CN112472895B

CN112472895B - System and method for opening and connecting a concentrate container to a blood processing device

Info

Publication number: CN112472895B
Application number: CN201910866972.1A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 温弗里德·布雷姆; 菲利普·拉费; 格哈德·维森
Original assignee: Fresenius Medical Care Deutschland GmbH
Current assignee: Fresenius Medical Care Deutschland GmbH
Priority date: 2019-09-12
Filing date: 2019-09-12
Publication date: 2024-04-16
Anticipated expiration: 2039-09-12
Also published as: CN112472895A

Abstract

The present invention relates to systems and methods for opening a concentrate container without requiring a person to directly manipulate the concentrate container and for connecting the concentrate container to a blood processing device. Aspects of the invention relate to a container for concentrate and to a blood processing device.

Description

System and method for opening and connecting a concentrate container to a blood processing device

Technical Field

The present invention relates to systems and methods for opening and connecting a concentrate container to a blood processing device. Other aspects of the invention relate to a container and a blood treatment device configured for use in the method according to the invention.

Background

For chronic blood treatment, in particular for chronic dialysis, almost exclusively bicarbonate-based dialysis solutions are now used, which are produced during the treatment by the blood treatment device itself/online by diluting the acidic and basic concentrates, preferably the powder concentrate, with water. Thus, it has been established to produce alkaline concentrate on-line during the treatment, i.e. to produce liquid alkaline concentrate continuously during the treatment by diluting the dry concentrate/powder concentrate with water.

For this purpose, dry powder concentrate is typically provided in a container that is fluidly coupled to the blood processing device such that water may be dispensed into the container through the blood processing device to dissolve the dry concentrate. At the same time, the alkaline liquid concentrate/bicarbonate solution produced in this way is drawn out of the concentrate container by the blood treatment device. Such a conventional concentrate container is known, for example, from EP 1344550.

In conventional blood processing apparatuses known in the prior art, the concentrate container cannot be connected to the hydraulic/fluid system of the blood processing apparatus during the disinfection/flushing of the blood processing apparatus.

For this reason, medical personnel must connect the concentrate container to the blood treatment device after disinfection/flushing of the blood treatment device and before preparing/priming the extracorporeal circuit of the blood treatment device for treatment. This requires medical personnel to manually remove the cap/seal from the container prior to fluidly connecting the container to the blood processing apparatus. This manual handling of the container risks contamination of the concentrate contained in the container, resulting in hygienic disadvantages.

Disclosure of Invention

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a container for concentrate which can be connected to a blood processing machine in a more hygienic manner to reduce the possibility of contamination. The present invention achieves this object in that: according to the invention, the fluid connection between the machine and the container is established after the disinfection or cleaning of the blood treatment machine, without the need for medical personnel to handle/manually open the container. According to the present invention, the cap/seal of the container is removed by interaction of the blood processing machine with the container without requiring a person to directly contact or manipulate the container prior to fluidly connecting the container to the blood processing machine.

Because the container is opened without direct human contact prior to fluidly coupling the container to the blood processing device, in particular to the fluid dosing unit of the blood processing device, contamination of the contents of the container may be avoided.

Furthermore, according to the prior art, a certain amount of force is required to connect the container to the blood processing apparatus. In order to make the blood treatment device and the concentrate container as user-friendly as possible, typically the blood treatment machine and the corresponding concentrate container are configured such that the connecting element of the container is inserted into the connecting element of the machine in a downward movement, such that gravity assists the movement of the connecting element of the container into/onto the connecting element of the machine.

However, a disadvantage of this configuration is that, since the opening of the connecting element of the container is opened in a downward direction (such that the connecting element of the container may be coupled with a corresponding connecting element of the blood processing apparatus by moving the connecting element of the container in a downward motion from above the connecting element of the blood processing apparatus), liquid concentrate may drip from the connecting element of the container after the processing is completed and the concentrate container is removed from the blood processing apparatus. These liquid concentrates may then collect in the connecting elements of the blood treatment apparatus, causing unwanted crystallization and thus may clog the connecting elements of the blood treatment apparatus.

In addition, in blood processing apparatuses according to the prior art, liquid concentrate may spill, leak or drip from the withdrawal line of the blood processing apparatus, which is configured to withdraw concentrate from the container when the container is disconnected from the blood processing apparatus. Since liquid concentrates contain solutes, crystallization can occur, and the further disadvantage of these spills is often unhygienic.

These liquid concentrates may collect in the connecting elements of the blood treatment apparatus, causing unwanted crystallization and thus may clog the connecting elements of the blood treatment apparatus.

It is therefore a further object of the present invention to provide a container and/or a system comprising a container and a blood treatment device which avoids such undesired dripping of liquid concentrate during removal of the container from the blood treatment device.

This object is solved by the present invention. The present invention uses a container to collect any liquid droplets that drip from the connecting element of the blood processing apparatus. For this purpose, the opening element of the container according to the invention is preferably opened in an upward direction, so that the connecting element of the blood treatment device can be inserted into the opening element of the container in a downward movement from above, or the connecting element of the container can be moved in an upward movement, so that the connecting element of the blood treatment device can be inserted into the opening of the container/into the connecting element of the container/onto the connecting element of the container.

Furthermore, the present invention provides a container that is easier and cheaper to manufacture, as fluid flows from the blood treatment device along the connecting element in the form of a linear channel through the connecting portion of the container and into the container. In other words, the structure of the connecting portion of the container may be simplified compared to the prior art, wherein the connecting portion is typically connected to the blood processing device via a downward movement, which determines the design of the opening at the lower surface of the connecting portion. Thus, according to the prior art, the fluid flowing through the connecting portion of the container is not strictly linear/unidirectional, but the fluid is diverted in multiple directions, which requires more complex designs and more material.

In addition to this, the structure of the container according to the invention, in particular of the connecting portion thereof, allows the filter to be more easily fitted into the opening of the fluid inlet and/or outlet of the container.

A container for concentrate according to an aspect of the present invention comprises: a body for containing a concentrate; at least one attachment element configured to reversibly attach the container to a corresponding at least one attachment element provided on a blood processing apparatus; and at least one connecting element configured to interact with a corresponding at least one connecting element provided on the blood processing apparatus to fluidly couple the container with the blood processing apparatus, wherein the at least one attaching element protrudes in a first direction and the at least one connecting element protrudes in a second direction oriented substantially at right angles to the first direction.

