Apparatus and method for connecting plastic tubing

Abstract

The device (1) for connecting plastic tubing (10, 12), particularly tubing connected to blood bags, comprises a first clamp (14) and a second clamp (16) having two opposing jaws (18, 20, 22, 24) for clamping the first tubing (10) and the second tubing (12), respectively, and a first dividing portion (26) and a second dividing portion (28) for dividing the first tubing at the dividing point. The cutting device includes a first cutting unit (26) and a second cutting unit (28) having anvils (30, 34) and blades (32, 36) for cutting the first tube and the second tube (10, 12), and a moving unit (38) adapted to move at least one of the first clamp (14) and the second clamp (16) so that the cut ends of the first tube and the second tube (10, 12) clamped in the clamps (14, 16) are axially aligned and then brought into contact. The jaws (18, 20, 22, 24) of the first and second clamps (14, 16) and / or the anvils (30, 34) and blades (32, 36) of the first and second cutting parts (26, 28) are configured as electrodes to which radio frequency energy can be applied in order to melt the first and second tubes (10, 12) in the region of the cutting point before and / or during cutting of the tubes (10, 12). The moving part (38) is adapted to bring the clamped cut ends of the first and second tubes (10, 12) into contact in a molten state.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure relates to devices and methods for connecting plastic tubing, particularly tubing connected to blood bags. [Background technology]

[0002] US2020 / 0047423A1 discloses an apparatus that uses a so-called wafer, which is heated to approximately 300°C by supplying electrical energy, to separate two blood bag tubes to be connected. By heating the wafer, the two tubes to be connected are melted at their respective separation points. The molten ends of the tubes to be connected are then joined to connect the tubes to each other. The drawbacks of this technique are that the wafer is expensive due to the conductor tracks it contains, and the high-temperature heating and subsequent cooling process mean that the wafer must be discarded after the joining process. Therefore, the joining process involves high costs and material usage.

[0003] EP4035723A1 attempts to reduce the cost of the bonding process by using a cutting element, which is heated by being brought into contact with a heating device, instead of a wafer. By using this method, the cost of the bonding process can be reduced. However, even in this case, the cutting element needs to be discarded after the cutting process, so the bonding process still involves costs and material usage. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The object of the present disclosure is to provide an improved device and an improved method for connecting plastic tubing, in particular tubing connected to blood bags. This object is achieved by the device and method according to the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0005] An apparatus for connecting plastic tubing, particularly tubing connected to blood bags, includes a first clamp and a second clamp, each having two opposing jaws for clamping the first and second tubing, respectively. The clamps can clamp the tubing, allowing the tubing to be connected even when the tubing contains fluid.

[0006] The device further includes a first dividing section and a second dividing section, each having an anvil and a blade for dividing the first tube and the second tube at the respective dividing points, wherein the anvil and the blade allow the two tubes to be divided without securing the two tubes with separate clamps.

[0007] The device further includes a moving unit adapted to move at least one of the first clamp and the second clamp so that the cut ends of the first and second tubes clamped by the clamps are brought into contact or abutment after being axially aligned, thereby allowing the cut ends of the tubes to be connected that are clamped by the clamps to come into contact with each other and thereby be joined.

[0008] The jaws of the first and second clamps and / or the anvils and blades of the first and second dividing sections are configured as electrodes. Before and / or during severing of the tubes, high-frequency energy may be applied to the electrodes to melt the first and second tubes in the region of the severance point. Note that "melting" means that the plastic, particularly PVC, tubes 10, 12 have softened to the point where they fuse together upon contact and are connected to each other in a cooled state.

[0009] Thus, the closed electrodes with the tube between them as a dielectric form a capacitor. By applying high-frequency energy to the capacitor, an electric field is generated between the electrodes, which heats the tube so that it melts. This simplifies the process of separating the first and second tubes.

[0010] According to the present disclosure, the jaws of the first clamp or the second clamp may be formed as electrodes. Since the first dividing portion is disposed adjacent to the first clamp and the second dividing portion is disposed adjacent to the second clamp, even in this case, the dividing points of the first tube and the second tube are sufficiently melted during cutting. Alternatively, the anvil and blade of the first dividing portion and the second dividing portion may be formed as electrodes that melt the dividing points of the tube. However, it is also conceivable that both the jaws and the anvil and blade are formed as electrodes to which high-frequency energy is applied.

