Holder device and mounting method

Abstract

To improve the workability of mounting a filter onto a holder device.SOLUTION: A holder device 10 includes: a support part that supports a filter 70 extending in the axial direction, restricts displacement in the axial direction of the filter 70, and allows rotation of the filter 70 around the axial direction; a first receiving part 24 that, when the filter 70 supported by the support part is rotated in a predetermined direction around the axial direction, receives a first side port 84 extending in the radial direction from the side surface 78 of the filter 70 and restricts displacement in the radial direction of the first side port 84; and a first side part connection port 34 that is displaced in the direction approaching the first side port 84 arranged in the first receiving part 24 and can be connected to the first side port 84.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a filter holder device and an attachment method.

Background Art

[0002] A dialysis device includes a holder device for removably holding a filter. The filter is, for example, a blood purifier connected to a blood circuit or a filter for purifying dialysis fluid supplied to the blood purifier. The holder device includes a plurality of connection ports for connecting corresponding tubes to each of the plurality of ports of the filter. The holder device includes, for example, a connection mechanism that enables connection between the plurality of ports and the plurality of connection ports by a lever operation (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In order to connect a connection port to a port of a filter, it is necessary to apply a force in the direction in which the port extends. When a force is applied to the filter for connection, the position of the filter may shift, and if the displacement is large, the connection may fail. If an attempt is made to firmly fix the filter in order to prevent displacement of the filter during connection, the labor required for attachment increases.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of such problems, and an exemplary object thereof is to provide a technique for improving the workability of attaching a filter to a holder device.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The holder device according to an aspect of the present invention includes a support portion that supports an axially extending filter, restricts axial displacement of the filter, and allows rotation of the filter about the axial direction; and a receiving portion that receives a side port extending radially from a side surface of the filter when the filter supported by the support portion is rotated in a predetermined direction about the axial direction and restricts radial displacement of the side port, and a side connection port that is displaced in a direction close to the side port disposed in the receiving portion and can be connected to the side port.

[0007] Another aspect of the present invention is an attachment method. This method includes a step of supporting an axially extending filter on a support portion of a holder device, a step of rotating the filter supported by the support portion in a predetermined direction about the axial direction and inserting a side port extending radially from a side surface of the filter into a receiving portion of the holder device, and a step of connecting a side connection port of the holder device to the side port disposed in the receiving portion.

Advantages of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, the workability of attaching a filter to a holder device can be improved.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Figure 14

Figure 15

Figure 16

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the description, the same elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and overlapping descriptions will be omitted as appropriate. For the sake of understanding the description, the dimensional ratios of the respective components in each drawing do not necessarily match the actual dimensional ratios.

[0011] (First Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a side view schematically showing the configuration of a holder device 10 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a front view schematically showing the configuration of the holder device 10 according to the first embodiment. The holder device 10 is a device for holding the filter 70 and connecting to the filter 70. The filter 70 is, for example, a microparticle filtration filter for filtering and purifying the dialysate used in dialysis treatment. The holder device 10 is provided, for example, in a dialysis monitoring device for monitoring dialysis treatment.

[0012] The filter 70 includes a housing 72 that extends axially in a cylindrical shape, and a filter medium such as hollow fibers is provided inside the housing 72. The filter 70 includes a first end port 80, a second end port 82, a first side port 84, and a second side port 86 as ports that serve as an inlet or an outlet for the liquid flowing inside the filter 70.

[0013] The first end port 80 extends axially from the first end 74 of the housing 72. The second end port 82 extends axially from the second end 76 on the side opposite to the first end 74 of the housing 72. The first side port 84 and the second side port 86 extend radially from the side surface 78 of the housing 72. The first side port 84 is provided near the first end 74. The second side port 86 is provided near the second end 76.

[0014] The filter 70 can include ribs 88 that project radially from the side surface 78 of the housing 72. The ribs 88 are provided, for example, between the first side port 84 and the second side port 86. The ribs 88 can be provided at positions where the circumferential position as viewed from the central axis of the filter 70 coincides with the first side port 84 and the second side port 86.

[0015] In this specification, the direction in which the filter 70 extends may be referred to as the axial direction, the direction orthogonal to the axial direction may be referred to as the radial direction, and the direction around the axial direction may be referred to as the circumferential direction. In the drawings, a coordinate axis with the axial direction as the z direction is shown to assist in understanding the embodiments. The x direction and the y direction orthogonal to the z direction are one of the radial directions. The direction in which the first side port 84 and the second side port 86 extend from the filter 70 in a state of being connected to the holder device 10 is defined as the +y direction.

[0016] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the internal structure of the filter 70. The filter 70 includes a hollow fiber 90 and a sealing material 92 disposed inside a housing 72. The hollow fiber 90 extends axially from a first end 74 to a second end 76 of the housing 72. The sealing material 92 is provided at each of the first end 74 and the second end 76 of the housing 72 to fix both ends of the hollow fiber 90.

[0017] The first end port 80 and the second end port 82 communicate with the flow path inside the hollow fiber 90. For example, the liquid flowing in from the second end port 82 and passing through the inside of the hollow fiber 90 can flow out from the first end port 80. The first side port 84 and the second side port 86 communicate with the flow path outside the hollow fiber 90. For example, the liquid flowing in from the second end port 82 and permeating through the hollow fiber 90 can flow out from the first side port 84 or the second side port 86. Note that each port 80, 82, 84, 86 of the filter 70 can be either on the inflow side or the outflow side and can be appropriately set according to the usage method of the filter 70.

