Metering chambers and liquid handling devices

Abstract

The present invention provides a metering chamber that can be easily installed in a liquid handling device while suppressing breakage during transport, etc. The metering chamber (53) comprises: a chamber body (350) having an internal flow path (420-426) and a storage section (400-402) for liquid flow, the internal flow path (420-426) being connected to the internal flow path (420-426) for storing liquid; and a protective cover (351) covering the front and rear surfaces of the chamber body (350) for protecting the chamber body (350). The protective cover (351) has a side protrusion (520) for mounting the metering chamber (53) on the device body (10) of the blood purification device (1). The protective cover (351) has: a front surface cover (451) located on the front surface side of the chamber body (350); a rear surface cover (450) located on the rear surface side of the chamber body (350); and a locking mechanism (600) that locks the front surface cover (451) and the rear surface cover (450) together.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to metering chambers and liquid handling apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] For example, extracorporeal circulation therapies such as dialysis and plasma exchange have always been performed using blood purification devices. Such a blood purification device, for example, includes a blood circuit that supplies the patient's blood to a blood purifier for purification and returns it to the patient, a dialysate circuit that supplies dialysate to the blood purifier or removes dialysate, and a rehydration circuit that replenishes fluids to the blood (see Patent Document 1). For example, the blood purification device has a metering chamber that measures the total amount of dialysate supplied to the blood purifier, the amount of waste dialysate discarded from the blood purifier, and the amount of rehydration fluid supplied to the blood circuit in order to control the amount of water removed from the patient (see Patent Document 1).

[0003] The aforementioned metering chamber includes: a storage section for storing various liquids; and an internal flow path for introducing liquids into or discharging liquids from the storage sections (see Patent Documents 1 and 2). Furthermore, the metering chamber, along with a heating plate for heating the replenished fluids to body temperature and a frame for maintaining the heating plate, forms a flow path holding device (see Patent Document 3). In use, the metering chamber is mounted on the metering device of the blood purification apparatus.

[0004] Existing technical documents

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 5160455

[0007] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2015-181757

[0008] Patent Document 3: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2015-073847 Summary of the Invention

[0009] The problem the invention aims to solve

[0010] However, in situations such as during transport or sterilization, the aforementioned metering chamber may be damaged when subjected to external force. In particular, while the metering chamber is preferably made of vinyl chloride, the same material as the connected tubing, it is prone to embrittlement at low temperatures, making it susceptible to breakage under low-temperature external forces. Furthermore, if the metering chamber is placed inside a protective housing during transport, it must be removed from the housing when installing it in the blood purification device, increasing the workload for medical personnel and thus being undesirable.

[0011] The present invention was made in view of this point, and one of its objectives is to provide a metering chamber and liquid handling device that can be easily installed in a liquid handling device such as a blood purification device while suppressing breakage during delivery.

[0012] Solution for solving the problem

[0013] The inventors conducted in-depth research and found that by providing a protective cover to the main body of the metering chamber and providing a mounting part on the protective cover for mounting the metering chamber to the main body of the liquid processing device, the above-mentioned problems can be solved, thus completing the present invention.

[0014] That is, the present invention includes the following technical solutions.

[0015] (1) A metering chamber connected to a liquid flow path of a liquid handling apparatus for metering liquid flowing in the liquid flow path, wherein the metering chamber comprises: a chamber body having an internal flow path and a storage section, the internal flow path being for liquid flow and the storage section being connected to the internal flow path for storing liquid; and a protective cover covering the front and rear surfaces of the chamber body for protecting the chamber body, the protective cover having a mounting portion for mounting the metering chamber on the apparatus body of the liquid handling apparatus.

[0016] (2) The metering chamber according to (1), wherein the protective cover has: a front surface cover located on the front surface side of the chamber body; a rear surface cover located on the rear surface side of the chamber body; and a locking mechanism that locks the front surface cover and the rear surface cover together.

[0017] (3) The metering chamber according to (2), wherein the locking mechanism has: a locking part disposed in one of the front surface cover and the rear surface cover; a locked part disposed in the other of the front surface cover and the rear surface cover, which is located at a different location than the locking part; and a limiting part that limits the locking part from disengaging from the locked part.

[0018] (4) The metering chamber according to (2) or (3), wherein the main body of the chamber has a square portion of a square shape for arranging a plurality of storage portions, and the engaging mechanism is respectively provided near the four corners of the square portion.

[0019] (5) The metering chamber according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein the metering chamber further comprises a positioning mechanism for positioning the protective cover and the chamber body.

[0020] (6) The metering chamber according to (5), wherein the positioning mechanism has a protrusion provided in one of the protective cover and the chamber body and a recess provided in the other of the protective cover and the chamber body at a different location than the protrusion, and the protective cover and the chamber body are positioned by fitting the protrusion and the recess together.

[0021] (7) The metering chamber according to any one of (1) to (6), wherein the protective cover has a correction part that clamps a portion of the chamber body from the front surface side and the rear surface side to correct the deflection of the chamber body.

[0022] (8) The metering chamber according to any one of (1) to (7), wherein the protective cover has a flat surface in the portion close to the main body of the liquid handling apparatus.

[0023] (9) The metering chamber according to any one of (1) to (8), wherein the protective cover is configured as a storage section that allows the main body of the chamber to be viewed from the outside.

[0024] (10) The metering chamber according to any one of (1) to (9), wherein the main body of the chamber is made of vinyl chloride.

[0025] (11) A liquid processing apparatus, wherein the liquid processing apparatus has: a metering chamber as described in any one of (1) to (10); and a main body portion having the metering chamber thereon.

