JP3863271B2 - Tube connection device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  The present invention relates to a tube connecting device that melts and cuts a flexible tube and welds and connects the cut surfaces to the cut surfaces of different tubes, and in particular, considers the distortion of the tube that is caused by clamping during cutting. It relates to the tube connecting device.
[0002]
[Prior art]
  The tube connecting device is a cutting plate (hereinafter referred to as a “wafer”) composed of a plate-like heating element that holds two tubes to be connected in parallel as disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-329182. ) Is heated, the heated wafer is moved perpendicularly to the tube, the tube is melted and cut, and then the tube is moved so that the cut surface slides on the wafer surface. It is known that the cut surfaces of both tubes are welded and connected by retracting the wafer.
[0003]
  Therefore, a clamp portion of a conventional tube connecting device that performs such an operation will be briefly described. FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing a main part of a conventional tube connecting device.
  The tube connecting apparatus according to this conventional example is provided with a pair of first tube holding means 201 and second tube holding means 202 having substantially the same configuration. Therefore, for example, the first tube holding means 201 is provided with a pair of openable and closable holding members 204 and 205 on a base 203, and the holding member 205 is a cylinder that moves on the rail toward the holding member 204. 206 is fixed. The clamping members 204 and 205 are both formed with clamp claws 204a and 205a, and are configured to clamp the tube when the clamping member 205 moves to the clamping member 204 side.
[0004]
  On the bases 203 and 210, a pair of positioning means 221 and 222 for positioning the two tubes 216 and 217 at positions where they are sandwiched by the sandwiching members 204 and 205 are provided.
  The positioning means 221 and 222 are fixed to frame bodies 223 and 224 that can hold the two tubes 216 and 217 in the clamping direction so that the tubes 216 and 217 are not displaced from the frame bodies 223 and 224. A lid that can be opened and closed is provided.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
  However, the conventional tube connecting device having such a configuration has the following problems.
  In the conventional tube connecting apparatus, as shown in the figure, after the two tubes 216 and 217 are cut by the heated wafer 230, the tube on the first tube holding means 201 side slides and becomes the partition 230. The cut surfaces of the different tubes overlapped by sliding are welded and connected to form one tube.
  Then, when the two tubes 216 and 217 are cut by the wafer 230 in this way, the cylindrical tube is flattened in order to prevent leakage of liquid remaining in the tube as well as fixing the tube. Then, the inside of the tube is in close contact, and the tube is clamped in a crushed shape so that the wall thickness becomes thinner.
[0006]
  However, when the shapes of the tubes 216 and 217 which were cylindrical at this time are gradually flattened and clamped in a closed state as shown in FIG. 19, large distortion is caused in the two folded portions P formed in each tube. Will occur. If that portion is the tube end face, the folded portion P rises in the axial direction as shown in FIG.
  Therefore, in the tube connecting apparatus, when the tubes 216 and 217 are clamped at two positions by the clamp claws 204a and 205a of the first tube holding means and the second tube holding means, the wafer 230 is cut when both clamp positions are close. The distortion from both sides overlaps the planned cutting position.
[0007]
  Therefore, when the wafer 230 cuts the portions of the tubes 216 and 217 in the orthogonal direction, a large amount of meat is cut off, and the cut surfaces are welded again and connected, as shown in FIG. It was thinner and easier to tear than other parts.
  On the other hand, if both clamp positions are separated in order to eliminate the overlap of distortion at the planned cutting position, the cut end opens due to the elasticity of the tube, and the shape of the cut surface between the connecting tubes becomes uneven, The tube core is not aligned. .
  Therefore, when such tubes are connected to each other, a connection failure naturally occurs or the strength of the connection portion is remarkably reduced.
[0008]
  In addition, this apparatus is used to connect a transfer tube connected to the abdominal cavity and a tube connected to the dialysis bag, for example, to supply dialysate into the abdominal cavity of a peritoneal dialysis patient. In this case, the tube is required to be sterilized by heat treatment or the like, but the tube has undergone subtle deformation due to such heat treatment or the like.
  Therefore, even if the frames 223 and 224 provided as the positioning means 221 and 222 are loaded, it is difficult to make the axial centers of the tubes 216 and 217 overlap in the clamping direction at the scheduled cutting positions where cutting and connection are performed. Thus, there are problems such as poor tube connection.
[0009]
  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a tube connection device that prevents the strength of the tube connection portion from being lowered, and to provide a tube connection device that can be appropriately loaded with a tube, in order to solve such problems. To do.
[0010]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  The tube connecting device of the present invention is a heated cutting plate that holds a flexible tube by a first tube holder and a second tube holder and moves between the first tube holder and the second tube holder. After the tube is melted and cut, the tube cut surfaces are welded and connected to each other, and the first tube holder and the second tube holder are brought into contact with and separated from each other to clamp the tube. The U-shaped groove for loading the tube and the other tube holder are projected on the contact surface of the holding member to deform the tube into a flat state. A holding part is formed,The U-shaped groove is formed with an inclined surface so that the groove depth equal to or greater than the diameter of the tube gradually decreases toward the holding portion side.The clamping part isThe first clamp part that clamps the tube relatively strongly, and the tube is relatively closer to the side closer to the planned cutting position between the first tube holder and the second tube holder than the first clamp part. Second clamp portion that clamps weaklyIt is characterized by that.
