Holder device and attachment method

Abstract

A holder device (10) is provided with: a support part that supports a filter (70) extending in the axial direction, restricts axial displacement of the filter (70), and allows rotation of the filter (70) about the axial direction; a first reception part (24) that, when the filter (70) supported by the support part is rotated in a predetermined direction about the axial direction, receives a first side port (84) extending in the radial direction from a side surface (78) of the filter (70), and restricts the radial displacement of the first side port (84); and a first side connection port (34) that is displaced in a direction toward the first side port (84) disposed in the first reception part (24) and can be connected to the first side port (84).

Description

Holder device and mounting method

[0001] The present invention relates to a holder device and a mounting method for a filter.

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

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-177973

[0004] To connect a connection port to a filter port, force must be applied in the direction of the port's extension. Applying force to the filter to connect it may cause the filter to shift position, and if the shift is significant, the connection may fail. If you try to firmly secure the filter to prevent it from shifting position when connecting it, it will increase the amount of work required for installation.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and one of its exemplary purposes is to provide a technique for improving the workability of attaching a filter to a holder device.

[0006] A holder device according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a support portion that supports an axially extending filter, restricts axial displacement of the filter, and allows rotation of the filter around the axial direction; a receiving portion that receives a side port extending radially from the side of the filter and restricts radial displacement of the side port when the filter supported by the support portion is rotated in a predetermined direction around the axial direction; and a side connection port that displaces in a direction approaching the side port arranged in the receiving portion and is connectable to the side port.

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

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

[0009] 1 is a side view schematically showing the configuration of a holder device according to a first embodiment; FIG. 2 is a front view schematically showing the configuration of the holder device according to the first embodiment; FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the internal structure of a filter; FIG. 4 is a side view schematically showing the configuration of the holder device in a state where the filter has been removed; FIG. 5 is a front view schematically showing the configuration of the holder device in a state where the filter has been removed; FIG. 6 is a view schematically showing the structure of a first support section; FIG. 7 is a view schematically showing the structure of a first support section; FIG. 8 is a view schematically showing the structure of a first receiving section; FIG. 9 is a view schematically showing the structure of a first receiving section; FIG. 10 is a view schematically showing the structure of a rotation suppressing section; FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the flow of an attachment method according to an embodiment; FIG. 12 is a view schematically showing a method of attaching a filter to a holder device; FIG. 13 is a view schematically showing the structure of a first receiving section according to a modified example; FIG. 14 is a view schematically showing the structure of a first receiving section according to another modified example; FIG. 15 is a side view schematically showing the configuration of a holder device according to a second embodiment; FIG. 16 is a front view schematically showing the configuration of a holder device according to the second embodiment.

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the description, the same elements are designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicate explanations will be omitted as appropriate. To facilitate understanding of the description, the dimensional ratios of the components in each drawing do not necessarily correspond to the actual dimensional ratios.

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

[0012] The filter 70 includes a cylindrical housing 72 extending in the axial direction, with a filter material such as hollow fibers provided inside the housing 72. The filter 70 includes a first end port 80, a second end port 82, a first side port 84, and a second side port 86 as ports that serve as inlet and outlet ports for the liquid flowing inside the filter 70.

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

[0014] The filter 70 may include a rib 88 that protrudes radially from the side surface 78 of the housing 72. The rib 88 may be provided, for example, between the first side port 84 and the second side port 86. The rib 88 may be provided at a position whose circumferential position, as viewed from the central axis of the filter 70, coincides with the first side port 84 and the second side port 86.

[0015] In this specification, the direction in which the filter 70 extends is sometimes referred to as the axial direction, the direction perpendicular to the axial direction is sometimes referred to as the radial direction, and the direction around the axial direction is sometimes referred to as the circumferential direction. To facilitate understanding of the embodiment, the drawings show coordinate axes with the axial direction as the z-direction. The x- and y-directions perpendicular to the z-direction are radial directions. The direction in which the first side port 84 and the second side port 86 extend from the filter 70 connected to the holder device 10 is referred to as the +y-direction.

