Abstract:
Needle free valve device ( 1 ) for controlling the flow of fluid in a pathway, the device ( 1 ) being operable in a closed and in an open configuration and comprising a first component ( 3 ), a second component ( 9 ),a locking means configured to selectively engage the first component ( 3 ) with the second component ( 9 ) in the open configuration when the first component ( 3 ) is displaced in an opening direction ( 23 ) along a valve axis toward the second component ( 9 ) or in the closed configuration when the first component ( 3 ) is displaced against the opening direction ( 23 ) away from the second component ( 9 ), and a sealing component ( 15 ) having a resilient portion ( 19 ), the resilient portion ( 19 ) comprising at least one slit ( 26 ) and engaging the second component ( 9 ) to provide a seal in the closed configuration, wherein the resilient portion ( 19 ) is adapted to move, buckle or flex to enable fluid flow through the at least one slit ( 26 ) upon application of a mechanical force of the second component ( 9 ) on the resilient portion ( 19 ) against the opening direction ( 23 ) when assuming the open configuration, and wherein the resilient portion ( 19 ) is adapted to return the valve device ( 1 ) to the closed configuration when the mechanical force is no longer applied.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    The present application is a U.S. national phase entry of pending International Patent Application No. PCT/EP2013/067361, international filing date Aug. 21, 2013, the contents of which are incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
       FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention generally relates to valve devices of the type used in the handling and administration of fluids, and more particularly to a needlefree medical valve device adapted to be used in any type of tube connection such as between the different kinds of ports and syringes, catheters, pumps, or the like which are used in the administration of all kinds of fluids. Examples of such administration are intravenous, enteral or parenteral delivery of fluids to or from a body. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Needlefree valve connectors are known in the art reducing the accidental needle stick exposure to medical personnel, reducing the risk of contamination and patient infection due to repeat needle sticks to the ports, and providing easy connection and disconnection without compromising sterility. 
         [0004]    EP 2 269 687 A2 discloses a connector for controlling the flow of fluid the construction of which is complex and comprises a number of limitations. 
         [0005]    Some of the known needlefree medical connectors are repeatedly connectable with a range of other medical implements and are self-sealing when disconnected from other medical implements. Examples of such needlefree medical connectors are disclosed in WO 2010/111546 A2, WO 2006/062912 A1, and WO 2012/151222 A1 which is “configured to operate similar to the valve stem shown and described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,651,956” incorporated therein. The structures of these connectors are complex, thus leading to high manufacturing costs. 
         [0006]    Different types of connectors are used throughout various kinds of medical fields such as intravenous administration, enteral or parenteral administration, for the taking of blood samples, for artificial ventilation or respiration and the like. These different types of connections must not be mixed up because lethal misconnections must be avoided. Therefore, there are standardized configurations which are intended to regulate the usage of different connectors with different sizes such that misconnections cannot occur. 
         [0007]    It is therefore an object of the present invention to remedy or reduce at least one of the shortcomings of the prior art and to provide a needlefree valve device or connector having a relatively simple structure, which offers a wide variety of connection possibilities and is also self-sealing when disconnected from other ports. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    According to an aspect of the invention, a needlefree valve device for controlling the flow of fluid in a pathway is provided, the connector being operable in a closed and in an open configuration and comprising a first component, a second component, a locking mechanism configured to selectively engage the first component with the second component in the open configuration when the first component is displaced in an opening direction along a valve axis toward the second component or in the closed configuration when the first component is displaced against the opening direction away from the second component, and a sealing component having a resilient portion, the resilient portion comprising at least one slit and engaging the second component to provide a seal in the closed configuration, wherein the resilient portion is adapted to move, buckle or flex to enable fluid flow through the at least one slit upon application of a mechanical force of the second component on the resilient portion against the opening direction when assuming the open configuration, and wherein the resilient portion is adapted to return the valve device to the closed configuration when the mechanical force is no longer applied. 
         [0009]    The structure of the valve device (it can also be said to be a valve connector as in the previously mentioned prior art documents) is rather simple since it is comprised of only three main components which are produced using known technologies such as injection molding. Also, the setup, managing and handling of the valve device is free of complex procedural steps. In the closed position of the valve device, the second component and the resilient portion provide a sufficient sealing of the valve due to the slight pretension when the second component and the resilient portion are engaged with each other. This keeps the flexible and elastic material of the resilient portion compressed so that any fluid is prevented from flowing through the passageway. Further, the simple structure of the valve device offers various possibilities for the design of the connecting ports of the first and the second component. Thus, a large number of standardized or customized connector types including tube mating ports may be applied to either end of the valve device. 
