EP0261446A2 - Multiple tubing arrangement and its manufacturing method - Google Patents

Multiple tubing arrangement and its manufacturing method Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0261446A2
EP0261446A2 EP87112616A EP87112616A EP0261446A2 EP 0261446 A2 EP0261446 A2 EP 0261446A2 EP 87112616 A EP87112616 A EP 87112616A EP 87112616 A EP87112616 A EP 87112616A EP 0261446 A2 EP0261446 A2 EP 0261446A2
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
hose
individual
hoses
arrangement according
hose arrangement
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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EP87112616A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0261446B1 (en
EP0261446B2 (en
EP0261446A3 (en
Inventor
Hans-Jürgen Dr. Dipl.-Phys. Neumann
Wolfram Dipl.-Ing. Weber
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Fresenius SE and Co KGaA
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Fresenius SE and Co KGaA
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    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B04—CENTRIFUGAL APPARATUS OR MACHINES FOR CARRYING-OUT PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES
    • B04B—CENTRIFUGES
    • B04B5/00—Other centrifuges
    • B04B5/04—Radial chamber apparatus for separating predominantly liquid mixtures, e.g. butyrometers
    • B04B5/0442—Radial chamber apparatus for separating predominantly liquid mixtures, e.g. butyrometers with means for adding or withdrawing liquid substances during the centrifugation, e.g. continuous centrifugation
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B04—CENTRIFUGAL APPARATUS OR MACHINES FOR CARRYING-OUT PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES
    • B04B—CENTRIFUGES
    • B04B5/00—Other centrifuges
    • B04B5/04—Radial chamber apparatus for separating predominantly liquid mixtures, e.g. butyrometers
    • B04B5/0442—Radial chamber apparatus for separating predominantly liquid mixtures, e.g. butyrometers with means for adding or withdrawing liquid substances during the centrifugation, e.g. continuous centrifugation
    • B04B2005/0492—Radial chamber apparatus for separating predominantly liquid mixtures, e.g. butyrometers with means for adding or withdrawing liquid substances during the centrifugation, e.g. continuous centrifugation with fluid conveying umbilicus between stationary and rotary centrifuge parts
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T29/00—Metal working
    • Y10T29/49—Method of mechanical manufacture
    • Y10T29/49826—Assembling or joining
    • Y10T29/49881—Assembling or joining of separate helix [e.g., screw thread]