[0016] 3 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating the internal structure of filter 70. Filter 70 includes hollow fibers 90 and a sealant 92 disposed inside housing 72. Hollow fibers 90 extend axially from first end 74 to second end 76 of housing 72. Sealants 92 are provided at each of first end 74 and second end 76 of housing 72 to secure both ends of hollow fibers 90.

[0017] The first end port 80 and the second end port 82 communicate with a flow path inside the hollow fibers 90. For example, a liquid that flows in from the second end port 82 and passes through the inside of the hollow fibers 90 can flow out from the first end port 80. The first side port 84 and the second side port 86 communicate with a flow path outside the hollow fibers 90. For example, a liquid that flows in from the second end port 82 and permeates the hollow fibers 90 can flow out from the first side port 84 or the second side port 86. Note that each of the ports 80, 82, 84, and 86 of the filter 70 may be either an inlet or an outlet, and can be set appropriately depending on how the filter 70 is used.

[0018] The ports 80, 82, 84, and 86 each have a narrowed diameter portion 80a, 82a, 84a, and 86a. The narrowed diameter portions 80a, 82a, 84a, and 86a are used to engage with the holder device 10 and secure the filter 70 to the holder device 10. A gasket 94 is inserted inside each of the ports 80, 82, 84, and 86.

[0019] Fig. 4 is a side view schematically showing the configuration of the holder device 10, showing a state in which the filter 70 has been removed from Fig. 1. Fig. 5 is a front view schematically showing the configuration of the holder device 10, showing a state in which the filter 70 has been removed from Fig. 2.

[0020] The holder device 10 includes a main body 12, a first arm 14, and a second arm 16. The main body 12 is a portion that extends in the axial direction parallel to the filter 70. The first arm 14 and the second arm 16 are portions that extend radially from the main body 12. For example, the first arm 14 extends radially from the vertically upper side of the main body 12, and the second arm 16 extends radially from the vertically lower side of the main body 12. The first arm 14 and the second arm 16 are spaced apart in the axial direction, and the filter 70 is disposed between the first arm 14 and the second arm 16.

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

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

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

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

[0025] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the structure of the first support section 20, corresponding to the cross-sectional view along line A-A in FIG. 2 or FIG. 5. In FIG. 6, the position of the first end connection port 30 and the positions of the first end port 80 and the small-diameter portion 80a at the connection position opposite the first end connection port 30 are indicated by dashed lines. The notch 20b extends in the y direction toward the connection position corresponding to the first end connection port 30 and is configured so that its width w1 in the x direction is constant. The width w1 in the x direction of the notch 20b is smaller than the diameter d1 of the first end port 80 and larger than the diameter d2 of the small-diameter portion 80a. By inserting the first end port 80 into the notch 20b and moving it all the way to the back, the first end port 80 can be positioned or guided to a connection position where it can be connected to the first end connection port 30.

[0026] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of the first support portion 20, showing a modified example in which the x-direction width of the notch 20b is not constant. In the example of FIG. 7 , the x-direction width w2 of the notch 20b near the entrance is relatively large, and the x-direction width decreases to w1 toward the connection position corresponding to the first end connection port 30 (i.e., toward the back). The width w2 of the notch 20b near the entrance is larger than the diameter d1 of the first end port 80. Increasing the width w2 of the notch 20b near the entrance makes it easier to insert the first end port 80 into the first support portion 20. Furthermore, reducing the width w1 of the notch 20b near the connection position allows the first end port 80 to be appropriately guided to the connection position corresponding to the first end connection port 30.

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

[0028] The second support part 22 can be configured similarly to the first support part 20. The second support part 22 has a recess 22a that accommodates the second end port 82. The second support part 22 has an engagement part 22c with a notch 22b formed therein that engages with the reduced-diameter portion 82a of the second end port 82. The engagement part 22c has a thickness in the axial direction. The engagement part 22c is inserted between the second end 76 of the filter 70 and the second end port 82 to restrict axial displacement of the second end port 82. The width w of the notch 22b in the x direction is smaller than the diameter of the second end port 82 and larger than the diameter of the reduced-diameter portion 82a.

