JP2016022227A - Tube joining device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a tube joining device enabling a user to easily and properly set tubes to be joined, and preventing occurrence of joining defect due to failure in setting tubes.SOLUTION: A tube joining device 1 includes: first holding grooves 143 153 capable of holding a first tube T1; second holding grooves 145, 155 arranged next to the first holding grooves and capable of holding a second tube T2 at a position parallel to the first tube; and an impressing part 160 moving at least part of the first tube held on the first holding groove and at least part of the second tube held on the second holding groove so as to be relatively adjacent to each other to impress the tubes on each other, and also keeping each of the tubes in the impressed condition. Meltdown of mutually impressed portions of each of the tubes and join of each of the meltdown tubes are carried out under aseptic conditions.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 13

Description

  The present invention relates to a tube joining device used for joining tubes.

  As a technique for joining resin tubes and the like, there is conventionally known a joining method in which the ends of each resin tube are melted and the melted ends are pressed against each other by pressure bonding. Such a technique is widely used in various industrial fields. As an example, application to medical techniques such as a peritoneal dialysis method has been attempted.

  The peritoneal dialysis method uses a tube (catheter) embedded in the abdominal cavity of a patient to put a predetermined dialysate into the body, and then removes water and waste products transferred to the dialysate through the peritoneum. Is the method. When the dialysate is introduced into the body, the tube embedded in the patient is joined in a fluid-tight manner to the back tube containing the dialysate. Also, when the dialysate is drained from the body, the tube embedded in the patient is joined to the drain back tube in a fluid-tight manner.

  As described above, since one of the tubes to be joined is embedded in the abdominal cavity of the patient, careful attention must be paid to the work so that each tube is not contaminated during the joining work. In view of such a point, for example, as described in Patent Document 1, a tube joining apparatus has been developed that enables two plastic tubes to be fused and automatically joined in a sterile state. Has been. In this apparatus, since the melted ends of the two tubes are exchanged and joined, there is no fear of bacterial contamination at the time of joining, and sterility of the dialysate or the like in the tube and bag can be ensured. Also, in this apparatus, two tubes are stacked in the vertical direction (height direction) of the apparatus so as to be in close contact with each other, and a heated plate-shaped metal wafer is moved close to the tube for fusing. Do.

JP 2013-146354 A

  When using the above-described tube joining device, a user such as a patient manually sets each tube to be joined and sets it to the device, but at this time, the tube itself has flexibility. Therefore, the tube may be handled incorrectly, and the tube may be piled up in a twisted state. When the apparatus performs the fusing-joining operation in a state where the tube is set in this way, the tubes may be joined to each other, but a joining failure such as a hole may occur in the joined portion.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and enables a user to easily and appropriately set a tube to be joined, and the occurrence of poor jointing due to a tube setting error in advance. It is an object of the present invention to provide a tube joining device that can be prevented.

  In the tube joining apparatus according to the present invention, the end portion of the first tube and the end portion of the second tube are fused by the heated plate-shaped cutting member, and then the fused end portion of the first tube and the second end portion of the first tube are melted. A tube joining device that joins by replacing the melted end of a tube, and a first tube holding unit capable of holding one of the first tube and the second tube, and a first tube holding A second tube holding portion disposed adjacent to the first portion and capable of holding the other of the first tube and the second tube at a position parallel to the one tube; and the first tube holding While relatively moving at least a part of one tube held in the part and at least a part of the other tube held in the second tube holding part to press each tube, It has a pressing portion for maintaining the state of pressing the tube between, and to implement joint between each tube was blown with blowing of sites that are pressed against each other in each tube aseptically.

  According to the tube joining apparatus according to the present invention, the user can place the tubes in parallel with each other by setting the tubes individually to the first and second tube holding portions. And by operating the pressing part with which an apparatus is equipped, since each tube can be mutually pressed and it can contact | adhere, it becomes possible to simplify and perform the tube setting operation | work. Thus, since the user does not need to manually stack each tube when using the apparatus, it is possible to prevent an operation error such that the tube is set in a twisted state. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of poor bonding due to a tube setting error.

It is a perspective view showing a tube joining device concerning an embodiment of the present invention. It is the side view which looked at the tube joining apparatus shown in FIG. 1 from the J1 direction. It is the side view which looked at the tube joining apparatus shown in FIG. 1 from the J2 direction. It is a bottom view of the tube joining apparatus shown in FIG. 5A is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the operation panel unit provided on the front side of the housing illustrated in FIG. 1, and FIG. 5B is provided on the top surface of the housing illustrated in FIG. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the displayed display part. It is a perspective view which shows a mode at the time of opening a cover member in RT direction shown in FIG. It is a figure which simplifies and shows the internal structure of a cover member and a housing | casing. It is a perspective view which shows the example of schematic arrangement | positioning of the component arrange | positioned in the housing | casing of a tube joining apparatus. It is a figure which shows the electric block of the control system of a tube joining apparatus. 10A is a view showing a wafer cassette insertion portion of the housing, FIG. 10B is a view showing the vicinity of the wafer cassette takeout button, and FIG. 10C is a perspective view showing the wafer cassette together with the housing. is there. FIG. 11A is a perspective view showing the bottom surface portion of the wafer cassette, and FIG. 11B is a perspective view showing the top surface portion of the wafer cassette. It is a side view which shows the example of the positional relationship of a fan, each tube, and a wafer. It is a perspective view which shows the cover side clamp part with which a tube joining apparatus is provided, and the housing side clamp part. It is a figure which shows the 1st accommodating member with which a lid | cover side clamp part is provided, FIG. 14 (A) is the front view seen from the arrow 14A direction shown in FIG. 13, FIG.14 (B) is the arrow 14B shown in FIG. It is the front view seen from the direction. It is a figure which shows the 1st holding member with which a housing side clamp part is provided, FIG. 15 (A) is the front view seen from the arrow 15A direction shown in FIG. 13, FIG. 15 (B) is the arrow 15B shown in FIG. It is the front view seen from the direction. It is a figure which shows the 2nd accommodating member with which a cover side clamp part is provided, FIG. 16 (A) is the front view seen from the arrow 16A direction shown in FIG. 13, FIG.16 (B) is the arrow 16B shown in FIG. It is the front view seen from the direction. It is a figure which shows the 2nd holding member with which a housing side clamp part is provided, FIG. 17 (A) is the front view seen from the arrow 17A direction shown in FIG. 13, FIG. 17 (B) is the arrow 17B shown in FIG. It is the front view seen from the direction. It is a figure which shows the cover side clamp part with which a tube joining apparatus is provided, and a housing side clamp part, FIG.18 (A) is a top view of the cover side clamp part seen from the arrow 18A direction shown in FIG. 13, FIG.18 (B) FIG. 14 is a plan view of the housing-side clamp portion viewed from the direction of the arrow 18B shown in FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating operation | movement of the cover side clamp part with which a tube joining apparatus is provided, and a housing side clamp part, FIG.19 (A) is a perspective view which shows the state which opened the cover side clamp part, FIG.19 (B) FIG. 20 is a perspective view showing a state when the lid-side clamp portion is moved from the state shown in FIG. 19A to the housing-side clamp side. It is a figure for demonstrating operation | movement of the cover side clamp part with which a tube joining apparatus is provided, and a housing | casing side clamp part, FIG. 20 (A) is a housing | casing side clamp side from the state shown to FIG. 19 (B). FIG. 20B is a perspective view showing a state when each tube is melted after the lid side clamp portion is closed. It is a figure for demonstrating operation | movement of the cover side clamp part with which a tube joining apparatus is provided, and a housing side clamp part, and FIG. 21 (A) operates a movable clamp unit after fusing each tube, and replaces the position of a tube. FIG. 21 (B) is a perspective view showing a state when the lid side clamp part is opened after the tubes are joined to allow the tubes to be taken out. . It is a figure for demonstrating operation | movement of the cover side clamp part with which a tube joining apparatus is equipped, and a housing side clamp part, FIG.22 (A) operates a movable clamp unit after taking out each tube, and a cover side clamp part and FIG. 22B is a perspective view showing a state after returning the lid side clamp part and the case side clamp part to the initial position. It is a figure for demonstrating operation | movement of the cover side clamp part with which a tube joining apparatus is provided, and a housing side clamp part, FIG. 23 (A) is a figure which shows a mode before closing a cover side clamp part, FIG.23 (B) These are figures which show a mode when a clamping part presses each tube mutually and closely_contact | adhere, FIG.23 (C) is a figure which shows a mode at the time of implementing a fusing operation | work. It is a figure which illustrates the tube joining apparatus which concerns on contrast. It is a figure which shows typically the tube joined by the tube joining apparatus which concerns on embodiment. FIG. 26 (A) is an enlarged view of each tube after joining, and FIG. 26 (B) is a diagram illustrating the arrangement state of each tube after joining. It is a figure shown typically.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In addition, the dimension ratio of drawing is exaggerated on account of description, and may differ from an actual ratio.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing a tube bonding apparatus according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a side view of the tube joining apparatus viewed from the direction of arrow J1 shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a side view of the tube joining apparatus viewed from the direction of arrow J2 shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the tube bonding apparatus as seen from the bottom surface side.