According to a preferred embodiment, the first direction in which the at least one attachment element protrudes is oriented substantially at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the body of the container. The attachment element of the blood device is preferably inserted into the attachment element of the container along a first direction. If the attachment elements of the container are hook-shaped, the attachment elements of the blood treatment device that are inserted into the hook-shaped attachment elements of the container preferably protrude in the first direction.

Furthermore, it has proven to be advantageous if the second direction in which the at least one connecting element protrudes is oriented substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the body of the container, and the at least one connecting element has the form of a hollow cylindrical piece which is open at the end face of the container opposite the body of the container, and is configured to receive a corresponding connecting element of the blood treatment device, such as a mouthpiece. The at least one connecting element of the container preferably has an opening at the (top) end face of the container facing away from the body of the container.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the container comprises two attachment elements, each formed as a hook, configured to hook onto a corresponding attachment element provided on the blood treatment device, the corresponding attachment element preferably being formed as a stud for receiving the hook of the container for reversibly attaching the container to the blood treatment device, the stud preferably comprising a circumferential groove.

According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the container comprises two attachment elements, each formed as a hollow cylinder configured to receive a corresponding attachment element provided on the blood treatment device, the corresponding attachment element being formed as a stud to be inserted into the hollow cylinder of the container to reversibly attach the container to the blood treatment device.

According to another aspect of the invention, the container comprises the following two connecting elements: the two connecting elements are in the form of hollow cylinders that open at the end face of the container opposite/facing away from the body of the container, and are configured to receive corresponding connecting elements of a blood processing device, such as a mouthpiece, wherein the mouthpiece of the blood processing device is inserted into each hollow cylinder in a direction protruding from the end face of the container opposite the body of the container towards the body of the container.

In order to ensure the storage stability of the concentrate contained within the container, at least the connecting element is advantageously sealed by a cap, which is removably attached to the end face of the container opposite/facing away from the body of the container, the cap preferably being in the form of a flexible film.

For example, the cap may be glued or welded to the end face of the container opposite the body of the container. When the container is attached and connected to the blood treatment device, the end face of the opening comprising the at least one connection element of the container preferably faces the at least one connection element of the blood treatment device and forms a top end face of the container.

In order to make the container more user friendly, the flexible film forming the cap preferably comprises a surface configured to be easily peeled off from the end face of the container. In other words, the surface of the flexible film is surface treated to allow a user to easily peel the flexible film from the end face of the container, thereby exposing the at least one connecting element of the container, such as the central opening of the container, through which the container can be filled with dry concentrate.

To ensure proper mounting of the container to the blood processing device, the container may be configured to attach to the blood processing device according to a lock and key configuration. To this end, the container may comprise the following two attachment elements: the two attachment elements are formed in different sizes and/or geometric configurations to allow the container to be attached to the blood processing device in only one defined mounting position. The blood processing apparatus in this embodiment preferably comprises two corresponding attachment elements of different sizes and/or geometric configurations.

Alternatively or additionally, the container or the blood treatment device may comprise the following two connection elements: the two connecting elements are formed in different sizes and/or geometric configurations to allow the container to be fluidly coupled to the blood processing device in only one defined mounting location. The blood processing apparatus or container in this embodiment preferably comprises two corresponding connecting elements.

The number of attachment elements and/or connection elements provided on the container and/or blood processing apparatus is arbitrary and may vary depending on the particular application.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the container for concentrate may also be configured to be openable by the blood treatment device. In other words, the container is configured such that the connecting element of the container remains sealed by the cap, preferably in the form of a flexible membrane, for as long as possible, and the cap is removed immediately prior to fluidly coupling the container to the blood processing device.

In other words, the blood processing apparatus and the container may be configured such that a defined relative movement of the container and the blood processing apparatus or components thereof removes the cap/seal from the container. The relative movement of the blood processing apparatus and the container may be performed automatically, e.g. via motorized means, or may be performed manually, e.g. by a user actuating a lever or similar structure.

To this end, the container according to the invention may comprise at least one opening element configured to interact with the blood treatment device such that the cap sealing the connecting element of the container is removable by the blood treatment device before the establishment of the fluid connection between the container and the blood treatment device.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the container comprises two opening elements, preferably in the form of rigid bars, which are attached to the lid of the container at two opposite sides of the connecting portion of the container. Preferably, the two opening elements are arranged between the cover and a preferably flat end surface of the connecting portion of the container, such that movement of the opening elements in a direction away from the end surface of the connecting portion will result in removal/peeling of the cover from the end surface of the connecting portion.

Preferably, the opening elements in the form of rigid/inflexible rods each comprise a curved portion, which preferably curves away from the end face of the connecting portion of the container. This has the advantage that if the container is pulled towards the side surface of the blood treatment device, the curved lever will slide against the outer surface of the blood treatment device and move in an upward direction due to the bending of the lever. Upward movement of the lever will then peel the cap away from the end face of the connecting portion.

In this description, it is assumed that the body of the blood processing apparatus includes a top surface, a bottom surface, and four side surfaces. The side surface of the blood processing apparatus may also be referred to as the front surface, depending on the direction of the user's line of sight.

The opening element/stem is preferably movable relative to the end face of the connecting portion of the container. For example, the rod may be connected to the connection portion via a hinge. Alternatively, the lever may be attached to the cover and held to the connection portion only by the cover attached to the connection portion. In this configuration, the rod is not directly attached to the connecting portion, but is only loosely located atop the connecting portion and held in place by the cover.

Alternatively or additionally, the automatic opening of the container by the blood treatment device may be achieved by a cap of the container having the following attachment portions: the attachment portion is configured to reversibly attach the cap to the blood processing apparatus. For example, the attachment portion of the cap may comprise an opening/hole into which a cap removal element of the blood processing apparatus may be inserted.

If a container with such a cap is moved relative to the blood treatment device, the attachment portion of the cap fixedly attaches the cap to the corresponding cap removal element of the blood treatment device such that the cap is locked in a fixed position relative to the blood treatment device. Thus, relative movement of the container with respect to the blood processing device results in the cap being removed from the container/peeled off the end face of the connecting portion of the container.

According to one embodiment, the attachment portion of the cap must be manually attached to the cap removal element of the blood processing device prior to movement of the container relative to the blood processing device. Alternatively, the attachment portion of the cap and the cap removal element of the blood processing apparatus may be configured such that: the attachment portion of the cap is attached to the cap removal element of the blood processing device when the relative movement of the container with respect to the blood processing device is started/at an early stage of the relative movement of the container with respect to the blood processing device.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a blood processing apparatus configured for use with a container according to the invention.

