JP2018536537A - Hollow fiber membrane filtration device and manufacturing method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

In particular, a hollow fiber membrane filtration device (1) for body fluids comprising a bundle (3) of hollow fibers (4) and a housing (2) extending the length of the bundle (3) of hollow fibers (4) is provided. To do. The housing (2) defines an internal space (7) of a bundle (3) of hollow fibers (4), both ends of which are embedded in a potting compound (9). The housing (2) has at least one shape-fitting means (16) having a free end (16b), the shape-fitting means (16) being at least partially filled with a potting compound (9). Yes. The shape fitting means (16) is formed of two or three or more protrusions (16a) which are spaced apart from each other and connected at one end to the housing wall (6). Starting from an orthogonal line (20) with respect to the central longitudinal axis (10) of the housing (2), the protrusion (16a) has an angle of inclination "one end in the housing and the other end towards the filtration device (1)". It is inclined by α ”.

Description

  The present invention relates to a hollow fiber membrane filtration device for body fluids with a housing having a housing wall extending along the length of the bundle of hollow fibers and the bundle of hollow fibers based on the superordinate concept of claim 1 The housing defines an interior in which a bundle of hollow fibers is disposed, the ends of the bundle of hollow fibers being potted in a potting compound, the housing inside at least one shape-fitting means having a free end The shape fitting means is at least partially filled with a potting compound. According to claim 15 of the present invention, it relates to a method of manufacturing a hollow fiber membrane device.

  EP 0 305 687 B1 (Patent Document 1) discloses a filtration device, both ends of which are disc-shaped curable potting compounds, each of which is an intermediate ring not bonded to the potting compound. A device surrounded by is disclosed. In this case, the ring is made of polypropylene (PP), for example, and the potting compound is made of polyurethane (PUR), for example. This relatively complex means should ensure tensionless shrinkage of the potting compound, thereby preventing stress cracking of the potting compound. Furthermore, the disc-shaped potting compound is supported so that movement in the longitudinal direction is prevented. This is done by a radially oriented flange of the ring. Such longitudinal forces are particularly noticeable when the hollow fibers are cut and opened after potting the ends of the hollow fiber bundles in a potting compound and cured. From EP 0 844 015 B1 a filter device with a housing is known, which housing has axial elastic teeth or elastic protrusions, on their side they are And an annular space disposed in the housing. Notches or notches between teeth-like or ridge-like protrusions are partially incorporated into the potting compound, thereby ensuring a stress-free contraction of the potting compound, and between the protrusion and the potting compound. A predetermined shape fit is achieved. The tooth-like or ridge-like protrusion can have a protrusion directed radially outward at its end. The housing is made of a material that does not form an intimate adhesive bond with, for example, polyurethane (PUR) potting compound, such as polypropylene (PP). From European Patent No. 1 926 546 B1 (Patent Document 3), a free-running axial notch similar to the filter device of the aforementioned European Patent No. 0 844 015B1 (Patent Document 2) Or devices having toothed or ridged projections of the housing of the filtration device formed by indentations, the housing having projections extending from these between the toothed or ridged projections, They extend to adjacent teeth or ridges. From US Pat. No. 5,472,601 A (Patent Document 4) a filtration device is known in which the housing has a coupling element in the form of a so-called stop ring, which ring is potted into a potting compound, Its thickness starts from the housing wall and increases from radially outward to radially inward. From US 2005/0115885, a filtration device with a housing is known, which is radially inward and an annular anchor embedded in a potting compound. It has a ring with elements.

  Additional filtration devices of the general type are described in U.S. Patent Application No. 2015 / 0165106A1, U.S. Pat. No. 6,830,685B2, U.S. Pat. No. 6,166,617 A1. It is also known from the specification (Patent Document 8) and Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2000005161305A (Patent Document 9). US Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0165106 A1 (Patent Document 6) describes a filtration device or a capillary dialysis device, which is attached to each end of the housing of the filtration device and potted in a potting compound. With a supporting ring. A plurality of ribs are formed on the support ring so as to be evenly distributed around the periphery thereof. U.S. Pat. No. 6,830,685 B2 describes a filtration device having rings with annular anchors firmly attached to the housing at both ends of the housing. The anchor is potted in the potting compound. The ring with the anchor is made of polypropylene (PP) and the potting compound is made of polyurethane (PUR). EP 1616617 A1 (Patent Document 8) describes a filtering device, both ends of which have an annular body with an annular projection directed radially inward. In order to realize a fluid passage or channel between the housing wall and the annular body, the annular bodies are each arranged in a distributed manner around the circumference of the annular body under the intermediary and facing radially outward In other words, the protrusions are supported by the housing of the filtration device at intervals.