[0011]
  Therefore, the first clamp portion that is relatively strongly clamped among the clamping portions is clamped so as to further press the tube deformed into a flat shape, so that the tube is prevented from coming off, but the tube is distorted. On the other hand, in the second clamp part that is relatively weakly held on the side close to the planned cutting position between the first and second tube holders, the flat shape of the tube is maintained and the tube is distorted. Because there is little, the tube distortion caused by the clamp is distributed.
[0012]
  in this wayThe tube clamped by the sandwiching portion is prevented from coming off at the first clamp portion, and the distortion of the tube is dispersed at the second clamp portion, so that the flat shape of the cross section is maintained.
  Therefore, the influence of distortion at the planned cutting position is reduced, and the tube cross section is kept flat, thereby preventing the strength of the tube connection portion from being lowered.
[0013]
  Further, in the tube connecting device of the present invention, the first clamp portion has a distance obtained by taking a difference of 10 to 20% from the tube thickness in which the clamp groove formed by the pair of first clamp portions overlaps in the clamp direction. It is characterized by a groove depth.
  Therefore, in the first clamp portion, the tube is deformed by about 10 to 20% in the clamping direction to prevent the tube from coming off, and in the second clamp, the distortion of the tube is dispersed and the flat shape of the cross section is maintained. .
  Therefore, the influence of the distortion at the scheduled cutting position is suppressed, and the strength of the tube connecting portion is prevented from being lowered by matching the shape of the cut end.
[0014]
  The tube connecting device of the present invention is characterized in that a predetermined time difference is provided in the tube clamping operation by the first tube holder and the second tube holder.
  Therefore, by escaping the axial distortion that occurs on one side when the tube is clamped, the influence of the distortion at the scheduled cutting position is suppressed, thereby preventing the strength of the tube connection portion from being lowered.
[0015]
  In addition, the tube connecting device of the present invention includes an openable and closable cover member pivotally attached to the device main body so as to cover the first tube holder and the second tube holder, and the first tube holder and the second tube. A pair of tube support members that support the tube on both sides of the holder, and a driven roller that is rotatably supported by the tube support member; and when the tube member is filled with the tube and then the cover member is closed, The driven roller abuts on a cover member, and the tube support member swings downward to load the tube into the holding member.
[0016]
  Further, the tube connection device of the present invention is provided between the tube support member and a lower guide member provided at a tube lower side position of the tube connection holder, and is provided between the tube support member and standing on the inner side of the cover member, And an upper guide member having a distal end located at an upper side position of the tube holding tube connection when the cover member is closed.
  Therefore, since the height of the tube supported by the support member is further adjusted by the lower guide member and the upper guide member on the inner side, the appropriate tube can be loaded at the clamp portions of the first tube holder and the second tube holder. It becomes possible.
[0017]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
  Next, an embodiment of a tube connecting device according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is an external perspective view showing a configuration of a tube holding portion and a drive mechanism for moving the tube holding portion. Therefore, based on FIG. 1, the tube holding portion of the tube connecting device and the drive mechanism for moving the tube holding portion will be briefly described.
  The tube holding portion has a mechanism for clamping and holding the tubes 4 and 5 at the time of connection from the cutting of the tubes 4 and 5, and having a mechanism for rearranging the tubes 4 and 5 after being cut. The first tube holder 1 includes a clamp 31, and the second tube holder 2 includes a fixed clamp 41 and a movable clamp 51.
  The fixed clamps 21 and 41 and the movable clamps 31 and 51 constituting the first tube holder 1 and the second tube holder 2 are respectively supported by being penetrated by two guide shafts 71 as shown in the figure. The clamps 21 and 41 are fixed, and the movable clamps 31 and 51 are configured to be slidable.
[0018]
  Since the drive mechanism for moving the movable clamps 31 and 51 is formed with the same configuration for each clamp, only the one on the movable clamp 31 side will be described.
  A clamp spring 72 serving as a drive source for moving the movable clamp 31 is engaged with the fixed clamp 21 in parallel with the guide shaft 71. That is, an engagement pin 73 is erected on the lower end side surface of the fixed clamp 21, and one end portion of the clamp spring 72 is fitted to the engagement pin 73. The clamp spring 72 is fitted with a transmission rod 74 formed with a stopper 74a with which the other end abuts. The end of the transmission rod 74 is pivotally supported with respect to the crank 75.
[0019]
  The crank 75 is pivotally supported with respect to the support shaft 76, and has a cylindrical fulcrum member 77, a lever 78 connected to the transmission rod 74 side, and a plate connected to the movable clamp 31. A cam 79 is integrally fixed around a fulcrum member 77 as shown. A driven roller 80 is rotatably supported in the middle of the plate cam 79, and a cam 81 that contacts the driven roller 80 is fixed to an output shaft of a motor 96 (see FIG. 11). Further, the plate cam 79 is formed with a lead cam groove 83 for guiding a cam pin 82 erected on the movable clamp 31.