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a multi-lumen tube arrangement for use in a centrifuge free of mechanical seals, comprising a plurality of individual tubes of approximately the same length, which are rotated around the longitudinal axis of the tube arrangement at least in some areas and arranged in a fixed position, and a method for their production.
  • Centrifuges without sliding seals are known, for example, from DE-OSen 21 14 161 and 26 12 988.
  • a hose arrangement extends from a stationary point around the separation container to the other side of the separation container, which is set in rotation by a drive unit.
  • the hose is connected to the drive unit, which rotates at half the angular velocity in relation to the separation container. Because of the connection to the drive unit, the hose is continuously rotated around the separation container and, due to the special different drive speeds, is twisted between the drive unit and the separation container. In this respect, twisting or even tearing of the hose is effectively prevented.
  • a multi-lumen tube is used in the centrifuge, which has several liquid channels in a single tube.
  • such a multi-lumen tube has several disadvantages, which include the relatively complex manufacture and thus a price disadvantage compared to conventional hoses. Since the multi-lumen tube has several channels, it has a relatively large diameter and is therefore already relatively stiff, so that a material must be used which has a relatively low Shore hardness. For this purpose, soft PVC is used, which is stretched due to its relatively soft properties when centrifuging in the centrifuge mentioned above. As a result, the known multi-lumen tube is limited to a speed of at most 1600 rpm, since otherwise the errors in the tube routing become too large. Furthermore, such a soft material tends to deform the individual channels when spinning in the centrifuge, which can lead to a partial closure or slight blockage of these channels.
  • the multi-lumen tube is continuously untwisted when it is carried along by the drive unit.
  • the radially further outside of the tube comes to lie on the inside after half a turn in the centrifuge due to the untwisting treatment, while on the other hand the inside comes to lie on the outside.
  • the hose itself is radially curved, it always undergoes a flexing treatment during this untwisting treatment, since the hose is continuously elongated on the outside and compressed on the inside.
  • the energies occurring here are relatively large and lead to an increase in the temperature of the hose. In this respect, this energy must be dissipated either through the centrifugation material or through guide hoses.
  • Such guide hoses include also necessary because of the soft properties of the attached tube and lead to the disadvantage that closed centrifugation systems, for example a separation chamber with attached tubes and supply bags, cannot be inserted into the centrifuge, or only with great difficulty, since either the separation container or the rest of the tube system must thread through the guide device.
  • Another hose arrangement is known from EP-A 62 038, in which individual hose regions are reinforced in terms of material in order to be more resistant to flexing and bending stress.
  • the invention has for its object to develop the aforementioned tube assembly so that the stress caused by flexing or bending during centrifugation is kept as low as possible.
  • the object is achieved in that the individual tubes are arranged torsionally about their own tube longitudinal axis, are each fixed in two end regions and are freely movable relative to one another in the intermediate region between them.
  • the multi-lumen hose arrangement consists of a plurality of individual hoses which are combined to form the hose arrangement according to the invention. This eliminates the complicated manufacture of a one-piece multi-lumen arrangement, so that the hose arrangement according to the invention is generally much cheaper to produce.
  • the individual hoses are either rotated around the longitudinal axis of the hose arrangement or to a parallel axis to this longitudinal axis.
  • This rotated arrangement improves the stability of the hoses with one another, so that the individual hoses cannot be fanned out and thus mutual interference in the movement cannot occur, which could otherwise quickly lead to twisting and tearing.
  • the individual tubes are fixed to one another at their ends in this tortuous state without tension. This has the consequence that the individual tube is not twisted about its own longitudinal axis in the rotated state, so that the entire arrangement remains in the rotated state after being fixed. In this respect, there is therefore no risk that the hoses will return to their untwisted initial state.
  • the hoses are of substantially the same length.
  • all of the hoses are rotated, at least in partial areas, in approximately equal proportions about the longitudinal axis of the hose arrangement or else about a parallel axis thereto.
  • a tube serves as an auxiliary carrier for the other tubes, which absorbs all the forces during the centrifugation treatment.
  • Such a disadvantageous arrangement is shown for example in the aforementioned DE-OS 21 14 161, in which the auxiliary carrier is used for stabilization and for power transmission.
  • all individual hoses participate in the energy balance and thus stabilize each other.
  • the hose arrangement according to the invention can easily be used at a speed of 2000 rpm and above.
  • the hose arrangement remains stable and does not have to be guided in special guide aids.
  • the hoses used according to the invention consist of a polymeric material, in particular polyamide, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyurethane or PVC, which should be used in particular for medical purposes. Of these materials, polyamide is preferred.
  • this material should be relatively rigid, the Shore hardness R should be between 60 and 80, in particular about R 70, i. H. the hoses should be semi-rigid to almost rigid.
  • the individual hoses can have an inner diameter of approximately 2 mm and an outer diameter of approximately 3.2 mm.
  • the individual hoses used according to the invention are characterized by high strength, for. B. against elongation, kinking or twisting. Furthermore, the inner diameter of the individual hoses can be kept substantially constant over the entire length of the hose, so that there is no risk of clogging.
  • the hose arrangement according to the invention usually has 2-5 individual hoses, preferably 3 or 4 individual hoses.
  • these individual hoses are rotated at least in partial areas around the longitudinal axis of the hose arrangement or around a parallel axis, so that a bundle twisted in itself is produced.
  • the twisting takes place according to the usual methods of stranding, coiling, twisting or braiding.
  • the individual tubes are stranded in the following way:
  • the one ends of the individual hoses are fixed in a first adapter, for example by gluing or jamming.
  • the other ends of the loose individual hoses are inserted into a second adapter, which has corresponding receiving bores (fitting holes) for the respective hose end.
  • These hose ends are each freely movable about their hose axis in the fitting hole, d. H. the diameter of a fitting hole is slightly larger than the outside diameter of the hose.
  • the second adapter is rotated about the longitudinal axis of the tube arrangement while the first adapter is held in place.
  • the rotation of the second fitting relative to the first fitting (n + 1/2) times, where n represents zero or an integer.
  • the second adapter is either with a half, one and a half times ... rotation twisted compared to the first adapter.
  • a 3.5-fold twisting of the individual tubes is particularly preferred.
  • the individual hoses themselves can remain stationary in this rotation due to their loose fit within the receiving bores. H. the individual hoses do not make any rotation about their own longitudinal axis, thus twisting in opposite directions within the receiving bores during this turning treatment.
  • the individual hoses are firmly connected to the second adapter, for example by an adhesive treatment. After connecting, the individual tubes remain in the rotated arrangement.
  • the individual hoses can of course be clamped into corresponding device parts, which are then rotated against each other.
  • hoses can then be glued directly to each other at their ends, without the use of adapters.
  • first ends of the tubes can also be connected to the inlet and outlet ports of the separation chamber to be used in the centrifuge, the other ends then being able to be rotated in relation to these fixed ends in the above manner.
  • the untwisting treatment of the individual tubes in the receiving bores can be promoted in the following way:
  • hose assembly according to the invention is shown at 10.
  • This hose arrangement consists of two individual hoses 12 and 14, which are shown in the unswoven state according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1a. These individual tubes each have a first end 16 and 18 and a second end 20 and 22.
  • the individual tubes consist of a polymeric material in the dimensions and Shore hardness degrees mentioned above.
  • ends are spoken in accordance with the invention, those tube ends are meant from which the tube regions which participate in the centrifugation treatment extend.
  • the second ends end on the one hand when the hose arrangement emerges from the centrifuge and on the other hand when the hose is returned to the central axis of the centrifuge, from which the individual hoses to the Separation containers extend.
  • the second ends 20 and 22 split again because they are located outside the centrifuge, but this need not necessarily be the case.
  • the first ends 16 and 18 split, since here the hose arrangement is returned to the axis of rotation of the centrifuge and there is no longer any need to subject the hose arrangement 10 to a twisting treatment.
  • the tube areas are arranged between the first ends 16 and 18 and the second ends 20 and 22, which have to be subjected to the untwisting treatment in the centrifuge free of mechanical seals.
  • the first ends 16 and 18 are fixed in a first holding piece 24 which has corresponding bores 26 and 28 for receiving the individual tubes 12 and 14.
  • the hoses 12 and 14 are glued into the bores 26 and 28, for example by thermal or solvent welding.
  • the second ends 20 and 22 are in one second holding piece 30, which has corresponding bores 32 and 34 for receiving the tubes 12 and 14. These holes 32 and 34 are shown in dashed lines in Fig 1a ⁇ .
  • the diameter of the bores 32 and 34 is somewhat larger than the outside diameter of the hoses 12 and 14, so that the hoses 12 and 14 can move and twist freely therein.
  • FIG. 1b the embodiment shown in FIG. 1a is now shown stranded along the longitudinal axis of the hose arrangement 10.
  • the second holding piece is rotated counterclockwise, while the first holding piece is prevented from rotating by holding it. Since the tubes 12 and 14 can freely rotate in the bores 32 and 34, only the tubes make the rotation about the common longitudinal axis, but do not twist themselves about their own axis.
  • the hose length between the two holding pieces 24 and 36 remains the same for both individual hoses 12 and 14.
  • the second holding piece 30 After the individual tubes 12 and 14 have reached their equilibrium position, which can be promoted, inter alia, by the second holding piece 30 along the common longitudinal axis to the first holding piece 24 advanced and then withdrawn back to the starting point without the rotation being canceled, the second ends 20 and 22 are firmly connected to the second holding piece 30, which in turn can be done by welding or clamping.
  • the hose arrangement 10 then remains in the rotated position of the two individual hoses 12 and 14.
  • FIG. 2 shows a further embodiment in which four individual tubes 36, 38, 40, 42 with a degree of stranding of 3.5 are arranged between a first holding piece 44 and a second holding piece 46.
  • the protruding ends of the individual hoses 36 - 42 have been omitted in FIG. 2.
  • Such an arrangement can be used, for example, for the separation of blood, the first tube for introducing the whole blood into the separation chamber and the other three tubes for withdrawing erythrocytes, the buffy-coat and the plasma.
  • the first and second holding pieces 44 and 46 in turn have corresponding bores, which are not shown in FIG. 2 for reasons of clarity. However, they can be seen in FIG. 3, in which the second holding piece 46 is shown in a top view.
  • the hose arrangement 35 shown in FIG. 2 has in turn been stranded with a degree of stranding of 3.5, so that the production method of this hose arrangement 35 corresponds to the production method of Hose arrangement 10 according to FIG. 1 corresponds. In this respect, reference is made to this.
  • This second holding piece 46 consists of a cylindrical part 48, which is adjoined by a collar 50, from which in turn a cylinder part 52 with a smaller diameter than the collar but larger cylindrical part 48 extends.
  • the cylindrical part 48, the collar 50 and the cylinder part 52 are provided with through holes 54 - four in the example case - in order to receive the individual hoses 36 - 42.
  • the collar 50 has a square design and is arranged in a correspondingly designed recess in the lid, not shown, of a centrifuge during the separation treatment. On the one hand, this ensures the correct position of the hose arrangement 35 and at the same time prevents the hose arrangement from twisting during centrifugation.

Landscapes

  • Centrifugal Separators (AREA)
  • Rigid Pipes And Flexible Pipes (AREA)
  • External Artificial Organs (AREA)
  • Shaping Of Tube Ends By Bending Or Straightening (AREA)
  • Tires In General (AREA)
  • Reciprocating Pumps (AREA)
  • Joints Allowing Movement (AREA)
  • Making Paper Articles (AREA)
  • Supports For Pipes And Cables (AREA)

Abstract

Multi-lumen tube arrangement for use in a sliding-seal-free centrifuge comprising a plurality of equilength individual tubes (12, 14, 36, 38, 40, 42) which after a twisting about the longitudinal axis of the tube arrangement (10) are each held fixed free of tension at their ends (16-18).

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft eine mehrlumige Schlauchanordnung zum Einsatz in einer gleitdichtungsfreien Zentrifuge, aufweisend mehrere, etwa gleichlange Einzelschläuche, die zur Längsachse der Schlauchanordnung zumindest in Teilbereichen herumgedreht und in fixierter Stellung angeordnet sind sowie ein Verfahren zu ihrer Herstellung.The invention relates to a multi-lumen tube arrangement for use in a centrifuge free of mechanical seals, comprising a plurality of individual tubes of approximately the same length, which are rotated around the longitudinal axis of the tube arrangement at least in some areas and arranged in a fixed position, and a method for their production.

