Device and method for connecting tubes made of plastic

Abstract

A device (1) for connecting tubes (10, 12) made of plastic, in particular tubes connected to blood bags, has the following: a first clamp (14) and a second clamp (16), each of which has two opposite jaws (18, 20, 22, 24) in order to clamp a first tube (10) and a second tube (12); a first severing unit (26) and a second severing unit (28), each of which has an anvil (30, 34) and a blade (32, 36) in order to sever the first and the second tube (10, 12) at a respective severing point; and a movement unit (38) which is designed to move at least one of the clamps, the first clamp (14) or second clamp (16), such that ends of the first and of the second tube (10, 12) clamped in the clamps and severed can be brought into axial alignment and then into contact. The jaws (18, 20, 22, 24) of the first and of the second clamp (14, 16) and / or the anvil (30, 34) and the blade (32, 36) of the first and of the second severing unit (26, 28) are designed as electrodes to which high-frequency energy can be applied in order to melt the ends of the first and the second tube (10, 12) in the region of the severing point before and / or after the tubes (10, 12) are severed. The movement unit (38) is designed to bring the clamped and severed ends of the first and second tube (10, 12) into contact when in a melted state.

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Device and method for connecting plastic hoses

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a device and a method for connecting plastic tubes, in particular tubes connected to blood bags.

[0004] US 2020 / 0 047 423 A1 discloses a device that uses a so-called wafer, which is previously heated to approximately 300°C by applying electrical energy, to first separate two blood bag tubes to be connected. Due to the heating of the wafer, the two tubes to be connected are melted at their respective separation points. The melted ends of the tube sections to be connected are then brought together to connect the tubes. A disadvantage of this technology is that the wafers are expensive due to the conductor track incorporated therein and must be disposed of after a connection process due to the high heating and subsequent cooling process. Consequently, a connection process is associated with high costs and material consumption.

[0005] EP 4 035 723 A1 attempts to reduce the costs of a joining process by replacing the wafer with a cutting element that is heated by bringing it into contact with a heating arrangement. While this approach can reduce the costs of a joining process, it also requires disposal of the cutting element after the separation process, so a joining process still involves costs and material usage.

[0006] The object of the present disclosure is to provide an improved device and an improved method for connecting plastic tubes, in particular tubes connected to blood bags. This object is achieved by the device and method according to the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0007] A device for connecting plastic tubes, in particular tubes connected to blood bags, comprises a first clamp and a second clamp, each having two opposing jaws for clamping a first tube and a second tube. The clamps allow the tubes to be clamped off, and the tubes can be connected even when the tubes are in a fluid-carrying state.

[0008] The device further comprises a first separating unit and a second separating unit, each comprising an anvil and a blade for separating the first and second tubes at a respective separation point. Using the anvil and blade, the two tubes can be separated without the need for additional clamping.

[0009] The device further comprises a movement unit configured to move at least one of the clamps, the first clamp or the second clamp, such that the clamped and severed ends of the first and second hoses can be brought into axial alignment and subsequently into contact or abutment. Consequently, the severed ends of the hoses to be connected, which are clamped in the clamps, can be brought into contact and thereby joined.

[0010] The jaws of the first and second clamps and / or the anvil and blade of the first and second cutting units are designed as electrodes. The electrodes can be subjected to high-frequency energy in order to melt the first and second hoses in the region of the cutting point before and / or during cutting of the hoses. It should be noted that "melted" means that the hoses 10, 12 made of plastic, in particular PVC, have already softened to such an extent that they melt upon contact and are connected to one another when cooled. The closed electrodes, with the hose arranged between them as a dielectric, thus form a capacitor. By applying high-frequency energy to the capacitor, an electric field is generated between the electrodes and the hose is heated to such an extent that it is melted. Consequently, a cutting process for the first and second hoses can be carried out in a simple manner.

[0011] According to the present disclosure, the jaws of the first or second clamp can be configured as electrodes. In this case, the first and second cutting units are arranged adjacent to the first and second clamps, respectively, so that a separation point of the first and second tubes is still sufficiently melted during separation. Alternatively, the anvil and blade of the first and second cutting units can also be configured as electrodes to melt the separation point of the tube. However, it is also conceivable for both the jaws and the anvil and blade to be configured as electrodes to be subjected to high-frequency energy.