The blood processing apparatus includes: a main body; at least one attachment element to which a corresponding attachment element for a container of concentrate can be attached, wherein the at least one attachment element is movable relative to the body in a direction protruding substantially at right angles to a side surface of the body; and at least one connecting element configured to fluidly couple the blood processing apparatus to a container for the concentrate.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one attachment element of the blood treatment device has the form of a pin or stud protruding outwards from the side surface of the body, and the at least one connection element has the form of a spout protruding in a direction substantially parallel to the side surface of the body.

It has proven to be advantageous if the blood treatment device further comprises a movable and/or motorized guiding element, preferably a cavity is formed in the guiding element, and the at least one attachment element is mounted to the movable and preferably motorized guiding element. The guide element is movable to a first position in which the at least one connecting element of the blood treatment device, preferably a mouthpiece for fluidly connecting the blood treatment device to a container, is received in a cavity provided on the guide element, allowing the blood treatment device to be flushed.

In the first position, the lumen in the guiding element shorts and/or closes the internal fluid circuit of the blood treatment device to form a closed circuit, so that the flushing liquid can circulate in the blood treatment device.

The guiding element may also be movable to a second position in which the mouthpiece is in fluid connection with a container attached to the at least one attachment element of the blood processing device. The guiding element is preferably movable in a horizontal and/or vertical direction.

In the second position, the guiding element preferably positions the container, in particular the at least one connecting element of the container, attached to the at least one attachment element mounted on the guiding element relative to the at least one connecting element of the blood processing device such that the container is fluidly coupled to the blood processing device.

The guide element may be movable by a motor of the blood processing apparatus. In this case, the movement of the guide element is preferably automatic. Alternatively, the guiding element may be moved manually. In this case, the blood processing apparatus preferably has a lever or similar structure that allows the user to manually move the guide element.

Preferably, the at least one connecting element of the blood processing apparatus, such as a mouthpiece, is movable in a vertical direction substantially parallel to a side surface of the body of the blood processing apparatus.

In a preferred embodiment, the at least one connecting element of the blood processing apparatus is movable in a downward direction towards a bottom surface of a body of the blood processing apparatus. Additionally or alternatively, the at least one connecting element of the blood processing apparatus is movable in an upward direction towards a top surface of a body of the blood processing apparatus.

For example, the at least one connecting element of the blood treatment apparatus may first be moved upwards to allow the container attached to the attachment element to be moved by the guiding element to the following positions: in this position, the at least one connecting element of the blood processing apparatus is aligned in a vertical direction with the at least one connecting element of the container.

The at least one connecting element of the blood processing apparatus may then be moved downwardly by the guiding element to fluidly couple the container to the blood processing apparatus, for example by inserting the at least one connecting element of the blood processing apparatus into the at least one connecting element of the container.

At a later stage, for example, after the concentrate contained in the container has been exhausted, the at least one connecting element of the blood processing apparatus may again be retracted upwardly to withdraw the at least one connecting element of the blood processing apparatus from the at least one connecting element of the container, thereby fluidly separating the container and the blood processing apparatus from each other.

The blood processing apparatus preferably further comprises a protruding portion provided on a side surface of the main body. The guide element is preferably movable in relation to the protruding part in the manner of a drawer. In other words, the guiding element may be slidably movable with respect to the protruding portion in a direction substantially at right angles to the side surface of the blood processing device, i.e. in a horizontal direction.

Preferably, the at least one connecting element of the blood treatment device is mounted to the protruding portion and is movable in a direction substantially parallel to the side surface of the blood treatment device to protrude from the protruding portion (preferably protruding downwards in a vertical direction towards the bottom surface of the blood treatment device). It is also preferred that the at least one connecting element of the blood treatment device is retractable/movable into the protruding portion in a vertical direction substantially parallel to the side surface of the blood treatment device.

The movement of the guiding element and/or the at least one connecting element of the blood treatment apparatus may be performed automatically or non-automatically, mechanically and/or manually.

According to a preferred aspect of the invention, the blood treatment device comprises two attachment elements, each formed as a pin/stud, preferably comprising a circumferential groove, for receiving a corresponding attachment element of the container, preferably formed as a hook, for reversibly attaching the container to the blood treatment device. The hooks may be inserted into the circumferential groove to prevent slippage.

In order to ensure that the container is properly mounted to the blood treatment device in only one possible mounting position, the blood treatment device preferably comprises two attachment elements that are formed in different sizes and/or geometric configurations to allow the container to be attached to the blood treatment device in only one defined mounting position.

Alternatively or additionally, the blood treatment device may comprise two connecting elements formed in different sizes and/or geometric configurations to allow the container to be fluidly coupled to the blood treatment device in only one defined mounting position.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a system comprising at least one container according to the invention and at least one blood treatment device according to the invention.

Preferably, the container is reversibly attached to the blood treatment device by means of at least one attachment element provided on the container that interacts with at least one attachment element provided on the blood treatment device.

Additionally or alternatively, the at least one connecting element of the blood processing apparatus is fluidly coupled to the at least one connecting element of the container.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the blood treatment device is configured for opening the container, for example by removing a cover covering a connecting element of the container before fluidly coupling the container to the blood treatment device.

To this end, the blood treatment device preferably comprises a cover removing element, which is advantageously provided on the attachment assembly and/or on the protruding portion of the blood treatment device. Preferably, the cap removal element is a stud, a hook or a pin configured to be inserted into a corresponding opening/hole of the attachment portion of the cap and to capture the cap.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a method for connecting a container for concentrate, preferably according to the invention, to a blood treatment device, preferably according to the invention, the method comprising the steps of:

-reversibly attaching the container to the blood treatment device by means of at least one attachment element provided on the container and at least one attachment element provided on the blood treatment device;

-moving the container towards the body of the blood processing device in a horizontal direction/in a direction protruding substantially at right angles to a side surface of the body of the blood processing device;

-moving at least one connecting element of the blood treatment device and/or the container in a vertical direction/in a direction protruding substantially parallel to a side surface of a body of the blood treatment device, whereby the at least one connecting element of the blood treatment device is inserted into the at least one connecting element of the container, thereby fluidly coupling the container to the blood treatment device.

In order to prevent uncontrolled dripping of liquid from the at least one connection element of the blood treatment apparatus, which dripping may lead to contamination and/or crystallization on components of the blood treatment apparatus, the method may comprise the additional steps of: the container is used to capture any droplets or spills originating from the at least one connecting element of the blood processing apparatus.