Gleitdichtungsfreie Zentrifugen sind beispielsweise aus den DE-OSen 21 14 161 und 26 12 988 bekannt. Bei einer derartigen Zentrifuge erstreckt sich eine Schlauchanordnung von einem stationären Punkt um den Separationsbehälter herum zur anderen Seite des Separationsbehälters, der über eine Antriebseinheit in Drehung versetzt wird. Der Schlauch ist dabei mit der Antriebseinheit verbunden, die sich mit der halben Winkelgeschwindigkeit gegenüber dem Separationsbehälter dreht. Aufgrund der Verbindung mit der Antriebseinheit wird der Schlauch stetig um den Separationsbehälter herumgedreht und infolge der speziellen unterschiedlichen Antriebsgeschwindigkeiten zwischen der Antriebseinheit und dem Separationsbehälter entzwirnt. Insofern wird also eine Verdrillung oder gar ein Reißen des Schlauchs wirksam verhindert.Centrifuges without sliding seals are known, for example, from DE-OSen 21 14 161 and 26 12 988. In the case of such a centrifuge, a hose arrangement extends from a stationary point around the separation container to the other side of the separation container, which is set in rotation by a drive unit. The hose is connected to the drive unit, which rotates at half the angular velocity in relation to the separation container. Because of the connection to the drive unit, the hose is continuously rotated around the separation container and, due to the special different drive speeds, is twisted between the drive unit and the separation container. In this respect, twisting or even tearing of the hose is effectively prevented.

Wie aus DE-OS 26 12 988, Fig. 5, 8 und 9 ersichtlich ist, wird in die Zentrifuge ein Multilumenschlauch eingesetzt, der in einem einzigen Schlauch mehrere Flüssigkeitskanäle aufweist.As can be seen from DE-OS 26 12 988, Fig. 5, 8 and 9, a multi-lumen tube is used in the centrifuge, which has several liquid channels in a single tube.

Ein derartiger Multilumenschlauch weist jedoch mehrere Nachteile auf, zu denen u.a. die relativ aufwendige Herstellung und damit ein Preisnachteil gegenüber üblichen Schläuchen gehören. Da der Multilumenschlauch mehrere Kanäle aufweist, hat er einen relativ großen Durchmesser und wird hierdurch bereits relativ steif, so daß ein Material eingesetzt werden muß, das eine relativ geringe Shore-Härte aufweist. Zu diesem Zweck wird Weich-PVC eingesetzt, das beim Zentrifugieren in der oben genannten Zentrifuge infolge seiner relativ weichen Eigenschaften gedehnt wird. Infolgedessen ist der bekannte Multilumenschlauch auf eine Drehzahl von höchstens 1600 U/min beschränkt, da ansonsten die Fehler in der Schlauchführung zu groß werden. Desweiteren neigt ein derartiges weiches Material beim Schleudern in der Zentrifuge zu einer Verformung der einzelnen Kanäle, was zu einem teilweisen Verschließen bzw. leichten Verstopfen dieser Kanäle führen kann.However, such a multi-lumen tube has several disadvantages, which include the relatively complex manufacture and thus a price disadvantage compared to conventional hoses. Since the multi-lumen tube has several channels, it has a relatively large diameter and is therefore already relatively stiff, so that a material must be used which has a relatively low Shore hardness. For this purpose, soft PVC is used, which is stretched due to its relatively soft properties when centrifuging in the centrifuge mentioned above. As a result, the known multi-lumen tube is limited to a speed of at most 1600 rpm, since otherwise the errors in the tube routing become too large. Furthermore, such a soft material tends to deform the individual channels when spinning in the centrifuge, which can lead to a partial closure or slight blockage of these channels.

Bei der vorstehend beschriebenen gleitdichtungsfreien Zentrifuge wird der mehrlumige Schlauch bei seiner Mitnahme durch die Antriebseinheit stetig entdrillt. Dabei kommt die radial weiterliegende Außenseite des Schlauchs nach einer halben Umdrehung in der Zentrifuge aufgrund der Entdrillungsbehandlung auf die Innenseite zu liegen, während andererseits die Innenseite auf die Außenseite zu liegen kommt. Da der Schlauch selbst radial gekrümmt ist, macht er bei dieser Entdrillungsbehandlung stets eine Walkbehandlung mit, da der Schlauch stetig auf seiner Außenseite gelängt und auf seiner Innenseite zusammengedrückt wird. Die hierbei auftretenden Energien sind relativ groß und führen zu einem Temperaturanstieg des Schlauchs. Insofern muß diese Energie entweder durch das Zentrifugationsgut oder aber durch Führungsschläuche abgeführt werden.In the centrifuge free of mechanical seals described above, the multi-lumen tube is continuously untwisted when it is carried along by the drive unit. The radially further outside of the tube comes to lie on the inside after half a turn in the centrifuge due to the untwisting treatment, while on the other hand the inside comes to lie on the outside. Since the hose itself is radially curved, it always undergoes a flexing treatment during this untwisting treatment, since the hose is continuously elongated on the outside and compressed on the inside. The energies occurring here are relatively large and lead to an increase in the temperature of the hose. In this respect, this energy must be dissipated either through the centrifugation material or through guide hoses.

Derartige Führungsschläuche sind u.a. auch wegen der weichen Eigenschaften des angesetzten Schlauchs notwendig und führen zu dem Nachteil, daß geschlossene Zentrifugationssysteme, beispielsweise eine Separationskammer mit daran angeschlossenen Schläuchen und Versorgungsbeuteln, nicht oder nur sehr schwer in die Zentrifuge eingelegt werden können, da man entweder den Separationsbehälter oder das restliche Schlauchsystem durch die Führungseinrichtung hindurch fädeln muß.Such guide hoses include also necessary because of the soft properties of the attached tube and lead to the disadvantage that closed centrifugation systems, for example a separation chamber with attached tubes and supply bags, cannot be inserted into the centrifuge, or only with great difficulty, since either the separation container or the rest of the tube system must thread through the guide device.

Es sei schließlich noch darauf hingewiesen, daß die Wärme durch eine solche Führungseinrichtung schlecht abgeführt werden kann und daß die Reibung der Schläuche an den Innenrändern der Führungseinrichtung Wärme erzeugt, die abgesehen von dem zugleich auftretenden mechanischen Abtrieb den Schlauch negativ beeinflußt.Finally, it should be pointed out that the heat can be dissipated poorly by such a guide device and that the friction of the hoses on the inner edges of the guide device generates heat which, apart from the mechanical output which occurs at the same time, negatively influences the hose.

Aus der US-PS 43 89 207 ist eine mehrlumige Schlauchanordnung bekannt, bei der sämtliche Einzelschläuche zunächst an ihren beiden Enden in Anschlußteilen fixiert sind und anschließend um die Längsachse der Schlauchanordnung verdreht sind. Die Fixierung der so verdrehten Schläuche erfolgt durch ein Bindemittel in diesem verdrehten Zustand, indem die Einzelschläuche nicht nur um die Längsachse schraubenförmig, sondern auch gegenüber den Anschlußteilen um ihre eigene Einzelschlauchachse verdreht sind. Durch die Bindemittelfixierung über die gesamte Schlauchanordnung hinweg ergibt sich eine nahezu einstückige Schlauchanordnung, bei der sämtliche Schläuche während des Zentrifugierens der Gesamtbewegung der Schlauchanordnung folgen müssen. Dies führt zu einer erheblichen Walk- und Biegebeanspruchung der Einzelschläuche und somit zur Bruchgefahr bei länger dauerndem Zentrifugieren.From US-PS 43 89 207 a multi-lumen hose arrangement is known in which all the individual hoses are first fixed at their two ends in connecting parts and are then rotated about the longitudinal axis of the hose arrangement. The hoses twisted in this way are fixed in this twisted state by a binder, in that the individual hoses are not only helical about the longitudinal axis, but also twisted relative to the connecting parts about their own individual hose axis. The fixation of the binder over the entire hose arrangement results in an almost one-piece hose arrangement in which all hoses have to follow the overall movement of the hose arrangement during centrifugation. This leads to considerable flexing and bending stress on the individual hoses and thus to Risk of breakage when centrifuging for a long time.

