insertion tip 6 on the other end.

[0066] A transverse wall 11 may be provided along the transverse plane E or accordingly along a plane of symmetry. This transverse wall carries the cannula unit formed by the tube sections 4 and 5 and essentially is penetrated centrally by these tube sections.

[0067] Furthermore, the retaining wall 7 may also be connected to this transverse wall 11. In this case, the retaining wall 7 may extend in the axial direction on both sides starting from the transverse wall 11 or the transverse plane E, respectively, wherein an additional connection and stabilization may be realized by means of radial ribs 12. These radial ribs 12 preferably can be uniformly distributed over the circumference with respect to the central longitudinal axis x. For example, four such radial ribs 12 may be provided in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 5 or six radial ribs may be alternatively provided in accordance with the second exemplary embodiment (compare to FIG. 10).

[0068] In this case, the radial ribs 12 preferably can be connected to the transverse wall 11, as well as to the inner wall surface of the retaining wall 7. A symmetrical arrangement with respect to the transverse plane E may also be realized with regard to the arrangement and design of the radial ribs 12.

[0069] According to the first exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 5, the retaining wall 7 may be designed in a circumferentially closed manner, particularly in the form of a circular cylinder.

[0070] The coupling wall 8 may be respectively connected to this first cylinder region Z.sub.1 or this retaining wall 7 at a radial distance toward the outside, wherein spacer-like radial ribs 13 are arranged between the retaining wall 7 and the coupling wall 8. These additional radial ribs 13 may be provided between the tube sections 4, 5 and the retaining wall 7 in radial extension of the above-described radial ribs 12.

[0071] The coupling wall 8 preferably can have an essentially circular-cylindrical shape and be provided with ribs 14 extending in the longitudinal direction L, wherein said ribs are viewed in the longitudinal direction L arranged centrally on the outer side of the coupling wall and intended to serve as rolling protection prior to, during or after the use of the transfer cannula 1. In addition, these ribs 14 also improve the handling of the thusly designed transfer cannula 1.

[0072] Furthermore, the coupling wall 8 preferably can also be provided with cutouts 15, which essentially extend in the longitudinal direction L, on both sides of the transverse plane E. These cutouts may have the shape of oblong holes and respectively open toward the free terminal edge 16. With respect to a top view according to FIG. 2, a diametrically opposite arrangement of two cutouts 15 respectively is provided on both sides of the transverse plane E.

[0073] The illustration in FIG. 1, in particular, furthermore shows that a V-shaped widening in the direction of the terminal edge 16 may be formed over the length c of each cutout 15 viewed in the longitudinal direction L, namely starting at approximately half the extending length. With respect to a side view according to FIG. 1, the end region of the cutout 15 facing the transverse plane E may have a width d that corresponds to approximately 3-times to 5-times, e.g. to approximately 4-times, a clear inside diameter of a tube section 4, 5.

[0074] In the same side view according to FIG. 1, the width e of the cutout 15 in the runout in the region of the terminal edge 16 may correspond to approximately 1.5-times to 2.5-times, furthermore to approximately 2-times, the width d. With respect to a side view of the transfer cannula 1, e.g. according to FIG. 1, the cutout 15 may initially extend with a constant width d starting from the end facing the transverse plane E and then transform into a section that uniformly widens as far as into the terminal edge 16, e.g. in an approximately V-shaped manner.

[0075] The above-described length c of the cutout 15 starting from the terminal edge 16 furthermore may be dimensioned such that the insertion tip 6 of a respective tube section 4 or 5 may with respect to a side view according to FIG. 1 be exposed in the cutout 15, e.g. as also illustrated in FIG. 4.

[0076] Accordingly, the insertion tip 6 preferably can protrude beyond the corresponding terminal edge 17 of the retaining wall 7 whereas the stub 18 of the respective other (shorter) tube section 5 or 4 can according to a preferred embodiment end at an axial distance from this terminal edge 17 of the retaining wall 7 and accordingly extend within the pot-shaped opening formed by the retaining wall 7.

[0077] The sectional view in FIG. 5, in particular, furthermore shows that a length f from the terminal edge 16 of the coupling wall 8 to a plane that is aligned transverse to the longitudinal axis x and contacts the insertion tip 6 may correspond to approximately 0.8-times to 1.2-times a length g of a tube section 4, 5, which in a cross section transverse to the longitudinal axis x is circumferentially closed over the length g.

[0078] According to the first exemplary embodiment, the tube sections 4, 5, the retaining wall 7 and the coupling wall 8 preferably can be realized integrally and uniformly in material together with the described ribs, e.g. as a result of being manufactured in a plastic injection moulding process.

[0079] In the second exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 6 to 17, in contrast, only the tube sections 4, 5 and the retaining walls 7, 7′, which in this case are also connected by means of radial ribs 12, are realized integrally and uniformly in material.

[0080] In this embodiment, two retaining walls 7, 7′, to which a coupling wall 8 or 8′ is respectively assigned, extend essentially symmetrical to the transverse plane E.

[0081] The coupling walls 8, 8′ are guided on the respective retaining wall 7, 7′ such that they can be displaced relative thereto in the longitudinal direction L, but in a rotationally fixed manner.

