Abstract:
A connector system ( 10 ) for producing a sterile connection includes a fluid conduit ( 32 ), an engagement device ( 14, 22 ) designed to engage with a complementary engagement device ( 16, 24 ) of a complementary connector ( 12 ), a displacement device ( 26 ) with a substantially plane displacement surface ( 30 ) and a fluid conduit aperture ( 60 ) which extends through the displacement surface ( 30 ) and is connected to the fluid conduit ( 32 ), with the displacement device ( 26 ) being designed to displace the connector ( 12 ) and the complementary connector ( 12 ) relative to one another in a displacement direction ( 40 ) after the engagement device ( 14, 22 ) has engaged with the complementary engagement device ( 16, 24 ), and with the displacement direction ( 40 ) being substantially parallel to the displacement surface ( 30 ), and a sterile cover device ( 20, 74 ) designed to cover at least the fluid conduit aperture ( 60 ) in a sterile manner. The invention also relates to a method of use of the connector system ( 10 ) and of the complementary connector ( 12 ) for sterile connection of a fluid inlet of the connector ( 10 ) to a fluid outlet of the complementary connector.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     1. Field of the Invention  
         [0002]     The present invention relates to a connector system for leaktight connection of a fluid inlet of a connector to a fluid outlet of a complementary connector, and to the method of use of the connector and of the complementary connector for sterile connection of a fluid inlet of the connector to a fluid outlet of the complementary connector.  
         [0003]     2. Description of the Related Art  
         [0004]     A great many connectors have been developed, for example for handling biological fluids or liquids, such as blood plasma. It is important that the properties of the fluid remain unchanged as the fluid passes through the connectors. In particular, it is often necessary to protect the fluids from environmental effects, for example when the connectors are used in a nonsterile environment. After the connectors have been connected to one another, it is in most cases necessary to ensure that the fluid guided through the connectors is not exposed to any environmental effects and, in particular, is not contaminated. In other words, even though the connectors are being handled in a nonsterile environment, it is often necessary to ensure that a sterile connection is permitted between two connectors.  
         [0005]     It is an object of the invention to permit a sterile connection in a simple manner. This object is achieved by the connector system of the subject invention and the method of use of the connector and of the complementary connector of the subject invention.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0006]     According to one aspect of the present invention, a connector system is made available for producing a sterile connection, with  
         [0007]     a fluid conduit,  
         [0008]     an engagement device designed to engage with a complementary engagement device of a complementary connector,  
         [0009]     a displacement device with a substantially plane displacement surface and a fluid conduit aperture which extends through the displacement surface and is connected to the fluid conduit, 
        the displacement device being designed to displace the connector and the complementary connector relative to one another in a displacement direction after the engagement device has engaged with the complementary engagement device, and     the displacement direction being substantially parallel to the displacement surface, and        
 
         [0012]     a sterile cover device designed to cover at least the fluid conduit aperture in a sterile manner.  
         [0013]     The connector according to the present invention can be connected in a simple manner to a complementary connector and can, if appropriate, be detached from the latter again. It is in particular possible, according to the invention, to fix the connector on a complementary connector with the aid of the engagement device and the complementary engagement device. The connector can then be displaced relative to the complementary connector until the fluid conduit aperture of the connector and the fluid conduit aperture of the complementary connector lie substantially opposite one another, as a result of which a flow of fluid is permitted from the connector into the complementary connector. In particular, the displacement device allows the connector and the complementary connector to be displaced relative to one another along the displacement direction, it being possible for the displacement device to comprise guide devices, for example, via which the connector and the complementary connector can be displaced relative to one another, while each movement of the connector relative to the complementary connector in a direction different than the displacement direction is substantially prevented.  
         [0014]     Advantageously, it is also possible, for example after use of the connector and of the complementary connector, to displace the connector relative to the complementary connector counter to the displacement direction, i.e. to displace the fluid conduit apertures counter to the displacement direction and thereby reduce and in particular prevent a flow of fluid between the connector and the complementary connector.  
         [0015]     The expression “substantially plane” within the meaning of the invention signifies that the displacement surface is preferably a plane surface. The displacement surface can, however, deviate from an ideal plane surface in the geometric sense. In particular, the displacement surface is a plane surface in the context of manufacturing accuracy. Therefore, the term “substantially” within the meaning of the invention is in this connection synonymous for example with the term “in the context of manufacturing accuracy”.  
         [0016]     The term “sterile” is used in this invention with its customary meaning, that is to say, for example, free of microorganisms, aseptic, or infertile. Sterile, however, does not have to mean a complete absence of microorganisms or foreign bodies, but can imply a predetermined or predeterminable maximum number of microorganisms or foreign bodies. For example, the term “sterile” can signify a maximum number of microorganisms as is permitted or desired according to conventional industrial standards.  