Eine weitere Schlauchanordnung ist aus der EP-A 62 038 bekannt, bei der einzelne Schlauchbereiche materialmäßig verstärkt sind, um gegen Walk- und Biegebeanspruchung beständiger zu sein.Another hose arrangement is known from EP-A 62 038, in which individual hose regions are reinforced in terms of material in order to be more resistant to flexing and bending stress.

Der Erfindung liegt die Aufgabe zugrunde, die eingangs erwähnte Schlauchanordnung so fortzubilden, daß die Beanspruchung durch Walken oder Verbiegen beim Zentrifugieren möglichst gering gehalten wird.The invention has for its object to develop the aforementioned tube assembly so that the stress caused by flexing or bending during centrifugation is kept as low as possible.

Die Lösung der Aufgabe erfolgt daurch, daß die Einzelschläuche um ihre eigene Schlauchlängsachse torsionsfrei angeordnet sind, jeweils in zwei Endbereichen fixiert sind und in dem dazwischenliegenden Zwischenbereich gegeneinander frei beweglich sind.The object is achieved in that the individual tubes are arranged torsionally about their own tube longitudinal axis, are each fixed in two end regions and are freely movable relative to one another in the intermediate region between them.

Erfindungsgemäß besteht die mehrlumige Schlauchanordnung aus einer Mehrzahl von Einzelschläuchen, die zu der erfindungsgemäßen Schlauchanordnung zusammengefaßt sind. Hierdurch entfällt die komplizierte Herstellung einer einstückigen Multilumenanordnung, so daß die erfindungsgemäße Schlauchanordnung insgesamt wesentlich preisgünstiger herzustellen ist.According to the invention, the multi-lumen hose arrangement consists of a plurality of individual hoses which are combined to form the hose arrangement according to the invention. This eliminates the complicated manufacture of a one-piece multi-lumen arrangement, so that the hose arrangement according to the invention is generally much cheaper to produce.

Desweiteren sind die Einzelschläuche entweder um die Längsachse der Schlauchanordnung oder aber zu einer parallelen Achse zu dieser Längsachse herumgedreht. Diese gedrehte Anordnung verbessert die Stabilität der Schläuche untereinander, so daß ein Aufspleißen der Einzelschläuche und somit eine gegenseitige Behinderung in der Bewegung nicht auftreten kann, was ansonsten schnell zur Verdrillung und zum Abriß führen könnte.Furthermore, the individual hoses are either rotated around the longitudinal axis of the hose arrangement or to a parallel axis to this longitudinal axis. This rotated arrangement improves the stability of the hoses with one another, so that the individual hoses cannot be fanned out and thus mutual interference in the movement cannot occur, which could otherwise quickly lead to twisting and tearing.

Weiterhin sind die einzelnen Schläuche an ihren Enden jeweils in diesem gewundenen Zustand spannungsfrei aneinander fixiert. Dies hat zur Folge, daß der Einzelschlauch im gedrehten Zustand nicht um seine eigene Längsachse verdrillt ist, so daß die gesamte Anordnung nach der Fixierung im gedrehten Zustand verbleibt. Insofern besteht also nicht die Gefahr, daß sich die Schläuche in ihren ungedrehten Ausgangszustand zurückbegeben.Furthermore, the individual tubes are fixed to one another at their ends in this tortuous state without tension. This has the consequence that the individual tube is not twisted about its own longitudinal axis in the rotated state, so that the entire arrangement remains in the rotated state after being fixed. In this respect, there is therefore no risk that the hoses will return to their untwisted initial state.

Schließlich weisen die Schläuche eine im wesentlichen gleiche Länge auf. Demzufolge sind samtliche Schläuche zumindest in Teilbereichen zu etwa gleichen Anteilen um die Längsachse der Schlauchanordnung oder aber zu einer parallelen Achse hierzu gedreht. Hierdurch wird vermieden, daß etwa ein Schlauch als Hilfsträger für die anderen Schläuche dient, der samtliche Kräfte bei der Zentrifugationsbehandlung aufnimmt. Eine derartige nachteilige Anordnung ist beispielsweise in der eingangs erwähnten DE-OS 21 14 161 gezeigt, bei der der Hilfsträger zur Stabilisierung und zur Kraftableitung dient. Erfindungsgemäß nehmen samtliche Einzelschläuche an der Energiebilanz teil und stabilisieren sich somit gegenseitig.Finally, the hoses are of substantially the same length. As a result, all of the hoses are rotated, at least in partial areas, in approximately equal proportions about the longitudinal axis of the hose arrangement or else about a parallel axis thereto. This avoids that, for example, a tube serves as an auxiliary carrier for the other tubes, which absorbs all the forces during the centrifugation treatment. Such a disadvantageous arrangement is shown for example in the aforementioned DE-OS 21 14 161, in which the auxiliary carrier is used for stabilization and for power transmission. According to the invention, all individual hoses participate in the energy balance and thus stabilize each other.

Durch die Fixierung der Schläuche an ihren Enden erübrigt sich auch der Einsatz von flexiblen, nicht fest verklebten Bündelhilfen, beispielsweise Ringen, Plastikbändern, Klebestreifen und dgl., die üblicherweise dazu neigen, auf den Zentrifugenschläuchen zu verrutschen und ihre vorbestimmten Positionen zu verlassen.By fixing the hoses at their ends, the use of flexible, not firm, is also unnecessary glued bundle aids, for example rings, plastic tapes, adhesive strips and the like, which usually tend to slip on the centrifuge tubes and leave their predetermined positions.

Beim Einsatz der erfindungsgemäßen Schlauchanordnung in der eingangs erwähnten gleitdichtungsfreien Zentrifuge hat sich herausgestellt, daß die erfindungsgemäße Schlauchanordnung ohne weiteres bei einer Drehzahl von 2000 U/min und darüber eingesetzt werden kann. Die Schlauchanordnung bleibt dabei stabil und muß nicht in speziellen Führungshilfen geführt werden.When using the hose arrangement according to the invention in the centrifugal seal-free centrifuge mentioned at the outset, it has been found that the hose arrangement according to the invention can easily be used at a speed of 2000 rpm and above. The hose arrangement remains stable and does not have to be guided in special guide aids.

Die erfindungsgemäß eingesetzten Schläuche bestehen aus einem polymeren Material, insbesondere Polyamid, Polyethylen, Polypropylen, Polyurethan oder PVC, das insbesondere für medizinische Zwecke einsetzbar sein soll. Von diesen Materialien ist Polyamid bevorzugt.The hoses used according to the invention consist of a polymeric material, in particular polyamide, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyurethane or PVC, which should be used in particular for medical purposes. Of these materials, polyamide is preferred.

Wie bereits vorstehend erwähnt, soll dieses Material relativ starr sein, wobei die Shore-Härte R zwischen 60 und 80, insbesondere etwa R 70 betragen soll, d. h. die Schläuche sollen halbstarr bis nahezu starr sein.As already mentioned above, this material should be relatively rigid, the Shore hardness R should be between 60 and 80, in particular about R 70, i. H. the hoses should be semi-rigid to almost rigid.