[0012] The movement unit is designed to bring the clamped and severed ends of the first and second hoses into contact in a partially melted state. Consequently, the severed and clamped ends of the first and second hoses are joined together with a precise fit, so that after the hoses have cooled, a connection between the first and second hoses is established.

[0013] Advantageously, the clamps, the separating units, and the movement unit are each driven by an electric motor. This allows for simple control of the individual components, for example, by means of a control unit such as a microcontroller.

[0014] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the high-frequency energy has a frequency between 25 and 45 MHz. This frequency range is particularly suitable for melting using high-frequency energy. For medical applications, a frequency of 40.68 MHz ± 5 kHz has proven particularly advantageous for melting blood bag tubes. Preferably, the blades each have a width transverse to the axial direction of the first and second tubes that corresponds to at least one diameter of the first and second tubes. Consequently, the tubes can be separated reliably and completely.

[0015] According to one aspect, the device according to the disclosure can comprise a high-frequency generator configured to apply high-frequency energy to the electrodes. The high-frequency generator can comprise a coil for this purpose, forming an oscillating circuit together with the capacitor formed by the electrodes. Alternatively, the coil can also be arranged in the device connected to the electrodes. The high-frequency generator can be connected to the electrodes, in particular by means of a coaxial cable. If both the jaws, the blade, and the anvil can be applied with high-frequency energy, the high-frequency generator can comprise multiple outputs, or multiple high-frequency generators can be used. It is also conceivable to use different frequencies for the jaws, the blade, and the anvil.Particularly preferably, the high-frequency generator is communicatively connected to a control unit of the device so that the application of high-frequency energy to the electrodes can be appropriately controlled.

[0016] According to an advantageous aspect of the disclosure, the jaws of the first and second clamps can be configured as electrodes and can be subjected to high-frequency energy by the high-frequency generator. The high-frequency generator can then be configured to apply high-frequency energy to the jaws of the first and second clamps, respectively, before and / or while the clamped and severed ends of the first and second hoses are brought into contact. Consequently, the severed ends of the hoses, which are still held in the clamp, can be subjected to high-frequency energy again, causing them to melt again. In this way, a reliable and secure connection of the two hoses can be achieved.Advantageously, the movement device can be configured to interrupt the clamped and severed ends being brought into contact before and / or during the clamping process. Consequently, high-frequency energy can be reapplied to the jaws of the clamps to melt the severed ends clamped in the clamps for a sufficient time to achieve a reliable connection between the two hoses.

[0017] It is advantageous if the first and second clamps are designed to continue clamping the severed ends after they have been brought into contact and cooled. In this case, the movement unit can be designed to move the closed clamps apart in an axial direction of the hoses. This procedure opens the connection point between the connected hoses, thus reliably enabling fluid flow. Furthermore, the connection point can be tested for its tensile strength.

[0018] The movement unit can preferably comprise two platforms arranged parallel to one another in a plane. At least one of the platforms can be movable in the plane. The first clamp and the second separating unit can then be arranged on a first platform, and the second clamp and the first separating unit can be arranged on a second platform. Consequently, the two clamps can be moved toward one another using a simple construction in order to bring the two severed ends of the first hose and the second hose, clamped in the clamps, into axial alignment and then into contact.

[0019] Advantageously, the blades can each have a straight section parallel to an abutment surface of the anvil. This allows for improved performance of the blade as an electrode. Furthermore, the hose section to be severed that is not clamped in the clamp can be welded, enabling the cutting and thus also the connection of fluid-carrying hoses. Furthermore, it is advantageous if the blades each have an inclined section that is angled away from the clamp. This results in even more reliable welding of the hose section to be severed.

[0020] According to an advantageous aspect, the jaws, when closed, can each form projections around the clamped hose in a direction in which the clamped and severed ends of the hoses are to be brought into contact. The projections therefore act as a stamp around the clamped hose. As a result, an even better contact and thus connection of the two severed and clamped ends of the first hose and the second hose is achieved.

[0021] Advantageously, an abutment surface of the anvil and a clamping surface of one of the jaws can be aligned during the separation of the first and second hoses with respect to the hose to be separated, i.e., an axial direction of the hose. Since the hose is melted in the region of the separation point during the separation, it can be damaged by even the slightest bend, resulting in contamination of the interior of the hose. By arranging the abutment surface of the anvil and the clamping surface of one of the jaws, which is arranged on the anvil side, in alignment, this damage and the associated contamination can be prevented. Consequently, a sterile connection of the two hoses can be ensured even more reliably.

