Assembly system and method for assembling a frangible bellmouth into a port tube

Abstract

The present application relates to an assembly system and method for assembling a frangible bell into a port tube. The assembly system includes a platform, a tube feeding device for feeding the port tube onto the platform, a tube positioning device for moving the port tube to a predetermined position on the platform, and an assembly device for moving the port tube toward the frangible bell proximate to the platform to assemble the frangible bell into the port tube.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to an assembly system and method for assembling a fragile folded head into a port tube. Background Technology

[0002] A person's kidneys can fail due to illness or other reasons. In kidney failure, regardless of the cause, many physiological disorders are involved. The balance of water, minerals, and waste products required for daily metabolic processes is no longer possible in kidney failure. During kidney failure, toxic end products of nitrogen metabolism (urea, creatinine, uric acid, etc.) can accumulate in the blood and tissues.

[0003] Kidney failure and reduced kidney function are treated with dialysis. Dialysis removes waste products, toxins, and excess water from the body that should be removed by normally functioning kidneys. Because dialysis, used to replace kidney function, is life-saving, this treatment is crucial for many people. People with failing kidneys cannot survive without at least the filtration function of a replacement kidney.

[0004] Peritoneal dialysis is a common dialysis therapy used to treat kidney failure. Peritoneal dialysis uses a dialysis solution, which is injected into the patient's peritoneal cavity through a catheter implanted in the cavity. The dialysis solution comes into contact with the patient's peritoneum within the peritoneal cavity. Waste, toxins, and excess water travel from the patient's bloodstream through the peritoneum and into the dialysis solution. This transport of waste, toxins, and water from the bloodstream to the dialysis solution occurs due to diffusion and osmosis, creating an osmotic gradient across the peritoneum. The used osmotic solution is drained from the patient's peritoneal cavity to remove waste, toxins, and excess water from the body. This cycle is then repeated.

[0005] Several peritoneal dialysis (PD) therapies exist, including continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD), automated peritoneal dialysis (APD), and continuous flowing peritoneal dialysis (CFPD). CAPD is a manual dialysis treatment in which the patient connects an implanted catheter to a drainage device, allowing used dialysate to drain from the peritoneal cavity. The patient then manually allows fresh dialysate to flow from the solution bag through the patient's indwelling catheter and into the peritoneal cavity. The patient can then disconnect the connection between the catheter and the solution bag to allow the dialysate to remain in the peritoneal cavity, thereby removing waste, toxins, and excess water from the patient's bloodstream into the dialysate. After a retention cycle, the patient repeats the manual process described above. In CAPD, the patient performs multiple drainage, filling, and retention cycles throughout the day, for example, approximately four times per day.

[0006] Automated peritoneal dialysis (APD) is similar to CAPD in that its dialysis treatment also includes drainage, filling, and retention cycles. However, the APD device automatically performs three to four cycles of peritoneal dialysis treatment, usually overnight while the patient is asleep. The APD device is typically fluidly connected to an implanted catheter, one or more solution bags, and a drainage bag.

[0007] An APD (Automated Dialysis Device) machine pumps fresh dialysate from a dialysate source into the patient's peritoneal cavity via a catheter, allowing the dialysate to remain in the cavity, thus enabling the removal of waste products, toxins, and excess water from the patient's bloodstream into the dialysate solution. The APD machine then pumps the used dialysate from the peritoneal cavity through a catheter to a drainage device. APD machines are typically computer-controlled, allowing dialysis treatment to occur automatically when the patient is connected to the dialysis machine (e.g., while the patient is asleep). That is, the APD system automatically and sequentially pumps fluid into the peritoneal cavity, allows it to remain there, pumps fluid out of the peritoneal cavity, and repeats the process.

[0008] Similar to manual procedures, multiple drainage, filling, and retention cycles occur during APD. "Final filling" is typically used at the end of APD, remaining in the patient's peritoneal cavity when disconnected from the dialysis machine during the day. APD eliminates the need for patients to manually perform drainage, retention, and filling steps.

[0009] As mentioned above, both CAPD and APD involve the use of solution bags and drainage bags. Preparing such bags requires considerable care and skill. The bags must not leak and must be within certain specifications. The solution bags must also be sterilized to a certain level so that the solution can be safely delivered to the patient. The bags must also be properly labeled so that the user or caregiver can confirm that the patient is receiving the correct PD solution.

[0010] Fragile bends are used to seal PD solutions in solution bags. When needed, the fragile bend breaks off to establish fluid communication between the solution bag and the patient's tubing, allowing the solution to be delivered to the patient. In manufacturing these solution bags with fragile bends, the fragile bend is first assembled with a section of port tubing (e.g., a rubber sleeve), and then the assembled assembly is placed onto the solution bag. The fit between the fragile bend and the port tubing has strict specifications. Generally, the depth to which the fragile bend is inserted into the port tubing must ensure a certain distance, for example, approximately 2 mm, between the bend of the fragile bend and the end of the sleeve. Deviations from these standards will result in an assembled fragile bend and sleeve that do not meet requirements.

[0011] In existing technologies, this assembly process is highly dependent on the operator's experience, the precision of the machine, and the production tolerances of the raw materials, resulting in a high scrap rate. This not only makes the assembly process significantly inefficient but also causes considerable waste.

