Conveying device and dissolving device

Abstract

The purpose of the present invention is to more appropriately dispose an unsealed bag body. A transport device (20) is provided with: a transport unit (42) that has a gripping unit (48) that grips the upper part (12a) of a bag (12), and that moves the gripping unit (48); and a discharge unit (44) that has a pair of rollers (50) facing each other in the horizontal direction, and discharges the bag (12) inserted between the pair of rollers (50) by the conveyance unit (42) by the rotation of the pair of rollers (50). The dissolving device (10) comprises: a conveying device (20); an unsealing part (16) for unsealing the lower part (12b) of the bag body (12) held by the holding part (48); and a dissolving tank (14) which is provided below the unsealing part (16) and which receives a powdered dialysis agent falling from the unsealed bag body (12).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a conveying device and a dissolving device. Background Technology

[0002] The dialysate used in dialysis treatment is prepared by dissolving powdered dialysis reagent in dialysis water in a dissolving tank. The powdered dialysis reagent is contained in a bag, the bag is opened, and the dialysis reagent is removed from the bag. After the dialysis reagent is removed, the empty bag is disposed of as waste. An automatic bag opening machine is proposed that automates the entire process of conveying, opening, and disposing of such bags (e.g., see Patent Document 1).

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 8-207915 Summary of the Invention

[0006] In the aforementioned prior art, a bag in a laterally flat position is adsorbed and transported from one side. Because the bag is a soft material, the position of the dialysis reagent contained within it may shift, sometimes causing unevenness in the bag's surface shape. In this case, the opened bag is handled in an uneven state, and the volume increases when the uneven empty bags are stacked. To prevent this unevenness, manually folding the empty bags evenly is very time-consuming.

[0007] The present invention was made in view of such a problem, and one of its exemplary objects is to provide a technique for properly disposing of a bag after it has been opened.

[0008] Methods for solving technical problems

[0009] One aspect of the present invention is a conveying device comprising: a conveying section having a gripping section for gripping the upper part of a bag body, for moving the gripping section; and a discharge section having a pair of rollers opposite each other in the horizontal direction, for discharging a bag body inserted between the conveying section and the rollers by rotating the rollers.

[0010] Another aspect of the invention is a dissolving apparatus. This dissolving apparatus includes: a conveying device; an opening section for opening the lower part of a bag held by a holding section; and a dissolving tank disposed below the opening section for receiving the powdered dialysis agent falling from the opened bag. The conveying section moves the opened bag from the opening section toward the discharge section.

[0011] Furthermore, any combination of the above-mentioned constituent elements, or a scheme in which the constituent elements of the present invention are mutually converted between methods, apparatuses, systems, etc., is also valid as a scheme of the present invention.

[0012] Invention Effects

[0013] According to the present invention, the opened bag can be disposed of more appropriately. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a diagram that schematically illustrates the configuration of the dissolving apparatus according to an embodiment.

[0015] Figure 2 It is a perspective view that provides a general overview of the structure of the support portion.

[0016] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the bag body supported by the support section.

[0017] Figure 4 This is a diagram that provides a general overview of the structure of the gripping part.

[0018] Figure 5 It is a diagram that provides a general overview of the bag held by the gripping part.

[0019] Figure 6 This diagram provides a schematic representation of the configuration of the guide portion provided in the grip section.

[0020] Figure 7 This is a diagram that schematically shows the guide section in the closed state of the handle.

[0021] Figure 8 It is a diagram that schematically shows the state of the bag body supported by the support and held by the gripping part.

[0022] Figure 9 This is a diagram that provides a general overview of the structure of the discharge section.

[0023] Figure 10 This is a diagram that provides a general overview of the structure of the discharge section.

[0024] Figure 11 This is a diagram that schematically illustrates the configuration of a melting device for a modified example.