         [0010]    Preferably, the first component, the second component and the sealing component are substantially axially symmetric with respect to the valve axis and the locking mechanism is configured such that the first component is rotatable around the valve axis by a predetermined angle. As a large number of connector types, particularly in the medical field, have a circular cross-section and, for example, use threaded connecting portions or bayonet-type connections, the valve device of the present invention supports these kinds of connections where two components are connected by pressing the ports onto one another and subsequently turning the ports in a clockwise direction with respect to one another. Similar considerations apply for disconnecting two components in the counterclockwise direction. Thus, the valve device is highly compatible with practically any type of connector, particularly in the medical field. 
         [0011]    It is preferred that the locking member (also referred to herein as a “locking mechanism”) comprises a latch arranged on the second component adapted to engage with at least one corresponding recess in the first component (also referred to herein interchangeably as “locking-member engagers”). By this possibility to lock the valve device in the open or in the closed position, the safety of the valve device is highly increased. Particularly in the closed, locked position, the valve device can be disconnected from or connected to another component. The combination of a latch in engagement with a recess is only one possibility for the locking mechanism interlocking the first component with the second component. Other locking mechanisms such as a bayonet-type coupling may also be used. 
         [0012]    It is especially preferred that the recess comprises a rectangular shape and a locking arm extending in a circumferential direction such that the latch of the second component is adapted to engage with the locking arm in the open and in the closed configuration. This structure of the locking mechanism takes into account that many connector types use threaded portions on at least one port. In a case where the first component includes a male Luer lock port, the corresponding female Luer component is screwed onto said male Luer lock port in a clockwise direction. When the user continues to connect the first component, now connected to the female Luer component, to the second component, the clockwise movement is generally continued such that the latch of the second component engages with the portion of the recess which is in the opening direction of the valve device, i.e. below the locking arm when the second component is generally located below the first component, until the stop is reached. In this position, the valve device is in the closed configuration, and it is a relatively stable configuration due to the fact that any force of opening the valve device must first counter the force inherent to the resilient portion. From this closed configuration the user can exert an (axial) force onto the first component to close the valve. Thus, a “self-opening” movement of the valve device without the use of a dedicated axial force is not possible. Such a dedicated axial opening force will disengage the latch from the lower recess portion and bring it in engagement with the upper recess portion, i.e. with the portion of the recess above the locking arm when the second component is generally located below the first component. It must be noted that the full functionality of the locking mechanism will be explained in detail with respect to the drawings below. 
         [0013]    In a further preferred embodiment, the locking arm includes a spring element at its free end functioning as a stop for the latch in an axial direction. This will hold the latch in the lower portion of the recess, i.e. the closed configuration, in the case where the first component is rotated counterclockwise with respect to the second component, because the spring element works as stop for the latch. However, in the case where the valve device is in the open configuration, the inherent restoring forces of the resilient portion will cause the valve device to assume the closed position because the spring element will give in due to its elasticity to the inherent closing force. In other words, the spring element of the locking arm works as stop against inadvertent opening or self-opening forces but will yield when the self-closing forces are applied. This feature therefore supports the self-sealing function of the valve device when counterclockwise rotation on the first component is performed for disconnection. 
         [0014]    As an additional or alternative feature to the spring element feature of the locking arm the sealing component further comprises at least one resilient retention element arranged at its outer surface adapted to axially slide in at least one corresponding axial recess located in the inner surface of the second component. The important technical effect of this feature is the restoring force in the circumferential direction, i.e. the rotational forces which will cause the first component to move around the valve axis back into its original position where the resilient retention element is axially completely aligned with the corresponding axial recess of the second component. It should be noted that the sliding movement of the retention element within the axial recess in the axial direction is essential. In other words, the dimensions of the recess and the retention element must be such that the axial movement is ensured but that a rotation is still possible. 
         [0015]    Preferably, the sealing component including the resilient portion and the resilient retention element are made of silicone rubber material. Silicone rubber is a well-known material for medical applications. It is relatively cheap and easy to manufacture, comprises resilient characteristics among other characteristics which are beneficial in the medical field such as low toxicity, thermal stability, does not support microbiological growth etc. It should be noted that other suitable materials may be used such as silicone-based deformable materials, thermoplastic elastomer material (TPE) or the like. Also, it is possible that the material of the resilient portion and/or the resilient retention element is not identical to the material of the rest of the sealing component. In other words, separate components could be arranged so as to form the sealing component having the resilient portion and the resilient retention element. 