[0012] To improve the efficiency and reliability of the assembly process, it is necessary to propose an improved mechanism for assembling the fragile folded head into the port tube. Summary of the Invention

[0013] One aspect of this application provides an assembly system for assembling a fragile folded head into a port tube. The assembly system includes: a platform; a tube feeding device for feeding the port tube onto the platform; a tube positioning device for moving the port tube to a predetermined position on the platform; and an assembly device for moving the port tube toward the fragile folded head near the platform to assemble the fragile folded head into the port tube.

[0014] In some implementations, the platform may optionally have a guide slot for receiving the port tube and guiding it to the predetermined position.

[0015] In some embodiments, the tube positioning device optionally includes: a stop having a base surface, wherein the stop is movable between a waiting position and a working position, wherein when the stop is in the waiting position, the base surface does not intersect the path defined by the guide groove, and when the stop is in the working position, the base surface is adjacent to the distal end of the guide groove and intersects the path defined by the guide groove; a pressure block disposed above the guide groove and configured to jointly define a tube movement path along the guide groove of the platform with the guide groove; a push rod movable relative to the platform, wherein the push rod has an end piece aligned with the guide groove and for engaging a first end of the port tube; and a lever actuator for driving the push rod with a first stroke toward the base surface of the stop in the working position to move the port tube to a predetermined position where a second end of the port tube abuts against the base surface.

[0016] In some embodiments, the pressure block may optionally have a guide groove on its surface facing the platform to define the tube movement path together with the guide groove on the platform.

[0017] In some implementations, the push rod is optionally coupled to the rod actuator via a buffer mechanism configured to buffer the actuation of the rod actuator after the port tube begins to abut the base surface.

[0018] In some embodiments, the push rod may optionally include a flange projecting from the surface of the push rod, and the buffer mechanism may include a spring connected between the flange and the rod actuator.

[0019] In some embodiments, the tube feeding device may optionally include: a first guide member having a channel extending at an angle of 45-135 degrees relative to the horizontal direction; and a second guide member including a rotatable sleeve for receiving the port tube exiting the channel, the rotatable sleeve being configured to rotate relative to each other between a receiving position and a guiding position, wherein in the receiving position, a first end of the rotatable sleeve is aligned with the outlet end of the channel of the first guide member, and in the guiding position, a first end of the rotatable sleeve is aligned with the guide groove on the platform.

[0020] In some implementations, the channel of the first guide may optionally be oriented vertically.

[0021] In some embodiments, the pressure block may optionally have an inclined or curved surface configured to prevent the port tube from being dislodged from the rotatable sleeve during rotation of the rotatable sleeve from the receiving position to the guiding position.

[0022] In some implementations, the assembly apparatus may optionally include: a locking device for releasably locking the push rod to the platform; and a main actuator configured to push the platform toward the fragile head in a second stroke, thereby assembling the fragile head into a corresponding port tube on the platform.

[0023] In some embodiments, the locking device may optionally include: an inner sleeve fixed to the platform; an outer sleeve movable relative to the platform, wherein the push rod is movably received within the inner sleeve and the outer sleeve; and a drive element for driving the outer sleeve toward or away from the inner sleeve along the push rod; wherein the inner sleeve has a gripping portion and the outer sleeve has a locking portion configured to engage with the gripping portion and lock the inner sleeve and the outer sleeve onto the push rod.

[0024] In some embodiments, the gripping portion is optionally formed as a conical sleeve portion, including a plurality of deformable flaps distributed along the circumference of the conical sleeve portion, and the locking portion is formed as an inner conical surface that matches the outer shape of the conical sleeve portion.

[0025] In some embodiments, the locking device may optionally include an elastic member configured to cushion the movement of the drive element after the inner sleeve and the outer sleeve are locked onto the push rod.

[0026] In some embodiments, the platform may optionally have multiple guide slots, the first guide member of the pipe feeding device may include multiple channels, the second guide member of the pipe feeding device may include multiple rotatable sleeves, and the pressure block may include multiple guide grooves.

[0027] In some embodiments, the tube positioning device may optionally include a plurality of push rods connected to the rod actuator via drive rods, and the buffer mechanism may be disposed between each of the push rods and the drive rod.

[0028] Another aspect of this application provides a method for assembling a fragile fold head into a port tube, the method comprising: conveying the port tube to a platform via a tube feeding device; moving the port tube to a predetermined position on the platform via a tube positioning device; and moving the port tube toward the fragile fold head disposed near the platform via an assembly device to assemble the fragile fold head into the port tube.

[0029] In some embodiments, the tube feeding device optionally includes: a first guide member having a channel extending at an angle of 45-135 degrees relative to the horizontal direction; and a second guide member including a rotatable sleeve for receiving the port tube exiting the channel; wherein the step of moving the port tube to the platform further includes: rotating the rotatable sleeve to a receiving position, wherein at the receiving position, a first end of the rotatable sleeve is aligned with the outlet end of the corresponding channel of the first guide member to receive the port tube exiting the channel; and rotating the rotatable sleeve to a guiding position, wherein at the guiding position, the first end of the rotatable sleeve is aligned with a guide groove on the platform.

