Bicarbonate cartridge as film tube

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a medical bicarbonate cartridge (1) with a container body (7), an inlet connector (3) and an outlet connector (5) formed separately from the inlet connector (3), wherein the container body (7) is formed as a film tube which forms a fluid-tight connection between the inlet connector (3) and the outlet connector (5). The present disclosure also relates to a system comprising the medical bicarbonate cartridge (1) and a holder (31).

Description

[0001] Bicarbonate cartridge as foil tube

[0002] Description

[0003] Technical area

[0004] The present disclosure relates to a medical bicarbonate cartridge for dialysis applications, in particular for hemodialysis applications, and a system comprising the medical bicarbonate cartridge and a holder.

[0005] Bicarbonate or bicarbonate solution is an indispensable part of modern hemodialysis procedures. Bicarbonate is used in hemodialysis as a buffer substance to balance the acid-base balance. Unlike other buffer substances, bicarbonate has little impact on a patient's cardiovascular system. Most hemodialysis machines today produce the required bicarbonate solution automatically. For this purpose, bicarbonate cartridges filled with powdered / granulated bicarbonate are used. Water is introduced into the bicarbonate cartridge, which is enriched with bicarbonate and then discharged as a bicarbonate solution.

[0006] The prior art utilizes injection-molded cartridge bodies filled with powdered bicarbonate. These injection-molded cartridge bodies have the disadvantage that manufacturing errors, such as friction welding or a body crack in the cartridge body, can lead to leaks in the cartridge, which can compromise the dialysis process and thus patient safety. Furthermore, injection-molded cartridges are expensive to manufacture and, due to their rigid shape, generate a high volume of waste. The object of the present disclosure is therefore to eliminate or at least reduce the disadvantages of the prior art. Specifically, the object of the present disclosure is to provide a bicarbonate cartridge that increases patient safety and reduces manufacturing costs and the volume of waste generated.

[0007] This problem is solved by a medical bicarbonate cartridge according to claim 1 and by a system according to the independent claim. Advantageous further developments are part of the dependent claims.

[0008] Specifically, the problem is solved by the medical bicarbonate cartridge having a container body, an inlet connector and an outlet connector formed separately from the inlet connector, wherein the container body is formed as a film tube / film body which forms an outwardly fluid-tight connection between the inlet connector and the outlet connector.

[0009] In other words, the medical bicarbonate cartridge includes the container body / cartridge body, which, as a film tube, has a preferably substantially tubular outer surface that is closed to the outside (fluid-tight). The film tube or the outer surface of the container body has a flexible structure. In other words, the film tube as a whole is flexible.

[0010] The film tube includes a first end opening and a second end opening, which are arranged / formed at longitudinally opposite ends of the film tube. The first end opening is closed by the inlet connector (initially in the design position). The second end opening is closed by the outlet connector (initially in the design position). The film tube, the inlet connector, and the outlet connector form a fluid-tight storage space.

[0011] The core of the invention is therefore that the medical bicarbonate cartridge is formed with a film tube that defines a flexible, fluid-tight storage space through which fluid can flow in the longitudinal direction. Specifically, the invention consists in providing two (rigid) plates or closure sections forming the end faces of a tube container / tube cartridge, preferably with a substantially oval and more preferably pointed-oval cross-section, in each of which a through-hole is formed, in / on each of which a connection piece or connecting section for an inlet and an outlet is formed / formed / arranged (which extends substantially perpendicular to the respective plate).Furthermore, a film tube with reduced rigidity compared to the plates is provided. This film tube is fixed (glued, welded, etc.) to the opposite longitudinal sides of each plate (extending in the oval's longitudinal direction) in a fluid-tight manner (i.e., it is completely fluid-tightly connected to each plate), thus defining a fluid-tight container-Z-cartridge interior (with the exception of the connections). Additionally, a film strip can be arranged / formed in the area of ​​the (tapered) plate ends viewed in the oval / or plate's longitudinal direction. This film strip projects beyond the plates in the plate's longitudinal direction and extends between the two plates in the container's longitudinal direction.