         [0016]    It is further preferred that the resilient portion comprises a hemispherical surface having one slit or at least two slits each extending from a central point on the hemispherical surface. The hemispherical or generally arcuate, dome-shaped surface is best suited for any type of cylinder-type valve device having a circular cross-section. Other shapes such as an ellipsoidal shape or any other surfaces of revolution are also envisioned. One slit through the central point of the hemisphere already provides sufficient area for fluid flow when a mechanical force is applied on the surface. At the same time, the restoring forces are high. A plurality of slits extending from this central point provide an even larger opening and thus a larger passageway for the fluid while the restoring forces are still high enough to ensure the self-closing capabilities of the valve device. 
         [0017]    It must further be noted that a “slit” in the resilient portion in the context of the present invention relates to a thin, narrow cut which enables the cutting surfaces to contact each other in a sealing fashion. The properties of the resilient material such as silicone rubber are such that the restoring forces provide a sufficient fluid-tight sealing function. Further, the thickness of the material of the resilient portion needs not be equal over its entire surface: it is possible that the side walls are substantially thicker than the hemispherical portion of the sealing component. In general, the resilient portion shall be configured to substantially retain the same initial shape upon removing any mechanical force from its surface so as to provide the necessary fluid tightness. 
         [0018]    It is preferred that the first and/or second component comprises a medical connecting portion such as a male luer lock entry, male luer lock exit, female luer lock entry, female luer lock exit, a catheter exit, and the like. A large variety of connections can be applied to the distal ends of the first and second components providing an extensive flexibility. It is noted that the valve mechanism of the present invention may also be applied in other fields than medical connectors such as hydraulic or other connectors where the advantageous characteristics of the subject matter of the present invention can be beneficial. 
         [0019]    It is further preferred that the sealing component comprises a flange portion connected to the first component in a press fit. Such a connection ensures that moving the first component with respect to the second component always includes the movement of the sealing component, particularly any axial and rotational movement. Therefore, the forces of a press fit must be such that the sealing component is continuously held tight on the first component. It is to be noted that such a press fit may also be achieved by additional supporting members such as a clamp or bracket or by any other suitable means. Optionally, a glue may be used to support the press fit of the sealing component on the first component. The flange portion of the sealing component may be configured to press fit into a corresponding groove on the first component. 
         [0020]    Preferably, the latch comprises a grip portion extending through the recess beyond the outer surface of the first component wherein pressing the grip portion will release the engagement of the latch with the recess. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0021]    The above object, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from a consideration of the following detailed description presented in connection with the accompanying drawings in which: 
           [0022]      FIG. 1  shows an exploded perspective view of a first embodiment of the valve device according to the invention; 
           [0023]      FIG. 2  shows a perspective view of the first embodiment of the valve device according to the invention in the closed configuration; 
           [0024]      FIG. 3  shows a perspective view of the first embodiment of the valve device according to the invention in the open configuration; 
           [0025]      FIG. 4  shows a perspective cross-sectional view of the first embodiment of the valve device according to the invention in the closed configuration; 
           [0026]      FIG. 5  shows a perspective cross-sectional view of the first embodiment of the valve device according to the invention in the open configuration; 
           [0027]      FIG. 6  shows an exploded perspective view of a second embodiment of the valve device according to the invention; 
           [0028]      FIG. 7  shows a perspective view of a detail of the locking mechanism of the second embodiment in the closed configuration; 
           [0029]      FIG. 8  also shows a perspective view of a detail of the locking mechanism of the second embodiment in the closed configuration; 
           [0030]      FIG. 9  shows a perspective view of a detail of the locking mechanism of the second embodiment in the open configuration; 
           [0031]      FIG. 10  also shows a perspective view of a detail of the locking mechanism of the second embodiment in the open configuration; 
           [0032]      FIG. 11  shows an exploded perspective view of a third embodiment of the valve device according to the invention; 
           [0033]      FIG. 12  shows a perspective view of a detail of the locking mechanism of the third embodiment in the closed configuration; 
           [0034]      FIG. 13  also shows a perspective view of a detail of the locking mechanism of the third embodiment in the closed configuration; 
           [0035]      FIG. 14  shows a perspective view of a detail of the locking mechanism of the third embodiment in the open configuration; 
           [0036]      FIG. 15  also shows a perspective view of a detail of the locking mechanism of the third embodiment in the open configuration; 
           [0037]      FIG. 16  shows an exploded perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the valve device according to the invention; 
