Container Holder For A Dialysis Apparatus

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a container holder for a dialysis apparatus having at least a first container receptacle, a second container receptacle, and a holding section for movably connecting the container holder to the dialysis apparatus. The first receptacle container is configured to position a first container and the second receptacle container is configured to position a second container.

Claims

1-13. (canceled)

14. A container holder for a dialysis apparatus, comprising: a first container receptacle configured to position a first container; a second container receptacle configured to position a second container; and a holding section configured to movably connect the container holder to the dialysis apparatus, wherein at least one partition wall is arranged between the first container receptacle and the second container receptacle.

15. The container holder according to claim 14, wherein the first container receptacle comprises: a drip pan configured to collect liquid leaking or originating from the first container while the first container is in the first container receptacle.

16. The container holder according to claim 15, wherein the second container receptacle comprises: a drip pan configured to collect liquid leaking or originating from the second container while the second container is in the second container receptacle.

17. The container holder according to claim 14, wherein at least a section of a first support surface of the first container receptacle is arranged lower than at least a section of a second support surface of the second container receptacle, wherein the section of the first support surface is configured to position the first container, and wherein the second support surface is configured to position the second container.

18. The container holder according to claim 14, wherein at least a section of a first support surface of the first container receptacle and at least a section of a second support surface of the second container receptacle are arranged lower than a connecting section between the first container receptacle and the second container receptacle.

19. The container holder according to claim 14, wherein at least a section of a first support surface of the first container receptacle or at least a section of a second support surface of the second container receptacle is arranged lower than a connecting section between the first container receptacle and the second container receptacle.

20. The container holder according to claim 14, wherein an upper edge of the first container receptacle is arranged higher than a second support surface of the second container receptacle, and wherein the second support surface is configured to position the second container.

21. The container holder according to claim 14, wherein the holding section comprises a folding device, a shifting device, and a releasable mounting device.

22. The container holder according to claim 14, wherein the holding section comprises: a folding device, a shifting device, or a releasable mounting device.

23. The container holder according to claim 14, wherein the holding section comprises at least one opening configured to receive at least one of pins, push buttons, and securing pins.

24. The container holder according to claim 23, wherein the at least one opening comprises at least one round opening and at least one keyhole-formed or tapered opening.

25. The container holder according to claim 23, wherein the at least one opening comprises at least one round opening or at least one keyhole-formed or tapered opening.

26. The container holder according to claim 14, wherein the first container receptacle and the second container receptacle each comprise an opening or a free interior with an annular cross-section.

27. The container holder according to claim 14, wherein the first container receptacle or the second container receptacle comprises an opening or a free interior with an annular cross-section.

28. The container holder according to claim 14, wherein at least a section of a first support surface of the first container receptacle or at least a section of a second support surface of the second container receptacle is arranged lower than a connecting section between the first container receptacle or the second container receptacle.

29. The container holder according to claim 14, wherein at least a section of a first support surface of the first container receptacle and at least a section of a second support surface of the second container receptacle are arranged lower than a connecting section between the first container receptacle or the second container receptacle.

30. A dialysis apparatus comprising: a container holder comprising: a first container receptacle configured to position a first container; a second container receptacle configured to position a second container; and a holding section, wherein at least one partition wall is arranged between the first container receptacle and the second container receptacle; a retaining section; and a mounting device attached to the retaining section, wherein the holding section of container holder is connected to the retaining section by the mounting device at a movable, shiftable, or releasable connection.

31. A dialysis apparatus according to claim 30, wherein the mounting device comprises at least one pin and securing pin.

32. The dialysis apparatus according to claim 30, wherein the mounting device comprises at least one push button.

33. The dialysis apparatus according to claim 30, wherein the moveable, shiftable, or releasable connection is foldable.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0097] In the following, the present invention is exemplarily explained with regard to the accompanying drawing in which identical reference numerals refer to the same or similar elements. Wherein:

[0098] FIG. 1 shows a container holder according to the present disclosure in a first exemplary embodiment;

[0099] FIG. 2 shows the container holder of FIG. 1 according to the present disclosure in another perspective;

[0100] FIG. 3 shows a dialysis apparatus according to the present disclosure;

[0101] FIG. 4a, 4b show, in a sectional view, the container holder and the mounting device of the preceding figures in a use-mode (FIG. 4a) or during its connection with the dialysis apparatus or its release therefrom;

[0102] FIG. 5 shows an exemplary design of the container holder according to the present disclosure in a second embodiment; and

[0103] FIG. 6 shows a sectional view of the container holder of FIG. 5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0104] FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of the container holder 100 according to the present disclosure. It comprises a first container receptacle 101 for positioning a first container (not shown in FIG. 1, see however the reference numeral 201 in FIG. 3) and a second container receptacle 103 for positioning a second container (not shown in FIG. 1, see however the reference numeral 203 in FIG. 3).

