Apparatus for assembling a hemodialyzer

Abstract

The present application provides an assembly apparatus of a hemodialyzer, which includes a ring assembler, a fiber bundle assembler and a membrane puller. The ring assembler is used to assemble a temporary ring and a dialyzer body into a first pre-assembled component. The fiber bundle assembler is arranged downstream of the ring assembler and is used to assemble a fiber bundle unit and the first pre-assembled component into a second pre-assembled component, wherein the fiber bundle unit is located inside the dialyzer body, and the fiber bundle unit includes a fiber bundle and a bundle membrane, and the bundle membrane covers the fiber bundle. The membrane puller is arranged downstream of the fiber bundle assembler and is used to pull the bundle membrane located inside the dialyzer body from the second pre-assembled component.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an assembly device, and more particularly to an assembly device for a hemodialysis machine. Background Technology

[0002] As the filter element of a dialysis machine, a hemodialysis unit filters impurities from the blood. Currently, most hemodialysis units are assembled manually. However, the disadvantages of manual assembly are its slow speed and low efficiency.

[0003] Therefore, it is necessary to design a new type of hemodialysis machine assembly equipment to overcome the above-mentioned defects. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide an assembly device for hemodialysis machines that can automate the assembly of hemodialysis machines to improve assembly efficiency.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides an assembly apparatus for a hemodialysis machine, comprising: a ring assembler for assembling a temporary ring and a dialyzer body into a first pre-assembly; a fiber bundle assembler disposed downstream of the ring assembler for assembling a fiber bundle unit and the first pre-assembly into a second pre-assembly, wherein the fiber bundle unit is located inside the dialyzer body and includes a fiber bundle and a membrane, the membrane covering the fiber bundle; and a membrane puller disposed downstream of the fiber bundle assembler for pulling the membrane located inside the dialyzer body from the second pre-assembly.

[0006] Preferably, it also includes: a first locator for adjusting the dialyzer body to a first position.

[0007] Preferably, the first positioner includes: a stop portion; and a pressure cylinder disposed opposite to the stop portion, the pressure cylinder including a piston for pressing the dialyzer body against the stop portion.

[0008] Preferably, it further includes: a first mover disposed above the first positioner, and the first mover is used to: change the dialyzer body from the first posture to the second posture; and move the dialyzer body in the second posture to the ring assembler.

[0009] Preferably, it also includes: a conveying module; and a second mover disposed above the ring assembler and the first positioner, the second mover being used to: move the first pre-assembled member onto the conveying module.

[0010] Preferably, it also includes: a second positioner for adjusting the fiber bundle unit to a first posture; and a lifting platform disposed downstream of the second positioner for raising the fiber bundle unit.

[0011] Preferably, it further includes: a third locator for adjusting the first pre-assembled member to a second posture; a loading platform; and a third mover disposed above the third locator, the third mover being used to: change the first pre-assembled member from the second posture to the first posture; and move the first pre-assembled member in the first posture to the loading platform.

[0012] Preferably, it also includes: a stop bar that presses against the end face of the fiber bundle when the first pre-assembly member is placed on the loading platform; wherein the membrane puller is further used to: pull the membrane bundle out from the second pre-assembly member when the stop bar presses against the end face of the fiber bundle, so that the fiber bundle, the temporary ring and the dialyzer body constitute the hemodialyzer.

[0013] Preferably, it also includes: a delivery module disposed downstream of the loading platform; and a fourth mover disposed above the loading platform for moving the hemodialyzer onto the delivery module.

[0014] Preferably, the fiber bundle assembler includes a pusher for pushing the fiber bundle unit into the interior of the first pre-assembled member.

[0015] Preferably, it further includes: a ring storage container for storing a plurality of the temporary rings; wherein the ring assembler is used to: pick up the recipients of the plurality of temporary rings; and attach the recipients to the end of the dialyzer body to form the first pre-assembled component.

[0016] Preferably, the ring assembler includes a picking section for: rotating to a first position; picking up the subject in the first position; rotating to a second position, wherein the second position is different from the first position; and attaching the subject to the end of the dialyzer body in the second position.