  As shown in FIGS. 25 and 26, the tube joining apparatus 1 melts and melts the respective ends of a plurality of tubes T1 and T2 (hereinafter referred to as a first tube T1 and a second tube T2). Each end is pressed and joined in a sterile state. In this embodiment, a dialysate tube (first tube T1, which corresponds to one tube) of the peritoneal dialysate bag and a tube (second tube) on the patient's peritoneal catheter used for peritoneal dialysis. The tube joining device will be described through an example applied to a medical device used for joining the tube T2, which corresponds to the other tube).

  Each structure of the tube joining apparatus 1 is demonstrated.

  A preferable use environment of the tube joining apparatus 1 is, for example, an environmental temperature of 10 to 40 ° C. and a relative humidity of 30 to 85%. However, the use environment is not particularly limited as long as the ends of the tubes T1 and T2 can be pressure welded.

  As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 3, the tube joining device 1 includes, for example, a housing 2 and a tube set used to assist the set when the tubes T <b> 1 and T <b> 2 are set in the device 1. It can comprise so that it may have the auxiliary tool 4. FIG.

  The housing 2 has a size of, for example, 135 mm (width) × 99 mm (height) × 268 mm (depth) and a weight of about 2.4 kg.

  The housing 2 includes an upper housing portion 2W, a lower housing portion 2V combined with the upper housing portion 2W, and an openable / closable lid member 3 provided on the upper side of the upper housing portion 2W. ing. The housing 2 including the lid member 3 and the tube setting auxiliary tool 4 are made of, for example, hard plastic, but there are no particular restrictions on the material and the like.

  The housing | casing 2 accommodates each component of the tube joining apparatus 1 so that it may mention later. The lid member 3 is disposed on the upper portion of the housing 2.

  The tube set auxiliary tool 4 is detachably attached to the housing 2. The housing 2 and the lid member 3 can be composed of, for example, a bright color with relatively high brightness, specifically, cream or white. In addition, in order for a user (a person or a patient who actually uses the tube joining device) to visually distinguish each of the housing 2, the lid member 3, and the tube set auxiliary tool 4, The tube set auxiliary tool 4 can be configured in, for example, an orange color. However, the color of each said part is not specifically limited, It can select arbitrarily.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the housing 2 is configured by a case having a bottom surface portion 2A, a front surface portion 2B, a right side surface portion 2C, a left side surface portion 2D, a back surface portion 2E, and a top surface portion 2F. ing. As shown in the figure, this case has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape that is chamfered.

  As shown in FIG. 4, installation members 2G are attached to the four corners of the bottom surface portion 2A. These installation members 2G can be formed of, for example, circular plastic or rubber non-slip members. The tube joining apparatus 1 having a relatively large weight is placed so as not to slide with respect to an installation surface such as a desk surface by using these installation members 2G. Thereby, it can prevent that position shift arises in the tube joining apparatus 1 at the time of the operation | work which joins two tube T1, T2, etc., and it becomes possible to implement joining operation in the stable state.

  For example, a lid member 2H for battery replacement can be provided on the bottom surface portion 2A. The lid member 2H can be detachably attached by a fixing member such as a screw 2I, for example. If the screw 2I is removed and the lid member 2H is removed, the battery BA indicated by the broken line in FIG. 4 can be replaced. The lid member 2H can be disposed, for example, closer to the back surface portion 2E than the front surface portion 2B. The lid member 2H is disposed at a position away from the exhaust opening 6 of the fan FN.

  As shown in FIG. 4, a voice opening 5 and an exhaust opening 6 are formed in the bottom surface 2A. The voice opening 5 and the exhaust opening 6 are formed, for example, between the battery replacement lid member 2H and the front portion 2B.

  The sound opening 5 is composed of a plurality of elongated through holes 5A, and the exhaust opening 6 is composed of a plurality of elongated through holes 6A.

  Inside the bottom surface 2A, a speaker SP and a fan FN as an exhaust device are arranged as indicated by a broken line. The fan FN also has a function as a cooling fan that cools the wafer WF after finishing the bonding operation.

  The voice opening 5 is provided for outputting voice guidance, warning sound, or the like generated by the speaker SP to the outside of the housing 2. Thereby, the user can hear clearly the voice guidance, warning sound, etc. which the speaker SP generate | occur | produces.

  The exhaust opening 6 is provided to forcibly exhaust heat generated inside the casing 2 and gas passing through the casing 2 to the outside of the casing 2 when the cooling fan FN operates. Thereby, the heat | fever in the housing | casing 2 and the gas which passes the inside can be discharged | emitted from the bottom face part 2A side to the exterior of the housing | casing 2 instead of the side parts 2C and 2D.

  As shown in FIG. 4, a plurality of ribs 2J are also formed on the bottom surface 2A of the housing 1 in parallel to the Y direction. These ribs 2J have a function as a guide portion when the tube setting auxiliary tool 4 is detachably attached to the housing 2.

  Next, the operation panel unit 7 and the display unit 8 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 5A shows the operation panel unit 7 provided on the front surface 2B side of the housing 2 shown in FIG. FIG. 5B shows the display portion 8 provided on the upper surface portion 2F of the housing 2 shown in FIG.

  The operation panel unit 7 shown in FIG. 5A includes a [power] switch button 7B, a [power] lamp 7C, a [charging] lamp 7D, a [join] button 7E, and a [join] lamp 7F. [Wafer removal] lamp 7G is provided.

  [Power] lamp 7C, [Charging] lamp 7D, [Join] lamp 7F, and [Wafer removal] lamp 7G are lamps for displaying various states in operation panel unit 7. Each lamp can be composed of, for example, a green LED (light emitting diode) lamp.

  The [Power] switch button 7 </ b> B is a button that is pressed to turn on the tube joining apparatus 1. [Power] lamp 7C is turned on by pressing [Power] switch button 7B.

  The [Join] button 7E starts a fusing-joining operation in which the user melts and cuts the ends of the two tubes T1 and T2, and replaces the ends of the tubes T1 and T2 to perform pressure bonding. It is a button to be pressed. [Join] lamp 7F is turned on when [Join] button 7E is pressed. Further, the [Join] lamp 7F can be configured to flash in order to warn the user that the tube joining apparatus 1 is in a failure state when the tube joining apparatus 1 is out of order.

  [During charging] The lamp 7D is lit when the battery BA shown in FIG. 4 is charged from the commercial AC power supply side.

  [Wafer take-out] lamp 7G lights or blinks when the joining of the two tubes T1 and T2 is completed and the user can take out the used wafer WF from the housing 2 and discharge it. To do.

  5B includes a [close cover] lamp 8B, a [wafer cassette replacement] lamp 8C, a [wafer defect] lamp 8D, a [requires charge] lamp 8E, and a [room temperature inappropriate] lamp. 8F and an [apparatus failure] lamp 8G.

  [Device failure] The lamp 8G is a warning lamp for notifying that the tube joining device 1 has failed. [Device failure] The lamp 8G can be constituted by, for example, a red LED lamp. Other lamps are configured as alarm display lamps, and can be configured by, for example, yellow LED lamps.

  Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2, the side surface 2 </ b> C of the housing 2 is provided with a wafer cassette insertion portion 20 and a wafer cassette removal button 21.

  The wafer cassette insertion portion 20 is configured by a rectangular opening for removably inserting the wafer cassette WC shown in FIG. In a state where the wafer cassette WC is inserted into the housing 2 through the wafer cassette insertion unit 20, the user presses the wafer cassette eject button 21 with a finger, so that the wafer cassette WC is inserted into the housing 2 through the wafer cassette insertion unit 20. Can be taken out. The wafer cassette WC is constituted by a container in which a plurality of wafers WF used for fusing the tubes T1 and T2 are accommodated.

  As shown in FIG. 3, a volume adjustment volume 22 and a voice message changeover switch 23 are provided on the left side surface portion 2D of the housing 2.

  The user can adjust the volume of the voice message according to his / her preference by sliding the volume adjustment volume 22. Further, when the user slides the voice message changeover switch 23 from, for example, a “no” state to a “present” state, a predetermined voice message can be output from the speaker SP shown in FIG. For example, if the user sets the voice message changeover switch 23 to the “no” state, for example, a predetermined buzzer sound can be output from the speaker SP.

  Next, the tubes T1 and T2 to be joined will be described.

  In FIG. 25, two tubes T1 and T2 joined by the tube joining apparatus 1 are illustrated. As each of the tubes T1 and T2, for example, a flexible tube made of vinyl chloride can be selected. However, the material of each tube T1, T2 should just be what can be mutually joined by fusing and pressurization, and is not limited in that limit. For example, the materials of the tubes T1 and T2 may be different from each other.

  As shown in FIG. 25, a predetermined connector CT is attached to the distal end side of one end T11 of the first tube T1. The other end T12 side of the first tube T1 is connected to the dialysate tube TBL of the dialysate bag BL via the branch pipe 9. Furthermore, the first tube T1 is connected to the drainage tube THL of the drainage bag HL via the branch pipe 9.

  The tube T2 has an extension tube 10 and a protection tube 11. The extension tube 10 is connected to the peritoneal catheter 15 through the connecting tube 12, the silicone tube 13, and the catheter joint 14. One end side of the peritoneal catheter 15 is inserted into the abdominal cavity of the patient M.

  The tube bonding apparatus 1 is fused using the wafer WF in which the bonding portions C1 and C2 are heated in a state where the bonding portion C1 of the first tube T1 and the bonding portion C2 of the second tube T2 are in close contact with each other (see FIG. (See FIG. 23C). Then, after fusing, the melted end portion of the first tube T1 and the melted end portion of the second tube T2 are switched, and the respective end portions are pressed together to perform bonding.

  Moreover, as shown in FIG. 13, prior to performing the joining operation by the tube joining apparatus 1, the tubes T1 and T2 are held by the housing side clamp unit 50 provided in the housing 2 so as not to be displaced. The tube side clamp part 50 holds the tubes T1 and T2, and the tube member T1 and T2 are connected to each other by performing the operation of closing the cover member 3 (operation to relatively close the cover member 3 to the case 2). (See FIG. 23B). After setting in this way, each tube T1, T2 is melted using the heated wafer WF. The structure for holding each tube T1, T2 will be described later.

  Next, the lid member 3 installed in the housing 2 will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the lid member 3 can be disposed between the operation panel unit 7 and the display unit 8, for example.

  FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the housing 1 in a state in which the lid member 3 is opened in the direction of the arrow RT shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the lid member 3 includes a clamp plate 30, a clamp operation unit 31, and a covering cover 32.

  The clamp operation unit 31 is used when the user opens and closes the lid member 3 with fingers. In order to easily distinguish the clamp operation unit 31, the clamp plate 30, and the covering cover 32 by visual observation, for example, the clamp operation unit 31 can be colored green, and the clamp plate 30 and the cover cover can be colored. 32 can be colored, for example, cream or white.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a confirmation seal 30 </ b> S schematically showing the insertion state of the two tubes T <b> 1 and T <b> 2 can be attached to the surface of the clamp plate 30. When using the tube joining apparatus 1, the user visually checks the confirmation seal 30 </ b> S to determine whether or not the two tubes T <b> 1 and T <b> 2 are correctly set between the lid member 3 and the housing side clamp unit 50. Simple confirmation is possible.

  As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 6, the clamp plate 30 of the lid member 3 can be opened from the closed state shown in FIG. 1 to the angle exceeding 90 degrees shown in FIG. It is attached to the body 2.

  The covering cover 32 of the lid member 3 is attached to the casing 2 so as to be rotatable about the central axis CL1. The protrusion 32T provided on the covering cover 32 is fitted into a guide groove 30R provided on the clamp plate 30. By providing the protrusion 32T and the guide groove 30R, when the clamp plate 30 opens with respect to the housing 2 to the angle exceeding 90 degrees shown in FIG. It works to follow and lift up.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 6, the clamp operation portion 31 is attached to the tip portion 30 </ b> D of the clamp plate 30 via a predetermined pin (not shown). The clamp operation unit 31 is pivotally supported by this pin so as to be rotatable about the central axis CL2.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the clamp operation unit 31 has a pair of engagement claws 31 </ b> M that are arranged at predetermined intervals in the width direction. A pair of projecting portions 33 arranged at predetermined intervals in the width direction are attached to the housing 2. Each engagement claw 31M of the clamp operation unit 31 is configured to be able to be hooked and fixed to each projection 33 of the housing 2.

  As shown in FIG. 1, when the user holds the clamp operation unit 31 with his / her finger and rotates it in the direction of the arrow RS about the central axis CL with the lid member 3 open, as shown in FIG. The housing side clamp part 50 is covered from the upper side by the clamp plate 30. When the user holds the clamp operation unit 31 with his / her finger and rotates it around the central axis CL2 in the direction of the arrow RG, the pair of engaging claws 31M shown in FIG. It is meshed with the formed protrusion 33. As a result, the lid member 3 closes the casing-side clamp portion 50 provided in the casing 2 from above.

  As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, a take-out port 58 through which the wafer WF used for fusing is fed is provided near the operation panel portion 7 of the housing 2. The take-out port 58 is disposed on an extension of a predetermined gap 57 (see FIG. 7) through which the wafer WF passes. Since the take-out port 58 is provided on the extension of the gap 57, the user can easily take out the wafer WF guided by the take-out port 58 with a finger.

  As shown by the broken line portion (enlarged view) in FIG. 7, a circular hole 59 is formed in the vicinity of the take-out port 58. Further, a rod-shaped interlock 60 is disposed in the circular hole 59.

  The interlock 60 is constituted by a rod of an electromagnetically driven solenoid 61, for example. The solenoid 61 ascends from the state indicated by the broken line in FIG. 7 in the Z1 direction indicated by the solid line in response to a command transmitted from the control unit 100. The front end portion of the clamp operation unit 31 is pressed by the raised interlock 60. As a result, for example, while the two tubes T1 and T2 are melted and joined, it is possible to more reliably maintain the closed state so that the lid member 3 is not opened.

  The solenoid detection sensor 89 shown in FIG. 7 can be configured by, for example, a photocoupler having a light emitting unit 89A that emits light 89L and a light receiving unit 89B that can receive the light 89L. The solenoid detection sensor 89 detects the open / closed state of the lid member 3. The detection result is transmitted to the control unit 100 (see FIG. 9).

  FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a schematic arrangement example of the components arranged in the housing 2 of the tube bonding apparatus 1.

  As shown in FIG. 8, in the housing 2, a main substrate 80, a DC input substrate 81, a wafer cassette storage unit 82, a wafer feed unit 83, a fixed clamp unit 71, a movable clamp unit 72, A solenoid 61, a speaker SP, a fan FN, and a battery BA are accommodated.

  For example, the DC input board 81 is preferably arranged at a position as far as possible from the main board 80. This is to prevent noise from the DC input board 81 from affecting the circuit elements mounted on the main board 80.

  Next, the function of the control unit 100 of the tube bonding apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 shows an electric block of the tube joining apparatus 1.