These additional steps may be, for example:

-moving the at least one connection element of the blood treatment device and/or the container in a vertical direction/in a direction substantially parallel to the protrusion of the side surface of the body of the blood treatment device, thereby removing the at least one connection element of the blood treatment device inserted into the at least one connection element of the container from the at least one connection element of the container, thereby fluidly separating the container from the blood treatment device; and

-suspending the movement of the container in the following positions: in this position, the at least one connecting element of the container is at least partially aligned with the at least one connecting element of the blood processing apparatus in a vertical direction/a direction protruding substantially parallel to a side surface of the body of the blood processing apparatus such that any liquid dripping from the at least one connecting element of the blood processing apparatus is received by the at least one connecting element of the container.

In other words, the container is not removed immediately after disconnecting the container from the blood processing apparatus, but remains vertically below the connecting element of the blood processing apparatus, such as the mouthpiece, for a period of time to capture any drops that fall downwardly from the connecting element.

Furthermore, the method may comprise a flushing step in which the blood treatment device is flushed before connecting the container to the blood treatment device or after disconnecting the container from the blood treatment device.

In this embodiment, the blood treatment apparatus preferably comprises a movable and/or motorized guiding element comprising the at least one attachment element of the blood treatment apparatus and further comprising a cavity configured to receive the at least one connection element of the blood treatment apparatus. The method further comprises the steps of:

-moving the guiding element to a flushing position in which the at least one connecting element of the blood treatment device is received in the cavity, thereby sealing the blood treatment device against external fluid and allowing flushing of the blood treatment device.

In other words, instead of inserting the connecting element of the blood processing device into the connecting element of the container to, for example, dispense water into the container to dissolve the concentrate powder to form the liquid concentrate, in the flushing position the connecting element of the blood processing device is inserted into the cavity of the guiding element.

Thus, the internal fluid circuit of the blood treatment apparatus is closed and the flushing fluid may circulate in the blood treatment apparatus.

According to an embodiment of the invention, all method steps are automatically performed by the blood treatment device, except for the step of reversibly attaching the container to the blood treatment device by means of at least one attachment element provided on the container and at least one attachment element provided on the blood treatment device.

This has the advantage that: no personnel are required to manually connect the container to the blood processing apparatus. Instead, the container may be attached to the blood processing apparatus at any convenient time (e.g., during normal operating time), and the blood processing apparatus automatically establishes a fluid connection between the container and the blood processing apparatus when needed (as needed) at a particular point in time (e.g., at night) as determined, for example, by a treatment regimen.

In other words, the present invention can be described as follows:

one aspect of the invention relates to a container for concentrate, the container comprising: a body for containing a concentrate; a connection portion having a planar end surface and configured to connect the container to a blood processing device; two attachment elements disposed at two opposite sides of the connection portion and configured to reversibly attach the container to two corresponding attachment elements disposed on the blood processing apparatus; and two connecting elements each comprising an opening at the planar end face of the connecting portion and configured to interact with two corresponding connecting elements provided on the blood processing device to fluidly couple the container with the blood processing device by inserting the connecting element provided on the blood processing device into the connecting element of the container; and at least one opening element configured to interact with the blood processing device to remove the cap from the container.

In principle, other embodiments are possible in which the end face of the connecting portion is not flat.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the at least one opening element configured to interact with the blood treatment device to remove the cap from the container has the form of a rod, preferably made of a rigid material, which is arranged between the cap and the planar end surface of the connecting portion and is movable relative to the planar end surface, preferably in a direction away from the planar end surface.

Preferably, the lever comprises a curved section, preferably at the front edge of the lever, and the curved section is preferably curved away from the flat end face of the connecting portion.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the at least one opening element configured to interact with the blood treatment device to remove the cap from the container is formed as an attachment portion that is part of the cap and is configured to attach the cap to the blood treatment device, wherein the attachment portion of the cap comprises an opening into which the cap removal element of the blood treatment device can be inserted.

Preferably, the container further comprises a hook-like attachment element arranged adjacent to the attachment portion of the lid.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the cover is a flexible membrane.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a blood processing device, such as a dialysis machine for kidney replacement therapy, comprising: a main body; at least one attachment element to which a corresponding attachment element for a container of concentrate can be attached, wherein the attachment element is movable relative to the body in a direction protruding substantially at right angles from a side surface of the body; at least one connecting element configured to fluidly couple the blood processing apparatus to a container for concentrate; and a cap removal element configured to interact with the at least one opening element of the container to remove the cap from the container.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the cap removal element has the form of a stud protruding outwards from the protruding portion of the blood treatment device.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the at least one attachment element is mounted to the movable and/or motorized guiding element and arranged to be aligned with the cap removal element in a direction parallel to the side surface of the blood treatment device such that the cap removal element can be inserted into an opening of an attachment portion of a cap of a container attached to the at least one attachment element.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, the blood processing machine further comprises a rail configured to support the container attached to the at least one attachment element.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a method for removing a cap from a container for concentrate, preferably a container according to the invention, during the process of connecting the container to a blood treatment device, preferably a blood treatment device according to the invention, the method comprising the steps of:

-reversibly attaching the container to the blood treatment device by means of two attachment elements provided on the container and at least one attachment element provided on the blood treatment device;

-inserting a cap removal element of the blood processing apparatus into an opening of an attachment portion of a cap of the container, thereby attaching the cap to the cap removal element;

-moving the container towards the body of the blood processing device in a direction protruding substantially at right angles to the side of the body of the blood processing device, thereby removing the cap from the container;

-moving the two connecting elements of the container and/or the blood treatment device in a direction protruding substantially parallel to the side surface of the body of the blood treatment device, thereby inserting the two connecting elements of the blood treatment device into the two connecting elements of the container to fluidly couple the container to the blood treatment device.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the attachment of the cap to the cap removal element is performed automatically, except for the step of reversibly attaching the container to the blood treatment device by means of two attachment elements provided on the container and two attachment elements provided on the blood treatment device and/or the step of inserting the cap removal element of the blood treatment device into the opening of the attachment portion of the cap of the container.

Movement of the components of the blood processing apparatus and/or container may be achieved by motorization and/or by a user operating a lever or similar structure.

Drawings

Other features, advantages and technical effects of the present invention become apparent from the accompanying drawings showing preferred embodiments of the present invention. The drawings are only for the purpose of illustrating the invention and are not to be construed as limiting the invention. In the drawings, the same or similar components are denoted by the same reference numerals.