[0022] It has been shown to be advantageous to provide a first and a second guide unit for guiding the first and second hoses. Consequently, the hoses are properly guided to the clamps and the separating units without being twisted, bent, or otherwise arranged in a disadvantageous manner.

[0023] Furthermore, it is also advantageous if a first holding unit is provided for holding a first blood bag connected to the first tube, and a second holding unit is provided for holding a second blood bag connected to the second tube. The holding units can be formed by two shelves or by pins or hooks on which blood bags can be hung. Consequently, careless dropping of the blood bags can be prevented.

[0024] According to an exemplary aspect, the device can have a lid, which is particularly transparent, and a sensor configured to detect a closed state of the lid. Connecting the first and second tubes can then only be carried out if the sensor detects a closed state of the lid. Consequently, contamination of the tubes to be connected is reliably prevented, and an operator of the device is protected from carelessly reaching into the moving components of the device. Furthermore, a transparent lid allows the operator to monitor a connection process.

[0025] The device can advantageously comprise an input unit for detecting the type of hoses to be connected and / or the operator of the device. The input unit can be implemented in a variety of ways, e.g., by a keyboard, a touchscreen, a barcode or QR code reader, an RFID scanner, or a fingerprint scanner. Accordingly, the electrodes can be exposed to high-frequency energy corresponding to the hoses to be connected, ensuring proper melting. Furthermore, the person who performed a connection process can be documented.

[0026] A method according to the disclosure for connecting plastic tubes, in particular tubes connected to blood bags, initially comprises a step for clamping a first tube and a second tube in a first clamp and a second clamp, each having two opposing jaws. The clamps allow the tubes to be clamped off, and the tubes can be connected even when the tubes are in a fluid-carrying state. The method further comprises a step for separating the first and second tubes at a respective separation point by means of a first separation unit and a second separation unit, each having an anvil and a blade. By using the anvil and blade, the two tubes can be separated without having to be secured by means of a second clamp.

[0027] Subsequently, the method includes a step of moving at least one of the clamps, the first clamp or the second clamp, so that the clamped and severed ends of the first and second hoses are brought into axial alignment and then into contact. Consequently, the severed ends of the hoses to be connected, which are clamped in the clamps, can be brought into contact and joined together.

[0028] Before and / or during the separation of the tubes, a step is carried out to apply high-frequency energy to the jaws of the first and second clamps and / or the anvil and the blade of the first and second separation units, which are designed as electrodes, in order to melt the first and second tubes in the region of the separation point. The jaws of the first and second clamps and / or the anvil and the blade thus function as capacitor plates and the tube located therein as a dielectric. Consequently, the application of high-frequency energy melts the tube, thus achieving proper and sterile separation. It is therefore not necessary to heat the separation unit and in particular the blade itself, so that, unlike in the prior art, it does not have to be disposed of after separation.

[0029] Subsequently, the clamped and severed ends of the first and second tubes are brought into contact during the moving step in a molten state. Consequently, the severed and clamped ends of the first and second tubes are precisely joined to one another, so that after cooling, a reliable connection between the first and second tubes is established. Preferably, the method can comprise a step of providing a blood bag connected to the first tube before clamping the first tube, and a step of providing a blood bag connected to the second tube before clamping the first tube or at least before clamping the second tube. The blood bags can be held by a holding unit, so that the method can be carried out in a reasonably reliable manner.

[0030] Particularly preferably, when carrying out the method, at least one of the tubes, the first tube or the second tube, can be connected to a branch piece or a Y-branch, to which the first or the second blood bag and a further blood bag are connected via respective tubes. Accordingly, it is possible, for example, to provide a blood bag for blood collection from a blood donor with only one tube and a needle attached to it. After the blood sample has been tested for its usability and found to be suitable, it can be separated into its blood components, for example by centrifugation. Subsequently, the tube of the blood bag, which contains the separated blood components, can be separated from the needle and connected to a tube to which at least two further blood bags are connected via respective tubes via a branch piece. Subsequently, two of the blood components, e.g.Plasma and buffy coat are transferred from the original blood bag to the subsequent blood bags. This process avoids plastic waste that arises when a collected blood sample is unusable or subsequently not released by the donor.