  The tube joining apparatus 1 includes a control unit 100 that controls the operation of each unit of the apparatus in an integrated manner. The control unit 100 includes a CPU such as a microcomputer, a ROM that stores a control program for the entire apparatus executed by the CPU and various data, and a RAM that temporarily stores measurement data and various data as a work area. Yes.

  The control unit 100 receives power supply from the battery BA on the DC input board 81 side. The DC input board 81 has a jack 84 and a changeover switch 85. The jack 84 is connected to the connection pin 86P of the charger 86, thereby receiving a predetermined DC power source obtained by AC / DC conversion from the commercial AC power source. The charger 86 and the jack 84 are also shown in FIG.

  The changeover switch 85 connects the jack 84 and the battery BA. The DC power source from the charger 86 is used for charging the battery BA. The DC power charged in the battery BA is supplied to the control unit 100.

  A temperature sensor 87 such as a thermistor is electrically connected to the control unit 100. The temperature sensor 87 detects the ambient temperature (outside air temperature) around the housing 2 and supplies outside air temperature information TF to the control unit 100. The controller 100 refers to the outside air temperature information TF when heating the tubes T1 and T2. For example, when the outside air temperature is lower than a predetermined temperature, the heating time of the two tubes T1 and T2 is determined. Execute processing such as lengthening. In addition, the control unit 100 performs operation control so as to notify the patient of the environmental temperature through the speaker SP, for example.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the [power switch] button 7B, the [join] button 7E, and the lamps 7C, 7D, 7F, and 7G of the operation panel unit 7 shown in FIG. Is electrically connected.

  The speaker SP is electrically connected to the control unit 100 via the voice synthesis unit 88. The speaker SP utters voice guidance or the like that is determined in advance by a command from the control unit 100.

  The volume adjustment volume 22 and the voice message changeover switch 23 are electrically connected to the control unit 100. When the voice message selector switch 23 is “present”, voice guidance can be issued from the speaker SP, and when the voice message selector switch 23 is “none”, a buzzer (not shown) can be sounded.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the [close cover] lamp 8B, the [wafer cassette replacement] lamp 8C, the [wafer defect] lamp 8D, and the [required charge] of the display unit 8 shown in FIG. The lamp 8E, the [room temperature inappropriate] lamp 8F, and the [apparatus failure] lamp 8G are configured to be lit or blinking according to a command from the control unit 100.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the solenoid 61 of the interlock 60 shown in FIG. 7 operates according to a command from the control unit 100. Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 7, when the interlock 60 of the solenoid 61 is at the lower end position 60L, the interlock 60 blocks the light 89L from the light emitting unit 89A as indicated by a broken line, and thus receives light. The unit 89B transmits a “signal that the lid member 3 is not interlocked” to the control unit 100. On the other hand, when the interlock 60 of the solenoid 61 is at the upper end position 60H, the interlock 60 does not block the light 89L from the light emitting unit 89A as indicated by the solid line, so that the light receiving unit 89B includes the control unit 100. “A signal that the lid member 3 is interlocked” is transmitted. Thereby, the control unit 100 grasps the locked state or the unlocked state of the lid member 3.

  The hall sensor 90 of the housing side clamp unit 50 is electrically connected to the control unit 100 and is configured to transmit a detection result to the control unit 100. As shown in FIG. 12 and FIG. 18 (B), when the tubes T1 and T2 are fitted into the housing-side clamp portion 50, the first tube T1 and the second tube T2 resist the force of the spring 92. The tube detection pin 75 is pushed downward in the apparatus. Since the tube detection pin 75 is lowered by this pushing, the magnetic force of the magnet 91 is detected by the hall sensor 90. The hall sensor 90 then transmits a signal notifying the controller 100 that “the two tubes T1 and T2 have been correctly fitted”. If the first tube T1 and the second tube T2 are not firmly held, or if only one of the tubes is held, the Hall sensor 90 detects the magnetic force of the magnet 91. I can't. At this time, the hall sensor 90 transmits a signal to notify the control unit 100 that “the two tubes T1 and T2 are not properly fitted”. The position where the tube detection pin 75 is installed may be a position where it is possible to detect whether or not each of the tubes T1 and T2 is set in the casing-side clamp unit 50, as shown in FIG. It is not limited to such a position.

  The housing side clamp unit 50 includes a micro switch 93. The micro switch 93 is a sensor that detects the open / closed state of the lid member 3. As shown in FIG. 6, when the micro switch 93 is held in the direction of the arrow RS around the center axis CL by holding the clamp operating portion 31 of the lid member 3 with a finger, the clamp plate as shown in FIG. 30 detects that the casing side clamp part 50 is closed. As the micro switch 93, for example, when the housing side clamp unit 50 is closed, a mechanical sensor that detects that the housing 2 is closed by contact with an arbitrary position of the housing 2, or the housing side It is possible to use a known sensor such as an electric sensor that detects the closing based on the position of the clamp unit 50.

  The wafer cassette storage unit 82 includes a wafer presence sensor 101 and a wafer remaining amount detection sensor 102. Wafer presence / absence sensor 101 is a sensor that detects whether or not wafer WF remains in wafer cassette WC shown in FIG. The remaining wafer detection sensor 102 is a sensor that detects how many wafers WF are left in the wafer cassette WC shown in FIG. 1, that is, the remaining number of wafers WF. As the wafer presence / absence sensor 101 and the wafer remaining amount detection sensor 102, for example, a known photosensor or the like can be used.

  The wafer feed unit 83 is a unit that linearly moves the wafer WF in the wafer cassette WC to a predetermined standby position PS1 (see FIG. 12). The wafer feed unit 83 includes a motor 103, a motor drive 104, a forward end sensor 105, an intermediate sensor 106, and a reverse end sensor 107. Upon receiving a command from the control unit 100, the motor drive 104 drives the motor 103 to linearly move the wafers in the wafer cassette WC one by one to the standby position PS1.

  The control unit 100 is electrically connected to the wafer heater 110, the motor drive 111, the cam motor sensor 112, the clamp motor sensor 113, the wafer current detection unit 115, the wafer voltage detection unit 116, and the fan FN. When the motor drive 111 receives a command from the control unit 100, the motor drive 111 drives the cam motor 117 and the clamp motor 56 in order to blow and join the tubes T1 and T2.

  The cam motor 117 performs an operation of moving the wafer WF up and down and an operation of bringing the two tubes together. The operation of moving the wafer WF up and down performed by the cam motor 117 is an operation of raising the wafer WF from the standby position PS1 to the fusing position PSm positioned above it, and conversely lowering the wafer WF from the fusing position PSm to the standby position PS1. (See FIG. 20B). The cam motor 117 performs an operation of bringing the tubes T1 and T2 together after fusing the two tubes T1 and T2. This approach is to bring the wafer WF down from the fusing position PSm to the standby position PS1 for standby, and then move one end T11 of the first tube T1 to the other end T22 of the second tube T2. This is an operation of pressurizing and joining one end T21 of the second tube T2 toward the other end T12 of the first tube T1 for pressurization.

  The clamp motor 56 performs 180 degree rotation of the movable clamp unit 72 and return rotation after 180 degree rotation (see FIGS. 21A and 22A). The operation of the movable clamp unit 72 will be described later.

  The cam motor sensor 112 is composed of, for example, a photo sensor that detects a cam position and an origin. The clamp motor sensor 113 is configured by, for example, a photo sensor that detects an origin when the movable clamp unit 72 is rotated.

  Wafer heater 110 is provided to heat the wafer according to a command from control unit 100. During energization, the wafer current detector 115 detects the wafer current value supplied to the wafer. Further, the wafer voltage detection unit 116 detects the wafer voltage value supplied to the wafer.

  Next, the wafer cassette storage unit 82 and the wafer cassette WC will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 10 shows the wafer cassette insertion portion 20 of the housing 2, the peripheral portion of the wafer cassette takeout button 21, and the wafer cassette WC. FIG. 11A is a perspective view showing the lower surface side of the wafer cassette WC, and FIG. 11B is a perspective view showing the upper surface side of the wafer cassette WC.