In the drawings:

fig. 1 shows an embodiment of a container according to the invention;

FIG. 2 shows another embodiment of a container according to the present invention that includes a peelable flexible film to seal the connecting elements of the container;

FIG. 3 shows how a user can peel the flexible film from the end face of the container;

FIG. 4 shows the state in which the user has almost completely removed the flexible film from the top end surface of the container;

figure 5 shows a connecting portion of a concentrate container according to the prior art;

FIG. 6 illustrates a connecting portion of a container according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 shows a side view of the connection portion of FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 shows a side view of the connection portion of FIG. 6;

FIG. 9 shows a cross-sectional view of the connection portion of FIG. 7;

FIG. 10 shows a cross-sectional view of the connection portion of FIG. 8;

FIG. 11 shows a top view of the connection portion of FIG. 5;

FIG. 12 shows another side view of the connection portion shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 13 shows a top view of the connecting portion of FIG. 6;

FIG. 14 shows a different side view of the connecting portion of FIG. 6;

FIG. 15 shows a top perspective view of the connecting portion of FIG. 6;

FIG. 16 shows a detailed view of the flexible membrane sealed connection section of FIG. 6;

fig. 17 shows a blood treatment device according to the invention comprising two attachment elements;

fig. 18 shows how the container is attached to the attachment element of the blood processing device of fig. 17;

fig. 19 shows the blood processing apparatus of fig. 17 with a container attached.

FIG. 20 shows a detailed view of the blood processing apparatus of FIG. 17 with the guide member positioned in a closed flush position relative to the projection;

FIG. 21 shows a side view of the blood processing machine of FIG. 17 with the guide member positioned in a closed flush position relative to the projection;

fig. 22 shows the blood processing apparatus of fig. 21, wherein the container is attached to an attachment element of the blood processing apparatus;

fig. 23 shows a cross-sectional view illustrating the flushing position of the guide element relative to the protruding part;

fig. 24 shows a perspective view of a container attached to an attachment element of a blood processing device in a closed flush position;

fig. 25 shows the container connected to the blood processing apparatus in the following positions: in which the container is fluidly coupled to the blood processing apparatus;

FIG. 26 shows a cross-sectional view of the arrangement of FIG. 25;

FIG. 27 illustrates a blood processing apparatus fluidly coupled to a container;

FIG. 28 shows the blood processing apparatus of FIG. 27 in a flush position;

fig. 29 shows the guide element and the protruding part of the blood processing device in a closed flushing position.

FIG. 30 shows the arrangement of FIG. 29 with a container already attached;

FIG. 31 illustrates the position in which the container is fluidly coupled to a blood processing device;

fig. 32 shows how the container is attached to an attachment element of a blood processing device;

FIG. 33 illustrates how the guide element moves inwardly toward a side surface of the body of the blood processing apparatus to position the container in a position capable of fluidly coupling with a connecting element of the blood processing apparatus;

fig. 34 shows the position of the connecting element of the blood processing device and the connecting element of the container aligned in the vertical direction;

FIG. 35 shows how the container is moved upward to insert the connecting element of the blood processing apparatus into the connecting element of the container;

fig. 36 illustrates the position of a container fluidly coupled to a blood processing device during blood processing.

FIG. 37 shows how the container is moved downward after the treatment is completed to fluidly separate the connecting element of the container from the connecting element of the blood treatment apparatus;

FIG. 38 shows how the container is held in a position in which the connecting element of the blood processing apparatus and the connecting element of the container are fluidly coupled but vertically aligned;

FIG. 39 illustrates how droplets falling from a connecting element of a blood processing device are captured by a concentration bag;

FIG. 40 shows how the container is removed from the blood processing apparatus after the end of the process by moving the container away from the side surface of the blood processing apparatus;

FIG. 41 shows how the container may be removed from the blood processing apparatus after the process has ended;

FIG. 42 shows how the guide element is then moved to the flushing position by aligning a lumen provided on the guide element with a connecting element of the blood processing apparatus in a vertical direction; and

FIG. 43 illustrates the guide element in a flushing position in which the connecting element is inserted into a flushing lumen provided in the guide element;

fig. 44 shows an embodiment in which the guide element can be moved manually using the lever 21;

FIG. 45 illustrates an embodiment of a container configured to be automatically opened by a blood processing apparatus;

FIG. 46 shows the container of FIG. 45 in a state in which the opening element is moved upward to remove the lid;

FIG. 47 shows the container of FIG. 45 in a state in which the opening element is moved upward by the blood processing apparatus to remove the cap;

FIG. 48 shows a cross-sectional view of the container of FIG. 45;

FIG. 49 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a container configured to be automatically opened by a blood processing apparatus;

FIG. 50 illustrates an attachment assembly of a blood processing apparatus for use with the container of FIG. 49;

FIG. 51 illustrates how the container according to FIG. 49 is attached to a blood processing apparatus;

fig. 52 shows a state in which the container is attached to the blood processing apparatus;

fig. 53 shows a state in which the cap is removed from the container and the container is attached to the blood processing apparatus;

fig. 54 shows a blood processing apparatus for use with the container of fig. 49.

Detailed Description

As shown in fig. 1, the container 1 comprises a body 2, the body 2 being configured to contain a dry and/or liquid concentrate. Furthermore, the container 1 comprises two attachment elements 3 in the form of hooks, which attachment elements 3 are arranged on opposite sides of the attachment portion 4 of the container 1.

Furthermore, the container 1 comprises a connecting element 5, the connecting element 5 being open towards a top end surface 6 of the connecting portion 4 of the container 1 opposite/facing away from the body 2. In this embodiment, the container further comprises a handle 22 allowing the user to grasp the container 1. The top surface 6 is sealed by a flexible membrane 7, the flexible membrane 7 covering the connecting element 5 and the central opening 8 of the connecting portion 4.

Fig. 2 shows another container 1 according to the invention. In this embodiment, the flexible membrane seals the connecting element 5 but does not completely cover the central opening 8. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the attachment element 3 takes the form of a hollow cylinder configured to receive a corresponding stud/pin of the blood treatment device.

Figure 3 shows the user peeling the flexible film 7 from the top surface 6 of the container 1. As in all the figures, the components denoted by the same reference numerals are the same or similar components.

In the state shown in fig. 4, the user removes the flexible film 7 almost completely from the top end surface 6 of the container 1.

Fig. 5 shows a connecting portion 4 of a concentrate container known from the prior art. Such conventional connecting parts of containers known in the prior art generally comprise connecting elements 5, the connecting elements 5 being open downwards so that liquid can drip from these connecting parts into connecting elements provided on the blood treatment device, which are configured to be inserted into the connecting elements 5. The attachment portion further includes a handle 22 that allows a user to grasp the attachment portion.

