Sealing means for sealing a volume of a medical treatment arrangement against another volume, as well as an arrangement and a method

Abstract

Disclosed is a sealing device for sealing at least one first volume of an arrangement for the treatment of at least one medical fluid against at least one second volume, wherein the first volume is provided for receiving at least one external functional device. The sealing device includes at least one first connection device whereby the sealing device may be connected to the arrangement. In addition an arrangement and a method are disclosed.

Claims

1. A blood treatment apparatus, comprising: a sealing device comprising at least one first connection device and a third connection device; and an arrangement configured to treat at least one medical fluid, wherein the arrangement is configured as a hemodialysis apparatus, a hemofiltration apparatus, or a hemodiafiltration apparatus, the arrangement comprising: a supporting device including a second connection device; and a reception portion including a fourth connection device, wherein: the supporting device and the reception portion are mounted to the arrangement, the at least one first connection device of the sealing device is configured to be connected to the second connection device of the supporting device of the arrangement, the third connection device of the sealing device is configured to be connected to the fourth connection device of the reception portion of the arrangement, the reception portion is configured to receive at least one disposable cassette for conducting medical fluids, the sealing device is configured to seal a gap formed between the supporting device and the reception portion from an exterior of the treatment apparatus, the gap remaining after the gap is sealed by the sealing device, and wherein a fluid-tight seal is produced by at least one of: (i) the at least one first connection device together with the second connection device and (ii) by the third connection device together with the fourth connection device.

2. The blood treatment apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first connection device is configured to be connected to the second connection device via a frictional connection, a form closure connection, or both.

3. The blood treatment apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first connection device is insertable in the second connection device, wherein the second connection device is configured for receiving the first connection device.

4. The blood treatment apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second connection device is insertable in the first connection device, wherein said first connection device is configured for receiving the second connection device.

5. The blood treatment apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first connection device, the second connection device, the third connection device, and the fourth connection device has a peripheral configuration.

6. The blood treatment apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first connection device, the second connection device, the third connection device, and the fourth connection device is configured as a sealing lip.

7. The blood treatment apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first connection device in at least one portion of the sealing device has a lower thickness than in another portion of the sealing device.

8. The blood treatment apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sealing device covers at least one portion of a surface of the reception portion.

9. The blood treatment apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the sealing device is configured to cover the entire surface of the reception portion during use.

10. The blood treatment apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the third connection device is configured to be connected to the fourth connection device via a frictional connection, a form closure connection, or both.

11. The blood treatment apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the third connection device or the fourth connection device includes at least one knob or is configured as a knob.

12. The blood treatment apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sealing device is configured to be connected to a surface of the reception portion by the application of a negative pressure.

13. The blood treatment apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sealing device is configured for a non-releasable connection to the arrangement.

14. The blood treatment apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sealing device in at least one portion has predeformed areas which are configured by weakened sections or reinforcements of a thickness of areas surrounding the predeformed areas.

15. The blood treatment apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the predeformed areas are configured to perform a valve function.

16. The blood treatment apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sealing device is configured for functional coupling to the at least one disposable cassette for conducting medical fluids.

17. The blood treatment apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sealing device further comprises at least one of a sensor or portion thereof, an actuator or portion thereof, or a conduit or portion thereof.

18. The blood treatment apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the at least one of a sensor or portion thereof, an actuator or portion thereof, or a conduit or portion thereof is connected to the sealing device in at least one of a frictional connection, a form closure connection or an integral manner.

19. The blood treatment apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sealing device further comprises at least one receptor for receiving a fastening device of the disposable cassette for conducting medical fluids, of the reception portion, or of both.

20. The blood treatment apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sealing device is configured as a multi-component sealing device.

21. The blood treatment apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sealing device includes at least one elastomer material or is comprised thereof.

22. The blood treatment apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: the at least one disposable cassette.

23. The blood treatment apparatus according to claim 22, wherein the sealing device is configured to be connected to the at least one disposable cassette.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) In the following, the sealing device of the present invention shall be described by way of preferred embodiments thereof while making reference to the figures. In the drawing same reference numerals designate same or identical elements, wherein:

(2) FIG. 1 shows a partial sectional view in a lateral area of a sealing device in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention that is connected to an arrangement.

