Transport carriage for flush solutions

Abstract

The transport carriage for flush solutions is characterized in that the flush solution is received in a flexible flush solution bag that is arranged in a rigid container, wherein a pressurized gas can be introduced into the flush solution bag or the rigid container.

Claims

1. A mobile flush solution container with a transport carriage and a pressurized container into which a pressurized gas can be introduced in order to deliver flush solution from the pressurized container, characterized in that the flush solution is received in a flexible flush solution bag (82) that is arranged in the pressurized container (45), in that the pressurized container (45) has a lid (44) with a connector receptacle (78) through which a bag connector (83) that is non-detachably connected to the flush solution bag (82) can be tightly guided and locked in the lid (44), in that running through the bag connector (83) is a flush solution filling line (39), in that the transport carriage (40) has a container scale (43) on which the pressurized container (45) lies, wherein the pressurized container (45) is disposed above the container scale, in that the transport carriage (40) has a pressure regulation unit (47) for a pressure in the pressurized container (45), in that affixed to the pressurized container is a bracket (113), and in that arranged on the transport carriage (40) is a test weight (112) and a lifting spring (116) for selectively positioning the test weight onto the bracket, wherein upon a test signal the test weight can be automatically connected to the pressurized container in order to increase a weight of the pressurized container by the weight of the test weight.

2. The mobile flush solution container according to claim 1, characterized in that the container scale (43) is affixed on a bottom plate (104) of the transport carriage (40) and on a bottom plate (111) of the pressurized container (45).

3. The mobile flush solution container according to claim 1, characterized in that mounted on the transport carriage (40) is an infusion pole (63).

4. The mobile flush solution container according to claim 1, characterized in that furthermore running through the bag connector (83) is a transfer line (55) for connection to a transition system (56); wherein a fluid path of the transfer line is a separate path from a fluid path of the flush solution filling line.

5. The mobile flush solution container according to claim 4, characterized in that the flush solution filling line (39) and the transfer line (55) are equipped with different connectors, which are disposed along the fluid path of the flush solution filling line and the fluid path of the transfer line, respectively.

6. The mobile flush solution container according to claim 1, characterized in that the transport carriage (40) has a pressure monitoring unit for the pressure in the container (45).

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1a is a schematic view of flush fluid preparation system.

(2) FIG. 1b is a schematic view of a possible transfer of flush fluid to an endoscopic system.

(3) FIG. 2a is a view of a mobile flush solution container.

(4) FIG. 2b is a view of a filling station.

(5) FIG. 3a is a view of a pressurized container with an open lid.

(6) FIG. 3b is a partial cross-sectional view of the container with the lid closed.

(7) FIG. 4a is a perspective view of a concentrate valve.

(8) FIG. 4b is a schematic cross-sectional view of the concentrate valve in a closed position.

(9) FIG. 4c is a schematic cross-sectional view of the concentrate valve in an open position.

(10) FIG. 5a is a perspective view of a container filling station.

(11) FIG. 5b is a schematic view of a concentrate bag.

(12) FIG. 5c is a detailed view of the concentrate bag connectors.

(13) FIG. 6a is a vertical partial cross-sectional view of the container and transportation carriage.

(14) FIG. 6b is a detail of circle B of FIG. 6a.

(15) FIG. 6c is a detail of circle A from FIG. 6a.

(16) FIG. 6d is an enlarged view of the container lid in an open position.

(17) FIG. 6e is a detailed partial cross-sectional view of the lid locking device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

(18) FIG. 1 shows the entire preparation up to the point of application. The fluid to be prepared can be forwarded to the RO system (2) via, for example, optional preliminary filtration (1), which can be formed as particle and/or further filtering stages for the elimination of hardeners and chlorine.

(19) For the elimination of microbiological contamination, the RO system (2) contains, for example, a disinfection unit (4) with which chemothermal disinfection can be conducted without the involvement of the user. Canister (67) contains the disinfecting/cleaning agent that is used with advantage as a citrate-containing solution. The further function of mechanism (4) is derived from the depiction and is not further described here. Naturally hot cleaning of the RO system without the use of further disinfecting agents is possible.