[0030] In some embodiments, optionally, the tube positioning device includes: a stop having a base surface, wherein the stop is movable between a waiting position and a working position, wherein when the stop is in the waiting position, the base surface is outside the path defined by the guide groove, and when the stop is in the working position, the base surface is adjacent to the distal end of the guide groove and intersects the path defined by the guide groove; a pressure block disposed above the guide groove and configured to, together with the guide groove, define a tube movement path of the port tube along the guide groove of the platform; a push rod movable relative to the platform; and a lever actuator for driving the push rod. The step of moving the port tube to a predetermined position on the platform includes: moving the stop to the working position; and

[0031] The push rod is driven toward the base surface by the lever actuator in a first stroke, thereby moving the port tube to a predetermined position where one end of the port tube abuts the base surface.

[0032] In some embodiments, the assembly apparatus optionally includes: a locking device for releasably locking a push rod to the platform; and a main actuator configured to push the platform toward the fragile fold head with a second stroke. The step of driving the port tube further includes: moving the stop member from the working position to the waiting position; locking the push rod to the platform via the locking device; and driving the platform toward the fragile fold head with the main actuator in a second stroke, thereby assembling the fragile fold head into the port tube on the platform.

[0033] The advantages discussed herein can be found in one or more (and perhaps not all) of the embodiments disclosed herein. Other features and advantages are described herein and will become apparent from the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0034] Figure 1A and 1B The images show cross-sectional views of the top of a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) solution container and a non-PVC container, illustrating different embodiments of the fragile fold.

[0035] Figure 2 A perspective view of the overall structure of an assembly system according to one embodiment of this application is shown as an example;

[0036] Figure 3 For example, it is shown Figure 2 Perspective view of the lower structure of the assembly system shown;

[0037] Figure 4-8 for Figure 3The side view of the lower structure of the assembly system shown illustrates the configuration of the assembly system in each assembly process.

[0038] Figure 9-10 A cross-sectional view of a locking device of an assembly system according to an embodiment of this application is shown;

[0039] Figure 11a and 11b The images show a perspective view and a longitudinal sectional view of an inner sleeve according to an embodiment of this application, respectively.

[0040] Figure 12 A perspective view of a partial structure of a lever actuator in an assembly system according to an embodiment of this application is shown as an example.

[0041] Figure 13-14 Perspective views are provided to illustrate partial structures of the tube positioning device of an assembly system according to an embodiment of this application;

[0042] Figure 15-18 A flowchart is shown of a method for assembling a fragile folded head into a port tube according to an embodiment of this application.

[0043] List of reference numerals

[0044] 10-Assembly System 60-Inner Sleeve

[0045] 12-Platform 62-Outerwear

[0046] 14-Pipe delivery device 64-Gripping part

[0047] 16-Tube Positioning Device 66-Wing Plate

[0048] 18-Assembly device 68-Locking part

[0049] 20-Guide groove 70-Conical surface

[0050] 22-Stop component 72-Drive element

[0051] 24-Base surface 74-Elastic component

[0052] 26-Block 80-Fragile Folded Head

[0053] 28-Guide Groove 82-Port Tube

[0054] 30-Push rod 84-Port tube, first end (proximal end)

[0055] 32-Terminal section 86-Port tube, second end (far end)

[0056] 34-bar actuator 88-predetermined position

[0057] 36-Buffer mechanism 90-Waiting position

[0058] 38-Flange 92-Working Position

[0059] 40 - Spring 110a - Solution container or bag

[0060] 42-First guiding member 110b-Solution container or bag

[0061] 44-Second guide component 112-Filling port pipe

[0062] 46-Channel 114-Port Pipe

[0063] 48-Rotating Sleeve 116a-Fragile Folding Head

[0064] 50 - Channel exit end 116b - Fragile fold head

[0065] 52 - End of rotatable sleeve; 118a - Rigid plastic part

[0066] 54 - Guide surface of the pressure block; 118b - Rigid plastic part

[0067] 56-Locking device 120-Lower tube

[0068] 58-Master Actuator 122-Port Transistor Detailed Implementation

[0069] The following description uses the fragile fold and port tube used in peritoneal dialysis solution bags as an example to illustrate the assembly system and method for assembling the fragile fold into the port tube according to this application. However, it is obvious that this assembly system and method can also be used to assemble fragile folds and port tubes of other medical containers.

[0070] Now refer to the attached diagram, especially Figure 1A and Figure 1B It illustrates various embodiments of the fragile fold head of the peritoneal dialysis solution bag. Figure 1A A portion of a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) solution container or bag 110a is shown, while Figure 1B A portion of a non-PVC solution container or bag 110b is shown. Each container or solution bag 110a and 110b includes a filling port tube 112 and an injection site port tube 114.

[0071] The filling port tube 112 of the PVC solution container or bag 110a receives a PVC fragile bend 116a, which includes a PVC breakable rigid plastic part 118a. The PVC breakable rigid plastic part 118a is sealed within the lower tube 120 of the PVC fragile bend 116a. The lower tube 120 may also be made of PVC and sealed inside the filling port tube 112. The PVC fragile bend 116a can be inserted into a port tube 122, which may be made of PVC and connected to a filling line (not shown) extending to a Y-shaped connector.

[0072] The filling port tube 112 of the non-PVC solution container or bag 110b receives a non-PVC fragile flap 116b, which includes a non-PVC destructible rigid plastic part 118b. As shown, the non-PVC destructible rigid plastic part 118b is not sealed within the lower tube, but is directly sealed inside the filling port tube 112. The non-PVC fragile flap 116b can be inserted into a port tube 122, which may be made of non-PVC material and connected to a filling line (not shown) extending to a Y-shaped connector.