Fig. 6 shows a connecting portion 4 of a container according to the invention. The connection portion comprises an attachment element 3, the attachment element 3 being formed as a hollow cylinder and being configured to receive a corresponding connection element provided on the blood treatment device, in particular in the form of a stud, a pin or a cylinder.

The connecting portion 4 further comprises a connecting element 5, the connecting element 5 opening upwards towards the top end surface 6 of the connecting portion.

According to this embodiment, the connecting portion 4 further comprises a grip portion 9 at the opposite side of the connecting portion 4, the grip portion 9 replacing the handle 22 provided in the conventional connecting portion shown in fig. 5.

Fig. 7 shows a connecting part 4 according to the prior art in a side view, which shows a connecting element 5 and a handle 22. In contrast, the connecting portion 4 of the container according to the invention shown in fig. 8 comprises an attachment element 3, which attachment element 3 is arranged on the opposite side of the connecting portion 4 and is formed as a hollow cylinder. The opening of the connecting portion is not visible in this view.

Fig. 9 shows a cross-sectional view of the connecting part 4 of fig. 7, wherein the handle 22 is clearly visible. In the sectional view of the connecting portion 4 according to the invention in fig. 10, the grip portion 9 as well as the attachment element 3 and the connecting element 5 are clearly visible, the attachment element 3 and the connecting element 5 being open towards the top end surface 6 of the connecting portion 4.

As can be seen from fig. 11, the connecting element 5 of the connecting portion 4 according to the prior art also serves as an attachment element, since the connecting element 5 in the form of a hollow cylindrical piece is provided on a corresponding mouthpiece of the blood treatment device.

This is further illustrated in the view of fig. 12, whereby it can be seen that the attachment element of the blood treatment apparatus, i.e. the connection element of the blood treatment apparatus according to the prior art, is inserted into the connection element 5 of the connection part 4 in a substantially vertical position/orientation in fig. 12, allowing liquid from the connection element 5 to drip out of the connection element 5 of the connection part 4 of the container 1.

As shown in fig. 13, according to the invention, the attachment element 3 and the connection element 5 are separated from each other. It can also be easily seen from fig. 13 that the attachment element 3 and the connection element 5 are arranged relative to each other, because the attachment element 3 and the connection element 5 protrude in directions arranged substantially at right angles to each other, preferably in directions arranged horizontally and vertically, respectively.

In the example of fig. 13, the attachment element protrudes in a direction from the top of fig. 13 to the bottom of fig. 13, whereas the connection element 5 is an opening protruding or extending in a direction into and out of the plane of the paper.

Fig. 14 provides another clear view of the grip portion 9, which may replace the handle 22 provided in the connecting portion 4 as known in the prior art.

Fig. 15 also illustrates how the direction of extension of the attachment element 3 is arranged substantially at right angles to the direction of extension of the connecting element/opening 5.

As can be seen in fig. 16, the connecting element 5 is preferably sealed by a flexible strip 7, the flexible strip 7 preferably being welded to the top end surface 6 of the connecting portion 4 to close the connecting element 5.

Preferably, the flexible membrane 7 comprises a gripping section 10, the gripping section 10 allowing a user to grip the flexible membrane 7 to remove the flexible membrane 7 from the top end surface 6 of the connecting portion 4 of the container 1.

As can be seen in fig. 17, the blood treatment device 11 according to the invention comprises a main body 12, the main body 12 having a bottom surface 13 and an attachment assembly 14, the attachment assembly 14 being configured for attachment and connection to the container 1.

The attachment assembly 14 comprises a guide element 15 to which guide element 15 two attachment elements 16 are mounted, in this embodiment the attachment elements 16 having the form of protruding cylinders/studs/pins and each having a circumferential groove into which the hook or hook-like attachment element 3 of the container 1 can be inserted.

The attachment assembly 14 further includes a protruding portion 17. In the configuration shown in fig. 17, the front surface 18 of the protruding portion 17 and the front surface 19 of the guiding element 15 are aligned with each other to form a continuous front surface of the attachment assembly 14. This corresponds to the flushing position.

As can be seen in fig. 18, the bag 1 can be attached by means of the hook-shaped attachment elements 3 to the screw-shaped attachment elements 16 mounted on the guide element 15.

Fig. 19 shows a blood treatment device 11, wherein the container 1 is attached to the attachment element 16 of the guiding element 15. The container 1 is in its position for fluid coupling with a blood processing device.

Fig. 20 shows the attachment assembly 14 of the blood treatment apparatus 11, wherein the guiding element 15 is arranged in a closed position for flushing the blood treatment apparatus relative to the protruding portion 17.

In this position, the front surface 18 of the protruding portion 17 and the front surface 19 of the guiding element 15 form a continuous front surface. The flushing position of the guide element 15 relative to the protruding portion 17 is further shown in the side view of the blood treatment device 11 shown in fig. 21. It becomes particularly clear in this figure that in the closed position/flushing position of the guide element relative to the protruding portion 17, the front end face 18 of the protruding portion 17 and the front end face 19 of the guide element 19 form a continuous front end face.

Fig. 22 shows the blood treatment apparatus of fig. 21, wherein the container 1 is attached to the attachment element 16 of the blood treatment apparatus via its attachment element 3. This position is adopted when the blood treatment apparatus is flushed/disinfected by an internal circulation but is ready for the next blood treatment by providing the container 1. The container 1 will be fluidly connected to the blood treatment device 11 before the next blood treatment is started.

Fig. 23 illustrates in more detail the structural configuration of the attachment assembly 14 of the blood processing apparatus by providing a cross-section of the attachment assembly 14 in the closed/flush position shown in fig. 21 and 22. As can be seen in fig. 23, the front end face 18 of the protruding portion 17 and the front end face 19 of the guiding element 15 provide a continuous front surface.

In this relative positioning, a connecting element 20, which in the embodiment of fig. 23 has a mouthpiece-type blood treatment device for dispensing water into the container 1, is inserted into a cavity 18 provided in the guide element 15. Thus, the internal fluid system of the blood treatment apparatus is closed from the outside and the flushing fluid may circulate within the blood treatment apparatus without fluid leaking from the mouthpiece 17 to the outside of the blood treatment apparatus 11.

Fig. 24 shows a close-up view of the connection assembly 14 of the blood treatment apparatus 11, wherein the container 1 has been attached via the attachment elements 3 and 16. The connection assembly 14 is in the closed/flush position.

To fluidly couple the container 1 to the connection assembly 14 and thus to the blood processing device 11, the guide element 15 is then moved inwardly toward a side surface of the blood processing device 11, as shown in fig. 25. Thus, the container 1 attached to the attachment element 16 of the blood treatment device 11 is moved towards the side surface of the blood treatment device 11 until the container 1 is arranged below the protruding portion 17 and the connecting element 5 of the bag 1 is horizontally aligned with the connecting element 20 of the blood treatment device.

