Fluid pump with disposable component

The present invention relates to fluid pumps, especially drug delivery pumps.

A wide variety of drug delivery pumps are known. Generally, these pumps are configured to apply pressure to deliver fluid from the fluid source to the patient.

In order for the pump to be reusable, at least the fluid contact area of the pump must be sterilizable. This is difficult for integrated pumps where the pumping mechanism and flow path are part of a single unit. For this reason, pumps have been developed that have a reusable pumping unit that cooperates with the flow path element. In this way, the flow path element can be separated from the pumping unit for sterilization and reuse.

These reusable pumps, however, have some drawbacks. First, many designs are very complex, resulting in high manufacturing and maintenance costs and low reliability. In addition, pumps generally have one or more design issues that result in non-optimal performance. For example, the pump should include a flow sensor, and such features often conflict with the design of reusable pumps. These pumps also generally have undesired compliance. "Compliance" is a measure of volume per unit pressure change in the area between the suction and discharge ports of a pump. Many commercial pumps are significantly affected by undesired compliance, resulting in significant changes in both average and instantaneous flow rates as suction and output pressures change.

For example, the design of one reusable pump is demonstrated by the linear peristaltic pumps of the IVAC500 series (550, 570, 580, etc.). These pumps peristalticly advance the fluid by advancing the obstruction position from the suction end to the discharge end of another tube, using the fingers that in turn block. Tube compliance determines the sensitivity of the average flow rate to inhalation pressure. The average flow rate of these pumps is completely unaffected by output pressure. However, flow uniformity decreases as output pressure and pump segment compliance increase.

Other examples of reusable pumps are the Alaris LVP Module and Asena GP pumps. These are dual chamber pumps that use a conventional cylindrical tube with two effective pumping areas and two valves. One of the two valves is above the upper pumping area and the other is between the upper and lower pumping areas. The actual filling volume of the upper pump region defines the volume to be pumped periodically, and since this region is elastic, changes in suction pressure affect the actual delivery volume. The lower pump area delivers fluid while the upper chamber is full, thus facilitating the output of the flow. In the presence of high output pressure, when the lower occluder opens, fluid flows back into the upper pump area. When the upper occluder opens, this excess volume returns to the dropping chamber, thus reducing the actual volume pumped and hindering flow uniformity. The second drawback of dual chamber pumps is that air can flow into the pumping chamber. When this happens, not only is compliance increased, but the actual pumping volume is immediately reduced.

<p> One aspect of the present invention is a fluid pump and a method of pumping or moving a fluid.</p><p> One embodiment of a fluid pump comprises a driven unit and a driven unit. The drive unit comprises a housing, a drive membrane or drive membrane, and at least one drive device configured to move the drive membrane between at least a first position and a second position. The driven unit is preferably configured as a fluid contact portion of the pump and thus comprises a disposable portion of the pump. The driven unit includes a housing, a flow path leading from the fluid suction port to the fluid discharge port, and at least one driven film that defines at least a part of the flow path.</p><p> The driven unit is configured to be selectively connected to the drive unit so as to connect the driven membrane to the drive membrane, whereby when the drive membrane moves, the driven membrane also moves and the fluid is sucked into the fluid. The pump is pumped from the port to the fluid discharge port via the driven unit. Preferably, the driving membrane and the driven membrane are vacuum connected, such as by applying a vacuum source to a vacuum path or line extending to the interface of these membranes.</p><p> The drive unit includes a drive device configured to move the drive membrane. In one embodiment, the drive membrane forms part of the boundary of a variable volume fluid chamber. The drive device includes a piston or other member for changing the volume of the chamber. In another embodiment, the driving membrane is moved directly by one or more actuators and the like.</p><p> The pump can include a flow control device, such as a fluid inlet and fluid outlet valve or control device. The pump can also include features such as air traps, bubble detectors, pressure sensors (s), and fluid line connectors.</p><p> One embodiment of the method comprises a step of providing a drive unit and a disposable or driven unit, and the driven unit and the driven membrane so that the driven membrane of the disposable unit is installed adjacent to the drive membrane of the drive unit. Includes steps to connect the units. In this method, the step of vacuum-connecting the driven membrane to the driving membrane and moving the driving membrane causes the driven membrane to be moved together with the driving membrane, and the fluid is covered from the fluid suction port to the fluid discharge port. It further includes a step of pumping through the drive unit.</p><p> Further objectives, features, and advantages of the present invention over prior art will become apparent when the detailed description of the drawings below is read in conjunction with the accompanying figures.</p>