(3) FIG. 2 shows a partial sectional view in a lateral area of a sealing device in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention that is connected to an arrangement.

(4) FIG. 3 shows a partial sectional view in a lateral area of a sealing device in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention that is connected to the arrangement and to an external functional device.

(5) FIG. 4 shows a partial sectional view in a lateral area of a sealing device in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention that is connected to the arrangement and to an external functional device.

(6) FIG. 5 shows a snap lock for use with the sealing device of the present invention;

(7) FIG. 6 schematically shows a device for positioning an external functional device in a top view of the sealing device of the present invention.

(8) FIG. 7 schematically shows a snap connection of the sealing device of the present invention in cross-sectional view, with the sealing device not being snapped on.

(9) FIG. 8 schematically shows a snap connection of the sealing device of the present invention in a cross-sectional view, with the sealing device being snapped on.

(10) FIG. 9 shows a sealing device of the present invention with a sensor in cross-sectional view.

(11) FIG. 10 schematically shows the connection between a reception portion between the sealing device and the external functional device in a horizontal section.

(12) FIG. 11 shows a horizontal sectional view of a phantom valve actuator of a first embodiment.

(13) FIG. 12 shows a horizontal sectional view of a phantom valve actuator of a second embodiment.

(14) FIG. 13 shows schematically simplified a cut section of a valve device which is coupled to a sealing device according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(15) FIG. 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a portion of a sealing device 1 in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention, that is connected to a supporting device 3 of an arrangement 100 and to a reception portion 5 of the arrangement 100. The arrangement 100 may be a blood treatment apparatus. The supporting device 3 of the arrangement 100 may be a support frame. The reception portion 5 of the arrangement 100 may be an AS plate.

(16) The sealing device 1 includes a first connection device 7. The first connection device 7 is a reception device for an insertable device. The supporting device 3 includes a second connection device 9. The second connection device 9 is an insertable device.

(17) The sealing device 1 includes a third connection device 11. The third connection device 11 again is an insertable device. The reception portion 5 includes a fourth connection device 13. The fourth connection device 13 is a reception device for the third connection device 11 of the sealing device 1 that is configured as an insertable device.

(18) The sealing device 1 includes a projecting lip 15 for the transition to the supporting device 3.

(19) In the area of the first connection device 7, the sealing device 1 includes an area 17 having a lower thickness in comparison with other portions of the sealing device 1.

(20) FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of a portion of a sealing device 1 in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention.

(21) The sealing device 1 of the second embodiment substantially corresponds to the one of the first embodiment. It does, however, differ from that of FIG. 1 in that the first connection device 7 of the sealing device 1 is configured as an insertable device, and the second connection device 9 of the supporting device 3 is configured as a reception device for the first connection device 7.

(22) In the second embodiment of FIG. 2, the first connection device 7 is a barb.

(23) FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view in a lateral area of a sealing device 1 in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention. The sealing device 1 is connected to the arrangement 100 and to an external functional device 19. The external functional device 19 may be a blood-conducting disposable cassette.

(24) The sealing device 1 includes a vacuum seal 21 for sealing an interstice 23 between a film 25 of the external functional device 19 and the sealing device 1. The vacuum seal 21 contacts the film 25. The vacuum seal 21 may be configured as a sealing lip.

(25) The interstice 23 may be evacuated in order to connect the external functional device 19 to the sealing device 1 and functionally couple the external functional device 19 to the arrangement 100.

(26) FIG. 4 shows a sectional view of a detail of a sealing device 1 in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention, that is connected to the arrangement 100 and to an external functional device 19.

(27) The sealing device 1 in accordance with the fourth embodiment substantially corresponds to the one of the third embodiment. It is different from the third embodiment in that despite the vacuum seal 21 at the sealing device 1, a vacuum seal 27 is provided at the external functional device 19 for sealing the interstice 23. The vacuum seal 27 exemplarily is configured as a sealing bead.