[0025] Figure 12 This diagram provides a general overview of the state in which the bag body, supported by the support portion of the modified example, is held by the gripping portion. Detailed Implementation

[0026] (Summary of the implementation method)

[0027] The following description, with reference to the accompanying drawings, details the embodiments for implementing the present invention. It should be noted that the same reference numerals are used for the same elements in the description, and repetitive descriptions are omitted where appropriate. To aid understanding, the dimensions of the constituent elements in the drawings may not necessarily correspond to actual dimensions.

[0028] Figure 1This is a diagram that schematically illustrates the configuration of the dissolving apparatus 10 according to an embodiment. The dissolving apparatus 10 is an apparatus for adding powdered dialysis agent contained in the bag 12 into the dissolving tank 14, and preparing dialysis solution (e.g., dialysis stock solution) in the dissolving tank 14.

[0029] The dissolving device 10 includes a dissolving tank 14, an opening section 16, a housing 18, and a conveying device 20.

[0030] The dissolving tank 14 is a container for holding dialysis water. The dissolving tank 14 may also be equipped with a stirring device (not shown) for dissolving the dialysis reagent in the dialysis water. The dissolving tank 14 is connected to a supply line 22 for dialysis water and a discharge line 24 for the prepared dialysate. The supply line 22 is connected, for example, to a dialysis water supply device (not shown). The dialysis water supplied to the dissolving tank 14 from the supply line 22 is, for example, reverse osmosis water (RO water). The discharge line 24 discharges the dialysate prepared in the dissolving tank 14. The discharge line 24 is connected, for example, to a dialysate supply device (not shown). The dialysate supply device supplies, for example, the dialysate discharged from the dissolving unit 10 to the dialysis unit.

[0031] The opening section 16 is positioned above the dissolving tank 14. In other words, the dissolving tank 14 is positioned below the opening section 16. The opening section 16 has a cutter 26 for opening the bag body 12. The opening section 16 cuts the lower portion 12b of the bag body 12, which is positioned above the opening section 16 by the conveying device 20, causing the powdered dialysis reagent contained in the bag body 12 to fall into the dissolving tank 14. For example, after the opening section 16 inserts the cutter 26 near the center of the lower portion 12b of the bag body 12, it slides along the lower portion 12b to open the bag body 12.

[0032] The housing 18 houses the dissolving tank 14, the opening section 16, and the conveying device 20. The housing 18 surrounds the working space 28 for opening the bag 12 and dissolving the dialysis reagent. The housing 18 has an inlet 30 for moving the bag 12 into the working space 28 and an outlet 34 for discharging the empty bag 32 after the dialysis reagent has been removed from the bag 12.

[0033] An internal storage compartment 36 is provided inside the housing 18 for receiving and storing multiple bags 12. The storage compartment 36 is located next to the inlet 30. An external waste bin 38 is provided outside the housing 18 for receiving and storing empty bags 32 discharged from the outlet 34. The waste bin 38 is located next to the outlet 34.

[0034] The conveying device 20 conveys the bag 12 stored in the storage section 36 to the opening section 16, and then conveys the empty bag 32 after it has been opened in the opening section 16 to the discharge port 34. The conveying device 20 includes a support section 40, a conveying section 42, and a discharge section 44.

[0035] A support portion 40 is provided in the storage section 36 to support the bags 12 that are being moved into the storage section 36 in an upright state. The support portion 40 is configured to support each bag 12 individually. For example, multiple support portions 40 for supporting multiple bags 12 are provided in the storage section 36. The multiple support portions 40 are configured to be movable within the storage section 36. The multiple support portions 40 are configured to move sequentially to a take-out position 46 where the conveyor 42 can remove the bags 12. For example, the support portion 40 is configured to move toward the take-out position 46 while supporting the bags 12, and after the bags 12 are removed from the take-out position 46, move toward the inlet 30 in an empty state without supporting the bags 12.