  The wafer cassette insertion portion 20 and the wafer cassette takeout button 21 are arranged in the wafer cassette storage unit 82 shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 10A, an arrow 21Y indicating the insertion direction is provided on the upper surface of the wafer cassette WC. The user inserts the wafer cassette WC into the wafer cassette insertion portion 20 as shown in FIG. 10B according to the arrow 21Y. Thereafter, when the wafer WF is used up, and the wafer WF in the wafer cassette WC disappears, the user pushes the wafer cassette take-out button 21 with a finger as shown in FIG. 10C to remove the empty wafer cassette WC. It can be taken out from the wafer cassette insertion portion 20.

  As shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B, the wafer cassette WC is configured as a container for accommodating a plurality of wafers WF. The wafer cassette WC is preferably made of a transparent plastic so that the internal wafer WF can be visually confirmed.

  Wafer cassette WC includes upper surface portion 120, bottom surface portion 121, front surface portion 122, side surface portions 123 and 124, and back surface portion 125.

  Wafers WF are arranged one by one inside the front portion 122. Then, as shown in FIG. 11B, by pushing the pushing member 126 against the wafer WF in the Y1 direction, one wafer WF is moved from the inside of the wafer cassette WC one by one along the Y1 direction. And pushed to a predetermined standby position PS1.

  As shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B, two springs 128 and a spring receiving member 129 are accommodated in the wafer cassette WC. One end of each of the two springs is supported on the inner surface of the back surface portion 125 of the wafer cassette WC. On the other hand, the other end portions of the two springs are supported by a spring receiving member 129. The spring receiving member 129 has a misalignment preventing portion 130 for preventing the springs 128 from shifting.

  The two springs 128 press the plurality of wafers WF against the inner surface of the front portion 122 via the spring receiving member 129. When each wafer WF is held by the two springs 128 and the pushing member 126 is pressed in the Y1 direction against the wafer WF located on the front portion 122 side, one wafer WF located on the outermost side. Only the wafer cassette WC is taken out along the Y1 direction.

  As shown in FIG. 11A, a wafer WF used as a cutting member is a copper metal plate (thickness: formed in a substantially rectangular shape) that can be heated by a wafer heater 110 (see FIGS. 9 and 12). About 0.3 mm, width: about 34 mm, height about 13 mm). The wafer WF has two contact points 131 connected to the wafer heater 110 when heated.

  Next, the tube set auxiliary tool 4 will be described.

  The tube set auxiliary tool 4 can be attached to the housing 2 as needed by the user. The tube setting auxiliary tool 4 has a guide function for allowing the user to easily hold the two tubes T1 and T2 in the housing 2 as shown in FIG. Yes.

  As shown in FIGS. 2, 3, and 4, the tube setting auxiliary tool 4 includes a first side portion 135, a second side portion 136, and a back surface connecting portion 137.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the first side portion 135 has a claw portion 135A, a branching portion 135B, and 135C. The claw portion 135 </ b> A is configured to be attachable to the peripheral portion of the operation panel portion 7 of the housing 2.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the second side portion 136 includes a claw portion 136A, branch portions 136B and 136C, and a U-shaped receiving portion 138 for receiving a tube. The claw portion 136 </ b> A is configured to be attachable to the peripheral portion of the operation panel portion 7 of the housing 2. The receiving part 138 receives two tubes T1 and T2 as shown in FIG. Further, as shown in FIG. 3, by providing a space between the branching portion 136B and the branching portion 136C, the volume adjustment volume 22 can be exposed, and the user can easily operate the volume adjustment volume 22. It is configured.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the back surface connection part 137 of the tube setting auxiliary tool 4 has a first connection part 137A and a second connection part 137B. An opening 137C through which the installation member 2G is passed is formed in the first connection portion 137A. The second connecting portion 137B is provided with a protrusion 137D that matches the height of the installation member 2G. Thereby, the housing | casing 2 can be installed in the state which floated only the predetermined space | interval, for example with respect to the desk surface etc. with the four installation members 2G and the two protrusion parts 137D.

  Between the first connecting portion 137A and the second connecting portion 137B of the tube setting auxiliary tool 4, the sound opening 5 and the exhaust opening 6 are exposed, and the exhaust opening of the fan FN which is an exhaust device. 6A and the opening part 144 which open | releases the audio | voice opening part 5A for speaker SP are formed. For this reason, the fan FN can reliably release the gas and heat inside the housing 2 to the outside of the housing 2 through the opening 6. In addition, since the voice guidance, warning sound, etc. generated by the speaker SP can be reliably output to the outside of the housing 2 through the opening 5, it is easy to hear without any voice guidance, warning sound, etc.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 12, the positional relationship between the fan FN and the two tubes T1 and T2 in the housing side clamp unit 50 and the wafer WF will be described.

  FIG. 12 schematically shows a state before and after cutting the tubes T1 and T2 held by the housing-side clamp unit 50 with the wafer WF sent out from the wafer cassette WC.

  The wafer WF is fed in the Y1 direction from the wafer cassette WC by operating the wafer feeding unit 83 shown in FIG. 8, and is placed at the standby position PS1.

  As shown in FIG. 12, when the wafer WF is placed at the standby position PS1, the two contact points 131 of the wafer WF are connected to the wafer heater 110. Then, the wafer heater 110 generates heat by energizing the contact point according to a command from the control unit 100. The wafer WF is heated by this heat generation. A fan FN is arranged below the heated wafer WF.

  As shown in FIG. 12, each tube T1, T2 is blown by the wafer WF when the wafer WF rises from the standby position PS1 to the fusing position PS2. At this time, the plasticizer which is a constituent material of the tubes T1 and T2 is vaporized to generate gas. The gas is discharged to the outside of the housing 2 from the exhaust opening 6 of the bottom surface portion 2A along the discharge path indicated by the arrow MY by the fan FN that is rotationally driven. For this reason, even if a plastic product or the like is placed in the vicinity of the housing 2, the plasticizer gas is not directly blown against the plastic product, so that there is no adverse effect such as a part of the plastic product melting. .

  Next, a structure for holding the tubes T1 and T2 in the tube bonding apparatus 1 will be described. FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the lid-side clamp unit 230 and the housing-side clamp 50, and FIGS. 14 to 18 show the configurations of the lid-side clamping unit 230 and the housing-side clamp 50. FIG. FIG. 22 shows an operation example of the lid side clamp unit 230 and the housing side clamp 50.

  As shown in FIG. 13, the lid-side clamp part 230 has a first housing member 240 and a second housing member 250. The housing members 240 and 250 are arranged adjacent to the arrangement direction (extending direction) of the tubes T1 and T2. Each accommodating member 240, 250 is installed inside the clamp plate 30 provided in the lid member 3 (see FIGS. 6 and 7).

  The housing side clamp unit 50 includes a first holding member 140 and a second holding member 150. The holding members 140 and 150 are arranged adjacent to the arrangement direction (extending direction) of the tubes T1 and T2. Each holding member 140, 150 is installed inside the housing 2 of the tube bonding apparatus 1 (see FIGS. 6 and 7).

  As shown in FIGS. 6 and 13, the first housing member 240 and the first holding member 140 are disposed at positions facing each other. When the operation of closing the lid member 3 is performed, the first housing member 240 approaches the first holding member 140 and holds the tubes T1 and T2 partially covered. Similarly, the second housing member 250 and the second holding member 150 are disposed at positions facing each other. When the lid member 3 is closed, the second housing member 250 is moved to the second holding member 150. And hold each tube T1, T2 partially covered.

  The user sets the tubes T <b> 1 and T <b> 2 in the housing-side clamp unit 50 when using the tube bonding apparatus 1. And after closing the cover member 3, the [joining] button 7E shown to FIG. 5 (A) is pushed, and the fusing-joining operation | work by the tube joining apparatus 1 is started. The tube joining apparatus 1 performs the fusing-joining operation in a state where a part of each of the tubes T1 and T2 is covered with the lid member 3 (lid side clamp portion 230).