[0073] The assembly system and method discussed herein are also applicable to PVC fragile bends 116a, non-PVC fragile bends 116b, and other fragile bend constructions, which are collectively referred to herein and are commonly referred to as fragile bends. Similarly, the assembly system and method discussed herein are also applicable to port tubes 122 made of PVC or non-PVC, which are collectively referred to herein and are commonly referred to herein as port tubes. In this application, the length of the port tube can be set according to the needs of the application scenario, for example, 50 mm, but this document does not intend to limit the length of the port tube.

[0074] The following will combine Figure 2-18 The embodiments of this application are described in detail below. Some of the accompanying drawings may provide a better visual representation when describing specific parts of the assembly system 10, allowing the reader to understand the components of the assembly system 10 based on these drawings. To avoid causing confusion, some reference numerals in these drawings have been omitted.

[0075] For example, such as Figure 2 As shown, the assembly system 10 includes a platform 12, a pipe feeding device 14, a pipe positioning device 16, and an assembly device 18.

[0076] The tube feeding device 14 is configured to deliver the port tube 82 to the work platform 12, so as to position the port tube 82 on the work platform 12 and insert the fragile bend 80 into the port tube 82. The tube feeding device 14 can have various specific forms. Figure 3 and 4As shown, in some embodiments, the tube feeding device 14 may include a first guide member 42 and a second guide member 44. The first guide member 42 may have a channel 46 extending at an angle of 45-135 degrees relative to the horizontal direction. The port tube 82 can be fed under gravity along the channel 46 of the first guide member 42 to the second guide member 44 located below the channel 46.

[0077] exist Figure 4 In the embodiment shown, the channel 46 can be oriented vertically (i.e. at 90 degrees relative to the horizontal direction), which facilitates the automatic feeding of the port tube 82 to the bottom of the channel 46 under the action of gravity, thereby simplifying the structure of the tube feeding device 14.

[0078] In some embodiments, the length of channel 46 can be several times the length of port tube 82, thereby accommodating several port tubes 82 in a single channel 46. Whenever a preceding port tube 82 is delivered to platform 12, the following port tube 82 automatically falls to the position of the preceding port tube 82, thereby achieving continuous replenishment of port tubes 82.

[0079] like Figure 2-8 As shown, the second guide member 44 includes a rotatable sleeve 48 that can receive and transfer the port tube 82 exiting the lower end of the channel 46 of the first guide member 44 to the platform 12. The rotatable sleeve 48 is configured to rotate relative to the platform 12. Figure 4 The receiving position shown (where the rotatable sleeve 48 is in a vertical orientation) and Figure 6 The guide position shown (where the rotatable sleeve 48 is in a horizontal orientation).

[0080] like Figure 4 As shown, when the rotatable sleeve 48 is in the receiving position, its first end 52, away from the center of rotation, is aligned with the outlet end 50 of the channel 46 of the first guide member 42, thereby enabling it to receive the port tube 82 delivered through the outlet end 50. Then, the rotatable sleeve 48... Figure 4 The receiving location shown is via Figure 5 Rotate to the middle position shown in the figure Figure 6 The guide position is shown to facilitate subsequent positioning operations on the port tube 82, moving it to a predetermined position on the platform 12. The rotatable sleeve 48 moves from the same... Figure 4 The receiving position shown is towards Figure 6 During the guided positioning process shown, except for the rotatable sleeve 48 which undergoes continuous state changes, the other components of the assembly system 10 can maintain their original state.

[0081] In some embodiments, a sensor, such as a photoelectric sensor, can be disposed within or near the rotatable sleeve 48 to detect whether the port tube 82 has fallen into the rotatable sleeve 48 from the channel 46 as expected. If the sensor detects that the port tube 82 has not fallen into the rotatable sleeve 48 as expected, the operation of the assembly system 10 is paused, and a fault warning signal is issued to the operator of the assembly system 10, notifying the operator to inspect the equipment and troubleshoot the fault. After the operator has troubleshooted the fault, the operation of the assembly system 10 can be manually resumed by the operator, or the control device of the assembly system 10 can automatically resume the operation of the assembly system 10 according to a preset restart signal.

[0082] like Figure 3 As shown, the platform 12 of the assembly system 10 has a guide slot 20 for receiving the port tube 82 and guiding it. Figure 7 The predetermined position 88 is shown.

[0083] like Figure 6 As shown, when the rotatable sleeve 48 is in the guide position, the first end 52 of the rotatable sleeve 48 is aligned with the guide groove 20 on the platform 12. The pipe positioning device 16 can move the port pipe 82 inside the rotatable sleeve 48 to a predetermined position 88 on the platform 12. In some embodiments, multiple guide grooves 20 can be provided on the platform, and when multiple port pipes 82 in the guide grooves 20 are moved to the predetermined position 88, the same end (i.e., the left end in the figure) of the multiple port pipes 82 is aligned with each other.

[0084] The tube positioning device 16 of this application can have various specific forms, as long as it can position the port tube 82 at a predetermined position 88 on the platform 12. For example... Figure 3 As shown, in some embodiments, the tube positioning device 16 may include a stop 22, a pressure block 26, a push rod 30, and a rod actuator 34.