[0012] Alternatively, two film strips are provided that are flexible relative to the plates and are fixed (glued, welded, etc.) to the opposite long sides of each plate in a fluid-tight manner. These strips extend beyond the two free ends of the plates in the longitudinal direction, thus forming a kind of strip-shaped edge (film strip) at both long sides of each plate. These strips are essentially an extension of the long sides of the plates and are connected to each other in a fluid-tight manner (glued, welded, etc.). This creates a receiving space for the hose container / hose cartridge that can only be connected to the outside via the connections, but is otherwise closed.

[0013] Furthermore, the invention specifically consists of the plate-shaped inlet connector and the plate-shaped outlet connector, whereby the geometry of the inlet connector can correspond to the geometry of the outlet connector, and the film tube, which, with a constant diameter, connects the inlet connector and the outlet connector to the outside in a fluid-tight manner and is integrally connected to the inlet connector and the outlet connector. A bicarbonate cartridge designed in this way is more fracture-resistant than a completely rigid cartridge body manufactured by injection molding. In addition, the bicarbonate cartridge according to the disclosure can reduce waste volume by approximately 70%, since the cartridge body according to the disclosure collapses or is collapsible after use.Furthermore, manufacturing and material costs can be saved by designing the cartridge body as a film tube compared to designing the cartridge body as an injection-molded part.

[0014] In a first aspect, the inlet connector and the outlet connector can each be designed as a connector boat with a connecting portion and a closure portion and close the container body in a materially bonded manner, preferably by welding.

[0015] In other words, the inlet connector and the outlet connector can each include a preferably substantially plate-shaped closure portion, which closes the first end-face opening and the second end-face opening, respectively, in a planar manner. The closure portion can be fixed in or on the first or second end-face opening in a material-to-material manner. In addition to welding, other material-to-material connection types, such as gluing, are conceivable. A connecting portion can be formed on the inlet connector and the outlet connector, which extends substantially perpendicular to the closure portion. The inlet connector and the outlet connector can each be designed as a connector, which is provided and designed to connect the storage space of the bicarbonate cartridge to a line, a hose, or the like.The connecting portion of the inlet connector can be provided and configured to be connected to a water supply line. The connecting portion of the outlet connector can be provided and configured to be connected to a bicarbonate solution line.

[0016] By designing the inlet connector and the outlet connector in this way, water can be introduced into the storage chamber via the inlet connector, a uniform flow through the bicarbonate cartridge, and the bicarbonate solution can be discharged via the outlet connector. The integral connection of the inlet connector and the outlet connector to the film hose ensures the tightness of the bicarbonate cartridge.

[0017] In a further aspect, the closure portion may have a pointed oval geometry.

[0018] In other words, the closure portion of the inlet connector and / or the outlet connector may have a lens shape or an oval shape which tapers to a point at two diametrically opposite end points.

[0019] By shaping the closure section in this way, the transport and storage capacity of the bicarbonate cartridge according to the disclosure can be improved, since rolling away of the bicarbonate cartridge can be prevented without creating dead zones within the bicarbonate cartridge.

[0020] In a further aspect, a sieve section with a sieve may be formed between the connecting section and the closure section.

[0021] In other words, both the inlet connector and the outlet connector can be designed with a sieve that separates the storage space from the environment surrounding the bicarbonate cartridge.

[0022] The sieve section or sieve in the inlet connector and the outlet connector prevents the bicarbonate from leaving the bicarbonate cartridge in undissolved form (powder / granulate). In particular, it prevents clumped bicarbonate from entering the bicarbonate solution line and endangering patient safety.

[0023] In a further aspect, the container body can have at least one holding section, which can preferably be formed as a film strip in a longitudinal direction of the film tube. In other words, at least one, preferably at least two, holding sections can be formed on the container body in the form of the film tube. The at least one holding section can preferably be formed as a film strip made of a material identical to a material of the film tube. Preferably, the at least one holding section can be formed as part of the film tube. In other words, the holding section can be formed as a single piece with the container body or the film tube. Preferably, the at least one holding section can extend over a complete length in the longitudinal direction or a complete longitudinal extent of the container body.