           [0038]      FIG. 17  shows a perspective view of the sealing component of the fourth embodiment of the valve device according to the invention; 
           [0039]      FIG. 18  shows a bottom view of the sealing component of the fourth embodiment of the valve device according to the invention in the closed configuration; 
           [0040]      FIG. 19  shows a top view of the sealing component of the fourth embodiment of the valve device according to the invention in the open configuration; 
           [0041]      FIG. 20  shows a perspective view of the second component of the fourth embodiment of the valve device according to the invention; and 
           [0042]      FIG. 21  shows a perspective cross-sectional view of the second component of the fourth embodiment of the valve device according to the invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0043]      FIG. 1  shows an exploded perspective view of a first embodiment of the valve device. Valve device  1  includes a first component  3  embodied as a sleeve, a second component  9  and a sealing component  15  which in the operating configuration is arranged between the first component  3  and the second component  9 , all along valve axis  4 . First component  3  comprises a connector end  5  which in the illustrated embodiment is shaped as a standardized enteral male connector with a threaded portion and a central male portion. It should be noted that the connector end  5  of first component  3  can assume all kinds of connector portions which may have different configurations depending on the characteristic of the connector type. The sleeve-like first component  3  in this first embodiment comprises a substantially cylindrical shape having two openings or recesses  21  arranged on opposite sides near valve end  7 . 
         [0044]    Second component  9  is also embodied as a substantially cylindrically shaped sleeve adapted to fit within the inner diameter of first component  3 . Second component  9  comprises a valve end  13 , a connector end  11  and two latches  12  arranged on opposite sides of the outer surface of second component  9 . The latches  12  extend substantially from the connector end  11  of the second component  9  parallel to the longitudinal axis of second component  9  and each comprise a grip protrusion  16  extending radially outward from the valve end  13 . 
         [0045]    Sealing component  15  which is in the operating position arranged between first component  3  and second component  9  comprises also a substantially cylindrical shape with a flange portion  17  at the end towards the first component  3 , a substantially cylindrical middle portion and a resilient portion  19  located at the end which is near the second component  9 . The flange portion  17  is adapted to be connected to first component  3  near valve end  7  inside the sleeve-like first component  3  in a press fit configuration. This means that when the sealing component  15  is connected to first component  3 , a movement of the first component  3  will also cause sealing component  15  to move because both components are tightly fixed to each other. 
         [0046]    The latches  12  with their grip protrusions  14  are adapted to be inserted into the recesses  21  on first component  3  when the valve device  1  according the invention is operable. In the following, the function of this first embodiment of the valve device will be explained in more detail with respect to  FIGS. 2 to 5 . 
         [0047]      FIG. 2  shows a perspective view of the first embodiment of valve device  1  in the closed configuration. Second component  9  is connected to first component  3  with the sealing component  15  arranged in between (not shown). In the closed configuration depicted in  FIG. 2  the latches  12  with the grip protrusion  14  are engaged with the lower portion of recess  21  in the outer surface of first component  3 . It must be noted that the structure of the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 2  comprises a short portion of second component  9  extending from the valve end  7  of first component  3 . This portion may have other dimensions depending on the type of connection at connector end  11  of second component  9 . 
         [0048]      FIG. 3  shows a perspective view of the first embodiment of valve device  1  in the open configuration meaning that first component  3  having sealing component  15  tightly connected in the inside thereof has been pressed onto second component  9  in the opening direction  23 . As can be seen in  FIG. 3  the latches  12  with their grip protrusions  14  are now engaged with the upper portion of the corresponding recesses  21  on first component  3 . 
         [0049]      FIG. 4  shows a perspective cross-section view of the first embodiment of the valve device in the closed configuration, which is a cross-sectional view in the plane defined by the longitudinal axis and the two recesses  21  depicted in  FIG. 2 . When looking at the latch  12  and the interaction with the outer surface of first component  3  the switching between the open and the closed configuration can be understood. In the closed configuration grip protrusion  14  engages with the lower portion of recess  21 . By pressing onto grip protrusion  14  in a radial direction the latch  12  will be disconnected from the lower portion of recess  21  such that the stop function of this engagement is no longer present and enables a longitudinal movement along the valve axis  4  of the valve device  1  in the opening direction  23 . Moving first component  3  and thus sealing component  15  in the opening direction  23  will lead to an engagement of latch  12  within the corresponding upper portion of recess  21  functioning as a stop. For this embodiment, recess  21  is configured to comprise two widened portions, an upper and a lower portion, which are adapted to engage with the top end of latch  12  in the closed and open position, respectively. 