[0020]
  Next, FIG. 2 to FIG. 5 are diagrams showing an outline of the configuration of the tube holding portion including the first tube holder 1 and the second tube holder 2.
  The tube holding part of the present tube connecting device is different in that the first tube holder 1 includes a rotation mechanism (63) and the second tube holder 2 does not have such a rotation mechanism.
  As shown in FIG. 2, the fixed clamp 21 and the movable clamp 31 of the first tube holder 1 are joined together with a pair of cover members 22 and 23 and cover members 32 and 33 to form one block. The cover members 22 and 23 and the cover members 32 and 33 are symmetrical to each other. Therefore, this specific configuration will be described based on one-side cover members 22 and 32 shown in FIG.
[0021]
  The cover members 22 and 32 are formed with rotor loading portions 25 and 35 in which semicircular concave portions for loading a clamp rotor 63 (see FIG. 2) including a pair of semicircular rotor pieces 61 and 62 are formed. ing. Semicircular cutouts 26 and 36 are formed at the center of the rotor loading portions 25 and 35, respectively, so that the center of the clamp rotor 63 is fitted (see FIG. 2). Semicircular circumferential rails 27 and 37 are formed in the rotor loading portions 25 and 35. The circumferential rails 27 and 37 form U-shaped grooves. In addition, recessed portions that are gear loading portions 28, 29, 38, 39 are formed at the upper and lower positions of the cover members 22, 32 so as to be continuous with the outer periphery of the rotor loading portions 25, 35.
[0022]
  Next, FIG. 4 is a view showing a state in which the clamp rotor 63 is loaded in the cover member having such a configuration. The clamp rotor 63 (see FIG. 1) loaded while the cover members 22 and 23 and the cover members 32 and 33 are joined is composed of a pair of semicircular rotor pieces 61 and 62 as described above. There is a tooth shape on the circumference, and when the two rotor pieces 61 and 62 are joined, a single gear is formed.
  U-shaped grooves 64 and 65 are formed at the center of the clamp rotor 63 where the rotor pieces 61 and 62 are in contact with each other, that is, at the center of the contact surface of the rotor pieces 61 and 62. As shown in FIG. 5, a clamp groove is formed in the holding portion 66 projecting from the second tube holder 2 on the extension of the U-shaped groove 64. Although not shown, a similar clamping portion 66 is also formed on the rotor piece 62.
[0023]
  The pair of clamping portions 66 and 66 for clamping the tubes are predetermined so that when the two tubes 4 and 5 are overlapped and clamped, the two tubes 4 and 5 are both deformed into a flat shape and the inside of the tube is closed. A clamp groove of a depth of is formed. The reason why the tubes 4 and 5 are made flat is to close the cut ends of the tubes 4 and 5 so that the liquid inside does not flow out when the tubes 4 and 5 are cut.
  Further, on both side surfaces of each of the rotor pieces 61 and 62, a circumferential shape is formed so as to be fitted to the circumferential rails 27, 27, 37 and 37 of the cover members 22, 23, 32 and 33 shown in FIG. Circumferential protrusions 67, 67... Are formed.
[0024]
  As shown in FIG. 4, gears 68, 68, 68, 69 that mesh with the rotor pieces 61, 62 are rotatably supported and loaded in the fixed clamp 21 and the movable clamp 31 of the first tube holder 1. Is done. Of these gears 68, 68..., A gear 69 loaded below the cover members 22, 23 constituting the fixed clamp 21 is configured as a drive gear connected to the rotating shaft of the motor 97 (see FIG. 11). ing. The first tube holder 1 including the above-described constituent members is obtained by loading the rotor pieces 61, 62 and the gears 68, 68 ... on the cover members 22, 23, 32, 33 of the fixed clamp 21 and the movable clamp 31. Composed. And the movable clamp 31 is supported with respect to such a fixed clamp 21 so that the guide shaft 71 can slide (refer FIG. 1).
[0025]
  Next, the second tube holder 2 will be described with reference to FIG.
  The fixed clamp 41 and the movable clamp 51 constituting the second tube holder 2 are constituted by blocks formed by joining clamp members 42 and 43 and clamp members 52 and 53 (see FIG. 2). The second tube holder 2 is not provided with a rotation mechanism like the first tube holder 1.
  As shown in FIG. 5, the fixed clamp 41 and the movable clamp 51 have a U-shaped groove 45 formed in the center thereof. Although not shown, a similar U-shaped groove 45 is also formed in the movable clamp 51. In the fixed clamp 41 and the movable clamp 51, a clamp groove is formed in a holding portion 46 that protrudes toward the first tube holder 1 on the extension of the U-shaped groove 45.
  The clamping portion 46 is formed with a clamp groove having a predetermined depth so that when the two tubes 4 and 5 are overlapped and clamped, the two tubes 4 and 5 are both deformed into a flat shape and the inside of the tube is closed. Has been.