<figref num="1">It is a perspective view of the fluid pump by one Example of this invention.</figref><figref num="2">It is a top view of the pump shown in FIG. 1 in which the disposable part of the pump is separated from the driving part thereof.</figref><figref num="3">FIG. 5 shows a pump of FIG. 2 in which the disposable portion of the pump is mounted on the drive portion and the pump is in the first pumping state.</figref><figref num="4">It is a figure which shows the pump of FIG. 2 which is a 2nd pumping state.</figref><figref num="5">FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a vacuum-coupled fluid pump according to another embodiment of the present invention, showing a disposable portion of the pump separated from its driving portion.</figref><figref num="6">It is a figure which shows the pump of FIG. 5 in which the disposable part of a pump is placed on the drive part.</figref><figref num="7A">It is a bottom view of the disposable part of the pump shown in FIGS. 5 and 6.</figref><figref num="7B">It is a top view of the drive part of the pump shown in FIGS. 5 and 6.</figref><figref num="8A">It is a bottom view of the disposable part of the fluid pump according to another embodiment of this invention.</figref><figref num="8B">It is a top view of the disposable part shown in FIG. 8A.</figref><figref num="9A">It is a figure which shows the 1st drive mechanism by one Example of this invention.</figref><figref num="9B">It is a figure which shows the 2nd drive mechanism by another Example of this invention.</figref><figref num="9C">It is a figure which shows the 3rd drive mechanism by still another Example of this invention.</figref><figref num="9D">It is another figure which shows the 3rd drive mechanism by still another Example of this invention.</figref>

In the following description, a number of specific details are provided to provide a more complete description of the invention. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention can be practiced without these specific details. In other examples, well-known features are not described in detail so as not to obscure the invention.

Generally, the present invention includes a fluid pump. This pump has unique utility in the medical field, such as being used to pump a drug from a fluid source to a patient. Generally, the pump has a first i.e. disposable part and a second i.e. drive portion. The disposable portion is preferably configured as a fluid contact portion, defining a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, and a flow path between the two. The drive portion is configured to engage a disposable portion to move the fluid from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet. The disposable portion is configured to be selectively coupled to the drive portion. In one embodiment, the disposable portion and the driving portion are vacuum coupled.

First, the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3. These figures show an embodiment of the invention in a conceptual or basic configuration. As shown in FIG. 1, the fluid pump 20 preferably includes a driven unit or portion 22 and a drive unit or portion 24. In one preferred embodiment, the driven portion 22 is configured as disposable (ie, used in combination with the driven portion for a limited number of times, such as once, and then discarded), and thus, as used herein, is a disposable unit or portion. Called.

In one embodiment, the disposable portion 22 comprises a housing 26 that defines a fluid inlet 28 and a fluid outlet 30. Similarly, the drive portion 24 includes a housing 32 and at least one drive element 34. In one preferred embodiment, the disposable portion 22 and the driving portion 24 are configured to be vacuum coupled. Therefore, the drive portion 24 can include a vacuum path 37.

In FIGS. 1 to 3, the housing 26 of the disposable portion 22 of the pump 20 and the housing 32 of the drive portion 24 are shown as substantially cylindrical. As detailed herein, the disposable portion 22 and the driving portion 24 can have various configurations.

Referring to FIG. 2, in one embodiment, the disposable portion 22 has a top surface and a bottom surface. This bottom surface is configured to fit the top surface of the drive portion 24 of the pump 20. The disposable portion 22 and the driving portion 24 may be configured to fit or connect in other ways or positions, such as adjacent configurations or positions where the driving portion 24 is placed on the disposable portion 22.