         [0017]     The connector preferably comprises a locking device which is arranged such that it can be moved along a locking direction in order to engage with a complementary locking device of the complementary connector, the locking direction being different than the displacement direction.  
         [0018]     If, starting from a first predetermined position, the connector is displaced along the displacement direction relative to the complementary connector, the locking device is preferably configured in such a way as to prevent a displacement of the connector relative to the complementary connector beyond a second predetermined position. The first predetermined position is preferably a position of the connector relative to the complementary connector at which the engagement device of the connector and the complementary engagement device of the complementary connector have just come into engagement, i.e. the connector and the complementary connector are not yet displaced relative to one another. The second predetermined position is, for example, a position at which the fluid conduit apertures of the connector and of the complementary connector lie substantially opposite one another. In other words, the locking device can be designed to permit a displacement of the connector relative to the complementary connector only until a maximum flow of fluid is permitted from the connector to the complementary connector or a maximum flow of fluid is permitted from the complementary connector to the connector.  
         [0019]     The locking device is preferably configured in such a way as to limit a displacement only in one direction, in particular along the displacement direction. However, the locking device can also be configured in such a way as to prevent a displacement of the connector relative to the complementary connector at preferably the predetermined second position both along and also counter to the locking direction. In other words, the connector and the complementary connector are preferably held at the second predetermined position, the locking device being configured in such a way that the locking of the connector to the complementary connector can be released again. For example, the connector can be locked to the complementary connector in such a way that the respective fluid conduit apertures lie substantially opposite one another, i.e. a maximum flow of fluid is permitted between the connector and the complementary connector. A movement of the connector relative to the complementary connector along and/or counter to the displacement direction is substantially prevented with the aid of the locking device, which is in engagement with the complementary locking device. If the connector and the complementary connector are to be separated from one another again, the locking of the locking device to the complementary locking device can be released, as a result of which the connector can be displaced relative to the complementary connector along or counter to the displacement direction. As a consequence, the respective fluid conduit apertures can also be displaced relative to one another, and a flow of fluid from the connector to the complementary connector or from the complementary connector to the connector can thus be restricted or prevented.  
         [0020]     The locking device can, for example, have pins which are movable along the locking direction and which can engage in openings or recesses of the complementary locking device. However, the locking device can also comprise a projection which can abut against a shoulder of the complementary locking device, for example in order to prevent a further movement of the connector relative to the complementary connector along the locking direction.  
         [0021]     Moreover, the locking device is preferably configured so as to be pretensioned counter to the locking direction.  
         [0022]     In particular, it may be possible for the locking device to comprise a pin which is mounted to be displaceable along or counter to the locking direction. Furthermore, the locking device can, for example, comprise a spring element which deflects the pin along the locking direction. Instead of the spring element, another means can also be used that allows the pin to be moved along the locking direction. When the connector and the complementary connector are situated at a position where they are not intended to be locked, the pin is held in its position, for example by the displacement surface, counter to the force of the spring element. By contrast, when the connector and the complementary connector are situated at a position where they are intended to be locked to one another, the guide surface of the complementary connector can, for example, have a recess which allows the pin to move along the locking direction as a result of the force of the spring element, such that the pin protrudes into the recess of the guide surface. The recess of the guide surface is in this case a component part of the complementary locking device.  
         [0023]     Therefore, the locking device is particularly preferably designed to engage automatically with the complementary locking device when the connector and the complementary connector are arranged in a locking position. The locking position is preferably a position of the connector relative to the complementary connector in which a flow of fluid, in particular a maximum flow of fluid, is permitted from the connector to the complementary connector and vice versa.  
         [0024]     Moreover, the sterile cover preferably comprises a displaceable surface cover and/or a releasable edge cover.  
         [0025]     The displaceable surface cover can, for example, be made from the same material as the connector, the displaceable surface cover being arranged substantially opposite the displacement surface, for example, and being displaceable along the displacement direction. The displaceable surface cover can, for example, cover the fluid conduit aperture, as a result of which in particular a flow of fluid through the fluid conduit aperture is prevented. The displaceable surface cover preferably covers the fluid conduit aperture in a sterile manner. The displaceable surface cover can, however, also be nonsterile, and an additional sterile element, for example a sterile film, can be arranged between the displacement surface and the displaceable surface cover, said additional sterile element covering or closing at least the fluid conduit aperture in a sterile manner.  
         [0026]     The releasable edge cover can, for example, be a sterile film, in which case only the face directed toward the edge need be sterile. The sterile film can cover an edge and/or surface of the connector and also an edge and/or surface of the surface cover in a sterile manner.  