[0026]
  Next, the shape of the clamping part 66 and the clamping part 46 is demonstrated in detail. FIG. 6 is a view showing a cross section taken along the line AA of FIG. The sandwiching portions 66 and 46 have the same shape and are formed symmetrically.
  The sandwiching portions 66 and 46 are formed on the extension of the same U-shaped grooves 64 and 45 together. The U-shaped grooves 64 and 45 are formed with inclined surfaces from the outside to the center so that the groove depth equal to or greater than the diameter of the tubes 4 and 5 gradually decreases. As shown in FIG. 5, the clamping portions 66 and 46 projecting from the center side have a clamping surface wider than the U-shaped grooves 64 and 45. Further, the U-shaped grooves 64 and 45 are curved, but the clamping portions 66 and 46 are formed with clamp grooves having a planar shape having a predetermined step.
[0027]
  That is, the clamping parts 66 and 46 are mainly composed of first clamp parts 66a and 46a for strongly clamping the tubes 4 and 5, and second clamp parts 66b and 46b for weakly clamping, and a step is formed.
  The first clamp portions 66a and 46a are formed shallowly so as to make the thickness of the tubes 4 and 5 the smallest, and serve to prevent the clamped tubes 4 and 5 from coming off. The second clamp portions 66b and 46b are formed at positions closer to each other than the first clamp portions 66a and 46a, and are formed at a depth that slightly increases the thickness of the tubes 4 and 5 than the first clamp portions 66a and 46a. Has been.
[0028]
  Specifically, the groove depth between the first clamp portion and the second clamp portion is determined as follows, assuming that the contact surface between the fixed clamps 21 and 41 and the movable clamps 31 and 51 has a depth of zero. The
  As described above, the first clamp portions 66a and 46a need to be clamped in a strong state in order to prevent the tubes 4 and 5 from coming off. Therefore, when the tubes 4 and 5 are clamped and closed as shown in FIG. 19, it is necessary to make the thickness of the stacked tubes 4 and 5 equal to or less. However, when the groove depth is made too shallow, the clamping force applied to the tubes 4 and 5 increases, and the distortion generated in the tubes 4 and 5 increases as shown in the problem.
[0029]
  Therefore, in the present embodiment, the depth m of the first clamp portions 66a and 46a is about 70 to 90% of the total thickness of the tubes 4 and 5 that are flattened with the clamp width 2m at the time of clamping. Like that. That is, when the tubes 4 and 5 are clamped at the same time, the distance between the first clamp portions 66a and 46a is flattened by overlapping the tubes 4 and 5 to be about four times the wall thickness of the tube, and from there, the entire space is further reduced. It is configured to crush about 10 to 20% of the wall thickness.
  On the other hand, the depth n of the second clamp portions 66b and 46b is set such that the clamp width 2n at the time of clamping is substantially the same as the total thickness of the flat tubes 4 and 5 stacked. This is different from the first clamp portions 66a and 46a in which the second clamp portions 66b and 46b play the role of preventing the removal, and disperse the distortion generated in the first clamp portions 66a and 46a and at the cutting position. This is because it corresponds to the role of matching the cut surface shapes so that two tubes cut while keeping the shape of the tube flat can be connected alternately.
[0030]
  And the 1st tube holder 1 and the 2nd tube holder 2 which comprise such a structure are integrated in the apparatus main body not shown with the drive means etc. which were shown in FIG. There, as shown in FIG. 5, between the first tube holder 1 and the second tube holder 2, the tubes 4, which are held at two locations by the first tube holder 1 and the second tube holder 2, are provided. 5 is provided with a cutting plate 3 that moves so as to be orthogonal thereto.
[0031]
  Next, guide means for arranging the tubes 4 and 5 between the fixed clamps 21 and 41 and the movable clamps 31 and 51 will be described. 7 and 8 are side views showing the configuration of the guide means including the tube holding portion, and FIG. 9 is a front view of the tube holding portion including the guide means as viewed from the fixed clamps 21 and 41 side.
  In the guide means, support levers 101 and 111 for directly supporting the tubes 4 and 5 are provided along the outer sides of the first tube holder 1 and the second tube holder 2 as shown in FIG.
[0032]
  As shown in FIG. 7, the support lever 101 is formed with a loading portion 102 notched in a U shape that is open on the moving clamp 51 side, and the opposite end thereof is rotatably supported by a rotating shaft 103. Yes. The support lever 101 is supported by a support spring 104 and a stopper 107 that are in contact with the bottom of the support lever 101, and is arranged at the position shown in the figure. The support lever 101 has a driven roller 105 rotatably supported by a triangular portion formed above.
  Further, a lower guide pin 106 is provided so that the tubes 4 and 5 are disposed at a predetermined height. The lower guide pin 106 is erected on the fixed clamp 41 so as to be close to the first clamp portion 46 a and coincide with the moving direction (clamping direction) of the movable clamp 51, and in the insertion hole 106 a formed in the movable clamp 51. Is inserted.