A fluid path is defined from the fluid inlet 28 of the disposable portion 22 to the fluid outlet 30. Preferably, this fluid path is defined by the housing 26. In one embodiment, the fluid passage comprises a pump chamber 36, a fluid suction passage 38 leading from the fluid suction port 28 to the pump chamber 36, and a fluid discharge passage 40 leading from the pump chamber 36 to the fluid discharge port 30. Be prepared. In one embodiment, the fluid suction passage 38 and the fluid discharge passage 40 are passages passing through the housing 26.

As shown, the pump chamber 36 comprises a recessed area on the bottom surface of the housing 26 of the disposable portion 22. In one embodiment, the recessed region is substantially dome-shaped or hemispherical (ie, has a circular perimeter, but the diameter varies along its depth). In addition, the pump 20 includes a first membrane, i.e. the driven membrane 42. In one embodiment, the driven membrane 42 straddles or covers the recessed area of the disposable portion 22, thus surrounding that portion to form the pump chamber 36 or otherwise the boundary of the pump chamber 36. Form at least a part of. As detailed below, the driven membrane 42 preferably comprises a flexible elastic member configured to move relative to the housing 26 of the disposable member 22.

The drive element 34 of the drive portion 24 is preferably configured to selectively move the driven membrane 42 relative to the housing 26 of the disposable portion 22, thereby varying the volume of the pump chamber 36. Thus, as described in detail below, the fluid is pumped from the suction port 28 of the disposable portion 22 to the discharge port 30.

As detailed herein, the driving element 34 can include a wide variety of elements or mechanisms. As shown in FIG. 2, the drive element 34 comprises a drive membrane or drive membrane 46 that is movable in response to the movement of a piston 44 that is movably located in a portion of the housing 32 of the drive portion 24 of the pump 20. .. In this configuration, the driving membrane 46 is driven by a fluid. Specifically, the driving membrane 46 is associated with a variable volume fluid chamber 48 and preferably includes a boundary portion thereof. The piston 44 also defines at least a portion of the chamber 48, the piston 44 is mobile (such as between the extension and contraction positions), and the volume of the chamber 48 can vary.

Preferably, the drive membrane 46 is the housing of the drive portion 24, such as by installing a peripheral portion of the drive membrane 46 between the upper portion of the housing 32 and the cage 50 selectively coupled to the housing 32. Connected to 32.

The fluid 52 is arranged between the top of the piston 44 and the driving membrane 46. As described in detail below, the movement of the piston 44 causes the drive membrane 46 to move closer or further away (the range of movement can change based on the desired flow rate, etc., and the movement is convex with respect to the housing. It may be between a shaped position, a concave position, and / or a neutral position or a flat position), thus moving the driven membrane 42 of the disposable portion 22 of the pump 20. One or more mechanisms may be provided to move the piston 44, as detailed below.

The driven film 42 and the driving film 46 are configured to move together with each other. In one preferred embodiment, the driving film 46 and the driven film 42 are connected to each other. Various means can be used for this. Preferably, these means can selectively connect the disposable portion 22 of the pump 20 to the drive portion 24 of the pump and disconnect it from the drive portion 24 of the pump (for example, to connect another disposable portion). ..

In one embodiment, the driven film 42 and the driving film 46 are vacuum-coupled. As shown, the vacuum passage 37 is provided for this purpose. Preferably, the vacuum passage 37 is a driven membrane 42 and a driving membrane when the region adjacent to the driving membrane 46 from the vacuum source (and the driven membrane 42, or the disposable portion 22 is connected to the driving portion 24 of the pump 20). 46 interfaces). As described in detail below, preferably a vacuum applied through the path 37 vacuum-connects the driven membrane 42 and the driven membrane 46.

Here, the pump pumping method according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. Generally, when the drive element 34 is actuated, the volume of the pump chamber 36 changes, so that the fluid is sucked into the fluid suction port 28 and discharged out of the fluid discharge port 30. During use, the disposable portion 22 is placed or connected to the drive portion 24. Next, the vacuum is applied by connecting the vacuum line 37 to the vacuum source so as to vacuum-bond the driven film 42 to the driving film 46.