[0011] The transfer member is adapted to bring the clamped, severed ends of the first and second tubes into contact in a molten state, thereby tightly joining the clamped, severed ends of the first and second tubes together and establishing a connection between the first and second tubes after cooling of the tubes.

[0012] Advantageously, the clamping, separating and moving parts can each be electromotively driven, which allows the individual components to be easily controlled by a control unit such as a microcontroller.

[0013] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the frequency of the radio frequency energy is 25 to 45 MHz. This frequency range is particularly suitable for melting using radio frequency energy. In medical applications, a frequency of 40.68 MHz ± 5 kHz has proven particularly advantageous for melting blood bag tubing.

[0014] Each blade preferably has a width, perpendicular to the axial direction of the first and second tubes, that corresponds to the diameter of at least one of the first and second tubes, thereby ensuring complete severance of the tubes.

[0015] According to one aspect, the device according to the present disclosure may include a radio frequency generator adapted to apply radio frequency energy to the electrode. To this end, the radio frequency generator may include a coil, thereby forming an oscillator circuit together with the capacitor formed by the electrode. Alternatively, the coil may be located within the device connected to the electrode. The radio frequency generator may be particularly connected to the electrode by a coaxial cable. When radio frequency energy is applied to both the jaws and the blade and anvil, the radio frequency generator may have multiple outputs or multiple radio frequency generators may be used. It is also conceivable that the frequency used for the jaws is different from the frequency used for the blade and anvil. It is particularly preferred that the radio frequency generator be communicatively connected to the device's controller so that the application of radio frequency energy to the electrode can be appropriately controlled.

[0016] According to an advantageous aspect of the present disclosure, the jaws of the first clamp and the second clamp may be formed as electrodes, and radio-frequency energy may be applied to these electrodes by a radio-frequency generator. The radio-frequency generator may then be adapted to apply radio-frequency energy to the jaws of the first clamp and the second clamp before and / or while the clamped cut ends of the first tube and the second tube are brought into contact. This allows radio-frequency energy to be applied again to the cut ends of the tubes held in the clamps, thereby remelting the cut ends. In this way, the two tubes can be reliably and securely connected.

[0017] Advantageously, the displacement device may be adapted to interrupt contact of the clamped divided ends before and / or during contact of the clamped divided ends so that radio frequency energy can be applied again to the jaws of the clamp to melt the divided ends clamped in the clamp for a sufficient time to ensure a secure connection of the two tubes.

[0018] Advantageously, the first and second clamps are adapted to continue clamping the cut ends after they have been brought into contact and cooled. In this case, the moving part may be adapted to move the closed clamps away from each other in the axial direction of the tubes. This opens the connection point between the connected tubes to ensure fluid flow. Furthermore, the tensile strength of the connection point can be checked.

[0019] The moving unit may preferably include two platforms arranged parallel to each other on a plane, with at least one of the platforms being movable on the plane. The first clamp and the second dividing unit may be arranged on the first platform, and the second clamp and the first dividing unit may be arranged on the second platform. This allows the two clamps to be moved relative to each other with a simple structure so that the divided ends of the first tube and the second tube clamped in the clamps are axially aligned and brought into contact.

[0020] Advantageously, each blade may have a straight section parallel to the contact surface of the anvil, which allows for an improved design of the blade as an electrode, and also allows for welding of the tube section to be cut that is not clamped in the clamp, thereby enabling the cutting and therefore the connection of the fluid-containing tube.

[0021] Furthermore, it is advantageous if each blade has a beveled portion that slopes away from the clamp, which allows for a more reliable welding of the tube section to be severed.

[0022] According to an advantageous embodiment, each jaw may, in the closed state, form a protrusion around the clamped tube in the direction in which the clamped cut ends of the tube are brought into contact, such a protrusion acting as a punch around the clamped tube, thereby allowing a better contact and thus connection of the two clamped cut ends of the first and second tubes.

[0023] Advantageously, the contact surface of the anvil and the clamping surface of one of the jaws can be aligned with the tube to be cut, i.e., in the axial direction of the tube, during the cutting of the first and second tubes. Since the tube is melted in the region of the cutting point during cutting, even slight bending can damage the tube and contaminate its interior. By aligning the contact surface of the anvil with the clamping surface of one of the jaws located on the anvil side, this damage and the resulting contamination can be prevented. This makes it possible to more reliably connect the two tubes aseptically.