         [0027]     The displaceable surface cover is preferably configured so as to fix the locking device along the locking direction.  
         [0028]     In other words, a movement of the locking device along the locking direction is prevented by means of the surface cover. The locking device is pressed against the surface cover by means of a force of the spring element, i.e. the locking device is pretensioned, as a result of which the locking device is fixed releasably along the locking direction.  
         [0029]     The term “fixed releasably” within the meaning of the invention signifies that the locking device is substantially immobilized or held at a predeterminable position. However, the locking device can also be moved along or counter to the locking direction, if for example the surface cover is removed from the locking device, i.e. there is no longer any contact between the locking device and the surface cover. In other words, the locking device is pretensioned in the locking direction counter to the spring force of the spring element by means of the surface cover.  
         [0030]     It is possible, in particular, to arrange the locking device at least partially along or in the fluid conduit. Particularly preferably, the locking device can also be a component part of the fluid conduit.  
         [0031]     Moreover, the releasable edge cover preferably covers, in a sterile manner, one end of the displaceable surface cover that comes into in contact with the complementary connector substantially with a form fit.  
         [0032]     To put it another way, the engagement device can be a component part both of the connector and also of the displaceable surface cover. Therefore, the displaceable surface cover can, by means of the engagement device, engage with the complementary engagement device of the complementary connector. An edge or surface of the surface cover comes into contact with the engagement device, in particular with an edge or surface of the engagement device of the complementary connector, preferably with a form fit. The edge or surface of the surface cover is preferably covered in a sterile manner by the sterile edge cover.  
         [0033]     The sterile edge cover preferably also covers an edge or a surface of the connector that engages with a complementary engagement device of the surface cover of the complementary connector. In particular, it is possible for the sterile edge cover to be configured in two parts, one part covering the edge or surface of the displaceable surface cover, and the other part covering the edge or surface of the connector. The sterile edge cover can also be designed in one piece and can cover the edge and/or surface of the surface cover in a sterile manner and also cover the corresponding edge and/or surface of the connector in a sterile manner. In other words, the sterile edge cover covers a surface or edge of the engagement device that comes into engagement with the surface or edge of the complementary engagement device of the complementary connector preferably with a form fit. Consequently, the releasable edge cover preferably covers at least one end of the connector that is designed to come into contact with an end of the surface cover of the complementary connector, in which case in particular the surface cover of the complementary connector is arranged to be displaceable along and/or counter to the displacement direction.  
         [0034]     Moreover, the displaceable surface cover is preferably in planar contact with the displacement surface.  
         [0035]     Consequently, the surface cover has a substantially plane contact surface corresponding to the displacement surface, said contact surface touching the displacement surface at least in some areas. The contact surface is, for example, configured so as to pretension or fix the locking device counter to the locking direction.  
         [0036]     The fluid conduit is particularly preferably a component part of the locking device.  
         [0037]     The locking device is preferably configured so as to provide a leaktight contact of the connector with the complementary connector.  
         [0038]     The connector can also preferably be connected to a container in a leaktight manner.  
         [0039]     The connector can in this case be connected directly to the container. In other words, the fluid conduit of the connector is connected directly to the container, preferably in a sterile manner. It is possible for the connector to be connected to the complementary connector with the aid of the coupling device, i.e. for an aperture of the fluid conduit to be connected preferably in a sterile manner to the fluid conduit of the complementary connector. A further aperture of the fluid conduit is connected to the container preferably in a sterile manner. The connection between the container and the connector can be made using a hose, for example. The connector can, for example, be arranged releasably on the container or can be connected to it.  
         [0040]     Consequently, fluid can pass from the container, if appropriate by way of a hose, through the connector and the complementary connector and be transferred for example into a container attached to the complementary connector. However, the complementary connector can also be attached to the blood system of a living organism, for example a mammal, in particular a human, preferably by way of a hose or a hose system. In particular, the flow through the connector and/or the complementary connector can also take place in the opposite direction, i.e. starting from one container for example in this sequence, through the complementary connector, through the connector, and finally into the container connected to the connector. In other words, the container connected to the connector can be filled and/or emptied by means of flow of fluid through the connector.  
         [0041]     The container is preferably a bioreactor, a bag or a filter housing, particularly preferably a filter capsule. The connection between the connector and the container is also preferably sterile.  
         [0042]     Another aspect of the present invention is a connector system for leaktight connection of a fluid inlet of a connector to a fluid outlet of a complementary connector, the connector and the complementary connector each being configured as claimed in one of the preceding claims.  