As shown in fig. 26, the guide element 15 and thus the container 1 attached to the attachment element 16 mounted on the guide element 15 is moved upwards to connect the connecting element 5 of the container 1 with the connecting element 20 of the blood treatment device. Alternatively, the container 1 may be held stationary by the guiding element 15 and the connecting element 20 of the blood treatment device moved downwards for insertion into the connecting element 5 of the container 1, thereby fluidly coupling the container 1 to the blood treatment device 11.

Fig. 27 shows a side view of the blood treatment apparatus wherein the container 1 is fluidly coupled to the blood treatment apparatus 11 in the position/relative positioning shown in fig. 26.

Fig. 28 shows a side view of the blood processing apparatus 11 with the attachment assembly 24 in the position shown in fig. 24.

Fig. 29 shows another view of the connection assembly 14 of the blood processing apparatus in a closed flush position.

Fig. 30 shows the attachment assembly 14 of fig. 29, wherein the container 1 has been attached via its attachment element 3 (hook-shaped) and the attachment element 16 (stud-shaped) of the blood treatment device. In this depiction, the attachment assembly 14 is still in the closed flush position.

Fig. 31 shows an attachment assembly 14 wherein the connecting element of the blood treatment device is inserted into the connecting element of the container 1 either by moving the container 1 upwards towards the protruding portion 17 or by moving the connecting element 20 of the blood treatment device downwards into the connecting element 5 of the container 1, thereby moving the container 1 inwards below the protruding portion 17 and fluidly coupled to the blood treatment device.

Next, a method of connecting a container for concentrate to a blood processing device according to the present invention will be described.

As shown in fig. 32, the attachment element 16 of the blood treatment apparatus is inserted into the attachment element 3 of the container 1. As can be seen in fig. 32, the attachment element 16 of the blood treatment device and the attachment element 3 of the container are asymmetrically configured to allow the container to be mounted to the blood treatment device in only one correct mounting position.

Fig. 33 shows the container 1 connected to the attachment element 16 of the blood treatment apparatus via the attachment element 3 of the container. Then, the guide member 15 is moved inward in the horizontal direction toward the side surface of the blood processing apparatus 11 to pull the container 1 below the protruding portion 17, as shown in fig. 34.

As can also be seen from fig. 34, the connecting element 20 and the connecting element 5 of the blood treatment apparatus are aligned in this position in the vertical direction, so that the connecting element 20 can be inserted into the connecting element 5 of the container 1 by a movement along the vertical axis.

As shown in fig. 35, the connecting element 20 of the blood treatment device can be inserted/plugged into the connecting element 5 of the container 1 by moving the guiding element 15 and thus the container 1 upwards towards the protruding portion 17. Alternatively, the connecting element 20 of the blood treatment device may be moved downwards to be inserted into the connecting element 5 of the container 1.

When the container 1 is fluidly coupled to the blood treatment device via the connection element 20 and the connection element 5, as shown in fig. 36, the treatment may be performed by a blood treatment machine that produces a liquid concentrate from a powder concentrate contained within the body 2 of the container 1.

After the process is completed, the guiding element 15 and thus the container 1 attached thereto is moved downwards, as shown in fig. 37. The container 1 continues to move downwards until the connecting element 20 of the blood treatment device is removed from the connecting element 5 of the container 1, as shown in fig. 38.

The guide element 15 and thus the container 1 to which it is attached is then moved outwards in a horizontal direction similar to a drawer of the side surface of the blood treatment apparatus 11.

As shown in fig. 39, the movement of the container 1 may be paused in a position in which the container 1 is vertically aligned with the connecting element 20 of the blood processing apparatus such that any liquid droplets that fall from the connecting element 20 of the blood processing apparatus are caught by the container 1, preferably by the connecting element 5 of the container 1.

As shown in fig. 40, the container 1 is then moved by means of moving the guide element 15 relative to the protruding portion 17 until the container 1 is positioned farther away/farther away from the side surface of the blood processing device 11 than the front edge of the protruding portion 17. This allows the user to easily grasp the container 1.

As shown in fig. 41, the container 1 can be easily disconnected from the attachment element 16 of the blood treatment apparatus by pulling the container 1 away from the blood treatment apparatus 11.

After removal of the container 1, the blood processing machine may then move the guiding element 15 upwards and/or inwards towards the side surface of the blood processing device 11 until the connecting element 20 of the blood processing device is vertically aligned with the cavity 18 of the guiding element 15, as shown in fig. 42.

In this position, the blood processing apparatus may be brought into a closed/flushing position. As shown in fig. 43, the guide member 15 is moved further upward or the connecting member 20 of the blood processing apparatus 11 is moved further downward to insert the connecting member 20 into the lumen 18 of the guide member 15 to enter the closed flush position.

The blood processing machine can now be flushed and a new concentration bag can be attached to the guide element 15 during flushing by using the attachment element 16 to start a new process.

All movements of the guide element 15 relative to the protruding portion 17 may also be performed manually. For this purpose, the attachment assembly 14 of the blood treatment apparatus may comprise a lever 21 as shown in fig. 44 or similar structure allowing the user to manually move the guiding element with respect to the protruding portion 17.

As shown in fig. 45, the container 1 according to the invention may comprise a number of opening elements 23, in which embodiment the opening elements 23 have the form of bars. The number of opening elements is arbitrary.

The rods 23 each comprise a curved section 24, which curved section 24 curves away from the end face 6 of the connecting portion 4 of the container 1.

The rod 23 can be moved upwards/away from the end surface 6 of the connection part, as shown in fig. 46, to remove the cover 7 from the connection part 4, thereby opening the connection element 5, allowing the connection element 5 to be fluidly coupled to the connection element 20 of the liquid handling device.

In the case of the container of fig. 45 being attached to the attachment assembly 14 of the blood treatment device 11 by means of the attachment elements 3 and 16, the opening element/lever 23 is moved upwards by the blood treatment device to remove the cover 7 when the guiding element 15 and thus the container 1 attached thereto is moved towards the side surface of the blood treatment device. In other words, in the case where the guide member 15 moves toward the side surface of the blood processing apparatus with respect to the protruding portion 17 of the blood processing apparatus 11, the lever 23 moves upward against the protruding portion 17 and deflects upward due to the curvature of the bent portion 24, and the cover 7 peels off from the connecting portion 4.