[0026] The effects of the invention

[0027] According to the present invention, the metering chamber can be easily installed in a liquid handling apparatus while suppressing damage during the delivery of the metering chamber. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing an example of a blood purification device.

[0029] Figure 2 This is an enlarged view of the metering device in a blood purification system.

[0030] Figure 3 This is an illustrative diagram showing an example of the structure of a liquid circuit.

[0031] Figure 4 This is the front view of the frame-like structure with the heating plate and pressing component installed.

[0032] Figure 5 This is the front view of the frame-like structure with the heating plate installed.

[0033] Figure 6 This is the front view of the pressing component.

[0034] Figure 7 This is a three-dimensional view of the metering chamber as seen from the front surface.

[0035] Figure 8 This is a three-dimensional view of the metering chamber as seen from the rear surface.

[0036] Figure 9 This is a three-dimensional view of the main body of the chamber as seen from the front surface.

[0037] Figure 10 This is a three-dimensional view of the rear cover as seen from the front surface.

[0038] Figure 11 This is a three-dimensional view of the main chamber mounted on the rear surface cover, viewed from the front surface.

[0039] Figure 12 This is a three-dimensional view of the front cover as seen from the rear surface.

[0040] Figure 13 This is an explanatory diagram showing the first locking mechanism.

[0041] Figure 14 This is an explanatory diagram showing the second locking mechanism.

[0042] Figure 15 This is an explanatory diagram of the AA section of the metering chamber.

[0043] Figure 16 This is an explanatory diagram showing the state of the measuring chamber installed on the measuring instrument.

[0044] Figure 17 This is an explanatory diagram showing the state of the measuring chamber installed on the measuring instrument.

[0045] Figure 18 This is an explanatory diagram showing the state of the metering chamber near the wall of the main body of the device.

[0046] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0047] 1. Blood purification device; 40. Flow path holding device; 53. Metering chamber; 350. Chamber body; 351. Protective cover; 400-402. Storage section; 420-426. Flow path; 450. Rear surface cover; 451. Front surface cover; 520. Side protrusion; 600. Engaging mechanism. Detailed Implementation

[0048] Hereinafter, an example of a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, the positional relationships such as top, bottom, left, and right in the drawings are considered to be based on the positional relationships shown in the drawings. The scale ratios in the drawings are not limited to those shown. Moreover, the following embodiments are illustrative of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention to the spirit of the following embodiments. Furthermore, various modifications can be made to the present invention without departing from its spirit.

[0049] <Blood Purification Device>

[0050] Figure 1 This is an explanatory diagram showing the general structure of a blood purification device 1, which is a liquid processing device and has a metering chamber according to this embodiment. The blood purification device 1 includes, for example, a main body 10, an operation panel 11, a trolley 12, a lever 13, and a liquid circuit 14.

[0051] The main body 10 of the device is configured to house or install various devices, apparatuses, and components required for performing blood processing. For example, the following components can be housed or installed in the main body 10: various gate assemblies 20 for opening and closing the flow path in the liquid circuit 14; a pump assembly 21 for conveying liquid in the liquid circuit 14 by pressure; a pressure sensor (not shown) for detecting the liquid pressure in the liquid circuit 14; and a blood purifier (described later) for purifying the blood. A door 30 is provided on the side of the main body 10, and the portion exposed when the door 30 is opened becomes an assembly section 33 for assembling the flow path holding device 40 of the liquid circuit 14. The assembly section 33 is provided with a flat heater 31 and a metering device 32.

[0052] The flow path holding device 40 includes, for example, a heating plate 50, a frame-like body 51, a pressing member 52, a metering chamber 53, and a tube 54. By assembling the flow path holding device 40 into the assembly part 33 and supplying heat to the heating plate 50 from the heater 31, the liquid flowing in the heating plate 50 can be heated, and the weight of the metering chamber 53 can be measured using the meter 32.

[0053] like Figure 2As shown, the measuring device 32 has a support portion 60, which is used to hook and support the measuring chamber 53 (described later) side protrusion 520. The support portion 60 is located at two locations on the left and right sides of the measuring device 32. The measuring device 32 is configured to measure the weight of the measuring chamber 53 supported by the support portion 60. Furthermore, a liquid detection sensor 62 is provided on the wall surface 61 where the measuring device 32 is fixed, for detecting the liquid volume in the storage section of the measuring chamber 53 (described later). The liquid detection sensor 62 is, for example, a capacitive sensor, which can detect the presence or absence of liquid by measuring the change in capacitance when liquid enters an electric field.

[0054] Figure 1 The control panel 11 shown is, for example, a touchpad, through which various settings for blood processing can be input and the operating status of blood processing can be displayed. Infusion bags such as dialysis bags and rehydration bags, which are used for blood processing and will be described later, can be suspended from the rod 13.

[0055] <Liquid Circuit>

[0056] Figure 3 This is an illustrative diagram showing an example of the structure of the fluid circuit 14 used for dialysis treatment. Furthermore, in Figure 3 In this description, the protective cover of the metering chamber 53 is omitted to illustrate the flow path in the liquid circuit 14. For example, the liquid circuit 14 includes a blood purifier 70, a blood circuit 71, a dialysate supply flow path 72, a waste fluid flow path 73, and a replenishment flow path 74. The liquid circuit 14 is assembled to the main body 10 of the blood purification device 1 in a manner that allows for easy assembly and disassembly.

[0057] The blood purifier 70 is, for example, a cylindrical membrane assembly having a hollow fiber membrane as a purification membrane, which can be used to separate unwanted components from the blood.