Dabei können die Einzelschläuche im Beispielsfall einen Innendurchmesser von etwa 2 mm und einen Außendurchmesser von etwa 3,2 mm aufweisen.In the example, the individual hoses can have an inner diameter of approximately 2 mm and an outer diameter of approximately 3.2 mm.

Wegen ihrer relativ großen Härte zeichnen sich die erfindungsgemäß eingesetzten Einzelschläuche durch eine hohe Festigkeit, z. B. gegenüber Längung, Verknickung oder Abdrehen, aus. Desweiteren können die Innendurchmesser der Einzelschläuche über die gesamte Schlauchlänge im wesentlichen konstant gehalten werden, so daß also nicht die Gefahr des Verstopfens besteht.Because of their relatively high hardness, the individual hoses used according to the invention are characterized by high strength, for. B. against elongation, kinking or twisting. Furthermore, the inner diameter of the individual hoses can be kept substantially constant over the entire length of the hose, so that there is no risk of clogging.

Die erfindungsgemäße Schlauchanordnung weist üblicherweise 2 - 5 Einzelschläuche, vorzugsweise 3 oder 4 Einzelschläuche, auf.The hose arrangement according to the invention usually has 2-5 individual hoses, preferably 3 or 4 individual hoses.

Diese Einzelschläuche werden -wie vorstehend erwähnt-­zumindest in Teilbereichen um die Längsachse der Schlauchanordnung bzw. um eine parallele Achse hierzu herumgedreht, so daß ein in sich verdrehtes Bündel entsteht. Das Verdrehen erfolgt dabei nach den üblichen Methoden des Verseilens, Verhaspelns, Verdrillens oder Flechtens.As mentioned above, these individual hoses are rotated at least in partial areas around the longitudinal axis of the hose arrangement or around a parallel axis, so that a bundle twisted in itself is produced. The twisting takes place according to the usual methods of stranding, coiling, twisting or braiding.

Das Verseilen der Einzelschläuche erfolgt auf die folgende Weise:The individual tubes are stranded in the following way:

Die einen Enden der Einzelschläuche werden in einem ersten Adapter fixiert, beispielsweise durch Verkleben oder Verklemmen.The one ends of the individual hoses are fixed in a first adapter, for example by gluing or jamming.

Die anderen Enden der losen Einzelschläuche werden in einen zweiten Adapter eingeführt, der entsprechende Aufnahmebohrungen (Paßlöcher) für das jeweilige Schlauchende aufweist. Diese Schlauchenden sind dabei jeweils um ihre Schlauchachse in dem Paßloch frei beweglich, d. h. der Durchmesser eines Paßloches ist etwas größer als der Außendurchmesser des Schlauchs.The other ends of the loose individual hoses are inserted into a second adapter, which has corresponding receiving bores (fitting holes) for the respective hose end. These hose ends are each freely movable about their hose axis in the fitting hole, d. H. the diameter of a fitting hole is slightly larger than the outside diameter of the hose.

Um das Schlauchbündel nunmehr zu verdrehen, wird der zweite Adapter um die Längsachse der Schlauchanordnung gedreht, während der erste Adapter festgehalten wird. Gemäß einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform erfolgt die Drehung des zweiten Paßstücks gegenüber dem ersten Paßstück (n + 1/2)-fach, wobei n Null oder eine ganze Zahl darstellt. Insofern wird also der zweite Adapter entweder mit einer halben, eineinhalbfachen ...-Drehung gegenüber dem ersten Adapter verdreht. Besonders bevorzugt ist erfindungsgemäß eine 3,5-fache Verdrehung der Einzelschläuche.To twist the tube bundle, the second adapter is rotated about the longitudinal axis of the tube arrangement while the first adapter is held in place. According to a preferred embodiment, the rotation of the second fitting relative to the first fitting (n + 1/2) times, where n represents zero or an integer. In this respect, the second adapter is either with a half, one and a half times ... rotation twisted compared to the first adapter. According to the invention, a 3.5-fold twisting of the individual tubes is particularly preferred.

Die Einzelschläuche selbst können bei dieser Drehung durch ihren losen Sitz innerhalb der Aufnahmebohrungen raumstationär bleiben, d. h. die Einzelschläuche machen dabei keinerlei Drehung um ihre eigene Längsachse mit, verdrehen sich somit bei dieser Drehbehandlung innerhalb der Aufnahmebohrungen gegensinnig.The individual hoses themselves can remain stationary in this rotation due to their loose fit within the receiving bores. H. the individual hoses do not make any rotation about their own longitudinal axis, thus twisting in opposite directions within the receiving bores during this turning treatment.

Nach dem Verdrehen werden die Einzelschläuche mit dem zweiten Adapter fest verbunden, beispielsweise durch eine Klebebehandlung. Nach dem Verbinden verbleiben die Einzelschläuche in der gedrehten Anordnung.After twisting, the individual hoses are firmly connected to the second adapter, for example by an adhesive treatment. After connecting, the individual tubes remain in the rotated arrangement.

An Stelle der Adapter können die Einzelschläuche natürlich in entsprechende Vorrichtungsteile eingespannt werden, die dann gegeneinander verdreht werden.Instead of the adapter, the individual hoses can of course be clamped into corresponding device parts, which are then rotated against each other.

Schließlich können die Schläuche untereinander jeweils an ihren Enden dann direkt verklebt werden, ohne daß ein Einsatz von Adaptern notwendig wäre.Finally, the hoses can then be glued directly to each other at their ends, without the use of adapters.

Schließlich können auch die ersten Enden der Schläuche mit den Eingangs- und Ausgangsstutzen der in der Zentrifuge einzusetzenden Separationskammer verbunden werden, wobei die anderen Enden dann in der vorstehenden Weise wiederum gegenüber diesen festgelegten Enden verdreht werden können.Finally, the first ends of the tubes can also be connected to the inlet and outlet ports of the separation chamber to be used in the centrifuge, the other ends then being able to be rotated in relation to these fixed ends in the above manner.

Gemäß einer weiteren vorteilhaften Ausführungsform kann die Entdrillungsbehandlung der Einzelschläuche in den Aufnahmebohrungen auf folgende Weise begünstigt werden:According to a further advantageous embodiment, the untwisting treatment of the individual tubes in the receiving bores can be promoted in the following way:

Man schiebt den losen zweiten Adapter vor oder nach dem Verdrehen in Richtung des fixierten Adapters, führt gegebenenfalls die Verdrehungsbehandlung durch und verschiebt anschließend den zweiten Adapter wieder zu den zweiten Enden zurück. Gegebenenfalls kann diese Verschiebungsbehandlung mehrfach durchgeführt werden, um hierdurch ein Entdrillen der Einzelschläuche weiter zu begünstigen.You slide the loose second adapter before or after Twisting in the direction of the fixed adapter, if necessary, carries out the twisting treatment and then shifts the second adapter back to the second ends. If necessary, this displacement treatment can be carried out several times in order to further promote untwisting of the individual tubes.

Nachfolgend werden zwei Ausführungsbeispiele unter Bezugnahme auf die Zeichnung beschrieben.Two exemplary embodiments are described below with reference to the drawing.

