Needle interface for fluid connections

Abstract

The invention relates to a coupling system that can particularly be applied for interfacing a consumable component with a sample chamber to a laboratory instrument for processing a sample fluid. The coupling system comprises a female interface module ( 10 ) integrated into the consumable component that has an elastic 5 sealing component ( 12 ) with a preformed channel ( 12 a ). Moreover, it comprises a male interface module ( 20 ) integrated into the instrument and comprising a hollow needle ( 23 ) fixed in a first section ( 22 a ) of a bush ( 22 ), wherein the flexible free end of said needle ( 23 ) is partially surrounded by a second section ( 22 b ) of the bush that limits the lateral movement of the needle. The diameter of the channel in the sealing 10 component ( 12 ) is preferably smaller than the diameter (d) of the needle ( 23 ), thus providing an airtight connection and a self-cleaning effect.

1 . A female interface module ( 10 ) for the reception of a needle ( 23 ), comprising an elastic sealing component ( 12 ) with a preformed channel ( 12   a ) through which the needle ( 23 ) can be pushed from an exterior side to an interior side of the sealing component. 
   
   
       2 . The interface module ( 10 ) according to  claim 1 ,
 characterized in that the sealing component ( 12 ) has a higher compliance in radial direction of the channel than in axial direction.   
   
   
       3 . The interface module ( 10 ) according to  claim 1 ,
 characterized in that the preformed channel ( 12   a ) is disposed at the end of a sleeve ( 12   b ).   
   
   
       4 . The interface module ( 10 ) according to  claim 1 ,
 characterized in that it comprises a funnel-shaped guiding element ( 13 ) on the exterior side of the sealing component ( 12 ).   
   
   
       5 . A male interface module ( 20 ) comprising a hollow needle ( 23 ) and a bush ( 22 ), wherein:
 a first section of the needle ( 23 ) is firmly embedded in a first section ( 22   a ) of the bush;   the needle ( 23 ) comprises a free end that is partially surrounded with an intermediate space by a second section ( 22   b ) of the bush and that is flexible in radial direction.   
   
   
       6 . The interface module ( 20 ) according to  claim 5 ,
 characterized in that the radial movement of the needle ( 23 ) is limited by the second section ( 22   b ) of the bush ( 22 ) to the range of elastic deformation of the needle.   
   
   
       7 . The interface module ( 20 ) according to  claim 5 ,
 characterized in that the tip of the free end of the needle ( 23 ) is blunt.   
   
   
       8 . The interface module ( 20 ) according to  claim 5 ,
 characterized in that it comprises a tube connector ( 24 ) that is in fluid communication with the interior of the needle ( 23 ).   
   
   
       9 . A coupling system, comprising a female interface module ( 10 ) for the reception of a needle ( 23 ), comprising an elastic sealing component ( 12 ) with a preformed channel ( 12   a ) through which the needle ( 23 ) can be pushed from an exterior side to an interior side of the sealing component and a male interface module ( 20 ) according to  claim 5 , wherein the diameter of the channel in the female interface module ( 10 ) is smaller than the external diameter (d) of the needle ( 23 ) in the male interface module ( 20 ). 
   
   
       10 . A consumable component comprising a sample chamber in which a sample fluid can be provided and a female interface module ( 10 ) according to  claim 1 . 
   
   
       11 . An instrument for processing a sample in an external sample chamber, comprising a male interface module according to  claim 5 .