[0058] The blood circuit 71 includes, for example, a blood collection path 90 connecting the blood collection unit 80 and the blood purifier 70, and a return path 91 connecting the blood purifier 70 and the return section 81. The blood collection path 90 and the return path 91 are primarily composed of tubing. The blood collection path 90 is connected to the inlet of the blood purifier 70, and the return path 91 is connected to the outlet of the blood purifier 70.

[0059] For example, a pressure delivery pump 100 is provided in the blood collection path 90. An infusion device 110 and a pressure sensor are provided in the return blood path 91.

[0060] The dialysate supply path 72 includes a dialysate bag 120 and a dialysate flow path 121 connecting the dialysate bag 120 and the dialysate side inlet of the blood purifier 70. The dialysate flow path 121 is primarily constructed of a vinyl chloride tubing, but a portion of it comprises the liquid flow path of the heating plate 50 (described later) and the liquid flow path of the metering chamber 53. A dialysate pump 122 is provided in the dialysate flow path 121.

[0061] Waste liquid flow path 73 includes waste liquid flow path 130, which connects the dialysate side inlet and waste liquid section of the blood purifier 70. Waste liquid flow path 130 is mainly composed of a vinyl chloride hose, but a portion of it is formed by the liquid flow path of the metering chamber 53. For example, a filter pump 131 is provided in waste liquid flow path 130.

[0062] The rehydration flow path 74 includes: a rehydration bag 140; and a rehydration flow path 141 connecting the rehydration bag 140 and the return blood flow path 91. The rehydration flow path 141 is mainly composed of a vinyl chloride tubing, but a portion of it is composed of the liquid flow path of the heating plate 50 and the liquid flow path of the metering chamber 53. A rehydration pump 142 is provided in the rehydration flow path 141.

[0063] For example, the aforementioned liquid circuit 14 can be used for blood purification treatment for dialysis. For instance, in the blood circuit 71, the patient's blood is transported from the blood collection section 80 to the blood side of the purification membrane of the blood purifier 70, and after passing through the blood purifier 70, it is returned to the patient from the return section 81. At this time, in the dialysate supply path 72, dialysate is transported to the dialysate side of the purification membrane of the blood purifier 70, and then discarded via the waste liquid path 73. Using the blood purifier 70, unwanted components in the blood on the blood side of the purification membrane flow through the purification membrane to the dialysate side and are discharged together with the dialysate. On the other hand, in the replenishment path 74, replenishment fluid is supplied to the blood circuit 71 to replenish the prescribed components into the blood.

[0064] <Flow path holding device>

[0065] For example, such as Figure 3 As shown, the flow path holding device 40 is configured to hold at least a portion of the liquid circuit 14, namely at least a portion of the dialysate flow path 121, at least a portion of the waste liquid flow path 130, and at least a portion of the replenishment flow path 141, and is assembled to the main body 10 in a detachable manner. Furthermore, the extent to which the flow path holding device 40 holds any flow path in the liquid circuit 14 can be appropriately varied. The flow path holding device 40 includes, for example, a heating plate 50, a frame-like body 51, a pressing member 52, a metering chamber 53, and a tube 54 that is part of the liquid flow path.

[0066] Figure 4This is a front view of the frame 51 on which the heating plate 50 and the pressing member 52 are installed. Figure 5 This is a front view of the frame 51 on which the heating plate 50 is installed. (Example) Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the frame-like body 51 has a square plate shape and is made of rigid resin, such as ABS resin. The frame-like body 51 has an opening 160 in the center for mounting the heating plate 50. The opening 160 has a square shape. The frame-like body 51 is provided with a plurality of fixing parts 161 for fixing the tube 54. Furthermore, the arrangement and number of fixing parts 161 are not limited to... Figure 4 and Figure 5 The configuration and quantity can be changed appropriately.

[0067] Above the opening 160 of the frame 51, in the upper part 51a, there is an upper hook 170 for locking the upper part of the heating plate 50 and the upper part of the pressing member 52. The upper hook 170 is provided at two locations on the upper part 51a corresponding to the two ends of the opening 160 in the left-right direction (horizontal direction). Furthermore, in this specification, as... Figures 1 to 5 Thus, "up," "down," "left," and "right" are based on the posture when using the flow path holding device 40. Furthermore, for the flow path holding device 40, Figure 1 The surface on the side of the main body 10 of the device is called the "rear surface", and the surface on the opposite side of the main body 10 of the device is called the "front surface".

[0068] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, a protrusion 180 for securing the lower part of the heating plate 50 is provided in the lower part 51b below the opening 160 of the frame-like body 51. The protrusion 180 is located in the lower part 51b at a position corresponding to the center of the opening 160 in the left-right direction Y. The protrusion 180 has a rod shape and extends in the front direction in the front-rear direction X, which is perpendicular to the surface direction of the frame-like body 51.

[0069] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, a lower hook 190 for locking the lower part of the pressing member 52 is provided in the lower part 51b below the opening 160 of the frame 51. The lower hook 190 is provided in two positions corresponding to the two ends of the opening 160 in the left-right direction Y.

[0070] like Figure 4 and Figure 5As shown, the heating plate 50 has a generally rectangular, thin plate shape. The heating plate 50 is made of, for example, vinyl chloride, the same material as the tube 54. The heating plate 50 includes: a plate body portion 250 having a liquid flow path; and an upper frame-like portion 251 and a lower frame-like portion 252 for engaging the heating plate 50 with the frame-like frame 51.