  With reference to FIGS. 13-18, the 1st holding member 240 with which the cover side clamp part 230 is provided, the 2nd holding member 250, the 1st holding member 140 with which the housing | casing side clamp part 50 is provided, and the 2nd holding member Each configuration of 150 will be described. 14 to 18 are arrow diagrams corresponding to the directions indicated by the arrow with the sign shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIGS. 14A and 14B, the first housing member 240 includes a first housing groove 243 and a second housing groove 245 having a substantially U-shaped cross section, and a first holding member 140. And a recess 246 that can accommodate the protruding portion 149. As shown in FIG. 18A, the first accommodation groove 243 and the second accommodation groove 245 have a length extending from the front end surface 241 to the rear end surface 242 of the first accommodation member 240, and the first accommodation member. 240 is formed continuously in the longitudinal direction.

  As shown in FIG. 14B, a pressing surface 247 inclined at a predetermined angle is formed on the rear end surface 242 of the first housing member 240. The lower end 248 of the rear end surface 242 of the first housing member 240 is formed so as to be partially recessed toward the front end surface 241 (see FIG. 13).

  As shown in FIGS. 15A and 15B, the first holding member 140 includes a first holding groove (corresponding to a first tube holding portion) 143 having a substantially U-shaped cross section and a second holding groove 143. It has a holding groove (corresponding to a second tube holding portion) 145 and a protruding portion 149 protruding upward. As shown in FIG. 18B, the first holding groove 143 and the second holding groove 145 have a length from the front end surface 141 to the rear end surface 142 of the first holding member 140, and are the first housing member. 240 is formed continuously in the longitudinal direction.

  The first holding member 140 further includes a pair of holding portions (first holding portion and second holding portion) that apply a holding force to the tubes T1 and T2 when holding the tubes T1 and T2. 146a, 146b, and a first urging portion 148a and a second urging portion 148b that apply urging forces in directions away from each other to the sandwiching portions 146a, 146b. Each clamping part 146a, 146b is installed in the rear-end surface 142 side of the 1st holding member 140 (refer FIG. 18 (B)). A support surface 147 formed at a position facing the pressing surface 247 of the first housing member 240 is formed at the upper end of each of the sandwiching portions 146a and 146b. The support surface 147 is inclined at substantially the same angle as the pressing surface 247.

  The first urging portion 148a installed on the first holding member 140 is arranged so that the first holding portion 146a is attached to the first holding member 140 via the first urging portion 148a. ing. In a state where no force is applied from the outside, the first clamping portion 146a moves away from the center position of the first holding member 140 by the biasing force applied by the first biasing portion 148a (in the drawing). (See arrow d1). Similarly, the second urging portion 148b is disposed so that the second holding member 146b is attached to the first holding member 140 via the second urging portion 148b. In a state where no force is applied from the outside, the second holding portion 146b moves away from the center position of the first holding member 140 by the biasing force applied by the second biasing portion 148b (in the drawing). (See arrow d1). As will be described later, when an operation for bringing the lid-side clamp portion 230 closer to the housing-side clamp portion 50 is performed, the first housing member 240 and the first holding member 140 cooperate with each other to hold each of the holding portions 146a, 146b. The movement of approaching is driven.

  As shown in FIGS. 16A and 16B, the second housing member 250 has a configuration in which the configuration on the front end surface 241 side and the configuration on the rear end surface 242 side of the first housing member 240 are interchanged (first The only difference is that the housing member 241 is rotated by 180 ° in a plane parallel to the longitudinal direction), and the configuration of each part is substantially the same as that of the first housing member 240.

  The second accommodation member 250 includes a first accommodation groove 253 and a second accommodation groove 255 having a substantially U-shaped cross section, and a recess 256 capable of accommodating the protruding portion 159 of the second holding member 150. ing. As shown in FIG. 18A, the first accommodation groove 253 and the second accommodation groove 255 have a length from the front end surface 251 to the rear end surface 252 of the second accommodation member 250, and the second accommodation member. 250 are formed continuously in the longitudinal direction.

  As shown in FIG. 16B, a pressing surface 257 that is inclined at a predetermined angle is formed on the distal end surface 251 of the second housing member 250. The lower end 258 of the front end surface 251 of the second housing member 250 is formed so as to be partially recessed toward the rear end surface 252 (see FIG. 13).

  As shown in FIGS. 17A and 17B, the second holding member 150 has a configuration in which the configuration on the front end surface 141 side and the configuration on the rear end surface 142 side of the first holding member 140 are switched (first The only difference is that the direction of the holding member 141 is rotated by 180 ° in a plane parallel to the longitudinal direction), and the configuration of each part is substantially the same as that of the first holding member 140.

  The second holding member 150 includes a first holding groove (corresponding to the first tube holding portion) 153 and a second holding groove (corresponding to the second tube holding portion) 155 having a substantially U-shaped cross section. And a protruding portion 159 protruding upward. As shown in FIG. 18B, the first holding groove 153 and the second holding groove 155 have a length from the front end surface 151 to the rear end surface 152 of the second holding member 150, and are the second holding member. 150 are formed continuously in the longitudinal direction.

  The second holding member 150 further includes a pair of holding portions (first holding portion and second holding portion) that apply a holding force to the tubes T1 and T2 when holding the tubes T1 and T2. ) 156a and 156b, and a first urging portion 158a and a second urging portion 158b that apply urging forces in directions away from each other to the sandwiching portions 156a and 156b. Each clamping part 156a, 156b is installed in the front end surface 151 side of the 2nd holding member 150 (refer FIG. 18 (B)). A support surface 157 formed at a position facing the pressing surface 257 of the second housing member 250 is formed at the upper end of each sandwiching portion 156a, 156b. The support surface 157 is inclined at substantially the same angle as the pressing surface 257.

  The first urging portion 158a installed on the second holding member 150 is arranged so that the first holding portion 156a is attached to the second holding member 150 via the first urging portion 158a. ing. In a state in which no force is applied from the outside, the first clamping unit 156a moves away from the center position of the second holding member 150 by the urging force applied by the first urging unit 158a (in the drawing, (See arrow d1). Similarly, the second urging portion 158b is disposed so that the second holding member 156b is attached to the second holding member 150 via the second urging portion 158b. In a state where no force is applied from the outside, the second holding portion 156b moves away from the center position of the second holding member 150 by the biasing force applied by the second biasing portion 158b (in the drawing). (See arrow d1). As will be described later, when an operation for bringing the lid-side clamp portion 230 closer to the housing-side clamp portion 50 is performed, the second housing member 150 and the second holding member 150 cooperate with each other to hold each of the sandwiching portions 156a and 156b. The movement of approaching is driven.

  Next, the operation of the clamping portion provided in each holding member 140, 150 will be described.

  Prior to the use of the device, the user who uses the tube joining device 1, as shown in FIG. 13 and FIG. 18 (B), attaches the first tube T 1 to the first holding groove 143 of the first holding member 140, And set in the first holding groove 153 of the second holding member 150. Similarly, the second tube T <b> 2 is set in the second holding groove 145 of the first holding member 140 and the second holding groove 155 of the second holding member 150. Since each holding groove 143, 145, 153, 155 is formed in a U-shape (semi-circular shape) substantially the same as the shape of the lower part of the outer peripheral surface of each tube T1, T2, each holding groove 143, 145 , 153 and 155, the tubes T1 and T2 can be stably held in a state of being hooked. A part of the tubes T1 and T2 (a central portion shown in FIG. 18B) is disposed at a position between the sandwiching portions 146a and 146b and a position between the sandwiching portions 156a and 156b.

  FIG. 23 shows a state in which the lid side clamp portion 230 (second housing member 250) is moved closer to the housing side clamp portion 50 (second holding member 150) side. In order to simplify the description, only the second holding member 150 and the second housing member 250 are shown, but the relationship between the first holding member 140 and the first housing member 240 is also described below. An operation is performed.

  As shown in FIG. 23A, after the tubes T1 and T2 are set in the holding grooves 153 and 155 of the second holding member 150, the second housing member 250 is moved closer to the second holding member 150. Perform the operation. This operation is performed in conjunction with the operation of closing the inside of the housing 2 from the outside (closed state) when using the tube bonding apparatus 1.

