Winding system for winding linked hollow fibers onto a winding core

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a winding system for carrying out the winding of interlinked hollow fibers, in particular of material- and / or energy-permeable hollow fibers, onto a winding core, comprising a winding core of an exchange device for the mass and / or heat exchange between two media, in particular an oxygenator and / or heat exchanger, onto which interlinked hollow fibers can be wound and which is intended, in particular is equipped, to be inserted into the housing of the device together with the hollow fibers wound onto it and to remain therein.

[0002] Publication EP 3 520 838 A1 describes a winding system with which unlinked hollow fibers can be wound onto a winding core. It remains unclear whether linked hollow fibers can also be wound onto the core using this device.

[0003] It is known in the prior art to wind material- or energy-permeable hollow fibers, in particular those connected to warp threads in mats, onto a core in order to use the wound hollow fiber package in an exchange device for mass and / or energy exchange between two media, in particular in an oxygenator and / or a heat exchanger. This is shown, for example, in publications EP 0 089 122 A2 and EP 0 285 812 A1.

[0004] For this purpose, the wound hollow fiber package is inserted into a housing of the exchange device, and then the hollow fiber ends are glued to each other and to the housing, a process also known as potting. Once the hollow fiber ends are opened within the housing, i.e., after the end-gluing has been removed, two media can be guided separately through the hollow fiber walls: one medium, e.g., blood, flows around the outside of the hollow fibers, and another medium, e.g., a gas or gas mixture, or a temperature-controlled fluid, flows through the hollow fibers.

[0005] An exchange of substances can then take place via the hollow fibers, particularly for mass transfer via semipermeable hollow fibers, for example, the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide in an oxygenator. Such wound hollow fiber bundles can also be used in mass transfer devices for dialysis purposes or for carbon monoxide removal.

[0006] Winding hollow fibers onto a core and integrating the resulting winding into an exchange device is a complex process, which the invention aims to simplify. In particular, a further objective of the invention is to simplify the winding process so that a winding core used for winding can be easily adapted to a drive, enabling motorized winding, and can also be directly inserted into the exchange device. Specifically, it is important to design the adaptation of the winding core to the drive in such a way that quick adaptation and residue-free removal of the adaptation are possible.

[0007] This problem is solved by a winding system for winding interlinked hollow fibers, in particular material- and / or energy-permeable hollow fibers, onto a winding core, comprising a winding core of an exchange device for mass and / or heat exchange between two media, in particular an oxygenator and / or heat exchanger, onto which interlinked hollow fibers can be wound and which is intended, in particular configured, to be inserted into the housing of the device together with the hollow fibers wound onto it and to remain therein, and further comprising, according to the invention, at least one coupling element, preferably two coupling elements, wherein the at least one coupling element has two axially opposing connection areas and can be temporarily connected to the winding core in a rotationally fixed manner with the first connection area and can be connected to a drive in a rotationally fixed manner with the second connection area.by means of which the winding core is rotatable about a winding axis, wherein the first connection area of ​​the coupling element comprises a spreading element, in particular whose outer cross-section can be enlarged by spreading, and the winding core has in at least one axial end face, preferably in both axial end faces, a recess arranged about the winding axis, into which the first connection area of ​​a coupling element can be inserted and by spreading the spreading element the winding core can be connected to the coupling element in a rotationally fixed manner.

[0008] The core idea of ​​the winding system is therefore based on the fact that the winding core used with the winding system can be used directly in the housing of an exchange device, e.g. a material exchange device, as a carrier for the hollow fibers after the hollow fibers or hollow fiber mat(s) have been wound up, and that for the purpose of winding, in particular motorized winding, the winding core can be coupled to a drive in a simple and quick manner.

[0009] For this purpose, the winding system according to the invention uses a coupling element or preferably two coupling elements arranged opposite each other around the winding core on a common axis of rotation, with which the adaptation to a drive is effected. The rotationally fixed fastening between the winding core and the coupling element is achieved by spreading the respective coupling element at its first connection area facing the winding core or interacting with it.