Es zeigen

  • Fig. 1a perspektivisch zwei Einzelschläuche mit Adaptern, die unverseilt sind,
  • Fig. 1b zwei Einzelschläuche, die mit 3,5 Umdrehungen verseilt sind,
  • Fig. 2 vier Einzelschläuche die mit 3,5 Umdrehungen verseilt sind, und
  • Fig. 3 eine Draufsicht auf den gemäß 2 eingesetzten Adapter.
Show it
  • 1a perspective two individual tubes with adapters that are not stranded,
  • 1b two individual tubes that are stranded with 3.5 revolutions,
  • Fig. 2 four individual hoses which are stranded with 3.5 revolutions, and
  • Fig. 3 is a plan view of the adapter used according to 2.

In Fig. 1 ist die erfindungsgemäße Schlauchanordnung mit 10 gezeigt. Diese Schlauchanordnung besteht aus zwei Einzelschläuchen 12 und 14, die gemäß der in Fig. 1a gezeigten Ausführungsform im unverseilten Zustand dargestellt sind. Diese Einzelschläuche weisen jeweils ein erstes Ende 16 und 18 und ein zweites Ende 20 und 22 auf.In Fig. 1, the hose assembly according to the invention is shown at 10. This hose arrangement consists of two individual hoses 12 and 14, which are shown in the unswoven state according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1a. These individual tubes each have a first end 16 and 18 and a second end 20 and 22.

Die Einzelschläuche bestehen - wie vorstehend erwähnt - ­aus einem polymeren Material in den vorstehend erwähnten Abmessungen und Shore-Härtegraden.As mentioned above, the individual tubes consist of a polymeric material in the dimensions and Shore hardness degrees mentioned above.

Soweit erfindungsgemäß von Enden gesprochen wird, sind diejenigen Schlauchenden gemeint, von denen sich die Schlauchbereiche erstrecken, die an der Zentrifugationsbehandlung teilnehmen. Wird die erfindungsgemäße Schlauchanordnung 10 bei der Zentrifuge gemäß DE-OS 26 12 988 eingesetzt, so enden die zweiten Enden beim Austritt der Schlauchanordnung aus der Zentrifuge einerseits und bei der Rückführung des Schlauchs zur Zentralachse der Zentrifuge andererseits, von der sich die einzelnen Schläuche zu den Separationsbehältern erstrecken.Insofar as ends are spoken in accordance with the invention, those tube ends are meant from which the tube regions which participate in the centrifugation treatment extend. If the hose arrangement 10 according to the invention is used in the centrifuge according to DE-OS 26 12 988, the second ends end on the one hand when the hose arrangement emerges from the centrifuge and on the other hand when the hose is returned to the central axis of the centrifuge, from which the individual hoses to the Separation containers extend.

Wie in Fig. 1a gezeigt, spalten sich daher die zweiten Enden 20 und 22 wieder auf, da sie außerhalb der Zentrifuge angeordnet sind, was jedoch nicht notwendigerweise der Fall sein muß.As shown in Fig. 1a, the second ends 20 and 22 split again because they are located outside the centrifuge, but this need not necessarily be the case.

Desgleichen spalten sich die ersten Enden 16 und 18 auf, da hier die Schlauchanordnung zur Rotationsachse der Zentrifuge zurückgeführt ist und insofern keine Notwendigkeit mehr besteht, die Schlauchanordnung 10 einer Entdrillungsbehandlung zu unterziehen. Insofern sind zwischen den ersten Enden 16 und 18 und den zweiten Enden 20 und 22 die Schlauchbereiche angeordnet, die bei der gleitdichtungsfreien Zentrifuge der Entdrillungsbehandlung unterzogen werden müssen.Likewise, the first ends 16 and 18 split, since here the hose arrangement is returned to the axis of rotation of the centrifuge and there is no longer any need to subject the hose arrangement 10 to a twisting treatment. In this respect, the tube areas are arranged between the first ends 16 and 18 and the second ends 20 and 22, which have to be subjected to the untwisting treatment in the centrifuge free of mechanical seals.

Die ersten Enden 16 und 18 sind in einem ersten Haltestück 24 fixiert, das zur Aufnahme der Einzelschläuche 12 und 14 entsprechende Bohrungen 26 und 28 aufweist. In die Bohrungen 26 und 28 sind die Schläuche 12 und 14 eingeklebt, beispielsweise durch termisches oder Lösungsmittel-Schweißen.The first ends 16 and 18 are fixed in a first holding piece 24 which has corresponding bores 26 and 28 for receiving the individual tubes 12 and 14. The hoses 12 and 14 are glued into the bores 26 and 28, for example by thermal or solvent welding.

Die zweiten Enden 20 und 22 befinden sich in einem zweiten Haltestück 30, das hierzu entsprechende Bohrungen 32 und 34 zur Aufnahme der Schläuche 12 und 14 aufweist. Diese Bohrungen 32 und 34 sind in Fig 1aʹ strichliert dargestellt.The second ends 20 and 22 are in one second holding piece 30, which has corresponding bores 32 and 34 for receiving the tubes 12 and 14. These holes 32 and 34 are shown in dashed lines in Fig 1aʹ.

Wie bereits vorstehend beschrieben, ist der Durchmesser der Bohrungen 32 und 34 etwas größer als der Außendurchmesser der Schläuche 12 und 14, so daß sich die Schläuche 12 und 14 hierin frei bewegen und verdrehen können.As already described above, the diameter of the bores 32 and 34 is somewhat larger than the outside diameter of the hoses 12 and 14, so that the hoses 12 and 14 can move and twist freely therein.

In Fig. 1b ist nunmehr die in Fig. 1a gezeigte Ausführungsform entlang der Längsachse der Schlauchanordnung 10 verseilt dargestellt. Hierzu wird, wie in Fig.1a durch den Pfeil dargestellt, das zweite Haltestück gegen den Uhrzeigersinn gedreht, während das erste Haltestück am Drehen durch Festhalten gehindert wird. Da sich die Schläuche 12 und 14 in den Bohrungen 32 und 34 frei verdrehen können, machen lediglich die Schläuche die Verdrehung um die gemeinsame Längsachse mit, verdrillen sich jedoch selbst nicht um ihre eigene Achse.1b, the embodiment shown in FIG. 1a is now shown stranded along the longitudinal axis of the hose arrangement 10. For this purpose, as shown by the arrow in FIG. 1a, the second holding piece is rotated counterclockwise, while the first holding piece is prevented from rotating by holding it. Since the tubes 12 and 14 can freely rotate in the bores 32 and 34, only the tubes make the rotation about the common longitudinal axis, but do not twist themselves about their own axis.

Wie weiterhin aus Fig. 1b ersichtlich ist, bleibt die Schlauchlänge zwischen den beiden Haltestücken 24 und 36 bei beiden Einzelschläuchen 12 und 14 gleich.As can also be seen from FIG. 1b, the hose length between the two holding pieces 24 and 36 remains the same for both individual hoses 12 and 14.

Weiterhin ist aus Fig. 1b ersichtlich, daß die Verseilung der Einzelschläuche mit 3,5 Umdrehungen des zweiten Haltestücks 30 gegenüber dem ersten Haltestück 24 erfolgt.It can also be seen from FIG. 1 b that the individual tubes are stranded with 3.5 revolutions of the second holding piece 30 compared to the first holding piece 24.

