JP4197927B2 - Impulse tube sealer - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an impulse tube sealer that seals a tube by sandwiching and pressing a tube between a first pressing portion and a second pressing portion and heating the tube with an impulse heater.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In the medical field, tubes are used for blood collection and dialysis. This tube is incinerated after blood collection, dialysis, etc., because it may be contaminated with pathogenic bacteria. Until the tube removed from the patient is incinerated, the tube is welded and sealed in order to prevent leakage of blood from the tube. In order to perform this welding and sealing, the high frequency dielectric heating method is generally used.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, tube sealing is often performed in hospitals, and electromagnetic waves generated when high frequency dielectric heating is performed may adversely affect patients equipped with pacemakers and peripheral medical devices, causing malfunctions. there is a possibility. Further, vinyl chloride is mainly used as a material for the tube, and this vinyl chloride generates toxic gas when incineration is performed. Therefore, butadiene tubes are being used in place of vinyl chloride. However, a butadiene tube has a characteristic that it is difficult to perform welding at a high frequency as compared with a vinyl chloride tube.
[0004]
Therefore, a technique for sealing the tube by an impulse heating method instead of a high frequency induction heating method can be considered. In the case of the impulse heating method, since no high frequency is generated, there is no adverse effect on the medical device. A problem in the case of using the impulse heating method is to apply an appropriate pressing force when the tube is sandwiched and pressed between the first pressing portion and the second pressing portion and heated. Since the tube is thick, it is necessary to apply a large pressing force. On the other hand, if a large pressing force continues to be applied even after heating, the tube will be inadvertently cut (collapsed), There is a risk of blood leaking.
[0005]
The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and its task is to provide an impulse tube sealer that can appropriately seal a tube after use by applying an appropriate pressing force to the tube when sealing the tube. Is to provide.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above problems, an impulse tube sealer according to the present invention is:
An impulse type tube sealer that sandwiches and presses a tube between a first pressing portion and a second pressing portion and seals the tube by heating with an impulse heater,
A first pressing means and a second pressing means for applying a pressing force to the tube;
At the sealing operation starting, as well as sandwiched and pressed the tube mainly by the first pressing means, the pressing force of the second pressing means is charged, then the tube was heated by an impulse heater, the tube is gradually softening In addition , the charged pressing force is configured to act.
[0007]
The operation and effect of the impulse type tube sealer with this configuration is as follows. First, a first pressing part and a second pressing part for holding and pressing the tube are provided. The tube that performs the sealing is sandwiched between the first pressing portion and the second pressing portion. In addition, a first pressing means and a second pressing means are provided in order to sandwich the tube between the first pressing portion and the second pressing portion and apply a pressing force.
[0008]
When the tube sealing operation is performed, a pressing force mainly by the first pressing means is applied. The meaning of mainly operating the first pressing means is that the pressing force may be applied only by the first pressing means, or the pressing force is applied using the second pressing means in addition to the first pressing means. Also means good. Thereby, the tube is sandwiched and pressed, and the tube is crushed. Next, the tube is heated by an impulse heater. By this heating, the tube is gradually welded, and the pressing force by the second pressing means acts to seal the tube. In the case of welding the tube, it is appropriate to change the manner in which the pressing force is applied before and after the heating with the impulse heater. This is because the softness of the tube is different before and after heating. Therefore, by providing different pressing means such as the first pressing means and the second pressing means as in the present invention, an appropriate pressing force can be applied to the tube. As a result, it is possible to provide an impulse tube sealer that can appropriately seal a tube after use by applying an appropriate pressing force to the tube when sealing the tube.
[0009]
As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the second pressing means is a coil spring. Thereby, a 2nd press means can be comprised easily.
[0010]
As another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first pressing means moves the support means on which the first pressing portion or the second pressing portion is supported by a predetermined stroke in the direction in which the tube is sandwiched. One example is one in which the support means is locked by an alternate operation type lock mechanism, and the lock is released after the sealing operation is completed.