[0024] The at least one support section can have a thicker wall thickness than the container body in the form of the film tube. In particular, the at least one support section can have a wall thickness substantially twice as thick as the container body, whereby the support section fulfills a certain supporting function with respect to the container body.

[0025] In the preferred embodiment in which two holding sections are formed on the container body, the holding sections can particularly preferably be formed diametrically opposite each other on the container body.

[0026] Further preferably, the at least one holding section can be aligned / oriented in the longitudinal direction of one of the two diametrically opposite end points of the closure section. In the preferred embodiment in which two holding sections are formed on the container body, they can each be aligned / oriented in alignment with one of the two diametrically opposite end points of the closure section.

[0027] By designing the container body with at least one holding section, the bicarbonate cartridge can be securely fixed in a corresponding holding device. In other words, the holding sections can be provided and configured to be received by a holding device. This ensures that the bicarbonate cartridge retains its shape during operation despite the flexible container body and does not buckle or collapse uncontrollably, which could impair the flow through the bicarbonate cartridge.

[0028] In a further aspect, the container body can be formed from a polypropylene or polyethylene film. Alternatively, other plastics suitable for pharmaceutical use or approved for packaging medical products and pharmaceuticals are conceivable for forming the container body. Furthermore, the at least one holding section can be formed from the polypropylene or polyethylene film.

[0029] In a further aspect, the film tube can be formed as a multi-layer film.

[0030] In other words, as an alternative to being designed as a monofilm, the film tube can also be designed as a multi-layer film with several, optionally different film layers.

[0031] In one embodiment, the multilayer film can be constructed from two or three film layers. In particular, the two or three film layers can be made of different materials. Particularly preferably, the film layers can be made of polypropylene, polyethylene, and / or polyamide.

[0032] Particularly preferably, the multilayer film can be constructed from film (material) in the first sequence polyethylene, polyamide polyethylene or the second sequence polypropylene, polyamide, polyethylene.

[0033] In a further aspect, the container body can be transparent at least in sections. In other words, the container body can be formed with at least one translucent / transparent section. Alternatively, the entire container body can be transparent.

[0034] By designing the container body in this way, a content of the bicarbonate cartridge and / or a fill level of the bicarbonate cartridge and / or a manufacturing process of the bicarbonate solution can be optically checked / monitored by an operator or a corresponding optical sensor system.

[0035] In a further aspect, the container body of the bicarbonate cartridge can have a cross-section that changes / changes over the longitudinal extent, at least in sections.

[0036] In other words, the container body can have a cross-sectional area oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal extent of the container body. The "longitudinal extent" refers to the extent from the inlet connector to the outlet connector. The cross-section or cross-sectional area, particularly its size, can change along the longitudinal extent. The "cross-sectional area" refers to a planar extent of the cross-section of the container body and / or the receiving space of the container body perpendicular to the longitudinal extent.

[0037] Embodiments are also conceivable in which the cross-sectional area changes in a geometry of the cross-sectional area over the longitudinal extent.

[0038] In one aspect, the cross-section may be variable in sections.

[0039] In other words, the container body can have at least a first section along the longitudinal extent, in which the cross-section changes over the longitudinal extent, and optionally at least a second section along the longitudinal extent, in which the cross-section is constant over the longitudinal extent. Specifically, the container body can have a first section facing the outlet connector, in which the cross-section of the container body tapers towards the outlet connector, and a second section facing the inlet connector, in which the cross-section of the container body is substantially constant. In other words, the first section can taper, starting from the second section, towards the outlet connector, in particular linearly or in a funnel shape.

[0040] In a further aspect, the cross-section may be a cross-section that changes linearly over the longitudinal extent of the container body.

[0041] In other words, the cross-section of the container body can widen and / or taper in a funnel shape, at least in sections. Particularly preferred are embodiments in which the cross-section first widens along the longitudinal extent and then tapers again, optionally after a section with a constant cross-section.

[0042] In one embodiment, the cross-section may expand at a first rate starting from the inlet connector, then remain constant, and then taper again at the first rate toward the outlet connector. In other words, the container body may expand and taper symmetrically.

[0043] Embodiments are also conceivable in which the cross-section tapers and / or widens in a curved manner, for example parabolically.