         [0043]     Moreover, a further aspect of the present invention concerns the method of use of a connector and of a complementary connector for sterile connection of a fluid inlet of the connector to a fluid outlet of the complementary connector, with the following steps:  
         [0044]     making available a connector and a complementary connector in each case configured according to the invention,  
         [0045]     bringing the engagement device of the connector into engagement with the complementary engagement device of the complementary connector, and  
         [0046]     displacing the connector relative to the complementary connector along the displacement direction.  
         [0047]     Particularly preferably, the method of use of a connector and of a complementary connector for sterile connection of a fluid inlet of the connector to a fluid outlet of the complementary connector comprises the following step:  
         [0048]     locking the locking device of the connector to the complementary locking device of the complementary connector.  
         [0049]     Preferably, prior to the step of locking the locking device of the connector to the complementary locking device of the complementary connector, a step is performed involving removing the sterile covers. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0050]     Preferred embodiments of the present invention are described with reference to the examples in the following figures, in which:  
         [0051]      FIG. 1  shows a perspective schematic view of a system of a preferred connector with a preferred complementary connector;  
         [0052]      FIG. 2  shows a partial sectional view according to  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0053]      FIG. 3  shows a perspective schematic view of a preferred connector according to  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0054]      FIG. 4  shows a perspective schematic view of a preferred complementary connector according to  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0055]      FIG. 5  shows a perspective schematic view of a preferred cover device according to  FIG. 1 ; and  
         [0056]      FIG. 6  shows a perspective schematic view of a further preferred cover device according to  FIG. 1 . 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0057]      FIG. 1  shows a connector  10  and complementary connector  12 . The connector  10  is connected to the complementary connector  12  by means of an engagement device  14 . In particular, the engagement device  14  is in engagement with a complementary engagement device  16  of a cover device  18  of the complementary connector  12 .  FIG. 1  also shows a cover device  20  of the connector  10 , said cover device  20  engaging via an engagement device  22  with a complementary engagement device  24  of the complementary connector  12 . The engagement device of the connector  10  is in two parts in the preferred embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , comprising the engagement device  14  and the engagement device  22  of the cover device  20 . Analogously, the engagement device of the complementary connector  12  is in two parts. The engagement device of the complementary connector  12  comprises the complementary engagement device  16  of the cover device  18  and the complementary engagement device  24 .  
         [0058]     The connector  10  also comprises a displacement device  26 . The displacement device  26  has two guide walls  28  and a displacement surface  30 . The guide walls  28  are inclined in relation to a normal direction of the displacement surface  30 , i.e. the guide walls  28  are not perpendicular to the displacement surface  30 . The connector  10  also has a fluid conduit in the form of a tube  32 . The tube  32  is arranged substantially perpendicular to the displacement surface  30 . However, the fluid conduit can also have another form and arrangement. A tube fastener  36  is also arranged on an outer face  34  of the displacement device  26 . The tube fastener  36  surrounds the tube  32  along part of its extent in the longitudinal direction or an axial direction  38  of the tube  32 . A fluid conduit aperture  60  (shown in  FIG. 3 ) is also arranged in the displacement device  26 . The tube fastener  36  is preferably arranged on the outer face  34  of the displacement device  26  in such a way that a center point of the preferably circular fluid conduit aperture coincides with a center point of the tube fastener  36 . The displacement device  26  and the tube fastener  36  are particularly preferably produced in one piece. The tube fastener  36  can also be connected to the displacement device in a different way. For example, the tube fastener can be screwed onto the displacement device.  
         [0059]     The cover device  20  is preferably arranged displaceably on the connector  10 . In particular, the cover device  20  is arranged displaceably on the displacement device  26  of the connector  10 . The cover device  20  can be displaced along a displacement direction  40 . When the engagement device  22  of the cover device  20  is in engagement with the complementary engagement device  24  of the complementary connector  12 , the cover device  20  and the complementary connector  12  can be displaced along the displacement direction  40 .  
         [0060]      FIG. 1  also shows a displacement device  42  of the complementary connector  12 . The displacement device  42  of the complementary connector  12  has inclined, complementary guide walls  44  and a complementary displacement surface  46 . The inclined guide walls  44  are preferably inclined relative to the complementary guide surface  46  at an angle different than 90°. Particularly preferably, the guide walls  28  of the displacement device  26  of the connector  10  and the corresponding complementary inclined guide walls  44  of the complementary displacement device  42  of the complementary connector  12  are arranged substantially parallel when the engagement devices  14 ,  22  are in engagement with the corresponding complementary engagement devices  16 ,  24 . In such a position, the displacement surface  30  and the complementary displacement surface  46  are also substantially parallel. Particularly preferably, the inclined guide walls  28  engage with the corresponding complementary inclined guide walls  44  when the connector  10  and the complementary connector  12  are displaced relative to one another, i.e. the connector  10  can be held stationary and the complementary connector  12  can be displaced along the displacement direction  40 . Alternatively, however, the complementary connector  12  can also be held stationary and the connector  10  can be displaced counter to the displacement direction  40 . For example, it is also possible for the complementary connector  12  to be displaced along the displacement direction  40  and for the connector  10  at the same time to be displaced counter to the displacement direction  40 .  
