Hydraulic block for dialysis, hydraulic system for dialysis, and method for manufacturing a hydraulic block

Abstract

Disclosed herein is a hydraulic block (1) for dialysis, comprising a base body (11) formed with a fluid-containing cavity (111) and at least one standing structure (12) standing on the base body (11), the standing structure (12) comprising at least one vertical fluid cavity (121) fluidly connected with the fluid-containing cavity (111). Also disclosed is a corresponding hydraulic system for dialysis and a corresponding method for manufacturing the hydraulic block (1). According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, both the flow channels and the chambers are integrated into a molded plastic hydraulic block to further improve the integrity and reduce the number of parts to be assembled. The hydraulic block may be molded with several installation interfaces to allow easy and quick installation of several functional components. Furthermore, the hydraulic block may be repeatedly disinfected and used.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a hydraulic block for dialysis, in particular for hemodialysis, a corresponding hydraulic system for dialysis, and a corresponding method for manufacturing the hydraulic block. [Background technology]

[0002] Dialysis is a procedure to remove toxic substances and metabolic products normally removed by the kidneys and to assist in regulating fluid and electrolyte balance.

[0003] Dialysis treatment can be performed by various types of dialysis treatment, such as hemodialysis (HD) and peritoneal dialysis (PD). Hemodialysis is usually performed by using a hemodialysis machine.

[0004] Known hemodialysis machines are typically of significant weight and size, primarily due to their complex and bulky hydraulic systems, which include numerous flow paths and other functional components to achieve distribution, delivery, and / or balancing of the dialysate.

[0005] As a typical water hydraulic system, separate components such as chambers, pumps, valves, and sensors are mounted on metal brackets, and many tubes are used to connect the components together to achieve a corresponding fluid flow system. The manufacturing or assembly process for this kind of water hydraulic system is very labor intensive, and therefore it is difficult to facilitate an automated assembly process. Moreover, there are too many removable tubes and connections, so the risk of leakage and contamination is large. Therefore, the maintenance and diagnostic efforts of such water hydraulic system when using HD equipment are very large.

[0006] For this reason, some integrated hydraulic cassettes have been proposed, in which the flow paths are integrated into the hydraulic cassette to reduce the complexity of the tubing route. However, such hydraulic cassettes are usually disposable and therefore can only be used once, and as a result must be replaced after each dialysis treatment, which significantly increases the cost of the dialysis treatment.

[0007] Furthermore, known integrated hydraulic cassettes still suffer from problems of low integrity and tedious manufacturing processes.

[0008] Therefore, further improvements are still needed. Summary of the Invention

[0009] In view of the problems existing in the prior art, it is an object of the present disclosure to provide an improved hydraulic block for dialysis, a corresponding hydraulic system for dialysis, and a corresponding method for manufacturing a hydraulic block.

[0010] To this end, according to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a hydraulic block for dialysis, comprising a base body formed with a fluid-containing cavity and at least one standing structure standing on the base body, the standing structure comprising at least one vertical fluid cavity fluidly connected to the fluid-containing cavity.

[0011] According to optional embodiments of the present disclosure, the standing structure and the base body are integrally molded, or the standing structure and the base body are separately molded such that the standing structure can be mounted on the base body, or at least one standing structure is separately molded and the base body and the remaining part of the standing structure are integrally molded such that the at least one standing structure can be mounted on the base body.

[0012] According to optional embodiments of the present disclosure, the fluid containing cavity is initially open at a side of the base body after molding of the base body, and / or the fluid containing cavity comprises a flow path, and / or the hydraulic block is configured for hemodialysis, and / or the hydraulic block is configured for preparing and / or delivering dialysis fluid, and / or the hydraulic block is configured to be reusable, particularly after being disinfected, and / or the standing structure is configured as at least one of a water inlet chamber, a heating chamber for heating water, a degassing chamber for water, and an air separation chamber for used dialysis fluid, and / or the standing structure and the base body are molded from at least one of PES, PPO, and PPSU.

[0013] According to an optional embodiment of the present disclosure, the base body is configured as a flat body, and / or the standing structure and the base body are molded by an injection molding process.

[0014] According to optional embodiments of the present disclosure, the standing structure and the base body are molded as a single plastic part, and / or the standing structure and the base body are molded by a one-spot injection molding process.

[0015] According to optional embodiments of the present disclosure, the at least one vertical fluid cavity comprises at least one vertical fluid chamber and at least one vertical flow channel in fluid communication with each other via a fluid communication path, and / or the base body is molded to have at least one mounting interface for at least one functional component for dialysis, and / or the base body is molded to have a mixing structure for preparing a dialysis solution, and / or the hydraulic block comprises a cover fixedly connected to the base body to close the fluid containing cavity.

[0016] According to optional embodiments of the present disclosure, the vertical flow channel is located outside the vertical fluid chamber adjacent to a vertical wall of the vertical fluid chamber, and / or the vertical flow channel is partially defined by a corresponding portion of the vertical wall of the vertical fluid chamber, and / or the vertical fluid chamber is molded by a first cylindrical core, e.g., a cylindrical core, on the mold, and / or the vertical flow channel is molded by at least one second cylindrical core, e.g., a cylindrical core, on the mold, and / or the standing structure is molded to have an exterior opening that leads directly to the fluid communication path, and / or the mixing structure comprises at least one mixing chamber, a fluid outlet leading to the mixing chamber and at least two fluid inlets each leading to the mixing chamber, and / or the cover is a plastic cover.