         [0050]    During the movement of first component  3  towards second component  9  in the opening direction indicated with arrow  23 , the contact surface in the lower portion of second component  9  will come into contact with the outer surface of the resilient portion  19  of sealing component  15 . Since the resilient portion  19  comprises four slits  26  at the very end of the resilient portion  19 , pressing the resilient portion  19  will give away to the mechanical force exerted by the contact surface  20  which is a circular surface on second component  9 , on the outer surface of the resilient portion  19  which can be seen in  FIG. 5 . The four opening portions of the resilient portion  19  will give away and through the elastic properties of the resilient portion  19 , an opening will be created through which fluid can pass such that a passage way is created between first component  3  and second component  9 . In the cross-sectional view of  FIG. 5  this opening of the sealing component  15  can be clearly seen. 
         [0051]      FIG. 6  shows an exploded perspective view of a second embodiment of the valve device. The configuration of the second embodiment is similar to the configuration of the first embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 . The difference lies in the locking mechanism which in the second embodiment comprises a different structure of recess  21  located on the outer surface of first component  3  and of latch  12  which extends from the connector end of second component  9 . Similar to the first embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1 to 5  there are two locking mechanisms located opposite to each other with respect to the longitudinal valve axis  4  of the valve device  1 . It must be noted, however, that for all embodiments of the present invention there could be one or three or more locking mechanisms deployed on the outer surfaces of first component  3  and second component  9 . 
         [0052]    Recess  21  of first component  3  comprises a substantially rectangular configuration with a larger extension in the circumferential direction than in the axial direction parallel to the opening axis  23 . Approximately in the middle of the longitudinal extension of recess  21  there is a locking arm  22  extending in a circumferential direction into recess  21  giving recess  21  a U-shape wherein the “U” is rotated by 90° with respect to the valve axis  4 . In the embodiment shown as the second embodiment in  FIGS. 6 to 10  the locking arm  22  extends from the right side wall in the outer surface of first component  3 . The reason for this arrangement of locking arm  22  within recess  21  will become clear with respect to the detailed description of  FIGS. 7 to 10  below. 
         [0053]    The difference between the first and the second embodiment with respect to the latch  12  is that in the second embodiment of  FIG. 6  the free end of latch  12  near the valve end  13  does not comprise a grip protrusion  16  as in the first embodiment. This means that in the second embodiment a manual pressing of the latch  12  radially in an inward direction from the outer surface of the valve device  1  is not necessary. This is due to the fact that in the second embodiment first component  3  is configured to be rotated around the longitudinal axis, and the dimensions of this rotation are determined by the dimensions of recess  21  along the circumferential direction of which latch  12  may be moved. The details of the rotational and longitudinal movement of first component  3  with respect to the second component  9  will now be described in detail with respect to  FIGS. 7 to 10 . 
         [0054]    Before going into detail regarding the  FIGS. 7 to 10  it must be noted that the locking mechanism according to the second embodiment is used in the optimal way when the connector port of first component  3  includes, for a superior performance of the valve, a threaded part similar to a Luer lock such that when another component is connected to first component  3  said other component must be turned clockwise in order to effect a proper connection. The clockwise connection movement of the other component with respect to the valve device  1  and also the disconnecting movement in the counterclockwise direction play an important role for the function of the locking mechanism according to the second embodiment. In combination with the turning or rotational movement in and against the opening direction  23  which is partly user initiated and partly an inherent movement due to the self-restoring properties of the sealing component  15 , the movement in the circumferential direction, i. e. around the longitudinal valve axis  4  of the valve device  1 , there are four main positions of the distal end of latch  12  within the area of recess  21 . 
         [0055]      FIG. 7  shows a perspective view of the locking mechanism detail of the second embodiment in the closed configuration. As described with respect to  FIGS. 2 to 5  the closed configuration is the configuration, where the first component  3  and the second component  9  are connected such that the circular contact surface  20  of second component  9  is slightly pressed against the resilient portion  19  of the sealing component  15 , thus creating a sealing engagement of second component  9  with the resilient portion  19  closing the passageway through valve device  1 . Upon pressing first component  3  onto second component  9  in the opening direction following arrow  23  along the valve axis  4  of valve device  1 , the resilient portion  19  flexes or gives in to the mechanical force exerted by the inner part of second component  9  thus leading to an open passageway of valve device  1 . 