[0036] The conveying unit 42 is configured to convey the bag body 12 between the support unit 40 and the discharge unit 44. The conveying unit 42 has a gripping part 48 that grips the upper part 12a of the bag body 12, and is configured to move the gripping part 48 in a horizontal direction. The conveying unit 42 can be configured to move the gripping part 48 in a vertical direction or to move the gripping part 48 in three dimensions. The conveying unit 42 can have a linear actuator that moves the gripping part 48 in a horizontal or vertical direction, or it can have a multi-jointed arm that moves the gripping part 48 in three dimensions.

[0037] The conveying unit 42 moves the holding unit 48 towards the delivery position 46, causing the holding unit 48 to grip the upper part 12a of the bag 12 positioned at the delivery position 46. While gripping the upper part 12a of the bag 12, the bag 12 can be removed from the support unit 40 located at the delivery position 46 by moving the holding unit 48 from the delivery position 46 towards the opening unit 16. The conveying unit 42 moves the holding unit 48 downwards from above the opening unit 16, causing the lower part 12b of the bag 12 held by the holding unit 48 to come into contact with the cutter 26. Alternatively, after the lower part 12b of the bag 12 is opened by the cutter 26 of the opening unit 16, the conveying unit 42 can shake the holding unit 48 to facilitate the discharge of the dialysis agent contained in the bag 12. After a predetermined time has elapsed since the opening action from the opening unit 16, the conveying unit 42 moves the holding unit 48 towards the discharge unit 44.

[0038] A discharge section 44 is provided at the discharge port 34 to discharge the empty bag 12 (also referred to as the empty bag 32) after the dialysis reagent has been removed to the outside of the housing 18. The discharge section 44 has a pair of rollers 50 for discharging the empty bag 32 and a drive section 52 for rotating the pair of rollers 50. The empty bag 32 held by the gripping section 48 moves toward the discharge section 44 via the conveying section 42 and is inserted between the pair of rollers 50. After the empty bag 32 is inserted between the pair of rollers 50, the gripping section 48 is released, and the empty bag 32 is discharged to the outside by the rotation of the pair of rollers 50. The empty bag 32 is compressed and compacted as it passes between the pair of rollers 50 and falls into the waste bin 38.

[0039] Figure 2 This is a perspective view showing the configuration of the support portion 40 in summary. The support portion 40 includes a first support member 40a, a second support member 40b, a third support member 40c, a fourth support member 40d, a bottom member 40e, an upper member 40f, and a back member 40g.

[0040] The first support member 40a and the second support member 40b extend vertically from the bottom member 40e. The first support member 40a and the second support member 40b are opposite each other at a predetermined relative distance d1. The bag body 12 is accommodated in an upright state between the first support member 40a and the second support member 40b. The front side is open between the first support member 40a and the second support member 40b, and the back side is plugged by the back member 40g.

[0041] The third support member 40c and the fourth support member 40d are located above the first support member 40a and the second support member 40b. The third support member 40c and the fourth support member 40d extend horizontally from the back member 40g toward the front side. The upper end of the first support member 40a and the third support member 40c, and the upper end of the second support member 40b and the fourth support member 40d are connected by an upper member 40f. The third support member 40c and the fourth support member 40d are opposite each other at a predetermined relative distance d2. The relative distance d2 between the third support member 40c and the fourth support member 40d is smaller than the relative distance d1 between the first support member 40a and the second support member 40b.

[0042] Figure 3 This diagram schematically shows the bag body 12 supported by the support portion 40. The bag body 12 is positioned vertically between the first support member 40a and the second support member 40b, and between the third support member 40c and the fourth support member 40d. When the bag body 12 is in the vertical position, the contents of the bag body 12 are offset towards the lower portion 12b, resulting in a larger thickness t1 at the lower portion 12b and a smaller thickness t2 at the upper portion 12a. The thickness t1 of the lower portion 12b is, for example, greater than the thickness when the bag body 12 is laid flat and homogenized. The thickness t2 of the upper portion 12a is smaller than the thickness when the bag body 12 is laid flat and homogenized, and is only the thickness of the soft plastic sheet constituting the bag body 12.