[0017] Compared with the prior art, the present invention provides an assembly device for a hemodialysis machine. The assembly device includes a ring assembler, a fiber bundle assembler, and a membrane puller. The ring assembler is used to assemble a temporary ring with the dialyzer body to form a first pre-assembled component. The fiber bundle assembler is disposed downstream of the ring assembler and is used to assemble a fiber bundle unit with the first pre-assembled component to form a second pre-assembled component. The fiber bundle unit is located inside the dialyzer body and includes a fiber bundle and a membrane, with the membrane covering the fiber bundle. The membrane puller is disposed downstream of the fiber bundle assembler and is used to pull the membrane located inside the dialyzer body out of the second pre-assembled component. In this way, automated assembly of the hemodialysis machine can be achieved to improve assembly efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1A This is a schematic diagram of a temporary ring and dialyzer body assembled into a first pre-assembled component according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 1B For fiber bundle units and Figure 1A A schematic diagram of the first pre-assembled component being assembled into the second pre-assembled component.

[0020] Figure 1C for Figure 1A A schematic diagram of the bundle membrane being pulled out from the second pre-assembled component.

[0021] Figure 2A This is a schematic diagram of an assembly device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 2B for Figure 2A Front view of the assembly equipment.

[0023] Figure 2C for Figure 2A Left view of the assembly equipment.

[0024] Figure 2D for Figure 2A The right view of the assembly equipment.

[0025] Figure 2E for Figure 2A A top view of the assembly equipment (moving modules are not shown).

[0026] Figure 2F for Figure 2A A schematic diagram of the assembly equipment from another perspective (moving modules are not shown).

[0027] Figures 2F1 to 2F5 They are respectively Figure 2F Enlarged schematic diagram of regions 2F1 to 2F5. Detailed Implementation

[0028] To provide a further understanding of the purpose, structure, features and functions of the present invention, detailed descriptions are provided below with reference to embodiments.

[0029] Please refer to Figures 1A to 2F and Figures 2F1 to 2F5 , Figure 1A This is a schematic diagram of a temporary ring 12 and a dialyzer body 11 assembled into a first pre-assembly 10a according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1B For fiber bundle unit 13 and Figure 1A A schematic diagram of the first pre-assembled component 10a being assembled into the second pre-assembled component 10b. Figure 1C for Figure 1A A schematic diagram showing the bundle membrane being pulled out from the second pre-assembled member 10b. Figure 2A This is a schematic diagram of an assembly device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2B for Figure 2A Obtain the front view of assembly equipment 100. Figure 2C for Figure 2A Left view of assembly equipment 100 Figure 2D for Figure 2A Right view of assembly equipment 100 Figure 2E for Figure 2A A top view of the assembly equipment 100 (moving modules are not shown). Figure 2F for Figure 2A A schematic diagram of the assembly equipment 100 from another perspective (moving modules are not shown), while Figures 2F1 to 2F5 They are respectively Figure 2F Enlarged schematic diagram of regions 2F1 to 2F5.

[0030] like Figure 2A and Figure 2E As shown, the assembly equipment 100 includes a ring assembler 110, a fiber bundle assembler 120, at least one film puller 130, a moving module 140, a first conveying module 150A, a second conveying module 150B, a third conveying module 150C, a fourth conveying module 150D, at least one first positioner 160A, at least one second positioner 160B, at least one third positioner 160C, at least one first loading platform 170A, at least one second loading platform 170B, at least one ring storage tank 180, at least one lifting platform 190, and at least one stop bar 192.

[0031] like Figure 2A and Figure 2E As shown, the ring assembler 110 is used to assemble the temporary ring 12 with the dialyzer body 11 into a first pre-assembled assembly 10a (the first pre-assembled assembly 10a is shown in the figure). Figure 1A ), The fiber bundle assembler 120 is disposed downstream of the ring assembler 110 and is used to assemble the fiber bundle unit 13 with the first pre-assembler 10a into a second pre-assembler 10b (the second pre-assembler 10b is shown in Figure 1B The fiber bundle unit 13 is located inside the dialyzer body 11, and the fiber bundle unit 13 includes at least one fiber bundle 13a. Figure 1B (For illustration only; in reality, there are multiple fiber bundles 13a) and a membrane 13b, which covers the fiber bundles 13a. A membrane puller 130 is positioned downstream of the fiber bundle assembler 120 and is used to pull the membrane 13b, located within the dialyzer body 11, out of the second pre-assembled member 10b. The second pre-assembled member 10b, after removing the membrane 13b, forms the hemodialysis machine 10 (hemodialysis machine 10 is shown in...). Figure 1C Compared to manual assembly, the present invention, through the assembly equipment 100, can assemble the hemodialysis machine 10 more quickly, increasing production efficiency.