         [0056]    Considering this for the local interaction of latch  12  within recess  21  and locking arm  22 , this means that in the closed position of  FIG. 7  the first component  3  is in the position furthermost rotated in the clockwise direction within recess  21 , and thus the right hand side edge of latch  12  abuts with the right side wall of recess  21  in the lower portion below locking arm  22 . Latch  12  comprises at its end a protrusion  16  which engages with the lower edge of recess  21  such that first component  3  can not be easily moved in the longitudinal direction (opening/closing direction) with respect to second component  9 . The engagement of the protrusion  16  which the lower wall of recess  21  prevents a disconnection of first component  3  from second component  9  against the opening direction indicated by arrow  23 . An opening of valve device  1  by moving first component  3  towards second component  9  in order to close the valve is possible out of the position or configuration depicted in  FIG. 7  although a self-opening of the valve is prevented by the protrusion  16  of latch  12  which would interact with the lower portion of locking arm  22 . 
         [0057]      FIG. 8  also shows a perspective view of the detailed locking mechanism of the second embodiment but in a configuration where the first component  3  has been rotated counterclockwise with respect to second component  9  by a predetermined angle which for example is determined to be 15°. Other angles are possible depending on the connector type such as between 5° and 40°. As can be understood, the width of the recess  21  determines the angle by which first component  3  may be rotated with respect to second component  9 . In the second embodiment depicted in  FIGS. 7 to 10  the width of latch  12  is a little larger than the width of locking arm  22 , seen in the circumferential direction. In the configuration of  FIG. 8  latch  12  has been moved to the lower left corner of the “window” of recess  21 , and this configuration has been achieved by turning or rotating first component  9  counterclockwise with respect to second component  9 . The protrusion  16  is still in engagement with the lower wall of recess  21  which still prevents the disconnection of first component  3  with second component  9 . However, as there is no obstruction or barrier for latch  12  to be moved upwards in the window of recess  21 , first component  3  may easily be moved towards second component  9  in order to open the valve. 
         [0058]      FIG. 9  shows a perspective view of the detailed locking mechanism of the second embodiment in the open configuration, i. e. latch  12  is positioned in the upper right corner of “window” embodied by U-shaped recess  21 . The protrusion  16  of latch  12  engages with the upper portion of locking arm  22  such that a movement along the longitudinal valve axis  4  against the opening direction indicated by arrow  23  is prevented by this engagement. The configuration depicted in  FIG. 9  shows the rather stable, open configuration in the sense that first component  3  is still correctly connected with another component, and the disconnection of said other component with respect to the first component  3  necessarily implies a rotation of first component  3  with respect to second component  9  in the counterclockwise direction. 
         [0059]    This counterclockwise rotation brings latch  12  into the configuration depicted in  FIG. 10 . In this position, latch  12  with protrusion  16  is no longer engaged with locking arm  22  such that the self-restoring forces of the resilient portion  19  of sealing component  15  will now force the movement of latch  12  towards the lower end or lower side wall of recess  21  to the position depicted in  FIG. 8 , which is the closed position. 
         [0060]    In essence, when a user tries to disconnect the valve device  1  according to the second embodiment of the invention from the other component which is connected to first component  3  out of the open configuration shown in  FIG. 9 , the user will turn the first component  3  counterclockwise with respect to second component  9 , arriving at the configuration in  FIG. 10 , and then the self-restoring forces of the resilient portion  19  of sealing component  15  will move second component  9  away from first component  3  such that the configuration depicted in  FIG. 8  is achieved. Upon reconnecting another component to first component  3  by screwing e. g. a Luer lock into the port of first component  3 , the clockwise movement of first component  3  will cause the valve device to achieve the configuration depicted in  FIG. 7 . In this position a movement along the longitudinal valve axis  4  will open the valve because first component  3  and second component  9  are moved towards each other. 