[0018] Each port 80, 82, 84, 86 has a small-diameter portion 80a, 82a, 84a, 86a. The small-diameter portions 80a, 82a, 84a, 86a are engaged with the holder device 10 and are used to fix the filter 70 to the holder device 10. A gasket 94 is inserted inside each port 80, 82, 84, 86.

[0019] FIG. 4 is a side view schematically showing the configuration of the holder device 10, showing the state where the filter 70 is removed from FIG. 1. FIG. 5 is a front view schematically showing the configuration of the holder device 10, showing the state where the filter 70 is removed from FIG. 2.

[0020] The holder device 10 includes a main body portion 12, a first arm 14, and a second arm 16. The main body portion 12 is a portion that extends in the axial direction so as to be parallel to the filter 70. The first arm 14 and the second arm 16 are portions that extend in the radial direction from the main body portion 12. For example, the first arm 14 extends in the radial direction from directly above the main body portion 12 in the vertical direction, and the second arm 16 extends in the radial direction from directly below the main body portion 12 in the vertical direction. The first arm 14 and the second arm 16 are separated in the axial direction, and the filter 70 is disposed between the first arm 14 and the second arm 16.

[0021] The holder device 10 further includes a first support portion 20, a second support portion 22, a first receiving portion 24, a second receiving portion 26, a first end connection port 30, a second end connection port 32, a first side connection port 34, a second side connection port 36, a first operation lever 38, and a second operation lever 40.

[0022] The first support portion 20 is provided on the first arm 14. The first support portion 20 receives and supports the first end port 80 of the filter 70. The first support portion 20 restricts the axial displacement of the first end port 80 and restricts the displacement of the first end port 80 in the x direction. The first support portion 20 allows the displacement of the first end port 80 in the y direction and allows rotation about the axial direction.

[0023] The first support portion 20 has a recess 20a for accommodating the first end port 80. The first support portion 20 has an engaging portion 20c in which a notch 20b that engages with the reduced-diameter portion 80a of the first end port 80 is formed. The engaging portion 20c has a thickness in the axial direction. The engaging portion 20c is inserted between the first end 74 of the filter 70 and the first end port 80, and restricts the axial and x-direction displacements of the first end port 80.

[0024] The first end connection port 30 is provided on the first support portion 20. The first end connection port 30 extends in the axial direction and is axially displaceable. The tip of the first end connection port 30 is located in the recess 20a of the first support portion 20. The first end connection port 30 is displaced in a direction approaching the first end port 80 disposed in the recess 20a of the first support portion 20 and is inserted into the first end port 80. The first end connection port 30 is configured to be able to maintain a connected state of being inserted into the first end port 80 by biasing means such as a spring. In the connected state, the first end connection port 30 abuts against the gasket 94 inside the first end port 80 and is connected to the first end port 80 in a watertight manner. The first end connection port 30 is displaceable in a direction away from the first end port 80 and is configured to be able to maintain a released state of being separated from the first end port 80. The first end connection port 30 is configured to be able to switch between the connected state and the released state by operating the first operation lever 38. The first operation lever 38 can be provided, for example, on the side surface of the first arm 14.

[0025] FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically showing the structure of the first support portion 20 and corresponds to a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in FIG. 2 or FIG. 5. FIG. 6 shows, by broken lines, the position of the first end connection port 30 and the positions of the first end port 80 and the reduced-diameter portion 80a at the connection position facing the first end connection port 30. The notch 20b extends in the y direction toward the connection position corresponding to the first end connection port 30 and is configured such that the width w1 in the x direction is constant. The width w1 in the x direction of the notch 20b is smaller than the diameter d1 of the first end port 80 and larger than the diameter d2 of the reduced-diameter portion 80a. By inserting the first end port 80 into the notch 20b and moving it to the back, the first end port 80 can be arranged or guided to a connection position where it can be connected to the first end connection port 30.

[0026] FIG. 7 is a diagram schematically showing the structure of the first support portion 20, and shows a modified example in which the width in the x-direction of the notch 20b is not constant. In the example of FIG. 7, the width w2 in the x-direction near the entrance of the notch 20b is relatively large, and the width in the x-direction becomes smaller to w1 toward the connection position corresponding to the first end connection port 30 (that is, toward the back). The width w2 near the entrance of the notch 20b is larger than the diameter d1 of the first end port 80. By increasing the width w2 near the entrance of the notch 20b, the first end port 80 can be easily inserted into the first support portion 20. Further, by reducing the width w1 near the connection position of the notch 20b, the first end port 80 can be appropriately guided to the connection position corresponding to the first end connection port 30.

[0027] Returning to FIG. 4 or FIG. 5, the second support portion 22 is provided on the second arm 16. The second support portion 22 receives the second end port 82 of the filter 70 and supports the second end port 82. The second support portion 22 restricts the axial displacement of the second end port 82 and restricts the displacement of the second end port 82 in the x-direction. The second support portion 22 allows the displacement of the second end port 82 in the y-direction and allows the rotation about the axial direction.