  At least the radially inward annular projection is received by a sealing element not described in detail. Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2005005161305A (Patent Document 9) describes a filtration device having a cylindrical housing, which is formed on the cap side according to an annular cage, In the same way, the cage comprises rod elements arranged axially distributed around its circumference, the two ends of which are connected to each other. An annular space is always formed between the cage and the cap that seals the housing. The cage incision formed between the rod elements is partially embedded in the potting resin.

  All of these solutions known from the prior art are, for example, not limited in the stress that occurs when opening the end of a hollow fiber by trimming the end of the hollow fiber and / or compared to implement. Expensive.

European Patent No. 0 305 687B1 European Patent No. 0 844 015B1 EP 1 926 546 B1 US Pat. No. 5,472,601A US Patent Application Publication No. 2005/0115885 US Patent Application No. 2015 / 0165106A1 US Pat. No. 6,830,685B2 European Patent Application No. 1616617A1 Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2005005161305A Specification

  Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a hollow fiber membrane filtration device that is improved in terms of the prior art, maintaining the advantages of the prior art in a particularly simple manner, and with the housing of the filtration device and the potting compound. To ensure a robust bond between. Furthermore, the subject of this invention is providing the manufacturing method which can be implemented especially easily and cheaply of such a hollow fiber membrane filtration apparatus.

  This object is achieved by a universal device according to the features of claim 1. Further embodiments of the invention are the subject of dependent claims 2-14.

  Therefore, the object of the present invention is to combine the features in the superordinate concept of claim 1 with the housing defining an internal space in which a bundle of hollow fibers is arranged, the hollow fiber bundle having both ends thereof in the potting compound. The device is embedded and the housing has at least one shape-fitting means having a free end on the inside, the shape-fitting means being at least partially fitted from a potting compound, the device comprising at least one Two shape fitting means are formed of two or more protrusions arranged at a distance from each other when viewed in the circumferential direction of the housing and connected at one end to the housing wall, The protrusions start from a virtual orthogonal line that penetrates the connection area of the associated protrusion with respect to the housing wall, and each is inclined at a predetermined angle into the interior of the housing. In square "alpha", characterized in that it is formed to be inclined toward one end or the other end of the filtration device, is solved by the hollow fiber membrane filtration system.

  Under the connection region, referred to above as the foot area of each protrusion, is understood to be the end of the protrusion opposite the free end of each protrusion, which is supported by the housing wall, in other words, It represents the bridge (Uebergang) from the protrusion to the housing wall.

  This measure makes it possible to produce a filtration device with a simple connection, with a robust connection between the housing of the filtration device and the potting compound, as well as a bundle of hollow fibers fitted at its ends. The intentionally inclined protrusion arrangement increases the resistance to axial pulling applied to the hardened potting compound, which allows the end of the hollow fiber bundle to be potted into the potting compound and hardened. After that, it is particularly advantageous when opening the hollow fibers by trimming the ends of the hollow fibers in the longitudinal direction. Furthermore, the risk of damaging the hollow fibers effectively avoids the traction forces due to the trimming that act on the hollow fibers.

  According to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention, at least one shape fitting means is integrally formed with the housing, thereby saving specific materials, manufacturing and assembly costs.

  However, the present invention is not limited to a one-piece housing structure with protrusions according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention, but according to the second embodiment of the present invention, at least one separately manufactured, for example, Also included are a plurality of protrusions that form a one-piece annular attachment and are fixed, preferably secured, in particular welded or glued on their own, to the inner contour of the housing or housing wall. However, the at least one attachment itself can also be formed in two or more parts, for example by a ring segment, which is therefore included in the present invention as well.

  In the development of the present invention, it is possible to form the protrusion of the at least one shape fitting means in a spring resilient manner at least in the connection region with the housing wall. Along with the simple production of the housing of the filtration device, for example by plastics in one process step, by forming the above-mentioned projections and the projections in a spring-elastic manner and by inclining the orientation of the projections Simple designed demolding after injection molding allows for a one-piece with protrusions formed by itself. During demolding, the protrusions will certainly bend, but they can automatically take the desired tilted arrangement again. However, the present invention is not limited to the plastic injection molding method described above, but encompasses any suitable plastic processing method for the manufacture of the housing, such as manufacturing by 3D printing.

  Regarding the second embodiment of the present invention described above, in this case, it is certainly possible to design at least the connection region of the protrusion in a spring-elastic manner, but this is not essential.

  According to a practical embodiment of the invention, the inclination angle “α” is preferably formed between the above-mentioned orthogonal line and the imaginary line, one of which is associated with a projection on the housing wall. Intersecting the orthogonal line in the connection region and the other is connected to the resulting intersection and the housing wall closest to the free end of the projection.