[0017] According to optional embodiments of the present disclosure, the vertical flow channel is molded on the vertical fluid chamber, and / or the vertical fluid chamber is molded by positioning a first cylindrical core on one side of the mold, and / or the vertical flow channel is molded by positioning one second cylindrical core on each of two sides of the mold, and / or the at least one mixing chamber comprises a first chamber and a second chamber fluidly connected to the first chamber by a flow communication passage and located downstream of the first chamber, and the at least two fluid inlets are a first fluid inlet for the first fluid and a second fluid inlet for the second fluid. and a third fluid inlet for a third fluid, wherein the first fluid inlet leads tangentially to the first chamber, the second fluid inlet leads to the first chamber, the third fluid inlet leads to the second chamber, and the fluid outlet leads to the second chamber; and / or the cover is joined to the base body by at least one of a plastic joining process, such as an ultrasonic welding process, a diffusion bonding process, an infrared welding process, a resistance welding process, and a laser welding process; and / or the exterior opening is configured to be closable and / or to be fluidly connected with an external part.

[0018] According to optional embodiments of the present disclosure, the second fluid inlet is located downstream of the first fluid inlet, and / or the second fluid inlet is oriented towards a center of the first chamber, and / or the third fluid inlet and / or the fluid outlet are oriented towards a center of the second chamber, and / or the first chamber and / or the second chamber are configured as circular chambers, and / or the mixing structure is configured to be capable of generating a first swirling fluid flow in the first chamber, and / or the mixing structure is configured to be capable of generating a second swirling fluid flow in the second chamber, and / or the flow communication passage is configured in an arc shape.

[0019] According to optional embodiments of the present disclosure, the first swirling fluid flow and the second swirling fluid flow have the same swirling direction and / or the flow communication passage is configured to be curved outward.

[0020] According to optional embodiments of the present disclosure, the mixing structure is configured such that a first fluid flow direction entering the first chamber via the first fluid inlet is opposite to a second fluid flow direction entering the first chamber via the second fluid inlet, and / or the flow communication passage leads tangentially to the first chamber, and / or the flow communication passage leads tangentially to the second chamber, and / or the mixing structure is configured such that a third fluid flow direction entering the flow communication passage from the first chamber is opposite to the first fluid flow direction entering the first chamber via the first fluid inlet, and / or the flow communication passage leads tangentially to the second chamber. and / or the mixing structure is configured such that a fourth fluid flow direction entering the second chamber via the flow communication passage is opposite to a third fluid flow direction entering the flow communication passage from the first chamber and / or is parallel to a fifth fluid flow direction entering the second chamber via the third fluid inlet; and / or the mixing structure is configured such that a sixth fluid flow direction exiting the second chamber via the fluid outlet is substantially perpendicular to the fifth fluid flow direction entering the second chamber via the third fluid inlet.

[0021] According to optional embodiments of the present disclosure, the second fluid inlet and / or the third fluid inlet are shaped to have a narrowing orifice, and / or the first fluid is water, in particular reverse osmosis water, and at least one of the second fluid and the third fluid is a concentrate, e.g., bicarbonate, required to prepare dialysis solution.

[0022] According to an optional embodiment of the present disclosure, the constricted orifice is formed by a first slider located on a first side of the constricted orifice facing toward the first chamber or the second chamber, and a second slider located on a second side of the constricted orifice opposite the first side.

[0023] According to an optional embodiment of the present disclosure, the first chamber and / or the second chamber are molded by a first slider and a chamber molding core cooperating with the first slider.

[0024] According to an optional embodiment of the present disclosure, during the demolding process, the chamber molding core is pulled in a pull-out direction, and then the first slider is pulled away in a pulling direction different from the pull-out direction, in particular perpendicular to the pull-out direction.

[0025] According to optional embodiments of the present disclosure, the fluid communication path is located at the top of the standing structure to allow fluid to flow into or out of the top of the vertical fluid chamber via the vertical flow channel, and / or the exterior opening is oriented upward, and / or the exterior opening can be closed by a sealing structure, in particular a cap that can be attached or joined to the exterior opening, and / or the first cylindrical core has a draft angle of 1 to 3 degrees, and / or the second cylindrical core has a draft angle of about 0.5 degrees, and / or the second cylindrical core is connected at a mid-position of the vertical flow channel to be molded.

[0026] According to optional embodiments of the present disclosure, the cap is configured to be attached in a form-fitting manner, e.g., a snap-fit ​​manner, and / or by using fasteners, e.g., screws, or joined by welding.

[0027] According to optional embodiments of the present disclosure, a welding structure is provided to facilitate welding, in particular laser welding, between the cover and the base body, and / or the cover is at least partially made of a material transparent to laser, and / or the base body is at least partially made of an impermeable material, and / or the installation interface is configured as a protruding seat, in particular lower than the standing structure, and / or the at least one functional component comprises at least one of a tube, a pump, a valve, and a sensor.

