Infusion Tube System and Method for Manufacture

Abstract

An infusion tube system and a method for manufacture are provided. An infusion tube system including an infusion tube and a connector attached to the infusion tube at an end of the infusion tube is disclosed. The connector has a proximal end and includes a connector body extending from a distal end to a proximal end along a center axis and defining a cavity. The connector body includes an end wall with an inner surface, and at least one vent opening, and a sidewall extending from the end wall along the center axis with an inner and outer surface. The connector includes a membrane covering the at least one vent opening, the membrane being welded to the inner surface of the end wall along at least one welding seam including a first welding seam such that the membrane covers and seals the at least one vent opening.

1 . An infusion tube system comprising an infusion tube and a connector attached to the infusion tube at an end of the infusion tube, the connector having a proximal end and comprising a connector body extending from a distal end to a proximal end along a center axis and defining a cavity, the connector body comprising an end wall with an inner surface, and at least one vent opening including a first vent opening, and a sidewall extending from the end wall along the center axis with an inner and outer surface, wherein the connector comprises a membrane covering the at least one vent opening, the membrane being welded to the inner surface of the end wall along at least one welding seam including a first welding seam such that the membrane covers and seals the at least one vent opening. 
     
     
         2 . The infusion tube system according to  claim 1 , wherein the first welding seam forms a closed curve surrounding at least the first vent opening. 
     
     
         3 . The infusion tube system according to  claim 1 , wherein the at least one welding seam comprises a second welding seam forming a closed curve surrounding a fluid path opening in the end wall. 
     
     
         4 . The infusion tube system according to  claim 3 , wherein the first welding seam forms a closed outer welding seam and wherein the second welding seam forms a dosed inner welding seam surrounded by the outer welding seam, wherein the membrane area between the inner welding seam and the outer welding seam covers at least the first vent opening. 
     
     
         5 . The infusion tube system according to  claim 1 , wherein the welding area of the at least one welding seam is less than 95% of the common area between the membrane and the inner surface of the end wall. 
     
     
         6 . The infusion tube system according to  claim 1 , wherein the connector comprises a hollow connector needle attached to the connector body and extending from the inner surface of the end wall into the cavity. 
     
     
         7 . The infusion tube system according to  claim 1 , wherein the connector comprises at least one annular protrusion including a first annular protrusion on the inner surface of the end wall, the first annular protrusion surrounding at least the first vent opening, wherein the membrane is welded to the inner surface of the end wall along the first annular protrusion. 
     
     
         8 . The infusion tube system according to  claim 1 , wherein the at least one vent opening in the end wall comprises a second vent opening covered and sealed by the membrane. 
     
     
         9 . The infusion tube system according to  claim 1 , wherein a welding seam has a width in the range from 0.1 mm to 3 mm. 
     
     
         10 . The infusion tube system according to  claim 1 , wherein the connector comprises a support structure extending from the end wall in a proximal direction, the support structure defining a cavity accommodating at least a part of the infusion tube. 
     
     
         11 . A method for manufacturing an infusion tube system comprising an infusion tube and a connector, the method comprising:
 providing a connector with a connector body extending from a distal end to a proximal end along a center axis and defining a cavity, the connector body comprising an end wall with an inner surface, and at least one vent opening including a first vent opening, and a sidewall extending from the end wall along the center axis with an inner and outer surface;   providing a membrane at the inner surface of the end wall; and   welding the membrane to the inner surface of the end wall along at least one welding seam including a first welding seam such that the membrane covers and seals the at least one vent opening.   
     
     
         12 . The method according to  claim 11 , wherein welding the membrane to the inner surface is performed with ultrasonic welding. 
     
     
         13 . The method according to  claim 11 , wherein welding a membrane to the inner surface of the end wall along at least one welding seam comprises pressing the membrane between the connector body and a weld horn comprising at least one annular weld protrusion forming at least one welding seam. 
     
     
         14 . The method according to  claim 11 , wherein the connector comprises at least one annular protrusion including a first annular protrusion on the inner surface of the end wall and surrounding at least the first vent opening, and wherein welding the membrane comprises welding the membrane along the first annular protrusion.