(20) The permeate created by the RO system (2) is circulated over the primary side of the filter (3). The permeate released by the RO controller (58) by means of non-depicted conductivity measurement reaches the secondary side of the filter (3) and then the mixing unit (12) via permeate release valve (5).

(21) Permeate possibly already preheated by the RO system (2) is heated to the required flush solution temperature via the heater (9) and temperature regulator (8, 13). The permeate is supplied via line (11) to a mixing chamber (15) into which concentrate from bag (26) and line (25), the connector (24) and device-side link connector (22) is supplied by means of pump (23).

(22) The concentrate flap (20) is thereby opened, detector (19) reports open because magnet (21) has exceeded the required distance. The concentrate flush valve (17) is only opened when the flap (20) is closed and with correspondingly selected or preset flush programs in order to clean the link connector (22).

(23) Concentrate bag (26), with its hangers (27), is hung into the corresponding hooks of the concentrate bag scale (28).

(24) The second conductivity and temperature measurement (16) detects the corresponding values for reasons of redundancy. The flush fluid that has been homogeneously mixed and tempered by the chamber (15) reaches a second sterile filter (30) via line (29).

(25) Incorrect flush fluid is discarded to the drain (100) via the bypass valve (31).

(26) With the valve (31) closed and the flush solution release valve (33) open, the flush fluid is directed via the device-side flush solution connector (35), the bag connector (38) connected thereto, line (39), to the mobile flush solution container (40) into which a sterile flush solution bag (82) is loaded. The possibility to remove a flush solution sample volume exists at the sampling point (32).

(27) The mobile flush solution container contains a scale (43) that registers the respective filling level or the weight of the flush volume. Likewise a thermal sensor (59) is affixed in such a manner that the flush fluid temperature can be indirectly measured.

(28) With the flush solution flap (36) closed and the selection and initiation of a corresponding flush program, the device-side connector (35) is flushed or disinfected with sterile fluid or cleaning solution, respectively, via flush drain (99).

(29) The test of the filters (3/30) takes place with closed flaps (20/36) by feeding filtered air by means of air pump (6) and can selectively expose the secondary side of the filter (3) or the primary side of the filter (30) to air by means of a valve switch. The fluid is thereby partially displaced by the air. Due to the hydrophilic character of the filter membrane, given intact filter characteristics, only a very slight pressure drop will result which can be registered or monitored, as the case may be, by means of pressure sensor (14) and electronics (58).

(30) This test can be used to verify or check, as the case may be, both the filters (3/30) and also the tightness of the flaps (20, 36).

(31) FIG. 1 likewise schematically depicts a possible transfer of the flush fluid to an endoscopic system (57). Compressed air connector (48) can be linked to an in-house compressed gas source by means of flexible hose lines (49).

(32) To guarantee a constant flush fluid flow, the pressure regulation unit (47) includes an adjustable pressure regulator (50), an emergency-off with mushroom button and forced venting (51), a manual pressure limiting valve (52), a manometer display (53), and an electronic pressure sensor (54) that, like all sensors and actuators, can be evaluated and depicted by means of redundant electronics (58).

(33) The low-pressure regulating valve (50) is adjustable. The pressure regulation unit (47) can be designed for a regulation range from 0 to 0.5 bar and is adjusted for practical use to 0.3 bar feed pressure, for example, for prostate gland operations. The air regulated in this way is introduced into the pressurized container (45) via hose connection (66).

(34) The flush fluid in bag (41/82) is conveyed by the fed pressure via transfer link (55) and a suitable transition system (56) to the endoscopic system (57).

(35) It shall be understood that units other than endoscopic systems can also be linked to system (56).

(36) For the sake of completion, it is ascertained that a further sterile filter, not depicted here, would be connectable to line (55).

(37) Likewise it would be possible to introduce the regulated compressed gas medium directly into the flush solution bag (41).