[0028] The second support portion 22 can be configured in the same manner as the first support portion 20. The second support portion 22 has a recess 22a for accommodating the second end port 82. The second support portion 22 has an engaging portion 22c in which a notch 22b that engages with the reduced-diameter portion 82a of the second end port 82 is formed. The engaging portion 22c has a thickness in the axial direction. The engaging portion 22c is inserted between the second end 76 of the filter 70 and the second end port 82, and restricts the axial displacement of the second end port 82. The width w in the x-direction of the notch 22b is smaller than the diameter of the second end port 82 and larger than the diameter of the reduced-diameter portion 82a.

[0029] The second end connection port 32 is provided on the second support portion 22. The second end connection port 32 extends in the axial direction and is axially displaceable. The tip of the second end connection port 32 is located in the recess 22a of the second support portion 22. The second end connection port 32 is displaced in a direction approaching the second end port 82 disposed on the second support portion 22 and is inserted into the second end port 82. Similar to the first end connection port 30, the second end connection port 32 is configured to be able to maintain the connected state inserted into the second end port 82 by biasing means such as a spring. The second end connection port 32 abuts against the gasket 94 inside the second end port 82 and is watertightly connected to the second end port 82. The second end connection port 32 is displaceable in a direction away from the second end port 82 and is configured to be able to maintain the released state separated from the second end port 82. The second end connection port 32 is configured to be able to switch between the connected state and the released state by the operation of the second operation lever 40. The second operation lever 40 can be provided, for example, on the side surface of the second arm 16.

[0030] A drain port 28 can be provided at the lower part of the second support portion 22. The drain port 28 has, for example, an inclined surface and is configured to discharge the liquid accumulated in the recess 22a of the second support portion 22 to the outside. By providing the drain port 28, when the connection between the second end port 82 and the second end connection port 32 is released in the second support portion 22, it is possible to prevent the liquid flowing out from the second end port 82 from accumulating in the second support portion 22.

[0031] The first support portion 20 and the second support portion 22 are configured to cooperate to position the central axis of the filter 70. The filter 70 supported by the first support portion 20 and the second support portion 22 can be rotated circumferentially about the central axis.

[0032] The first receiving portion 24 is provided on the main body portion 12. The first receiving portion 24 receives the first side port 84 of the filter 70 and holds the first side port 84. The first receiving portion 24 restricts the axial displacement of the first side port 84 and restricts the radial displacement of the first side port 84. The first receiving portion 24 restricts the rotation range of the first side port 84 about the axial direction.

[0033] The first receiving portion 24 has a recess 24a that houses the first side port 84. The first receiving portion 24 has an engaging portion 24c in which a notch 24b that engages with the reduced-diameter portion 84a of the first side port 84 is formed. The engaging portion 24c has a thickness in the y direction or the radial direction. The engaging portion 24c is inserted between the side surface 78 of the filter 70 and the first side port 84 to restrict the radial displacement of the first side port 84. The width w3 of the notch 24b in the z direction is smaller than the diameter of the first side port 84 and larger than the diameter of the reduced-diameter portion 84a.

[0034] The first side connection port 34 is provided in the first receiving portion 24. The first receiving portion 24 extends in the radial direction or the y direction and is displaceable in the radial direction or the y direction. The tip of the first side connection port 34 is located in the recess 24a of the first receiving portion 24. The first side connection port 34 is displaced in a direction approaching the first side port 84 disposed in the first receiving portion 24 and is inserted into the first side port 84. Similar to the first end connection port 30, the first side connection port 34 is configured to be able to maintain the connected state of being inserted into the first side port 84 by a biasing means such as a spring. The first side connection port 34 abuts against the gasket 94 inside the first side port 84 and is watertightly connected to the first side port 84. The first side connection port 34 is displaceable in a direction away from the first side port 84 and is configured to be able to maintain the released state of being separated from the first side port 84. The first side connection port 34 is configured to be able to switch between the connected state and the released state, for example, by the operation of the first operation lever 38. The first operation lever 38 is configured to switch the states of the first end connection port 30 and the first side connection port 34, for example, via a link mechanism.

[0035] The notch 24b of the first receiving portion 24 extends in the x direction toward the connection position corresponding to the first side connection port 34. The notch 24b is configured such that the axial width w4 near the entrance of the notch 24b is large and the axial width becomes smaller to w3 toward the connection position corresponding to the first side connection port 34. By increasing the width w4 near the entrance of the notch 24b, it is possible to easily insert the first side port 84 into the first receiving portion 24. Also, by reducing the width w3 near the connection position of the notch 24b, the first side port 84 can be appropriately guided to the connection position corresponding to the first side connection port 34.

[0036] FIG. 8 is a diagram schematically showing the structure of the first receiving portion 24 and corresponds to a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B in FIG. 2 or FIG. 5. The filter 70 shown in FIG. 8 is supported by the first support portion 20 and the second support portion 22, and the first side port 84 is disposed at a position circumferentially displaced from the first receiving portion 24. The filter 70 is rotatable about the central axis 96. When the filter 70 is rotated in the predetermined mounting direction (e.g., clockwise) indicated by the arrow R, as shown by the dashed line, the first side port 84 can be disposed in the first receiving portion 24. The small-diameter portion 84a of the first side port 84 disposed in the first receiving portion 24 is disposed inside the notch 24b. The first side port 84 disposed in the first receiving portion 24 contacts the inner surface 24d of the engaging portion 24c, and the displacement in the radial direction or the y direction is restricted by the engaging portion 24c. The first side port 84 disposed in the first receiving portion 24 cannot be further rotated in the predetermined mounting direction (e.g., clockwise) indicated by the arrow R. As a result, the first side port 84 is guided to the connection position facing the first side connection port 34.