[0028] According to optional embodiments of the present disclosure, the welded structure includes a first weld portion, e.g., one of a groove and a rib, formed at the welded location of the cover and a second weld portion, e.g., the other of the groove and the rib, formed at the welded location of the base body and configured to cooperate with the first weld portion to form a weld seam, and / or the installation interface is configured as a quick connector.

[0029] According to optional embodiments of the present disclosure, the first weld portion is configured as a groove and the second weld portion is configured as a rib, and / or the height of the rib before welding is greater than the depth of the groove, for example by 0.5 to 1 mm, and / or the rib and groove are located adjacent to an edge of the fluid-containing cavity to be sealed.

[0030] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is further provided a hydraulic system for dialysis, the hydraulic system comprising the hydraulic block described above and at least one functional component mounted on the hydraulic block.

[0031] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, there is further provided a method for manufacturing the above-mentioned hydraulic block, the method comprising molding the hydraulic block by using a mold.

[0032] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, to further improve the integrity and reduce the number of parts to be assembled, both the flow path and the chamber are integrated into a molded plastic hydraulic block. The hydraulic block can be molded with several installation interfaces to allow easy and quick installation of several functional components. Furthermore, the hydraulic block can be sterilized and used repeatedly.

[0033] The present disclosure and its advantages will be further understood by reading the following detailed description of several preferred exemplary embodiments in conjunction with the following drawings, in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0034] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a hydraulic block according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] 2 shows a perspective view of the hydraulic block shown in FIG. 1 from a different perspective to present the other side of the hydraulic block. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a standing structure of a hydraulic block with a corresponding sealing structure mounted thereon according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the standing structure shown in FIG. 3 with a sealing structure. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the hydraulic block when some functional components are mounted on the installation interfaces of the hydraulic block. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the hydraulic block when the cover is fixedly connected to the base body of the hydraulic block. [Figure 7] 1 shows a cross-sectional view illustrating a welded structure for facilitating welding of a cover and a base body according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the welded structure shown in FIG. 7 after welding, with weld seams formed to securely fasten the cover to the base body. [Figure 9]1 shows a cross-sectional view illustrating a mixing structure for preparing dialysis solution according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of the mixing structure shown in FIG. [Figure 11] 13A-13C are schematic diagrams illustrating a method of molding a first chamber and / or a second chamber of a mixing structure according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0035] Some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings in order to better understand the basic concepts of the present disclosure.

[0036] The present disclosure relates generally to a novel hydraulic block, particularly for hemodialysis.

[0037] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a hydraulic block for dialysis, in particular for hemodialysis, is presented, comprising a base body formed with a fluid-containing cavity and at least one standing structure standing on the base body, the standing structure and the base body being integrally molded, for example by using an injection molding process, the standing structure comprising at least one vertical fluid cavity fluidly connected with the fluid-containing cavity. As an alternative embodiment, the standing structure and the base body are molded separately so that the standing structure can be mounted on the base body, which may be advantageous to simplify and / or optimize the manufacturing process and cost efficiency when the standing structure and / or the base body have a specific configuration that makes it impossible or difficult to mold them integrally under some circumstances. Those skilled in the art will understand that alternative embodiments can also be conceived according to the present disclosure, in which the at least one standing structure can be molded separately and the remaining part of the standing structure can be integrally molded with the base body, and then the at least one standing structure is finally assembled on the base body.

[0038] Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a hydraulic block 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of the hydraulic block 1 shown in Fig. 1 from a different perspective to present the other side of the hydraulic block 1.

[0039] As shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, the hydraulic block 1 comprises a base body 11 formed to have a fluid-containing cavity 111 through which a fluid can flow and be received, and at least one standing structure 12 standing on the base body 11. The standing structure 12 may stand upright on the base body 11. The standing structure 12 and the base body 11 are integrally molded as a single part, in particular a single plastic part, so that the corresponding mounting process can be omitted. Furthermore, the standing structure 12 is molded to have at least one vertical fluid cavity 121 fluidly connected with the fluid-containing cavity 111, which means that at least a part of the vertical fluid cavity extends from the base body 11 to achieve some specific purpose, such as degassing and / or air separation and / or disinfection, which may require a specific fluid flow direction transverse to the plane of the base body 11. In other words, such a vertical fluid cavity 111 is essential for a specific purpose, and therefore the fluid flow direction in the vertical fluid cavity 111 cannot be changed arbitrarily.

[0040] Those skilled in the art can understand that the standing structure 12 should not be considered as a protruding structure, since the base body 11 itself may have some protruding structures. In particular, the standing structure 12 should extend upward from the base body 11 by a certain height, for example, 10 mm or more.

[0041] Preferably, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the standing structures 12 stand from the main faces of the base body 11 and not from the side edges of the base body 11, in particular when the base body 11 is configured as a flat body, for example in the form of a plate. Therefore, in this case, the pipe fittings arranged on the side edges of the base body 11 should not be considered as standing structures 12 in the sense of the present invention.

[0042] 2, the fluid-containing cavity 111 may be initially open on the base body 11 after molding of the standing structure 12 and the base body 11, particularly on the side facing away from the standing structure 12. The open fluid-containing cavity 111 may be closed as desired, as described further below.