[0011]
The first pressing means moves the support means on which the first pressing part or the second pressing part is supported by a predetermined stroke. By this movement, the tube is sandwiched between the first pressing portion and the second pressing portion. Further, an alternate operation type lock mechanism is provided, and the support means is locked by the lock mechanism. Since this is an alternate operation type, when releasing the lock mechanism, the support means may be moved in the same direction as when locking. Therefore, the mechanism for moving the supporting means (first or second pressing portion) can be simplified.
[0012]
In addition, as a structure of this invention, a support means does not ask | require whether it supports a 1st press part or a 2nd press part directly, or supports indirectly.
[0013]
Still another preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a configuration in which the coil spring is charged when the support is locked.
[0014]
At the start of the sealing operation, the support means is moved and locked, and the coil spring is charged in conjunction with this. By this charged spring force, the pressing force by the second pressing means can be applied to the tube.
[0015]
Still another preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a stopper provided with a stopper that regulates a distance that the first pressing portion and the second pressing portion approach each other.
[0016]
When the tube is pressed by the first and second pressing portions and heated by the heater, the tube becomes soft, so that the first pressing portion and the second pressing portion gradually approach each other. In that case, the tube may be crushed by the entire pressing surface due to the pressing force of the first pressing portion and the second pressing portion. Then, an unexpected part is cut carelessly. Therefore, by using a linear member and limiting the distance that the first pressing portion and the second pressing portion approach each other, the tube can be prevented from being crushed more than necessary.
[0017]
As still another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first pressing portion and the second pressing portion, and the first pressing means and the second pressing means are provided in a sealer body and can accommodate the sealer body. Examples include a sealer housing portion that can be used as a stationary type when the sealer body is housed in the sealer housing portion, and can be used as a handy type when the sealer body is removed from the sealer housing portion.
[0018]
According to this configuration, when the sealer main body is accommodated in the sealer accommodating portion, the tube sealer can be used as a stationary type. Moreover, a tube sealer can be used with a handy type by removing the sealer body from the sealer housing. Thereby, either one can be properly used according to the preference of the operator.
[0019]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
A preferred embodiment of an impulse tube sealer according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Tubes to be sealed are blood collection tubes and dialysis tubes used in medical institutions. These tubes are incinerated after use, but before incineration, it is necessary to melt and seal appropriate portions of the tubes so that blood or the like does not leak. The tube sealer of the present invention is used for that purpose.
[0020]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an external configuration of a tube sealer. The tube sealer includes a sealer body 1, a control box 2, and a flexible pipe 3. When not in use, the sealer body 1 is stored in a state where it is placed in the sealer stand 4. In addition, the tube sealer can be used as a stationary type in a state in which the tube sealer is placed in the sealer mounting table 4 (corresponding to a sealer housing portion). When the sealer body 1 is removed from the sealer stand 4, it can be used as a handy type as shown in FIG. It can be used according to the operator's preference. The sealer body 1 is formed in a size that can be grasped by a hand.
[0021]
FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an external configuration of the sealer body 1. The sealer body 1 includes a first case 5 and a second case 6 as appearance members, and various mechanisms are accommodated therein. A tube insertion opening 7 for inserting a tube is formed in the first and second cases 5 and 6. The sealer body 1 is provided with a cord cover 8 for protecting the cord. On the second case 6 side, a fan 9 is provided as a cooling means for cooling the first pressing portion 10 and the second pressing portion 11 (which will be described next). By providing the fan 9 in the immediate vicinity of the area to be heated of the sealer main body 1, it is possible to work continuously.
[0022]
3 and 4 are views showing the internal structure of the sealer body 1 with the first and second cases 5 and 6 removed. First, the 1st press part 10 and the 2nd press part 11 for pinching and pressing a tube are provided. Details of these will be described later. The first pressing portion 10 is attached to and supported by the first support plate 12. The first support plate 12 is fastened and fixed to the first case 5 with screws. Therefore, the first pressing portion 10 is also fixed to the first case 5.