[0037] FIG. 8 further shows the structure of the switching unit 42 for switching between the connected state and the released state of the first side connection port 34. FIG. 8 shows the switching unit 42 in the released state. The switching unit 42 includes a base 44, a guide 46, a spring 48, and a cam 50. The base 44 is a plate-like member to which the first side connection port 34 is attached. The guide 46 is a rod-like member extending in the radial direction or the y direction from the first receiving portion 24. The base 44 is displaceable in the radial direction or the y direction along the guide 46. The spring 48 is provided on the outer periphery of the guide 46 and biases the base 44 in the radial direction or the y direction toward the first receiving portion 24. The cam 50 is disposed between the first receiving portion 24 and the base 44 and switches the distance between the first receiving portion 24 and the base 44.

[0038] FIG. 9 shows the switching unit 42 in the connected state. When the cam 50 is rotated to decrease the distance between the first receiving portion 24 and the base 44, the base 44 is biased by the spring 48, and the first side connection port 34 is inserted into the first side port 84. When the cam 50 is rotated in the connected state, it can be returned to the released state of FIG. 8. The cam 50 is mechanically connected to the first operation lever 38, and the cam 50 can be rotated by operating the first operation lever 38.

[0039] Returning to FIGS. 4 or 5, the second receiving portion 26 is provided in the main body portion 12. The second receiving portion 26 receives and holds the second side port 86 of the filter 70. The second receiving portion 26 can be configured in the same manner as the first receiving portion 24. The second receiving portion 26 restricts the axial displacement of the second side port 86 and restricts the radial displacement of the second side port 86. The second receiving portion 26 restricts the rotation range of the second side port 86 around the axial direction.

[0040] The second receiving portion 26 has a recess 26a that houses the second side port 86. The second receiving portion 26 has an engaging portion 26c in which a notch 26b that engages with the reduced-diameter portion 86a of the second side port 86 is formed. The engaging portion 26c has a thickness in the y direction or the radial direction. The engaging portion 26c is inserted between the side surface 78 of the filter 70 and the second side port 86 to restrict the radial displacement of the second side port 86. The width w3 in the z direction of the notch 26b is smaller than the diameter of the second side port 86 and larger than the diameter of the reduced-diameter portion 86a.

[0041] The second side connection port 36 is provided in the second receiving portion 26. The second receiving portion 26 extends in the radial direction or the y direction and is displaceable in the radial direction or the y direction. The tip of the second side connection port 36 is located in the recess 26a of the second receiving portion 26. The second side connection port 36 is displaced in a direction approaching the second side port 86 disposed in the second receiving portion 26 and is inserted into the second side port 86. Similar to the first side connection port 34, the second side connection port 36 is configured to be able to maintain the inserted connection state in the second side port 86 by a biasing means such as a spring. The second side connection port 36 abuts against the gasket 94 inside the second side port 86 and is watertightly connected to the second side port 86. The second side connection port 36 is displaceable in a direction away from the second side port 86 and is configured to be able to maintain the released state separated from the second side port 86. The second side connection port 36 is configured to be able to switch between the connected state and the released state, for example, by operating the second operation lever 40. The second operation lever 40 is configured to switch the states of the second end connection port 32 and the second side connection port 36, for example, via a link mechanism.

[0042] The notch 26b of the second receiving portion 26 extends in the x direction toward the connection position corresponding to the second side connection port 36, similar to the first receiving portion 24. The notch 26b is configured such that the axial width w4 near the entrance of the notch 26b is large and the axial width becomes smaller to w3 toward the connection position corresponding to the second side connection port 36. By increasing the width w4 near the entrance of the notch 26b, it becomes easier to insert the second side port 86 into the second receiving portion 26. Also, by reducing the width w3 near the connection position of the notch 26b, the second side port 86 can be appropriately guided to the connection position corresponding to the second side connection port 36.

[0043] The holder device 10 can further include a rotation restraining portion 52. The rotation restraining portion 52 is provided on the main body portion 12 and projects radially or in the y direction from the main body portion 12. The rotation restraining portion 52 has a protrusion 54 that engages with the rib 88 of the filter 70. The protrusion 54 is provided at a position shifted in the x direction from the center of the first side connection port 34 and is provided at a position shifted by Δx in the direction toward the entrance of the notch 24b of the first receiving portion 24. The protrusion 54 suppresses the rotation of the filter 70 by engaging with the rib 88 of the filter 70. The protrusion 54 does not completely suppress the rotation of the filter 70 and has a height such that the rib 88 of the filter 70 can overcome the protrusion 54. The protrusion 54 has a convex curved surface such that the rib 88 of the filter 70 can easily overcome the protrusion 54.

