JPH09215748A - Hollow fiber blood treating device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent the adhesion of a small number of hollow fibers to housing ends by providing the housing with annular projecting parts which are provided with base ends on the inside surface of the housing near a dialyzate inflow port and outflow port and further, have the front ends formed to extend in parallel with the wall surface of the housing near to the front ends of the housing. SOLUTION: The inside surfaces at both ends 5 of the housing are provided with the annular projecting parts 12 which are provided with their base ends 21 near the dialyzate inflow port 8 and the dialyzate outflow port 9 and further, have the front ends formed to extend in parallel with the wall surface of the housing 3 to the inside of a partition wall 6 near to the front ends of the housing 3. Both end sides of the housing 3 are extended long to the extent that the front ends of the annular projecting parts 12 are admitted into the partition wall 6 in such a manner, by which the difference in level to be formed by the ends of the housing 3 and the front ends of the annular projecting parts 12 is eliminated and both ends of a hollow fiber bundle 4 are held by the annular projecting parts 12. As a result, the adhesion of a small amt. of the hollow fibers at the ends of the housing 3 is prevented.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a hollow fiber blood treatment apparatus such as a hollow fiber membrane artificial dialyzer or artificial lung. More specifically, the present invention relates to a hollow fiber blood processing apparatus having an annular protrusion formed near the dialysate inlet and outlet.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art The general structure of a conventional hollow fiber type artificial dialyzer is as follows. A large number of hollow fibers are inserted in a cylindrical housing, and both ends of the hollow fibers are fixed by partition walls made of polyurethane or the like. A blood inlet and a blood outlet are formed at both ends of the housing, and a dialysate dialysate inlet and a dialysate outlet are formed at side portions near both ends. The inside of the housing outside the hollow fiber is blocked from the liquid flow by the partition wall to the blood inlet and the blood outlet, and the hollow fiber hole and the blood inlet / flow port are formed by the hollow fiber hole opened at the end of the partition. The exit is in contact. The inside of the housing (outside the hollow fiber) communicates with the dialysate inlet / outlet. Then, blood is circulated inside the hollow fiber, dialysis fluid is circulated outside the hollow fiber, and blood and dialysis fluid are contacted through the hollow fiber membrane to remove waste products in the blood. The removal of waste products, that is, the dialysis efficiency is greatly influenced by the material and properties of the hollow fiber membrane, but it also depends on the circulation state of blood or dialysate.

In the past, in order to improve the flow condition and dispersibility of dialysate in an artificial dialyzer, Japanese Patent Publication No. 53-3182.
A hollow fiber type dialyzer having a structure as described in Japanese Patent No. 8 has been devised. It is a dialyzer in which an annular portion (hereinafter, referred to as an annular protrusion in the present application) protruding so as to cover the outlet / inlet is formed near the dialysate inlet or the dialysate outlet of the housing. This dialyzer allows the dialysate to flow from the longitudinal direction of the hollow fiber bundle without decreasing the linear velocity by forming an annular protrusion near the dialysate inlet and outlet. It has become possible to disperse the particles around the hollow fiber well.

[0004]

However, the annular projection formed on the inner surface of the housing near the dialysate inlet / outlet has the annular projection forming portion and both ends where the annular projection is not formed. In between, a step is formed on the inner surface of the housing. As a result, when the hollow fiber bundle is inserted into the housing as shown in FIG. 1, a small number of hollow fibers located on the outer periphery of the hollow fiber bundle are attached to the end of the housing due to static electricity. Therefore, various problems as described below occur. First, when the hollow fiber blood processing device is assembled or processed while the hollow fiber remains attached to the end of the housing,
The hollow fiber breaks, causing blood leakage. The second is a manufacturing problem. The end of the hollow fiber bundle is fixed by a potting material (partition wall material), but it is necessary to hold the end of the hollow fiber bundle in the process before fixing, and after fixing with the potting material, the partition wall is cut and the hollow It is necessary to open the yarn end and inspect the partition end face (cut surface). If the hollow fiber remains attached to the end of the housing, the work efficiency is significantly reduced in the step of holding the end of the hollow fiber bundle and the inspection of the partition wall end face.