(28) FIG. 5 shows a snap-action device 29 or a part thereof having the form of a pin. The snap-action device 29 includes an insertion ramp 31, an undercut 33, as well as a portion 35 for orienting and/or positioning the external functional device (not shown). The insertion ramp 31 enables a simple introduction of the pin into an opening, and with the aid of the undercut 33 the pin may be snapped into the opening and retained therein. The portion 35 may ensure an orientation or positioning of the external functional device while it is being snapped on.

(29) A snap-action device 29 such as, e.g., the pin shown in FIG. 5, may also be part of the sealing device 1 and effect its orientation and/or snap connection at the external functional device 19 or at a portion of the arrangement 100. A snap-action device 29 may form a tamper evidence closure in accordance with the above description or may be a part thereof.

(30) FIG. 6 shows a surface, e.g., a lower surface of a cassette as an example of an external functional device 19. On the surface a first positioning pin 37 is provided as a point of reference or origin of a coordinate system, and a second positioning pin 39 with an oblong hole for compensation of tolerances.

(31) FIG. 7 shows a snap connection device of the sealing device 1 of the present invention including a third connection device 11, which has a reception portion 5 including a fourth connection device 13. In FIG. 7 the snap connection device is shown in a condition where it is not snapped on or connected, respectively.

(32) FIG. 8 shows the snap connection device of the sealing device 1 of the present invention of FIG. 7 in a condition where it is snapped on or connected, respectively. In a comparison of FIG. 7 with FIG. 8 it is clearly obvious that the third connection device 11 initially having the form of a partial circle in cross-section (see FIG. 7) has a different cross-sectional shape following snap connection (see FIG. 8). The change of shape contributes to the seal. It may preferably also contribute to fastening of the sealing device 1 to the reception portion 5.

(33) FIG. 9 shows a cross-sectional view of a sealing device 1 of the present invention including a sensor 41. As shown in FIG. 9, the sensor 41 is embedded in the interior of the sealing device 1. It may be configured as a temperature sensor. The sensor 41 is connected to an outside of the sealing device 1 by means of a feed line 43. In FIG. 9 it includes a plug connector 45 for establishing a signal communication.

(34) In the locations designated by reference numeral 47, a vacuum seal is established by means of the snap connection shown in FIGS. 7 and 8.

(35) FIG. 10 schematically shows the structure of a reception portion 5, of the sealing device 1, and of the external functional device 19 in a horizontal sectional view.

(36) The reception portion 5 includes a sensor 51 (here: a pressure sensor) and a tappet 55. The tappet 55 may be a valve tappet.

(37) By movements of the tappet 55 with the aid of a phantom valve 54 in the sealing device 1 it is possible to generate a negative pressure for retaining the sealing device 1.

(38) Examples of sensors 51 of the reception portion 5 include, irrespective of further features of the respective embodiment and without being limited hereto as sensors provided on the machine which measure through the sealing device, e.g., a capacitative level detector for the single-needle chamber of the external functional device, pressure sensors, ultrasound sensors, optical sensors and the like.

(39) FIGS. 11 and 12 show respective horizontal sectional views of a phantom valve actuator in a first and a second embodiment thereof.

(40) The tappet 55 is movable by means of transmission of force by a valve 57. The valve 57 may be a pilot control valve. The tappet 55 is configured in a T shape. The diameter d of the tappet 55 in the longer portion of the T-shape may for example be 5 mm to 40 mm, preferably 18 mm (in the case of an SN valve) or 5 mm to 25 mm, preferably 9 mm (in the case of a substituate valve).

(41) A disc-shaped element 58 is provided which has two annular peripheral projections. The two annularly peripheral projections act in a radial direction against the cylinder inner wall. In accordance with the present invention, a different number of annularly peripheral rings or annularly peripheral projections may be provided, e.g., one ring, three rings, or more.