[0031] In summary, the disclosed device and method enable a reliable connection of two plastic tubes without the need to dispose of separating elements, such as wafers or blades, after a separation process. Consequently, the ongoing costs of a connection process can be reduced.

[0032] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the accompanying figures. Figure 1 shows an overall view of a hose connecting device according to the present disclosure;

[0033] Fig. 2 is a detailed view of clamps, separating units, a movement unit and two hoses to be connected in the device;

[0034] Fig. 3 is a schematic view of electrodes for heating a tube therein and the high-frequency generator connected thereto; and

[0035] Figures 4 to 11 show a detailed view of the clamps, the separating units, the movement unit and the two hoses to be connected in the device for connecting hoses during a connection process.

[0036] Fig. 1 shows a device 1 for connecting plastic tubes according to the disclosure. The device 1 is described below with reference to its use with blood bags. The tubes connected to the blood bags are made of PVC. However, the device 1 is also suitable for connecting other tubes that are not made of PVC but can nevertheless be heated using high frequency.

[0037] As shown in Fig. 1, the device 1 comprises an input unit 2, a first holding unit 4 for holding a first blood bag (not shown), a second holding unit 6 for holding a second blood bag (not shown) and a lid 8.

[0038] The input unit 2 is designed to detect the type of tubes to be connected and / or the operator of the device 1. In the present embodiment, the input unit 2 is designed as a touchscreen. However, the input unit 2 can also be formed by a keyboard, a barcode or QR code reader, an RFID scanner, or a fingerprint scanner, or a combination of these units. Accordingly, an operator of the device can enter the type of tubes to be connected into the device 1 so that the connection process can be carried out appropriately. Furthermore, the operator who performed the connection process is documented. This is especially necessary if it turns out that a blood sample has been contaminated.

[0039] The device 1 further comprises holding units 4 and 6 for holding a first and a second blood bag. In the present embodiment, the holding units 4 and 6 are formed by two shelves with a rim. However, the holding units 4 and 6 can also be formed by pins or hooks on which the blood bags can be hung. This prevents the operator from accidentally dropping the blood bags.

[0040] The device 1 also has a lid 8, which is preferably transparent. Furthermore, the device 1 has a sensor (not shown) that can detect a closed state of the lid 8. A control unit of the device 1, which is connected to the sensor, is designed such that it only starts a connection process when a closed state of the lid 8 is detected. Consequently, contamination of the hoses to be connected, e.g. through contact between the severed ends of the two hoses, can be avoided. In addition, it can be prevented that an operator carelessly reaches into the device 1. Due to the transparent design of the lid 8, the connection process can still be observed.

[0041] After the blood bags are arranged on the holding units 4 and 6, the tubes 10, 12 to be connected can be inserted into the device 1 with the lid 8 open. Fig. 2 shows the arrangement of a first tube 10 and a second tube 12 to be connected in the device 1. It should be noted that the first tube 10 is connected to the first blood bag on the first holding unit 4, and the first blood bag is located at the top in the example shown in Fig. 2. Consequently, the second blood bag is located at the bottom in the example shown in Fig. 2.

[0042] As shown in Fig. 2, the device 1 comprises a first clamp 14 and a second clamp 16. The first clamp 14 and the second clamp 16 are each formed by two opposing jaws 18 and 20, or 22 and 24, which have flat clamping surfaces. The clamps 14, 16 are arranged such that they receive and clamp the proximal ends, i.e., the ends connected to the blood bags. Consequently, the clamps 14, 16 can interrupt the flow of fluid from the blood bag through the tubes 10, 12.

[0043] The device 1 also has a first separating unit 26 and a second separating unit 28, each formed by an anvil 30 or 34 and a blade 32 or 36. The two hoses 10 and 12 are separated by the separating units by the blades 32 or 36 striking abutment surfaces 52, 54 (see Fig. 6) of the anvil 32 to 34. The precise design of the blades 32, 36 will be described later with reference to Fig. 6.