[0033]
  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 8, the support lever 111 provided on the first tube holder 1 side is formed with a loading portion 112 opened on the moving clamp 31 side, and the opposite end portion thereof is freely rotatable. It is pivotally supported by. Therefore, the support lever 111 is configured to rotate integrally with the support lever 101 by the rotation shaft 103. Further, the loading portion 112 formed on the support lever 111 is cut out so that the two tubes 4 and 5 can be loaded side by side like the support lever 101, and is further arcuate so that the tubes 4 and 5 can rotate. Widely cut out. Therefore, the support lever 111 is provided with a support spring 113 for aligning the axes of the tubes 4 and 5 loaded in the loading unit 112.
[0034]
  As described above, the tubes 4 and 5 are supported by the support levers 101 and 111 and arranged at predetermined positions. However, since the distance between the support levers 101 and 111 is still wide, the tube protrudes into the bottom of the safety cover 120 as shown in FIG. The provided upper guide plate 120a is positioned on the lower guide pin 106 and is configured to contact the tubes 4 and 5 and be aligned from above. That is, an insertion hole 121 into which the upper guide plate 120a can be inserted is formed in the pinching portion 46 of the fixed clamp 41 and the movable clamp 51, and the tubes 4 and 5 in which the upper guide plate 120a inserted therefrom is displaced up and down. It is comprised so that the position of may be aligned.
  In addition, in this tube connecting apparatus, a tube detection limit switch 131 for confirming that the tubes 4 and 5 are disposed between the fixed clamps 21 and 41 and the movable clamps 31 and 51 as shown in FIG. It is fixed in place.
  Also, near the movable clamps 31 and 51, a cover closing detection limit switch 132 for detecting that the safety cover 120 is closed is fixed at a predetermined position at the bottom of the safety cover 120.
[0035]
  Next, the control part which controls the tube connection apparatus of this Embodiment is demonstrated. FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a part of the control device. The control unit 91 includes a controller 92, a CPU 93, a ROM 94, and a RAM 95, and performs signal processing according to a drive program stored in the ROM 94 while using the temporary storage function of the RAM 95.
  In the control unit 91, for example, a controller 92 is connected to motors 96 and 97 and a cylinder 98 via drive circuits 96A, 97A, and 98A, and a tube detection limit switch 131 is connected. Then, a drive signal is output from the controller 96 to the drive circuits 96A, 97A, 98A, and the operation is controlled as will be described later.
[0036]
  The tube connecting device according to the present embodiment having the above-described configuration is configured by clamping two tubes 4 and 5 made of a soft resin such as vinyl chloride and having flexibility (flexibility) at two locations. After fixing and cutting at the center, the position of the tube cutting surface is reversed and the respective cutting surfaces are connected alternately. First, the tube guiding operation of this apparatus will be described with reference to FIGS.
  When the tubes 4 and 5 are loaded, the safety cover 120 is in an opened state as shown in the figure, and the support lever 101 supported by the support spring 104 is in a state in which the loading portion 102 is directed upward. Therefore, the support lever 111 formed integrally with the rotary shaft 103 is also in a state where the loading portion 112 faces upward.
[0037]
  Therefore, the apparatus user arranges the two tubes 4 and 5 and inserts them into the loading sections 102 and 112 so that the upper surfaces of the movable clamps 31 and 51 slide.
  When the setting of the tubes 4 and 5 is completed, the user closes the safety cover 120. At this time, the driven roller 105 comes into contact with the back surface of the safety cover 120, and the support lever 101 is pushed downward through the driven roller 105 rotating there. Therefore, the support lever 101 swings downward about the rotation shaft 103 against the force of the support spring 104. On the other hand, the support lever 111 formed integrally with the rotating shaft 103 swings downward at the same timing as the support lever 101.
[0038]
  Therefore, the positions of the loading portions 102 and 112 of the support levers 101 and 111 are lowered and the inclination thereof is horizontal, so that the loaded two tubes 4 and 5 are overlapped in the moving direction of the movable clamps 31 and 51. Will be.
  Further, at this time, the lower side of the tubes 4 and 5 is in contact with the lower guide pin 106, while the upper guide plate 120a is in contact with and attached to the tubes 4 and 5 from above. , 41 and the movable clamps 31, 51 are aligned in the vertical position.
[0039]
  Then, the cover closing detection limit switch 132 detects that the safety cover 120 is closed, and the tube detection limit switch 131 detects that the guided tubes 4 and 5 are set, and the CPU 97 receives the detection signal. Controls the clamping operation which is the next operation. That is, the motor 96 to which the cam 81 is fixed is driven. Therefore, a clamping operation performed by driving the controlled motor 96 will be described with reference to FIGS. Here, only the first tube holder 1 side is shown, and the operation on the second tube holder 2 side is omitted.
  As described above, at the stage where the two tubes 4 and 5 are disposed, the cam 81 is in the rotational position shown in FIG. 12 and the plate cam 79 is lifted via the driven roller 80.
  Therefore, the position of the lead cam groove 83 of the plate cam 79 is in an elevated state, and the cam pin 82 fixed to the movable clamp 31 is located on the lower end side of the lead cam groove 83.