[0043] The relative distance d1 between the first support member 40a and the second support member 40b is set to be greater than the thickness t1 of the lower part 12b of the bag body 12 in the upright state, and slightly greater than the thickness t1 of the lower part 12b of the bag body 12. The first support member 40a and the second support member 40b support the sides of the bag body 12 in the upright state to prevent the bag body 12 from tipping over to the side.

[0044] The relative distance d2 between the third support member 40c and the fourth support member 40d is set to be smaller than the thickness t1 of the lower part 12b of the bag body 12 in the upright state, and larger than the thickness t2 of the upper part 12a of the bag body 12. The relative distance d2 between the third support member 40c and the fourth support member 40d is set to be slightly larger than the thickness t2 of the upper part 12a of the bag body 12. By reducing the relative distance d2 between the third support member 40c and the fourth support member 40d, the position of the upper part 12a of the bag body 12 in the thickness direction can be restricted, making it easier for the gripping part 48 to grip the upper part 12a of the bag body 12.

[0045] The third support member 40c and the fourth support member 40d are positioned lower than the upper end of the bag body 12 housed in the support portion 40 in an upright state. The gripping part 48 can be gripped within the bag body 12 housed in the support portion 40 in an upright state, specifically the portion protruding upward from the third support member 40c and the fourth support member 40d.

[0046] Furthermore, the support portion 40 may also omit the third support member 40c and the fourth support member 40d. The support portion 40 may also omit the upper member 40f.

[0047] Figure 4 This is a diagram that provides a general overview of the structure of the holding part 48. Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram showing the bag body 12 held by the gripping part 48. The gripping part 48 includes a first gripping member 48a, a second gripping member 48b, a third gripping member 48c, a fourth gripping member 48d, a first arm 48e, a second arm 48f, and an opening / closing part 54.

[0048] The first gripping member 48a and the second gripping member 48b are parts that grip the upper part 12a of the bag body 12. The first gripping member 48a and the second gripping member 48b are configured to slide in opposite directions via the opening / closing part 54. By moving towards each other, the first gripping member 48a and the second gripping member 48b close, thus securing the upper part 12a of the bag body 12. By moving away from each other, the first gripping member 48a and the second gripping member 48b open, thus releasing the grip on the bag body 12.

[0049] The first gripping member 48a has a protrusion 56 protruding toward the second gripping member 48b. The second gripping member 48b has a recess 58 that receives the protrusion 56. The protrusion 56 and the recess 58 are positioned opposite each other. When the first gripping member 48a and the second gripping member 48b are closed, the protrusion 56 is accommodated inside the recess 58. The upper part 12a of the bag body 12 is securely held by being clamped between the protrusion 56 and the recess 58. Thus, even if the contents of the bag body 12 are heavy, for example, about 3 kg, the bag body 12 can be effectively prevented from falling off the gripping member 48.

[0050] The third gripping member 48c is located below the first gripping member 48a. The third gripping member 48c is mounted at the end of the first arm 48e extending downward from the first gripping member 48a. The fourth gripping member 48d is located below the second gripping member 48b. The fourth gripping member 48d is mounted at the end of the second arm 48f extending downward from the second gripping member 48b. The third gripping member 48c and the fourth gripping member 48d are configured to move in opposite directions as the opening and closing part 54 opens and closes the first gripping member 48a and the second gripping member 48b, thereby opening and closing.

[0051] The third gripping member 48c and the fourth gripping member 48d are located next to the central portion of the bag body 12 held by the first gripping member 48a and the second gripping member 48b. The third gripping member 48c and the fourth gripping member 48d function to prevent the bag body 12 from swaying in the thickness direction when the gripping member 48 moves, thereby stabilizing the conveying of the bag body 12. The relative distance d4 between the third gripping member 48c and the fourth gripping member 48d is greater than the relative distance d3 between the first gripping member 48a and the second gripping member 48b. The relative distance d4 between the third gripping member 48c and the fourth gripping member 48d is similar to the thickness t1 of the lower part 12b of the bag body 12, and can be greater or less than the thickness t1 of the lower part 12b of the bag body 12.