[0085] exist Figure 3 In the illustrated embodiment, the stop 22 is constructed as a longitudinal member with a generally L-shaped cross-section and a substantially vertically oriented base surface 24. The base surface 24 of the stop 22 is used for positioning one or more port tubes 82 on the platform 12. The stop 22 can be driven to move vertically between a waiting position 90 and a working position 92.

[0086] like Figure 6 As shown, when the stop 22 is in the waiting position 90, the base surface 24 does not intersect the axial direction of the guide groove 20, thus the base surface 24 is located outside the path defined by the guide groove 20 (extending in a generally horizontal direction). And as... Figure 7 As shown, when the stop 22 is in the working position 92, the base surface 24 is adjacent to the far end of the guide groove 20 (i.e., at...). Figure 6The stop 22 is located on the left side of the guide groove 20 and intersects the path defined by the guide groove 20. In some embodiments, the stop 22 is configured relative to the platform 12 such that the base surface 24 of the stop 22 in the working position 92 abuts against the distal edge of the guide groove 20.

[0087] In some embodiments, the stop 22 is configured relative to the platform 12 such that the base surface 24 of the stop 22 in the working position 92 is spaced a certain distance from the distal edge of the guide groove 20, for example, 0.5 mm. This avoids friction between the base surface 24 and the distal edge of the guide groove 20 during the up-and-down movement of the stop 22, preventing wear on the base surface 24. However, it is obvious that the distance between the base surface 24 and the distal edge of the guide groove 20 should not be too large, so as to prevent the port tube 82 from extending too far from the distal edge of the guide groove 20, which could easily cause deformation of the distal end of the port tube 82 during subsequent assembly of the fragile folded head, increasing the assembly difficulty.

[0088] A pressure block 26 is disposed above the guide groove 20. The bottom surface of the pressure block 26 is a certain distance from the top surface of the guide groove 20, such that the pressure block 26 and the guide groove 20 together define a pipe movement path, and the port pipe 82 can be actuated to move along the pipe movement path to a predetermined position 88. The distance between the bottom surface of the pressure block 26 and the top surface of the guide groove 20 can be set according to the diameter of the port pipe 82 and the size of the guide groove 20. In some embodiments, the distance between the bottom surface of the pressure block 26 and the top surface of the guide groove 20 is set such that the size of the pipe movement path defined by the pressure block 26 and the guide groove 20 is slightly larger than the diameter of the port pipe 82, thereby limiting the deformation of the port pipe 82 during its movement along the pipe movement path.

[0089] In some embodiments, a guide groove 28 may be provided on the surface of the pressure block 26 facing the platform 12. The guide groove 28 and the corresponding guide groove 20 on the platform 12 together define the tube movement path. In some embodiments, the pressure block 26 is positioned such that there is a gap between its distal side and the base surface 24 of the stop member 22. The size of this gap is set to prevent the base surface 24 from rubbing against the distal side of the pressure block 26 during the up-and-down movement of the stop member 22, and to limit the deformation of the distal end of the port tube 82 during the assembly of the fragile fold 80 into the port tube 82. For example, the gap may be set to 0.1-1 mm or other suitable size. The present invention does not intend to limit the size of this gap.

[0090] In some embodiments, the proximal end of the pressure block 26 may also have a surface formed as an inclined surface. Figure 4 A limiting surface 54, either curved or not shown, extends or is recessed from the top surface of the pressure block 26 toward the distal end, thereby enabling the rotatable sleeve 48 to... Figure 4 The receiving position shown is towards Figure 6During the rotation of the guide position shown, the limiting port tube 82 is disengaged from the rotatable sleeve 48 due to centrifugal force.

[0091] The push rod 30 is positioned near the proximal end of the guide groove 20 and is movable relative to the platform 12. The push rod 30 may have an end portion 32 aligned with the guide groove 20. In some embodiments, the end portion 32 may be configured to... Figure 10 The end portion 32 is shaped like a frustum, with its diameter gradually decreasing in the direction away from the push rod 30, thus facilitating insertion into the proximal end 84 of the port tube 82 and automatic centering. Obviously, the end portion 32 can also be constructed in other shapes, such as a cylinder with a diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the port tube 82, or a combination of several cylinders and / or frustums with diameters decreasing in the direction away from the push rod 30, as long as the size and shape of the end portion 32 are configured to engage within the proximal end 84 of the port tube 82.

[0092] The lever actuator 34 is mechanically coupled to the push rod 30, thereby driving the push rod 30 to travel in a target direction. For example, the lever actuator 34 can drive the push rod 30 towards the base surface 24 of the stop member 22 in the working position 92 during a first stroke, thereby pushing the port tube 82 via the push rod 30 to a predetermined position 88 such that the distal end 86 of the port tube 82 abuts against the base surface 24.

[0093] Due to manufacturing tolerances, the lengths of the individual port tubes 82 may vary. To ensure that all port tubes 82 of different lengths reach the predetermined position 88 where their distal ends 86 abut against the base surface 24, the length of the first stroke should be set such that the port tube 82 with the largest negative tolerance length is pushed to the position where its distal end 86 abuts against the base surface 24. In this case, for some port tubes 82 (e.g., port tubes 82 with smaller negative or positive tolerance lengths), after the distal end 86 has abutted against the base surface 24, the push rod 30 will continue to be driven by the lever actuator 34 to push the port tube 82 further to its distal end until the lever actuator 34 completes the first stroke.