[0044] The device 1 further comprises a movement unit 38 formed by a first platform 40 and a second platform 42. The two platforms 40, 42 are arranged parallel to one another in a plane. The first clamp 14 and the second separating unit 28 are arranged on the first platform 40, and the second clamp 16 and the first separating unit 26 are arranged on the second platform 42. Accordingly, as will be described later with reference to Figures 7 and 8, bringing the two platforms 40, 42 together or into contact can be carried out in a simple manner by moving them relative to one another.

[0045] The first and second platforms 40, 42 have a first guide unit 44 and a second guide unit 46, respectively, to guide the first and second hoses 10, 12 to the clamps 14, 16 and the separating units 26, 28. The first and second guide units 44, 46 can be formed by groove sections in the first and second platforms 40, 42.

[0046] The clamps 14, 16, the separating units 26, 28, and the movement unit 38, i.e., at least one of the two platforms 40, 42, are driven or movable by an electric motor, and their operation is controlled by a control unit (not shown) of the device 1 by executing a corresponding computer program. The control unit is also connected to other units, such as the input unit 2, and sensors, such as the sensor for detecting a closed state of the lid 8, in order to properly control a connection process.

[0047] In order to separate and connect the first tube 10 and the second tube 12, the tubes 10, 12 must be partially melted before and / or during the separation process. For this purpose, the jaws 18 to 24 and / or the anvils 30, 34 and the blades 32, 36, as shown in Fig. 3, are designed as electrodes so that they can be exposed to high-frequency energy. The first tube 10 and the second tube 12 are arranged between the electrodes. Consequently, the tubes 10, 12 form a dielectric between the electrodes, resulting in a capacitor. When high-frequency energy is applied, an electric field is generated between the electrodes, which heats the dielectric located between the electrodes, i.e. the tubes 10, 12, and, if sufficient heat is supplied, melts the dielectric. The hoses 10, 12 can then be easily separated and subsequently brought into the system in a melted state.It should be noted that melted means that the tubes 10, 12 made of plastic, in particular PVC, have already softened to such an extent that they melt together when they come into contact and are connected to one another in a cooled state.

[0048] As shown in Fig. 3, a coil 48 can be connected to the electrodes to form an oscillating circuit. The coil 48 can be connected to the electrodes in the device 1. The oscillating circuit in the device 1 can then be connected to a high-frequency generator 51 via a coaxial cable 50. However, it is also conceivable for the coil 48 to be arranged in the high-frequency generator 51. It should be mentioned that the electrodes can be simultaneously supplied with high-frequency energy to heat the separation points of the first tube 10 and the second tube 12, respectively, in order to ensure that the tubes 10 and 12, respectively, are sufficiently melted when brought into contact. This can be made possible by several parallel outputs in the high-frequency generator 51 or by using several high-frequency generators 51. The following configurations are conceivable for the design of the electrodes.Firstly, the anvils 30, 34 and the blades 32, 36 can be designed as electrodes. The hoses 10 and 12 are then clamped and heated between the anvils 30, 34 and the blades 32, 36 during a cutting process. The blades 32, 36 are then driven further and strike the abutment surfaces 52 and 54 (see Fig. 6) of the anvils 30, 34, respectively, so that the hoses 10, 12 are separated. The severed ends, which are to be connected to one another and are clamped in the clamps 14, 16, are then brought into contact in a molten state, so that after the hoses 10, 12 have cooled, a connection between the two hoses 10, 12 is achieved.

[0049] Alternatively, the jaws 18 to 24 can be designed as electrodes to heat the hoses 10 and 12 clamped therein. The cutting units 26, 28 are then arranged adjacent to the jaws 18 to 24, i.e., the clamps 14 and 16, so that a cutting point is still sufficiently melted. This embodiment offers the advantage that the ends of the hoses 10 and 12 clamped and severed in the clamps 14 and 16 can also be heated before and / or during contact.

[0050] Furthermore, it is also conceivable that both the jaws 18 to 24, as well as the anvils 30, 34 and the blades 32, 36 are designed as electrodes, so that, for example, the hoses 10, 12 are heated during the cutting process by the cutting units 26, 28. However, the hoses 10, 12 can also be heated during the cutting process by the cutting units 26, 28 and the clamps 14, 16. This can be necessary especially for hoses 10, 12 with thick walls. Before and / or during contact, the severed ends of the hoses 10, 12 can then be heated again by the clamps 14, 16, so that a reliable connection between the two hoses 10, 12 is achieved.