[0043] 2, the fluid containing cavity 111 may include a flow passage having a generally relatively narrow width. In other words, the flow passage may be formed directly in the base body 11.

[0044] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the hydraulic block 1 may be configured to prepare and / or deliver dialysate. Those skilled in the art can appreciate that it is highly advantageous to prepare dialysate on-site.

[0045] Preferably, the hydraulic block 1 may be configured to be reusable, in particular after being disinfected, which considerably reduces its cost of use, in which case disinfectants and / or degreasers may be introduced into the hydraulic block 1 for cleaning purposes.

[0046] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the standing structure 12 may be configured as at least one of a water inlet chamber, a heating chamber for heating water, a degassing chamber for water, and an air separation chamber for used dialysis fluid. To prepare the dialysis fluid, the water inlet chamber may be provided to receive fresh water, such as reverse osmosis water. The water may contain air bubbles, and therefore a degassing chamber may be required to release the air bubbles from the water. If necessary, the water may be heated by a heating chamber. The used dialysis fluid may also contain air, and the air needs to be removed by an air separation chamber before returning to the equilibration chamber to achieve the equilibration function, which is known in the art and will not be described in detail herein.

[0047] In the case where the standing structure and the base body are molded separately, a person skilled in the art can understand that the present disclosure also relates to the thus molded standing structure, comprising at least one vertical fluid cavity and configured to be mounted in a standing state on the base body such that the at least one vertical fluid cavity is in fluid connection with the fluid receiving cavity formed in the base body. In this case, the standing structure may be, as described above, in particular at least one of the water inlet chamber, the heating chamber for heating the water, the degassing chamber for the water, and the air separation chamber for the used dialysis fluid.

[0048] Further, the present disclosure relates to a base body so shaped, formed with a fluid containing cavity and configured to enable a standing structure to be mounted in an upright position such that the fluid containing cavity is fluidly connected with at least one vertical fluid cavity formed in the standing structure.

[0049] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the standing structure 12 and the base body 11 may be molded from at least one of PES, PPO, and PPSU, which have good chemical and heat resistance so that the hydraulic block 1 can be sterilized and reused even throughout the entire life of the HD device. Of course, those skilled in the art can understand that the standing structure 12 and the base body 11 may be made from any other suitable material.

[0050] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the standing structure 12 and the base body 11 may be molded by a one-spot injection molding process.

[0051] FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a standing structure 12 fitted with a sealing structure 13, as further described below, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0052] FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the standing structure 12 shown in FIG.

[0053] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, as shown in FIG. 4, at least one vertical fluid cavity 121 may include at least one vertical fluid chamber 1211 and at least one vertical flow channel 1212 that are fluidly connected to each other via a fluid communication path 1213.

[0054] Preferably, a fluid communication path 1213 may be molded in the top of the standing structure 12 to allow fluid to flow into or out of the top of the vertical fluid chamber 1211 via the vertical flow channel 1212. The vertical fluid chamber 1211 may have a larger flow cross-section than the vertical flow channel 1212.

[0055] In particular, in use, fluid may flow upwards in the vertical fluid chamber 1211 and then into the top of the vertical flow channel 1212 via the fluid communication path 1213, as shown by the arrows in Fig. 4. In this case, the standing structure 12 may be used as a degassing chamber for water or as an air separation chamber for used dialysis fluid. When used as an air separation chamber, the at least one vertical flow channel 1212 may comprise two vertical flow channels 1212, preferably adjacent to each other, as shown in the upper right corner of Fig. 1.

[0056] As shown in Fig. 1, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the base body 11 may be molded to have at least one mounting interface 112 for at least one functional component for dialysis (not shown in Fig. 1). Preferably, the at least one functional component may include at least one of tubes, pumps, valves, and sensors required to achieve the desired function of the hydraulic block.

[0057] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the installation interface 112 may be configured as a protruding pedestal that is specifically lower than the standing structure 12 .

[0058] In particular, the installation interface 112 may be configured as a quick connector, which facilitates the mounting of the functional components onto the base body 11 .

[0059] FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of the hydraulic block 1 when the functional components 14 are mounted on the installation interface 112 .

[0060] As mentioned above, fresh dialysis fluid may be prepared by the hydraulic block 1, and therefore the base body 11 may be shaped to have a mixing structure 113 for preparing the dialysis fluid, as can be seen in FIG.

[0061] As a possible embodiment, the mixing structure 113 can be molded separately and then mounted on the base body 11. In this case, the present disclosure relates to a mixing structure molded in one piece.

[0062] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the hydraulic block 1 may include a cover 15 fixedly connected to the base body 11 to close the fluid containing cavity 111 and / or the mixing structure 113. Figure 6 shows a perspective view of the hydraulic block 1 when the cover 15 is fixedly connected to the base body 11. The cover 15 is preferably a plastic cover.

[0063] Preferably, the mixing structure 113 is open on the same side as the fluid containing cavity 111 and is closed by the same cover 15 .

[0064] If the functional component is a pump, it may be mounted on the side of the cover 15 .