[0094] To prevent the push rod 30 from continuing to push and causing deformation of the port tube 82, in some embodiments, the push rod 30 can be connected to the lever actuator 34 via a buffer mechanism 36. The buffer mechanism 36 is configured to absorb / buffer the actuation of the lever actuator 34 after the distal end 86 of the port tube 82 abuts against the base surface 24, so that the actuating force of the lever actuator 34 is absorbed by the buffer mechanism 36, thereby the push rod 30 is no longer driven to continue pushing the port tube 82, thus preventing deformation of the port tube 82.

[0095] In some embodiments, the buffer mechanism 36 is configured as a helical spring 40 sleeved on the push rod 30, such as Figure 12As shown. Correspondingly, the push rod 30 includes a flange 38 that projects radially from the outer peripheral surface of the push rod 30, and a helical spring 40 is disposed between the flange 38 and the lever actuator 34. The elastic coefficient of the helical spring 40 is set to be sufficiently small so that when the distal end of the port tube 82 abuts against the base surface 24, the helical spring 40 is easily deformed. The thrust applied by the lever actuator 34 will cause the helical spring 40 to compress and deform, thereby absorbing the drive of the lever actuator 34. The push rod 30 is no longer pushed to the distal end until the lever actuator 34 completes the first stroke of the drive. By providing a buffer mechanism 36 in the push rod 30 and the lever actuator 34, it can be ensured that the port tubes 82 with inconsistent lengths can abut against the base surface 24 under the push of the push rod 30, but the port tubes 82 will not deform due to excessive push by the push rod 30.

[0096] Assembly device 18 is used to move port tube 82 toward fragile fold 80 to assemble fragile fold 80 into port tube 82. Before assembly device 18 begins operation, stop 22 will be... Figure 7 The working position 92 shown in the figure is moved upwards along the direction of the arrow in the figure. Figure 8 The waiting position 90 is shown. The fragile folded head 80 is transported to a position close to the platform 12 and aligned with the corresponding port tube 82.

[0097] Assembly device 18 can travel along the second stroke Figure 8 The port tube 82 is pushed distally in the direction indicated by the middle arrow, and at least a portion of the fragile fold 80 (e.g., a destructible rigid plastic part) is inserted into the port tube 82, thereby achieving a precise fit between the two. The length of the second stroke is set such that after assembly, the distance between the lower tube of the fragile fold 80 / the flange of the destructible rigid plastic part and the end of the port tube 82 is a predetermined distance, such as 1 mm, 1.5 mm, or 2 mm.

[0098] Some aspects of this application do not limit the specific construction and form of the assembly device 18, but in some embodiments, the assembly device 18 may include a locking device 56 and a main actuator 58. The locking device 56 is used to releasably lock the push rod 30 to the platform 12, and the main actuator 58 is configured to push the platform 12 together with the push rod 30 toward the fragile fold head 80 in a second stroke, thereby assembling the fragile fold head 80 into the port tube 82 on the platform 12. The locking device 56 on the push rod 30 is releasable, thereby allowing the push rod 30 to advance the next port tube 82 relative to the platform 12 in the next cycle.

[0099] In some embodiments, the locking device 56 includes an inner sleeve 60, an outer sleeve 62, and a drive element 72, wherein the push rod 30 is movably housed within the inner sleeve 60 and the outer sleeve 62. The inner sleeve 60 is fixed to the platform 12. The drive element 72 can drive the outer sleeve 62 toward or away from the inner sleeve 60 along the push rod 30. When the drive element 72 drives the outer sleeve 62 toward the inner sleeve 60, the gripping portion 64 of the inner sleeve 60 engages with the locking portion 68 of the outer sleeve 62. As the outer sleeve 62 continues to move toward the inner sleeve 60, the outer sleeve 64 compresses the gripping portion 64, causing it to lock against the outer peripheral surface of the push rod 30 and the outer sleeve 64, thereby locking the inner sleeve 60 and the outer sleeve 62 onto the push rod 30. Thus, the push rod 30 is simultaneously locked onto the platform 12, allowing the push rod 30 to move with the platform 12.

[0100] In some embodiments, the gripping part 64 is formed as a conical sleeve, including a plurality of deformable flaps 66 distributed along the circumference of the conical sleeve, while the locking part 68 is formed as an inner conical surface 70 that matches the external shape and size of the conical sleeve. When the driving element 72 drives the outer sleeve 62 to move into the inner sleeve 60, the conical surface 70 of the outer sleeve 62 will press against the deformable flaps 66 of the inner sleeve 60, causing the deformable flaps 66 to deform radially inward, thereby locking them against the outer peripheral surface of the push rod 30 and the outer sleeve 62. Thus, the push rod 30 will be simultaneously locked onto the platform 12.

[0101] In some embodiments, the locking device 56 may further include an elastic member 74 configured to cushion the movement of the drive element 72 after the inner sleeve 60 and the outer sleeve 62 are locked onto the push rod 30. The elastic member 74 is shown in the figures as a helical spring sleeved over the outer sleeve 62. After the inner sleeve 60 and the outer sleeve 62 are locked, the elastic member 74 can cushion the continued actuation of the drive element 72, preventing the inner and outer sleeves from becoming too tight and making separation difficult in subsequent procedures.