[0044] FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically showing the structure of the rotation restraining portion 52 and corresponds to a cross-sectional view taken along line C-C in FIG. 1 or FIG. 4. FIG. 10 shows a state where the first side port 84 of the filter 70 is arranged at the connection position facing the first side connection port 34. The rib 88a shown by the broken line in FIG. 10 indicates a state where it is not arranged at the connection position. When the filter 70 is rotated in a predetermined mounting direction (e.g., clockwise) as indicated by the arrow R, the rib 88a can overcome the protrusion 54. The rib 88 that has overcome the protrusion 54 is suppressed from rotating in the direction opposite to the arrow R by the protrusion 54. When a strong force is applied to the filter 70 to rotate it in the direction opposite to the arrow R, the rib 88 can overcome the protrusion 54.

[0045] Next, a method for attaching the filter 70 to the holder device 10 will be described. FIG. 11 is a diagram schematically showing a method for attaching the filter 70 to the holder device 10 according to the embodiment. First, the filter 70 is inserted into the support portion of the holder device 10, and the filter 70 is supported by the support portion of the holder device 10 (S10). For example, by inserting the first end port 80 into the first support portion 20 and inserting the second end port 82 into the second support portion 22, the filter 70 can be disposed between the first support portion 20 and the second support portion 22.

[0046] FIG. 12 is a diagram schematically showing a step of inserting the first end port 80 into the first support portion 20 of the holder device 10. As shown by the arrow Y in FIG. 12, by moving the filter 70 in the +y direction, the small-diameter portion 80a of the first end port 80 can be inserted into the notch 20b of the first support portion 20. At this time, the filter 70 is attached in a direction in which the first side port 84 extends in a direction different from the +y direction. Thereby, when the first end port 80 is inserted into the first support portion 20, it is possible to prevent the first side port 84 from interfering with the first receiving portion 24.

[0047] Returning to FIG. 11, next, the filter 70 supported by the first support portion 20 and the second support portion 22 is rotated in a predetermined attachment direction, and the side port of the filter 70 is inserted into the receiving portion of the holder device 10 (S12). For example, as shown in FIG. 8, by rotating the filter 70 in the attachment direction indicated by the arrow R, the first side port 84 can be inserted into the first receiving portion 24, and the second side port 86 can be inserted into the second receiving portion 26. At this time, the rib 88 of the filter 70 engages with the protrusion 54 of the rotation restricting portion 52, thereby suppressing further rotation of the filter 70.

[0048] Next, connect the end connection port of the holder device 10 to the end port of the filter 70, and connect the side connection port of the holder device 10 to the side port of the filter 70. For example, by operating the first operation lever 38 of the holder device 10, the first end connection port 30 can be connected to the first end port 80, and the first side connection port 34 can be connected to the first side port 84. Similarly, by operating the second operation lever 40 of the holder device 10, the second end connection port 32 can be connected to the second end port 82, and the second side connection port 36 can be connected to the second side port 86. Each of the connection ports 30, 32, 34, 36 is biased toward the corresponding port and maintained in a connected state by a mechanism similar to the switching unit 42 shown in FIG. 9, for example.

[0049] Note that when removing the filter 70 from the holder device 10, the reverse procedure of FIG. 11 may be adopted. First, by operating the first operation lever 38 and the second operation lever 40, the corresponding connection ports 30, 32, 34, 36 can be separated from the respective ports 80, 82, 84, 86. Next, by rotating the filter 70 in the direction opposite to the mounting direction, the first side port 84 can be taken out from the first receiving portion 24, and the second side port 86 can be taken out from the second receiving portion 26. Finally, the filter 70 can be removed from the holder device 10 by pulling the filter 70 forward or in the -y direction.

[0050] According to the present embodiment, since the filter 70 can be attached to the holder device 10 in three steps of inserting the filter 70 toward the holder device 10, rotating the filter 70, and operating the operation lever, the workability of attaching and detaching the filter 70 can be improved. According to the present embodiment, by rotating the filter 70, the side ports are inserted into the receiving portions of the holder device 10, so that the displacement of the filter 70 in the radial direction can be restricted by the receiving portions. Therefore, even when forces in both the axial direction and the radial direction are applied to the filter 70 when connecting the connection ports to the respective ports of the filter 70, the displacement of the filter 70 can be prevented. As a result, it is possible to prevent connection failure due to misalignment during connection of the filter 70, and the workability of attaching and detaching the filter 70 can be improved.

[0051] FIG. 13 is a diagram schematically showing the structure of the first receiving portion 24 according to the modified example, corresponding to FIG. 8 described above. The first receiving portion 24 shown in FIG. 13 is attached to the main body portion 12 via a spring 60. The spring 60 biases the first receiving portion 24 in the +y direction with respect to the main body portion 12. The spring 60 applies a force in a direction to pull the first side port 84 inserted into the first receiving portion 24 in the +y direction. As a result, the first side port 84 and the inner surface 24d of the first receiving portion come into contact more firmly, and the displacement of the first side port 84 is restricted. Therefore, the spring 60 can function as a rotation suppression portion that suppresses the rotation of the first side port 84 disposed at the connection position facing the first side connection port 34.

[0052] Since the first receiving portion 24 is attached to the main body portion 12 via a spring 60 extending in the y direction, it can be slightly displaced in the x direction and the z direction with respect to the main body portion 12. That is, the first receiving portion 24 can swing in the x direction and the z direction with respect to the main body portion 12. As a result, even when the first side port 84 is displaced from the designed position due to manufacturing tolerances or the like during the manufacture of the filter 70, the first receiving portion 24 can swing slightly to receive the first side port 84 at the displaced position.