[0052] In addition, the gripping part 48 may not have the third gripping member 48c and the fourth gripping member 48d, or it may not have the first arm 48e and the second arm 48f.

[0053] The opening / closing part 54 is configured to slide the first gripping member 48a and the second gripping member 48b to open and close the first gripping member 48a and the second gripping member 48b. The opening / closing part 54 may, for example, include a linear actuator that moves the first gripping member 48a and the second gripping member 48b in opposite directions.

[0054] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the guide portion 60 provided in the grip portion 48. Figure 6This shows the case when the bag body 12 supported by the support part 40 moves toward the handle part 48 in the direction indicated by arrow A, viewed from above.

[0055] The first gripping member 48a may have a guide portion 60 and a force-applying portion 62. The guide portion 60 is provided at the step of the protrusion 56 and is configured to tilt in the protruding direction of the protrusion 56. When the gripping member 48a approaches the bag body 12 supported by the support portion 40, the guide portion 60 guides the end 12c of the bag body 12 between the protrusion 56 and the recess 58. In other words, it prevents the end 12c of the upper part 12a of the bag body 12 from getting caught on the step of the protrusion 56. The guide portion 60 may be composed of a plate-like member. The force-applying portion 62 applies force to the guide portion 60 in the protruding direction of the protrusion 56 to maintain the tilt of the guide portion 60. The force-applying portion 62 may also be composed of an elastic member such as a leaf spring, a coil spring, or rubber.

[0056] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram showing the guide portion 60 in the closed state of the grip portion 48. When the grip portion 48 is closed, the guide portion 60 is sandwiched between the first grip member 48a and the second grip member 48b. The force-applying portion 62 yields to the pressing force between the first grip member 48a and the second grip member 48b, thus becoming unable to apply force to the guide portion 60. The guide portion 60 does not tilt in the protruding direction of the protrusion 56 but rather along the surface of the first grip member 48a. Furthermore, when the grip portion 48 is opened, the pressing force between the first grip member 48a and the second grip member 48b is released, as... Figure 6 As shown, the guide section 60 returns to the tilted state caused by the force applied by the force-applying section 62.

[0057] Figure 8 This is a diagram that schematically shows the state of the bag body 12 supported by the support part 40 and held by the holding part 48. Figure 8 Showing from Figure 7 The bag 12 in the shown state is viewed from the side.

[0058] Figure 9 and Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the discharge section 44. The discharge section 44 includes a pair of rollers 50 facing each other in the horizontal direction. Figure 9 As shown, the empty bag 32, held by the gripping part 48, is conveyed by the conveying part 42 to the inlet of the roller pair 50. When the empty bag 32 is sandwiched between the roller pair 50, the gripping part 48... Figure 10 As shown, the empty bag 32 is released from its grip. The roller pair 50 compresses the empty bag 32 inserted between the roller pairs 50, and discharges it from the outlet 34 to the outside of the housing 18. Thus, the empty bag 32 can be disposed of in the trash can 38 in a compactly compressed state, preventing the empty bag 32 from being disposed of in a fluctuating state.

[0059] The conveying unit 42 can also release the gripping part 48 from the empty bag 32 when the gripping part 48 moves to a predetermined discharge position. The predetermined discharge position can be preset as the position where the empty bag 32 held by the gripping part 48 is inserted between the roller pair 50. The conveying unit 42 can also release the gripping part 48 from the empty bag 32 after a predetermined time (e.g., 1 second or 2 seconds) has elapsed after the gripping part 48 moves to the predetermined discharge position. After the predetermined time has elapsed after moving to the discharge position, the gripping part 48 is released, thereby reliably clamping the empty bag 32 between the roller pair 50.