[0024] It has been found to be advantageous to provide first and second guide portions for guiding the first and second tubes, so that the tubes are properly guided into the clamp and disconnect portion without being rotated, bent or otherwise adversely affected.

[0025] Furthermore, it is advantageous to provide a first holder for holding the first blood bag connected to the first tube and a second holder for holding the second blood bag connected to the second tube. The holders may be formed by two support surfaces or by pins or hooks from which the blood bags can be hung. This prevents the blood bags from accidentally falling.

[0026] According to an exemplary embodiment, the device may include a transparent cover and a sensor adapted to detect the closed state of the cover. Only when the sensor detects the closed state of the cover can the connection of the first tube and the second tube be performed. This ensures that the tubes to be connected are not contaminated and protects the operator of the device from unintentional contact with moving parts of the device. Furthermore, the operator can monitor the connection process through the transparent cover.

[0027] The device may advantageously include an input for detecting the type of tubing to be connected and / or the operator of the device. The input may take various forms, such as a keyboard, a touch screen, a barcode or QR code reader, an RFID scanner, or a fingerprint scanner. This allows the application of radio frequency energy to the electrodes to match the tubing to be connected, thereby ensuring proper fusion. It also allows the person performing the connection process to be recorded.

[0028] A method according to the present disclosure for connecting plastic tubing, particularly tubing connected to a blood bag, includes first clamping a first tube and a second tube with a first clamp and a second clamp, each clamp having two opposing jaws, such that the tubing can be clamped by the clamps and the connection can be performed even when the tubing contains fluid.

[0029] The method further includes the step of severing the first and second tubes at their respective severing points using a first severing unit and a second severing unit, each having an anvil and a blade. The use of the anvil and the blade allows the two tubes to be severed without securing them with a second clamp.

[0030] The method then includes moving at least one of the first clamp and the second clamp so that the cut ends of the first and second tubes clamped in the clamps are axially aligned and in contact, thereby allowing the cut ends of the tubes to be connected that are clamped in the clamps to contact and be joined.

[0031] Before and / or during the severing of the tube, a step is performed in which high-frequency energy is applied to the jaws of the first and second clamps and / or the anvils and blades of the first and second severing parts, which are formed as electrodes, to melt the first and second tubes in the region of the severing point. In this way, the jaws and / or the anvils and blades of the first and second clamps function as capacitor plates, and the tubes placed thereon function as dielectrics. This allows the tubes to be melted by applying high-frequency energy, achieving proper and sterile severing. As a result, in contrast to conventional techniques, the severing parts, particularly the blades themselves, do not need to be heated, and therefore do not need to be disposed of after severing.

[0032] Subsequently, during the moving step, the clamped split ends of the first and second tubes are brought into contact in a molten state, whereby the clamped split ends of the first and second tubes are tightly joined together and, after cooling, a secure connection is established between the first and second tubes.

[0033] Preferably, the method may include the steps of preparing a blood bag connected to the first tube before clamping the first tube, and preparing a blood bag connected to the second tube before clamping the first tube or at least before clamping the second tube. The blood bag may be held by a holder to ensure proper performance of the method.

[0034] Particularly preferably, when carrying out the method, at least one of the first tube and the second tube may be connected to a branch piece or a Y-junction to which the first or second blood bag and another blood bag are connected via tubing. This allows, for example, a blood bag for collecting blood from a blood donor to be provided with only one tube and a needle attached thereto. After the blood sample is tested for usability and found to be suitable, the blood sample may be separated into blood components, for example, by centrifugation. The tubing of the blood bag containing the separated blood components may then be removed from the needle and connected to a tubing to which at least two other blood bags are connected via tubing using the branch piece. Two of the blood components, for example, plasma and buffy coat, may then be transferred from the original blood bag to another blood bag. This procedure avoids plastic waste that would otherwise occur if the collected blood sample is unusable or not subsequently discarded by the donor.

[0035] In summary, it can be said that the disclosed apparatus and method can reliably connect two plastic tubes without the need for any cutting elements such as wafers or blades that must be discarded after the cutting process, thereby reducing the ongoing costs of the connection process.