[0071] The main body 250 is formed into a relatively thin rectangle. The main body 250 has two heating flow paths 262 that extend continuously from the inlet 260 to the outlet 261. The inlet 260 and outlet 261 are located on the upper short side of the main body 250 in the vertical direction Z. Figure 5 As shown, each heating flow path 262 has: a serpentine portion 270, which extends downward from the inlet portion 260 while serpentinizing left and right; and a straight portion 271, which extends from the lower part of the serpentine portion 270, passes directly beside the serpentine portion 270, and connects to the outlet portion 261. Two heating flow paths 262 are arranged side-by-side on the plate body portion 250. The inlet portion 260 and the outlet portion 261 constitute a connection for connecting the heating flow path 262 to the tube 54. For example, the tube 54 of the dialysate flow path 121 is connected to the connection of one heating flow path 262, and the tube 54 of the replenishment flow path 141 is connected to the connection of the other heating flow path 262. Thus, one heating flow path 262 constitutes a part of the dialysate flow path 121, and the other heating flow path 262 constitutes a part of the replenishment flow path 141.

[0072] The upper frame-shaped portion 251 is provided, for example, on the upper edge portion 50a of the heating plate 50. The upper frame-shaped portion 251 is provided at both ends of the upper edge portion 50a in the left-right direction Y. The upper frame-shaped portion 251 is formed into a square shape, and a hole 290 is formed in the center of the upper frame-shaped portion 251 for engaging with the upper hook portion 170 of the frame body 51.

[0073] The lower frame-shaped portion 252 is provided, for example, at the lower edge 50b of the heating plate 50. The lower frame-shaped portion 252 is located at the center of the lower edge 50b in the left-right direction Y. The lower frame-shaped portion 252 is formed into a square shape, and a hole 291 is formed in the center of the lower frame-shaped portion 252 to engage with the protrusion 180 of the frame-shaped body 51.

[0074] like Figure 6 As shown, the pressing member 52 has a generally rectangular, thin plate shape. The pressing member 52 is transparent, for example, made of PET (polyethylene terephthalate). The low-temperature flexibility and impact strength of the pressing member 52 are higher than those of the heating plate 50 at low temperatures. The area of ​​the pressing member 52 is larger than that of the heating plate 50, and it can cover the entire surface of the heating plate 50.

[0075] The pressing member 52 includes: an upper locking part 320 for locking to a hook 170 on the upper part 51a of the frame-shaped body 51; and a lower locking part 321 for locking to a hook 190 on the lower part 51b of the frame-shaped body 51.

[0076] The upper locking part 320 and the lower locking part 321 are formed by square-shaped openings.

[0077] <Metrological Chamber>

[0078] like Figure 1 As shown, the metering chamber 53 is located at the lower part of the frame-like body 51. The metering chamber 53 is a chamber used to manage the amount of fluid removed from the patient and to meter the total amount of dialysate supplied to the blood purifier 70, the amount of waste dialysate discarded from the blood purifier 70, and the amount of rehydration fluid supplied to the blood circuit 71.

[0079] Figure 7 This is a three-dimensional view of the front surface of the metering chamber 53. Figure 8 This is a three-dimensional view of the rear surface of the metering chamber 53.

[0080] The metering chamber 53 includes: a chamber body 350; and a protective cover 351 that covers the front and rear surfaces of the chamber body 350 for protecting the chamber body 350. Furthermore, the protective cover 351 need not cover the entire front and rear surfaces of the chamber body 350, but only a portion of the front surface and a portion of the rear surface of the chamber body 350.

[0081] Figure 9 This is a three-dimensional view of the main body of the chamber 350 as seen from the front surface side. (Example) Figure 9 As shown, the chamber body 350 is formed as a thin plate and is transparent, for example, made of vinyl chloride, the same material as tube 54. The chamber body 350 has, for example, a generally square upper square portion 350a; and a generally square lower square portion 350b, which is located below the upper square portion 350a and is larger than the upper square portion 350a. The chamber body 350 internally has, for example, three storage sections 400, 401, and 402; seven inlets / outlets 410-416; and seven flow paths 420-426.

[0082] Storage sections 400, 401, and 402 are arranged laterally in the lower square portion 350b of the chamber body 350. Storage sections 400, 401, and 402 have a cylindrical shape that is longer in the vertical direction Z. For example, when viewing the chamber body 350 from the front surface side, the first storage section 400 is located on the left, the second storage section 401 is located in the center, and the third storage section 402 is located on the right.

[0083] For example, the first to third entrances 410 are arranged in this order from bottom to top on the left edge of the upper square portion 350a of the chamber body 350, and the fourth entrance 413 is arranged in this order on the upper edge of the upper square portion 350a. The fifth and sixth entrances 414 and 415 are arranged in this order from bottom to top on the right edge of the upper square portion 350a, and the seventh entrance 416 is arranged in this order on the right side of the fourth entrance 413, which is located on the upper edge of the upper square portion 350a.

[0084] The first flow path 420 connects the upper part of the first storage section 400 to the first inlet / outlet 410. The second flow path 421 connects the lower part of the first storage section 400 to the second inlet / outlet 411. The third flow path 422 connects the lower part of the second storage section 401 to the third inlet / outlet 412. The fourth flow path 423 connects the upper part of the second storage section 401 to the fourth inlet / outlet 413. The fifth flow path 424 connects the lower part of the second storage section 401 to the fifth inlet / outlet 414. The sixth flow path 425 connects the lower part of the third storage section 402 to the sixth inlet / outlet 415. The seventh flow path 426 connects the upper part of the third storage section 402 to the seventh inlet / outlet 416.

[0085] The second flow path 421 and the third flow path 422 pass between the first storage section 400 and the second storage section 401 in the vertical direction Z. The fifth flow path 424 and the sixth flow path 425 pass to the right side of the third storage section 402 in the vertical direction Z.