[0044] In a preferred embodiment, the cross section can taper, preferably linearly, from the inlet connector to the outlet connector.

[0045] In other words, the container body can be funnel-shaped from the inlet connector to the outlet connector.

[0046] The funnel-shaped design of the bicarbonate cartridge ensures that the dissolved bicarbonate is directed directly to the drain connector. This significantly reduces undesirable effects, such as channeling, which can lead to only partial dissolution of the bicarbonate. Furthermore, it ensures that only minimal amounts of undissolved bicarbonate remain in the bicarbonate cartridge's collection chamber at the end of therapy.

[0047] A symmetrical design of the bicarbonate cartridge, in which the bicarbonate cartridge first widens and then tapers again from the inlet connector, offers the additional advantage that the user does not have to distinguish between the inlet connector and the outlet connector when installing the bicarbonate cartridge, but can insert / connect the bicarbonate cartridge in any orientation. This significantly reduces or eliminates user errors.

[0048] In a further aspect, the connection section of the inlet connector and / or the outlet connector can be closed by a tamper-evident closure, preferably in the form of a cap. The tamper-evident closure can be formed, for example, by a seal, a tamper-evident ring, a tear-off / break-off geometry, or the like.

[0049] In a further aspect, the inlet connector and the outlet connector can be formed in one piece, preferably in one piece.

[0050] In a further aspect, the inlet connector and the outlet connector can be designed as a Luer-Lock connector.

[0051] In a further aspect, at least the inlet connector and / or the outlet connector can each be formed with a check valve to define a flow direction of the bicarbonate cartridge and to prevent desired backflow.

[0052] In a further aspect, a cross-sectional area of ​​the storage space parallel to the inlet connector and the outlet connector may correspond to a cross-sectional area of ​​the inlet connector and the outlet connector and may preferably be constant over an extension of the container body.

[0053] A specific bicarbonate cartridge can include the inlet connector, the outlet connector, and the container body, which is formed as a film tube and is in circumferentially connected to the inlet connector and the outlet connector in the front openings of the container body. The storage space enclosed by the inlet connector, the outlet connector, and the container body can have a cylindrical shape with a pointed oval, preferably constant, cross-sectional area. Both the outlet connector and the inlet connector can have the connecting section facing away from the storage space.

[0054] Furthermore, the object of the present disclosure is achieved by a system comprising the bicarbonate cartridge according to one of the above aspects and a holder / holding device, wherein the holder is provided and designed to fix the medical bicarbonate cartridge in or on a dialysis machine.

[0055] Furthermore, the function of the holder is to create a constant and fixed distance between the inlet and outlet connector in order to connect the flexible container body to the corresponding connection adapters of the dialysis machine.

[0056] In other words, the holder of the system is designed to (reversibly) fix the bicarbonate cartridge to the flexible container body in such a way that uncontrolled buckling or collapsing, which could impair the flow through the bicarbonate cartridge, is prevented. Preferably, the holder fixes the bicarbonate cartridge via the at least one holding section optionally formed on the bicarbonate cartridge. Particularly preferably, the bicarbonate cartridge is fixed in the holder with a force fit and / or a form fit. The holder has an external geometry that enables the bicarbonate cartridge to be fixed in the dialysis machine. In other words, the holder forms a fastening adapter to fix the disclosed bicarbonate cartridge in the dialysis machine and to ensure a defined and rigid distance between the inlet and outlet connectors.

[0057] In a first aspect, the holder can substantially completely surround the bicarbonate cartridge in a radial direction. In particular, the holder can completely surround the container body of the bicarbonate cartridge.

[0058] By designing the system consisting of the bicarbonate cartridge and holder in this way, the holder protects the bicarbonate cartridge from being punctured / cut by a pointed / sharp object.

[0059] In a further aspect, the holder of the system can also be designed as a one-piece structural element that encloses the bicarbonate cartridge in the form of a rigid bracket or a pair of pliers and holds it in a fixed position.

[0060] In a further aspect, the holder of the system can be designed in several parts.

[0061] In one aspect, the holder of the system can be designed to be foldable.