[0053] Note that a structure similar to the spring 60 may be added between the main body portion 12 and the second receiving portion 26. Also, a structure similar to the spring 60 may be added between the first arm 14 and the first support portion 20, or between the second arm 16 and the second support portion 22. In this case, each of the first support portion 20, the second support portion 22, the first receiving portion 24, and the second receiving portion 26 can swing independently with respect to the main body portion 12. Thereby, it is possible to absorb the positional deviation caused by the manufacturing tolerances or the like of each of the first end port 80, the second end port 82, the first side port 84, and the second side port 86.

[0054] FIG. 14 is a diagram schematically showing the structure of the first receiving portion 35 according to another modification, corresponding to FIG. 8 described above. The first receiving portion 24 shown in FIG. 14 has a detection portion 62 that detects that the first side port 84 has been inserted into the first receiving portion 24. The detection portion 62 is a rod-shaped member extending in the x direction, and the tip of the detection portion 62 is located in the recess 24a of the first receiving portion 24. When the first side port 84 is inserted into the first receiving portion 24, the detection portion 62 is displaced in the +x direction and the insertion of the first side port 84 is detected. The detection portion 62 is mechanically connected to, for example, a switching inhibition mechanism or a locking mechanism that inhibits the rotation of the cam 50.

[0055] When the switching portion 42 detects the insertion of the first side port 84 by the detection portion 62, the switching portion 42 may release the lock of the cam 50 upon detection and automatically switch from the released state to the connected state. In this case, by simply appropriately inserting the first side port 84 into the first receiving portion 24, the first side connection port 34 can be automatically connected to the first side port 84.

[0056] When the switching portion 42 detects the insertion of the first side port 84 by the detection portion 62, the switching portion 42 may release the lock of the cam 50 and allow rotation. In this case, the switching portion 42 does not automatically switch the state upon detection by the detection portion 62, but switches the state according to the operation of the first operation lever 38. When the switching portion 42 does not detect the insertion of the first side port 84 by the detection portion 62, the switching portion 42 locks the cam 50 to inhibit rotation. In this case, the first operation lever 38 cannot be operated, and the switching of the state by the operation of the first operation lever 38 is inhibited. According to this modification, the connection work by the operation lever can be performed only when the first side port 84 is appropriately inserted into the first receiving portion 24, and connection failure can be prevented.

[0057] The configurations of the switching portion 42 and the detection portion 62 according to the modification may be applied to the second receiving portion 26.

[0058] (Second Embodiment) FIG. 15 is a side view schematically showing the configuration of the holder device 110 according to the second embodiment. FIG. 16 is a front view schematically showing the configuration of the holder device 110 according to the second embodiment. The holder device 110 according to the second embodiment is different from the above-described first embodiment in that it includes a support portion 112 that supports the side surface 78 of the housing 72 of the filter 70 instead of supporting the first end port 80 and the second end port 82 of the filter 70. Hereinafter, the holder device 110 according to the second embodiment will be described centering on the differences from the above-described first embodiment, and the description of the common points will be omitted as appropriate.

[0059] The holder device 110 includes a main body portion 12 similar to that of the first embodiment. The holder device 110 does not include the first arm 14 and the second arm 16. The holder device 110 further includes a support portion 112, a first receiving portion 24, a second receiving portion 26, a first side connection port 34, a second side connection port 36, and an operation lever 114. The first receiving portion 24, the second receiving portion 26, the first side connection port 34, and the second side connection port 36 can be configured in the same manner as in the above-described first embodiment.

[0060] The support portion 112 extends radially from the main body portion 12. The support portion 112 is provided, for example, near the center of the main body portion 12 and at a position between the first receiving portion 24 and the second receiving portion 26. The support portion 112 grasps and holds the housing 72 of the filter 70. The support portion 112 restricts the axial displacement of the filter 70 and allows rotation of the filter 70 about the axial direction. A plurality of support portions 112 may be provided at intervals in the axial direction.

[0061] The operation lever 114 is provided on the side surface of the main body portion 12. By operating the operation lever 114, the connection state and the release state of the first side connection port 34 and the second side connection port 36 can be switched.

[0062] Next, a method for attaching the filter 70 to the holder device 110 will be described. The attachment method is the same as that of the first embodiment, and it can be attached in the same flow as shown in FIG. 11. First, insert the filter 70 into the support portion 112. Next, rotate the filter 70 in a predetermined attachment direction and insert the side port into the receiving portion. For example, the first side connection port 34 can be inserted into the first receiving portion 24, and the second side connection port 36 can be inserted into the second receiving portion 26. Next, connect the side connection port to the side port. For example, by operating the operation lever 114 of the holder device 110, the first side connection port 34 can be connected to the first side port 84, and the second side connection port 36 can be connected to the second side port 86. Also, a tube can be connected to at least one of the first end port 80 and the second end port 82 using a connector (not shown).

[0063] In the above-described embodiment, the case where the filter 70 has four ports has been shown. The number of ports provided in the filter is not limited to four, and may be two or three, or may be five or more. The filter can include at least one end port and at least one side port. In this case, the holder device 10 can include at least one support portion, at least one receiving portion, at least one end connection port, and at least one side connection port. In this case, the holder device 110 can include at least one support portion, at least one receiving portion, and at least one side connection port.