[0051] After the hoses 10, 12 are arranged in the device 1, i.e., the hoses 10, 12 are guided in the guide units 44 and 46 to the clamps 14 and 16, respectively, and the separating units 26, 28, and a closed state of the lid 8 is detected, a connecting process is started by the control unit of the device. A connecting process using the above-described device 1 for connecting plastic hoses 10, 12 is described below with reference to Figures 4 to 11.

[0052] As shown in Fig. 4, the clamps 14, 16 are first closed and the first and second tubes 10, 12 are clamped off, respectively, so that fluid flow is interrupted. The separating units 26, 28 are still open in Fig. 4.

[0053] As shown in Fig. 5, the jaw 18 and the anvil 30 can preferably be arranged before the cutting process such that an inner surface of the jaw 18 and an abutment surface 52 of the anvil 30 are aligned with respect to an axial direction of the hose 10 (see alignment line F1 in Fig. 5). This can prevent kinking during the cutting process, so that the hose 10 is not damaged in a partially melted state. Similarly, the jaw 24 and the anvil 34 can be arranged such that an inner surface of the jaw 24 and an abutment surface 54 of the anvil 34 are aligned with respect to an axial direction of the hose 12 (see alignment line F2 in Fig. 5).

[0054] In Fig. 6, the first and second separating units 26 and 28 are then also closed. Subsequently, the hoses 10 and 12 are heated in the area of ​​a separation point where they are to be separated. The heating is achieved, as described above, by applying high-frequency energy to the terminals 14 and 16 or to the separating units 26 and 28. Alternatively, high-frequency energy can also be applied to the terminals 14, 16 and the separating units 26, 28.

[0055] As shown in Fig. 6, the blades 32 and 36 preferably have a straight section 56 and 60, respectively, which are parallel to the abutment surfaces 52 and 54, respectively. Accordingly, the blades 32, 36 can be suitably designed as electrodes to adequately heat the tubes 10, 12 arranged in the cutting units 26, 28. Furthermore, the blades 32 and 36 can each have an inclined section 58 and 62, respectively. The inclined sections 58, 62 are inclined away from the clamps 14 and 16, i.e., towards the distal ends of the tubes 10, 12. Through the interaction of the straight sections 52, 56 with the inclined sections 54, 58, the ends of the tubes 10, 12 to be cut can be welded in the molten state. As a result, fluid leakage from the severed ends of the hoses 10, 12 can be prevented. The device 1 is thus suitable for connecting two fluid-carrying hoses 10, 12.

[0056] After the hoses 10, 12 have been separated at a respective separation point, the clamps 14, 16 and the separation units 26, 28 are spatially separated from one another, as shown in Fig. 7, by moving the first and second platforms 40 and 42 of the movement unit 38 away from one another in the axial direction of the hoses 10, 12. It should be noted that this can be done by moving at least one of the platforms 40 or 42 or by moving both platforms 40 and 42. Preferably, the separation units 26 and 28 are also closed during this process, ensuring proper separation of the hoses 10, 12.

[0057] Subsequently, one of the platforms 40 or 42, or both platforms 40 and 42, is displaced transversely to the axial direction of the tubes 10, 12 to axially align the two severed ends of the tubes 10, 12 clamped in the clamps 14, 16. As already mentioned, this process can be carried out easily because the movement unit 38 has the first platform 40 and the second platform 42, and the first clamp 14 and the second separating unit 28 are arranged on the first platform 40, and the second clamp 16 and the first separating unit 26 are arranged on the second platform 42. Consequently, the two tubes 10, 12 are arranged antiparallel with their flow direction from a blood bag to an outlet of the tubes 10, 12. Consequently, the tubes can be brought into axial alignment by simply shifting them in a direction transverse to the axial direction of the tubes 10, 12.

[0058] After the two hoses 10, 12 have been brought into axial alignment, they are moved toward each other in the axial direction, as shown in Fig. 9, to bring them into contact. As already mentioned above, the jaws 18, 20, 22, 24 of the clamps 14, 16 can be designed as electrodes and can therefore be subjected to high-frequency energy again before and / or during the bringing into contact, so that the clamped and severed ends of the hoses 10, 12 in the clamps 14, 16 are melted again. In this case, the moving device 38 can be designed to interrupt the bringing into contact of the clamped and severed ends. Consequently, high-frequency energy can be applied to the clamps 14, 16 for an appropriate time so that the severed ends of the two hoses 10, 12 are sufficiently melted.As a result, a proper connection between the two hoses 10, 12 is ensured even more reliably.