Referring to FIG. 4, as the piston 44 moves downward, the volume of the fluid chamber increases. As a result, the driving film 46 and therefore the driven film 42 connected to the driving film 46 are pulled downward. As a result, the volume of the pump chamber 36 increases, and fluid is sucked into the pump chamber 36 through the fluid suction port 28 and along the fluid suction path 38.

As shown in FIG. 3, when the piston 44 moves upward, the volume of the fluid chamber 48 decreases, the fluid pressure increases, and the driving membrane 46 is forcibly pulled upward or outward. This causes the driven membrane 42 to move inward, thus reducing the volume of the pump chamber 36. Therefore, the fluid moves from the pump chamber 36 through the fluid discharge path 40 to the fluid discharge port 30. In this regard, the pressure of the fluid in the pumping chamber 48 of the driving part 24 of the pump increases (the movement of the piston 44 reduces the volume of the pumping chamber 48, but the amount of fluid in it changes. While left untreated, the actual fluid pressure in the fluid pump chamber 36 may or may not increase, but the volume of that chamber decreases and therefore the fluid is pumped by the pump (eg, fluid outflow). Note that when the resistance is relatively low and the total flow through the pump is relatively high, the actual change in fluid pressure in the fluid pump chamber may be negligible or low).

As described in detail below, in one embodiment, a means for selectively controlling the flow of fluid through the driven portion 22 of the pump can be provided. Preferably, the means is configured to prevent backflow of fluid from the pump chamber 36 to the fluid inlet 28.

During operation, the repetitive circulation of piston 44 causes pumping, which creates a flow or stream of fluid through the pump 20.

Another embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. Similarly, the pump 120 of this embodiment comprises a first i.e. disposable unit or portion 122 and a second i.e. drive unit or portion 124. As shown, in this embodiment, the housing 126 of the disposable portion 122 is substantially hemispherical and has a dome-shaped top surface and a substantially flat bottom surface (unless detailed below). .. The fluid suction path 138 leads from the fluid suction port 128 on the upper surface of the housing 126 to the bottom surface of the housing 126. Similarly, the fluid discharge path 140 leads from the bottom surface of the housing 126 to the fluid discharge port 130 on the top surface of the housing. In one embodiment, the fluid inlet 128 and the fluid outlet 130 are arranged in the same plane on both sides of the housing 126.

Again, the pump chamber 136 is defined on the bottom surface of the disposable portion 122 of the pump 120. The pump chamber 136 is a slightly hemispherical chamber that reaches the bottom surface of the housing 126, as shown. The driven membrane 142 extends over the bottom surface of the housing 126 and thus, in cooperation with the housing 126, encloses the pump chamber 136 as a whole.

The driven film 142 preferably has a flexible and elastic member. In one embodiment, as illustrated, the driven membrane 142 is approximately the same size as the bottom surface of the housing 126 of the disposable portion 122 of the pump 120. Therefore, the driven film 142 may be substantially circular. The membrane 142 can be secured to the housing 126 by the lock ring 156. Preferably, the lock ring 156 is substantially annular and has a central opening 158 corresponding to the fluid chamber 136. The lock ring 156 preferably engages the housing 126 such that at least a portion of the periphery of the driven membrane 142 is placed between the lock ring 156 and the housing 126.

The drive portion 124 of the pump 120 also comprises a housing 132 and a drive element 134. In one embodiment, the housing 132 is substantially cylindrical and has a cylindrical outer wall having a top surface and a bottom surface. The driving element 134 includes a driving film or a driving film 146. Means for moving the driving membrane 146 are provided. In one embodiment, the means comprises a piston 144 and a fluid 150. In the illustrated embodiment, the piston 144 is configured to move up and down with respect to the housing 132 of the drive portion 124, such as inside a chamber defined in its internal region. The variable volume fluid chamber is defined by a housing 132, a drive membrane 146, a bellows 160 and associated mounts.