[0105] The container holder 100 further comprises a holding section 105 for holding the container holder 100 to the dialysis apparatus (not shown in FIG. 1, see however the reference numeral 300 in FIG. 3) in a movable, here releasable, manner. The holding section 105 is designed to be connected to a mounting device 305 of the dialysis apparatus 300. It serves the releasable connection of the container holder 100 to a retaining section of the dialysis apparatus 300.

[0106] The first container receptacle 101 is designed as an area surrounded by a partition wall 107 and open to the top, herein also referred to as an interior.

[0107] The partition wall 107 may in each embodiment be circumferential, i.e. closed. Alternatively, there may be a plurality of partition walls 107 provided, which are arranged apart from each other.

[0108] Partition walls 107 may in particular be provided between the first container receptacle 101 and the second container receptacle 103.

[0109] Partition walls 107 may extend in such way that liquids present on the bottom of one of the container receptacles 101, 103, are prevented from flowing or leaking into the other container receptacle, respectively.

[0110] Said area may, as optionally shown in FIG. 1, be limited to the bottom by a bottom section 109. It may also be closed to the bottom by the support surface such that liquids cannot leave this area downwards. The bottom section 109 may be designed as a drip pan.

[0111] The bottom section 109 may comprise at its upper side a first support surface 111 (as seen in FIG. 2) for placing the first container 201. The first support surface 111 may be planar or curved. It may be free of elevations. It may comprise a through-opening with a closure device.

[0112] The second container receptacle 103 comprises an upper side which serves for placing the second container 203, not shown in FIG. 1. Therefore, the upper side is designated as a second support surface 113. It may be planar or curved. It may be free of elevations. It may comprise a through-opening with a closure device.

[0113] The first container receptacle 101 and the second container receptacle 103 are connected to each other by a connecting section 115. The connecting section 115 is placed between them. It may extend or pass seamlessly into the second container receptacle 103.

[0114] The releasable connection between the holding section 105 and the mounting device 305 is shown in detail in FIGS. 4a and 4b.

[0115] The holding section 105 and/or the mounting device 305 may each be one piece.

[0116] The holding section 105 and/or the mounting device 305 may each have a length of several centimeters. Due to their lengths, mechanical stress, which may result from the connection of the holding section 105 to mounting device 305, is distributed to a correspondingly large area.

[0117] Unlike what is shown in FIG. 1 (and FIG. 5), a plurality of holding sections 105 and/or mounting devices 305 may be provided.

[0118] FIG. 2 shows the container holder 100 of FIG. 1 in another perspective.

[0119] The width of the container holder 100 extends in the right-left direction of FIG. 2. In FIG. 2, the depth extends (slightly distorted in perspective) from top to bottom. The container holder 100 may preferably be between 1 cm and 2 cm thick in the region of the first container receptacle 101.

[0120] FIG. 3 shows a dialysis apparatus 300 according to the present disclosure from the rear side a slight perspective from the top.

[0121] The dialysis apparatus 300 optionally comprises rollers 301, e.g., four. They serve for moving the dialysis apparatus 300 and may optionally comprise a blocking device.

[0122] The dialysis apparatus 300 comprises at its rear side a retaining section at which the mounting device 305 is arranged.

[0123] The retaining section is placed in the example of FIG. 3 in an area at the bottom side of the dialysis apparatus 300, e.g., slightly above the rollers 301.

[0124] The retaining section may optionally be so low that a bottom side 117 of the second container receptacle 103 touches a surface 307 of the dialysis apparatus 300 or its retaining section and/or supports itself thereon. The retaining section may advantageously serve for the secure and stable arrangement of the container holder 100 at the dialysis apparatus 300. In addition, such a support allows the use of correspondingly small-dimensioned and cost-effective components such as holding section 105 or mounting device 305.

[0125] The retaining section may serve for holding the rollers 301 to the other parts of the dialysis apparatus 300.