[0065] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the cover 15 may be joined to the base body 11 by a plastic bonding process, such as at least one of an ultrasonic welding process, a diffusion bonding process, an infrared welding process, a resistance welding process, and a laser welding process. However, it can be understood by those skilled in the art that the cover 15 may be connected to the base body 11 by any other suitable process.

[0066] The laser welding process can achieve high joint strength and have high efficiency, and is therefore an advantageous solution. However, due to mechanical assembly or manufacturing tolerances and distortions of the welds, it is difficult to ensure that the large flat surfaces to be welded can seamlessly contact each other, which leads to cold joints and lower joint strength, which in turn leads to leakage. Furthermore, during the laser welding process, the materials to be welded (especially plastics) will melt and flow violently into the weld pool. The molten material may splash and eventually solidify within the fluid containing cavity 111, which will adversely affect or even block the fluid containing cavity 111, especially when the fluid containing cavity 111 is a narrow passage.

[0067] Therefore, there is a need to develop technical solutions to address the above-mentioned laser welding problems.

[0068] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, welding structures may be provided to facilitate welding, particularly laser welding, between the cover 15 and the base body 11 .

[0069] FIG. 7 shows a cross-sectional view illustrating a welded structure 16 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0070] To facilitate welding, the cover 15 may be made at least in part from a laser transparent material, however, to absorb the laser, the base body 11 may be made at least in part from an impermeable material.

[0071] 7, the welded structure 16 may include a first weld portion 161, e.g., one of a groove and a rib, formed at the location to be welded of the cover 15, and a second weld portion 162, e.g., the other of a groove and a rib, formed at the location to be welded of the base body 11 and configured to cooperate with the first weld portion 161 to form a weld seam. The cooperation of the rib and the groove may allow the weld pool to be controlled during the welding process, and to avoid excess molten plastic from flowing into the fluid containing cavity 111, particularly into the flow passages, and forming defects such as burrs. In this case, the weld seam may be formed in a predetermined manner.

[0072] FIG. 8 shows a cross-sectional view illustrating the welded structure 16 shown in FIG. 7 after welding, where a weld seam 17 is formed to securely fasten the cover 15 to the base body 11.

[0073] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, as shown in FIG. 7, the first weld portion 161 may be configured as a groove and the second weld portion 162 may be configured as a rib.

[0074] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, as shown in FIG. 7, the height of the rib before welding may be greater than the depth of the groove by, for example, 0.5-1 mm, thereby compensating for manufacturing or assembly tolerances between the cover 15 and the base body 11.

[0075] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the rib and groove may be located adjacent to the edge of the fluid containing cavity 111 to be sealed, as shown in Figure 7. One skilled in the art can appreciate that with the rib and groove in close proximity to the fluid containing cavity 111, no gap will be created between the two welds, as shown in Figure 8.

[0076] The ribs and / or grooves may be configured to have a rectangular cross-sectional shape. Preferably, the grooves have a width slightly greater than the ribs.

[0077] 3 and 4, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the vertical flow channel 1212 may be located outside the vertical fluid chamber 1211, adjacent to the vertical wall 1214 of the vertical fluid chamber 1211. The vertical fluid chamber 1211 and the vertical flow channel 1212 may be located side-by-side.

[0078] 3 and 4, the vertical flow channel 1212 may be defined in part by a corresponding portion of the vertical wall 1214 of the vertical fluid chamber 1211. In other words, a portion of the vertical flow channel 1212 may be formed directly from a corresponding portion of the vertical wall 1214 of the vertical fluid chamber 1211.

[0079] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the vertical flow channel 1212 may be molded onto the vertical fluid chamber 1211 as shown in FIGS.

[0080] 4, the vertical fluid chamber 1211 can have a larger cross-sectional area than the vertical flow channel 1212. Also, the vertical fluid chamber 1211 and / or the vertical flow channel 1212 can have a circular cross-section.

[0081] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the vertical fluid chamber 1211 may be molded by a first cylindrical core (not shown), such as a cylindrical core, on a mold (not shown). Preferably, the first cylindrical core may have a draft angle of 1 to 3 degrees.

[0082] Similarly, the vertical flow channel 1212 may be molded by at least one second cylindrical core, such as a cylindrical core, on the mold. Preferably, the second cylindrical core may have a draft angle of about 0.5 degrees.

[0083] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the vertical fluid chamber 1211 may be molded by positioning a first cylindrical core on one side of a mold.

[0084] Similarly, the vertical flow channels 1212 may be molded by positioning one second cylindrical core on each of the two sides of the mold.

[0085] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the second cylindrical core may be connected at an intermediate location of the vertical flow channel 1212 to be molded.

[0086] As shown in FIG. 3, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the standing structure 12 may be molded with an exterior opening 122 that leads directly to a fluid communication path 1213 .

[0087] As shown in FIG. 4, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the exterior openings 122 may be oriented upwardly.

[0088] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the exterior opening 122 may be configured to be closable, as shown in Figures 3 and 4. If necessary, the exterior opening 122 may be fluidly connected to an external component (not shown).

[0089] Preferably, the exterior opening 122 may be closed by a sealing structure 13 , in particular a cap which may be attached or joined to the exterior opening 122 .

[0090] According to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the cap may be configured to be form-fitted, e.g., snap-fitted, and / or attached using fasteners, e.g., screws, or joined by welding.