(38) FIG. 2 is a three-dimensional illustration of the complete unit of a mixing system and filling station. On the basis of the assumed spatially confined conditions in hospitals, the filling station (60) was designed to be as flat as possible in order not to interfere with the passageways in corridors or in rooms. This requires a vertical construction of the RO system (2) with membrane (68), feed tank (69) and pump (70). Also depicted is a cleaning canister (67).

(39) The mixing unit (12) is affixed above the RO system, whereby in this drawing only the positions of the concentrate flap (20), the flush solution flap (36), the heater (9) and the sterile filter (30) are indicated in order to illustrate the handling, whereby the flaps are depicted here in the closed state.

(40) Concentrate bag scale (28) is mounted underneath the electronics (58) and is depicted in the form of an extension piece (71) with holding hook for the concentrate bag.

(41) Installation is flush with the wall at a suitable location at a corresponding height above the floor in order to guarantee communication, as later explained, and cleaning.

(42) The mobile flush solution container (40) consists of a transport carriage (46) with push and pull handle (61), the pressurized container (45), a lid (44) and an infusion pole (63).

(43) Constituents of the mobile flush solution container (40) are a pressure regulation unit (47), whose outlet discharges directly into the pressurized container (45) via a flexible hose connection (66), and electronics (62) with a communication display (65), for example, for the display of the filling level, temperature, compressed air and other relevant values, and a display light (64).

(44) Communication between the flush solution container (40) and filling station (60) is effected wirelessly by means of sensors in the roller area underneath the bottom plate (104) of the transport carriage (40).

(45) The detection of the park or docking positions of the flush solution container (40) at the filling station (60) is given by the position of the preferably infrared sensors.

(46) On the filling station side, a corresponding sensor is affixed at the same level. The docking angle and docking position at the filling station are thereby to be influenced by the selection and position of the sensors.

(47) The mobile flush solution container (40) can be equipped with a rechargeable battery and/or a power supply; likewise isolation and/or the addition of a heating unit preferably as heating foil is possible for heating or loss-free storage of the heated flush fluid. The addition of an internal compressor as a pressure source is likewise possible and practicable. Other shapes, e.g., prismatic, can also be used.

(48) The further components are explained to some extent from the depiction or are explained later. It shall be understood that shown here is a space-saving construction of the components whose arrangement can differ from that depicted and that is also conceivable in other embodiments.

(49) Likewise the labeling has not been referenced in all points.

(50) FIG. 3 schematically shows the pressurized container (45) with open lid (44) and a connector receptacle (78), through which the cylindrical bag connector (83) is inserted and held by means of movable connector locking device (79) and holding slot (87).

(51) In order for a positive sealing with good sliding properties to be possible between the connector (83) and connector receptacle seal (78), preferably the seal (78) consists of a Teflon insert (128), which is pressed with an O-ring (126) and a pressure plate (127) against connector (83) in such a manner that the aforementioned objectives are achieved.

(52) A positive and sealing joining of the lid (44) to the pressurized container (45) is achieved on the one hand by lid seal (74) and the conical seal mounting (77) in the pressurized container opening in the closed state.

(53) For closing, hook (126) pulls the lid locking device (76) into position by means of locking device handle (80). Locking device safeguard (81) thereby locks in place behind the pivot joint (124). Lid clamping hinge (75) holds lid (44) in the open state in an upright position.

(54) It shall be understood that the bag (82) is to be introduced into the container for this purpose

(55) For vertical support, two lateral guides (73) are affixed to the pressurized container (45).

(56) The compressed air supply (66) is affixed, for example, in the hinge area (75) by means of link (84).

(57) Connector locking device (79) is to open from outside via a turning shaft (85) by means of a tool in the event of an error.

(58) Likewise, in this figure the filling line (39) is depicted with connector (38), whereby said filling line is to be connected to the link (35) in the filling process. Clamp (72) can be closed after the filling process. For differentiation between the filling line (39) and the transfer line (55), these are equipped with different connectors and executed, as depicted, in different lengths.