         [0061]     When the displacement device  26  is in engagement via the engagement device  14  with the complementary engagement device  16  of the cover device  18 , the connector  10  and the cover device  18  of the complementary connector  12  are displaceable with one another as a unit. Likewise, the complementary connector  12  and the cover device  20  of the connector  10  are displaceable with one another as a unit when the engagement device  22  of the cover device  20  and the complementary engagement device  24  of the complementary connector  12  are in engagement.  
         [0062]     A movement of the cover device  20  relative to the displacement device  26  in a direction not substantially identical to the displacement direction  40  is not possible when the displacement device  26  and the cover device  20  are in engagement. Analogously, a movement of the cover device  18  relative to the complementary displacement device  42 , in a direction different than the displacement direction  40 , is not possible when the cover device  18  and the complementary displacement device  42  are in engagement. The same applies to the connector  10  and the complementary connector  12  when the displacement device  26  and the complementary displacement device  42  are in engagement.  
         [0063]     The engagement devices  14 ,  22  and the complementary engagement devices  12 ,  24  are preferably configured in such a way that the connector and the complementary connector can be connected along an engagement direction (not shown). The engagement direction can, for example, be parallel to the displacement direction  40 . However, the engagement direction can also be parallel to the axial direction  38 .  
         [0064]     When the engagement devices  14 ,  22  and the complementary engagement devices  16 ,  24  are in engagement, the connector  10  and the complementary connector  22  can be displaced parallel to the displacement direction  40  until the fluid conduit apertures (not shown) lie over one another. In other words, the connector  10  and the complementary connector  12  can be displaced until the axial direction  38  of the tube  32  and an axial direction  48  of a tube  50  of the complementary connector  12  are coincident with one another. The tube  50  is, for example, arranged on an outer face  52  of the complementary connector  12 , the axial direction  48  being coincident with a center point of the fluid conduit aperture (not shown) of the complementary connector  12  or the displacement device  42  of the complementary connector  12 . The tube  50  and the displacement device  42  can be produced in one piece for example, i.e. the complementary connector  12  can be produced in one piece for example.  
         [0065]     As soon as the axial direction  38  of the tube  32  of the connector  10  and the axial direction  48  of the tube  50  of the complementary connector  12  lie coincident with one another, the connector  10  and complementary connector  12  are connected to one another such that a maximum flow of fluid through the tube  32  of the connector  10  into the tube  50  of the complementary connector  12  is possible, said connection of the tube  32  of the connector  10  to the tube  50  of the complementary connector  12  being leaktight to the outside. In other words, fluid located in the tube  32  can flow into the tube  50  but no fluid can escape outward through the area of contact of the two tubes  32 ,  50 , i.e. to the environment. Likewise, foreign material from the environment cannot pass through the area of contact of the two tubes  10 ,  50  and into the interior of the tubes  10 ,  50 .  
         [0066]      FIG. 2  shows a partial sectional representation of  FIG. 1  along a section plane which is perpendicular to the displacement direction  40  and includes the axial direction  38 . The sectional view in  FIG. 2  shows a preferred embodiment of the connector  10  and a preferred embodiment of the complementary connector  12 . In particular, the sectional view shows the tube  50  of the complementary connector  12  and the cover device  20  of the connector  10 , said tube  50  not lying in the section plane. As shown in  FIG. 1 , the cover device  20  is connected to the complementary connector  12 , in particular to the displacement device  42  of the complementary connector  12 , by means of the engagement device  22  and the complementary engagement device  24 . The displacement surface  30  of the displacement device  26  of the connector  10  is here in preferably planar contact with a displacement surface  54  of the cover device  20 . Moreover, the cover device  20  has inclined guide walls  56 . The guide walls  56  of the cover device  20  engage with the guide walls  28  of the displacement device  26  in such a way that the cover device  20  can be displaced along the displacement direction  40  relative to the connector  10 . The cross section of the cover device  20  preferably has a substantially identical form to the displacement device  42  of the complementary connector  12 . When the complementary connector  12  and the cover device  20  are connected to one another by means of the engagement device  22  and the complementary engagement device  24 , the cover device  20  and the complementary connector  12  can be displaced with one another along or counter to the displacement direction  40  in order to permit a continuous flow of fluid.  