         [0061]      FIG. 11  shows an exploded perspective view of a third embodiment of the valve device. This embodiment is an improvement of the second embodiment of the present invention wherein the improvement lies only in the structure of the locking arm  22  located in the recess  21  of the locking mechanism located in a side wall of the sleeve-like first component  3 . Since the components depicted in  FIG. 11  are almost identical to the ones depicted in  FIG. 6 , the description of  FIG. 6  is herewith referenced and repetitions or duplicates are avoided at this point. The only difference between the locking mechanisms of the second and third embodiment is the design of the locking arm  22 . In the third embodiment the free end of the locking arm  22  comprises a spring element  24  which functions as a stop for the latch  12  in certain positions which will now be described in relation with  FIGS. 12 to 15 . 
         [0062]      FIGS. 12 to 15  show perspective views of the locking mechanism details of the third embodiment in various configurations comparable to those shown in  FIGS. 7 to 10  for the second embodiment.  FIG. 12  shows the position of first component  3  with respect to second component  9  as described in relation with the second embodiment of  FIG. 7 , i. e. the latch  12  rests with the protrusion  16  against the lower wall of recess  21  in the lower right position of recess  21  such that the latch  12  is held by the lower side of locking arm  22  and the side wall of first component  3 . This is the configuration which is achieved when the valve device is in the closed configuration and a further component is threadedly connected to the connector port of first component  3 . There are two possibilities to move the valve device of the third embodiment out of this closed configuration depicted in  FIG. 12 . The first possibility is to rotate the first component  3  counterclockwise with respect to second component  9  in order to, e. g., threadedly disconnect the further component from first component  3 . 
         [0063]    The resulting configuration, which is still a closed configuration, is depicted in  FIG. 13 . The major difference to the position depicted in  FIG. 8  of the second embodiment is, that the latch  12  is kept in this position by the stopping function of the spring element  24 . As can be clearly seen in  FIG. 13 , the top side of latch  12  abuts the lower surface of spring element  24  which prevents latch  12  from moving upwards in the recess  21  which in turn would imply an (inadvertent) opening of the valve. 
         [0064]    The other possibility of movement for latch  12  out of the closed configuration depicted in  FIG. 12  is the general opening movement of the valve in the opening direction indicated by arrow  23  which means that the engagement of the latch  12  with the locking arm  22  is released and the first component  3  is moved towards second component  9  until finally the position depicted in  FIG. 14  is reached. In this open configuration, the protrusion  16  of latch  12  is in engagement with the upper portion of locking arm  22  and generally latch  12  is located in the right half of recess  21 . From this open position in  FIG. 14 , a rotational movement in the circumferential direction of the first component  3  with respect to the second component  9  leads to the configuration depicted in  FIG. 15 , i. e. the engagement of latch  12  with locking arm  22  is released and latch  12  is now in the upper left corner of recess  21  when looking at  FIG. 15 . This configuration is an unstable configuration in the sense that it is only temporary because the restoring forces of the resilient portion  19  of sealing component  15  will cause the automatic closing of the valve device  1  such that latch  12  will move along the longitudinal axis into the closed configuration shown in  FIG. 13 . Because of the elastic/resilient properties of spring element  24  the free end of spring element  24  is bent inwards, i. e. towards the fixed end of locking arm  22  such that the free end gives away to the vertical movement of latch  12 . Thus, the third embodiment has the advantage of providing a safety stop for the valve device  1  after detaching a third component from first component  3  should it accidentally be pushed down into the open position. Thus, the situation is prevented that the connector port of first component  3  is open and at the same time the valve device is in the open position. 
         [0065]      FIG. 16  shows an exploded perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the valve device. The configuration of the first component  3  of the fourth embodiment is identical to the one used in the second embodiment. Particularly, the locking arm  22  within the recess  21  does not comprise a spring element as in the third embodiment. 
         [0066]    The difference between the fourth and the second or third embodiment lies therein that the sealing component  15  comprises two resilient retention elements  25  located in the cylindrical outer surface of the sealing component  15  which fit into corresponding axial recesses  18  arranged in the inner surface of the second component  9 . In the shown embodiment the axial recesses run parallel to the longitudinal valve axis  4  of the valve device  1 , and the function of these axial recesses  18  of which there are two on opposite sides of the second component  9  is to enable a rather smooth axial movement of the resilient retention elements  25  in the axial recesses  18  but to prevent a sliding out of the resilient retention elements  25  out of the axial recesses  18  when there is a rotational force around the valve axis  4  applied on the sealing component  15  which is firmly connected to first component  3 . 