[0036] Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0037] [Figure 1] 1 shows an overall view of a tube connection device according to the present disclosure; [Figure 2] A detailed view of the clamp, disconnect, transfer section, and two tubes that are connected within the device is shown. [Figure 3] 1 shows a schematic diagram of an electrode for heating a tube placed on the electrode and a high frequency generator connected thereto. [Figure 4]1 shows a detailed view of the clamp, the disconnecting part, the moving part of the tube connecting device and the two tubes to be connected during the connecting process. [Figure 5] 1 shows a detailed view of the clamp, the disconnecting part, the moving part of the tube connecting device and the two tubes to be connected during the connecting process. [Figure 6] 1 shows a detailed view of the clamp, the disconnecting part, the moving part of the tube connecting device and the two tubes to be connected during the connecting process. [Figure 7] 1 shows a detailed view of the clamp, the disconnecting part, the moving part of the tube connecting device and the two tubes to be connected during the connecting process. [Figure 8] 1 shows a detailed view of the clamp, the disconnecting part, the moving part of the tube connecting device and the two tubes to be connected during the connecting process. [Figure 9] 1 shows a detailed view of the clamp, the disconnecting part, the moving part of the tube connecting device and the two tubes to be connected during the connecting process. [Figure 10] 1 shows a detailed view of the clamp, the disconnecting part, the moving part of the tube connecting device and the two tubes to be connected during the connecting process. [Figure 11] 1 shows a detailed view of the clamp, the disconnecting part, the moving part of the tube connecting device and the two tubes to be connected during the connecting process. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0038] 1 shows an apparatus 1 for connecting plastic tubing according to the present disclosure. In the following, the apparatus 1 is described as being used with a blood bag. The tubing connected to the blood bag is made of PVC. However, the apparatus 1 is also suitable for connecting other tubing that is not made of PVC but that can be heated by radio frequency.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 1, the device 1 includes an input portion 2, a first holding portion 4 for holding a first blood bag (not shown), a second holding portion 6 for holding a second blood bag (not shown), and a cover 8.

[0040] The input unit 2 is adapted to detect the type of tube to be connected and / or the operator of the device 1. In this embodiment, the input unit 2 is in the form of a touchscreen. However, the input unit 2 may also be in the form of a keyboard, a barcode or QR code reader, an RFID scanner, a fingerprint scanner, or a combination thereof. This allows the operator of the device to input the type of tube to be connected into the device 1, so that the connection process can be performed properly. Furthermore, it is recorded which operator performed the connection process, which is necessary if the blood sample is found to be contaminated.

[0041] Furthermore, the device 1 includes holders 4 and 6 for holding the first and second blood bags. In this embodiment, the holders 4 and 6 are formed by two supports including edges. However, the holders 4 and 6 may also be formed by pins or hooks from which the blood bags can be hung. This prevents the operator from accidentally dropping the blood bags.

[0042] Furthermore, the device 1 preferably comprises a transparent cover 8. Furthermore, the device 1 comprises a sensor (not shown) capable of detecting the closed state of the cover 8. A control unit of the device 1 connected to the sensor is adapted to start the connection process only when the closed state of the cover 8 is detected. This makes it possible to avoid contamination of the tubes to be connected, for example by touching the cut ends of two tubes together. In addition, it makes it possible to prevent an operator from accidentally coming into contact with the device 1. Because the cover 8 is transparent, the connection process can be observed.

[0043] After the blood bags are placed in the holders 4 and 6, the tubes 10, 12 to be connected may be inserted into the device 1 with the cover 8 open. Figure 2 shows how the first tube 10 and the second tube 12 to be connected are arranged within the device 1. Note that the first tube 10 is connected to the first blood bag on the first holder 4, and in the example shown in Figure 2, the first blood bag is arranged at the top. Therefore, in the example shown in Figure 2, the second blood bag is arranged at the bottom.

[0044] As shown in Figure 2, the device 1 includes a first clamp 14 and a second clamp 16. The first clamp 14 is formed by two opposing jaws 18 and 20, and the second clamp 16 is formed by two opposing jaws 22 and 24, each having a flat clamping surface. The clamps 14 and 16 are positioned to receive and clamp the proximal end, i.e., the end connected to the blood bag. This allows the clamps 14 and 16 to block fluid flow from the blood bag through the tubes 10 and 12.