(42) Moreover a filler body 61 is provided. The filler body 61 may have a diameter D of, e.g., 10 mm to 60 mm, preferably 25 mm (SN valve), or for instance of 10 mm to 50 mm, preferably 16 mm (substituate valve). Between the valve 57 and the filler body 61 an air distribution plate 63 and a sealing mat 65 having sealing beads 67 are provided.

(43) Actuation of the phantom valve actuator may effect a deformation 68 of the sealing device 1.

(44) Via an opening 69, the valve 57 may suck in, or supply, air or gas. In its downward or upward movement in FIG. 11 the tappet 55 may pull the sealing device 1 downwards or push it upwards, or permit its movement in an upward direction.

(45) As the disc-shaped element 58 acts against the cylindrical inner wall in the manner of, or as, radially acting seal rings, the tappet 55 is not free in its movement within the bore or blind hole 70.

(46) Due to the disc-shaped element 58, a gas- or airtight space 71 may be created which allows the generation of a negative pressure.

(47) With the aid of the air distribution plate 63, a negative pressure for exerting suction on the sealing device 1 or a pressure above atmospheric for raising the sealing device 1 is generated in predetermined locations only.

(48) The bore or blind hole 70 is surface-treated in an appropriate manner at its cylindrical inner wall, e.g., preferably burnished or polished, in order to obtain a preferred surface quality for the disc-shaped element 58 sliding along, for an appropriate seal.

(49) FIG. 12 shows a horizontal sectional view of a second embodiment of a phantom valve actuator.

(50) An actuator diaphragm 59 is provided which may serve as a sealing device. Unlike the embodiment of FIG. 11, the sealing mat 65 in FIG. 12 is configured jointly with the integrated actuator diaphragm 59. The filler body 61 furthermore includes stops 73.

(51) The actuator diaphragm 59 integrated into the sealing mat 65 is adapted to expand under pressure and push the tappet 55 upwards in the reference system of FIG. 12 or hold it up, respectively. Under negative pressure, the actuator diaphragm 59 may contract or collapse and pull the tappet 55 downward in the reference system of the figure, or admit its movement in this direction, respectively. In this way the sealing device 1 may be domed but at least sucked in.

(52) In an arrangement according to FIG. 12, the tappet 55 may move freely inside the blind bore 70 in the axial direction of the latter.

(53) In this embodiment, there are no particular requirements to the surface quality at the cylindrical inner wall of the bore or blind bore 70, which may advantageously simplify the process of manufacturing the blind hole 70.

(54) The phantom valve actuators represented in FIGS. 11 and 12 operate with stops. I.e., the displacement path of the tappet 55 is limited by the stops 73 in the reception portion 5. Accordingly, a planar surface preferably results under the sealing device 1.

(55) The displacement path of the tappet 55 may, however, also be unlimited. In an embodiment that is not represented here, the displacement path may only be limited against the external functional device 19 by pressing of the sealing device 1 in the valve area. In this way a secure pressing in the area of the valves may advantageously be ensured.

(56) FIG. 13 shows schematically simplified a cut section of a valve device 200 in a valve state of a closed check valve.

(57) The valve device 200 is part of an external functional device 19 and comprises a valve core 75 which is arranged in a flow channel 77 of the external functional device 19.

(58) As is shown in FIG. 13, the external functional device 19 is arranged in the arrangement (not shown here) for its use such that a bolt 79 of the reception portion 5 is arranged over or across a deformation space 81 of the valve device 200 or so as to have an effect on the deformation space 81.

(59) Upon coupling the external functional device 19 to the sealing device 1, the bolt 79 of the reception portion 5, e.g., of an actuator-sensor plate, locally pushes against the sealing device 1 so that it is buckled in the direction towards the external functional device 19 and pushes the valve core 75 up to a stop 83 into the hard part of the external functional device 19.

(60) In the illustrated check valve position, an elastic sealing ring 85 of the valve core 75 pushes against a rigid sealing ring 87 of the hard part of the external functional device 19 so that a gap 89 is closed. Thus, no fluid can flow through the flow channel 77 of the external functional device 19.

(61) The present invention is not restricted to the embodiments described in the foregoing; the described embodiments only serve the purpose of illustration.