[0062] In other words, the holder can in particular contain two shells which are hingedly connected to one another via at least one hinge. A receiving space can be formed in the holder which is intended and designed to receive the bicarbonate cartridge. The receiving space of the holder can be accessible by opening the holder or folding the two shells towards one another. The two shells can be designed essentially symmetrically to one another. The two shells forming the holder can form an essentially cuboid-shaped outer geometry in a closed / folded state. In the folded state, the bicarbonate cartridge can be fixed in the holder in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner.

[0063] In a further aspect, the holder of the system can include at least one quick-release fastener. In other words, at least one quick-release fastener can be configured, preferably on a side of the holder facing away from the at least one hinge, to reversibly, in particular positively, secure the closed state of the holder. In yet other words, the quick-release fastener can be configured to connect / clamp the two shells together in such a way that the bicarbonate cartridge is secured between the shells.

[0064] In a further aspect, the receiving space of the holder can have a substantially cylindrical shape with a pointed oval base. In other words, a geometry of the receiving space can correspond to an (external) geometry of the bicarbonate cartridge.

[0065] In a further aspect, the holder of the system can fix the bicarbonate cartridge in such a way that in the fixed state, a relative movement of the inlet and outlet connectors to the holder is prevented.

[0066] In a further aspect, the holder of the system can include openings that are provided and configured to receive the preferably substantially plate-shaped closure sections of the inlet and outlet connector in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner. In an alternative aspect, the holder of the system can include alternative openings that are provided and configured to receive the connecting sections.

[0067] In a further aspect, the preferably substantially plate-shaped closure sections of the inlet and outlet connector and / or the openings of the holder can be formed with a locking geometry that enables the closure sections to be locked in the openings of the holder.

[0068] In a further aspect, the holder may include at least one viewing window that allows an operator to visually check / monitor the contents of the bicarbonate cartridge and the preparation process of the bicarbonate solution. In a further aspect, the holder may be transparent.

[0069] In a further aspect, the holder of the system can be formed from plastic and / or a stainless steel sheet and / or a grid material.

[0070] Short description of the characters

[0071] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a bicarbonate cartridge according to the disclosure;

[0072] Fig. 2 is a sectional view of the bicarbonate cartridge according to the disclosure;

[0073] Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a holder and bicarbonate cartridge system according to the disclosure;

[0074] Fig. 4 is a sectional view of the disclosed bicarbonate cartridge in a first alternative embodiment;

[0075] Fig. 5 is a sectional view of the disclosed bicarbonate cartridge in a second alternative embodiment; and

[0076] Fig. 6 is a sectional view of the disclosed bicarbonate cartridge in a third alternative embodiment.

[0077] Description of the embodiments

[0078] Embodiments of the present disclosure are described below based on the accompanying figures. Specifically, Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of the bicarbonate cartridge 1 according to the disclosure in a perspective view, and Fig. 2 shows the bicarbonate cartridge 1 according to the disclosure in a sectional view.

[0079] The bicarbonate cartridge is explained below using Figs. 1 and 2.

[0080] The bicarbonate cartridge 1 includes an inlet connector 3 and an outlet connector 5, each designed as a connector boat, as well as a container body in the form of a film tube 7. The film tube 7 represents a fluid-tight connection between the inlet connector 3 and the outlet connector 5 and extends in a longitudinal direction L of the bicarbonate cartridge 1. In other words, the inlet connector 3, the outlet connector 5, and the film tube 7 delimit a storage space 9 of the bicarbonate cartridge 1. The inlet connector 3 closes a first end-face opening 11 of the film tube 7. The outlet connector 5 closes a second end-face opening 13 of the film tube 7.

[0081] In the embodiment shown here, the inlet connector 3 and the outlet connector 5 are constructed identically.

[0082] The inlet connector 3 includes a closure section 15 and a connecting section 17. The closure section 15 has a substantially pointed oval, flat shape. The connecting section 17 extends centrally on the closure section 15, essentially perpendicular to the flat extent of the closure section, away from the closure section 15. The closure section 15 includes a circumferential connecting edge 19. The connecting edge 19 is integrally connected to the film tube 7. In other words, the film tube 7 is welded to the connecting edge 19 in a region of the first end-face opening 11, such that the first end-face opening 11 is closed by the closure section 15 of the inlet connector 3.