[0032] like Figures 2A to 2CAs shown, the moving module 140 includes a first mover 140A, a second mover 140B, a third mover 140C, a fourth mover 140D, a first base 140E, and a second base 140F. The first mover 140A and the second mover 140B are disposed on the first base 140E, while the third mover 140C and the fourth mover 140D are disposed on the second base 140F. The first base 140E can be mounted on a set of slide rails and is driven to slide relative to that set of slide rails. The second base 140F can be mounted on another set of slide rails and is driven to slide relative to that other set of slide rails. The first mover 140A is disposed on a first positioner 160A (the first positioner 160A is shown in the diagram). Figure 2E Above the ring assembler 110. The second mover 140B is positioned above the ring assembler 110 (the ring assembler 110 is shown in the diagram). Figure 2E ) and the first positioner 160A (the first positioner 160A is shown in Figure 2E Above the third mover 140C. The third mover 140C is positioned above the third positioner 160C (the third positioner 160C is shown in...). Figure 2E Above the second loading platform 170B. The fourth mover 140D is positioned above the second loading platform 170B (the second loading platform 170B is shown in the diagram). Figure 2E Above the dialyzer body 11, the first mover 140A, the second mover 140B, the third mover 140C, and / or the fourth mover 140D of the moving module 140 can translate and / or rotate the dialyzer body 11, the first pre-assembled member 10a, and the second pre-assembled member 10b to the next assembly station. In summary, the movers can perform translational and / or rotational movements, wherein the translational movement is achieved, for example, by the aforementioned slide rail, and the rotational movement is achieved, for example, by a steering mechanism such as a rotary cylinder. Each mover may include at least one suction nozzle, which can draw the dialyzer body 11, the first pre-assembled member 10a, the second pre-assembled member 10b, and / or the hemodialysis machine 10 through vacuum (or negative pressure) suction.

[0033] like Figure 2E , Figure 2F and Figure 2F1 As shown, a first transport module 150A can transport the dialyzer body 11 to a first positioner 160A. The first positioner 160A is used to adjust the dialyzer body 11 to a first posture, for example, the long axis of the dialyzer body 11 extends substantially parallel to the X-axis. In one embodiment, the first positioner 160A includes a stop 161 and a pressure cylinder 162. The pressure cylinder 162 is disposed opposite to the stop 161 and includes a piston rod 1621, which is used to press the dialyzer body 11 against the stop 161 to adjust the dialyzer body 11 to the first posture. The transport module described herein includes, for example, a pulley assembly and a driver, which drives the pulley assembly to rotate to transport components located thereon.

[0034] like Figure 2E , Figure 2F and Figure 2F2 As shown, the first mover 140A (the first mover 140A is illustrated in...) Figure 2A The first mover 140A is located above the first locator 160A and the first loading platform 170A, and can move back and forth between the first locator 160A and the first loading platform 170A. The first mover 140A can change the dialyzer body 11 from a first posture to (or rotate it to) a second posture and move the dialyzer body 11 in the second posture to the ring assembler 110. The second posture is, for example, a posture in which the long axis of the dialyzer body 11 extends substantially parallel to the Y-axis. In one embodiment, the first mover 140A can first rotate the dialyzer body 11 to the second posture, and then move the dialyzer body 11 in the second posture to the ring assembler 110; or, the first mover 140A can simultaneously rotate and move the dialyzer body 11. In this embodiment, the dialyzer body 11 in the second posture is placed on the first loading platform 170A. The ring assembler 110 includes a first presser 111 and a second presser 112, with a first loading platform 170A located between the first presser 111 and the second presser 112. The first presser 111 includes a pressure cylinder 110A and a picking part 110B. The picking part 110B is connected to the piston rod 110A1 of the pressure cylinder 110A and moves with the piston rod 110A1. In one embodiment, the picking part 110B is, for example, a cylindrical mechanism that picks up the temporary ring 12 through a mechanical structure such as a positioning bead; or, the picking part 110B may also be a suction nozzle that can pick up the temporary ring 12 using vacuum suction. However, as long as the temporary ring 12 can be picked up, the specific structure / mechanism of the picking part 110B is not limited in this embodiment of the invention. The second presser 112 has a similar or identical structure to the first presser 111, and will not be described in detail here.