         [0067]      FIG. 2  also shows a sealing means, for example in the form of an O-ring  58 . The O-ring is preferably arranged in a depression in the displacement surface  30  such that the O-ring protrudes at least partially from the displacement surface  30 . When the cover device  20  is arranged on the connector  10 , in particular on the displacement device  26  of the connector  10 , the O-ring  58  is preferably in press contact with the displacement surface  54  of the cover device  20 . Moreover, the O-ring is preferably arranged centrally around the tube  32  or a fluid conduit aperture  60  of the displacement device  26 . The O-ring  58  thus establishes a leaktight contact between the displacement device  26  and the cover device  20 . If fluid is located in an inside of the tube  32 , the fluid cannot escape from the connector  10  through the fluid conduit aperture  60 . Likewise, foreign bodies from the environment cannot pass into the inside of the tube  32 , i.e. contact between the environment and the fluid in the inside of the tube  32  is avoided.  
         [0068]      FIG. 2  also shows a spring  62 . The spring  62  is arranged in such a way that it presses at one end against a shoulder  64  of the tube attachment  36  and at the other end against a shoulder  66  of the tube  50 . Consequently, the tube is pressed away from the shoulder  64  counter to the axial direction  38 , as preferred locking direction. A movement of the tube is limited in particular by the displacement surface  54  of the cover device  20 , which tube  32  projects into the fluid conduit aperture  60  and, preferably flush with a bottom edge  68  of the fluid conduit aperture  60 , comes into contact with the displacement surface  54  of the cover device  20 .  
         [0069]     A further sealing element in the form of an O-ring  70  is also arranged on the tube  32 . The O-ring is arranged in particular in a depression of the tube  32 , the O-ring  70  establishing a leaktight connection between the displacement device  26  and the tube  32 . In particular, the tube  32  can be moved along or counter to the axial direction  38  relative to the tube fastener  36  and the displacement device  26 . If in particular the complementary condenser  12  is positioned relative to the connector such that the axial direction  38  of the tube  32  and the axial direction  48  of the tube  50  coincide with one another, the tube  32  is moved, by the spring force of the spring  62 , counter to the axial direction  38 , as preferred locking direction, toward the complementary connector  12 , in which case the tube  32  passes completely through the fluid conduit aperture  60  and engages in an engagement aperture (not shown) of the complementary connector  12 , in particular of the displacement device  42 . The engagement aperture can, for example, be the fluid conduit aperture (not shown) of the complementary connector. A movement of the connector  10  relative to the complementary connector  12  along or counter to the displacement direction  40  is therefore prevented. The tube  32  consequently serves both as fluid conduit and also as locking device. Analogously, the tube  50  of the complementary connector  12  serves as fluid conduit, and an aperture (not shown) in the complementary displacement device  42  (not shown) serves as a complementary engagement device of the complementary connector  12 . The locking device can, however, also be independent of the tube  32 . It is thus possible, in particular, for the displacement device  26 , the tube-fastening device  36  and the tube  32  to be produced in one piece. The locking device can, for example, be designed in the form of at least one pin which is arranged so as to be movable along the axial direction  38 . The pin can, for example, be pressed counter to the axial direction  38  by way of a spring and can come into engagement with at least one aperture of the complementary connector  12 , in particular in the complementary displacement surface  46  of the complementary displacement device  42 , as a result of which a movement of the connector  10  relative to the complementary connector  12  along or counter to the displacement direction  40  is blocked. A movement of the connector  10  relative to the complementary connector  12  along or counter to the axial direction  38  is prevented by way of the inclined guide walls  28 ,  56  and the inclined complementary guide walls  44 . Consequently, the connector  10  and the complementary connector  12  can be moved relative to one another, in and counter to the displacement direction  40 , with the aid of the displacement device  26  and the complementary displacement device  42 , and with the cover devices  18 ,  20  being moved with them at the same time. When the connector  10  and the complementary connector  12  are positioned relative to one another in such a way that a maximum flow of fluid through the tube  32  and the tube  50  is permitted, with sealing means, for example the O-ring  58 , substantially preventing escape of fluid to the environment or contact between the fluid and the environment, the connector  10  and the complementary connector  12  are locked. A relative movement along or counter to the displacement direction  40  is then no longer possible. Consequently, a safe exchange of fluid between the tube  32  and the tube  50  is possible. In particular, the tube  32  can be connected to a container (not shown), for example by way of a hose (not shown) or directly, said container holding a fluid which, from the container, passes through the connector  10  and the complementary connector  12 . Alternatively, however, the container can also be filled by delivery of fluid via the complementary connector  12  and the connector  10 .  
         [0070]     Moreover, the cover device  20  can also be arranged on the displacement device  26  of the connector  10  in such a way that the inside of the tube  32  is closed off in a sterile manner from the environment. The cover device  20  can also be arranged such that at least a partial area of the displacement surface  30  is closed off in a sterile manner from the environment, the cover device  20  being configured in particular in such a way that the fluid conduit aperture  60  is separated in a sterile manner from the environment or from a surrounding medium.  