[0083] The drain connector 5 includes the closure section 15 and the connecting section 17. The closure section 15 has a substantially pointed oval, flat shape. The connecting section 17 extends centrally on the closure section 15, essentially perpendicular to the flat extent of the closure section, away from the closure section 15. The closure section 15 includes the circumferential connecting edge 19. The connecting edge 19 is integrally connected to the film tube 7. In other words, the film tube 7 is welded to the connecting edge 19 in a region of the second end-face opening 13, such that the second end-face opening 13 is closed by the closure section 15 of the drain connector 3.

[0084] The film tube 7 further includes two support sections in the form of film strips 21. The film strips 21 are formed integrally with the film tube 7 and extend over a length of the film tube in the longitudinal direction L. The film strips 21 are formed at diametrically opposite positions relative to the film tube 7. Specifically, the film strips 21 are formed in a plane defined by tips 22 of the closure sections 15, outside the storage space 9.

[0085] The inlet connector 3 and the outlet connector 5 each include a sieve 23, which is formed in an inlet opening 25 of the inlet connector 3 and in an outlet opening 27 of the outlet connector 5. In other words, the sieve 23 is a separating element between the storage space 9 and an environment 27 surrounding the bicarbonate cartridge 1. The inlet connector 3 and the outlet connector 5 are each closed with a tamper-evident closure in the form of a cap 29.

[0086] The following briefly explains the function of the bicarbonate cartridge 1 using Fig. 1 and Fig. 2.

[0087] The storage chamber 9 of the bicarbonate cartridge 1 is filled with bicarbonate, preferably in powder or granular form. Before use, the tamper-evident seal in the form of the cap 29 is removed from the inlet connector 3 and the outlet connector 5. The inlet connector 3 is connected to a water line of a dialysis machine (not shown) in such a way that water can flow through the inlet opening 25 into the storage chamber 9. The water flows through the storage chamber 9 in the longitudinal direction L and is enriched with bicarbonate. In other words, a bicarbonate solution is formed from the water and bicarbonate along the longitudinal direction of the storage chamber. The bicarbonate solution leaves the bicarbonate cartridge 1 via the outlet opening 27 of the outlet connector 5 and flows into a bicarbonate solution line (not shown) of the dialysis machine.The sieves 23 retain the powdered bicarbonate in the storage chamber 9 and ensure that only bicarbonate solution leaves the bicarbonate cartridge 1.

[0088] Fig. 3 shows a system comprising the bicarbonate cartridge 1 and a holder 31. The holder 31 consists of a first shell 33 and a second shell 35. The holder 31 forms a bicarbonate cartridge receiving space 37 between the first shell 33 and the second shell 35, which is intended and designed to receive the bicarbonate cartridge 1. The bicarbonate cartridge 1 is shown transparently in Fig. 3. The bicarbonate cartridge receiving space 37 has an internal geometry matched to an external geometry of the bicarbonate cartridge 1.

[0089] The first shell 33 and the second shell 36 each have a substantially rectangular half-shell geometry, each with a rectangular base 39 and a circumferential wall 41 extending at right angles from the rectangular base 39. Recesses / openings 43 are formed in the circumferential wall, which are provided and designed to receive the closure section 15 of the inlet connector 3 and the outlet connector 5, respectively.

[0090] For better illustration, the first shell 33 and the second shell 35 are shown separately from one another in Fig. 3. The first shell 33 and the second shell 35 are foldably connected to one another by means of hinges 45, which are formed on a long side of the first shell 33 and the second shell 35, respectively. On a side of the first shell 33 and the second shell 35 facing away from the hinges 45, quick-release fasteners 47 are formed to detachably connect the first shell 33 and the second shell 35 to one another or to reversibly close them to the holder 31. In the closed state (not shown), the film strips 21 of the bicarbonate cartridge 1 are non-positively fixed in the holder 31. The film strips 21 are clamped, for example, between the circumferential wall 41 of the first shell 33 and the circumferential wall 41 of the second shell 35.Embodiments are also conceivable in which the holder 31 has receptacles, for example in the form of hooks or the like, for receiving the holding sections of the bicarbonate cartridge 1.