[0082] To this end, the retaining walls 7, 7′ may have longitudinal slots 19 that extend in the longitudinal direction L and according to the exemplary embodiment shown may completely penetrate the respective retaining walls 7 and 7′ in the radial direction.

[0083] The respective longitudinal slots 19 extend in the longitudinal direction L in an open-edged manner from the transverse wall 11 as far as into the terminal edge 17 of the retaining wall 7, 7′.

[0084] The sectional view in FIG. 17, in particular, furthermore shows that it would essentially be possible to provide two groups of longitudinal slots 19, wherein said groups essentially may lie diametrically opposite of one another with respect to the central longitudinal axis x. For example, each group may comprise three such longitudinal slots 19, which preferably are uniformly spaced apart from one another in the circumferential direction. The circumferential spacing between two circumferentially successive longitudinal slots 19 of different groups may be chosen greater than the circumferential spacing between two longitudinal slots 19 of the same group.

[0085] Ribs 20 of the respective coupling wall 8 or 8′, which are directed radially inward, engage into the longitudinal slots 19 (compare to FIG. 17).

[0086] This rib/slot arrangement allows a rotationally fixed sliding displaceability of the respective coupling walls 8 and 8′ relative to the retaining wall 7, 7′ or the tube sections 4, 5, respectively.

[0087] Furthermore, spacer ribs 21 may be integrally formed on the outer side of the retaining wall 7, 7′ such that they respectively flank a longitudinal slot 19, wherein said spacer ribs ensure a uniform radial spacing between the coupling wall 8, 8′ and the retaining wall 7, 7′.

[0088] The sliding displaceability of the coupling wall 8, 8′ relative to the retaining wall 7, 7′ preferably is limited by a stop in both directions of displacement.

[0089] Each coupling wall 8, 8′ may form two spring sections 27 that lie diametrically opposite of one another in the circumferential direction. The rib 20 assigned to each spring section 27 on the inner side serves as a spreader 28, by means of which the respective spring section 27 can be displaced radially outward in an elastically resilient manner during an attachment of a receptacle 2, 3. In this way, the spring sections 27 can act upon the receptacle 2, 3, e.g. upon its receptacle wall 10, in a clamping manner by means of the spreaders 28.

[0090] The transverse wall 11 is extended radially outward in order to form an abutment for the coupling walls 8, 8′ in the direction, in which they face one another (retracted state). The thusly formed essentially circumferential projection 22 may protrude beyond the coupling wall 8, 8′ in the radial direction as shown (compare also, for example, to FIG. 15).

[0091] The transfer cannula 1 can be secured against rolling, e.g. while lying on a table surface or the like, by providing diametrically opposite straight sections 23 that interrupt the otherwise circular outline of the projection 22.

[0092] A stop limitation in the extending direction of the coupling walls 8 and 8′ is realized as a result of the abutment of stop ribs 24 provided on the inner side of the coupling wall 8, 8′ on counter-stop ribs 25 formed on the outer side of the retaining wall 7, 7′ (compare to FIG. 12).

[0093] With respect to a top view according to FIG. 10, radially protruding collar sections 26 may be integrally formed on the outer side of the coupling walls 8, 8′ in the region of their terminal edges 16 such that they are offset relative to the straight sections 23 of the projection 22 by 90 degrees. These collar sections 26 may serve as a retraction aid.

[0094] Regardless of its design, the transfer cannula 1 preferably can be stored in a sterile film pouch or the like prior to its first use. After the removal from the film pouch, the receptacles 2 and 3 can be attached on both sides in such a way that the free ends of the tube sections 4 and 5 penetrate the closure region 9 consisting, for example, of a rubber material with the aid of the insertion tip 6 such that the openings in the region of the insertion tip 6 and in the region of the stub 18 and therefore the openings of both tube sections 4, 5 can freely protrude into the receptacle interior (compare to FIGS. 5 and 15).

[0095] The coupling wall 8, 8′ optionally surrounds the receptacle wall 10 in a protective manner, but in any case such that the arrangement is centered.

[0096] In a displaceable arrangement of the coupling walls 8, 8′, the transfer cannula 1 initially can be attached to a receptacle 3 in the extended position, i.e. in the pulled-apart position, whereupon a receptacle 2 is attached to the opposite end of the tube sections 4 and 5 from above. The coupling walls 8 and 8′, which were previously displaced into a telescopic position, guide the receptacles 2 and 3 in the course of a straining downward motion of the upper (first) receptacle 2 such that its closure region 9 is penetrated by the facing insertion tip 8, the retaining wall 7, 7′ is likewise displaced downward together with the projection 22 and the insertion tip 6 directed at the lower (second) receptacle 3 is pressed through the associated closure region 9.

[0097] Since the retaining wall 7, 7′ and the coupling walls 8, 8′ are in this case telescopically pushed into one another, a sealing transfer position is achieved, in which the insertion tips 6 also protrude beyond the planes of the terminal edges 16 of the coupling walls 8 and 8′ (compare to FIG. 15).