[0060] The conveying unit 42 can release the gripping unit 48 from the empty bag 32 based on the measurement result of the rotational torque of the roller pair 50. The conveying unit 42 can also release the gripping unit 48 from the empty bag 32 based on the measurement result of the torque sensor installed in the drive unit 52 of the drive roller pair 50, detecting an increase in the rotational torque caused by the empty bag 32 being clamped into the roller pair 50. Alternatively, the conveying unit 42 may output an error instead of releasing the gripping unit 48 from the empty bag 32 if the measurement result of the rotational torque of the roller pair 50 exceeds a predetermined reference value. For example, an error can be detected if the opening unit 16 does not properly open the bag body 12, leaving dialysis reagent inside the bag body 12, resulting in excessive rotational torque of the roller pair 50.

[0061] The conveying unit 42 can also release the gripping unit 48 from the empty bag 32 based on the detection by the pass sensors provided around the roller pair 50. For example, a pass sensor for detecting the passage of the empty bag 32 can also be provided at the entrance of the roller pair 50. The conveying unit 42 can also release the gripping unit 48 from the empty bag 32 based on the detection by the pass sensor for a specified time (e.g., 1 second or 2 seconds).

[0062] According to this embodiment, by supporting the bag 12 with the support portion 40 in an upright state, the upper part 12a of the bag 12 can be held while conveying the bag 12. As a result, the reliability of conveying can be improved compared to conveying the bag 12 in a sideways, horizontal state. Furthermore, by holding the upper part 12a of the bag 12, the bag 12 can be firmly held when it is opened, preventing the bag 12 from falling into the melting tank 14.

[0063] According to this embodiment, by clamping the opened bag 12 into the roller pair 50 and discharging it, the bag 12 can be disposed of in a compactly compressed state. Furthermore, by arranging the roller pair 50 inside the discharge port 34 of the housing 18, the conveying mechanism for discharging the bag 12 does not protrude to the outside of the housing 18, allowing for a more compact overall device structure. For example, when conveying the bag 12 to the trash can 38 while it is being held by the gripping part 48, there is a need to extend the conveying part 42 above the trash can 38. On the other hand, in this embodiment, it is not necessary to provide the conveying part 42 in the space above the trash can 38.

[0064] Figure 11 This diagram provides a schematic representation of the configuration of the melting apparatus 10A in a modified example. The modified example differs from the embodiment described above in that the support portion 40 is inclined at the transfer position 46. The following description focuses on the differences between the modified example and the embodiment described above, while omitting descriptions of commonalities.

[0065] Figure 12 This diagram schematically illustrates a modified example of a bag body 12 supported by a support portion 40 and held by a grip portion 48. In this modified example, the support portion 40, positioned in the take-out position 46, is arranged at an angle θ relative to the horizontal direction. The angle θ is, for example, 10 degrees or more and 45 degrees or less, or 15 degrees or more and 30 degrees or less. By tilting the support portion 40, the bag body 12 can be positioned such that the end 12c of the upper portion 12a of the bag body 12 supported by the support portion 40 protrudes upward.

[0066] The gripping part 48 can grip the vicinity of the end 12c of the upper part 12a of the bag body 12 supported by the support part 40. In a modified example, the gripping part 48 does not grip the center 12d of the upper part 12a of the bag body 12, but rather grips a position closer to the end 12c than the center 12d. For example, the gripping part 48 can grip the bag body 12 in a vertical direction with the diagonal of the bag body 12 in between. Thus, the end 12e of the lower part 12b of the bag body 12 (see reference) can be gripped. Figure 12 The bag 12 is held in a downward protruding manner. The opening part 16 can open the end 12e of the lower part 12b of the bag 12, which can facilitate the discharge of the powdered dialysis agent contained in the bag 12.

[0067] The present invention has been described above with reference to embodiments. Those skilled in the art should understand that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various design changes and modifications are possible, and such modifications are also within the scope of the present invention.

[0068] The following describes several aspects of the present invention.