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

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

[0031] The first support portion 20 and the second support portion 22 are configured to cooperate with each other to position the central axis of the filter 70. The filter 70 supported by the first support portion 20 and the second support portion 22 can be rotated in the circumferential direction around the central axis.

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

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

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

[0035] The notch 24b of the first receiving portion 24 extends in the x direction toward the connection position corresponding to the first side connection port 34. The notch 24b is configured so that the axial width w4 near the entrance of the notch 24b is large and the axial width w3 decreases toward the connection position corresponding to the first side connection port 34. Increasing the width w4 near the entrance of the notch 24b makes it easier to insert the first side port 84 into the first receiving portion 24. Furthermore, reducing the width w3 near the connection position of the notch 24b makes it possible to properly guide the first side port 84 to the connection position corresponding to the first side connection port 34.

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0042] Similar to the first receiving portion 24, the notch 26b of the second receiving portion 26 extends in the x direction toward the connection position corresponding to the second side connection port 36. The notch 26b is configured so that the axial width w4 near the entrance of the notch 26b is large and the axial width w3 decreases toward the connection position corresponding to the second side connection port 36. Increasing the width w4 near the entrance of the notch 26b makes it easier to insert the second side port 86 into the second receiving portion 26. Furthermore, reducing the width w3 near the connection position of the notch 26b makes it possible to properly guide the second side port 86 to the connection position corresponding to the second side connection port 36.

[0043] The holder device 10 may further include a rotation suppressing portion 52. The rotation suppressing portion 52 is provided on the main body portion 12 and protrudes from the main body portion 12 in the radial direction or the y direction. The rotation suppressing portion 52 has a protrusion 54 that engages with a rib 88 of the filter 70. The protrusion 54 is provided at a position offset in the x direction from the center of the first side connection port 34, and at a position offset by Δx in a direction toward the entrance of the notch 24b of the first receiving portion 24. The protrusion 54 suppresses rotation of the filter 70 by engaging with the rib 88 of the filter 70. The protrusion 54 does not completely prevent rotation of the filter 70, but has a height sufficient to allow the rib 88 of the filter 70 to overcome the protrusion 54. The protrusion 54 has a convex curved surface that allows the rib 88 of the filter 70 to easily overcome the protrusion 54.

[0044] FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically illustrating the structure of the rotation suppression portion 52, and corresponds to a cross-sectional view taken along line CC in FIG. 1 or FIG. 4. FIG. 10 illustrates a state in which the first side port 84 of the filter 70 is positioned at a connection position facing the first side connection port 34. The rib 88a, indicated by a dashed line in FIG. 10, illustrates a state in which the filter 70 is not positioned at the connection position. When the filter 70 is rotated in a predetermined installation direction (e.g., clockwise) as indicated by arrow R, the rib 88a can climb over the protrusion 54. After climbing over the protrusion 54, the rib 88 is prevented from rotating in the direction opposite to the arrow R by the protrusion 54. Note that when a strong force is applied to the filter 70 to rotate it in the direction opposite to the arrow R, the rib 88 can climb over the protrusion 54.

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

[0046] 12 is a diagram schematically illustrating the process of inserting the first end port 80 into the first support portion 20 of the holder device 10. As indicated by the arrow Y in FIG. 12 , the filter 70 is moved in the +y direction, thereby allowing the small-diameter portion 80a of the first end port 80 to be inserted into the notch 20b of the first support portion 20. At this time, the filter 70 is attached with the first side port 84 oriented in a direction different from the +y direction. This prevents the first side port 84 from interfering with the first receiving portion 24 when the first end port 80 is inserted into the first support portion 20.