[0086] For example, in the lower square portion 350b of the chamber body 350, there is a hole 440 that constitutes the positioning mechanism 430 and serves as a recess that engages with the protrusion 530 of the rear surface cover 450 described later. The hole 440 is provided in two locations. One hole 440 is, for example, close to the second storage portion 401 and the third storage portion 402, and is provided in the region R1 enclosed by the second storage portion 401, the third storage portion 402, the fourth flow path 423, and the seventh flow path 426. The other hole 440 is, for example, close to the second storage portion 401 and the third storage portion 402, and is provided in the region R2 enclosed by the second storage portion 401, the third storage portion 402, and the fifth flow path 424. Furthermore, the hole 440 can be a through hole or a bottomed recess formed on the rear surface side.

[0087] The first inlet / outlet 410 and the second inlet / outlet 411 are connected to the pipe 54 of the waste fluid flow path 130 of the flow path holding device 40. Thus, the first storage unit 400 functions as a metering unit to temporarily store and measure the dialysate discarded from the blood purifier 70. The third inlet / outlet 412 and the fifth inlet / outlet 414 are connected to the pipe 54 of the dialysate flow path 121 of the flow path holding device 40. Thus, the second storage unit 401 functions as a metering unit to temporarily store and measure the dialysate supplied to the blood purifier 70. The sixth inlet / outlet 415 is connected to the pipe 54 of the replenishment flow path 141 of the flow path holding device 40. Thus, the third storage unit 402 functions as a metering unit to temporarily store and measure the replenishment fluid supplied to the blood circuit 71.

[0088] The metering chamber 53 uses the metering device 32 in the main body 10 to measure the total weight of the amount of dialysis fluid supplied to the blood purifier 70, the amount of waste dialysis fluid discarded from the blood purifier 70, and the amount of replenishment fluid supplied to the blood circuit 71. The metering chamber 53 can grasp the change in the total weight, i.e. the change in the amount of fluid removed from the patient.

[0089] like Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the protective cover 351 has: a rear surface cover 450 that covers the rear surface of the chamber body 350; and a front surface cover 451 that covers the front surface of the chamber body 350.

[0090] Figure 10 This is a perspective view of the rear surface cover 450 as seen from the front surface side. (See image below.) Figure 10 As shown, the rear surface cover 450 is formed as a thinner plate corresponding to the shape of the chamber body 350. The rear surface cover 450 is harder than the chamber body 350 and has higher brittleness. The rear surface cover 450 is made of polypropylene, for example. The rear surface cover 450 has, for example, a generally square upper square portion 450a; and a generally square lower square portion 450b, which is located below the upper square portion 450a and is larger than the upper square portion 450a.

[0091] The lower square portion 450b has three storage portions 460 to 462, which respectively house the storage portions 400 to 402 of the main body 350. Each storage portion 460, 461, and 462 is formed in a semi-cylindrical shape and corresponds to the shape of the storage portions 400 to 402.

[0092] Each storage section 460, storage section 461, and storage section 462 has, for example, an upper surface 470 to an upper surface 472 that covers the rear surface side of the upper portion of the storage section 400 to the storage section 402; a lower surface 480 to a lower surface 482 that covers the rear surface side of the lower portion of the storage section 400 to the storage section 402; and a side surface 490 to a side surface 492 that covers the side portion of the rear surface side of the storage section 400 to the storage section 402.

[0093] like Figure 8 and Figure 10 As shown, square windows 500 extending vertically are formed on each side 490, side 491, and side 492. The liquid detection sensor 62 inside the main body 10 of the device can detect the liquid in the storage section 400 to the storage section 402 through the windows 500.

[0094] like Figure 8 As shown, a flat surface 510 is formed on the rear surface (outer surface) of each side 490, side 491, and side 492. The rear surface of each side 490, side 491, and side 492 is located on the side (rearmost) of the metering chamber 53 closest to the main body 10 of the device. When the metering chamber 53 is provided with the metering device 32, this part is close to the wall surface 61.

[0095] like Figure 10 As shown, the lower square portion 450b has side protrusions 520 on both sides in the left-right direction Y, serving as mounting portions for placing the metering chamber 53 on the main body portion 10 of the device. Each side protrusion 520 protrudes outward in a rod-like shape toward the outer side of the lower square portion 450b in the left-right direction Y. Each side protrusion 520, for example, has two upper protrusions 521 and two lower protrusions 522.

[0096] like Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown, the lower square portion 450b has a protrusion 530 that engages with the hole 440 of the chamber body 350. Figure 11 This indicates that the rear cover 450 is installed on the chamber body 350. A protrusion 530 is provided on the front surface (inner surface) of the rear cover 450. For example, the protrusion 530 is provided between the receiving portion 461 and the receiving portion 462, at positions corresponding vertically to the holes 440 in the chamber body 350. The positioning mechanism 430, which positions the protective cover 351 and the chamber body 350, is composed of the protrusion 530 of the rear cover 450 and the holes 440 in the chamber body 350.

[0097] The upper square portion 450a has a pressing portion 540 that presses the chamber body 350, which is mounted on the rear surface cover 450, from its front surface side. The pressing portion 540 is provided at two locations near the left and right ends of the upper square portion 450a. One pressing portion 540 presses near the first inlet / outlet 410 to the third inlet / outlet 412 from the front surface side, and the other pressing portion 540 presses near the fifth inlet / outlet 414 and the sixth inlet / outlet 415 from the front surface side.

[0098] like Figure 10 As shown, for example, the pressing part 540 has: a first part 540a, which extends forward in the front direction X of the upper square part 450a; and a second part 540b, which is connected to the top end of the first part 540a and extends downward in the upper direction Z from the top end.