[0091] 3 and 4, the cap may be secured onto the standing structure 12 by a snap-fit ​​structure 123 integrally molded with the standing structure 12. The snap-fit ​​structure 123 may comprise two clamp legs 1231 facing towards each other, between which the cap may be clamped to close the exterior opening 122.

[0092] The clamp legs 1231 may have a barb-like shape so that the cap can be securely fastened to the exterior opening 122 .

[0093] FIG. 9 shows a cross-sectional view illustrating a mixing structure 113 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0094] As shown in FIG. 9 (and possibly in conjunction with FIG. 2), the mixing structure 113 may include at least one mixing chamber 1131, a fluid outlet 1132 leading to the mixing chamber 1131, and at least two fluid inlets 1133, each leading to the mixing chamber 1131.

[0095] 9 also uses several arrows to generally indicate the flow direction of fluids during the mixing process, which may allow one skilled in the art to better understand the mixing action, and therefore the arrangement, of the mixing structure 113.

[0096] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, as shown in FIG. 9 , at least one mixing chamber 1131 may comprise a first chamber 1134 and a second chamber 1135 fluidly connected to the first chamber 1134 by a flow communication passage 1136 and located downstream of the first chamber 1134, and the at least two fluid inlets 1133 include a first fluid inlet 1137 for a first fluid, e.g., water, in particular reverse osmosis water; It may have a second fluid inlet 1138 for the second fluid and a third fluid inlet 1139 for the third fluid, where the first fluid inlet 1137 may lead tangentially to the first chamber 1134, the second fluid inlet 1138 may lead to the first chamber 1134, the third fluid inlet 1139 may lead to the second chamber 1135, and the fluid outlet 1132 may lead to the second chamber 1135.

[0097] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the second fluid inlet 1138 may be located downstream of the first fluid inlet 1137, as shown in FIG.

[0098] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, as shown in FIG. 9, the second fluid inlet 1138 is oriented toward the center of the first chamber 1134 .

[0099] Similarly, the third fluid inlet 1139 and / or the fluid outlet 1132 may also be oriented toward the center of the second chamber 1135.

[0100] As shown in FIG. 9, the first chamber 1134 and / or the second chamber 1135 can be configured as circular chambers.

[0101] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, as shown in FIG. 9 , the mixing structure 113 can be configured to generate a first swirling fluid flow within the first chamber 1134, as indicated generally by two corresponding arrows.

[0102] Similarly, the mixing structure 113 may be configured such that a second swirling fluid flow can be generated in the second chamber 1135, also as indicated diagrammatically by two corresponding arrows.

[0103] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, as shown in FIG. 9, the flow communication passage 1136 may be configured in an arc shape.

[0104] As shown in FIG. 9, the first swirling fluid flow and the second swirling fluid flow can have the same swirling direction.

[0105] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the flow communication passage 1136 may be configured to be curved outwardly, as shown in Figure 9. Specifically, the flow communication passage 1136 may be curved in an outward convex manner.

[0106] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, as shown in FIG. 9 , the mixing structure 113 may be configured such that a first fluid flow direction entering the first chamber 1134 via the first fluid inlet 1137 is opposite to a second fluid flow direction entering the first chamber 1134 via the second fluid inlet 1138, thereby creating dramatic mixing within the first chamber 1134, as indicated generally by the corresponding arrows.

[0107] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, as shown in Figure 9, the flow communication passage 1136 may lead tangentially to the first chamber 1134. Similarly, the flow communication passage 1136 may lead tangentially to the second chamber 1135.

[0108] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, as shown in FIG. 9 , the mixing structure 113 can be configured such that a third fluid flow direction entering the flow communication passage 1136 from the first chamber 1134 is opposite to a first fluid flow direction entering the first chamber 1134 via a first fluid inlet 1137 and / or parallel to a second fluid flow direction entering the first chamber 1134 via a second fluid inlet 1138.

[0109] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, as shown in FIG. 9 , the mixing structure 113 can be configured such that a fourth fluid flow direction entering the second chamber 1135 via the flow communication passage 1136 is opposite to a third fluid flow direction entering the flow communication passage 1136 from the first chamber 1134 and / or parallel to a fifth fluid flow direction entering the second chamber 1135 via the third fluid inlet 1139.

[0110] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, as shown in FIG. 9 , the mixing structure 113 can be configured such that a sixth fluid flow direction exiting the second chamber 1135 via the fluid outlet 1132 is substantially perpendicular to a fifth fluid flow direction entering the second chamber 1135 via the third fluid inlet 1139.

[0111] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, at least one of the second fluid and the third fluid may be a concentrate, such as bicarbonate, necessary to prepare a dialysis solution. The concentrate may be mixed and / or dissolved with the first fluid to produce the dialysis solution, which may exit the second chamber 1135 via the fluid outlet 1132 and then flow, for example, to a dialyzer (not shown).

[0112] FIG. 10 shows a partial cross-sectional view of one of the portions selected by the dotted box shown in FIG.

[0113] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, as shown in FIG. 10, the second fluid inlet 1138 and / or the third fluid inlet 1139 may be shaped to have a constricted orifice 1140, which may provide a fluid ejection to facilitate mixing, as shown diagrammatically by several arrows.