[0126] The retaining section may be a so-called supply rail, for example a section, at which one or more water inlets, one or more gas inlets, and/or one or more connections for a power supply are located. The supply rail may be an interface between the hydraulic system and external connections. It may have the function of introducing water and/or cleaning agents into the dialysis apparatus, conveying dialysis liquid to the patient (substitution) or to the dialyzer and discharging liquid from the dialyzer as well as steam from the machine.

[0127] As shown in FIG. 3, the container holder 100 may be fixed on the retaining section of the dialysis apparatus 300 such that only the second container receptacle 103 rests on the retaining section and/or is covered by or lies behind a rear wall 309 of the dialysis apparatus 300, while the first receptacle 101 protrudes laterally over the dialysis apparatus 300 or over its rear wall 309. With that, it may optionally be achieved that other inlets or accesses are free. These inlets may be part of the supply rail, by way of example. With that, optionally, it may also be achieved that one or several medium suction devices, which are arranged at the front side of the dialysis apparatus 300 and by use of which the content of the containers may be sucked out of the containers into the dialysis apparatus 300 through tube lines, do not require very long tubes. A lateral step may optionally further prevent a collision of the container with components at the rear wall of the dialysis apparatus 300. It may optionally enable the container to be visible from the front side of the dialysis apparatus 300 and semi-accessible and/or if necessary, prevent a collision of the partition wall 107 in the folded-up state with the rear wall of the dialysis apparatus 300. With that, more freedom may be given in determining a depth of the first container receptacle 101 extending in cross direction of the container holder 100. The depth extends in the direction of the double arrows shown in FIG. 4a. The depth of the first container receptacle 101 may, as shown in FIG. 3, be larger than the depth of the second container receptacle 103. It may also be however as large as or smaller than said depth of the second container receptacle 103.

[0128] FIG. 4a and FIG. 4b show the container holder 100 and the mounting device 305 of the preceding figures from the side and in a cut through the connecting section 115, the holding section 105 and the mounting device 305, along the line I-I of FIG. 1, i.e. with a view on the non-cut first container receptacle 101. Containers 201 or 203 are not shown.

[0129] FIG. 4a shows the holding section 105 and the mounting device 305 in a latched or engaged or completely connected state, as it appears when in use and, therefore, this state may optionally be understood to be the use-state.

[0130] In this, the end-side section 305a of the mounting device 305, which may be formed as a lug, engages in a recess 105a, which may be provided starting from an upper side of the holding section 105. This, or a differently designed, force-closure, and/or form-fit closure engagement of the mounting device 305 in the holding section 105 determines the container holder 100 at least in one direction which lies in the main extension plane of the container holder 100. In FIG. 4a, this direction is a right-left direction and designated by a double arrow.

[0131] As is seen in FIG. 4a, the end-side section 305a of the mounting device 305 may be recessed or offset by a step of further sections of the mounting device 305. It may have a rear side extending under a radium. It may have a straight front side.

[0132] The end-side section 305a of the mounting device 305 may be touched by or in contact with the respective surfaces of the recess 105a, at least at its end face and possibly at its side sections too.

[0133] The mounting device 305 may be prepared to be screwed to the retaining section of the dialysis apparatus 300. For this purpose, it may comprise one or several openings, e.g., thread openings 311. These openings may be through-openings or, as exemplarily shown in FIG. 4a, blind openings. In the example of FIG. 4a, the mounting device 305 is screwed from its rear side, i.e. from the side facing away from the container receptacle 101, 103. Other releasable or non-releasable connections between mounting device 305 and retaining section are likewise contemplated.

[0134] An angle between holding section 105 and mounting device 305 is, during use, e.g., between 80 and 100, approximately 90 or a right angle.

[0135] The mounting device 305 may be perpendicular to a base plane of the dialysis apparatus 300 and/or to a main extension plane of the container holder 100 during use thereof.

[0136] FIG. 4b shows the holding section 105 and the mounting device 305 in a non-latched or non-engaged or incompletely connected state. FIG. 4b does not show the container holder 100 during use. It rather shows a position of the latter when the container holder 100 is being connected to the dialysis apparatus 300 or released therefrom.

[0137] The angle is less than 80, here approximately 45. It needs to be enlarged (up) to the angular dimension or extent shown in FIG. 4a in order to complete the connection of the container holder 100 to the dialysis apparatus 300.