[0045] The device 1 further comprises a first dividing section 26 formed by the anvil 30 and the blade 32, and a second dividing section 28 formed by the anvil 34 and the blade 36. The two tubes 10 and 12 are divided by the dividing sections when the blades 32 and 36 abut against contact surfaces 52, 54 (see FIG. 6) of the anvils 32 and 34. The detailed design of the blades 32, 36 will be described below with reference to FIG. 6.

[0046] The device 1 further comprises a moving part 38 formed by a first platform 40 and a second platform 42. The two platforms 40, 42 are arranged parallel to each other on a plane. The first clamp 14 and the second separating part 28 are arranged on the first platform 40, and the second clamp 16 and the first separating part 26 are arranged on the second platform 42. This allows the two platforms 40, 42 to be easily brought together or into contact by moving them relative to each other, as will be described below with reference to Figures 7 and 8.

[0047] The first platform 40 includes a first guide portion 44 for guiding the first tube 10 into the clamp 14 and the dividing portion 26, and the second platform 42 includes a second guide portion 46 for guiding the second tube 12 into the clamp 16 and the dividing portion 28. The first and second guide portions 44, 46 may be formed by grooves provided in the first and second platforms 40, 42.

[0048] The clamps 14, 16, the separating units 26, 28, and the moving unit 38 (i.e., at least one of the two platforms 40, 42) may be driven or moved by electromotive force, and their operations are controlled by a control unit (not shown) of the device 1 executing a corresponding computer program. Furthermore, to properly control the connection process, the control unit is connected to other units such as the input unit 2 and sensors such as a sensor for detecting the closed state of the cover 8.

[0049] To separate and connect the first tube 10 and the second tube 12, the tubes 10, 12 must be melted before and / or during the separation process. To achieve this, as shown in FIG. 3, the jaws 18-24 and / or the anvils 30, 34 and blades 32, 36 are configured as electrodes to which high-frequency energy can be applied. The first tube 10 and the second tube 12 are positioned between the electrodes. This causes the tubes 10, 12 to form a dielectric between the electrodes, resulting in a capacitor. When high-frequency energy is applied, an electric field is generated between the electrodes, heating the dielectric (i.e., the tubes 10, 12) located between the electrodes. With sufficient heat, the dielectric melts. In this way, the tubes 10, 12 can be easily separated and then brought into contact in a molten state. By "melted," we mean that the plastic, particularly PVC, tubes 10, 12 soften to the point where they fuse together upon contact and can be connected to each other when cooled.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 3, a coil 48 may be connected to the electrodes to form an oscillatory circuit. The coil 48 may be connected to the electrodes within the device 1. The oscillatory circuit within the device 1 may be or is connected to a radio frequency generator 51 via a coaxial cable 50. However, it is also contemplated that the coil 48 may be located within the radio frequency generator 51. Radio frequency energy may be applied to the electrodes simultaneously to heat the break in the first tube 10 and the break in the second tube 12 to ensure that the tubes 10 and 12 are sufficiently fused when they are brought into contact. This may be achieved by multiple parallel outputs of the radio frequency generator 51 or by using multiple radio frequency generators 51.

[0051] The following electrode design is possible: the anvils 30, 34 and the blades 32, 36 may be configured as electrodes. In this case, the tubes 10, 12 are clamped and heated between the anvils 30, 34 and the blades 32, 36 during the cutting process. The blades 32, 36 are then driven further until they strike the contact surfaces 52, 54 (see FIG. 6 ) of the anvils 30, 34, cutting the tubes 10, 12. The cut ends, which are clamped in the clamps 14, 16 and which are to be joined, are then brought into molten contact, and the tubes 10, 12 are connected when they cool.

[0052] Alternatively, the jaws 18-24 may be configured as electrodes to heat the tubes 10, 12 clamped thereto. Because the dividing portions 26, 28 are located adjacent the jaws 18-24 (i.e., the clamps 14, 16), the dividing points are still fully melted. This embodiment has the advantage that the ends of the tubes 10, 12 that are clamped and divided by the clamps 14, 16 can be heated prior to and / or during contact.