  Before setting the tubes T1 and T2, the user operates the lid member 3 so that the inside of the housing 2 is exposed to the outside (opened state) as shown in FIG. And after setting each tube T1, T2 (it shows by the arrow B in a figure), the cover member 3 is operated and the housing | casing 2 is closed. At this time, the second housing member 250 attached to the inside of the clamp plate 30 included in the lid member 3 approaches the second holding member 150 in conjunction with the switching operation from the open state to the closed state by the lid member 3. To do. Although not shown, the first housing member 240 attached to the clamp plate 30 similarly approaches the first holding member 140 in conjunction with the switching from the open state to the closed state by the lid member 3. In addition, in FIG. 13, the approach / separation movement with respect to the housing | casing side clamp part 50 of the cover side clamp part 230 is shown by arrow AA '.

  As shown in FIG. 23B, in the process of bringing the second housing member 250 closer to the second holding member 150, the tubes T1 and T2 held by the second holding member 150 are moved from the upper side to the second holding member 150, respectively. It is pressed down by the two storage members 250. The housing grooves 243, 245, 253, and 255 formed in the first housing member 240 and the second housing member 250 are substantially U-shaped in the shape of the upper side of the outer peripheral surfaces of the tubes T1 and T2. Since it is formed in a semicircular shape, the portions covered from the up and down directions by the holding grooves 243, 245, 253, 255 and the holding grooves 143, 145, 153, 155 in each tube T1, T2 are crushed. And maintained in a state of maintaining a circular cross-sectional shape. At this time, the protrusions 149 and 159 formed on the holding members 140 and 150 are accommodated in the recesses 246 and 256 formed on the accommodation members 240 and 250, respectively. The progress of the approaching operation is not hindered by interfering with the housing members 240 and 250.

  On the other hand, a clamping force that sandwiches each of the tubes T1 and T2 acts on a portion of the tubes T1 and T2 that are sandwiched and held by the sandwiching portions 146a, 146b, 156a, and 156b, and is partially crushed. . Specifically, as shown in FIG. 23B, the second holding member 150 is approached until the pressing surface 257 formed on the second housing member 250 comes into contact with the support surface 157 of each sandwiching portion 156a, 156b. When the second housing member 250 is further moved closer to the second holding member 150, the force acting with the approach of the second housing member 250 is applied to each clamping portion via the pressing surface 257 and the support surface 157. 156a and 156b are converted into forces in a direction in which they approach each other. As a result, each clamping part 156a, 156b moves in a direction approaching each other against the biasing force applied by each biasing part 158a, 158b, and via the clamping surface 157 provided in each clamping part 156a, 156b. Each tube T1, T2 is pressed from the width direction of the outer peripheral surface (the left-right direction indicated by the arrow d2 in the figure) and is brought into close contact with each other.

  Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 23C, the end face (cut) of each tube T1, T2 is made smooth with no irregularities by fusing the portion where each tube T1, T2 is in close contact with the wafer WF. It becomes possible to cut. Thereby, in the joining operation | work after a fusing operation | work, each tube T1, T2 can be joined smoothly, and the joining strength of a junction part can be improved.

  As described above, each of the sandwiching portions 146a, 146b, 156a, 156b included in the tube bonding apparatus 1, each biasing portion 148a, 148b, 158a, 158b, and each pressing surface 247, 257, and each sandwiching portion 146a, 146b. The pressing operation unit 260 that operates to move the tubes 156a and 156b closer to each other moves the tubes T1 and T2 relatively close to each other to press each other and to maintain the pressed state. It has a function as the pressing unit 160 implemented in conjunction with the operation. The tube joining apparatus 1 is provided with the pressing portion 160, so that the user can hold the tubes T1 and T2 in a fixed manner in accordance with a simple operation for the user to close the lid member 3, and further hold the tubes T1 and T2. It is configured to be able to continuously perform the operation of setting in a state of being in close contact in the width direction.

  In addition, each urging | biasing part 148a, 148b, 158a, 158b can be comprised by well-known elastic members, such as a spring, for example.

  Referring to FIG. 13, the second housing member 250 included in the lid-side clamp portion 230 and the second holding member 150 included in the housing-side clamp portion 50 are configured such that the second housing member 250 is replaced with the second holding member 150. When approaching, a movable clamp unit 72 is formed which is integrated and replaces the ends of the tubes T1 and T2 fused by the wafer WF. On the other hand, the first housing member 240 included in the lid-side clamp unit 230 and the first holding member 140 included in the housing-side clamp unit 50 are integrated when the first housing member 240 approaches the first holding member 140. Thus, the fixed clamp unit 71 is formed to hold the tubes T1 and T2 fused by the wafer WF.

  As shown in a simplified manner in the broken line portion of FIG. 13, for example, a predetermined gear 55 can be formed around the second housing member 250 and around the second holding member 150. Further, the gear 55 can be configured to mesh with a gear 56G of a clamp motor 56 that drives an operation of replacing the positions of the ends of the tubes T1 and T2 after the tubes T1 and T2 are melted.

  For example, when the clamp motor 56 is actuated by a command from the control unit 100 (see FIG. 9) to rotate the gear 56G, the second housing member 250 and the second holding member 150 are integrated with each other at 180 degrees. It rotates forward (see arrow r1 in FIG. 21A). While this rotation is being performed, the other end T12 of the blown first tube T1 and the other end T22 of the second tube T2 are rotated, and their positions are switched (see FIG. 26A). reference). As a result, the position of the other end T12 of the first tube T1 after fusing and the other end T22 of the second tube T2 after fusing are reversed by 180 degrees. As a result, one end T11 of the first tube T1 can be joined to the other end T22 of the second tube T2, and the other end T12 of the first tube T1 is connected to the second tube. It becomes possible to join to one end T21 of T2.

  The fixed clamp unit 71 constituted by the first housing member 240 and the first holding member 140 is moved by the movable clamp unit 72 so that the other end T12 of the first tube T1 and the other end of the second tube T2. While T22 is rotating, one end portion T11 of the first tube T1 and one end portion T21 of the second tube T2 are held in a fixed manner, and each of these end portions T11, T21 is held. Is prevented from rotating accidentally (see FIG. 21A).

  Next, with reference to FIG. 19 to FIG. 23 and other drawings, a procedure when using the tube joining apparatus 1 and an operation example of each part of the apparatus will be described. In some of the drawings in FIGS. 19 to 23, the constituent members are shifted in the vertical direction to facilitate understanding of the operation of each part. Moreover, illustration of each tube T1, T2 is abbreviate | omitted.

  First, the user uses the lid member 3 to open the housing 2 as shown in FIG.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 13 and FIG. 18B, the user replaces the first tube T <b> 1 with the first holding groove 143 of the first holding member 140 and the first holding member 150. In the holding groove 153 (indicated by an arrow B in FIG. 13). Similarly, the second tube T <b> 2 is set in the second holding groove 145 of the first holding member 140 and the second holding groove 155 of the second holding member 150. Each tube T1, T2 may be set in the holding groove on the opposite side to the above, and the direction of each tube T1, T2 may be set in a direction different from the illustrated example.

  Next, the user causes the lid-side clamp unit 230 to approach the casing-side clamp unit 50 by performing an operation of closing the lid member 3.

  FIG. 19A shows a state before the lid member 3 is closed. When the lid member 3 starts to close, the housing members 240 and 250 of the lid-side clamp part 230 gradually approach the holding members 140 and 150 of the housing-side clamp part 50 as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 20A, when the lid member 3 is further closed, the tube pressing operation by the holding portions 146a, 146b, 156a, and 156b included in the holding members 140 and 150 is started. Then, as shown in FIG. 20B, when the lid member 3 is closed and the housing members 240 and 250 sufficiently approach the holding members 140 and 150, the first housing member 240 and the first holding member. 140 is integrated, and the second housing member 250 and the second holding member 150 are integrated. The fusing part (part clamped by the clamping part) of each tube T1, T2 will be in the state where the outer peripheral part was covered with each accommodating member 240,250 and each holding member 140,150, and was isolated from the exterior. For this reason, it becomes possible to perform fusing and the joining operation performed after that in an aseptic state.