  In the development of the invention, furthermore, starting from an orthogonal line, the inclination angle “α” is selected according to the relationship 0 ° <IαI <90 °. In an attempt to the subject matter of the present application, in particular, the tilt angle “α” has been demonstrated, preferably in the range of ± 10 ° to ± 80 °, more preferably in the range of ± 40 ° to ± 70 °, more preferably It is selected from the range of ± 50 ° to ± 65 °.

  A simple and reliable embodiment of the present invention is that the connecting area of the protrusions or all the protrusions of each shape fitting means is preferably common to the central longitudinal axis of the housing. This is further achieved by being arranged in a first plane that is orthogonally aligned. In contrast, the connection region of the first portion of the protrusion of each shape fitting means is disposed in a first plane oriented perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis of the housing, and It can also be shown that the connection area of at least the second part of the projection is arranged in a second plane parallel to the first plane, and this is therefore included in the present invention. This allows a larger area of the housing wall in the longitudinal direction of the housing to be integrated in the introduction of force, thereby reducing the local load on the housing wall and, in some cases, over conventional walls. Can be designed as a thin wall. Furthermore, as a result, the most various deformations of the orientation and arrangement of the protrusions in one, two, three or more planes can be realized.

  As further provided by the present invention, all the protrusions of the respective shape fitting means may be arranged inclined with respect to one or the other end of the housing. Alternatively, the protrusions of the respective shape fitting means can be inclined in a regular or irregular manner toward one end or the other end of the housing. Which variants are specifically taken into account depends in particular on the materials used for the potting compound and the projections and on the longitudinal or axial forces actually acting. For those skilled in the art, it goes without saying that the potting cured against the longitudinal forces of the above-mentioned directed projections while transversely cutting the bundle of hollow fibers in the longitudinal extent of the hollow fibers. Applying the greatest resistance to pulling out the compound in the axial direction.

  Preferably, the protrusions are arranged uniformly in the circumferential direction, that is, distributed around the bundle of hollow fibers at the same interval. As a result, the force acting on the potting compound can be optimally introduced into the housing under the mediation of the protrusion.

  To further enhance the relative coupling between the protrusion and the potting compound, at least one of the protrusions has at least one through hole, recess, raised shape and / or bend at the free end of the protrusion. It is preferable to have. In order to form the above-mentioned through-hole, recess, raised shape and / or bent part by the above-described spring elasticity design of at least the connection region of the protrusion, for example, in manufacturing a housing after plastic injection molding A costly slider can no longer be needed.

  To further improve the shape-fitting coupling between the potting compound and the projection, the spacing between adjacent projections, as seen in the circumferential direction of the housing, resiliency that at least partially connects the associated projections It can be envisaged to be occupied by a wall element, wherein the elasticity of the wall element is greater than the elasticity of the protrusion. In this way, the closed ring is formed in a portion that is small and proportional to greater elasticity, which can possibly occur during trimming of the potting compound together with the hollow fiber, The pulling force applied to the potting compound along with the hollow fiber is well transmitted to the entire cross-section of the potting compound along with the hollow fiber, and while avoiding damage and / or introduced into the housing wall Power can be absorbed effectively. In addition, this measure optimizes the centering of the bundle of hollow fibers in the housing of the filtration device.

  Preferably, the housing is composed of a material that does not adhere to the potting compound together with the protrusion or the housing together with at least one attachment having the protrusion. More preferably, in this case, the housing has at least one polyolefin, in particular polypropylene (PP) or polyethylene (PE), with a protrusion or at least one attachment with a protrusion, and a potting compound. Has polyurethane (PUR), which realizes material cost savings in particular compared to frequently used materials such as polycarbonate (PC) which guarantees better adhesion with the potting compound . Preferably, the housing is formed of the same material with a protrusion or the housing with at least one attachment having a protrusion. However, the invention is not limited to this preferred embodiment, but also encompasses combinations of different materials that are processed, for example, by multi-component plastic injection molding.

According to claim 15 of the present invention, it also relates to a method for manufacturing a hollow fiber membrane filtration device of the type described above. This method
a) Providing a housing (2), the housing having at least one shape fitting means (16) having a free end (16b) inside the ends, the shape fitting means (16) Are formed by two or three or more protrusions (16a) that are spaced apart from each other as viewed in the circumferential direction of the housing (2) and that are connected at one end to the housing wall (6). The projections start from a virtual orthogonal line (20) to the central longitudinal axis (10) of the housing (2) that penetrates the connection region of the associated projection (16a) to the housing wall (6). Each of which is formed into the interior of the housing (2) at a predetermined inclination angle “α” and inclined toward one end or the other end of the filtration device (1),
b) hollow inside the housing (2) so that the end of the bundle (3) of hollow fibers (4) is filled with the projection (16a) of the assigned at least one shape fitting means (16) Arranging a bundle (3) of fibers (4);
c) On the one hand, the end of the bundle (3) of hollow fibers (4) is filled with the potting compound (9), and on the other hand, the potting compound (9) at least partly projects the protrusion (16a). So as to enclose the potting compound (9) into the housing (2) at both ends of the housing (2), and d) after curing of the potting compound (9), the end of the hollow fiber (4), A step of opening the end of the hollow fiber (4) by trimming in the transverse direction with respect to the longitudinal direction;
It is characterized by.