[0010] Such spreading can take place, for example, between two spreading positions, whereby in one spreading position the connection between the coupling element and the winding core is released and in the other spreading position a rotationally fixed connection is achieved, so that a drive coupled to the second connection area of ​​the coupling element is able to rotate the winding core and wind up hollow fiber mats brought towards the winding core.

[0011] Where the winding core and a coupling element are described in more detail below, it should be noted that the description also applies if a coupling element can be attached to each of the two opposing axial end faces / faces of the winding core. This is, in any case, a preferred embodiment. In this case, the description applies to the winding core with respect to both end faces / faces and with respect to each of the two usable coupling elements, which may be identical in design.

[0012] A spreading connection between the winding core and the coupling element has the advantage that the connection is made without the two elements to be connected moving axially, i.e. translationally or rotationally, relative to each other during the process of making the connection.

[0013] Rather, the spreading connection preferably achieves that cooperating contact surfaces move towards each other and come into contact with each other by spreading the spreading element, thereby achieving a frictional and / or force-fit connection.

[0014] This is advantageous compared to other connection types because it prevents material abrasion between the two connecting partners, such as could occur, for example, when the coupling element is screwed into the winding core between them. Such abrasion can have negative consequences if it is transferred into a material exchange device via the use of the winding core and could enter a patient's bloodstream. Furthermore, the expansion connection according to the invention offers the advantage of being manufactured using injection molding technology.

[0015] The winding core used in the winding system, which is inserted into the housing of an exchange device after winding and remains there for operation, can be designed for this purpose, for example, by having its geometry and / or dimensions fully adapted to the housing so that it can be inserted without any modification other than removing the coupling element(s). Furthermore, the winding core can preferably also have at least one channel inside it for this purpose, through which a medium can later be guided during operation.

[0016] In a further embodiment considered advantageous, a design or suitability of the winding core for this purpose can also consist of a recess in the winding core (in particular both recesses) for receiving the coupling element being formed by a channel that at least partially penetrates the winding core and, after the winding core is inserted into the housing of the mass transfer device, allows a medium, in particular blood, to flow through it. Such a channel thus has two functions: both in the winding system for securing the coupling element and in the subsequent mass transfer device for transporting the medium.

[0017] The channel can, for example, penetrate the winding core completely axially, in particular so that two coupling elements can be attached to the winding core on both sides. If there are two recesses for receiving coupling elements, only one can be formed by a channel that serves for media transport, in particular one that does not extend completely axially through the winding core.

[0018] The aforementioned channel can open at one end into the recess for attaching the coupling element and at its other end into one or more openings on the outer surface of the winding core, especially if the channel does not pass axially completely through the winding core.

[0019] A continuous channel may also have branches that open into the outer surface of the winding core.

[0020] By creating openings in the outer surface of the winding core, it can be achieved that in later operation a medium, e.g. blood, can penetrate into the wound hollow fiber package through these openings, preferably with a radial inflow component.

[0021] It may also be provided that a (respective) recess in the winding core for receiving the coupling element is surrounded by a channel that runs at least partially coaxially with the recess and through which a medium, in particular blood, can flow after the winding core has been inserted into the housing of the mass transfer device. The aforementioned descriptions can apply equally to such a coaxial channel; in particular, it can open into the outer surface of the winding core or have branches opening into it.

[0022] Regardless of the aforementioned possibilities for making the winding core suitable for the mass transfer device, the invention may provide that the at least one coupling element has a shaft at its first connection area which is divided in the axial direction into at least two axially parallel shaft parts, between which a wedge element, axially movable between the shaft parts, is arranged as a spreading element. When the wedge element is moved axially between the shaft parts, these are thus moved radially outwards.

[0023] Preferably, the shaft has at least three shaft sections. The wedge element can preferably be conical or cone-shaped. During its axial movement, the wedge element can preferably be movable from the first connection area towards the second for spreading. To allow a moving force to act on the wedge element, the wedge element can be guided through a hollow section of the shaft, e.g., into or out of the second connection area.