[0053] It is further conceivable that both the jaws 18-24 and the anvils 30, 34 and blades 32, 36 are formed as electrodes, for example, the dividing members 26, 28 heating the tubes 10, 12 during the dividing process. However, the dividing members 26, 28 and the clamps 14, 16 may also heat the tubes 10, 12 during the dividing process. This may be necessary, especially when the tubes 10, 12 are thick. In this case, the divided ends of the tubes 10, 12 can be reheated by the clamps 14, 16 before and / or during contact, thereby ensuring a reliable connection between the two tubes 10, 12.

[0054] After the tubes 10, 12 are placed in the device 1 (i.e., the tubes 10, 12 are guided by the guides 44, 46 to the clamps 14, 16 and the dividing sections 26, 28) and the closed state of the cover 8 is detected, the connection process is initiated by the control unit of the device. The connection process using the above-described device 1 to connect plastic tubes 10, 12 will now be described with reference to Figures 4 to 11.

[0055] As shown in Figure 4, the clamps 14, 16 are first closed to clamp the first and second tubes 10, 12, respectively, thereby blocking fluid flow, with the dividers 26, 28 still in the open position.

[0056] As shown in Figure 5, preferably, the jaws 18 and anvil 30 may be aligned prior to the severing process so that the inner surfaces of the jaws 18 and the contact surface 52 of the anvil 30 are aligned with the axial direction of the tube 10 (see alignment line F1 in Figure 5). This avoids bending during the severing process, thereby preventing damage to the molten tube 10. Similarly, the jaws 24 and anvil 34 may be aligned so that the inner surfaces of the jaws 24 and the contact surface 54 of the anvil 34 are aligned with the axial direction of the tube 10 (see alignment line F2 in Figure 5).

[0057] 6, the first and second disruptions 26, 28 are also closed. The tubes 10, 12 are then heated in the areas of the disruptions where the tubes will be disrupted. As discussed above, heating is accomplished by applying radio frequency energy to the clamps 14, 16 or the disruptions 26, 28. Alternatively, radio frequency energy may be applied to the clamps 14, 16 and the disruptions 26, 28.

[0058] As shown in FIG. 6 , blade 32 preferably has a straight portion 56 parallel to contact surface 52, and blade 36 preferably has a straight portion 60 parallel to contact surface 54. This allows blades 32, 36 to be configured as electrodes for appropriately heating the tubes 10, 12 disposed at divisions 26, 28. Additionally, blade 32 may have a beveled portion 58, and blade 36 may have a beveled portion 62. The beveled portions 58, 62 are angled away from clamps 14, 16, i.e., toward the distal ends of the tubes 10, 12. The straight portions 52, 56 and the beveled portions 54, 58 cooperate to weld the ends of the tubes 10, 12 to be divided in a molten state. This prevents fluids from leaking from the divided ends of the tubes 10, 12. Therefore, device 1 is suitable for connecting two tubes 10, 12 containing fluids.

[0059] After the tubes 10, 12 have been severed at their respective severance points, the clamps 14, 16 and severance sections 26, 28 are spatially separated from one another by moving the first and second platforms 40, 42 of the transfer section 38 away from one another in the axial direction of the tubes 10, 12, as shown in Figure 7. It should be noted that this may be accomplished by moving at least one of the platforms 40 and 42, or by moving both platforms 40 and 42. Preferably, the severance sections 26, 28 are also closed in this process to ensure that the tubes 10, 12 are properly severable.

[0060] Next, to axially align the two cut ends of the tubes 10, 12 clamped by the clamps 14, 16, one or both of the platforms 40, 42 is displaced in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the tubes 10, 12. As already mentioned, this process can be easily performed because the moving unit 38 includes the first platform 40 and the second platform 42, with the first clamp 14 and the second cut portion 28 positioned on the first platform 40 and the second clamp 16 and the first cut portion 26 positioned on the second platform 42. As a result, the two tubes 10, 12 are positioned antiparallel to the flow direction from the blood bag to the outlet of the tubes 10, 12. Therefore, the tubes can be axially aligned simply by displacing them in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the tubes 10, 12.