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

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

[0049] 11 can be reversed. First, the first operating lever 38 and the second operating lever 40 are operated to separate the ports 80, 82, 84, and 86 from the corresponding connection ports 30, 32, 34, and 36. Next, the filter 70 is rotated in the direction opposite to the installation direction to remove the first side port 84 from the first receiving portion 24 and the second side port 86 from the second receiving portion 26. Finally, the filter 70 can be removed from the holder device 10 by pulling the filter 70 toward you or in the -y direction.

[0050] According to this embodiment, the filter 70 can be attached to the holder device 10 in three steps: inserting the filter 70 toward the holder device 10, rotating the filter 70, and operating the operating lever, thereby improving the workability of attaching and detaching the filter 70. According to this embodiment, by rotating the filter 70, the side ports are inserted into the receiving portions of the holder device 10, so that the receiving portions can restrict radial displacement of the filter 70. Therefore, even if forces are applied to the filter 70 in both the axial and radial directions when connecting connection ports to each port of the filter 70, displacement of the filter 70 can be prevented. As a result, connection failures due to misalignment when connecting the filter 70 can be prevented, improving the workability of attaching and detaching the filter 70.

[0051] FIG. 13 is a diagram schematically illustrating the structure of a first receiving portion 24 according to a modified example, corresponding to FIG. 8 described above. The first receiving portion 24 shown in FIG. 13 is attached to the main body 12 via a spring 60. The spring 60 biases the first receiving portion 24 in the +y direction relative to the main body 12. The spring 60 applies a force in a direction pulling the first side port 84 inserted into the first receiving portion 24 in the +y direction. This results in stronger contact between the first side port 84 and the inner surface 24d of the first receiving portion, restricting displacement of the first side port 84. Therefore, the spring 60 can function as a rotation suppression portion that suppresses rotation of the first side port 84 disposed at a connection position opposite the first side connection opening 34.

[0052] Because the first receiving portion 24 is attached to the main body 12 via the spring 60 extending in the y direction, it is capable of slight displacement in the x direction and the z direction relative to the main body 12. That is, the first receiving portion 24 is capable of swinging in the x direction and the z direction relative to the main body 12. As a result, even if the first side port 84 is positioned deviated from its designed position due to manufacturing tolerances of the filter 70 or the like, the first receiving portion 24 can swing slightly to receive the first side port 84 in the deviated position.

[0053] Note that a structure similar to spring 60 may be added between the main body 12 and the second receiving portion 26. Furthermore, a structure similar to spring 60 may be added between the first arm 14 and the first support portion 20, or between the second arm 16 and the second support portion 22. In this case, the first support portion 20, the second support portion 22, the first receiving portion 24, and the second receiving portion 26 are each able to swing independently with respect to the main body 12. This makes it possible to absorb misalignment of the first end port 80, the second end port 82, the first side port 84, and the second side port 86 due to manufacturing tolerances or the like.

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

[0055] When the detector 62 detects the insertion of the first side port 84, the switcher 42 may use the detection as a trigger to unlock the cam 50 and automatically switch from the unlocked state to the connected state. In this case, the first side port 84 can be automatically connected to the first side connection opening 34 simply by properly inserting the first side port 84 into the first receiving portion 24.

[0056] The switching unit 42 may unlock the cam 50 and allow rotation when the detection unit 62 detects the insertion of the first side port 84. In this case, the switching unit 42 does not automatically switch its state in response to detection by the detection unit 62, but switches its state in response to operation of the first operating lever 38. If the detection unit 62 does not detect the insertion of the first side port 84, the switching unit 42 locks the cam 50 to prevent rotation. In this case, the first operating lever 38 cannot be operated, and switching of states due to operation of the first operating lever 38 is prevented. According to this modification, the connection operation using the operating lever can be performed only when the first side port 84 is properly inserted into the first receiving portion 24, preventing connection failures.