Further, there is not only a problem caused by the hollow fibers adhering to the end face of the housing, but also a problem concerning prevention of deviation and separation of the partition wall to which the hollow fibers are fixed when the header is mounted on the housing from the housing. This is because when the header is attached to the end of the housing, the header is attached by pressing it against the end of the housing (end face of the partition wall) via a seal ring so that it can be attached in a liquid-tight manner. By pressing the header,
In order to prevent the partition from being pushed into the housing and misaligned or peeling off, the existing one has a step (Fig. 7) at the end of the housing.
15) is provided. Due to this step portion, the outermost diameter of the housing is increased by that amount, and due to the structure having the step portion, the injection molding cycle is delayed, and there is a drawback that the manufacturing efficiency is lowered.

[0006]

According to the present invention, a housing, a hollow fiber bundle inserted into the housing, and a partition formed to liquid-tightly fix both ends of the hollow fiber bundle to both ends of the housing. And a header attached to both ends of the housing so as to cover the partition wall, a dialysate inlet and an outlet are formed on sidewalls of both ends of the housing, and a blood inlet and an outlet are formed on the header. In the hollow fiber blood processing apparatus described above, a proximal end portion is formed on the inner surface of the housing in the vicinity of the dialysate inlet and / or outlet, and an annular protrusion is formed whose tip extends parallel to the housing wall surface into the partition wall. A plurality of grooves or holes are formed on the side wall of the annular protrusion, and the housing inner surface between the dialysate inlet and / or the outlet and the housing tip has a stepless surface. The hollow fiber blood processing device according to symptoms, the foregoing problems are eliminated.

By holding the proximal end portion on the inner surface of the housing near the dialysate inflow port and / or the outflow port and the annular projection extending from the front end to the vicinity of the front end of the housing, the hollow fiber end portion can be held easily. Is improved, and as a result, it is possible to prevent a small number of hollow fibers from adhering to the end portion of the housing. Further, when the header is mounted on the housing, the annular protrusion extending from the housing acts as a reaction force against the pushing force of the header that pushes the bulkhead of the blood processing apparatus. Even if no special means such as is provided, it is possible to prevent the partition wall from being displaced or peeled off due to the pressing force. Since the dialysate inlet / outlet is covered by the annular protrusions, there is concern that the dialysate may flow between these inlets / outlets and the housing. Alternatively, since the holes are formed, the flow of dialysate between the dialysate inlet and outlet and the housing is well maintained. If necessary, by extending the tip of the annular protrusion to the tip on the inner peripheral side of the housing, it becomes possible to make the protrusion of the header and the annular protrusion contact each other. The sonic welding eliminates the need for a seal ring and enables a stronger connection between the header and the partition.

[0008]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION One of the embodiments of the present invention is an improvement of the housing of a hollow fiber hemodialyzer which has been often used conventionally. A dialysate inlet and an outlet are formed on the side wall of the hemodialyzer, and a blood inlet and an outlet are formed at the end of the hemodialyzer. An annular protrusion having a base end portion on the inner surface of the housing in the vicinity of the dialysate inflow port and the outflow port, and having a tip extending parallel to the housing wall surface into the partition wall is formed (on the housing end portion). That is, the annular protrusion is formed concentrically with the housing wall on the inner peripheral side. A plurality of grooves or holes are formed on the side wall of the annular protrusion. Further, the inner surface of the housing between the dialysate inlet and outlet and the tip of the housing is a stepless surface, so that the separation and separation of the partition wall due to the header pressing force can be prevented without providing the stepped portion.

The tip of the annular protrusion may be formed at the same position on the inner circumference side of the housing tip, or on the inner circumference side, the inside of the housing from the tip of the housing (dialysis fluid outlet,
It may be formed at a position retracted by 2 to 4 mm toward the inlet side). In the former case, as described above, the header and the partition wall can be firmly coupled by bringing the protrusion of the header and the annular protrusion into contact with each other and ultrasonically welding them. Even in the latter case, the annular projection itself that extends into the partition wall has the effect of preventing the partition wall from shifting or peeling due to the header pressing force, so the step portion of the housing end, which was necessary in the conventional blood processing device, is unnecessary. Therefore, the header can be strongly bonded to the housing.

Although the housing and the annular projection may be formed separately and then joined by adhesion or the like, it is preferable that they are joined by integral molding in terms of process and strength. However, the present invention is not limited to such a combination of the housing and the annular protrusion.