  This method requires very little time and effort when changing the materials used, in particular when using non-stick materials for the production of filtration devices according to the invention, and with existing manufacturing processes and equipment. Has the advantage that most of them can be maintained.

  The invention will be described in more detail with reference to an embodiment schematically shown in the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and includes all the embodiments described in the claims.

FIG. 1 is a side view of the hollow fiber membrane filtration device of the present invention. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the housing of the filtration device of FIG. 1 with the shape fitting means essential to the present invention in the form of several protrusions according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 shows the housing of the filtration device according to FIG. 2 in which both ends of the housing are potted into a potting compound and are completed for a bundle of hollow fibers. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing details of “Z ₁ ” in FIG. 2 (first embodiment). FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating details of “Y” in FIG. 3. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating details of “Z ₂ ” of FIG. 2 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating details of “Z ₃ ” of FIG. 2 according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating details of “Z ₄ ” of FIG. 2 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating details of “Z ₅ ” of FIG. 2 according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the shape fitting element essential to the present invention of FIG.

Embodiment 1 (FIGS. 1 to 5)
According to FIGS. 1 to 3, the hollow fiber membrane filtration device 1 for body fluids, in particular for hemodialysis, consists of a tubular housing 2 having a circular cross section in the case of this example. The housing 2 is made of plastic, preferably polypropylene (PP). The housing 2 has a central housing part 2a, each end of which is directed towards a terminal part 2b, 2c, each having a larger diameter than the central housing part 2a.

  Inside the housing 2 is arranged an elongated bundle 3 of hollow fibers 4 which extends from one end of the housing 2 to the other end, which is centrally located by the central housing part 2a of the housing 2. (FIG. 3). The hollow fibers 4 are each formed by a semipermeable membrane and pass through the passages of the tubes or capillaries not shown in the drawings, the first of the filtration device 1 for body fluids, in particular blood. A stream space 5 is formed. The housing 2 with the housing wall 6 extends along the bundle 3 of hollow fibers 4 and defines an internal space 7, and thus a second stream space 8 of the filtration device 1, in this second stream space 8. Liquid, in this case dialysate, is guided. Each end of the bundle 3 of hollow fibers 4 is potted (injected) or embedded in a potting compound 9 preferably made of polyurethane (PUR). After the potting compound 9 is cured, it is mainly disc-shaped.

  This disc-like configuration of the potting compound 9 arranged at both ends of the housing 2 is preferably an axis oriented perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis 10 of the housing 2 during the introduction of the potting compound 9 into the housing 2. This is achieved by centrifuging around. The potting compound 9 is cured temporarily in caps (not shown) that are provided temporarily and cover the respective end faces of the housing 2, so that the potting compound 9 is surrounded by the housing wall 6 and the front cap. Stick to the whole. After each potting compound 9 is cured, the front cap is removed. Then, together with the potted or embedded hollow fibers, each potting compound 9 is cut transversely to the longitudinal direction of the hollow fibers 4 on its front side, thereby causing the potting compound 9 due to the process. The tubular passage of the hollow fibers 4 or the tubular passage of the capillaries which are sealed by means of is opened again. Naturally, the step of removing the cap and trimming the potting compound 9 together with the hollow fibers 4 can be performed in one step by the trimming (not shown).

  After removing the caps described above, the respective caps 11a, 11b are provided with first attachments 12a, 12b, which now have hollow fibers 4 or formed first stream spaces 5 on the front side of the housing 2. Ensure the flow of bodily fluids (eg blood) through. Thereby, the cap 11a provided with the attachment 12a forms an inflow of body fluid, while the other cap 11b provided with the attachment 12b forms a drain. The inflow and outflow are connected according to this embodiment to a stream circuit of a dialysis machine which is known per se and is therefore not shown. The caps 11a and 11b, together with the attachments 12a and 12b, in this case are connected to the housing 2 by screwing by force fitting / shape fitting. Of course, cohesive plug-in joints by welding or gluing are also conceivable.