         [0071]     Alternatively, a further sterile cover (not shown), for example in the form of a sterile film, can be arranged between the guide wall  28  and the cover device  20 , as a result of which the inside of the tube  32  or the fluid conduit aperture  60  is separated in a sterile manner from the environment. It is therefore not necessary for the cover device  20  to permit sterile covering of this kind. Instead, the cover device can be nonsterile, and the sterile film can close off the inside of the tube  32  or the fluid conduit aperture  60  in a sterile manner from the environment. The sterile film can also separate a partial area of the displacement surface  30  or the whole displacement surface  30  from the environment in a sterile manner or cover the displacement surface  30  in a completely sterile manner.  
         [0072]      FIG. 3  shows the displacement device  26  and the tube fastener  36  of the connector  10 . The fluid conduit aperture  60  is arranged in the displacement surface  30  of the displacement device  26 . The fluid conduit aperture  60  is surrounded by a depression or circular ditch  72 . The circular ditch  72  serves to receive the O-ring  58  (not shown).  FIG. 3  also shows a sterile film  74 . The sterile film covers a partial area of the displacement surface  30  of the displacement device  26  and also the fluid conduit aperture  60 . Moreover, the sterile film  74  also covers the circular ditch  72 . When the O-ring  58  is arranged in the circular ditch  72 , the sterile film  74  also covers the O-ring  58 . The tube  32  is not shown in  FIG. 3 . A surface  76  is also shown in  FIG. 3 . If, for example, the cover device  20  (not shown) is designed in such a way that the cover device  20  covers, in a sterile manner, the fluid conduit aperture and, if appropriate, the circular ditch  72  with the O-ring  58  arranged therein and, if appropriate, the area of the displacement surface  30 , then the sterile film  74  can also be arranged only along the surface  76 .  
         [0073]      FIG. 4  shows the complementary connector  12 . A sterile film  78  is arranged on the complementary connector  12 . The sterile film  78  covers a fluid conduit aperture  80  of the complementary connector  12 . In particular, the fluid conduit aperture  80  corresponds to an inside of the tube  50 . The complementary displacement device  42 , the tube  50  and the fluid aperture  80  are particularly preferably designed in one piece. Moreover, the fluid conduit aperture  80  is surrounded by a circular ditch  82 . The circular ditch  82  is in particular designed to receive a sealing means, for example an O-ring (not shown).  FIG. 3  also shows a shoulder  84  arranged in the inside of the tube  50 . When the connector  10  (not shown) and the complementary connector  12  are positioned in such a way that a maximum flow of fluid is permitted from the tube  32  of the connector  10  into the tube  50 , the tube  32  is pressed counter to the axial direction  38 , by virtue of the spring force of the spring  62 , and engages with the inside of the tube  50 . In particular, a bottom edge of the tube  32  strikes against the shoulder  84 , as a result of which a further movement of the tube  32  counter to the axial direction  38  is blocked. Consequently, a movement of the connector  10  relative to the complementary connector  12  along or counter to the displacement direction  40  is prevented. In this position, the O-ring (not shown) which is arranged in the circular ditch  82 , and the O-ring  58  which is arranged in the circular ditch  72 , can for example also make contact with each other, thus preventing an escape of fluid from the inside of the tube  32  or from the inside of the tube  50  or from the fluid conduit apertures  60 ,  80  to the environment. Likewise, foreign material cannot get into the inside of the tubes  32 ,  50  or of the fluid conduit apertures  60 ,  80 .  
         [0074]     As shown in  FIG. 2 , the sterile film  78  can be substantially a plane film which is arranged along the complementary guide wall  44  and protrudes beyond an end  86  of the complementary guide wall  44 , the end  86  lying remote from the engagement device  24 . However, as is also shown in  FIG. 4 , the sterile film  78  can also be bent about an edge  88  and at least partially cover a surface  90 , in which case the sterile film  78  protrudes beyond the complementary displacement device  42 . The edge  88  and the surface  90  are arranged at an edge of the complementary connector at which the complementary engagement device  24  is arranged. If the cover device  20  (shown in  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2 ) is arranged on the complementary displacement device  42 , the sterile film  78  is thus situated between the cover device  20  and the complementary displacement device  42 .  