[0099] Figure 12 This is a perspective view of the front surface cover 451 as seen from the rear surface. (Example) Figure 12 As shown, the front surface cover 451 is formed as a relatively thin plate corresponding to the shape of the chamber body 350. The front surface cover 451 is harder than the chamber body 350 and has higher brittleness. The front surface cover 451 is made of polypropylene, for example. The front surface cover 451 has, for example, a generally square square portion 451a corresponding to the shape of the lower square portion 350b of the chamber body 350.

[0100] The square portion 451a has three storage sections 560 to 562 that respectively house the storage sections 400 to 402 of the main body 350 of the chamber. An opening 570 is formed in each of the storage sections 560 to 562, allowing the user to visually view the liquid level in the storage sections 400 to 402 from the front surface side through the opening 570.

[0101] like Figure 7 As shown, the protective cover 351 has a locking mechanism 600 for engaging the rear surface cover 450 and the front surface cover 451. The locking mechanisms 600 are respectively provided near the four corners of the lower square portion 350b of the chamber body 350. The locking mechanisms 600 provided at both ends of the upper part of the lower square portion 350b in the left-right direction Y are referred to as the first locking mechanism 610, and the locking mechanisms 600 provided at both ends of the lower part of the lower square portion 350b in the left-right direction Y are referred to as the second locking mechanism 611.

[0102] like Figure 13 As shown, the first locking mechanism 610 includes, for example, an upper locking part 630; an upper locked part 631 locked to the upper locking part 630; and an upper limiting part 632 that limits the upper locking part 630 from disengaging from the upper locked part 631.

[0103] The upper locking portion 630 is provided on the lower square portion 450b of the rear surface cover 450. The upper locking portion 630 has: a first portion 630a, which extends forward of the lower square portion 450b; and a claw-shaped second portion 630b, which extends from the top end of the first portion 630a and protrudes upward from the top end.

[0104] The upper locking part 631 is provided on the square part 451a of the front surface cover 451. The upper locking part 631 has: a hole 631a through which the upper locking part 630 passes; and a plate part 631b provided on the upper side of the hole 631a for the second part 630b of the upper locking part 630 to be hooked.

[0105] An upper limiting part 632 is provided in the square portion 451a of the front surface cover 451. The upper limiting part 632 is provided in the hole 631a of the upper locked part 631 and has a plate-shaped shape that restricts the second part 630b of the upper locked part 630 from moving downward in the disengagement direction. The distance between the upper limiting part 632 and the first part 630a of the upper locked part 630 is less than the locking amount of the second part 630b of the upper locked part 630 relative to the upper locked part 631. However, since the upper limiting part 632 is in the shape of a leaf spring provided in the hole 631a, the upper limiting part 632 can easily move in the front-rear direction X, thereby making it easy to engage the upper locked part 630 and the upper locked part 631.

[0106] like Figure 14 As shown, the second locking mechanism 611 includes, for example: a lower locking part 640; a lower locked part 641 locked to the lower locking part 640; and a lower limiting part 642 that limits the lower locking part 640 from disengaging from the lower locked part 641.

[0107] The lower locking portion 640 is provided on the lower square portion 450b of the rear surface cover 450. The lower locking portion 640 has: a first portion 640a, which extends forward of the lower square portion 450b; and a claw-shaped second portion 640b, which extends from the top end of the first portion 640a and protrudes downward from the top end.

[0108] The lower locking part 641 is provided on the square part 451a of the front surface cover 451. The lower locking part 641 has: a hole 641a through which the lower locking part 640 passes; and a plate part 641b provided on the lower side of the hole 641a for the second part 640b of the lower locking part 640 to be hooked.

[0109] A lower limiting part 642 is provided in the square portion 451a of the front surface cover 451. The lower limiting part 642 is provided in the hole 641a of the lower locked part 641 and has a plate-shaped shape that restricts the second part 640b of the lower locked part 640 from moving upward in the disengagement direction. The distance between the lower limiting part 642 and the first part 640a of the lower locked part 640 is less than the locking amount of the second part 640b of the lower locked part 640 relative to the lower locked part 641. However, since the lower limiting part 642 is in the shape of a leaf spring provided in the hole 641a, the lower limiting part 642 can easily move in the front-rear direction X, thereby making it easy to engage the lower locked part 640 and the lower locked part 641.

[0110] like Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the protective cover 351 has a correction part 650 that clamps a portion of the chamber body 350 from the front surface side and the rear surface side to correct the deflection of the chamber body 350.

[0111] The corrective part 650 has: a rear surface portion 660 disposed on the inner surface (front surface) of the rear surface cover 450; and a front surface portion 661 disposed on the inner surface (rear surface) of the front surface cover 451.

[0112] like Figure 10 As shown, the rear surface portion 660 has a plate-shaped form extending forward from the lower square portion 450b of the rear surface cover 450, with its plate surface facing the left-right direction Y. The rear surface portion 660 is positioned so as not to interfere with the storage portions 400-402 and flow paths 420-426 of the chamber body 350. When viewed from the front surface, the rear surface portion 660 has, for example, a first rear surface portion 670 located between the first storage portion 460 and the second storage portion 461 of the lower square portion 450b; a second rear surface portion 671 located between the second storage portion 461 and the third storage portion 462; and a third rear surface portion 672 located to the right of the third storage portion 462. Each of the rear surface portions 670, 671, and 672 is provided in multiple locations, for example, three locations, arranged in the vertical direction. One of the rear surface portions 670 is located at a height corresponding to the upper part of the storage portions 460 to 462. Another rear surface portion 670 is located at a height corresponding to the lower part of the storage portions 460 to 462. The remaining rear surface portion 670 is located at a height corresponding to the center of the storage portions 460 to 462 in the vertical direction Z. Rear surface portions 671 and 672 are also located at the same three positions as the rear surface portion 670.