[0098] In the course of the transfer, e.g. of fluid, from the first (upper) receptacle 2 into the second (lower) receptacle 3, a fluid transport is achieved by means of one of the tube sections 4 or 5 whereas a ventilation or aeration is achieved by means of the other tube section 5, 4.

[0099] The preceding explanations serve for elucidating all inventions that are included in this application and respectively enhance the prior art independently with at least the following combinations of characteristics, wherein two, multiple or all of these combinations of characteristics may also be combined with one another, namely:

[0100] A transfer cannula, which is characterized in that the coupling wall 8 protrudes beyond the insertion tip 6 in the direction of the longitudinal extent L of the tube sections 4, 5, and in that the cutout 15 widens in a V-shaped manner at the terminal edge 16.

[0101] A transfer cannula, which is characterized in that the transfer cannula 1 is realized mirror-symmetrical with respect to a central plane extending transverse to the longitudinal extent L of the tube sections 4, 5.

[0102] A transfer cannula, which is characterized in that an extent of the cutout 15 from the respective insertion tip 6 up to the terminal edge 16 of the coupling wall 8 corresponds to one-third or more of a length g of a circumferentially closed tube section 4, 5.

[0103] A transfer cannula, which is characterized in that the tube sections 4, 5 are surrounded by a first cylinder region Z.sub.1 for a closure region 9 of a receptacle 2, 3, wherein said first cylinder region forms a retaining wall 7, and in that the cutouts 15 are formed in a second cylinder region Z.sub.2 that is provided coaxial to the first cylinder region Z.sub.1 and forms the coupling wall 8, wherein said second cylinder region extends at a radial distance from the first cylinder region Z.sub.1.

[0104] A transfer cannula, which is characterized in that the insertion tip 6 protrudes beyond a terminal edge 17 of the first cylinder region Z.sub.1, which extends transverse to the longitudinal direction L of the tube sections 4, 5.

[0105] A transfer cannula, which is characterized in that the first cylinder region Z.sub.1 is realized in a circumferentially closed manner.

[0106] A transfer cannula, which is characterized in that ribs 14 extending in the longitudinal direction L of the tube sections 4, 5 are formed on the outer side of the second cylinder region Z.sub.2.

[0107] A transfer cannula, which is characterized in that two oppositely extending retaining walls 7, 7′ are provided starting from a central region with respect to a longitudinal extent L of the tube sections 4, 5, wherein a coupling wall 8, 8′ respectively is retained on said retaining walls in a displaceable manner.

[0108] A transfer cannula, which is characterized in that the coupling wall 8, 8′ is guided on the retaining wall 7, 7′ in a rotationally fixed manner.

[0109] A transfer cannula, which is characterized in that the retaining wall 8, 8′ has a longitudinal slot 19, wherein a rib 20 of the coupling wall 8, 8′, which is directed radially inward, engages into said longitudinal slot.

[0110] A transfer cannula, which is characterized in that a radially extending projection 22 is formed on the retaining wall 7, 7′ in the central region with respect to a longitudinal extent L of the tube sections 4, 5, wherein a coupling wall 8, 8′ can abut on said projection in the retracted state.

[0111] All disclosed characteristics are essential to the invention (individually, but also in combination with one another). The disclosure of the associated/attached priority documents (copy of the priority application) is hereby fully incorporated into the disclosure content of this application, namely also for the purpose of integrating characteristics of these documents into claims of the present application. The characteristics of the dependent claims also characterize independent inventive enhancements of the prior art without the characteristics of a claim to which they refer, particularly for submitting divisional applications on the basis of these claims. The invention specified in each claim may additionally comprise one or more of the characteristics that were disclosed in the preceding description and, in particular, are identified by reference symbols and/or included in the list of reference symbols. The invention also concerns design variations, in which individual characteristics cited in the preceding description are not realized, particularly as far as they are obviously dispensable for the respective intended use or can be replaced with other, identically acting technical means.

LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS

[0112] 1 Transfer cannula [0113] 2 First receptacle [0114] 3 Second receptacle [0115] 4 Tube section [0116] 5 Tube section [0117] 6 Insertion tip [0118] 7 Retaining wall [0119] 7′ Retaining wall [0120] 8 Coupling wall [0121] 8′ Coupling wall [0122] 9 Closure region [0123] 10 Receptacle wall [0124] 11 Transverse wall [0125] 12 Radial rib [0126] 13 Radial rib [0127] 14 Rib [0128] 15 Cutout [0129] 16 Terminal edge [0130] 17 Terminal edge [0131] 18 Stub [0132] 19 Longitudinal slot [0133] 20 Rib [0134] 21 Spacer rib [0135] 22 Projection [0136] 23 Straight section [0137] 24 Stop rib [0138] 25 Counter-stop rib [0139] 26 Collar section [0140] 27 Spring section [0141] 28 Spreader [0142] 29 Opening area [0143] a Length [0144] b Length [0145] c Length [0146] d Width [0147] e Width [0148] f Length [0149] g Length [0150] x Central longitudinal axis [0151] E Transverse plane [0152] L Longitudinal direction [0153] Z.sub.1 First cylinder region [0154] Z.sub.2 Second cylinder region [0155] α Angle