         [0067]    In the two major configurations, the open and the closed configuration of the fourth embodiment, the position of first component  3  and second component  9  are such that they are essentially identical to the positions depicted in  FIGS. 7 and 9  of the second embodiment. In other words, the locking mechanism of the fourth and the second embodiment with respect to the structure of the latch  12 , protrusion  16  and locking arm  22  are identical. However, due to the retention mechanism which is embodied by the resilient retention element  25  and the axial recesses  18  in the second component  9 , the procedure of operation of the fourth embodiment is different from the second embodiment. In particular, the configurations depicted in  FIGS. 8 and 10  with regard to the second embodiment are only temporary configurations which will only be achieved when a user rotates the first component  3  counterclockwise with respect to the second component  9  out of the closed and open configuration. 
         [0068]    It is the function of this retention mechanism that the positions of latch  12  on the right hand side of recess  21  are always assumed when a further component is disconnected from the connection port of the first component  3  or of the connection port of second component  9 . The counterclockwise rotational movement to disconnect a threaded connector is countered by the retention force of the retention element  25  of sealing component  15 . 
         [0069]    It should be noted that the fourth embodiment with two retention elements  25  on sealing component  15  and the two corresponding recesses  18  in the second component  9  is only exemplary; there could be only one retention mechanism or more than two retention mechanisms. The number of such retention mechanisms will depend e.g. on the used material of the retention element  25  and the required retention force(s). 
         [0070]      FIG. 17  shows a perspective view of the sealing component  15  of the fourth embodiment of the valve device. In  FIG. 17  it can be seen that the resilient retention elements  25  comprise an expansion portion  27  extending radially from the outer surface of the sealing component  15  which will expand upon rotation of the first component  3  with respect to the second component  9  and which functions as a spring due to the elastic characteristics of the material. When the first component  3  and thus the sealing component  15  are rotated with respect to the second component  9 , the substantially cylinder-shaped portions of the retention elements  25  stay within the axial recesses  18  of second component  9  but the remainder of the sealing component  15  is rotated together with the first component  3 . Due to the elastic characteristics of the expansion portion  27  there is a retention force in the circumferential direction working against the turning force of the user. Thus, the counterclockwise disconnecting movement of the first component  3  causes a corresponding retention force in the clockwise direction which will lead to the second component  9  rotating back into the configurations where the latch  12  is located at the right hand side of recess  21  in  FIGS. 7 and 9 , respectively. 
         [0071]    The advantage of the locking mechanism including the retention mechanism between the sealing component  15  and the second component  9  is that rotating forces of the first component  3  will always be countered by the retention forces caused by the retention elements  25  of the sealing component  15  such that the user needs not bother about a inadvertent opening of the valve. It is thus ensured that upon connecting or disconnecting a third component to first component  3  on its connection port that in the closed position the valve device  1  will not open, and in the open position, the valve device will  1  automatically move into the closed position because of the self-restoring force of the resilient portion  19  of the sealing component  15  and due to the retention force of the retention elements  25  of sealing component  15 . 
         [0072]      FIG. 18  shows a bottom view of the sealing component  15  of the fourth embodiment of the valve device in the closed configuration. The slits  26  in this embodiment form a cross such that four slits of substantially equal length meet in one central point on the point of the hemispherical surface of the resilient portion  19  which is furthest in the opening direction.  FIG. 19  shows a top view of the sealing component  15  of the fourth embodiment in the open configuration, in other words,  FIG. 19  shows the view from the top in the open position, and  FIG. 18  shows the view from the bottom in the closed position. It can be seen from  FIG. 19  that the contacting surfaces of the slits  26  have given away to the mechanical force exerted by the contact surface(s)  20  of second component  9  such that an opening is created for the fluid to pass through the valve. 
         [0073]      FIGS. 20 and 21  show perspective and cross-sectional views of the second component  9  of the fourth embodiment of the valve device  1 , respectively, with the axial recesses  18  clearly visible in the inner surface of second component  9 . Extending from the connector end  11  of second component  9  is a substantially cylindrically shaped protrusion having a ring-like contact surface  20  which in the operating position(s) contacts the resilient portion  19  of sealing component  15 . Other shapes of the contact surface  20  are possible which ensure a tight seal when the valve device is in the closed position and which ensure a sufficient size of the opening when the valve device is in the open position. 
         [0074]    With the subject matter of the present invention a needlefree valve device has been provided which comprises a relatively simple structure, offers a wide variety of connection possibilities and is also self-sealing when disconnected from other ports.