[0113] like Figure 12As shown, the front surface portion 661 has a plate-shaped form extending rearward from the square portion 451a of the front surface cover 451, with its plate surface facing the left-right direction Y. The front surface portion 661 is located in a position that does not interfere with the storage portions 400 to 402 and the flow paths 420 to 426 of the chamber body 350, and is located in a position corresponding to the rear surface portion 660. When viewed from the rear surface, the front surface portion 661 has, for example, a first front surface portion 680, which is located between the first storage portion 560 and the second storage portion 561 of the square portion 451a; a second front surface portion 681, which is located between the second storage portion 561 and the third storage portion 562; and a third front surface portion 682, which is located to the left of the third storage portion 562. Each of the front surface portions 680, 681, and 682 is provided in multiple locations, for example, three locations, arranged in the vertical direction. One of the front surface portions 680 is located at a height corresponding to the upper part of the storage portions 560 to 562. Another front surface portion 680 is located at a height corresponding to the lower part of the storage portions 560 to 562. The remaining front surface portion 680 is located at a height corresponding to the center of the storage portions 560 to 562 in the vertical direction Z. Front surface portions 681 and 682 are also located at the same three positions as the front surface portion 680.

[0114] like Figure 15 As shown, the rear surface portion 660 of the rear surface cover 450 abuts against the rear surface of the chamber body 350, and the front surface portion 661 of the front surface cover 451 abuts against the front surface of the chamber body 350. The chamber body 350 is clamped by the rear surface portion 660 and the front surface portion 661 and is corrected for flexural deformation.

[0115] Next, the method of using the above-mentioned metering chamber 53 will be explained.

[0116] For metering chamber 53, during transport and use (liquid handling), such as Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, a protective cover 351 is installed on the chamber body 350. At this time, the rear surface cover 450 and the front surface cover 451 cover the front and rear surfaces of the chamber body 350, and the rear surface cover 450 and the front surface cover 451 are engaged with each other by the engaging mechanism 600.

[0117] At this time, as Figure 11 As shown, the protrusion 530 of the front cover 451 and the hole 440 of the chamber body 350 are engaged by the positioning mechanism 430, and the chamber body 350 and the protective cover 351 are positioned.

[0118] In addition, such as Figure 7 , Figure 8 and Figure 15 As shown, the chamber body 350 is clamped from the front surface side and the rear surface side by the correction part 650 of the protective cover 351 and its deflection is corrected.

[0119] Furthermore, when using it, such as Figure 16 , Figure 17 As shown, the measuring chamber 53 is located in the measuring instrument 32 of the main body 10 of the device. At this time, the side protrusion 520 of the protective cover 351 is supported by the support portion 60 of the measuring instrument 32, as shown. Figure 18 As shown, the flat surface 510 of the rear cover 450 is close to the wall surface 61. When liquid processing begins, the liquid detection sensor 62 detects the liquid volume in the storage sections 400 to 402 of the chamber body 350 via the window 500 of the rear cover 450. The detection results of the liquid volume in the storage sections 400 to 402 of the chamber body 350 are used for flow control of various liquid flow paths in the liquid circuit 14, etc.

[0120] According to this embodiment, the metering chamber 53 includes a protective cover 351 that covers the front and rear surfaces of the chamber body 350 to protect the chamber body 350. The protective cover 351 includes a side protrusion 520 for mounting the metering chamber 53 onto the device body 10 of the blood purification device 1. Therefore, the metering chamber 53 can be easily mounted onto the blood purification device 1 while suppressing damage during transport, etc.

[0121] The protective cover 351 includes a front surface cover 451 located on the front surface side of the chamber body 350, a rear surface cover 450 located on the rear surface side of the chamber body 350, and a locking mechanism 600 for engaging the front surface cover 451 and the rear surface cover 450. This allows for easy installation of the protective cover 351 relative to the chamber body 350.

[0122] The locking mechanism 600 includes locking portions 630 and 640 provided on the rear surface cover 450, locked portions 631 and 641 provided on the front surface cover 451, and limiting portions 632 and 642 that prevent the locking portions 630 and 640 from disengaging from the locked portions 631 and 641. Thus, for example, when transporting the metering chamber 53, it is possible to prevent the protective cover 351 from disengaging.

[0123] The locking mechanism 600 is located near the four corners of the lower square portion 350b of the chamber body 350, thus more reliably preventing the protective cover 351 from detaching.

[0124] The metering chamber 53 is equipped with a positioning mechanism 430 that positions the protective cover 351 and the chamber body 350. Therefore, the position of the chamber body 350 is stable, and the liquid in the storage section 400 to storage section 402 of the chamber body 350 can be accurately detected using the liquid detection sensor 62. As a result, the blood purification device 1 can be properly processed.

[0125] The positioning mechanism 430 has a protrusion 530 on the protective cover 351 and a hole 440 on the chamber body 350. The protective cover 351 and the chamber body 350 are positioned by the engagement of the protrusion 530 and the hole 440. Thus, the protective cover 351 and the chamber body 350 can be positioned with a simple structure without taking up much space.

[0126] The protective cover 351 has a correction part 650 that clamps a portion of the chamber body 350 from the front surface side and the rear surface side to correct the deflection of the chamber body 350. As a result, the deflection of the chamber body 350 is corrected, the position of the chamber body 350 is stabilized, and therefore the liquid in the storage section 400 to storage section 402 of the chamber body 350 can be detected with good accuracy using the liquid detection sensor 62.