[0035] like Figure 2E , Figure 2F and Figure 2F2 As shown, two ring storage bins 180 are respectively located adjacent to the first presser 111 and the second presser 112. Each ring storage bin 180 is used to store multiple temporary rings 12 ( Figure 2F Temporary rings 12 are not shown in the ring storage 180. The ring assembler 110 is used to pick up the recipients of these temporary rings 12; it then attaches the recipients to the end of the dialyzer body 11 to form a first pre-assembled assembly 10a (the first pre-assembled assembly 10a is shown in...). Figure 1A The picking section 110B is used to: rotate to a first position; in the first position, pick up the subject; rotate to a second position, wherein the second position is different from the first position; and, in the second position, attach the subject to the end of the dialyzer body 11, as further illustrated below.

[0036] like Figure 2E and Figure 2F As shown, the ring reservoir 180 is rotatable to convey the temporary rings 12 to below the first presser 111 and the second presser 112, facilitating the retrieval unit 110B to retrieve the temporary rings 12. The first presser 111 is rotatable about the X-axis, so that the retrieval unit 110B faces the temporary ring 12 delivered from the ring reservoir 180 (first position) to retrieve the temporary ring 12 (recipient). After retrieving the temporary ring 12 (recipient), the first presser 111 is rotatable about the X-axis, so that the retrieval unit 110B faces the dialyzer body 11 (second position), and under the drive of the pressure cylinder 110A, presses the temporary ring 12 (recipient) onto the end of the dialyzer body 11. The first presser 111 and the second presser 112 can perform the same action simultaneously or synchronously to press the two temporary rings 12 to the opposite ends of the dialyzer body 11, thereby forming the first pre-assembled member 10a (the first pre-assembled member 10a is shown in the figure). Figure 1A ).

[0037] like Figure 2E and Figure 2F As shown, the second mover 140B (the second mover 140B is illustrated in...) Figure 2A The first pre-assembled member 10a is positioned above the ring assembler 110 (or the first loading platform 170A) and the third conveying module 150C, and can move back and forth between the ring assembler 110 (or the first loading platform 170A) and the third conveying module 150C. The second mover 140B can move the first pre-assembled member 10a to the third conveying module 150C in a translational but non-rotational manner. The first pre-assembled member 10a located on the third conveying module 150C also generally remains in the second posture.

[0038] In one embodiment, the first mover 140A and the second mover 140B can move synchronously. In other words, the process of the dialyzer body 11 moving from the first positioner 160A to the ring assembler 110 (or the first loading platform 170A) and the process of the first pre-assembled stand 10a moving from the ring assembler 110 (or the first loading platform 170A) to the third conveying module 150C can be performed simultaneously / synchronously.

[0039] like Figure 2E , Figure 2F and Figure 2F3As shown, the second conveying module 150B can convey the fiber bundle unit 13 to the second positioner 160B. The second positioner 160B is used to adjust the fiber bundle unit 13 to a first posture, for example, the long axis of the fiber bundle unit 13 extends substantially parallel to the X-axis. In embodiments, the second positioner 160B includes the same or similar structure as the first positioner 160A to achieve the same or similar functions, which will not be described again here. The second positioner 160B adjusts the fiber bundle unit 13 to the first posture in the same way as the first positioner 160A, which will also not be described again here. When the fiber bundle unit 13 is adjusted to the first posture, the second conveying module 150B can convey the fiber bundle unit 13 to the lifting platform 190. The lifting platform 190 is located downstream of the second positioner 160B and is used to raise the position of the fiber bundle unit 13 so that the fiber bundle unit 13 is substantially at the same height as the first pre-assembled member 10a, so as to facilitate the assembly of the fiber bundle unit 13 and the first pre-assembled member 10a.