  Further, the lever 78 integrally formed as the crank 75 is in a state of swinging in the clockwise direction, and the clamp spring 72 is elastically compressed by the transmission rod 74 pivotally supported by the lever 78.
[0040]
  When the setting of the two tubes 4 and 5 is completed, the motor 96 of the cam 81 is driven to execute the clamping operation of the tubes 4 and 5 shown in FIG.
  The cam 81 rotated by the output from the motor 96 rotates counterclockwise until the clamping is completed. Meanwhile, the plate cam 79 provided with the driven roller 80 that rotates following the cam 81 gradually swings counterclockwise, and the position of the lead cam groove 83 is lowered.
  By the way, when the cam 81 rotates in this way and the plate cam 79 swings downward, the entire crank 75 rotates counterclockwise. This is because the crank 75 that is not regulated by the cam 81 is urged counterclockwise by the elastic force of the clamp spring 72. Therefore, the force of the clamp spring 72 that urges the crank 75 applies a horizontal component force to the cam pin 82 provided in the lead cam groove 83 to horizontally move the movable clamp 31 to the fixed clamp 21 side. Become.
[0041]
  Such a clamping operation is similarly performed between the fixed clamp 41 and the movable clamp 51 of the second tube holder 2. However, the first tube holder 1 and the second tube holder 2 are not simultaneously performed, and a time difference is provided between them.
  That is, the drive mechanism on the second tube holder 2 side, not shown, operates first, drives the movable clamp 51 to move to the fixed clamp 41, and the first tube holder after a predetermined time when the drive is started. 1 drive mechanism is operated.
  Accordingly, the tubes 4 and 5 are clamped by the clamping unit 66 after being clamped by the clamping unit 46. This is because when the tubes 4 and 5 are clamped at two locations, the tubes 4 and 5 are axially distorted at each clamp location, but the first tube holder 1 side clamp is delayed, This is because the distortion generated by the clamp of the two-tube holder 2 is released.
[0042]
  At this time, the tubes 4 and 5 are sandwiched by the rotor pieces 61 and 62 and the U-shaped grooves 64 and 45 of the fixed clamp 41 and the movable clamp 51, and are clamped by the sandwiching portions 46 and 66 at the center thereof. In the holding parts 46 and 66, the tubes 4 and 5 flattened by the first clamp parts 66a and 46a having a depth m are further crushed and clamped by about 10 to 20% of the wall thickness, and the second parts having a depth n. In the clamp parts 66b and 46b, it clamps so that distortion may not arise with respect to the flat tubes 4 and 5. FIG.
  Therefore, the clamping portions 46 and 66 for clamping the tubes 4 and 5 are firmly clamped by the first clamp portions 66a and 46a, and the distortion of the tubes 4 and 5 caused by the first clamp portions 66a and 46a is the first. The two clamp portions 66b and 46b are dispersed. Further, the two tubes 4 and 5 are kept so that the flat shapes at the scheduled cutting positions are substantially matched by being clamped by the second clamp portions 66b and 46b.
[0043]
  Next, the cutting / connecting operation of the tubes 4 and 5 clamped by the drive mechanism as described above will be described.
  The two tubes 4 and 5 are clamped by the fixed clamps 21 and 41 and the movable clamps 31 and 51 as shown in FIG. At this time, the tubes 4 and 5 existing between the holding portions 66 and 66 and the holding portions 46 and 46 are clamped to have a flat shape. In particular, in the places clamped by the first clamp portions 66a, 66a, 46a, 46a, the inside of the tube is closed and the leakage of the liquid in the tubes 4, 5 is stopped.
[0044]
  And the cutting board 3 arrange | positioned between the 1st tube holder 1 and the 2nd tube holder 2 raises, and cuts the tubes 4 and 5 orthogonally. That is, the cutting plate 3 is heated to 300 to 350 ° C. when a voltage is applied, and the cutting plate 3 cuts the tubes 4 and 5 while melting them.
  Next, the cutting plate 3 is stopped in a state orthogonal to the tubes 4 and 5, and the drive gear 69 of the movable clamp 31 is rotated as it is. The rotation of the drive gear 69 is transmitted to the clamp rotor 63 meshed with the tooth profile, and the clamp rotor 63 is rotated by 180 °.
[0045]
  When the clamp rotor 63 rotates 180 °, the rotor pieces 61 and 62 are replaced by the fixed clamp 21 and the movable clamp 31, and the cut tubes 4a and 5a sandwiched between the first tube holders 1 as shown in FIG. The cut surface turns around the side surface of the cutting plate 3 and is turned 180 °, and the cutting surfaces of the tube 4a and the tube 5b and the cutting surfaces of the tube 5a and the tube 4b face each other with the cutting plate 3 interposed therebetween.
  By the way, since the cut surfaces of the tubes 4 and 5 are in a high temperature state where the resin is melted or softened, the cut surfaces are in airtight contact with the cut plate 3. For this reason, even when rotating, the cut surfaces of the tubes 4 and 5 turn the side surfaces while being in airtight contact with the cutting plate 3. Therefore, the aseptic condition is maintained without the inside of the tubes 4 and 5 being exposed to the atmosphere.