[0102] In some embodiments, during an assembly cycle, the assembly system 10 can simultaneously perform transfer, alignment, and mating operations on, for example, 12 port tubes 82. Correspondingly, the platform 12 has a corresponding number of guide slots 20, the first guide member 42 of the tube feeding device 14 includes a corresponding number of channels 46, the second guide member 44 of the tube feeding device 14 includes a corresponding number of rotatable sleeves 48, and the pressure block 26 includes a corresponding number of guide grooves 28. The tube positioning device 16 includes a corresponding number (12) of push rods 30, the plurality of push rods 30 being coupled to the rod actuator 34 via a drive rod, and a buffer mechanism 36 being disposed between each push rod 30 and the drive rod.

[0103] Obviously, the number of the above components is not limited to 12, but can be any suitable number, such as 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 13, 14, 15, 16, etc. Those skilled in the art can adjust the size of the number according to actual needs, and this application does not intend to make any special limitation in this regard.

[0104] It should be noted that the morphological changes of each part of the assembly system 10 described above are reversible, and each part can be restored to its initial state after the morphological change. The various drive systems described above can be powered, for example, by cylinders / hydraulic cylinders.

[0105] Another aspect of this application provides a method 100 for assembling a fragile folded head 80 into a port tube 82 using an assembly system 10 such as that described above. Figure 15 As shown, method 100 specifically includes the following steps: in step S102, the port tube 82 is transported to the platform 12 by the tube feeding device 14; in step S104, the port tube 82 is moved to a predetermined position 88 on the platform 12 by the tube positioning device 16; and in step S106, the port tube 82 is moved toward the fragile fold head 80 located near the platform 12 by the assembly device 18, so as to assemble the fragile fold head 80 into the port tube 82.

[0106] In some embodiments, such as Figure 16 As shown, step S102, which moves the port tube 82 onto the platform 12, specifically includes: in step S122, rotating the rotatable sleeve 48 to the receiving position, wherein at the receiving position, the first end 52 of the rotatable sleeve 48 is aligned with the outlet end 50 of the corresponding channel 46 of the first guide member 42 to receive the port tube 82 leaving the channel 46; and in step S124, rotating the rotatable sleeve 48 to the guiding position, wherein at the guiding position, the first end 52 of the rotatable sleeve 48 is aligned with the guide groove 20 on the platform 12.

[0107] In some embodiments, such as Figure 17 As shown, step S104, which moves the port tube 82 to a predetermined position 88 on the platform 12, specifically includes: in step S142, moving the stop 22 to a working position 92, where the base surface 24 is adjacent to the far end of the guide groove 20 and intersects the path defined by the guide groove 20; and in step S144, driving the push rod 30 toward the base surface 24 by the lever actuator 34 with a first stroke, thereby moving the port tube 82 to a predetermined position 88 where one end of the port tube 82 abuts against the base surface 24.

[0108] In some embodiments, such as Figure 18As shown, step S106 of driving the port tube 82 specifically includes: in step S162, moving the stop 22 from the working position 92 to the waiting position 90. At the waiting position 90, the base surface 24 is outside the path defined by the guide groove 20. In step S164, locking the push rod 30 to the platform 12 by the locking device 56. In step S166, driving the platform 12 toward the fragile fold head 80 by the main actuator 58 with a second stroke, thereby assembling the fragile fold head 80 into the port tube 82 on the platform 12.

[0109] It should be understood that the systems and methods described above enable efficient and precise assembly of port tubes and fragile folded heads. Furthermore, various variations and modifications to the currently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. These changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the subject matter and without diminishing their intended advantages. Therefore, these changes and modifications are covered by the appended claims. For example, although the system and method have been described primarily in conjunction with a system for assembling fragile folded heads into port tubes, it should be understood that the system and method are applicable to other types of assembly systems, etc.

Claims

1. An assembly system for assembling a fragile folded head into a port tube, the assembly system comprising: platform; A pipe feeding device, used to deliver a port pipe to the platform; A pipe positioning device for moving the port pipe to a predetermined position on the platform; An assembly device is used to move a port tube in the predetermined position toward a fragile fold head disposed near the platform, so as to assemble the fragile fold head into the port tube; The assembly device includes a main actuator configured to push the platform toward the fragile fold head in a second stroke, thereby assembling the fragile fold head into a corresponding port tube on the platform; The platform includes a guide slot configured to receive the port tube and guide it to the predetermined position; and The tube feeding device includes: A first guide member, the first guide member having a channel extending at an angle of 45-135 degrees relative to the horizontal direction, and A second guide member, comprising a rotatable sleeve for receiving a port tube exiting the channel, the rotatable sleeve being configured to rotate between a receiving position and a guiding position, wherein in the receiving position, a first end of the rotatable sleeve is aligned with the outlet end of the channel of the first guide member, and in the guiding position, the first end of the rotatable sleeve is aligned with a guide groove on the platform.

2. The assembly system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The tube positioning device includes: A stop member having a base surface, wherein the stop member is movable between a waiting position and a working position, wherein when the stop member is in the waiting position, the base surface does not intersect the path defined by the guide groove, and when the stop member is in the working position, the base surface is adjacent to the distal end of the guide groove and intersects the path defined by the guide groove. A pressure block is disposed above the guide groove and configured to, together with the guide groove, restrict the movement path of the port tube toward the predetermined position. A push rod, movable relative to the platform, wherein the push rod has an end aligned with the guide slot and for engaging with a first end of the port tube; and A lever actuator is used to drive the push rod toward the base surface of the stop member in the working position with a first stroke, moving the port tube to the predetermined position, in which the second end of the port tube abuts against the base surface.