[0024] In another embodiment, the at least one coupling element may have a shaft with a shaft section at its first connection area, around which a sleeve made of an elastic material, in particular an elastomer, preferably a vulcanizate of silicone rubber or natural rubber, is arranged as an expanding element, wherein the sleeve's size can be changed in the radial direction by axial movement of its end faces relative to each other, in particular by applying a force in the axial direction to the annular end faces of the sleeve. In particular, it may be provided that the sleeve is in a relaxed state (i.e., free of force) in the unconnected state between the coupling element and the winding core, and that an axial force is applied for connection, which moves the axial end faces of the sleeve towards each other, causing the sleeve to thicken radially.

[0025] In one possible embodiment, the sleeve may be configured so that one end of its two axial ends rests against a first force-exercise surface of the coupling element, which is fixed relative to the shaft area, and the other end of the sleeve rests against a second force-exercise surface of the coupling element. The second force-exercise surface is movable relative to the first force-exercise surface in the axial direction of the sleeve, particularly on the shaft, preferably by means of an actuating element provided on the coupling element. The fixed first force-exercise surface may be located at the free end of the first connection area, which is inserted into the recess of the winding core. The outer cross-section / outer diameter of the force-exercise surface is preferably greater than or equal to the diameter of the relaxed sleeve at its axial ends and less than or equal to the inner cross-section / inner diameter of the recess in the winding core.

[0026] Regardless of the type of spreading, the invention may preferably provide that in a state of spreading the position of the coupling element relative to the winding core can be axially fixed, preferably also to an auxiliary element separate from the core, which, after insertion of the first connecting area of ​​the coupling element into the recess of the winding core, can be placed over the coupling element onto an axial end face of the winding core.

[0027] The use of an auxiliary element to fix the coupling element in the recess of the winding core can have several advantages.

[0028] For example, the auxiliary element can be formed by a disc projecting radially beyond the winding core in cross-section / diameter. Such a disc can preferably be used to position the hollow fiber mat(s) relative to the winding core during winding, in particular to center them, especially when coupling elements with respective discs are attached to both sides of the winding core, so that a wound hollow fiber mat lies between the discs during winding.

[0029] Furthermore, the auxiliary element for the sleeve can form a second force application surface, which can be contacted by the sleeve with the second axial end, in particular the end of the sleeve pointing towards the second connection area of ​​the coupling element, wherein the second end of the sleeve pointing towards the second connection area of ​​the coupling element protrudes beyond the axial end face of the winding core in the state of the coupling element being inserted into the winding core, and the force exerted on the sleeve is effected by placing the auxiliary element on it, in particular by which the second end of the sleeve can be displaced in the direction of the first end of the sleeve.

[0030] Likewise, it may be provided that the second end of the sleeve, pointing towards the second connection area of ​​the coupling element, lies below the axial end face or in the plane of the axial end face of the winding core when the coupling element is inserted into the winding core, and that the force can be exerted after the auxiliary element is placed by an axial movement of the coupling element, in particular a movement directed out of the winding core, in particular whereby the first end of the sleeve can be displaced in the direction of the second end of the sleeve.

[0031] In both cases, the interaction of the auxiliary element or the disc with one of the axial end faces of the sleeve generates a movement of the two end faces of the sleeve towards each other, thus causing the radial thickening of the sleeve.

[0032] Regardless of the type of design of the spreading element, the invention may provide that the position of the coupling element can be fixed axially, e.g. by means of a retaining ring that can be inserted into an annular groove on the coupling element, with which the coupling element can be supported on the surface of the auxiliary element.

[0033] This annular groove can preferably be located between the two connection areas of the coupling element, in particular in a section of the coupling element that transitions into the area which includes or forms the spreading element, i.e. preferably into the shaft area which carries the sleeve or which transitions into the wedge element.

[0034] Furthermore, in all possible embodiments, it may be provided that an actuating element is provided on the coupling element with which the spreading of the first connection area and / or the axial fixing of the coupling element can be effected, in particular which is supported on the auxiliary element or an element having the second force application surface or a support element arranged on the coupling element.

[0035] An actuating element can, for example, be designed as a nut on a threaded section of the coupling element, which is connected to the spreading element. The threaded section can, for example, transition into the shaft area that carries the sleeve or into the wedge element.

[0036] An actuating element can also be designed as an eccentric movable by a lever, rotatable about an axis and supported on the coupling element or the auxiliary element, wherein the part containing the axis transitions into the shaft area, which carries the sleeve, or into the wedge element. The eccentric movement thus allows the axis to be displaced within the coupling element and the spreading element to be actuated, in particular the sleeve to be compressed or the wedge element to be axially displaced.