[0127] The protective cover 351 has a flat surface 510 near the wall 61 of the main body 10 of the device. As a result, the distance between the liquid detection sensor 62 and the storage sections 400 to 402 of the chamber body 350 is shortened. Consequently, the liquid in the storage sections 400 to 402 can be detected with good accuracy using the liquid detection sensor 62.

[0128] The protective cover 351 is configured such that an opening 570 is provided on the front surface cover 451, allowing the storage sections 400 to 402 of the main body 350 of the chamber to be viewed from the outside. Thus, even with the protective cover 351 present, the user can still view the storage sections 400 to 402, for example, to check the liquid level in the storage sections 400 to 402.

[0129] The chamber body 350 is made of vinyl chloride. In this case, the chamber body 350 and the vinyl chloride tube 54 can be easily connected by means of bonding or the like. On the other hand, the strength of the chamber body 350 decreases at low temperatures, but damage to the chamber body 350 can be prevented by using a protective cover 351.

[0130] The structure of the metering chamber 53 described in the above embodiments is not limited thereto. For example, the chamber body 350 and the protective cover 351 are not limited to the embodiments described above.

[0131] The mounting portion of the protective cover 351 for mounting on the main body 10 of the device may not be the side protrusion 520. In addition, the side protrusion 520 may be provided on the front surface cover 451, or on both the front surface cover 451 and the rear surface cover 450.

[0132] Alternatively, the protective cover 351 may not utilize the engaging mechanism 600 to engage the rear surface cover 450 and the front surface cover 451; instead, the rear surface cover 450 and the front surface cover 451 may be formed as a single unit. The structure of the engaging mechanism 600 is not limited to the above-described embodiments.

[0133] For example, the position and number of the locking mechanism 600 are not limited to the above embodiments. Alternatively, the locking part of the locking mechanism 600 may be provided on the front surface cover 451, and the locked part may be provided on the rear surface cover 450.

[0134] The positioning mechanism 430 used to position the protective cover 351 and the chamber body 350 may not necessarily be the protrusion 530 and the hole 440. The straightening part 650 may also have other structures.

[0135] The structure of the flow path holding device 40 with metering chamber 53 described in the above embodiments is not limited thereto. For example, the structures of heating plate 50, frame 51, pressing member 52, and tube 54 are not limited to the above embodiments.

[0136] The structure of the blood purification device 1 with metering chamber 53 is not limited to the above embodiments. For example, the blood purification device 1 in the above embodiments is used for dialysis treatment, but the present invention can also be applied to other fluid treatment devices such as plasma exchange therapy, leukocyte removal therapy, and continuous slow blood filtration therapy.

[0137] Industrial availability

[0138] The present invention is useful in providing a metering chamber of a liquid handling device that can be easily installed while suppressing breakage during transport, etc.

Claims

1. A metering chamber connected to a liquid flow path of a liquid handling apparatus for metering liquid flowing in the liquid flow path, wherein, The metering chamber is equipped with: A chamber body having an internal flow path and a storage section, the internal flow path being for liquid flow and the storage section being connected to the internal flow path for storing liquid; and A protective cover, which covers the front and rear surfaces of the chamber body, is used to protect the chamber body. The protective cover includes a mounting portion for placing the metering chamber in the main body of the liquid handling device. The protective cover has the following features: A front surface cover, located on the front surface side of the chamber body; and A rear surface cover, located on the rear surface side of the chamber body, The front and rear surface covers are rigid to the chamber body.

2. The metering chamber according to claim 1, wherein, The protective cover also has: A locking mechanism that engages the front surface cover and the rear surface cover.

3. The metering chamber according to claim 2, wherein, The engagement mechanism has: A locking part is provided in one of the front surface cover and the rear surface cover; The locking part, which is located in a different location from the other of the front and rear surface covers; and A limiting part that prevents the locking part from disengaging from the locked part.

4. The metering chamber according to claim 2 or 3, wherein, The main body of the chamber has a square-shaped section for arranging multiple storage compartments. The engaging mechanisms are respectively located near the four corners of the square portion.

5. The metering chamber according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The metering chamber also has a positioning mechanism for positioning the protective cover and the main body of the chamber.

6. The metering chamber according to claim 5, wherein, The positioning mechanism has a protrusion located in one of the protective cover and the chamber body, and a recess located in the other of the protective cover and the chamber body, at a different location than the protrusion. The protective cover and the chamber body are positioned by fitting the protrusion and the recess together.

7. The metering chamber according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The protective cover has a correction section that clamps a portion of the chamber body from the front and rear surface sides to correct the deflection of the chamber body.

8. The metering chamber according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The protective cover has a flat surface in the portion close to the main body of the liquid handling device.

9. The metering chamber according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The protective cover is configured as a storage section that allows the main body of the chamber to be visually viewed from the outside.

10. The metering chamber according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The main body of the chamber is made of vinyl chloride.

11. The metering chamber according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The setting part is a protrusion that extends outward from the side or front and rear surfaces of the protective cover.

12. The metering chamber according to claim 11, wherein, The protective cover has a plurality of the protrusions.

13. The metering chamber according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The protective cover has a pressing part for pressing the main body of the chamber.

14. The metering chamber according to claim 13, wherein, The pressing part presses against the vicinity of the inlet and outlet of the storage part.

15. The metering chamber according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The protective cover has multiple pressing parts for pressing the main body of the chamber.

16. The metering chamber according to claim 5, wherein, The protective cover and the chamber body have multiple positioning mechanisms.

17. The metering chamber according to claim 7, wherein, The protective cover has a plurality of the aforementioned corrective parts.

18. A liquid handling apparatus, wherein, The liquid handling device has: The metering chamber according to any one of claims 1 to 17; and The main body of the device is provided with the metering chamber.

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