[0138] As is seen in FIG. 4b, connecting the container holder 100 to the dialysis apparatus 300 or releasing it therefrom takes place by pivoting the container holder 100 in a direction shown by the double arrow in FIG. 4b.

[0139] The rotation center of the aforementioned pivotal movement lies, for simplicity, in the end-side section 305a, or near thereto.

[0140] FIG. 5 shows the container holder 100 according to the present disclosure in a second exemplary embodiment.

[0141] The container holder 100 of FIG. 5 corresponds, except for its holding section 105, to the container holder 100 of the first embodiment. The holding section 105 is, in the example of FIG. 5, not designed to be connected to the mounting device 305 by pivoting, unlike the example of FIG. 4a/FIG. 4b. Instead, the holding section 105 is connected to the mounting device 305 by moving it from top to bottom (relative to FIG. 5). In order to release it from the mounting device 305, it is moved (at least also) to the top (relative to FIG. 5). The double arrow of FIG. 5 indicates each movement.

[0142] As shown in FIG. 5, the holding section 105 comprises an opening 105b, in which a pin 305b of the mounting device 305 may engage. The opening 105b is designed as an opening tapering to the top. It may have the shape of a/an (inverted) key hole.

[0143] The pin 305b comprises a widening at its end side. It is exemplarily embodied having the shape of a mushroom head. Said widening fits through the non-tapered section of the opening 105b, but not through the tapered section thereof. In this way, a locking between pin 305b and opening 105b is achieved in a known manner.

[0144] The opening 105b may be designed as a through-opening as exemplarily shown in FIG. 5, but may also be a blind opening.

[0145] FIG. 5 shows four openings 105b. Some container holders according to the present disclosure have more or fewer such openings. The same applies for the number of pins 305b.

[0146] FIG. 5 further shows an optional opening 105c of the holding section 105 which opening is preferably designed as a through-opening. The opening 105c serves to receive a push pin, push bolt or a push button 305c, each of which is provided at the apparatus's side.

[0147] Unlike the openings 105b (relative to the pins 305b), the opening 105c is not designed to be movable relative to the push button 305c in order to separate the push button 305c from the opening 105c. In fact, the opening 105c should prevent a shifting of the holding section 105 relative to the mounting device 305 as long as the push button 305c extends into the opening 105c. Hence, the push button 305c stuck through the opening 105c prevents an unintentional release of the holding section 105 from the mounting device 305, for example due to a foot kick against the bottom side of the container holder 100, and prevents that the latter is unintentionally released from the dialysis apparatus 300.

[0148] In order to release the container holder 100 from the dialysis apparatus 300, the push button 305c has to be initially pushed, possibly against a resistance which may only be generated by a spring device, for example only so that it is pushed out of the opening 105c. Only when said push button 305c is not engaged with the opening 105c, the container holder 100 may be released from the pins 305b and thus from the dialysis apparatus 300 by shifting.

[0149] FIG. 6 shows the container holder 100 of FIG. 5 being cut along the line II-II of FIG. 5.

[0150] As can be seen, the holding section 105 continues in a bottom plate 119 on which the second container receptacle 103, which was manufactured separately from the bottom plate 119, is arranged or rests with its bottom side 117.

[0151] The person skilled in the art recognizes that it is irrelevant for the function intended whether the pins 305b and/or the push button 305c are arranged on the side of the dialysis apparatus 300 and the corresponding openings 105b and 105c, respectively, are arranged on the side of the container holder 100, or vice versa. The same applies for the components 105 and 305 of the embodiments shown in FIG. 1. They also may each be provided alternatively on the container holder 100 or on the dialysis apparatus 300.

[0152] As can be seen in the figures, the container holder may comprise sections with different depths being recognizable especially in a top view, see e.g., FIG. 2 which is very close to a top view.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0153] 100 container holder [0154] 101 first container receptacle [0155] 103 second container receptacle [0156] 105 holding section [0157] 105a recess [0158] 105b opening [0159] 105c (optional) opening [0160] 107 partition wall [0161] 109 bottom section [0162] 111 first support surface [0163] 113 second support surface [0164] 115 connecting section [0165] 117 bottom side [0166] 119 bottom panel or plate [0167] 201 first container [0168] 203 second container [0169] 300 dialysis apparatus [0170] 301 rollers [0171] 305 mounting device [0172] 305a end-side section [0173] 305b pin [0174] 305c push button [0175] 307 surface [0176] 309 rear wall [0177] 311 thread opening [0178] angle between holding section and mounting device