  The interior 7 of the housing 2, also referred to as a dialysis space, is oriented in the region of its end or in the region of the respective terminal ends 2 b, 2 c, which are respectively oriented perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis 10 of the housing 2. It has two attachments 13a and 13b. The second attachments 13 a, 13 b flow through the internal space 7 or the second stream space 8 and thereby serve for the inflow and outflow of dialysate flowing around the hollow fibers 4. These attachments 13a and 13b are incorporated in a flow path of a dialysis machine (not shown).

  The potting compound 9 made of polyurethane (PUR) is not adhesively bonded, so there is no tight assembly connection with the housing 2 made of polypropylene (PP), and the screwed connection in this embodiment produces a liquid seal. In order to avoid this, ring caps 14 and 15 (see FIG. 5) are provided in the regions of the caps 11a and 11b. The first stream space 5, in this case the radially inner annular seal 14, seals the second stream space 8, and the seal is connected to the potting compound 9 and each adjacent cap 11 a. 11b in this case, in particular in the axial direction. A second, radially outer ring seal 15 seals the second stream space 8 from the external atmosphere, which in this case is at the edge of the housing 2 and adjacent to each other. In this case, the caps 11a and 11b are particularly supported in the axial direction. In this case, the ring seals 14 and 15 are inside the recesses of the housing 2, and the potting compound 9 and the caps 11a and 11b are supported so as to be fixed in the radial direction. The ring seals 14, 15 may be integrally formed, thereby sealing the first stream space 5 against the second stream space 8 and the external atmosphere (not shown). Other suitable forms known per se, which are sealed against each other and to the outside atmosphere of the stream spaces 5, 8, are of course also encompassed by the present invention.

  As can be seen very well from FIGS. 2 and 4, the housing 2 has a shape-fitting means 16 having a free end 16b in each of the regions of its two end portions 2b, 2c. Each shape fitting means 16 is formed by several protrusions 16a, and according to this embodiment, 12 protrusions 16a. All the projections 16a of the respective shape fitting means 16 in the associated end portions 2b, 2c are connected at one end to the housing wall 6 of the housing 2 and are commonly orthogonal to the central longitudinal axis 10 of the housing 2 Placed on the aligned first level.

  Furthermore, the protrusions 16a are preferably distributed evenly when viewed from the circumferential direction of the bundle 3 of hollow fibers 4 when the housing 2 is assembled together with the bundle 3 of hollow fibers 4, and from each other. They are spaced apart. According to the present embodiment, the protrusion 16a is manufactured by a plastic injection molding method and is formed integrally with the housing 2 or the housing wall 6. This is done, for example, by means of a plastic injection molding tool known per se, each having two concentrically arranged traction cores (not shown) that are movable only in the axial direction of the housing.

  Furthermore, according to a variant of the preferred first embodiment of the invention, all the projections 16a of the shape fitting means 16 at each of the associated end portions 2b, 2c are orthogonal to the central longitudinal axis 10 of the housing 2 Starting virtually from the connecting area of the projections 16a that intersect the line 20 and the housing wall 6, inside the housing 2, each adjacent end of the filtration device 1 or each adjacent cap It is inclined by a defined inclination angle “α” toward 11a and 11b (see FIG. 4). Further, the protruding portion 16 a is formed in a spring elasticity at least in a connection region with the housing wall 6. The spring elasticity of the protrusion 16a formed integrally with the housing 2 can be achieved, for example, by thinning the material in the connection region. In contrast, spring elasticity can also be achieved by an elastomer that is injection molded by a multi-component plastic injection molding process.

  The connecting region, which can also be referred to as the foot region of the projection 16a, is understood as the free end 16b of each opposing projection 16a of the projection 16a, which is supported on the housing wall 6 and is thereby fixed Or in other words, the bridge from the protrusion 16 a to the housing wall 6, which occurs as a result of the protrusion 16 a being formed integrally with the housing 2 or the housing wall 6.

  At least in the connection region with respect to the housing wall 6, the protrusion 16 a is configured to be elastic, so that the deformation of the housing 2 is simple and economical without adversely affecting the desired inclined orientation of the protrusion 16 a. It becomes feasible. The inclination angle “α” is selected according to the relationship 0 ° <IαI <90 ° starting from the orthogonal line 20. In experiments on the subject matter of the present application, starting from the orthogonal line 20, an inclination angle “α preferably selected from the range of ± 10 ° to ± 80 °, more preferably selected from the range of ± 40 ° to ± 70 °. Was proved. However, particularly good results were obtained with an inclination angle “α” selected from the range of ± 50 ° to ± 65 °. With reference to FIG. 4, the tilt angle “α2” of the present embodiment is about 58 °. In experiments on the subject matter of this application, a straight line at this tilt angle “α” of about 58 ° is added to the selected manufacturing process. Regardless, the protrusion 16a can be manufactured particularly easily and provides the desired robust connection with the potting compound 9 and indirectly connected to the hollow fiber 4 via the potting compound 9. It was found.