[0059] Fig. 10 shows the bringing into contact of the two severed and clamped ends of the hoses 10, 12. Preferably, the clamps 14, 16, in a closed state, form projections 64, 66 around the clamped and severed ends of the hoses 10, 12 in a direction in which the ends are to be brought into contact. The projections 64, 66 can be cylindrical or cuboid-shaped and function as a stamp to ensure reliable contact or bringing the severed and melted ends into contact.

[0060] After the two ends have been brought into contact and cooled, the two clamps 14, 16 can be moved apart in a closed state in the axial direction of the hoses 10, 12 (not shown in the figures). In this way, a connection between the two hoses 10, 12 can be tested for its tensile strength. Furthermore, a connection point 64 (see Fig. 10) is opened by this separation, allowing fluid flow between the two hoses 10, 12.

[0061] The clamps 14, 16 are then opened and the hoses 10, 12 connected at a separation point 68 can be removed from the device 1.

[0062] Consequently, the device 1 for connecting plastic hoses according to the present disclosure is capable of connecting two hoses 10, 12 together without generating wear material. Consequently, the ongoing costs for a connecting process can also be significantly reduced.

[0063] Particularly preferably, when carrying out the connection process, for example, the first tube 10 can be connected at one end to a blood bag containing blood from a blood donor. The other end of the tube 10 is then connected to a needle used to withdraw the blood from the blood donor. The second tube 12 is connected to a branch piece or a Y-branch, to which at least two further blood bags, so-called satellite bags, are connected. After the blood sample has been tested for usability and found to be suitable, it can be separated into its blood components, for example by centrifugation. The tube 10 can then be separated from the needle and connected to the tube 12. Two of the blood components, for example plasma and buffy coat, can then be transferred from the original blood bag into the further blood bags.This approach avoids plastic waste that arises when a collected blood sample turns out to be unusable or is subsequently not released by the donor. Furthermore, the blood donation process is significantly simplified, as a blood donor or blood donation staff member has less material to handle.

[0064] As mentioned above, the present disclosure has been described with reference to tubes 10, 12 connected to blood bags. However, the disclosure is also applicable to other tubes that can be heated using radio frequency. Furthermore, the disclosure can also be used in other fields, such as pharmacy, chemistry, and biology.

[0065] List of reference symbols

[0066] 1 device for connecting hoses

[0067] 2 input unit

[0068] 4 first holding unit

[0069] 6 second holding unit

[0070] 8 lids

[0071] 10 first hose

[0072] 12 second hose

[0073] 14 first terminal

[0074] 16 second terminal

[0075] 18 cheek

[0076] 20 cheek

[0077] 22 Cheek

[0078] 24 cheek

[0079] 26 first separation unit

[0080] 28 second separation unit

[0081] 30 anvils

[0082] 32 blade

[0083] 34 anvil

[0084] 36 blade

[0085] 38 movement units

[0086] 40 first platform

[0087] 42 second platform

[0088] 44 first command unit

[0089] 46 second leadership unit

[0090] 48 coil

[0091] 50 coaxial cables

[0092] 51 high-frequency generator

[0093] 52 Kick-off area

[0094] 54 Kick-off area

[0095] 56 straight section

[0096] 58 inclined section straight section inclined section projection projection connection point

Claims

Claims 1. A device (1) for connecting plastic tubes (10, 12), in particular tubes connected to blood bags, comprising: a first clamp (14) and a second clamp (16), each having two opposing jaws (18, 20, 22, 24) for clamping a first tube (10) and a second tube (12); a first separating unit (26) and a second separating unit (28), each having an anvil (30, 34) and a blade (32, 36) for separating the first and second tubes (10, 12) at a respective separation point; and a movement unit (38) which is designed to move at least one of the clamps, first clamp (14) or second clamp (16), such that clamped and severed ends of the first and second hoses (10, 12) in the clamps (14, 16) can be brought into axial alignment and subsequently into contact;characterized in that the jaws (18, 20, 22, 24) of the first and second clamps (14, 16) and / or the anvil (30, 34) and the blade (32, 36) of the first and second cutting units (26, 28) are designed as electrodes that can be subjected to high-frequency energy in order to melt the first and second hoses (10, 12) in the region of the cutting point before and / or during cutting of the hoses (10, 12); and the movement unit (38) is designed to bring the clamped and cut ends of the first and second hoses (10, 12) into contact in a melted state.