As shown, the bellows 160 is located between the upper mount 162a and the lower mount 162b, which is configured to connect to or move with the piston 144. In one embodiment, the lower mount 162b can easily include the head of the piston 144 and the upper mount 162a may include a portion of the housing 132. The bellows 160 comprises an accordion-like expandable and contractible member that changes the volume of the fluid chamber as the bellows 160 expands and contracts due to the movement of the piston 144 (and thus for the pressure and drive of the fluid therein). The position of the membrane 146 changes).

The pump 120 is configured such that the driving membrane 146 engages the driven membrane 142. In the illustrated embodiment, when the driven film 142 is inserted from the bottom surface of the lock ring 156, the driving film 146 can be located outside the top surface of the housing 132 of the driving portion 124. As shown, the housing 132 includes a flange or mount 164 that extends upward from the rest of the top portion of the housing 132. The driving membrane 146 extends over the entire mount 164. Preferably, the mount 164 has a lock ring 156 such that (1) the seal is defined between the mount 164 and the lock ring 156 and (2) the drive membrane 146 and the driven membrane 142 engage with each other. Has a size that fits into the opening 158 of the.

As described above, preferably, a means for selectively connecting the driving membrane and the driven membrane so that the driving membrane and the driven membrane move together with each other is provided, whereby the pump 120 The disposable portion 122 can be removed from the drive portion 124 in such a way that the drive portion 124 can be reused together with another disposable portion 122. In one embodiment, the means includes vacuum encapsulation caused by a vacuum device or source (not shown) via vacuum line 137. The vacuum line 137 leads from the vacuum device or vacuum source to the interface between the driven film 142 and the driving film 146. As shown, the vacuum line 137 extends through the lock ring 156 (for example, with a passage formed therein) to reach an opening 158 therein. The vacuum line 137 may end at an inclined or recessed portion of the lock ring 156 at some position beneath the driven membrane 142. As detailed below, this allows air to be sucked in from the space between the driving membrane 146 and the driven membrane 142, thus allowing the two membranes to be evacuated to each other.

Preferably, the pump 120 is configured to control the flow of fluid between the fluid suction passage 138 and the fluid chamber 136 and between the fluid chamber 136 and the fluid discharge passage 140. Specifically, it is desirable that the pump 120 is configured so that when the fluid is sucked into the fluid chamber 136, the fluid is sucked through the fluid suction path 138 and does not flow back through the fluid discharge path 140. Similarly, when the fluid is pumped from the fluid chamber 136, the fluid is preferably delivered through the fluid discharge path 140 and not in the reverse direction through the fluid suction path 138 to the fluid suction port.

In one embodiment, one or more valves or other flow control devices are provided for this purpose. As shown in FIG. 5, the pump 120 includes a fluid suction valve or control device and a fluid discharge valve or control device. In one preferred embodiment, the suction and discharge valves utilize the driven membrane 142, specifically the membrane 142 to selectively open and close the flow path leading to / from the fluid chamber 136. In the illustrated embodiment, a portion of the driven membrane 142 can be selectively moved to open and close the end of the fluid suction path 138 at the bottom surface of the housing 126 of the disposable portion 122. Similarly, a portion of the driven membrane 142 can be moved to open and close the end of the fluid discharge path 140 at the bottom surface of the housing 126.

In the illustrated embodiment, a mechanism is provided for selectively moving a portion of the driven membrane 142 between the open and closed positions of the fluid path. In one preferred embodiment, the mechanism comprises one or more actuators.

As shown, the suction actuator 168 is configured to move between telescopic positions (ie, up and down as shown), thereby moving the driven membrane 142 up and down in the region of the fluid suction path 138. As shown, the suction actuator 168 is a push rod type element having a protrusion or end configured to engage the driven membrane 142. The passage 172 is aligned with the fluid suction path 138 and placed in the lock ring 156 so that the suction actuator 168 can engage the driven membrane 142.