  As can be seen in particular in FIGS. 2, 4 and 5, the protrusion 16a of the present embodiment is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape that tapers toward its free end 16b, and each is in the radial direction. The opening 17 is provided. During the introduction of the potting compound 9 into the housing 2, the protrusion 16 a is embedded in the potting compound 9, so that a shape fit occurs between the potting compound 9 and the protrusion 16 a. In this case, the potting compound 9 passes through the opening 17 and intersects with the protrusion 16a, thereby further improving the shape fitting. However, the present invention is not limited to the opening 17 described above. For example, the protrusion 16a has a recess, a raised shape that can be directed to the inside of the housing 2 or the outside of the housing 2, and / or the like. In addition, there may be one, two, three or more curved portions at the free end 16b of each projection 16a, which can be directed inside the housing 2 or outside the housing 2 (not shown). ). Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the cubic protrusion 16a, and includes, for example, a protrusion 16a having a shape (not shown) based on a trapezoid, a triangle, or a ring segment.

Embodiment 2 (FIG. 6)
FIG. 6 shows a second embodiment of the present invention, in which functionally identical parts are designated by the same reference numerals as in the previous figures, and are therefore described above for explanation and understanding of them. Reference is also made to the description.

  The first preferred embodiment of the present invention described above is based on the housing 2, and the protrusions 16 a of the respective shape fitting means 16 formed integrally with the housing 2 are provided at the associated end portions 2 b and 2 c. Inclined by a selected inclination angle “α” towards each adjacent end of the filtration device 1 or each adjacent cap 11a, 11b. However, according to the present invention, the protrusion 16a of each shape fitting means 16 formed integrally with the housing 2 according to FIG. 6 is adjacent to each of the filtration devices 1 at the associated end 2b, 2c. Rather than being inclined by the selected inclination angle “α” towards the end or respective adjacent caps 11a, 11b, the opposing ends of the filtration device 1 or the respective caps arranged oppositely. Embodiments of the present invention that are inclined toward 11a, 11b are also included. Similarly, the arrangement of the protrusions 16a of the respective shape fitting means 16 at the related ends 2b and 2c is such that the protrusions 16a change regularly, that is, alternately or irregularly, so that the filtration device Including the case of being inclined toward one end or the other end of 1 (not shown). In this case, the term regularly or alternately changes to be understood as meaning that the same number of protrusions 16a are alternately oriented or inclined in one or the other direction. Is done. In contrast, the term irregularly changing means that an irregular number of protrusions 16a are alternately oriented or inclined in one direction or the other. Understood.

Embodiment 3 (FIG. 7)
FIG. 7 shows a third embodiment of the invention, in which case functionally identical parts are designated with the same reference numerals as in the previous figures, so that their description and Reference is also made to the above description for understanding.

  The present invention relates to the central longitudinal axis 10 of the housing 2 aligned with all the protrusions 16a of the respective shape fitting means 16 at the end portions 2b, 2c and the first level of each of the end portions 2b, 2c of the housing 2. It is not limited to a single one orthogonal to each other, and includes two or more levels of each of the terminations 2b and 2c having the protrusion 16a. Thus, FIG. 7 is aligned with each of a number of protrusions 16a oriented at least one of the terminal ends 2b, 2c of the housing 2 perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis 10 of the housing 2. 1 illustrates an embodiment of the invention in which first and second levels parallel to each other are contemplated. In this case, in order to facilitate the removal of the protrusions 16a in the manufacture of the housing 2, the two levels of protrusions 16a arranged in parallel to each other are the protrusions 16a of the level seen in the longitudinal direction of the housing 2. They are arranged so as to be shifted from each other so as to be arranged in the region of the interval between the protrusions 16a on the other level.

Embodiment 4 (FIG. 8)
FIG. 8 shows a fourth embodiment of the invention, in which case functionally identical parts are designated with the same reference numerals as in the previous figures, so that their description and Reference is also made to the above description for understanding.