  Next, the tubes T1 and T2 are melted by the heated wafer WF. The wafer WF is guided from the standby position PS1 to the fusing position PSm (arrow U in the figure), and the gap 57 between the first holding member 140 and the second holding member 150, the first accommodating member 240, and the first 2 passes through the gap 67 between the two housing members 250 (see FIGS. 18A and 18B), and the tubes T1 and T2 are fused. The wafer WF is returned to the standby position PS1 after fusing the tubes T1 and T2.

  As shown in FIG. 21A, the tube joining apparatus 1 rotates the movable clamp unit 72 (arrow r1 in the drawing) after the fusing operation is performed, and the other end of the first tube T1. The part T12 and the other end T22 of the second tube T2 are rotated, and the positions of both ends are switched. Thereafter, the ends of the replaced tubes T1 and T2 are brought close together and pressure bonded.

  After the joining is completed, the lid member 3 is opened to expose the inside of the housing 2 to the outside as shown in FIG. Thereby, the user can remove each tube T1, T2 from the apparatus. When the joining is completed, the tubes T1 and T2 are joined as shown in FIG. A user removes each tube T1, T2 from the housing side clamp part 50, and performs the operation | work which isolate | separates each tube T1, T2. By performing this separation operation, as shown in FIG. 26 (B), the first end T11 of the first tube T1 is joined to the other end T22 of the second tube T2, and the first A tube in which the other end T12 of the tube T1 is joined to one end T21 of the second tube T2 can be obtained.

  After the use of the tube joining apparatus 1, the lid member 3 is closed. When the tube joining apparatus 1 is turned on when it is used again, the movable clamp unit 72 is automatically rotated (arrow r2 in the figure) as shown in FIG. A restoring operation for returning the positions of 250 and the first housing member 150 to the original positions is performed. Thereby, as shown in FIG. 22B, the housing members 240 and 250 and the holding members 140 and 150 are arranged at the start position (initial position) of the fusing-joining operation. Therefore, it becomes possible to operate the tube joining apparatus 1 in the same procedure as described above to perform the fusing-joining operation.

  Here, FIG. 24 shows a tube joining apparatus 400 according to the proportionality. The tube joining apparatus 400 includes holding units 410 and 420 that hold the tubes T1 and T2 in a state of being stacked in the height direction of the apparatus. For example, if the user manually performs the operation of stacking the tubes T1 and T2, the procedure may be wrong and the tube may be set in a twisted state as illustrated. If the tubes are set in this way, the melted end faces of the tubes T1 and T2 are not accurately positioned and pressed during the joining operation, so that the joining strength is reduced and holes are formed in the joined portions. Problems may occur. On the other hand, since the tube joining apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment is configured to set the tubes T1 and T2 in a parallel positional relationship, the tubes T1 and T2 are set in a twisted state. It is possible to prevent the occurrence of work mistakes.

  As described above, according to the tube joining apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, the user individually sets the tubes T1 and T2 in the first holding grooves 143 and 153 and the second holding grooves 145 and 155, respectively. The tubes T1, T2 can be arranged in parallel with each other. And by operating the pressing part 160 with which an apparatus is provided, since each tube T1, T2 can be mutually pressed and closely_contact | adhered, it becomes possible to simplify and perform the set operation | work of a tube. Since the user does not need to manually stack the tubes T1 and T2 when using the apparatus, it is possible to prevent an operation error such that the tubes are set in a twisted state. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of poor bonding due to a tube setting error.

  Moreover, since the pressing part 160 with which the tube joining apparatus 1 is provided is comprised so that each tube T1, T2 may be pressed in response to operation | movement of the cover member 3, it is easy operation which closes the cover member 3. As a result, it is possible to provide a tube joining apparatus that can further improve the usability by which the tubes T1 and T2 can be brought into close contact with each other.

  Moreover, since the pressing part 160 is comprised by each clamping part 146a, 146b, 156a, 156b, each urging | biasing part 148a, 148b, 158a, 158b, and the pressing action | operation part 260, operation | movement of the cover member 3 is carried out. It is possible to firmly press the tubes T1 and T2 together so that the tubes T1 and T2 are in close contact with each other until the fusing operation.

  As mentioned above, although the tube joining apparatus according to the present invention has been described through the embodiment, the present invention is not limited to the configuration described in the embodiment, and can be appropriately modified based on the description of the scope of claims. is there.

  For example, the configuration of the housing and each part of the tube joining device can be changed according to the use and purpose of the device, the design convenience, and the like, and is not limited to the illustrated configuration. For example, the pressing portion only needs to be configured to press at least one tube close to the other tube, and is limited to a configuration that brings both tubes close to each other as described in the embodiment. There is nothing.

  Moreover, the tube used as joining object should just be a tube used as the object which switches the position of an edge part after fusing and performs pressure joining, and is not limited to the tube used for peritoneal dialysis.

1 Tube joining device,
2 housing,
3 Lid member,
30 Clamp plate,
50 Housing side clamp part,
100 control unit,
140 first holding member;
143 first holding groove (first tube holding portion),
145 second holding groove (second tube holding portion),
146a first clamping part (clamping part),
146b second clamping part (clamping part),
147 support surface,
148a first urging section (urging section),
148b second urging section (biasing section),
150 second holding member,
153 first holding groove (first tube holding portion),
155 second holding groove (second tube holding portion),
156a a first clamping part (clamping part),
156b second clamping part (clamping part),
157 support surface,
158a first biasing part (biasing part),
158b second urging section (urging section),
160 pressing part,
230 Lid side clamp part,
240 first housing member,
243 first receiving groove,
245 second receiving groove,
247 pressing surface,
250 second housing member,
253 first receiving groove,
255 second receiving groove,
257 pressing surface,
260 pressing operation part,
T1 first tube (one tube),
T11 one end,
T12 the other end,
T2 second tube (the other tube),
T21 one end,
T22 the other end,
WF wafer (cutting member).

Claims (5)

After fusing the end of the first tube and the end of the second tube with the heated plate-shaped cutting member, the fusing end of the first tube and the fusing end of the second tube It is a tube joining device that replaces and joins,
A first tube holding section capable of holding one of the first tube and the second tube;
A second tube disposed adjacent to the first tube holding portion and capable of holding the other of the first tube and the second tube at a position parallel to the one tube. A holding part;
Each tube is moved by relatively moving at least a part of one of the tubes held by the first tube holding part and at least a part of the other tube held by the second tube holding part. A pressing portion that presses each other and maintains the pressed state between the tubes; and
The tube joining apparatus which implements joining of each said tube which melted | melted the part mutually pressed in each said tube, and the melted said tubes in an aseptic state. A housing provided with the first tube holding portion and the second tube holding portion;
A lid member attached to the housing and capable of switching between an open state in which the tube holding portions are exposed to the outside and a closed state in which the tube holding portions are blocked from the outside;
The tube pressing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the pressing unit performs a pressing operation of pressing the tubes together in conjunction with an operation of switching the open state from the open state to the closed state. The pressing portion is
A pair of clamping parts for clamping the outer peripheral surface of each tube from the width direction;
An urging portion that applies an urging force in a direction to separate each of the pair of clamping portions;
3. A pressing operation unit that presses the tubes together by bringing the pair of holding parts close to each other against the biasing force when the open state is switched to the closed state by the lid member. The tube joining apparatus according to 1. The housing is
A holding groove forming the first tube holding part and the second tube holding part is formed, and the first and second tube holding parts are arranged side by side so as to have a gap in the extending direction of the tubes held in the holding groove. 1 holding member and a second holding member,
The cutting member melts and cuts the end of each tube in the gap,
The first holding member holds the ends of the fusing tubes in a fixed position,
4. The tube joining apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the second holding member exchanges positions of end portions of the tubes blown by a rotation operation with respect to the first holding member. 5. The lid member is
A housing groove for housing the tubes is formed between the holding groove of the first holding member and a first housing integrated with the first holding member in accordance with the switching to the closed state. Members,
A housing groove for housing the tubes is formed between the holding groove of the second holding member and a second integrated with the second holding member in accordance with the switching to the closed state. A housing member,
The tube joining device according to claim 4, wherein the replacement of the end portions of the tubes is performed by rotating the integrated second holding member and the second accommodating member.