[0011]

The hollow fiber blood processing apparatus of the present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the embodiments shown in the drawings. FIG.
FIG. 6 is a partial sectional view of an embodiment in which the hollow fiber blood processing apparatus 1 of the present invention is used as a hemodialyzer, and FIG. 6 is a partial sectional view of a conventional hemodialyzer 2. The hollow fiber blood processing apparatus 1 roughly includes a housing 3, a hollow fiber bundle 4 made up of a large number of hollow fibers inserted in the housing 3, and both ends of the hollow fiber bundle 4 fixed to both ends 5 of the housing in a liquid-tight manner. The partition wall 6 is formed for this purpose, and the header 7 is attached to both ends 5 of the housing so as to cover the partition wall 6. A dialysate inlet 8 and a dialysate outlet 9 are formed on the side walls of both ends 5 of the housing, and a blood inlet 10 and a blood outlet 1 are formed in the header 7.
1 is formed. On the inner surface of both ends 5 of the housing, a proximal end portion 21 near the dialysate inlet 8 and dialysate outlet 9 is provided.
And an annular protrusion 12 whose tip extends parallel to the wall surface of the housing and extends into the partition wall 6.

Next, the difference in structure between the hollow fiber blood processing apparatus 1 of the present invention and the conventional type hemodialyzer 2 and the difference in function and effect due to the difference will be described. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, on the inner surface of both ends 5 of the housing of the conventional hemodialyzer 2, an annular protrusion 12 similar to that provided in the hollow fiber blood processing apparatus 1 of the present invention. Had been formed.
The position where the annular projection 12 is attached to the inner surface of the housing 3, that is, the base end portion 21 of the annular projection 12 is formed near the dialysate inlet 8 and the dialysate outlet 9 as in the present invention. ing. However, the conventional annular protrusion 1
Since 2 is only long enough to cover the dialysate inlet 8 or the dialysate outlet 9, a step 13 is formed on the inner surface of both ends 5 of the housing, and when the hollow fiber bundle 4 is inserted into the housing 3. In addition, a small number of hollow fibers were attached to the inner surfaces of both ends 5 of the housing.

In the present invention, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the annular projection 12 is extended to both ends of the housing 3 so that the tip of the annular projection 12 fits into the partition wall 6, and the end of the housing 3 is separated. The step 13 formed by the tip of the annular protrusion 12 is substantially eliminated, and both ends of the hollow fiber bundle 4 are held by the annular protrusion 12. As a result, the adhesion of a small number of hollow fibers attached to both ends 5 of the housing is improved, and as a result, it becomes easy to hold the end of the hollow fiber bundle 4 and inspect the end face of the partition wall 6 at the time of production, and improve the production efficiency. To do.

Further, by extending the tip end of the annular projection 12 toward the housing tip end 16 side, it is possible to prevent displacement and peeling of the partition wall 6 due to the pressing of the header 7.
As described above in the section “Problems to be solved by the invention”, when the header 7 is mounted liquid-tightly on the housing end 5 (partition wall 6), the partition wall 6 is separated by the header 7 and the seal ring 14.
Is pressed. In the existing one shown in FIG. 7, the stepped portions 15 having different wall thicknesses are provided at both end portions 5 of the housing so that the partition wall 6 does not move toward the center side of the housing 3 (displacement or peeling) due to this pressing. However, for this reason, the above-mentioned drawbacks such as an increase in the outermost diameter of the housing and a decrease in manufacturing efficiency have been caused.

However, as shown in FIG. 2, the annular projection 12
By extending the tip end of the housing, the annular projection 12 acts as a reaction force against the pressing force of the header 7 (seal ring 14) that presses the partition wall 6, so that it is not necessary to provide the stepped portions 15 on both ends 5 of the housing. . Instead of the step portion 15, the annular protrusion 12 that is connected to the housing 3 functions as a movement preventing member for the partition wall 6, and the housing 3
It is considered that the housing 3 has acquired an adhesive area for coupling with the partition wall 6 by providing the annular protrusion 12 on the. In addition, it is preferable to integrally form the annular projection 12 on the wall surface of the housing 3 afterwards, because it is easier to perform the manufacturing process, the cost is reduced, and a stronger drag can be obtained.