Nachdem die Einzelschläuche 12 und 14 ihre Gleichgewichtslage eingenommen haben, was u.a. dadurch begünstigt werden kann, daß das zweite Haltestück 30 entlang der gemeinsamen Längsachse zum ersten Haltestück 24 vorgeschoben und anschließend wieder zum Ausgangspunkt zurückgezogen wird, ohne daß die Verdrehung aufgehoben würde, werden auch die zweiten Enden 20 und 22 mit dem zweiten Haltestück 30 fest verbunden, was wiederum durch Einschweißen oder Einklemmen geschehen kann.After the individual tubes 12 and 14 have reached their equilibrium position, which can be promoted, inter alia, by the second holding piece 30 along the common longitudinal axis to the first holding piece 24 advanced and then withdrawn back to the starting point without the rotation being canceled, the second ends 20 and 22 are firmly connected to the second holding piece 30, which in turn can be done by welding or clamping.

In der einmal fixierten Form verbleibt dann die Schlauchanordnung 10 in der gedrehten Position der beiden Einzelschläuche 12 und 14.In the form once fixed, the hose arrangement 10 then remains in the rotated position of the two individual hoses 12 and 14.

In Fig. 2 ist eine weitere Ausführungsform gezeigt, in der vier Einzelschläuche 36, 38, 40, 42 mit einem Verseilungsgrad von 3,5 zwischen einem ersten Haltestück 44 und einem zweiten Haltestück 46 angeordnet sind. Aus Übersichtlichkeitszwecken sind dabei die überstehenden Enden der Einzelschläuche 36 - 42 in Fig. 2 weggelassen worden.2 shows a further embodiment in which four individual tubes 36, 38, 40, 42 with a degree of stranding of 3.5 are arranged between a first holding piece 44 and a second holding piece 46. For the sake of clarity, the protruding ends of the individual hoses 36 - 42 have been omitted in FIG. 2.

Eine derartige Anordnung kann beispielsweise zur Separation von Blut eingesetzt werden, wobei der erste Schlauch zur Einführung des Vollbluts in die Separationskammer und die anderen drei Schläuche zum Abziehen von Erythrozyten, der buffy-coat und des Plasmas eingesetzt werden können.Such an arrangement can be used, for example, for the separation of blood, the first tube for introducing the whole blood into the separation chamber and the other three tubes for withdrawing erythrocytes, the buffy-coat and the plasma.

Die ersten und zweiten Haltestücke 44 und 46 weisen dabei wiederum entsprechende Bohrungen auf, die in Fig. 2 aus Übersichtlichkeitszwecken nicht gezeigt sind. Sie sind jedoch in Fig. 3 zu ersehen, in dem das zweite Haltestück 46 in der Draufsicht gezeigt ist.The first and second holding pieces 44 and 46 in turn have corresponding bores, which are not shown in FIG. 2 for reasons of clarity. However, they can be seen in FIG. 3, in which the second holding piece 46 is shown in a top view.

Auch die in Fig. 2 gezeigte Schlauchanordnung 35 ist wiederum mit einem Verseilungsgrad von 3,5 verseilt worden, so daß die Herstellungsweise dieser Schlauchanordnung 35 der Herstellungsweise der Schlauchanordnung 10 gemäß Fig. 1 entspricht. Insofern wird hierauf Bezug genommen.The hose arrangement 35 shown in FIG. 2 has in turn been stranded with a degree of stranding of 3.5, so that the production method of this hose arrangement 35 corresponds to the production method of Hose arrangement 10 according to FIG. 1 corresponds. In this respect, reference is made to this.

In Fig. 3 ist das zweite Haltestück 46 in der Draufsicht gezeigt. Dieses zweite Haltestück 46 besteht aus einem zylinderförmigen Teil 48, an das sich ein Bund 50 anschließt, von dem wiederum ein Zylinderteil 52 mit einem gegenüber dem Bund geringeren, jedoch dem zylinderförmigen Teil 48 größeren Durchmesser abgeht. Das zylinderförmige Teil 48, der Bund 50 und das Zylinderteil 52 sind mit Durchbohrungen 54 - im Beispielsfall vier - versehen, um die Einzelschläuche 36 - 42 aufzunehmen.3 shows the second holding piece 46 in a top view. This second holding piece 46 consists of a cylindrical part 48, which is adjoined by a collar 50, from which in turn a cylinder part 52 with a smaller diameter than the collar but larger cylindrical part 48 extends. The cylindrical part 48, the collar 50 and the cylinder part 52 are provided with through holes 54 - four in the example case - in order to receive the individual hoses 36 - 42.

Der Bund 50 ist gemäß der in Fig. 3 gezeigten Ausführungsform quadratisch ausgeführt und wird in eine entsprechend ausgebildete Ausnehmung im nichtgezeigten Deckel einer Zentrifuge bei der Separationsbehandlung angeordnet. Hierdurch wird zum einen die richtige Lage der Schlauchanordnung 35 sichergestellt und zugleich ein Verdrehen der Schlauchanordnung beim Zentrifugieren verhindert.According to the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the collar 50 has a square design and is arranged in a correspondingly designed recess in the lid, not shown, of a centrifuge during the separation treatment. On the one hand, this ensures the correct position of the hose arrangement 35 and at the same time prevents the hose arrangement from twisting during centrifugation.

Claims (14)