[0069] A first aspect of the invention is a conveying device comprising: a conveying section having a gripping section that grips the upper part of a bag body, allowing the gripping section to move; and a discharge section having a pair of rollers opposite to the horizontal direction, through which the bag body inserted between the rollers by the conveying section is discharged. According to the first aspect, the bag body can be clamped into the roller pair and discharged, allowing for compact compression and disposal of the bag body.

[0070] The second aspect of the present invention is a conveying device as described in the first aspect, wherein the conveying unit releases the gripping part from the bag body when the gripping part moves to a predetermined discharge position. According to the second aspect, the transfer of the bag body from the conveying unit to the discharge unit can be reliably performed.

[0071] A third aspect of the present invention is a conveying device as described in the first aspect, wherein the conveying unit releases the gripping part from the bag body after a predetermined time has elapsed after the gripping part has moved to a predetermined discharge position. According to the third aspect, the transfer of the bag body from the conveying unit to the discharge unit can be performed more reliably.

[0072] The fourth aspect of the present invention is a conveying device as described in any of the first to third aspects, wherein the conveying section releases the gripping section from the bag body based on the measurement result of the rotational torque of the roller pair. According to the fourth aspect, the transfer of the bag body from the conveying section to the discharge section can be reliably performed.

[0073] The fifth aspect of the invention is a conveying device as described in any of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the conveying section releases the gripping section from the bag body based on detection by sensors located around the roller pair. According to the fifth aspect, the transfer of the bag body from the conveying section to the discharge section can be reliably performed.

[0074] The sixth aspect of the invention is a conveying device as described in any of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the roller pair is disposed at the discharge port of the housing accommodating the conveying section. According to the sixth aspect, a discharge mechanism is not required on the outside of the housing, thus preventing an increase in device size.

[0075] The seventh aspect of the present invention is a dissolving apparatus, comprising: a conveying device as described in any of the first to sixth aspects; an opening section that opens the lower part of the bag held by the holding section; and a dissolving tank disposed below the opening section for receiving powdered dialysis reagent falling from the opened bag; the conveying section moves the opened bag from the opening section to the discharge section. According to the seventh aspect, the bag containing the dialysis reagent used in dialysis solution preparation can be compressed and disposed of by rollers after opening, improving the convenience for operators preparing dialysis solution.

[0076] An eighth aspect of the present invention is a conveying device, comprising: a support portion that supports a bag containing a powdery substance in an upright position; and a conveying portion having a gripping portion that holds the upper part of the bag supported by the support portion, allowing the gripping portion to move from the support portion. According to the eighth aspect, by supporting the bag in an upright position, the powdery substance can be shifted towards the lower part of the bag, making the upper part of the bag thinner. The gripping portion can hold the thinned upper part of the bag, thus making it easy to firmly hold the bag and enabling stable conveying of the bag.

[0077] The ninth aspect of the present invention is a conveying device as described in the eighth aspect, wherein the holding portion includes a first holding member and a second holding member facing each other and clamping the upper part of the bag body. The first holding member has a protrusion protruding into the second holding member, and the second holding member has a recess receiving the protrusion. The upper part of the bag body is clamped between the protrusion and the recess. According to the ninth aspect, the upper part of the bag body can be clamped between the recess and the protrusion for holding, thus the bag body can be firmly held and the bag body can be conveyed stably.

[0078] The tenth aspect of the present invention is a conveying device as described in the ninth aspect, wherein the gripping part further includes a third gripping member located below the first gripping member and a fourth gripping member located below the second gripping member. The third and fourth gripping members are positioned opposite each other, sandwiching the central portion of the bag body, and the relative distance between the third and fourth gripping members is greater than the relative distance between the first and second gripping members. According to the tenth aspect, the central or lower portion of the bag body can be gripped, allowing for more stable conveying of the bag body.

[0079] The eleventh aspect of the present invention is a conveying device as described in the ninth or tenth aspect, wherein the first gripping member has: a guide portion disposed at the step of the protrusion and inclined in the protruding direction of the protrusion; and a force-applying portion that applies force to the guide portion in the protruding direction of the protrusion. According to the eleventh aspect, by providing the guide portion, the upper part of the bag can be guided between the protrusion and the concave portion. By providing the force-applying portion, the guide portion can be tilted when the gripping part is open.