[0023]
The second pressing portion 11 is attached to and supported by the second support plate 13. A spring hook 13 a is formed on the second support plate 13. On the other hand, the first support plate 12 is provided with a spring hanging shaft 12a. A tension coil spring 17 is stretched between the spring hook 13a and the spring hook shaft 12a. The tension coil spring 17 urges the second pressing portion 11 in the direction of arrow B, that is, in the direction in which the space between the first and second pressing portions 10 and 11 opens.
[0024]
A bent portion 13 b is integrally formed on the right side of the second support plate 13. The first block body 20 is provided, and the left side surface of the first block body 20 is in contact with the bent portion 13b. Two struts 22 are planted horizontally on the left side surface of the first block body 20. Two holes for penetrating these two struts 22 are formed in the bent portion 13b. A compression coil spring 23 (corresponding to the second pressing means) is attached to these columns 22. Due to the spring force of the compression coil spring 23, the bent portion 13b and the first block body 20 are in contact with each other in a normal state.
[0025]
An L-shaped plate 24 is attached to the right side surface of the first block body 20 described above. The drive line 14 is attached to the right end portion of the L-shaped plate 24. This drive line 14 is connected to a solenoid 25 (corresponding to the first pressing means). The solenoid 25 includes a solenoid plunger 25a and a solenoid base 25b. By actuating the solenoid and pulling the drive line 14 in the direction of arrow A, the second pressing portion 11, the second support plate 13, and the first block body 20 can be moved in the direction of arrow A. A line guide 19 is fixed to the right end of the first support plate 12, and the drive line 14 is guided by the groove 19a.
[0026]
A first guide member 26 is attached to the back surface of the second support plate 13 with screws. On the other hand, a second guide member 27 is attached to the first support plate 12 with screws. A large number of ball bearings 28 are provided between the first guide member 26 and the second guide member 27. By this moving mechanism, the second pressing portion 11 can be smoothly moved.
[0027]
An alternate operation type lock mechanism 15 is also provided. The alternate operation is an operation in which the lock mechanism is locked by moving it in a certain direction and the state is maintained, and the lock mechanism is unlocked when moved in the same direction once more. is there. The lock mechanism 15 includes an engaged protrusion 15a and an engaging claw 15b. The engaging claw 15b is supported by the second block body 21, and the second block body 21 is fixed to the first support plate 12 with screws. Further, the engaged protrusion 15 a is supported by the first block body 20. Therefore, when the drive line 14 is pulled in the direction of arrow A, the engaged protrusion 15a supported by the first block body 20 also moves together, and the engaged protrusion 15a is engaged and locked by the engaging claw 15b. Will be. Therefore, the first block body 20 and the L-shaped plate 24 function as support means.
[0028]
As other mechanisms, two auxiliary pins 29 are planted on the left side surface of the first block body 20. This function will be described later. Further, a heater heating wiring 30 for heating the heater and a thermocouple wiring 31 for connecting the thermocouple to the circuit are provided. The heater heating wiring 30 and the thermocouple wiring 31 are led to the control box 2 by the flexible pipe 3 (see FIG. 1).
[0029]
<Configuration of pressing part>
Next, the structure of the 1st press part 10 and the 2nd press part 11 is demonstrated. 5 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the first pressing portion 10, FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the pressing portion, and FIG. 7 is a side cross-sectional view of the pressing portion.
[0030]
The pressing portions 10 and 11 include electrodes 10a and 11a, thermally conductive silicon rubber sheets 10b and 11b, heat resistant resin sheets (polyimide film or the like) 10c and 11c, heaters 10d and 11d, and heat resistant resin sheets 10e, 11e are stacked in this order. Moreover, the thermocouple 10f is provided in the 1st press part 10, and it functions as a temperature sensor which measures the temperature of a press area | region. The tube C is set so that it may be clamped between the 1st press part 10 and the 2nd press part 11, as shown in FIG. In addition, a cutting line 10g is provided in the outer portion of the heat resistant resin sheet 10e and in the center in the width direction of the heater 10d. The cutting line 10g has a function of cutting the tube C, and also has a stopper function that limits the approach distance between the first pressing part 10 and the second pressing part 11.