[0040] like Figure 2E , Figure 2F and Figure 2F5 As shown, the third positioner 160C is used to adjust the first pre-assembled member 10a to the second posture. The third positioner 160C includes the same or similar structure as the first positioner 160A to achieve the same or similar functions, which will not be described in detail here. The difference between the third positioner 160C and the first positioner 160A is that the configuration orientation of the third positioner 160C differs from that of the first positioner 160A by 90 degrees. The third mover 140C is disposed above the third conveying module 150C and the second loading platform 170B, and can move back and forth between the third conveying module 150C and the second loading platform 170B. The third mover 140C can convert the first pre-assembled member 10a from the second posture to the first posture, and move the first pre-assembled member 10a in the first posture onto the second loading platform 170B. The first posture is, for example, the posture in which the long axis of the first pre-assembled member 10a extends approximately parallel to the X-axis, while the second posture is, for example, the posture in which the long axis of the first pre-assembled member 10a extends approximately parallel to the Y-axis.

[0041] like Figure 2E , Figure 2F and Figure 2F4 As shown in the figure, the fiber bundle assembler 120 includes a push rod 122. When the first pre-assembled member 10a is placed on the second loading platform 170B, the push rod 122 pushes the fiber bundle unit 13 into the interior of the first pre-assembled member 10a, and the fiber bundle unit 13 and the first pre-assembled member 10a are assembled into the second pre-assembled member 10b.

[0042] like Figure 2E , Figure 2F and Figure 2F4As shown, the stop bar 192 presses against the end face of the fiber bundle 13a. When the stop bar 192 presses against the end face of the fiber bundle 13a, the membrane puller 130 pulls the membrane 13b out from the second pre-assembled member 10b, so that the remaining fiber bundle 13a, temporary ring 12, and dialyzer body 11 form a hemodialysis machine 10. Because the stop bar 192 presses against the end face of the fiber bundle 13a, the fiber bundle 13b is stopped and held in place by the stop bar 192 during the process of the membrane 13b being pulled out from the second pre-assembled member 10b. In one embodiment, the membrane puller 130 may include a gripper 131, which can hold the membrane 13b (the membrane 13b is shown in the figure). Figure 1C ), so as to facilitate pulling the membrane 13b.

[0043] like Figure 2E , Figure 2F and Figure 2F4 As shown, the fourth transport module 150D is positioned downstream of the second loading platform 170B. The fourth mover 140D is positioned above the second loading platform 170B and the fourth transport module 150D, and can move back and forth between the second loading platform 170B and the fourth transport module 150D. The fourth mover 140D moves the hemodialysis machine 10 onto the fourth transport module 150D. The fourth transport module 150D transports the hemodialysis machine 10 to the next assembly station to continue the next assembly step. The hemodialysis machine 10 shown in the figure can be a pre-assembled component of the final hemodialysis product.

[0044] In one embodiment, the third mover 140C and the fourth mover 140D can move synchronously. In other words, the process of the first pre-assembled member 10a moving from the third transport module 150C to the second loading platform 170B and the process of the hemodialyzer 10 moving from the second loading platform 170B to the fourth transport module 150D can be performed simultaneously / synchronously.

[0045] In summary, the hemodialysis machine assembly equipment provided by the present invention includes a ring assembler, a fiber bundle assembler, and a membrane puller. The ring assembler is used to assemble a temporary ring and the dialyzer body into a first pre-assembled component. The fiber bundle assembler is located downstream of the ring assembler and is used to assemble a fiber bundle unit and the first pre-assembled component into a second pre-assembled component. The fiber bundle unit is located inside the dialyzer body and includes a fiber bundle and a membrane, with the membrane covering the fiber bundle. The membrane puller is located downstream of the fiber bundle assembler and is used to pull the membrane located inside the dialyzer body out of the second pre-assembled component. In this way, the assembly equipment automatically assembles the temporary ring, the dialyzer body, and the fiber bundle unit, and then pulls out the membrane of the fiber bundle unit for subsequent use. The hemodialysis machine assembly equipment can achieve automated assembly of hemodialysis machines to improve assembly efficiency.