  In order to further improve the coupling between the potting compound 9 and the protrusions 16a, according to FIG. 8, the spacing between adjacent protrusions 16a as viewed in the circumferential direction of the housing 2 is such that the associated protrusions 16a Occupied by an elastic wall element 18 which is at least partially connected. The elasticity of the wall element 18 is set larger than the elasticity of the protrusion 16a. As a result, rings that are alternately closed at small portions in proportion to greater elasticity are formed. While trimming the potting compound 9 together with the hollow fibers 4 in the transverse direction to the longitudinal direction of the hollow fibers 4, the tensile force acting on the potting compound 9 together with the hollow fibers 4 is It can be well absorbed into the cross section and effectively absorbed and / or introduced into the housing wall 6 while avoiding their damage. In other words, the stress reduction of the delicate hollow fiber 4 as known is achieved. This is because the acting force is better introduced into the housing 2. Furthermore, this measure optimizes the centering of the bundle 3 of hollow fibers 4 in the housing 2 of the filtration device 1. While assembling the housing 2 together with the bundle 3 of hollow fibers 4 and the shape fitting means 16 by inserting the bundle 3 of hollow fibers 4 into the housing 2 in the axial direction, the individual hollow fibers 4 are connected to the shape fitting means 16. It is advantageous to enter the gap between the protrusions 16a and be damaged, for example by snapping. The wall elements 18 connected to the projections 16a preferably occupy the entire spacing between the projections 16a and also function as additional centering means in combination with the projections 16a, which is a bundle of hollow fibers 4 3 is effectively prevented from expanding, and generally improves the fixing of the bundle 3 of hollow fibers 4 in the housing 2. The relatively large elasticity of the wall element 18 with respect to the protrusion 16a does not prevent the spring 16 from returning to the desired inclined arrangement by spring elasticity following the removal of the housing 2 by the protrusion 16a.

Embodiment 5 (FIGS. 9 and 10)
FIGS. 9 and 10 show a fifth embodiment of the invention, in which case functionally identical parts are designated with the same reference numerals as in the previous figures, so that Reference is also made to the above description for explanation and understanding.

  In the embodiment according to FIGS. 9 and 10, the protrusions 16 a of the respective shape fitting means 16 at the end portions 2 b and 2 c are combined with at least one attachment 19 which is manufactured separately and fixed to the housing 2. It differs only in that it is formed. According to FIG. 9, the attachment 19 is, for example, integrally and in the form of a ring and is fixed or fixable to the inner contour of the housing 2 or the housing wall 6. All the protrusions 16a are arranged in a common level in this case. In this case, the ring-shaped attachment 19 has a ring-shaped base body 19a, and one end of the protrusion 16a is connected to the ring-shaped base body 19a. In this case, the base body 19a forms a so-called attachment region of the shape fitting means 16 or its projection 16a to the housing wall 6 and is connected to or connectable to the housing wall 6, preferably by welding or bonding. is there.

  However, the at least one attachment 19 may be formed by several parts, for example two or more ring segments, so that they are also included in the present invention. Similarly, the protrusions 16a may be arranged at two or more levels (not shown) based on the above-described third embodiment of the present invention. If all the projections 16a of the respective shape-fitting means 16 in the associated end portions 2b, 2c are arranged at a single common level, at least the connection region of the projections 16a is preferred for the above embodiment The spring elasticity design is not essential. Otherwise, if the attachment 19 has extensions 16a distributed over two or more levels, it may be different depending on the preferred plastic injection molding process. In that case, the base body 19a which is realized indirectly through at least the connection region and the intermediate portion of the protrusion 16a with respect to the housing wall 6 and functions as an attachment region, and is fixed to the housing wall 6, has a spring elasticity. It may be advantageous if it is formed.

  In this case, the base body 19a has a wall thickness, and therefore has strength and / or rigidity, and the function of the shape fitting means 16 is achieved. In the experiment, when the wall thickness of the base body 19a directly connected to the housing wall 6 substantially matches the material thickness of the protrusion 16a, the optimum function of the shape fitting means 16 was obtained (FIG. 10). ).

  Again, it can be shown that a wall element 18 is provided within the spacing between the protrusions 16a with the above-mentioned advantages and is therefore included in the present invention (not shown).

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Filtration apparatus 2 Housing 2a Central housing part 2b End part 2c End part 3 Bundle 4 Hollow fiber 5 First stream space 6 Housing wall 7 Internal space 8 Second stream space 9 Potting compound 10 Center longitudinal axis (housing 2)
11a cup 11b cup 12a connection stub 12b connection stub 13a connection stub 13b connection stub 14 ring seal 15 ring seal 16 shape fitting means 16a protrusion 16b free end (shape fitting means 16 / protrusion 16a)
17 Through-hole 18 Wall element 19 Attachment 19a Base body 20 Orthogonal line 21 Straight line “α” Inclination angle (protrusion 16a)

Claims (15)