[0061] After the two tubes 10, 12 are axially aligned, they are moved axially toward each other to bring them into contact or abutment, as shown in FIG. 9 . As already mentioned above, the jaws 18, 20, 22, 24 of the clamps 14, 16 may be formed as electrodes, and radio-frequency energy can be applied to the electrodes again before and / or during contact, thereby melting the cut ends of the tubes 10, 12 clamped in the clamps 14, 16 again. In this case, the moving device 38 may be adapted to interrupt the contact of the clamped cut ends. This allows radio-frequency energy to be applied to the clamps 14, 16 for an appropriate time, so that the cut ends of the two tubes 10, 12 are sufficiently melted. This more reliably ensures a proper connection between the two tubes 10, 12.

[0062] 10 shows the contact of the two clamped split ends of the tubes 10, 12. When the clamps 14, 16 are closed, they preferably have projections 64, 66 formed around the clamped split ends of the tubes 10, 12 in a direction that brings the ends into contact. The projections 64, 66 may be cylindrical or rectangular and may function as punches to ensure that the fused split ends are in contact or abutting against each other.

[0063] After the two ends are brought into contact and cooled, the two closed clamps 14, 16 may be moved away from each other in the axial direction of the tubes 10, 12 (not shown). In this way, the tensile strength of the connection between the two tubes 10, 12 may be tested. Furthermore, this clamp separation opens the connection point 64 (see FIG. 10), allowing fluid to flow between the two tubes 10, 12.

[0064] The clamps 14, 16 may then be opened and the tubes 10, 12 connected at the disruption point 68 may be removed from the device 1.

[0065] Therefore, the device 1 for connecting plastic tubes according to the present disclosure can connect two tubes 10, 12 to each other without generating any wasted materials, and thus can also significantly reduce the running costs of the connecting process.

[0066] Particularly preferably, during the connection process, one end of the first tube 10 may be connected to a blood bag containing the donor's blood. The other end of the tube 10 is connected to a needle used to collect blood from the donor. The second tube 12 is connected to a branch piece or Y-branch, which is connected to at least two blood bags, so-called satellite bags. After the blood sample is tested for usability and found to be suitable, it may be separated into its individual blood components, for example, by centrifugation. The tube 10 may then be detached from the needle and connected to the tube 12. Two of the blood components, for example, the plasma and the buffy coat, may then be transferred from the original blood bag to another blood bag. This procedure avoids plastic waste that would otherwise occur if the collected blood sample proves unusable or is not subsequently released by the donor. Furthermore, the blood donation process is significantly simplified because the donor or blood donation staff have to handle fewer items.

[0067] As mentioned above, the present disclosure has been described with respect to tubing 10, 12 connected to blood bags. However, the present disclosure can also be applied to other tubing that can be heated by radio frequency. Furthermore, the present disclosure can be employed in other fields such as medicine, chemistry, and biology. [Explanation of symbols]

[0068] 1: Tube connection device, 2: Input portion, 4: First holding portion, 6: Second holding portion, 8: Cover, 10: First tube, 12: Second tube, 14: First clamp, 16: Second clamp, 18, 20, 22, 24: Jaw, 26: First dividing portion, 28: Second dividing portion, 30, 34: Anvil, 32, 36: Blade, 38: Moving portion, 40: First platform, 42: Second platform, 44: First guide portion, 46: Second guide portion, 48: Coil, 50: Coaxial cable, 51: High frequency generator, 52: Contact surface, 54: Contact surface, 56: Straight portion, 58: Inclined portion, 60: Straight portion, 62: Inclined portion, 64: Protrusion, 66: Protrusion, 68: Connection point

Claims

1. A device (1) for connecting plastic tubes (10, 12), in particular tubes connected to blood bags, comprising: a first clamp (14) and a second clamp (16), each having two opposing jaws (18, 20, 22, 24) for clamping the first tube (10) and the second tube (12); a first dividing portion (26) and a second dividing portion (28), each having an anvil (30, 34) and a blade (32, 36) for dividing the first tube (10, 12) and the second tube (12) at respective dividing points; a moving part (38) adapted to move at least one of the first clamp (14) and the second clamp (16) so that the cut ends of the first tube and the second tube (10, 12) clamped in the clamps (14, 16) are axially aligned and then brought into contact; the jaws (18, 20, 22, 24) of the first and second clamps (14, 16) and / or the anvils (30, 34) and blades (32, 36) of the first and second cutting parts (26, 28) are formed as electrodes to which radio frequency energy can be applied in order to melt the first and second tubes (10, 12) in the region of the cutting points before and / or during cutting of the tubes (10, 12), the transfer part (38) is adapted to bring the clamped cut ends of the first tube and the second tube (10, 12) into contact in a molten state. Device (1).