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

[0058] Second Embodiment Fig. 15 is a side view schematically illustrating the configuration of a holder device 110 according to a second embodiment. Fig. 16 is a front view schematically illustrating the configuration of a holder device 110 according to the second embodiment. The holder device 110 according to the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that it includes a support portion 112 that supports the side surface 78 of the housing 72 of the filter 70 instead of supporting the first end port 80 and the second end port 82 of the filter 70. The following description of the holder device 110 according to the second embodiment will focus on the differences from the first embodiment, and will omit a description of the commonalities as appropriate.

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

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

[0061] The operating lever 114 is provided on the side of the main body 12. By operating the operating lever 114, the first side connection port 34 and the second side connection port 36 can be switched between a connected state and a disconnected state.

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

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

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

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

[0066] Several aspects of the present invention will now be described.

[0067] A first aspect of the present invention is a holder device including: a support portion that supports an axially extending filter, restricts axial displacement of the filter, and allows rotation of the filter around the axial direction; a receiving portion that receives a side port extending radially from a side surface of the filter and restricts radial displacement of the side port when the filter supported by the support portion is rotated in a predetermined direction around the axial direction; and a side connection port that displaces toward the side port disposed in the receiving portion and is connectable to the side port. According to the first aspect, radial displacement of the filter can be restricted by rotating the filter to insert the side port into the receiving portion. As a result, displacement of the filter can be prevented even when a radial force is applied to the filter to connect the side connection port to the side port. This improves the ease of installation of the filter.

[0068] In a second aspect of the present invention, the holder device according to the first aspect is configured such that the receiving portion allows the side port to move in the predetermined direction toward a connection position facing the side connection port and restricts further movement of the side port in the predetermined direction from the connection position. According to the second aspect, by limiting the range of rotation of the side port inserted into the receiving portion, the side port can be guided to an appropriate connection position. As a result, the workability of installing the filter can be improved.

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

[0070] In a fourth aspect of the present invention, the holder device according to the third aspect is characterized in that the notch has a shape in which the opening width in the axial direction decreases toward the connection position. According to the fourth aspect, by decreasing the opening width toward the connection position, it is possible to guide the side port inserted into the receiving portion to an appropriate connection position. As a result, the workability of installing the filter can be improved.

[0071] In a fifth aspect of the present invention, the holder device according to any one of the first to fourth aspects further includes a rotation suppression portion that suppresses rotation of the filter in the direction opposite to the predetermined direction when the side port is disposed in the connection position facing the side connection port. According to the fifth aspect, the side port can be prevented from shifting from the appropriate connection position, thereby improving the workability of filter installation.

[0072] In a sixth aspect of the present invention, the holder device according to the fifth aspect is characterized in that the rotation suppressing portion has a protrusion that engages with a rib provided on the side of the filter. According to the sixth aspect, the protrusion that engages with the rib of the filter can suppress displacement of the side port from the appropriate connection position, thereby improving workability in installing the filter.

[0073] In a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the holder device according to the fifth aspect, the rotation suppressing portion includes a biasing means for applying a force that pulls the side port disposed in the receiving portion in the radial direction. According to the seventh aspect, pulling the side port in the radial direction can suppress displacement of the side port from an appropriate connection position, thereby improving workability in installing the filter.

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

[0075] In a ninth aspect of the present invention, the holder device according to the eighth aspect further includes a detector that detects when the side port is positioned at a connection position opposite the side connection port, and the switching unit is configured to switch from the released state to the connected state in response to detection by the detector. According to the ninth aspect, the holder device can detect when the side port is positioned at an appropriate connection position and automatically switch to the connected state, thereby improving the ease of connecting the side connection port to the side port.

[0076] In a tenth aspect of the present invention, the holder device according to the eighth aspect further includes a detector configured to detect when the side port is positioned in a connection position opposite the side connection port, and a switch inhibiting unit configured to allow the switcher to switch states when the detector detects that the side port is positioned in a connection position opposite the side connection port, and to inhibit the switcher from switching states when the detector does not detect that the side port is positioned in a connection position opposite the side connection port. According to the tenth aspect, the provision of the switch inhibiting unit allows connection work only when the side port is positioned in an appropriate connection position, thereby preventing connection failures due to misalignment of the side port.