3. The assembly system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The pressure block has a guide groove on its surface facing the platform to define the tube's movement path together with a guide groove on the platform.

4. The assembly system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The push rod is connected to the rod actuator via a buffer mechanism configured to buffer the actuation of the rod actuator after the port tube begins to abut the base surface.

5. The assembly system according to claim 3, characterized in that, The push rod is connected to the rod actuator via a buffer mechanism configured to buffer the actuation of the rod actuator after the port tube begins to abut the base surface.

6. The assembly system according to claim 4, characterized in that, The push rod includes a flange projecting from the outer peripheral surface of the push rod, and the buffer mechanism includes a spring connected between the flange and the rod actuator.

7. The assembly system according to claim 5, characterized in that, The push rod includes a flange projecting from the outer peripheral surface of the push rod, and the buffer mechanism includes a spring connected between the flange and the rod actuator.

8. The assembly system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The channel of the first guide member is oriented vertically.

9. The assembly system according to any one of claims 1, 3-7, characterized in that, The channel of the first guide member is oriented vertically.

10. The assembly system according to any one of claims 2-8, characterized in that, The pressure block has an inclined surface or a curved surface, which is configured to prevent the port tube from moving out of the rotatable sleeve during the rotation of the rotatable sleeve from the receiving position to the guiding position.

11. The assembly system according to any one of claims 2-8, characterized in that, The assembly device includes: A locking device for releasably locking the push rod to the platform.

12. The assembly system according to claim 11, characterized in that, The locking device includes: Inner sleeve, which is fixed to the platform; An outer sleeve, movable relative to the platform, wherein the push rod is movably housed within the inner sleeve and the outer sleeve; and A driving element for driving the outer sleeve toward or away from the inner sleeve along the push rod; The inner sleeve has a gripping part, and the outer sleeve has a locking part, the locking part being configured to engage with the gripping part and lock the inner sleeve and the outer sleeve onto the push rod.

13. The assembly system according to claim 12, characterized in that, The gripping part is formed as a conical sleeve part, including a plurality of deformable winglets distributed along the circumference of the conical sleeve part, and the locking part is formed as an inner conical surface that matches the outer shape of the conical sleeve part.

14. The assembly system according to claim 12, characterized in that, The locking device further includes an elastic component configured to cushion the movement of the drive element after the inner sleeve and the outer sleeve are locked onto the push rod.

15. The assembly system according to any one of claims 2, 3, and 8, characterized in that, The platform has multiple guide slots, the first guide component of the pipe feeding device includes multiple channels, the second guide component of the pipe feeding device includes multiple rotatable sleeves, and the pressure block includes multiple guide grooves.

16. The assembly system according to any one of claims 4-7, characterized in that, The platform has multiple guide slots, the first guide component of the pipe feeding device includes multiple channels, the second guide component of the pipe feeding device includes multiple rotatable sleeves, and the pressure block includes multiple guide grooves.

17. The assembly system according to claim 16, characterized in that, The tube positioning device includes a plurality of push rods, which are connected to the rod actuator via a drive rod, and the buffer mechanism is disposed between each push rod and the drive rod.

18. A method for assembling a fragile folded head into a port tube, the method comprising: The port tube is delivered to the platform using a tube feeding device; The port tube is moved to a predetermined position on the platform using a tube positioning device; The port tube is moved toward the fragile fold head located near the platform by the assembly device, so as to assemble the fragile fold head into the port tube; as well as The assembly device includes a main actuator configured to push the platform toward the fragile fold head in a second stroke; The step of driving the port tube includes: driving the platform toward the fragile head by a second stroke via a main actuator, thereby assembling the fragile head into the port tube on the platform; The tube feeding device includes: A first guide member, the first guide member having a channel extending at an angle of 45-135 degrees relative to the horizontal direction, and A second guide member, the second guide member including a rotatable sleeve for receiving the port tube exiting the channel; The step of moving the port tube to the platform further includes: The rotatable sleeve is rotated to a receiving position, wherein, in the receiving position, a first end of the rotatable sleeve is aligned with the outlet end of the corresponding channel of the first guide member to receive the port tube exiting the channel; and The rotatable sleeve is rotated to a guide position, wherein the first end of the rotatable sleeve is aligned with a guide groove on the platform.

19. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that, The tube positioning device includes: A stop member having a base surface, wherein the stop member is movable between a waiting position and a working position, wherein when the stop member is in the waiting position, the base surface does not intersect the path defined by the guide groove, and when the stop member is in the working position, the base surface is adjacent to the distal end of the guide groove and intersects the path defined by the guide groove. A pressure block is disposed above the guide groove and configured to, together with the guide groove, define the pipe movement path of the port pipe toward the predetermined position; A push rod, the push rod being movable relative to the platform; and A lever actuator for driving the push rod; The step of moving the port tube to a predetermined position on the platform includes: Move the stop member to the working position; and The push rod is driven toward the base surface by the lever actuator in a first stroke, thereby moving the port tube to a predetermined position where one end of the port tube abuts the base surface.

20. The method according to claim 19, characterized in that, The assembly device includes: A locking device for releasably locking the push rod to the platform; The step of driving the port tube further includes: Move the stop member from the working position to the waiting position; The push rod is locked to the platform by a locking device.

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