2. Device (1) according to claim 1, comprising: a high-frequency generator (51) configured to apply high-frequency energy to the electrodes.

3. Device (1) according to claim 2, wherein the jaws (18, 20, 22, 24) of the first and second clamps (14, 16) are designed as electrodes and can be supplied with high-frequency energy by the high-frequency generator (51); and the high-frequency generator (51) is designed to apply high-frequency energy to the jaws (18, 20, 22, 24) of the first and second clamps (14, 16) before and / or while the clamped and severed ends of the first and second hoses (10, 12) are brought into contact.

4. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the movement device (38) is designed to interrupt the bringing into contact of the clamped and severed ends before and / or while the clamped and severed ends are brought into contact.

5. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and second clamps (14, 16) are configured to continue clamping the severed ends after they have been brought into contact and cooled; and the movement unit (38) is configured to move the closed clamps (14, 16) away from each other in an axial direction of the hoses (10, 12).

6. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the movement unit (38) has two platforms (40, 42) arranged parallel to one another in a plane; at least one of the platforms (40, 42) is movable in the plane; the first clamp (14) and the second separating unit (28) are arranged on a first platform (40); and the second clamp (16) and the first separating unit (26) are arranged on a second platform (42).

7. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the blades (32, 36) each have a straight section (56, 60) which is parallel to an abutment surface (52, 54) of the anvil (30, 34).

8. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the blades (32, 36) each have an inclined portion (58, 62) which is inclined away from the clamp (14, 16).

9. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the jaws (18, 20, 22, 24) in a closed state each form projections (64, 66) around the hose (10, 12) clamped therein in a direction in which the clamped and severed ends of the hoses (10, 12) are to be brought into contact.

10. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein an abutment surface (52, 52) of the anvil (30, 32) and a clamping surface of one of the jaws (18, 24) are arranged in alignment with respect to the hose (10, 12) to be severed during the separation of the first and second hoses (10, 12).

11. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising: a first and a second guide unit (44, 46) for guiding the first and the second hose (10, 12).

12. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising: a first holding unit (4) for holding a first blood bag connected to the first tube (10), and a second holding unit (6) for holding a second blood bag connected to the second tube (12).

13. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising: a lid (8), which is in particular transparent, and a sensor which is designed to detect a closed state of the lid (8), wherein a connection of the first and the second hose (10, 12) can only be carried out if the sensor detects a closed state of the lid (8).

14. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising: an input unit (2) for detecting a type of hoses (10, 12) to be connected and / or an operator of the device (1).

15. A method for connecting plastic tubes (10, 12), in particular tubes connected to blood bags, comprising the following steps: Clamping a first hose (10) and a second hose (12) in a first clamp (14) and a second clamp (16), each having two opposing jaws (18, 20, 22, 24); Separating the first and second hoses (10, 12) at a respective separation point by means of a first separation unit (26) and a second separation unit (28), each comprising an anvil (30, 34) and a blade (32, 36); and Moving at least one of the clamps, first clamp (14) or second clamp (16), so that clamped and severed ends of the first and second hoses (10, 12) in the clamps (14, 16) are brought into axial alignment and then into contact; characterized in that the method further comprises: before and / or during the separation of the hoses (10, 12), applying high-frequency energy to the jaws (18, 20, 22, 24) of the first and second clamps (14, 16) and / or the anvil (30, 34) and the blade (32, 36) of the first and second separation units (26, 28), which are designed as electrodes, in order to melt the first and second hoses (10, 12) in the region of the separation point; and wherein the clamped and severed ends of the first and second tubes (10, 12) are brought into contact in a molten state during the moving step.

16. The method according to claim 15, comprising the following steps: before clamping the first tube (10), providing a blood bag connected to the first tube (10), and before clamping the first tube (10) or at least before clamping the second tube (12), providing a blood bag connected to the second tube (12).

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein at least one of the tubes, first tube (10) or second tube (12), is connected to a branch piece to which the first or second blood bag and a further blood bag are connected via respective tubes.

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