[0031]
Since the heat-resistant resin sheets 10c, 10e, 11c, and 11e are provided, the tube is not entangled and the heaters 10d and 11d are not contaminated when performing the welding operation. Moreover, the shape of the heaters 10d and 11d is formed in a direction orthogonal to the direction in which the tube C is arranged, and thus the tube can be safely held.
[0032]
<Operation description>
Next, the operation when the tube is sealed with the tube sealer according to the present invention will be described. FIG. 8 shows a state when the tube is sealed. 4A shows a normal state before the start of pressing, and FIG. 4B shows a state after the start of pressing.
[0033]
First, a tube is set between the first pressing part 10 and the second pressing part 11. Next, an operation button (not shown) is operated to turn on the solenoid 25. Thereby, the solenoid plunger 25a is attracted | sucked by the solenoid base 25b, and the drive line 14 is pulled in the arrow A direction. When the drive line 14 is pulled, the L-shaped plate 24 to which the drive line 14 is connected is pulled, and the first block body 20, the second support plate 13, and the second pressing portion 11 are also moved in the direction of the arrow A in conjunction with each other. The tube C is gradually crushed by the movement of the second pressing portion 11. FIG. 8A shows the state of the tube before being crushed. What is indicated by t is the thickness of the tube C. FIG. 4B shows a state in which the tube C is pressed to twice its thickness (2t). The stroke that the second pressing portion 11 has moved until the tube C becomes twice the thickness is represented by S2.
[0034]
In this way, the tube C is crushed to a thickness of 2 t in order to efficiently perform heating by the heater, and the fluororesin sheet and the tube are burned or burnt due to overheating of the heater. Preventing carbonization.
[0035]
In addition, although the stroke which drives the solenoid 25 and moves the drive line 14 is shown by S1, it is set to S1> S2. Accordingly, even after the tube C is pressed to 2t by the second pressing portion 11, the first block body 20 and the L-shaped plate 24 further move in the direction of the arrow A, but the second pressing portion 11 and the second support plate No further moves in the direction of arrow A. That is, the compression coil spring 23 does not have enough force to further crush the tube C compressed to a thickness of 2t. Then, the compression coil spring 23 is pulled and charged, and a gap S <b> 3 is formed between the bent portion 13 b of the second support plate 13 and the left side surface of the first block body 20. When the movement of the solenoid 25 by the stroke S1 is completed, the engaged protrusion 15a and the engaging claw 15b of the locking mechanism 15 are engaged and locked. In the state where the locking is completed, the solenoid 25 is switched from ON to OFF, and the solenoid plunger 25a of the solenoid 25 slightly returns to the position of the broken line in FIG. In this state, a gap S3 is formed between the bent portion 13b and the left side surface of the first block body 20 as described above, and the length of the gap S3 is approximately equal to the amount of compression of the compression coil spring 23. The same. From the above, the stroke S1 is set to be S2 + S3.
[0036]
Then, after the locking by the lock mechanism 15 is completed, the heaters 10d and 11d are turned on. Thereby, the heaters 10d and 11d are heated. The heating of the heaters 10d and 11d starts melting the material of the tube C. Thereby, since the tube C becomes flexible, the tube C is further crushed by the spring force of the charged compression coil spring 23 (see FIG. 8C). Moreover, the tube C is sealed by melting the tube C. FIG. 8D shows a state where the sealing is completed. Here, since the cutting line 10g (corresponding to the cutting member and the stopper) is provided, the tube C is not completely crushed. If the tube C is completely crushed, the tube will be inadvertently broken, and there is a problem that blood in the tube C leaks. Therefore, by providing a cutting line 10g on the surface of the first pressing portion 10 (which may be provided on the second pressing portion 11 side) as in the present invention, this can function as a stopper, It is possible to prevent the pressing portion 10 and the second pressing portion 11 from approaching the thickness of the cutting line 10g. The thickness of the tube C to be sealed is approximately the same as the thickness of the cutting line 10g.