The suction actuator 168 is configured to move up and down by a drive mechanism or the like described in more detail below. In the first or elevated position, the protrusion of the suction actuator 168 presses the driven membrane 142 against the bottom surface of the housing 126 of the disposable portion 122 of the pump 120 at a position where the fluid suction path 138 intersects the bottom surface of the housing 126. Thereby, the fluid suction path 138 is closed. At this time, the fluid is usually prevented from flowing between the fluid chamber 136 and the fluid suction path 138.

As shown in FIG. 5, when the suction actuator 168 is in the second or lower position, the driven membrane 142 preferably moves to a position that does not block the fluid suction path 138. The upper surface of the lock ring 156 may be recessed at a position corresponding to the fluid suction path, as shown, to provide sufficient space for the driven membrane 142 to move downwards.

When the fluid suction path 138 is open, the flow path is preferably defined between the fluid suction path 138 and the fluid chamber 136. As shown, the fluid inlet 174 can be defined for this purpose. The fluid inlet 174 can comprise a defined path or channel at the bottom surface of the housing 126 that extends from the fluid chamber 136 to the space above the driven membrane 142 at the location of the fluid suction path 138.

The discharge actuator 170 is generally similar to the suction actuator 168 and operates similarly. As shown, the discharge actuator 170 is configured to engage the driven membrane 142 at the intersection of the fluid discharge path 140 and the bottom surface of the housing 126. The discharge actuator 170 extends through the passage 176 of the lock ring 156. The fluid outlet 178 comprises a path or channel defined in the housing 126, preferably extending from the fluid chamber 136 to the space above the driven membrane 142 at the location of the fluid discharge path 140.

Preferably, the suction actuator 168 and the discharge actuator 170 are associated with the drive portion 124 of the pump. A drive mechanism is provided to achieve the movements of the suction actuator 168 and the discharge actuator 170.

FIG. 6 shows a pump 120 with a disposable portion 122 attached to a drive portion 124 for operation. As shown, the bottom surface of the lock ring 156 rests on the drive portion 124. The flange 164 of the drive portion 124 reaches the opening 158 of the lock ring 156, so that the drive film 146 is installed adjacent to the driven film 142. When the vacuum is applied through the vacuum line 137, the driving membrane 146 and the driven membrane 142 are vacuum coupled to move in unison.

7A and 7B additionally show the disposable portion 122 and the driving portion 124 of the pump 120. FIG. 7A is a bottom view of the disposable portion 122 of the pump 120. This figure shows a substantially circular as well as a dome-shaped pump chamber 136 on the bottom surface of the housing 126. A fluid suction path 138 and a fluid discharge path 140 are further shown. A fluid inlet 174 and a fluid outlet 178 are also shown.

FIG. 7B is a top view of the housing 132 of the drive portion 124 of the pump 120. This figure further shows a suction actuator 168, a discharge actuator 170, and a drive membrane 146.

Further embodiments of the present invention, including pumping methods, will be described primarily with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is an assembly diagram of the pump 120 detailed above. Specifically, as shown, the disposable portion 122 is connected to or fitted to the drive portion 124. At this time, the bottom surface of the lock ring 156 rests on the housing 132 of the drive portion 124. The flange 164 of the housing 132 extending upward reaches the opening 158 of the lock ring 156, whereby the driving film 146 is placed adjacent to or in contact with the driven film 142.

During operation, a vacuum is applied to the vacuum line 137 to expel air from the space between the driving membrane 146 and the driven membrane 142. In this way, the two membranes are vacuum connected and move with each other. The fluid source is connected to the pump 120, for example, by connecting a fluid line from the fluid source to the fluid suction port 128 of the pump 120. Preferably, a similar fluid line is connected to the fluid outlet 130 of the pump 120 so that the fluid can be delivered to a desired position, such as the patient.

The fluid is sucked into the pump chamber 136 from the fluid suction port 128 of the pump through the fluid suction path 138. To allow the fluid to flow into the chamber, the suction actuator 168 is moved downward, i.e., in the contracted position, thus moving the driven membrane 142 away from the opening in the fluid suction path 138. The fluid can then flow from the fluid suction path 138 through the fluid inlet 174 to the pump chamber 136. When the piston 144 moves downward, the driving membrane 146 moves downward, which causes the driven membrane 142 to move downward, inducing a fluid flow at the suction port.