Next, as shown in FIG. 3, if the tip of the annular projection 12 is formed at substantially the same position on the inner peripheral side of the housing tip 16, the header 7 without using a seal ring can be attached to the housing 3. . That is, as shown in the figure,
The tip end of the annular protrusion 12 penetrating the partition wall 6 and the protruding portion 22 of the header 7 are brought into contact with each other, and the contact portion 17 is ultrasonically welded, so that the header 7 and the partition wall 6 are firmly fixed to each other. can do. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 2, the tip of the annular protrusion 12 is pulled inward from the same position on the inner peripheral side of the housing tip 16 by a slight distance d (toward the base end 21 of the annular protrusion 12). It may be formed at a complicated position. The above distance d is 1 to 15 in consideration of the effect of holding the hollow fibers and the effect of preventing the partition walls from being displaced or separated.
The range of mm is preferable, and the range of 2 to 4 mm is more preferable. In the case where the ultrasonic welding is not performed, that is, when the header 7 having the seal ring 14 mounted thereon is coupled to the housing 3, if the distance d is too small, the annular protrusion 12 against the pressing force of the header 7 that pushes the partition wall 6 will be reduced. The resistance is weakened, and the effect of preventing partition wall displacement and peeling is reduced. However, if the distance d is too large, on the contrary, the effect of holding the hollow fibers is reduced, and further, the effect of preventing displacement and peeling, which is obtained by obtaining the adhesive area between the partition wall 6 and the annular protrusion 12, is weakened.

Further, as shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, by forming the linear groove 19 and the elongated circular hole 20 on the side wall of the annular protrusion 12, the effect of the annular protrusion is retained. Until then, it is possible to secure the flow of the dialysate between the dialysate inlet 8 and the dialysate outlet 9 and the housing 3, and further, the groove 19 thereof.
The shape and size of the holes 20 can improve the flow state of the dialysate.

[0018]

As described in the problems to be solved by the invention, the following effects are obtained. First, the problem caused by a small number of hollow fibers adhering to the housing end is eliminated. That is, yarn breakage and blood leak caused thereby can be improved. At the same time, it is possible to easily hold the end of the hollow fiber and inspect the end face of the partition wall during the manufacture of the hollow fiber blood processing apparatus, so that the manufacturing efficiency is improved. In addition, since the annular projection that extends to the end of the housing or near the end acts as a reaction force against the pressing force of the header (seal ring) that presses the partition wall, the conventionally formed steps at both ends of the housing are provided. There is no need. Therefore, the outermost diameter of the housing can be reduced, and the reduction in manufacturing efficiency due to the formation of the step can be improved. Also, if necessary,
A stronger connection can be achieved by bringing the protruding portion of the header into contact with the tip of the annular protrusion formed on the end portion of the housing and ultrasonically welding that portion.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the outline of a hollow fiber blood processing apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view showing the structure in the vicinity of the annular protrusion of the hollow fiber blood processing apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged partial sectional view showing a structure in the vicinity of an annular protrusion of a blood processing apparatus according to another embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a schematic view showing streak-shaped grooves formed in the annular protrusion of the blood processing apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a schematic view showing holes formed in an annular protrusion of the blood processing apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view showing an outline of a conventional hollow fiber blood processing apparatus.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged partial sectional view showing a structure in the vicinity of an annular protrusion of a conventional hollow fiber blood processing apparatus.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1. Hollow fiber type blood processing apparatus (of the present invention) 1. Conventional hemodialyzer 3. Housing 4. Hollow fiber bundle 5. Both ends of housing 6. Partition wall 7. Header-8. Dialysate inlet 9. Dialysate outlet 10. Blood inlet 11. Blood outlet 12. Annular protrusion 13. Step 14. Seal ring 15. Step 16. Housing tip 17. Contact part 19. Groove 20. Hole 21. Base end 22. Projection

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A housing, a hollow fiber bundle inserted into the housing, a partition formed to fix both ends of the hollow fiber bundle to both ends of the housing in a liquid-tight manner, and to cover the partition. A hollow fiber blood processing apparatus comprising a header attached to both ends of the housing, a dialysate inlet and an outlet being formed on sidewalls of both ends of the housing, and a blood inlet and an outlet being formed in the header. In, a ring-shaped protrusion having a base end portion on the inner surface of the housing in the vicinity of the dialysate inlet and / or the outlet and having a tip extending into the partition wall parallel to the wall surface of the housing is formed, and a side wall of the ring-shaped protrusion is formed. ,
A hollow fiber blood processing apparatus, wherein a plurality of grooves or holes are formed, and further, an inner surface of the housing between the dialysate inlet and / or the outlet and the housing tip has a stepless surface. 2. The hollow fiber blood processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the annular protrusion is integrally formed with a housing wall surface. 3. The hollow fiber blood processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the tip of the annular protrusion is formed at the same position on the inner peripheral side of the tip of the housing. 4. The hollow fiber according to claim 1, wherein the tip of the annular projection is formed at a position on the inner peripheral side of the housing tip that is retracted by 2 to 4 mm from the housing tip. Type blood processing equipment.