[0114] 11 shows a schematic diagram of a method of molding the first chamber 1134 and / or the second chamber 1135 when the second fluid inlet 1138 and / or the third fluid inlet 1139 are molded to have a corresponding constricted orifice 1140. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the constricted orifice 1140 may be molded by a first slider 21 located on a first side of the constricted orifice 1140 facing toward the first chamber 1134 or the second chamber 1135 (i.e., the left side of FIG. 11 ) and a second slider 22 located on a second side of the constricted orifice 1140 opposite the first side (i.e., the right side of FIG. 11 ).

[0115] As shown in FIG. 11, at least one of the first slider 21 and the second slider 22 may have a tapered end to form a narrowed orifice 1140 .

[0116] 11, the first slider 21 may extend partially into the first chamber 1134 or the second chamber 1135. In this case, the first chamber 1134 and / or the second chamber 1135 may be molded by the first slider 21 and the chamber molding core 23 cooperating with the first slider 21. In other words, the chamber molding core 23 and a portion of the first slider 21 are used together to mold the first chamber 1134 or the second chamber 1135.

[0117] During the demolding process, the chamber molding core 23 may be pulled in an uncoupling direction (e.g., perpendicular to the plane of FIG. 11), and then the first slider 21 may be pulled apart in a pulling direction (e.g., to the left in FIG. 11) that is different from the uncoupling direction, in particular perpendicular to the uncoupling direction. The second slider 22 may be pulled apart in the opposite pulling direction.

[0118] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is further provided a hydraulic system for dialysis, which may comprise the above-mentioned hydraulic block 1 and at least one functional component 14 mounted on the hydraulic block 1.

[0119] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, there is further provided a method for manufacturing the above-mentioned hydraulic block 1, the method comprising shaping the hydraulic block by using a mould.

[0120] Although certain embodiments have been described, these embodiments are presented by way of example only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. The appended claims and their equivalents are intended to cover all modifications, substitutions, and alterations that fall within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A hydraulic block for dialysis, comprising: a base body formed with a fluid containing cavity; At least one standing structure standing on the base body; Equipped with The standing structure comprises at least one vertical fluid cavity fluidly connected to the fluid containing cavity.

2. The standing structure and the base body are integrally molded, or the standing structure and the base body are separately molded so that the standing structure can be mounted on the base body, or at least one standing structure is separately molded, and the base body and the remaining part of the standing structure are integrally molded so that the at least one standing structure can be mounted on the base body; and / or the fluid-containing cavity is initially open at a side of the base body after molding of the base body; and / or the fluid containing cavity comprises a flow path; and / or the hydraulic block is configured for hemodialysis; and / or the hydraulic block is configured to prepare and / or deliver dialysis fluid; and / or the hydraulic block is adapted to be reusable, in particular after being disinfected, and / or said standing structure being configured as at least one of a water inlet chamber, a heating chamber for heating water, a degassing chamber for water, and an air separation chamber for used dialysis fluid; and / or The standing structure and the base body are molded from at least one of PES, PPO, and PPSU; The hydraulic block according to claim 1 .

3. the base body is configured as a flat body, and / or The standing structure and the base body are molded by an injection molding process. The hydraulic block according to claim 1 or 2.

4. the standing structure and the base body are molded as a single plastic part; and / or The standing structure and the base body are molded by a one-spot injection molding process. The hydraulic block according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. the at least one vertical fluid cavity comprises at least one vertical fluid chamber and at least one vertical flow channel in fluid communication with each other via a fluid communication path; and / or The base body is shaped to have at least one mounting interface for at least one functional component for dialysis; and / or The base body is molded with or fitted with a mixing structure for preparing a dialysis solution, and / or the hydraulic block includes a cover fixedly connected to the base body to close the fluid containing cavity. A hydraulic block according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. the vertical flow channel is located outside the vertical fluid chamber adjacent a vertical wall of the vertical fluid chamber; and / or the vertical flow channel being defined in part by a corresponding portion of the vertical wall of the vertical fluid chamber; and / or the vertical fluid chamber is formed by a first cylindrical core, e.g., a cylindrical core, on a mold; and / or the vertical flow channel is formed by at least one second cylindrical core, e.g., a cylindrical core, on the mold; and / or the standing structure is shaped to have an exterior opening that leads directly to the fluid communication path; and / or the mixing structure comprises at least one mixing chamber, a fluid outlet leading to the mixing chamber, and at least two fluid inlets each leading to the mixing chamber; and / or The cover is a plastic cover. The hydraulic block according to claim 5.

7. the vertical flow channel is molded onto the vertical fluid chamber; and / or the vertical fluid chamber is formed by positioning the first cylindrical core on one side of the mold; and / or the vertical flow channels are formed by positioning one second cylindrical core on each of two sides of the mold; and / or the at least one mixing chamber comprises a first chamber and a second chamber fluidly connected to the first chamber by a flow communication passage and located downstream of the first chamber, the at least two fluid inlets comprise a first fluid inlet for a first fluid, a second fluid inlet for a second fluid, and a third fluid inlet for a third fluid, the first fluid inlet leading tangentially to the first chamber, the second fluid inlet leading to the first chamber, the third fluid inlet leading to the second chamber, and the fluid outlet leading to the second chamber; and / or the cover is joined to the base body by at least one of a plastic joining process, such as an ultrasonic welding process, a diffusion bonding process, an infrared welding process, a resistance welding process, and a laser welding process; and / or The exterior opening is configured to be closable and / or to be fluidly connected to an external component. The hydraulic block according to claim 6.