[0064] In the above-described embodiment, the case where the filter 70 is a microparticle filter for filtering dialysate has been shown, but the holder devices 10 and 110 may be used to hold and connect filters for any application. For example, the filter 70 may be a dialyzer for hemodialysis. In this case, the first end port 80 and the second end port 82 may be an inlet and an outlet connected to the blood circuit, and the first side port 84 and the second side port 86 may be an inlet and an outlet of the dialysate.

[0065] As described above, the present invention has been explained based on the embodiments. It is understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, that various design changes are possible, that various modifications are possible, and that such modifications are also within the scope of the present invention.

[0066] Hereinafter, some aspects of the present invention will be described.

[0067] A first aspect of the present invention is a holder device including: a support portion that supports a filter extending in an axial direction, restricts displacement of the filter in the axial direction, and allows rotation of the filter about the axial direction; a receiving portion that receives a side port extending radially from a side surface of the filter when the filter supported by the support portion is rotated in a predetermined direction about the axial direction, and restricts displacement of the side port in the radial direction; and a side connection port that is displaced in a direction approaching the side port disposed in the receiving portion and can be connected to the side port. According to the first aspect, by rotating the filter and inserting the side port into the receiving portion, displacement of the filter in the radial direction can be restricted. As a result, even when a force is applied to the filter in the radial direction to connect the side connection port to the side port, displacement of the filter can be prevented. Thereby, workability of attaching the filter can be improved.

[0068] A second aspect of the present invention is the holder device according to the first aspect, wherein the receiving portion allows the side port to be displaced in the predetermined direction toward a connection position facing the side connection port, and restricts further displacement of the side port in the predetermined direction from the connection position. According to the second aspect, by restricting the rotation range of the side port inserted into the receiving portion, the side port can be guided to an appropriate connection position. As a result, workability of attaching the filter can be improved.

[0069] The third aspect of the present invention is the holder device according to the second aspect, wherein the receiving portion has a notch extending in the predetermined direction toward the connection position. According to the third aspect, by providing a notch in the receiving portion, the side port can be guided to an appropriate connection position by an operation of rotating the filter. As a result, the workability of attaching the filter can be improved.

[0070] The fourth aspect of the present invention is the holder device according to the third aspect, wherein the notch has a shape in which the opening width in the axial direction becomes smaller toward the connection position. According to the fourth aspect, by reducing the opening width toward the connection position, the side port inserted into the receiving portion can be guided to an appropriate connection position. As a result, the workability of attaching the filter can be improved.

[0071] The fifth aspect of the present invention is the holder device according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, further comprising a rotation suppression portion that suppresses rotation of the filter in a direction opposite to the predetermined direction in a state where the side port is disposed at a connection position facing the side connection port. According to the fifth aspect, since the side port can be prevented from deviating from an appropriate connection position, the workability of attaching the filter can be improved.

[0072] The sixth aspect of the present invention is the holder device according to the fifth aspect, wherein the rotation suppression portion has a protrusion that engages with a rib provided on the side portion of the filter. According to the sixth aspect, the protrusion that engages with the rib of the filter can prevent the side port from deviating from an appropriate connection position, so that the workability of attaching the filter can be improved.

[0073] The seventh aspect of the present invention is the holder device according to the fifth aspect, wherein the rotation suppression portion has biasing means that applies a force to pull the side port disposed in the receiving portion in the radial direction. According to the seventh aspect, by pulling the side port in the radial direction, the side port can be prevented from deviating from an appropriate connection position, so that the workability of attaching the filter can be improved.

[0074] The eighth aspect of the present invention further includes a switching unit that switches between a connected state in which the side connection port is biased toward the side port and a released state in which the side connection port is separated from the side port, and is the holder device according to any one of the first to seventh aspects. According to the eighth aspect, since the connection state and the released state can be switched by the switching unit, the workability of connecting the side connection port to the side port can be improved.

[0075] The ninth aspect of the present invention further includes a detection unit that detects that the side port is disposed at a connection position facing the side connection port, and the switching unit is configured to switch from the released state to the connected state upon detection by the detection unit, and is the holder device according to the eighth aspect. According to the ninth aspect, since it is possible to detect that the side port is disposed at an appropriate connection position and automatically switch to the connected state, the workability of connecting the side connection port to the side port can be improved.

[0076] The tenth aspect of the present invention further includes a detection unit that detects that the side port is disposed at a connection position facing the side connection port, and a switching suppression unit configured to allow the switching unit to switch the state when detected by the detection unit and suppress the switching unit from switching the state when not detected by the detection unit, and is the holder device according to the eighth aspect. According to the tenth aspect, by providing the switching suppression unit, the connection operation is allowed only when the side port is disposed at an appropriate connection position, so that a connection failure due to misalignment of the side port can be prevented.

[0077] The eleventh aspect of the present invention further includes a main body portion to which the support portion is attached, and the receiving portion is attached to the main body portion so as to be swingable with respect to the main body portion, and is the holder device according to any one of the first to tenth aspects. According to the eleventh aspect, even when the side port is displaced from the designed position due to manufacturing tolerances or the like, the receiving portion can swing with respect to the main body portion, and the side port at the displaced position can be inserted into the receiving portion.