[0037]
In addition, since the width | variety cut | disconnected by the cutting line 10g is substantially the same as the thickness of the cutting line 10g, the malfunction that the tube C will tear apart more than necessary does not generate | occur | produce. Further, the cut surface of the tube C cut by the cutting line 10g is completely sealed, and blood or the like does not leak.
[0038]
Another feature of the tube sealer according to the present invention will be described. As shown in FIG. 5, the width D2 of the heater 10d is narrower than the width D1 of the first pressing portion 10 (the width in the direction in which the tube is set) (the same applies to the second pressing portion 11). Thereby, the part where the tube C is not scheduled is prevented from being cut carelessly. This will be described with reference to FIG. The width D2 is preferably set to be about 1/4 to 1/2 of the width D1.
[0039]
FIG. 9 shows the operation when the widths of the first and second pressing portions 10 and 11 and the widths of the heaters 10d and 11d are the same. (A) is a state before the tube C is pressed, and (b) is a state in which the tube C is pressed until the thickness is exactly 2t. In this state, heating by the heater starts. By heating, melting of the tube C is started. Thereby, the tube C is further crushed. Moreover, since the tube C is heated and melted over the entire region in the pressed width direction, the tube C may be cut at both end portions of the pressing portions 10 and 11 as shown in (c). If it does so, the problem that the blood etc. in the tube C will leak will generate | occur | produce. Therefore, it is possible to prevent unscheduled portions from being cut by making the width of the heater narrower than the width of the pressing portions 10 and 11 as in the present invention. That is, as shown in FIG. 8C, the end portion of the pressing surface is not melted, so that this portion is not accidentally cut.
[0040]
Next, the function of the auxiliary pin 29 will be described with reference to FIG. The auxiliary pin 29 has a head portion and a shaft portion, and a clearance δ is provided between the back surface of the head portion and the bent portion 13 b of the second support plate 13. This is provided for the case where the tube C cannot be pressed by the spring force of the compression coil spring 23 (cannot be crushed to a thickness of 2 t) when the tube C is started to be pressed by the drive line 14. In such a case, the bent portion 13 b can be pulled by the head of the auxiliary pin 29. Thereby, the tube C can be forcedly pushed. The auxiliary pin 29 is designed in consideration of the case where the tube C made of a material having high hardness is pressed. However, if all types of the tube C can be pressed by the compression coil spring 23, the auxiliary pin 29 is not necessarily used. It is not necessary to provide it.
[0041]
When sealing tube C, heat it to a predetermined temperature according to the tube material, diameter, thickness, and conditions inside the tube, and manage and adjust the predetermined heating temperature and heating time, and seal the pressed part by welding. Then, it is cooled by a fan. The sealing method according to the present invention is an impulse sealing method, and for the specific control technique, for example, an impulse sealer control device disclosed in Japanese Examined Patent Publication No. 7-112849 by the present applicant is applied. Can do. The cooling may be cooling by natural heat radiation instead of forced cooling by a fan.
[0042]
When the tube sealing is completed, the solenoid 25 is turned on again. As a result, the drive line 14 is pulled again in the direction of arrow A (see FIG. 4). Since the lock mechanism 15 is an alternate operation method, the lock is released by pulling again. As the lock is released, the second pressing portion 11 returns to the original position by the spring force of the tension coil spring 17. The space between the first pressing portion 10 and the second pressing portion 11 is opened, the sealed tube is taken out, and the next operation is started.
[0043]
In the above configuration, in the present invention, since the tube is sealed not by the high frequency induction heating method but by the impulse heating method, the medical device is not adversely affected. Further, not only tubes made of vinyl chloride but also tubes made of butadiene or other thermoplastic resins can be sealed.