2. a radio frequency generator (51) adapted to apply radio frequency energy to the electrodes; 2. The device (1) according to claim 1.

3. the jaws (18, 20, 22, 24) of the first clamp and the second clamp (14, 16) are formed as electrodes to which radio frequency energy can be applied by the radio frequency generator (51); the radio frequency generator (51) is adapted to apply radio frequency energy to the jaws (18, 20, 22, 24) of the first clamp and the second clamp (14, 16) before and / or while the clamped separated ends of the first tube and the second tube (10, 12) are brought into contact; 3. The device (1) according to claim 2.

4. the moving device (38) is adapted to interrupt the contact of the clamped divided ends before and / or while the clamped divided ends are in contact, A device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. the first clamp and the second clamp (14, 16) are adapted to continue to clamp the severed ends after they have been brought into contact and cooled; The moving part (38) is adapted to move the clamps (14, 16) in the closed state away from each other in the axial direction of the tubes (10, 12). A device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The moving part (38) comprises two platforms (40, 42) arranged parallel to each other on a plane; At least one of the platforms (40, 42) is movable on the plane; the first clamp (14) and the second disconnect (28) are disposed on a first platform (40); The second clamp (16) and the first disconnecting portion (26) are disposed on a second platform (42). A device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. Each of the blades (32, 36) has a straight portion (56, 60) parallel to the contact surface (52, 54) of the anvil (30, 34). A device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. Each of the blades (32, 36) has a sloped portion (58, 62) that slopes away from the clamp (14, 16). A device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. Each of the jaws (18, 20, 22, 24) forms a protrusion (64, 66) around the clamped tube (10, 12) in a closed state, in a direction that contacts the clamped separated end of the tube (10, 12). A device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. a contact surface (52, 52) of the anvil (30, 32) and a clamping surface of one of the jaws (18, 24) are aligned with the tubes (10, 12) to be severed during severing of the first and second tubes (10, 12); A device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. a first guide portion and a second guide portion (44, 46) for guiding the first tube and the second tube (10, 12); A device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. The blood bag is provided with a first holding portion (4) for holding a first blood bag connected to the first tube (10), and a second holding portion (6) for holding a second blood bag connected to the second tube (12). A device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. In particular, a transparent cover (8) a sensor for detecting the closed state of the cover (8), The connection between the first tube and the second tube (10, 12) can be performed only when the sensor detects that the cover (8) is closed. A device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. an input unit (2) for detecting the type of the tube (10, 12) to be connected and / or the operator of the device (1); A device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. A method for connecting plastic tubes (10, 12), in particular tubes connected to blood bags, comprising: clamping the first tube (10) and the second tube (12) with a first clamp (14) and a second clamp (16), each having two opposing jaws (18, 20, 22, 24); Severing the first tube (10, 12) and the second tube (12) at respective severing points by a first severing section (26) and a second severing section (28), each having an anvil (30, 34) and a blade (32, 36); and moving at least one of the first clamp (14) and the second clamp (16) so that the cut ends of the first and second tubes (10, 12) clamped in the clamps (14, 16) are axially aligned and then brought into contact; the method further comprises the step of applying radio frequency energy to the jaws (18, 20, 22, 24) of the first and second clamps (14, 16) formed as electrodes and / or the anvils (30, 34) and blades (32, 36) of the first and second cutting parts (26, 28) before and / or during cutting of the tubes (10, 12) in order to melt the first and second tubes (10, 12) in the region of the cutting points, During the moving step, the clamped cut ends of the first tube and the second tube (10, 12) are brought into contact in a molten state. method.

16. preparing a blood bag connected to the first tube (10) before clamping the first tube (10); and preparing a blood bag connected to the second tube (12) before clamping the first tube (10) or at least before clamping the second tube (12).

16. The method of claim 15.

17. At least one of the first tube (10) and the second tube (12) is connected to a branch piece to which the first blood bag or the second blood bag and another blood bag are connected via a tube.

17. The method of claim 16.

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