[0037] An embodiment of the invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the figures.

[0038] The Figure 1 shows an overview of the components of the winding system.

[0039] It comprises a winding core 1 onto which hollow fibers or hollow fiber mats (not shown here) can be wound. The winding core 1 has a central recess 1a arranged around the winding axis A, preferably in its two opposing end faces, preferably extending from each end face into the winding core. The recess is formed by a channel in the winding core. The recess 1a is further coaxially surrounded by a channel 1b, in particular with radial struts between the walls of both channels 1a and 1b. Such a design is not strictly necessary.

[0040] A coupling element 2 can be inserted into the recess 1a, which has a circular cross-section. This coupling element has a first connection area 2a that fits into the recess 1a and a second connection area 2b, which is intended for connection to a drive (not shown here). This second connection area is thus designed to be rotationally fixed to the drive, e.g., a coupling of the drive.

[0041] The coupling element 2 further comprises a shaft section 2c, around which a sleeve 2d made of an elastomer, e.g., silicone, is arranged as an expanding element. At the free end of the first connection section 2a, the sleeve rests with a first axial end 2d1 against a force-exertion surface 2e of the coupling element. The second axial end 2d2 of the sleeve 2d is free. By axially compressing the sleeve 2d, i.e., by applying a force that moves the axial ends 2d1 and 2d2 towards each other, the sleeve 2d can be radially thickened.

[0042] The winding system can further include an auxiliary element 3, which can be designed as a disk 3. This disk has an inner opening 3a that can be guided over the second connection area 2b of the coupling element 2. The outer diameter of the disk 3 is larger than the outer diameter of the winding core 1.

[0043] In one possible embodiment, the winding system also includes a retaining ring 4, which can be inserted into an annular groove 2f between the connection areas 2a and 2b of the coupling element 2.

[0044] Right in the Figure 1 The assembled winding system is shown after the coupling element 2 has been inserted into the recess 1a of the winding core 1 and the disc 3 has been moved over the coupling element 2 and placed on the end face of the winding core 1.

[0045] The Figure 2 The cross-section shows the assembled winding system in two states.

[0046] Links in the Figure 2It can be seen that the coupling element 2 is inserted into the recess 1a of the winding core 1 without the expanding element 2d, here the sleeve 2d, being expanded, i.e., thickened. The disc 3 rests on the end face of the winding core 1 and can preferably contact the second axial end face 2d2 of the sleeve 2d even in the untensioned state. In this case, the second axial end 2d2 of the sleeve lies in the plane of the end face of the winding core. Alternatively, the second axial end 2d2 of the sleeve can also lie below the plane of the end face of the winding core and initially not contact the auxiliary element.

[0047] The annular groove 2f of the coupling element 2 lies below the surface of the disc 3 and is not accessible to the retaining ring 4.

[0048] The connection area 2a lies completely, but not connected, within the winding core 1. The connection area 2b lies outside the winding core 1 and is accessible for coupling to a drive (not shown).

[0049] To secure the coupling element 2 in the winding core 1, the sleeve is spread open by partially pulling the coupling element out of the recess, at least until the annular groove above the disc 3 becomes accessible. This moves the force-exercise surface 2e towards the disc 3. Since the sleeve 2d is enclosed between the force-exercise surface 2e and the disc 3, the movement of the force-exercise surface 2e causes the sleeve 2d to be axially compressed and thickened. This presses the outer surface of the sleeve 2d against the inner surface of the recess 1a, creating a frictional connection with the radially acting force F1, as shown in the illustration on the right. Figure 2 .

[0050] Right in the Figure 2 The retaining ring 4 is inserted into the annular groove 2f, preventing the coupling element 2 from retracting back into the recess 1a. As a result, the force F1 acts statically, and the coupling element is firmly seated in the recess 1a of the winding core 1.

[0051] A force F2 continues to act, arising from the axial compression of the sleeve 2d, which pulls the coupling element 2 back into the recess 1a. However, this is prevented by the support of the retaining ring 4 on the disc 3. The force F2 thus acts via the retaining ring 4 on the disc 3 and additionally presses it against the end face of the winding core 1.