8. the second fluid inlet is located downstream of the first fluid inlet; and / or the second fluid inlet is oriented towards the centre of the first chamber; and / or the third fluid inlet and / or the fluid outlet are oriented towards a centre of the second chamber; and / or the first chamber and / or the second chamber are configured as circular chambers; and / or the mixing structure is configured to generate a first swirling fluid flow in the first chamber; and / or the mixing structure is configured to generate a second swirling fluid flow in the second chamber; and / or The flow communication passage is configured in an arc shape. The hydraulic block according to claim 7.

9. the first swirling fluid flow and the second swirling fluid flow have the same swirling direction; and / or The flow communication passage is configured to be curved outward. The hydraulic block according to claim 8.

10. the mixing structure is configured such that a first fluid flow direction entering the first chamber via the first fluid inlet is opposite to a second fluid flow direction entering the first chamber via the second fluid inlet; and / or the flow communication passage leads tangentially to the first chamber; and / or the flow communication passage leads tangentially to the second chamber; and / or the mixing structure is configured such that a third fluid flow direction from the first chamber into the flow communication passage is opposite to the first fluid flow direction into the first chamber via the first fluid inlet and / or parallel to the second fluid flow direction into the first chamber via the second fluid inlet; and / or the mixing structure is configured such that a fourth fluid flow direction into the second chamber via the flow communication passage is opposite to the third fluid flow direction into the flow communication passage from the first chamber and / or is parallel to a fifth fluid flow direction into the second chamber via the third fluid inlet; and / or the mixing structure is configured such that a sixth fluid flow direction exiting the second chamber through the fluid outlet is substantially perpendicular to the fifth fluid flow direction entering the second chamber through the third fluid inlet. A hydraulic block according to any one of claims 7 to 9.

11. the second fluid inlet and / or the third fluid inlet are shaped to have a narrowing orifice; and / or the first fluid is water, in particular reverse osmosis water, and at least one of the second and third fluids is a concentrate necessary for preparing a dialysis solution, for example bicarbonate, A hydraulic block according to any one of claims 7 to 9.

12. the narrowed orifice is formed by a first slider located on a first side of the narrowed orifice facing towards the first chamber or the second chamber, and a second slider located on a second side of the narrowed orifice opposite to the first side; The hydraulic block of claim 11.

13. the first chamber and / or the second chamber are formed by the first slider and a chamber molding core cooperating with the first slider; 13. The hydraulic block of claim 12.

14. During the demolding process, the chamber moulding core is pulled in a pull-out direction and then the first slider is pulled away in a pulling direction different from the pull-out direction, in particular perpendicular to the pull-out direction.

14. The hydraulic block of claim 13.

15. the fluid communication path is located at the top of the standing structure to allow fluid to flow into or out of the top of the vertical fluid chamber via the vertical flow channel; and / or the exterior opening is oriented upwardly; and / or The outer opening may be closed by a sealing structure, in particular a cap, which may be attached or joined to the outer opening, and / or the first cylindrical core has a draft angle of 1 to 3 degrees; and / or the second cylindrical core has a draft angle of about 0.5 degrees; and / or The second cylindrical core is connected at a middle position of the vertical flow channel to be formed. A hydraulic block according to any one of claims 6 to 14.

16. The cap is configured to be attached in a form-fitting manner, e.g., a snap-fit ​​manner, and / or by using fasteners, e.g., screws, or joined by welding.

16. The hydraulic block of claim 15.

17. Welding structures are provided to facilitate welding, in particular laser welding, between the cover and the base body, and / or the cover is at least partially formed from a material that is transparent to lasers; and / or the base body is at least partially made of an impermeable material; and / or the installation interface is in particular configured as a protruding base lower than the standing structure, and / or the at least one functional component comprises at least one of a tube, a pump, a valve, and a sensor; A hydraulic block according to any one of claims 5 to 16.

18. The welded structure comprises a first weld portion, e.g. one of a groove and a rib, formed at a welded location of the cover and a second weld portion, e.g. the other of the groove and the rib, formed at a welded location of the base body and configured to cooperate with the first weld portion to form a weld seam; and / or The installation interface is configured as a quick connector.

18. The hydraulic block of claim 17.

19. the first welded portion is configured as the groove and the second welded portion is configured as the rib; and / or The height of the rib before welding is greater than the depth of the groove, for example by 0.5 to 1 mm, and / or the rib and the groove are located adjacent to an edge of the fluid-containing cavity to be sealed; 20. The hydraulic block of claim 18.

20. A hydraulic system for dialysis, comprising a hydraulic block according to any one of claims 1 to 19 and at least one functional component mounted on said hydraulic block.

21. A method for manufacturing a hydraulic block according to any one of claims 1 to 19, comprising shaping said hydraulic block by using a mould.

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