[0044]
<Another embodiment>
(1) In this embodiment, the solenoid 25 corresponds to the first pressing means, and the compression coil spring 23 corresponds to the second pressing means. The timing at which each pressing means applies a pressing force to the tube is not limited to a specific form. For example, the spring force of the coil spring 23 may act before the tube becomes 2t thick, or the spring force may act after the tube becomes 2t thick. Moreover, you may use things other than a solenoid and a compression coil spring as a specific example of a 1st press means and a 2nd press means.
[0045]
(2) In the present embodiment, only the second pressing portion 11 is moved, but only the first pressing portion 10 may be moved, or the first and second pressing portions 10 may be moved. , 11 may be configured to be movable.
(3) The material of the cutting line 10g can be selected as appropriate. Although metallicity is preferable, it is not limited to this.
[0046]
(4) FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating another embodiment of the first pressing portion 10 (the same configuration can be applied to the second pressing portion 11). Here, instead of providing a cutting line that functions as a stopper, a pair of stoppers 40 is provided on both sides of the pressing portion 10 in the width direction. The stopper 40 is further formed with a convex portion 40a, which abuts against a stopper (not shown) on the second pressing portion 11 side. Thereby, the thickness by which a tube is crushed can be controlled. In this case, the width dimension D1 of the first pressing portion 10 is larger than the width dimension D2 of the portion where the heater is provided. The portion provided with the heater and the stopper 40 may be configured to be integrally coupled to move in the same manner, or may be configured to be driven independently.
[0047]
(5) FIG. 12 shows another embodiment of a tube sealer that can be used both as a stationary type and a handy type. In this configuration, a sealer accommodating portion 4 ′ is provided inside the control box 2. When the sealer body 1 is housed in the sealer housing 4 ′, it can be used as a stationary type, and when it is removed from the sealer housing 4 ′, it can be used as a handy type.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an external configuration of a tube sealer. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an external configuration of a sealer body. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an internal structure of the sealer body with a second case removed. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the structure of the pressing part. FIG. 6 is a side view showing the structure of the pressing part. FIG. 7 is a side sectional view showing the structure of the pressing part. ] Diagram showing how the tube is sealed (Embodiment)
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a state when a tube is sealed (comparative example).
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another embodiment of the pressing portion. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a usage state as a handy type. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing another embodiment of a tube sealer that can be used both as a stationary type and a handy type. Explanation of]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Sealer main body 7 Tube insertion port 10 1st press part 10d, 11d Heater 10g Cutting line 11 2nd press part 12 1st support plate 13 2nd support plate 14 Drive line 15 Lock mechanism 23 Compression coil spring 25 Solenoid C Tube

Claims (6)

An impulse type tube sealer that sandwiches and presses a tube between a first pressing portion and a second pressing portion and seals the tube by heating with an impulse heater,
A first pressing means and a second pressing means for applying a pressing force to the tube;
At the sealing operation starting, as well as sandwiched and pressed the tube mainly by the first pressing means, the pressing force of the second pressing means is charged, then the tube was heated by an impulse heater, the tube is gradually softening The impulse type tube sealer is configured so that the charged pressing force is applied as it is being performed. The impulse-type tube sealer according to claim 1, wherein the second pressing means is a coil spring. The first pressing means moves the supporting means for supporting the first pressing portion or the second pressing portion by a predetermined stroke in a direction in which the tube is sandwiched, and then moves the supporting means by an alternate operation type lock mechanism. The impulse-type tube sealer according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the impulse-type tube sealer is locked and released after the sealing operation. The impulse type tube sealer according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the coil spring is charged when the supporting means is locked. The impulse type tube sealer according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a stopper that regulates a distance at which the first pressing portion and the second pressing portion approach each other. The first pressing portion and the second pressing portion, and the first pressing means and the second pressing means are provided in a sealer body, and include a sealer housing portion that can accommodate the sealer body, and the sealer body is attached to the sealer. 6. The impulse type according to claim 1, wherein the impulse type can be used as a stationary type in a state of being accommodated in the accommodating portion, and can be used as a handy type in a state in which the sealer main body is detached from the sealer accommodating portion. Tube sealer.

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