[0052] In the spread state of the right part of the Figure 2 The winding core 1 can be connected to a drive on both sides in order to wind at least one hollow fiber mat onto the winding core.

[0053] Once this has been done, the winding core can be separated from the drive, the retaining ring 4 can be removed from the respective coupling element 2, and these together with the disc 3 can be removed from the winding core 1.

[0054] The winding core, containing the hollow fibers, can then be inserted into the housing of an exchange device, thus potting / encapsulating the hollow fibers. Channel 1a and / or 1b in the winding core can preferably be used to transport medium, e.g., blood, through the winding core.

[0055] The Figure 3 The figure on the right shows a embodiment in which, in the unspreaded state, after the coupling element 2 is inserted into the winding core 1, the sleeve 2d protrudes with its axial end 2d2 beyond the end face of the winding core 1. Thus, by placing the disc 3 on top as an auxiliary element, the sleeve is axially compressed, causing it to thicken and creating the frictional connection. The figure on the left shows... Figure 3The axial securing of the position thus achieved with the retaining ring 4 is shown, as in the Figure 2 right. Furthermore, the Figure 3 the execution of Figure 2 The Figure 4 shows an alternative design for attaching the coupling element 2.

[0056] The coupling element 2 has an external threaded section between the connection area 2b for connection to a drive and the axial end 2d2 of the sleeve 2d. A ring 5 or a nut 5 with a corresponding internal thread can be screwed onto this section, for example, after the disc 3 has been placed over the connection area 2b and onto the end face of the winding core 1. Once the ring 5 has contacted the disc 3 during screwing, it pulls the coupling element 2 axially out of the winding core in certain sections. This causes the sleeve 2d, which rests against the disc 3 at its upper axial end 2d2, to be axially compressed and radially expanded / thickened. This creates the frictional connection. (Right in the) Figure 4 The unspread state is shown on one side and the spread state is shown on the left.

[0057] The Figure 5This shows one possible design that can be chosen independently of the types of possible spreading. The spreading shown is as shown in the example. Figure 2 Regarding the Figure 5 The upper recess 1a in the winding core 1 is designed as a channel 6, which extends from the upper end face of the winding core 1 into it and branches into channel sections 6a that open into the outer surface of the winding core 1. This allows hollow fibers to be supplied with a medium flowing through this channel from the radial inside. (Left in the) Figure 5 The coupling element 2 is spread apart and the right side is unspread.

Claims

1. Winding system for winding concatenated hollow fibers, in particular mass-permeable and / or energy-permeable hollow fibers, onto a winding core (1), the system comprising: a. a winding core (1) of a transfer device for the mass transfer and / or heat exchange between two media, in particular of an oxygenator and / or a heat exchanger, onto which winding core concatenated hollow fibers can be wound and which winding core is provided, in particular set up, to be inserted, together with the hollow fibers wound thereon, into the housing of the device and to remain therein, characterised by b. at least one coupling element (2), preferably two coupling elements (2), wherein the at least one coupling element has two axially opposing connecting regions (2a, 2b) and is temporarily connectable, by means of the first connecting region(2a), with the winding core (1) for conjoint rotation therewith and is temporarily connectable by means of the second connecting region (2b), with a drive for conjoint rotation therewith, the drive being provided for the rotation of the winding core (1) about a winding axis (A), wherein the first connecting region (2a) of the coupling element (2) comprises an expansion element (2d), in particular an expansion element the outer cross section of which can be increased by expansion, and the winding core (1) has in at least one axial end face, preferably in both axial end faces, a recess (1a) around the winding axis (A), into which recess the first connecting region (2a) of a coupling element (2) can be inserted and in which the winding core (1) can, by means of expansion of the expansion element (2d) be connected to the coupling element (2) for conjoint rotation therewith.

2. Winding system according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one coupling element (2) has at its first connecting region (2a) a shank which is split axially into at least two axially parallel adjoining shank parts between which a wedge element is provided as an expanding component, which wedge element can be moved axially between the shank parts.