[0046]
  Then, at the same time as the cutting plate 3 is retracted downward, the second tube holder 2 is brought close to the first tube holder 1 by a driving means (not shown) (for example, the cylinder 98 in FIG. 11). This is because the tubes are brought into contact with each other by moving the cutting allowance (the thickness of the cutting plate 3). Therefore, the cut surfaces of the tubes 4b and 5b and the tubes 5a and 4a are welded and connected to form two tubes 6 and 7 that are alternately switched as shown in FIG.
  When the tube connection is completed, the cam 81 is rotated again so as to be in the state shown in FIGS. 13 to 12, and the plate cam 79 is lifted via the driven roller 80. Therefore, the crank 75 rotates clockwise around the support shaft 76 against the elastic force of the clamp spring 72, and the position of the cam pin 82 moves relatively downward in the lead cam groove 83. Then, the movable clamp 31 is separated from the fixed clamp 21, and the connected tubes 6 and 7 are removed.
[0047]
  Therefore, in the tube connection device of the present embodiment, since a time difference is provided in the clamp between the first tube holder 1 and the second tube holder 2, the axial distortion generated in the tubes 4 and 5 is released, Since the holding portions 46 and 66 are constituted by the first clamp portions 66a and 46a and the second clamp portions 66b and 46b, the tubes 4 and 5 are firmly held and prevented from coming off.
The distortion generated in the tubes 4 and 5 is suppressed, and the tubes 4 and 5 are not cut off excessively at the time of cutting.
  Therefore, as shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 17, the tube connected by the tube connecting device has a thickness that is significantly thicker than the conventional one, and its strength is increased.
[0048]
  In addition, in the conventional device, since the clamp is made to distort the tube near the cut portion, the connection surface is easily affected by the distortion, and the connection surface spreads outward and a large burr is likely to occur at the connection portion. However, in this device, since the deformation of the cut surface due to distortion was suppressed, the generated burrs were reduced.
[0049]
  In addition, since the tube connecting device according to the present embodiment is provided with the guide means including the support levers 101 and 111, it is easy to load a tube that requires accurate positioning.
  In particular, in this apparatus, support levers 101 and 111 that directly support the tubes 4 and 5 are provided along the outside of the first tube holder 1 and the second tube holder 2, and the distance between them is increased. Since the lower guide pin 106 and the upper guide plate 120a are provided between them, the axis can be accurately aligned at the cutting position even if the tube is slightly deformed by sterilization or the like.
  Therefore, it was possible to prevent the tube from being poorly connected due to the misalignment of the shaft center or the tube from being damaged due to the biased clamping force.
[0050]
  Further, since the rotor pieces 61 and 62 constituting the clamp rotor 63 have the same shape, the position between the fixed clamp 21 and the movable clamp 31 is not limited. Therefore, the fixed clamp 21 to the movable clamp 31 in the state after connection. The clamps can be released by separating them, making it easier to control.
  In particular, in this apparatus, the support levers 101 and 111 are interlocked with the safety cover 120, and the tube detection limit switch 131 and the cover closing detection limit switch 132 are provided to control the clamping operation. After inserting the tube into the support levers 101 and 111, it is only necessary to close the safety cover 120. After that, the tube becomes very easy to handle without any operation until the tube is connected.
  This is a very significant effect considering that this apparatus is used by persons with physical disabilities such as peritoneal patients with low vision and weak power.
[0051]
  Further, in the above-mentioned conventional example, the cut tubes are translated to connect the necessary cut surfaces of the tubes, and the cut surfaces of the tubes that are not connected may be opened, so that liquid is contained in the tubes. If it was left, it spilled out, adversely affecting the device and causing dirt.
  However, in the present tube connecting device, the use of the clamp rotor 63 including the rotor pieces 61 and 62 eliminates such a problem because the cut surfaces can be connected alternately.
[0052]
  As mentioned above, although an example of embodiment of the tube connection apparatus concerning this invention was demonstrated, this invention is not necessarily limited to the said embodiment, A various change is possible in the range which does not deviate from the meaning.
  For example, in the above-described embodiment, the sandwiching portions 46 and 66 are formed by the first clamp portions 66a and 46a and the second clamp portions 66b and 46b having steps, but the second clamp portion may be an inclined surface.
[0053]
【The invention's effect】
  The present invention includes a first tube holder and a second tube holder that hold a plurality of flexible tubes, and a pair of holding members that clamp and hold the tube by abutting and separating from each other, On the contact surface of the holding member, a U-shaped groove for loading the tube and a holding portion that protrudes toward the other tube holder and deforms the tube into a flat state are formed. DepartmentThe first clamp part that clamps the tube relatively strongly, and the tube is relatively closer to the side closer to the planned cutting position between the first tube holder and the second tube holder than the first clamp part. Second clamp portion that clamps weaklyTherefore, the tube clamped by the clamping part is prevented from being pulled out by the first clamp part, and the distortion of the tube is dispersed and the flat shape of the cross section is maintained in the second clamp part. The influence is reduced, and it is possible to provide a tube connection device that prevents the strength of the tube connection portion from being reduced by maintaining the tube cross-section in a flat shape.