(59) FIG. 4 offers a perspective schematic view of the flush solution flap (36), whose opening, closing and excavation and cleaning process are described in the following.

(60) Located in the flap (36) is a magnet (37) that activates a magnetic contact (34) when the flap is closed.

(61) For flushing, the flap (36) is closed so that the flap locking device hook (91) snaps the flap locking device (89) into place in the locking collar (96) of the link connector (35).

(62) By pressing back the locking device (89) over the pivot point (92) by means of flap locking device handle (90) the locking device spring (93) is compressed and the flap locking device hook (91) thereby releases the excavation process of the flap (36). The flap swivels upwards. This is supported by an excavation spring (102) which engages at the side of the flap pivot point (101).

(63) For complete flushing of the connector (35), the seal (94) presses in a positive fit onto the outer cone (95) of the connector (35) when the flap is closed.

(64) Via link (29) via the internal cone (88) the flush fluid penetrates to the flushing area (103) and from there via the circumferentially arranged flush bores (98) of the connector (35) into the annular gap (97) from which the flush drain (99) procedure takes place.

(65) To rule out mix-ups during use, the technical execution of the flush solution links was designed to be different than those for the concentrate links.

(66) Located under the flush solution flap (36) is a flush solution connector (35) executed, for example, with an internal cone (88) 1 to 16 and a double-threaded external screw thread 138. Located on the flush solution bag (41), which is executed as a disposable article, is the filling line (39) with disposable connector (38) which as a male connector is equipped, for example, with freely rotatable union nut with internal screw thread 138 and an internal outer cone 1 to 16 in such a way that in the coupled state a positive, sealing joining is guaranteed by the two cones and screw thread. A hose clip (72) can be mounted in the filling line (39).

(67) FIGS. 5 and 6 show further details of the transport carriage (40).

(68) 5a shows in perspective the overall assembly whose details have already been described in more detail in the preceding figures.

(69) 5b shows in a sectional view the upper lateral guide (73) of the pressurized container (45), which serves as the upper support with vertical leeway. Likewise depicted are a bottom drain (106), which is positioned in a bottom plate of the pressurized container (111) and the position of the temperature sensor (59).

(70) 5c depicts the mounting of the flush solution container scale (43) to the bottom plate (104) and pressurized container (111). The screws/bolts (108) are provided to secure the scale (43) against transport obstacles.

(71) (109) shows the receptacle of the wireless communication sensor. (109) can, for example, be used as an infrared sensor or sensors with corresponding transparent housing.

(72) A corresponding sensor is affixed at the same level on the filling station side. The docking angle and docking position at the filling station are thereby to be influenced by the selection and position of the sensors.

(73) (107) shows the position of a scale test mechanism, which is described in more detail in FIG. 6.

(74) The test mechanism (107) comprises a test weight (112), a limit stop bracket (113) and a lifting magnet (114). Limit stop bracket (113) is permanently affixed to pressurized container (45) and engages with a fork-shaped cut-out into opening (118). By triggering the lifting magnet (114), plunger (115) is pulled downwards, spring (116) is compressed so that test weight (112) with limit stop damping (122) presses with full weight against limit stop bracket (113) and consequently can be registered by the scale (43). After completion of the test process, lifting spring (116) presses test weight (122) upwards and consequently releases the limit stop bracket (113).

(75) The screws (110) show the mounting of the scale cell (43) to the bottom plate (111) of the pressurized container and bottom plate of the mobile transport carriage (104). Via this connection, the pressurized container has a more or less floating mounting above the scale cell (43) on the chassis or on its bottom plate (104). The upper support with vertical leeway is provided by means of holder (73).

(76) The locking device (81) of the locking device handle (80) is again illustrated elsewhere in the figure. The locking device handle (80) is mounted by means of pivot joint (124) to pivot point (123). During the closing process, pivot joint (124) with chamfer (125) is swiveled past locking device bolt (81) that is pretensioned by means of a spring. During the locking process, (81) is pressed into a pretensioned position and, in the fully closed state of the lid (44), it snaps into place behind the pivot joint (124).