[0046] Although the invention has been described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, the embodiments disclosed in the drawings are intended to illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention and should not be construed as limiting the invention. The scale in the schematic drawings does not represent the actual proportions of the components, in order to clearly describe the required parts.

[0047] The present invention has been described by the above-described embodiments; however, these embodiments are merely examples for implementing the present invention. It must be noted that the disclosed embodiments do not limit the scope of the present invention. Conversely, any modifications and refinements made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention are within the scope of patent protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. An apparatus for assembling a hemodialyzer, characterized by, include: Ring assembler, used to assemble temporary rings with the dialyzer body into a first pre-assembled unit; A fiber bundle assembler is disposed downstream of the ring assembler and is used to assemble the fiber bundle unit and the first pre-assembled component into a second pre-assembled component, wherein the fiber bundle unit is located inside the dialyzer body and the fiber bundle unit includes a fiber bundle and a bundle membrane, the bundle membrane covering the fiber bundle. A membrane puller is disposed downstream of the fiber bundle assembler and is used to pull the bundle membrane located within the dialyzer body from the second pre-assembler. The first locator is used to adjust the dialyzer body to the first position.

2. The hemodialyzer assembly apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The first locator includes: Stop; and A pressure cylinder is disposed opposite to the stop portion, and the pressure cylinder includes a piston for pressing the dialyzer body against the stop portion.

3. The hemodialyzer assembly apparatus of claim 1, wherein Also includes: A first mover is disposed above the first locator, and the first mover is used to: The dialyzer body is switched from the first position to the second position; as well as The dialyzer body, in its second orientation, is moved to the ring assembler.

4. The hemodialyzer assembly apparatus of claim 1, wherein Also includes: Conveying module; as well as A second mover is disposed above the ring assembler and the first positioner, and the second mover is used to: Move the first pre-assembled component onto the conveyor module.

5. The hemodialyzer assembly apparatus of claim 1, wherein, Also includes: The second positioner is used to adjust the fiber bundle unit to the first posture; as well as A lifting platform is positioned downstream of the second positioner and is used to raise the fiber bundle unit.

6. The hemodialyzer assembly apparatus of claim 5, wherein, Also includes: The third positioner is used to adjust the first pre-assembled member to the second position; Assembly loading platform; as well as A third mover is disposed above the third positioner, and the third mover is used to: The first pre-assembled component is switched from the second posture to the first posture; and The first pre-assembled member, which is in the first posture, is moved to the assembly loading platform.

7. The hemodialyzer assembly apparatus of claim 6, wherein, Also includes: A stop bar that presses against the end face of the fiber bundle when the first pre-assembled member is placed on the loading platform. The membrane puller is also used to: pull the membrane out from the second pre-assembled member when the stop bar presses against the end face of the fiber bundle, so that the fiber bundle, the temporary ring and the dialyzer body form the hemodialyzer.

8. The hemodialyzer assembly apparatus of claim 7, wherein, Also includes: The conveyor module is located downstream of the loading platform in this group; as well as A fourth mover is positioned above the loading platform and is used to move the hemodialyzer onto the delivery module.

9. The hemodialyzer assembly apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The fiber bundle assembler includes a pusher for pushing the fiber bundle unit into the interior of the first pre-assembled member.

10. The hemodialyzer assembly apparatus of claim 1, wherein, Also includes: A ring storage library is used to store multiple of these temporary rings; The ring assembler is used for; Extract the subjects of these multiple temporary rings; and The extractor is attached to the end of the dialyzer body to form the first pre-assembled component.

11. The hemodialyzer assembly apparatus of claim 10, wherein, The ring assembler includes a picking section for: Rotate to the first position; At that first position, the subject to be captured is retrieved; Rotate to a second position, wherein the second position is different from the first position; and At the second position, the recipient is attached to the end of the dialyzer body.

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