[0054]
  In addition, since the present invention has a configuration in which a predetermined time difference is provided for the tube clamping operation by the first tube holder and the second tube holder, the axial distortion generated on one side when the tube is clamped is released, It has become possible to provide a tube connecting device that prevents the strength of the tube connecting portion from being reduced by suppressing the influence of distortion at the planned cutting position.
[0055]
  Further, the present invention provides a lower guide member provided between the tube support members and at a tube lower side position of the tube connection, and is provided between the tube support members and erected on the inner side of the cover member, and closes the cover member. Since the tube has a top guide member whose tip is located at the tube upper position of the tube connection holder, the tube supporting the tube by the support member is further connected to the tube by the lower guide member and the upper guide member on the inner side. By adjusting the position, it is possible to provide a tube connection device that can appropriately load a tube at the clamp portion of the first tube holder and the second tube holder.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an external perspective view showing a drive mechanism of a tube holding unit.
FIG. 2 is an external perspective view showing a first tube holder 1 and a second tube holder 2. FIG.
3 is a view showing a cross section of a fixed clamp 21 and a movable clamp 31 of the first tube holder 1. FIG.
FIG. 4 is a view showing a state where a clamp rotor is loaded in a cover member.
FIG. 5 is a view showing contact surfaces of the fixed clamps 21 and 41;
6 is a view showing a cross section AA in FIG. 5;
FIG. 7 is a side view showing the configuration of the guide means on the second tube holder 2 side.
FIG. 8 is a side view showing the configuration of the guide means on the first tube holder 1 side.
FIG. 9 is a front view of the tube holding portion including guide means viewed with the fixed clamps 21, 41 as a reference.
10 is a diagram showing a tube detection limit switch 131. FIG.
FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a part of the control device.
FIG. 12 is a side view showing drive means during unclamping.
FIG. 13 is a side view showing driving means at the time of clamping.
14 is a view showing a clamped state of the first tube holder 1 and the second tube holder 2. FIG.
FIG. 15 is a view showing a state when a tube is cut.
FIG. 16 is a view showing the tube after connection.
FIG. 17 is a view showing a cross section of the tube after connection.
FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing a main part of a conventional tube connecting device.
FIG. 19 is a view showing a tube at the time of clamping.
FIG. 20 is a view showing a tube at the time of clamping.
FIG. 21 is a view showing a cross section of a tube after connection by a conventional tube connection device.
[Explanation of symbols]
  1 First tube holder
  2 Second tube holder
  4,5 tubes
  21, 41 Fixed clamp
  31, 51 Movable clamp
  61, 62 Rotor piece
  63 Clamp rotor
  46,66 clamping part
  46a, 66a 1st clamp part
  46b, 66b second clamp part
  91 Control unit
  92 Controller
  93 CPU
  94 ROM
  95 RAM
  101,111 support lever
  106 Lower guide pin
  120 Safety cover
  120a Upper guide plate
  131 Tube detection limit switch

Claims (4)

The flexible tube is held by the first tube holder and the second tube holder, and the tube is melted and cut by a heated cutting plate that moves between the first tube holder and the second tube holder. After, in the tube connection device that welds and connects the tube cut surfaces,
The first tube holder and the second tube holder have a pair of holding members that clamp and hold the tube by contact and separation,
The contact surface of the holding member is formed with a U-shaped groove for loading the tube, and a holding portion that protrudes toward the other tube holder and deforms the tube into a flat state.
The U-shaped groove is formed with an inclined surface so that the groove depth equal to or greater than the diameter of the tube gradually decreases toward the holding portion side.
The clamping portion is a side closer to a planned cutting position between the first tube holder and the second tube holder than the first clamp portion and a first clamp portion that clamps the tube relatively strongly. And a second clamp part that clamps the tube relatively weakly . In the tube connecting device according to claim 1 ,
A tube connecting apparatus, wherein a predetermined time difference is provided in the tube clamping operation by the first tube holder and the second tube holder. In the tube connection device according to claim 1 or 2 ,
An openable / closable cover member pivotally attached to the apparatus main body so as to cover the first tube holder and the second tube holder;
A pair of tube support members for supporting the tube on both sides of the first tube holder and the second tube holder;
A driven roller rotatably supported by the tube support member;
When the cover member is closed after the tube support member is filled with the tube, the driven roller comes into contact with the cover member, the tube support member swings downward, and the tube is loaded into the holding member. It is comprised in the tube connection apparatus characterized by the above-mentioned. In the tube connecting device according to claim 3 ,
A lower guide member provided between the tube support members at a tube lower position of the tube connection;
A tube connecting device comprising: an upper guide member which is provided between the tube support members and is erected on the inner side of the cover member, and has a distal end located at a tube upper side position of the tube connection when the cover member is closed. .

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