As can be seen in the cross section of the container in fig. 48, the opening element/stem 23 does not have to be joined to the connecting portion 4 via a hinge, the opening element/stem 23 may be loosely located on the connecting portion and held in place by the cover 7/flexible membrane to which the stem 23 is attached respectively.

Fig. 49 shows an alternative embodiment of a container configured to be automatically opened by a blood processing apparatus. In this embodiment, the cover 7 comprises an attachment portion 25 with an opening/hole 26, into which opening/hole 26 a cover removing element of the blood treatment device can be inserted.

In this embodiment, the container comprises three attachment elements 3. One attachment element 3 is arranged directly adjacent to the attachment portion 25 and is formed as a hook designed to be inserted into an attachment element arranged on the guiding element 15 of the blood treatment device, so that the container can be pulled by the guiding element under the protruding portion 17 of the blood treatment device 11.

Fig. 50 shows the attachment assembly 14 of the blood processing apparatus 11 used with the container of fig. 49. The protruding portion 17 comprises a cap removal element 28, in this embodiment the cap removal element 28 has the form of a pin/stud protruding outwards from the protruding element 17, and the cap removal element 28 is configured to be inserted into the opening 26 of the attachment portion 25 of the cap 7 of the container 1.

The guiding element 15 comprises an attachment element 27, to which attachment element 27 the attachment element 3 of the container 1 can be attached/hooked. The attachment assembly 14 further comprises two support elements/rails 29, the two support elements/rails 29 being arranged stationary with respect to the blood treatment device and providing support for the container 1, the container 1 being attached to the guide element 15 and being pulled by the guide element 15 under the protruding portion 17.

Fig. 51 illustrates how the container is attached to a blood processing device. The attachment element 3 adjacent to the attachment portion 25 hooks onto the attachment element 27 of the guide element 25. The cover removing member 28 is inserted into the opening 26 of the cover 7.

Fig. 52 shows a state in which the container is attached to the blood processing apparatus. The cover removing member 28 is inserted into the opening 26 of the cover 7. The other attachment elements 3 are arranged above the guide rail 29 such that the attachment elements 3 slide on the guide rail 29 when the container is pulled below the protruding portion 17 by the guiding element 15.

Fig. 53 shows the state in which the cap is removed from the container and the container is attached to the blood processing apparatus. The depiction shows how the attachment element 3 of the container is slidably arranged on the guide rail 29 such that the guide rail 29 supports the container 1 during movement of the container 1 relative to the blood treatment device 11.

Claims

1. A container for concentrate, the container comprising:

a body for containing a concentrate,

a connection portion having a flat end face and configured to connect the container to a blood processing device,

two attachment elements disposed at two opposite sides of the connection portion and configured to reversibly attach the container to corresponding two attachment elements disposed on a blood processing device, an

Two connecting elements each comprising an opening at the planar end face of the connecting portion and configured to interact with corresponding two connecting elements provided on a blood processing device to fluidly couple the container with a blood processing device by inserting a connecting element provided on the blood processing device into a connecting element of the container; and

at least one opening element configured to interact with a blood processing device to remove a cap from the container.

2. A container according to claim 1, wherein the at least one opening element configured to interact with a blood treatment device to remove a cap from the container has the form of a rod, which rod is arranged between the cap and the planar end surface of the connecting portion and which rod is movable relative to the planar end surface.

3. The container of claim 2, wherein the stem is made of a hard material.

4. The container of claim 2, wherein the rod is movable in a direction away from the planar end surface.

5. The container of claim 2, wherein the stem comprises a curved section.

6. The container of claim 5, wherein the curved section is located at a front edge of the stem.

7. The container of claim 5, wherein the curved section curves away from the planar end face of the connecting portion.

8. The container of claim 1, wherein the at least one opening element configured to interact with a blood processing device to remove a cap from the container is formed as an attachment portion that is part of the cap and that is configured to attach the cap to a blood processing device, wherein the attachment portion of the cap comprises the following openings: a cap removal element of a blood processing apparatus is insertable into the opening.

9. The container of claim 8, wherein the container further comprises a hook-like attachment element disposed adjacent to the attachment portion of the lid.

10. Container according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cover is a flexible film.

11. A blood processing apparatus, comprising:

the main body is provided with a plurality of grooves,

at least one attachment element to which a corresponding attachment element for a container of concentrate can be attached, wherein the at least one attachment element can be moved relative to the body in a direction protruding substantially at right angles to a side surface of the body,

at least one connecting element configured to fluidly couple the blood processing device to a container for concentrate, an

A cap removal element configured to interact with at least one opening element of a container to remove a cap from the container.

12. A blood treatment apparatus according to claim 11,

wherein the cap removal element has the form of a stud protruding outwards from a protruding portion of the blood processing device.

13. A blood treatment apparatus according to claim 11,

wherein the at least one attachment element is mounted to a movable and/or motorized guiding element and is arranged to be aligned with the cap removal element in a direction parallel to a side surface of the blood processing device such that the cap removal element is insertable into an opening of an attachment portion of the cap of the container attached to the at least one attachment element.

14. A blood processing apparatus according to claim 12,

15. The blood processing apparatus of one of claims 11 to 14, further comprising a rail configured to support a container attached to the at least one attachment element.

16. A system comprising at least one container according to one of claims 1 to 10 and at least one blood treatment device according to one of claims 11 to 15.

17. A method for removing a cap from a container for concentrate during connection of the container to a blood treatment device, the container being according to one of claims 1 to 10, the blood treatment device being according to one of claims 11 to 15, the method comprising the steps of:

-reversibly attaching the container to the blood treatment device by means of the two attachment elements provided on the container and the at least one attachment element provided on the blood treatment device;

-inserting the cap removal element of the blood processing apparatus into the opening of the attachment portion of the cap of the container, thereby attaching the cap to the cap removal element;

-moving the container towards the body of the blood treatment device in a direction protruding substantially at right angles to a side surface of the body of the blood treatment device, whereby the cover is removed from the container;

-moving two connecting elements of the blood treatment device and/or the container in a direction protruding substantially parallel to a side surface of the body of the blood treatment device, thereby inserting the two connecting elements of the blood treatment device into the two connecting elements of the container, thereby fluidly coupling the container to the blood treatment device.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein all method steps except the step of reversibly attaching the container to the blood processing apparatus by means of the two attachment elements provided on the container and the two attachment elements provided on the blood processing apparatus and/or the step of inserting the cap removal element of the blood processing apparatus into the opening of the attachment portion of the cap of the container so as to attach the cap to the cap removal element are performed automatically.