[0091] The bicarbonate cartridge 1 is arranged in the holder 31 such that the connecting section 15 of the inlet connector 3 and the outlet connector 5, respectively, is arranged in an opening in the holder 31 formed by the recesses 43. In the closed state, the inlet connector 3 and the outlet connector 5 are fixed in position relative to the holder 31. Preferably, the inlet connector 3 and the outlet connector 5 are fixed in a force-fitting manner in the respective opening formed by the recesses 43. The force-fitting connection can be effected in particular via the connecting edge 19, thereby further improving the seal between the film tube 7 and the connecting section 15.

[0092] Embodiments are also conceivable in which the first shell 33 and the second shell 35 are connected to each other exclusively by means of quick-release fasteners 47. In such an embodiment, for example, the hinges 45 are replaced by additional quick-release fasteners 47.

[0093] In the rectangular base area 39 of the first shell 33 or second shell 35, viewing windows 49 are also formed, which allow a visual inspection of the bicarbonate cartridge 1 when the holder 31 is closed.

[0094] Alternative preferred embodiments of the bicarbonate cartridge 1 according to the disclosure are described in more detail below with reference to Fig. 4 to Fig. 6. Only differences from the embodiment described with reference to Figs. 1 to 3 are discussed here. Fig. 4 is a sectional view of the bicarbonate cartridge 1 according to the disclosure in a preferred first alternative embodiment. In the first alternative embodiment, the bicarbonate cartridge 1 is designed with a funnel-shaped geometry. In other words, the film tube 7 has a funnel-shaped configuration. In yet other words, a cross-sectional area of ​​the film tube 7 decreases continuously / steadily, preferably linearly, in the longitudinal direction L between the inlet connector 3 and the outlet connector 5.

[0095] The foil strip 21, which is not part of the storage chamber 9 and is not intended or designed to hold sodium bicarbonate, can, as shown in Fig. 4, optionally remain attached to the bicarbonate cartridge 1 and function as a holding section, or alternatively, can be severed / cut off during the manufacturing process. The foil strip 21 is separated from the storage chamber 9 by a welded seam running on / in the foil tube 7.

[0096] Fig. 5 is a sectional view of the bicarbonate cartridge 1 according to the disclosure in a preferred second alternative embodiment. In the second alternative embodiment, the bicarbonate cartridge 1 is partially formed with a funnel-shaped geometry. In other words, the film tube 7 has a funnel-shaped configuration in sections. Specifically, the film tube 7 initially has a constant cross-sectional area in the longitudinal direction L between the inlet connector 3 and the outlet connector 5, which then decreases / shrinks in a funnel-shaped manner as it continues in the longitudinal direction L towards the outlet connector 5. In other words, the cross-sectional area of ​​the film tube 7 decreases monotonically along the longitudinal direction L, wherein the cross-sectional area is initially constant and then decreases linearly towards the outlet connector. In yet other words, the film tube 7 orthe storage space 9 of the film tube 7 has a funnel-shaped geometry in a section facing the drain connector 5 and a cylindrical, in particular a circular cylindrical, geometry in a section facing away from the drain connector 5. The film strip 21, which is not part of the storage space 9 in the second alternative embodiment shown in Fig. 5 and is not intended or designed to hold sodium bicarbonate, can, as shown in Fig. 5, optionally remain on the bicarbonate cartridge 1 and function as a holding section or, alternatively, be severed / cut off during the manufacturing process. The film strip 21 is separated from the storage space 9 by a weld seam running on / in the film tube 7.

[0097] Fig. 6 is a sectional view of the disclosed bicarbonate cartridge 1 in a preferred third alternative embodiment. In the third alternative embodiment, the bicarbonate cartridge 1 is formed in sections with two funnel-shaped geometries. The disclosed bicarbonate cartridge 1 in the third preferred embodiment is designed in the form of a double-funnel-shaped configuration of the film tube 7.