[0080] The twelfth aspect of the present invention is a conveying device as described in any of the eighth to eleventh aspects, wherein the support portion includes a first support member and a second support member sandwiching the bag body opposite to each other, and a third support member and a fourth support member sandwiching the bag body opposite to each other above the first support member and the second support member, wherein the relative distance between the third support member and the fourth support member is smaller than the relative distance between the first support member and the second support member. According to the twelfth aspect, the lower part of the bag body can be supported by the first support member and the second support member, preventing the bag body in an upright state from tipping to the side. Furthermore, the position of the upper part of the thinned bag body can be restricted by the relatively close third support member and the fourth support member, making it easy to grasp the upper part of the bag body with the gripping part.

[0081] The thirteenth aspect of the present invention is a conveying device as described in any of the eighth to twelfth aspects, wherein the support portion is capable of supporting the bag body in an inclined, upright state, and the gripping portion grips the upwardly protruding end of the bag body supported by the support portion in an inclined state. According to the thirteenth aspect, the upper end of the bag body can be gripped, and the bag body can be gripped in a manner in which the diagonal of the bag body is vertical.

[0082] The fourteenth aspect of the present invention is a dissolving apparatus, further comprising: a conveying device as described in any of the eighth to thirteenth aspects; an opening portion for opening the lower part of the bag held by the holding portion; and a dissolving tank disposed below the opening portion for receiving the powdered dialysis reagent falling from the opened bag; the conveying portion moves the holding portion between the supporting portion and the opening portion. According to the fourteenth aspect, a bag containing the dialysis reagent used in dialysis solution preparation can be conveyed to the dissolving tank and opened, improving the convenience for operators preparing dialysis solutions.

[0083] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0084] 10… Dissolving device, 12… Bag body, 14… Dissolving tank, 16… Opening part, 18… Shell, 20… Conveying device, 26… Cutter, 28… Working space, 30… Transfer inlet, 32… Empty bag, 34… Discharge outlet, 36… Storage part, 40… Support part, 40a… First support component, 40b… Second support component, 40c… Third support component, 40d… ​​Fourth support component, 42… Conveying part, 44… Discharge part, 46… Transfer position, 48… Holding part, 48a… First holding component, 48b… Second holding component, 48c… Third holding component, 48d… Fourth holding component, 48e… First arm, 48f… Second arm, 50… Roller pair, 52… Drive part, 54… Opening and closing part, 56… Protrusion, 58… Recess, 60… Guide part, 62… Force application part.

Claims

1. A conveying device, comprising: The conveying unit has a gripping part that holds the upper part of the bag body, allowing the gripping part to move; as well as The discharge section has a pair of rollers opposite each other in the horizontal direction, and the bag body inserted between the rollers by the conveying section is discharged by the rotation of the rollers.

2. The conveying device according to claim 1, The conveying unit releases the gripping part from the bag body when the holding part moves to the designated discharge position.

3. The conveying device according to claim 1, The conveying unit releases the gripping part from the bag body after a predetermined time has elapsed since the holding part has moved to the predetermined discharge position.

4. The conveying device according to claim 1, The conveying unit releases the gripping unit from the bag body based on the measurement result of the rotational torque of the roller pair.

5. The conveying device according to claim 1, The conveying unit releases the gripping unit from the bag body based on the detection by the sensors located around the roller pair.

6. The conveying device according to claim 1, The roller pair is configured at the outlet of the housing that houses the conveying section.

7. A dissolving apparatus, comprising: The conveying device as described in any one of claims 1 to 6, The opening section opens the lower part of the bag body held by the gripping section, and A dissolving tank is located below the opening section to receive the powdered dialysis agent falling from the opened bag. The conveying section moves the opened bag from the opening section toward the discharge section.

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