         [0075]     The connector  10  can consequently be coupled to the complementary connector  12  in such a way that the engagement device  14  is brought into engagement with the complementary engagement device  16  (of the cover device  18 ) of the complementary connector  12 . At the same time, the engagement device  22  (of the cover device  20 ) of the connector  10  is also brought into engagement with the complementary engagement device  24  of the complementary connector  12 , the sterile film  74  being arranged between the cover  20  and the connector  10 , and the sterile film  78  being arranged between the cover device  18  and the complementary connector  12 . The sterile film  74  is also arranged in such a way that it is folded about an edge of the connector  10  and is situated between the connector  10  and the cover device  18  of the complementary connector  12 . The sterile film  74  therefore protrudes, substantially parallel to the axial direction  38 , between the connector  10  and the cover device  18  of the complementary connector  12 .  
         [0076]     Analogously, the sterile film  78  is arranged between the complementary connector  12  and the cover device  18 , the film being folded about the edge  88 . The sterile film  78  is also arranged between the cover device  20  of the connector  10  and the complementary displacement device  42  of the complementary connector  12  such that the sterile film  78  protrudes, substantially parallel to the axial direction  48  of the tube  50 , between the cover device  20  and the complementary connector  12 . The connector  10  and the complementary connector  12  can be displaced relative to one another along the displacement direction  40  until, for example, the tube  32  comes into engagement with the tube  50  and a further movement along or counter to the displacement direction  40  is prevented. The tube  32  can in this case extend through the sterile films  74 ,  78 . Alternatively, however, the sterile film  74  and the sterile film  78  can be removed, prior to displacement of the connector  10  relative to the complementary connector  12 , by pulling on the protruding ends of the sterile film  74  and sterile film  78 .  
         [0077]     When the connector  10  and the complementary connector  12  are in a locked state that permits a flow of fluid through the tubes  32 ,  50  and the fluid conduit apertures  60 ,  80 , the cover devices  18 ,  20  can be removed.  
         [0078]     In order to release the connector  10  from the complementary connector  12 , the covers  18 ,  20  can be arranged again on the complementary connector  12  and connector  10 , respectively, and brought into engagement with the connector  10  and complementary connector  12 , respectively. The connector  10  and the complementary connector  12  can then be displaced relative to one another counter to the displacement direction  40 , the cover devices  18 ,  20  preventing an escape of fluid from the complementary connector  12  and the connector  10 . For example, an exchange of fluid with containers that are attached to the connector  10  and complementary connector  12  can therefore be permitted and also interrupted, avoiding an escape of fluid to the environment or contact between the fluid and the environment.  
         [0079]      FIG. 5  shows the cover device  20  of the connector  10  (not shown). The cover device  20  comprises the displacement surface  54  and also the inclined guide walls  56 .  FIG. 5  also shows the engagement device  22  of the cover device  20 . The engagement device  22  is designed to come into engagement with the complementary engagement device  24  (not shown) of the complementary connector  12 .  
         [0080]      FIG. 6  shows the cover device  18  of the complementary connector  12  (not shown). The cover device  18  comprises a displacement surface  92  and also inclined guide walls  94 .  FIG. 6  also shows the complementary engagement device  16  which can be brought into engagement with the engagement device  14  of the connector  10  (not shown).  
         [0081]     The present invention is not limited to the preferred embodiments described above. Instead, a connector according to the present invention can also deviate from the above preferred embodiments. For example, the connector and the complementary connector can be of identical configuration. In other words, the complementary connector can be designated as connector, and the connector as complementary connector. Moreover, the cover device of the connector or of the complementary connector can be designed in more than one piece, for example in two pieces, as is also shown for example in  FIGS. 1 and 6 .  
         [0082]     The engagement device can deviate from the preferred engagement device indicated in the above description. For example, the engagement device can comprise a screw device. Moreover, the locking device can deviate from the above preferred embodiment. The locking device can, for example, be arranged independently of the tube.  
       LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS  
       [0000]    
       
         
           
               10  connector  
               12  complementary connector  
               14  engagement device  
               16  complementary engagement device  
               18  cover device  
               20  cover device  
               22  engagement device  
               24  complementary engagement device  
               26  displacement device  
               28  guide wall  
               30  displacement surface  
               32  tube  
               34  outer face  
               36  tube fastener  
               38  axial direction, locking direction  
               40  displacement direction  
               42  complementary displacement device  
               44  complementary guide wall  
               46  complementary displacement surface  
               48  axial direction  
               50  tube  
               52  outer face  
               54  displacement surface  
               56  guide wall  
               58  O-ring  
               60  fluid conduit aperture  
               62  spring  
               64  shoulder  
               66  shoulder  
               68  bottom edge  
               70  O-ring  
               72  circular ditch  
               74  sterile film  
               76  surface  
               78  sterile film  
               80  fluid conduit aperture  
               82  circular ditch  
               84  shoulder  
               86  end  
               88  edge  
               90  surface  
               92  displacement surface  
               94  guide wall