[0077] An eleventh aspect of the present invention is the holder device according to any one of the first to tenth aspects, further comprising a main body to which the support portion is attached, and the receiving portion is attached to the main body so as to be able to swing relative to the main body. According to the eleventh aspect, even if the side port is deviated from its designed position due to manufacturing tolerances or the like, the receiving portion can swing relative to the main body, allowing the side port at the deviated position to be inserted into the receiving portion.

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

[0079] A thirteenth aspect of the present invention is the holder device according to the twelfth aspect, further comprising an end connection port at the support portion that is connected to the end port. According to the thirteenth aspect, the end connection port can be connected to the end port supported by the support portion, thereby improving the workability of attaching the filter.

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

[0081] A fifteenth aspect of the present invention is the holder device according to the fourteenth aspect, further comprising a first end connection port displaced in the axial direction at the first support portion to be connected to the first end port, and a second end connection port displaced in the axial direction at the second support portion to be connected to the second end port. According to the fifteenth aspect, the first end connection port and the second end connection port can be connected to the first end port and the second end port, thereby improving the workability of installing the filter.

[0082] A sixteenth aspect of the present invention is an installation method comprising the steps of: supporting an axially extending filter on a support portion of a holder device; rotating the filter supported on the support portion in a predetermined direction around the axial direction to insert a side port extending radially from a side surface of the filter into a receiving portion of the holder device; and connecting a side connection port of the holder device to the side port arranged in the receiving portion. According to the sixteenth aspect, the filter can be fixed to the holder device and the side connection port can be connected to the side port through the three steps of insertion, rotation, and connection, thereby improving the workability of filter installation.

[0083] According to the present invention, the workability of attaching a filter to a holder device can be improved.

[0084] 10...holder device, 12...main body portion, 14...first arm, 16...second arm, 20...first support portion, 22...second support portion, 24...first receiving portion, 26...second receiving portion, 30...first end connection port, 32...second end connection port, 34...first side connection port, 36...second side connection port, 38...first operating lever, 40...second operating lever, 42...switching portion, 52...rotation suppression portion, 54...protrusion, 62...detection portion, 70...filter, 74...first end, 76...second end, 78...side surface, 80...first end port, 82...second end port, 84...first side port, 86...second side port, 88...rib.

Claims

1. A holder device comprising: a support portion that supports an axially extending filter, restricts axial displacement of the filter, and allows rotation of the filter about the axial direction; a receiving portion that receives a side port extending radially from a side surface of the filter and restricts the radial displacement of the side port when the filter supported by the support portion is rotated in a predetermined direction about the axial direction; and a side connection port that displaces in a direction approaching the side port arranged in the receiving portion and is connectable to the side port.

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

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

4. The holder device according to claim 3, wherein the notch has a shape such that an opening width in the axial direction decreases toward the connection position.

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

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

7. The holder device according to claim 5, wherein said rotation suppressing portion includes a biasing means for applying a force pulling said side port arranged in said receiving portion in the radial direction.

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

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

10. A detection unit that detects that the side port is disposed at a connection position facing the side connection port; and a switching suppression unit configured to allow switching of the state by the switching unit when detected by the detection unit and to suppress switching of the state by the switching unit when not detected by the detection unit. The holder device according to claim 8, further comprising the above.

11. The holder device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising a main body portion to which the support portion is attached, wherein the receiving portion is attached to the main body portion so as to be swingable with respect to the main body portion.

12. The holder device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the support portion supports an end port extending in the axial direction from an end of the filter.

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

14. The holder device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the support portion includes a first support portion that supports a first end port extending in the axial direction from a first end of the filter, and a second support portion that supports a second end port extending in the axial direction from a second end opposite to the first end of the filter.

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

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

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