  A hollow fiber membrane filtration device (1) for bodily fluids comprising a housing (2) having a housing wall (6) extending along a bundle (3) of hollow fibers (4) and a bundle (3) of hollow fibers. The housing (2) defines an internal space (7) in which a bundle (3) of hollow fibers (4) is disposed, and the bundle (3) of hollow fibers (4) has a potting compound ( 9) The housing (2) embedded therein and has at least one shape fitting means (16) having a free end (16b) on the inside, the shape fitting means (16) being a potting compound The device at least partially fitted from (9), wherein at least one shape-fitting means (16) is arranged spaced apart from each other as viewed in the circumferential direction of the housing (2), and One end connected to the housing wall (6) Further, the protrusion (16a) is formed of two or more protrusions (16a), which protrusions penetrate through the connection area of the associated protrusion (16a) to the housing wall (6). Starting from an imaginary orthogonal line (20) to the central longitudinal axis (10), each into the interior of the housing (2) with a predetermined inclination angle “α” at one or the other end of the filtration device (1) The hollow fiber membrane filtration device described above, wherein the device is formed so as to be inclined toward the surface.   The hollow fiber membrane filtration device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one shape fitting means (16) is formed integrally with the housing (2).   At least one shape-fitting means (16) is fixed to the housing wall (6) of the housing (2) and is arranged in two or spaced apart from each other as viewed in the circumferential direction of the housing (2) The hollow fiber membrane filtration device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that it is formed by at least one attachment (19) comprising three or more protrusions (16a).   The hollow fiber membrane filtration device (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that at least one attachment (19) is composed of one, two or more parts.   5. Projection (16a) of at least one shape-fitting means (16) is designed to have spring elasticity at least in the connection region to the housing wall (6). The hollow fiber membrane filtration apparatus (1) as described in any one.   An inclination angle “α” is formed between the orthogonal line (20) and the virtual straight line (21), one of the straight lines (21) being connected to the associated protrusion (16a) to the housing wall (6). Intersect the orthogonal line (20) in the region and the other is connected to the resulting intersection and the housing wall (6) at the point closest to the free end (16b) of the protrusion (16a) The hollow fiber membrane filtration device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that   The hollow fiber membrane according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the inclination angle "α" is selected according to the relationship 0 ° <IαI <90 °, starting from the orthogonal line (20). Filtration device (1).   The inclination angle “α” starts from the orthogonal line (20), preferably from the range of ± 10 ° to ± 80 °, more preferably from the range of ± 40 ° to ± 70 °, even more preferably The hollow fiber membrane filtration device (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that it is selected from the range of ± 50 ° to ± 65 °.   The connection region of the protrusion (16a) of each shape fitting means (16) is arranged on a common first plane aligned perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis (10) of the housing (2). The apparatus according to claim 1.   The connection region of the first portion of the protrusion (16a) of each shape fitting means (16) is arranged on a first plane aligned perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis (10) of the housing (2). The connecting region of at least one second part of the projection (16a) is arranged in a second plane parallel to the first plane. The hollow fiber membrane filtration apparatus (1) as described in any one of -8.   All the protrusions (16a) of each shape fitting means (16) are inclined toward one end or the other end of the filtration device (1), or the protrusions ( The hollow according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that 16a) is inclined in a regular or irregular manner towards one or the other end of the filtration device (1). Fiber membrane filtration device (1).   At least one of the protrusions (16a) has at least one through hole (17), a recess, a raised shape and / or a bent part at the free end (16b) of the protrusion (16a). The hollow fiber membrane filtration device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11.   The spacing between adjacent projections (16a) as viewed in the circumferential direction of the housing (2) is occupied by elastic wall elements (18) that at least partially connect the associated projections (16a). The hollow fiber membrane filtration device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the elasticity of the wall element (18) is greater than the elasticity of the projection (16a).   The housing (2) does not form an adhesive bond with the potting compound (9) with the protrusion (16a) or the housing (2) with at least one attachment (19) with the protrusion (16a) The hollow fiber membrane filtration device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that it is made of a material. A method for producing the hollow fiber membrane filtration device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 14,
a) providing a housing (2), the housing having at least one shape fitting (16) having a free end (16b) inside the ends, the shape fitting means (16) being Two or more of the protrusions (16a), which are spaced apart from each other when viewed in the circumferential direction of the housing (2) and are connected at one end to the housing wall (6) Starting from an imaginary orthogonal line (20) passing through the connection area of the associated protrusion (16a) to the housing wall (6), each into the interior of the housing (2), A step formed with a predetermined inclination angle “α” inclined toward one end or the other end of the filtration device (1),
b) hollow inside the housing (2) so that the end of the bundle (3) of hollow fibers (4) is filled with the projection (16a) of the assigned at least one shape fitting means (16) Arranging a bundle (3) of fibers (4);
c) On the one hand, the end of the bundle (3) of hollow fibers (4) is filled with the potting compound (9), and on the other hand, the potting compound (9) at least partly projects the protrusion (16a). So as to enclose the potting compound (9) into the housing (2) at both ends of the housing (2), and d) after curing of the potting compound (9), the end of the hollow fiber (4), A step of opening the end of the hollow fiber (4) by trimming in the transverse direction with respect to the longitudinal direction;
Characterized by the above.

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