[0078] The twelfth aspect of the present invention is the holder device according to any one of the first to eleventh aspects, wherein the support portion supports an end port extending in the axial direction from an end of the filter. According to the twelfth aspect, by supporting the end port of the filter, the filter can be supported so as to be rotatable about the central axis.

[0079] The thirteenth aspect of the present invention is the holder device according to the twelfth aspect, further comprising an end connection port connected to the end port in the support portion. According to the thirteenth aspect, since the end connection port can be connected to the end port supported by the support portion, the workability of attaching the filter can be improved.

[0080] The fourteenth aspect of the present invention is the holder device according to any one of the first to eleventh aspects, wherein the support portion includes a first support portion that supports a first end port extending in the axial direction from a first end of the filter, and a second support portion that supports a second end port extending in the axial direction from a second end opposite to the first end of the filter. According to the fourteenth aspect, by supporting both ends of the filter, the filter can be supported so as to be rotatable about the central axis.

[0081] The fifteenth aspect of the present invention is the holder device according to the fourteenth aspect, further comprising a first end connection port that is displaced in the axial direction in the first support portion and connected to the first end port, and a second end connection port that is displaced in the axial direction in the second support portion and connected to the second end port. According to the fifteenth aspect, since the first end connection port and the second end connection port can be connected to the first end port and the second end port, respectively, the workability of attaching the filter can be improved.

[0082] The sixteenth aspect of the present invention is a mounting method comprising the steps of: supporting an axially extending filter on a support portion of a holder device; rotating the filter supported on the support portion in a predetermined direction about the axial direction, and inserting a side port extending radially from a side surface of the filter into a receiving portion of the holder device; and connecting a side connection port of the holder device to the side port disposed in the receiving portion. According to the sixteenth aspect, since the filter can be fixed to the holder device by the three steps of insertion, rotation, and connection, and the side connection port can be connected to the side port, the workability of attaching the filter can be improved.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0083] 10... Holder device, 12... Main body portion, 14... First arm, 16... Second arm, 20... First support portion, 22... Second support portion, 24... First receiving portion, 26... Second receiving portion, 30... First end connection port, 32... Second end connection port, 34... First side connection port, 36... Second side connection port, 38... First operation lever, 40... Second operation lever, 42... Switching portion, 52... Rotation suppression portion, 54... Projection, 62... Detection portion, 70... Filter, 74... First end, 76... Second end, 78... Side surface, 80... First end port, 82... Second end port, 84... First side port, 86... Second side port, 88... Rib.

Claims

1. a support portion that supports a filter extending in an axial direction, restricts displacement of the filter in the axial direction, and allows rotation of the filter about the axial direction; a receiving portion that receives a side port extending in a radial direction from a side surface of the filter and restricts radial displacement of the side port when the filter supported by the support portion is rotated in a predetermined direction around the axial direction; a side connection port that is displaced in a direction approaching the side port disposed in the receiving portion and is connectable to the side port; Holder device.

2. the receiving portion allows the side port to be displaced in the predetermined direction toward a connection position facing the side connection port, and restricts the side port from being further displaced in the predetermined direction from the connection position. The holder device according to claim 1 .

3. The receiving portion has a notch extending in the predetermined direction toward the connection position. The holder device according to claim 2 .

4. The notch has a shape in which an opening width in the axial direction becomes smaller toward the connection position. The holder device according to claim 3 .

5. a rotation suppressing portion that suppresses rotation of the filter in a direction opposite to the predetermined direction when the side port is disposed at a connection position opposite to the side connection port, The holder device according to claim 1 .

6. The rotation suppressing portion has a protrusion that engages with a rib provided on the side portion of the filter. The holder device according to claim 5 .

7. The rotation suppressing portion includes a biasing means for applying a force that pulls the side port disposed in the receiving portion in the radial direction. The holder device according to claim 5 .

8. a switching unit that switches between a connected state in which the side connection port is biased toward the side port and a released state in which the side connection port is separated from the side port, A holder device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. a detection unit that detects when the side port is placed in a connection position opposite the side connection port, The switching unit is configured to switch from the released state to the connected state in response to detection by the detection unit. The holder device according to claim 8 .

10. a detection unit that detects when the side port is placed at a connection position opposite the side connection port; A switching inhibition unit configured to allow the switching unit to switch the state when detected by the detection unit and to inhibit the switching unit from switching the state when not detected by the detection unit. The holder device according to claim 8.

11. Further comprising a main body portion to which the support portion is attached. The receiving portion is attached to the main body portion so as to be swingable with respect to the main body portion. The holder device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

12. The support portion supports an end port extending in the axial direction from an end of the filter. The holder device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

13. The support portion further comprises an end connection port connected to the end port. The holder device according to claim 12.

14. The support portion includes a first support portion that supports a first end port extending in the axial direction from a first end of the filter, and a second support portion that supports a second end port extending in the axial direction from a second end opposite to the first end of the filter. The holder device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

15. A first end connection port that is displaced in the axial direction in the first support portion and connected to the first end port. And a second end connection port that is displaced in the axial direction in the second support portion and connected to the second end port. The holder device according to claim 14.

16. A step of supporting an axially extending filter by a support portion of a holder device. A step of rotating the filter supported by the support portion in a predetermined direction around the axial direction and inserting a side port extending radially from a side surface of the filter into a receiving portion of the holder device. A step of connecting a side connection port of the holder device to the side port disposed in the receiving portion. Mounting method.

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