3. Winding system according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one coupling element (2) has at its first connecting region a shank with a shank section (2c) around which a sleeve (2d) made of an elastic material, in particular an elastomer, preferably a vulcanizate of silicone rubber or natural rubber, is arranged as an expansion element, wherein the sleeve (2d) can be changed in its size in radial direction as a result of axial movement of the annular end faces (2d1, 2d2) of the sleeve (2d) towards each other, in particular through the application of an axial force on the annular end faces (2d1, 2d2) of the sleeve (2d).

4. Winding system according to claim 3, characterized in that the sleeve (2d) with a first end (2d1) of its two axial ends (2d1, 2d2) contacts a first area of force application (2e) of the coupling element (2), which area is stationary in relation to the shank area (2c), and the sleeve (2d) with the second axial end (2d2) contacts a second area of force application of the coupling element (2), wherein the second area of force application is movable relative to the first area of force application (2e) in axial direction of the sleeve (2d), in particular being movable on the shank, preferably by means of an actuating element provided at the coupling element (2).

5. Winding system according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that in one state of expansion, the position of the coupling element (2) can be axially fixed relative to the winding core (1) and relative to an auxiliary element (3) separate from the winding core (1) which auxiliary element (3) can, after the first connecting region (2a) of the coupling element (2) has been inserted into the recess (1a) of the winding core (1), be pushed over the coupling element (2) and placed onto an axial end face of the winding core (1).

6. Winding system according to claim 5, characterized in that the auxiliary element (3) is formed by a disc (3) protruding radially beyond the cross section / diameter of the winding core (1), in particular a disc which can be used to position the hollow fiber mat relative to the winding core (1) during the winding.

7. Winding system according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the auxiliary element (3) for the sleeve (2d) forms a second area of force application which can be contacted by the sleeve (2d) with the second axial end (2d2), in particular the end of the sleeve (2d) pointing to the second connecting region (2b) of the coupling element (2), wherein a. the second end (2d2) of the sleeve (2) pointing to the second connecting region (2b) of the coupling element (2) protrudes beyond the axial end face of the winding core (1) when the coupling element (2) is in its state of insertion in the winding core (1), and the application of the force on the sleeve (2d) can be caused by placing the auxiliary element (3), in particular as a result of which, the second end (2d2) of the sleeve (2) can be displaced in the direction of the first end (2d1) of the sleeve (2), or b. the second end (2d2) of the sleeve (2d) pointing to the second connecting area (2b) of the coupling element (2) lies below the axial end face or in the plane of the axial end face of the winding core (1) when the coupling element (2) is in its state of insertion in the winding core (1), and the application of the force / the expansion after the placement of the auxiliary element (3) can be caused by an axial movement of the coupling element (2), in particular a movement directed out from the winding core (1), in particular as a result of which, the first end (2d1) of the sleeve (2d) can be displaced in the direction of the second end (2d2) of the sleeve (2d).

8. Winding system according to any of the preceding claims 5 to 7, characterized in that the position of the coupling element (2) can be axially fixed by means of a retaining ring (4) that can be inserted into an annular groove (2f) at the coupling element (2) and that can support the coupling element (2) at the surface of the auxiliary element (3).

9. Winding system according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that at the coupling element (2), an actuating element (5) is provided which can cause an expansion of the expansion element (2d) in the first connecting region (2a) and / or an axial fixing of the coupling element (2), in particular an actuating element (5) supported by the auxiliary element (3) or by an element exhibiting the second area of force application or by a supporting element arranged at the coupling element (2), in particular wherein the actuating element (5) designed as a nut on a threaded section of the coupling element (2) which is connected with the expansion element (2d) or as an eccentric rotatable about an axis with a lever.

10. Winding system according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that a recess (1a) in the winding core (1) for receiving the coupling element (2) is formed by a channel that at least partly penetrates the winding core (1), through which channel, after the insertion of the winding core (1) into the housing of the mass transfer device, a medium can flow, in particular blood.

11. Winding system according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that a recess (1a) in the winding core for receiving the coupling element (2) is surrounded by a channel (1b) which at least in parts runs coaxial in relation to the recess (1a) and through which channel, after insertion of the winding core (1) into the housing of the mass transfer device, a medium can flow, in particular blood.