[0098] Specifically, the cross-sectional area of ​​the film tube 7 and thus of the storage space 9 initially increases continuously, in particular linearly, along the longitudinal direction L between the inlet connector 3 and the outlet connector 5 until the cross-sectional area transitions into a constant, cylindrical region in which the cross-sectional area is constant. Subsequently, the cross-sectional area of ​​the film tube then decreases again along the longitudinal direction L toward the outlet connector 5. Preferably, the widening of the cross-sectional area can be symmetrical to the tapering of the cross-sectional area.

[0099] The foil strip 21, which is not part of the storage chamber 9 in the third alternative embodiment shown in Fig. 6 and is not intended or designed to hold sodium bicarbonate, can, as shown in Fig. 6, optionally remain on the bicarbonate cartridge 1 and function as a holding section, or alternatively, can be severed / cut off during the manufacturing process. The foil strip 21 is separated from the storage chamber 9 by a welded seam running on / in the foil tube 7. List of Reference Symbols

[0100] I Bicarbonate cartridge

[0101] 3 Inlet connector

[0102] 5 Drain connector

[0103] 7 Film tube / film web

[0104] 9 Storage space

[0105] II first front opening

[0106] 13 second front opening

[0107] 15 Closure section / front plate preferably in pointed-oval shape

[0108] 17 connecting section

[0109] 19 Connecting edge

[0110] 21 foil strips

[0111] 22 peaks

[0112] 23 Sieve

[0113] 25 Inlet opening

[0114] 27 Drain opening

[0115] 29 cap

[0116] 31 holders

[0117] 33 first bowl

[0118] 35 second bowl

[0119] 37 Bicarbonate cartridge chamber

[0120] 39 floor space

[0121] 41 surrounding wall

[0122] 43 Recess

[0123] 45 Hinge

[0124] 47 quick release

[0125] 49 viewing windows

[0126] L longitudinal direction

Claims

Claims 1. Medical bicarbonate cartridge (1) with a container body (7), an inlet connector (3) and an outlet connector (5) formed separately from the inlet connector (3), characterized in that the container body (7) is designed as a film tube, in particular made of a flexible film material, which forms an outwardly fluid-tight connection between the inlet connector (3) and the outlet connector (5).

2. Medical bicarbonate cartridge (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the inlet connector (3) and the outlet connector (5) are each designed as a connector boat with a nozzle-shaped connecting section (17) and a plate-shaped closure section (15) and close the container body (7) at the end in a materially bonded manner, preferably by means of welding.

3. Medical bicarbonate cartridge (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the plate-shaped closure section (15) has a pointed oval geometry.

4. Medical bicarbonate cartridge (1) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that a sieve section with a sieve (23) is formed between the nozzle-shaped connecting section (17) and the plate-shaped closure section (15).

5. Medical bicarbonate cartridge (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the container body (7) has at least one holding section (21) which is formed, preferably as a film strip, in a longitudinal direction (L) of the container body.

6. Medical bicarbonate cartridge (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the container body (7) is made of a thermoplastic material, preferably polypropylene, polyethylene and / or polyamide, in film form.

7. Medical bicarbonate cartridge (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the film tube is formed from a multi-layer film, in particular a two- or three-layer film.

8. Medical bicarbonate cartridge (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that the layers of the multilayer film are formed from different plastic materials.

9. Medical bicarbonate cartridge (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that a cross section of the container body (7) normal to the longitudinal direction (L) changes over the longitudinal direction (L) at least in sections, preferably linearly.

10. Medical bicarbonate cartridge (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the container body (7) is transparent at least in sections.

11. System comprising a medical bicarbonate cartridge (1) according to one of claims 1 to 10, preferably according to claim 5, and a holder (31), characterized in that the holder (31) is provided and designed to fix the medical bicarbonate cartridge (1) in or on a dialysis machine and to connect it thereto.

12. System according to claim 11, characterized in that the holder (31) is foldable, preferably with at least two shells (33, 35) and at least one hinge (45).

13. System according to claim 11, characterized in that the holder (31) includes at least one quick-release fastener (47).

14. System according to claim 11, characterized in that the holder (31) is formed in one piece, preferably in the form of a rigid bracket or a partially open half-shell.

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