LEGEND

(77) TABLE-US-00001 1. Preliminary filtration 2. RO system 3. Permeate ultra/sterile filter 4. Disinfection unit 5. Permeate release valve 6. Air pressure infeed, air pump 7. Air intake filter 8. Temperature regulator 9. Heater 10. Overtemperature protection 11. Permeate supply line 12. Mixing unit 13. Temperature regulator/-display 14. Pressure sensor 15. Mixing chamber 16. Redundant conductivity measurement/temperature display 17. Concentrate flush valve 18. Flush line 19. Concentrate flap detector 20. Concentrate flap 21. Magnet 22. Concentrate bag link connector with double-threaded internal screw thread and internal outer cone 23. Concentrate pump 24. Concentrate bag connector with breaking cone with double-thread external screw thread and internal cone 25. Concentrate bag link 26. Concentrate bag 27. Concentrate bag hanger 28. Concentrate bag scale 29. Flush solution line 30. Sterile filter 2 31. Flush solution by-pass valve 32. Sampling point 33. Flush solution release valve 34. Flush solution flap detector 35. Flush solution connector with internal cone and double-threaded external screw thread 36. Flush solution flap 37. Magnet 38. Flush solution bag connector with outer cone and internal screw thread 39. Flush solution filling line 40. Mobile flush solution container 41. Flush solution bag 42. 43. Flush solution container scale 44. Lid 45. Pressurized container 46. Transport carriage 47. Pressure regulation unit 48. Compressed air connector 49. Hose extension 50. Pressure regulator 51. Emergency off 52. Pressure limiting valve 53. Pressure manometer 54. Pressure sensor 55. Transfer link with double-threaded external screw thread, internal cone and sealing flap 56. Transition system 57. OP application 58. Electronics 59. Thermal sensor 60. Filling station 61. Push and pull handle 62. Electronics for transport carriage 63. Infusion pole 64. Signal light display 65. Communication display for pressure, temperature, filling level 66. Compressed air hose connection 67. Disinfecting/cleaning agent canister 68. RO membrane 69. Feed tank 70. Pump with drive 71. Concentrate scale extension piece with bag hanging hook 72. Hose clip 73. Lateral guide for pressurized container 74. Lid seal 75. Lid clamping hinge 76. Lid locking device 77. Pressurized container opening with conical seal mounting 78. Connector receptacle with internal pre-stressed sliding seal 79. Connector locking device 80. Locking device handle with hook 81. Locking device safeguard 82. Flush solution bag 83. Bag connector 84. Compressed air supply 85. Turning shaft locking device with exterior hexagonal socket 86. Excavation handle 87. Holding slot 88. Flush solution connector internal cone 89. Flap locking device 90. Flap locking device handle 91. Flap locking device hook 92. Flap locking device pivot point 93. Flap locking device spring 94. Flap seal 95. Seal counter-bearing 96. Locking collar 97. Flush flow annular gap 98. Flush bores 99. Flush drain 100. Drain 101. Flush solution flap turning shaft 102. Excavation spring 103. Flushing area 104. Bottom plate of mobile flush solution container 105. Rollers 106. Drain 107. Scale test mechanism 108. Bumper 109. Wireless communication 110. Mounting screws for pressurized container/scale 111. Pressurized container bottom plate 112. Test weight 113. Limit stop bracket with fork-shaped receiving element for test weight 114. Lifting magnet 115. Lifting magnet plunger 116. Lifting spring for test weight 117. Test weight guide 118. Opening for limit stop bracket 119. Counter bearing for lifting spring 120. Test weight support bolt 121. Support bolt damping rubber 122. Limit stop damping 123. Pivot point for pivot joint 124. Pivot joint 125. Chamfer, pivot joint 126. O-ring 127. Pressure plate 128. Teflon insert