1. Mehrlumige Schlauchanordnung zum Einsatz in einer gleitdichtungsfreien Zentrifuge, aufweisend mehrere, etwa gleichlange Einzelschläuche, die zur Längsachse der Schlauchanordnung zumindest in Teilbereichen herumgedreht und in fixierter Stellung angeordnet sind, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Einzelschläuche (12, 14, 36, 38, 40, 42) um ihre eigene Schlauchlängsachse torsionsfrei angeordnet sind, jeweils in zwei Endbereichen (16-22) fixiert sind und in dem dazwischenliegenden Zwischenbereich gegeneinander frei beweglich sind.1. Multi-lumen hose arrangement for use in a centrifuge free of mechanical seals, comprising a plurality of individual hoses of approximately the same length, which are rotated around the longitudinal axis of the hose arrangement at least in partial areas and arranged in a fixed position, characterized in that the individual hoses (12, 14, 36, 38, 40 , 42) are arranged around their own hose longitudinal axis without torsion, are each fixed in two end regions (16-22) and are freely movable relative to one another in the intermediate region between them. 2. Schlauchanordnung nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die einen Enden (16, 18) der Einzelschläuche (12, 14, 36, 38, 40, 42) gegenüber den anderen Enden (20, 22) um n + 1/2-Drehungen, wobei n Null oder eine ganze Zahl ist, verdreht sind.2. Hose arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that the one ends (16, 18) of the individual hoses (12, 14, 36, 38, 40, 42) relative to the other ends (20, 22) by n + 1 / 2- Rotations, where n is zero or an integer, are rotated. 3. Schlauchanordnung nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, da­durch gekennzeichnet, daß die Einzelschläuche (12, 14, 36, 38, 40, 42) zwischen den beiden fixierten Endbereichen (16-22) zumindest in Teilbereichen gegenseitig umeinander verschlungen sind.3. Hose arrangement according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the individual hoses (12, 14, 36, 38, 40, 42) between the two fixed end regions (16-22) are intertwined with one another at least in partial regions. 4. Schlauchanordnung nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, da­durch gekennzeichnet, daß mindestens einer der Einzelschläuche (12, 14, 36, 38, 40, 42) um mindestens einen anderen Einzelschlauch zumindest in Teilbereichen umeinander verschlungen ist.4. Hose arrangement according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that at least one of the individual hoses (12, 14, 36, 38, 40, 42) is entwined around at least one other individual hose at least in some areas. 5. Schlauchanordnung nach Anspruch 3 oder 4, da­durch gekennzeichnet, daß die Verschlingung als Verseilung oder Verflechtung ausgebildet ist.5. Hose arrangement according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the interlacing is designed as a stranding or intertwining. 6. Schlauchanordnung nach einem der Ansprüche 1 - 5, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Endbereiche (16-22) der Schläuche (12, 14, 36, 38, 40, 42) in wenigstens einem Haltestück (24, 30, 44, 46) fixiert sind, das eine Mehrzahl von Bohrungen (26, 28, 32, 34, 54) zur Aufnahme der Einzelschläuche (12, 14, 36, 38, 40, 42) aufweist, wobei der Durchmesser dieser Bohrungen (26, 28, 32, 34, 54) etwas größer ist als der jeweilige Schlauchdurchmesser.6. Hose arrangement according to one of claims 1-5, characterized in that the end regions (16-22) of the hoses (12, 14, 36, 38, 40, 42) in at least one holding piece (24, 30, 44, 46) fixed, which has a plurality of bores (26, 28, 32, 34, 54) for receiving the individual hoses (12, 14, 36, 38, 40, 42), the diameter of these bores (26, 28, 32, 34, 54) is slightly larger than the respective hose diameter. 7. Schlauchanordnung nach einem der Ansprüche 1 - 6, gekennzeichnet durch 2 - 5, insbesondere 3 oder 4 Einzelschläuche (12, 14, 36, 38, 40, 42).7. Hose arrangement according to one of claims 1-6, characterized by 2-5, in particular 3 or 4 individual hoses (12, 14, 36, 38, 40, 42). 8. Schlauchanordnung nach Anspruch 6, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Schlauchenden (16 - 22) in die Haltestücke (24, 30, 44, 46) eingeklebt, eingeschweißt oder eingeklemmt sind.8. Hose arrangement according to claim 6, characterized in that the hose ends (16 - 22) in the holding pieces (24, 30, 44, 46) are glued, welded or clamped. 9. Schlauchanordnung nach einem der Ansprüche 1 - 8, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß das Material der Einzelschläuche (12, 14, 36, 38, 40, 42) aus Polyamid, Polyethylen, Polypropylen, Polyurethan oder PVC besteht.9. Hose arrangement according to one of claims 1-8, characterized in that the material of the individual hoses (12, 14, 36, 38, 40, 42) consists of polyamide, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyurethane or PVC. 10. Schlauchanordnung nach Anspruch 9, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß das Material eine Shore-Härte R von 60 - 80, insbesonder etwa 70 aufweist.10. Hose arrangement according to claim 9, characterized in that the material has a Shore hardness R of 60-80, in particular approximately 70 having. 11. Schlauchanordnung nach Anspruch 2, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Verdrehung der Einzelschläuche etwa 3,5-fach ist.11. Hose arrangement according to claim 2, characterized in that the rotation of the individual hoses is approximately 3.5 times. 12. Verfahren zur Herstellung einer mehrlumigen Schlauchanordnung nach Anspruch 1, bei dem man mehrere, gleichlange Einzelschläuche zur Längsachse der Schlauchanordnung zumindest in Teilbereichen herumdreht und anschließend in dieser Stellung fixiert,
dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß man während des Verdrehens die Einzelschläuche (12, 14, 36, 38, 40, 42) torsionsfrei sich entspannen läßt und nach Abschluß der Verdrehbehandlung die Schlauchanordnung jeweils in zwei Endbereichen (16-22) fixiert.12. A method for producing a multi-lumen tube arrangement according to claim 1, in which one turns several, equally long individual tubes to the longitudinal axis of the tube arrangement at least in partial areas and then fixes them in this position,
characterized in that the individual hoses (12, 14, 36, 38, 40, 42) are allowed to relax in torsion-free manner during the twisting and, after the twisting treatment has been completed, the hose arrangement is fixed in two end regions (16-22). 13. Verfahren nach Anspruch 12, dadurch ge­kennzeichnet, daß man die Enden (16 - 22) der Einzelschläuche (12, 14, 36, 38, 40, 42) jeweils in ein Haltestück (24, 30, 44, 46) einsetzt, das eine Mehrzahl von Bohrungen (32, 34) zur Aufnahme der Einzelschläuche aufweist, wobei der Durchmesser der Bohrungen (24, 28, 32, 34) größer ist als der Außendurchmesser der Einzelschläuche (12, 14, 36, 38, 40, 42), so daß sich die Einzelschläuche (12, 14, 36, 38, 40, 42) bei der Verdrehbehandlung torsionsfrei entspannen können, und nach dem Verdrehen in diesen Haltestücken (24, 30, 44, 46) fixiert.13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that one uses the ends (16 - 22) of the individual tubes (12, 14, 36, 38, 40, 42) in each case in a holding piece (24, 30, 44, 46), the has a plurality of bores (32, 34) for receiving the individual hoses, the diameter of the bores (24, 28, 32, 34) being larger than the outside diameter of the individual hoses (12, 14, 36, 38, 40, 42), so that the individual tubes (12, 14, 36, 38, 40, 42) can relax without torsion during the twisting treatment, and after twisting they are fixed in these holding pieces (24, 30, 44, 46). 14. Verfahren nach Anspruch 13, dadurch ge­kennzeichnet, daß man die Schlauchenden (16, 18) im ersten Haltestück (24, 44) fixiert, das erste Haltestück (24, 44) festhält und das zweite Haltestück (30, 46), in dem die Einzel- schläuche (12, 14, 36, 38, 40, 42) zunächst lose gehalten sind, gegen das erste Haltestück (24, 44) vor oder nach dem Verdrehen zumindest einmal verschiebt, anschließend zur Ausgangsposition zurückzieht und danach die Fixierungsbehandlung durchführt.14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that one fixes the hose ends (16, 18) in the first holding piece (24, 44), the holds the first holding piece (24, 44) and the second holding piece (30, 46), in which the individual tubes (12, 14, 36, 38, 40, 42) are initially held loosely, against the first holding piece (24, 44 ) shifts at least once before or after twisting, then pulls back to the starting position and then carries out the fixation treatment.
EP87112616A 1986-09-23 1987-08-29 Multiple tubing arrangement and its manufacturing method Expired - Lifetime EP0261446B2 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE3632241 1986-09-23
DE19863632241 DE3632241A1 (en) 1986-09-23 1986-09-23 MULTIPLE HOSE ARRANGEMENT AND METHOD FOR THE PRODUCTION THEREOF

Publications (4)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0261446A2 true EP0261446A2 (en) 1988-03-30
EP0261446A3 EP0261446A3 (en) 1989-05-24
EP0261446B1 EP0261446B1 (en) 1991-06-26
EP0261446B2 EP0261446B2 (en) 1995-07-12

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Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP87112616A Expired - Lifetime EP0261446B2 (en) 1986-09-23 1987-08-29 Multiple tubing arrangement and its manufacturing method

Country Status (6)

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US (1) US4865081A (en)
EP (1) EP0261446B2 (en)
JP (1) JPH07108378B2 (en)
AT (1) ATE64697T1 (en)
DE (2) DE3632241A1 (en)
ES (1) ES2022238T5 (en)

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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
ES2022238T5 (en) 1995-10-01
JPS63205168A (en) 1988-08-24
DE3771022D1 (en) 1991-08-01
ES2022238B3 (en) 1991-12-01
EP0261446B1 (en) 1991-06-26
US4865081A (en) 1989-09-12
EP0261446B2 (en) 1995-07-12
ATE64697T1 (en) 1991-07-15
JPH07108378B2 (en) 1995-11-22
EP0261446A3 (en) 1989-05-24
DE3632241A1 (en) 1988-06-09
DE3632241C2 (en) 1989-10-26

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