When the fluid is sucked into the fluid chamber 136, the fluid is preferably prevented from flowing through the fluid outlet 178. Specifically, the discharge actuator 170 is moved to its ascending position, forcing the driven membrane 142 over the opening of the fluid discharge path 140. This prevents the fluid from being sucked in the opposite direction through the pump from the fluid outlet 130 towards the fluid chamber 136.

The fluid is forced out of the pump chamber 136 as the piston 144 moves upwards. As the piston 144 moves upward, the volume of the variable volume fluid chamber decreases. As a result, the fluid pressure is increased and the driving film 146 is forcibly moved upward, whereby the driven film 142 is forcibly moved upward. This reduces the volume of the pump chamber 136. The fluid is allowed to flow through the fluid outlet 178 due to the contraction of the discharge actuator 170. At that time, a flow path is established from the fluid outlet 178 to the fluid discharge path 140 and further to the fluid discharge port 130 of the pump 120. To prevent the fluid from being delivered in the opposite direction to the fluid suction port 128, the suction actuator 168 is moved upward to close the fluid suction path 138.

This process is then repeated. Specifically, the piston 144 begins to move downward to increase the volume of the pump chamber 136 again. The suction actuator 168 is moved downward to allow fluid to flow from the fluid suction port 128 into the pump chamber 136. The discharge actuator 170 is moved upward to prevent the fluid from flowing back from the fluid discharge port 130 in the direction of the pump chamber 136 and being sucked.

8A and 8B show another embodiment of the disposable unit portion 222 of the pump 220. As shown, the disposable portion 222 has a housing 226 with a top surface 223a and a bottom surface 223b. During use, the bottom surface 223b of housing 226 is placed on or attached to a driving or pumping portion or unit, as described in detail above.

As shown, the disposable portion 222 also has a fluid inlet 228 and a fluid outlet 230. In this embodiment, the disposable portion 222 is a bubble trapping chamber 280 (its purpose is to capture air in the fluid and prevent the air from reaching the pump chamber and being pumped by the pump) and the pump. -Define with chamber 236. The fluid suction path 238 extends from the fluid suction port 228 to the bubble trapping chamber 280 and above it to the pump chamber 236. The fluid discharge path 240 extends from the pump chamber 236 to the fluid discharge port 230.

In the illustrated embodiment, the peripheral shape of the housing 226 is substantially rectangular. In one embodiment, various fluid paths and / or chambers may be defined by convex or concave regions. For example, looking at the bottom of the disposable portion 222 shown in FIG. 8A, the pump chamber 236 looks like a recess in the housing 226. However, as shown in FIG. 8B, this recess can be at least partially defined by a raised portion extending outward from the top surface of the housing 226.

FIG. 8C shows yet another embodiment of the disposable unit or portion 322 of the pump according to the present invention. The disposable portion 322 of this embodiment is conceptually illustrated to show various features that the disposable portion 322 can incorporate.

Again, the disposable portion 322 of this embodiment includes the housing 326. The housing 326 defines a fluid inlet 328 and a fluid outlet 330. The disposable portion 322 further includes an air trap 380, a bubble detector 382, a flow stop 384, and a pump chamber 336 (as defined by the housing 326 and the driven membrane 342 in cooperation with the housing 326).

As mentioned above, the air trap 380 is preferably configured to capture the air in the fluid sucked into the pump. The air trapped in the air trap 380 can be manually or automatically expelled, such as to the outside of the housing 326 of the disposable portion 322, through a port or valve.

The bubble detector 382 is preferably configured to detect bubbles in the fluid. The detector 382 is preferably placed along the upward fluid discharge path to avoid a false alarm that the air bubbles are "floating". The bubble detector 382 can include a chamber having a reflective side wall and a transmitter / receiver.

In one embodiment, the disposable portion 322 can also include a fluid pressure sensor. The sensor can be configured to detect fluid inlet pressure and / or fluid outlet pressure.

As mentioned above, in various embodiments, one or more drive mechanisms or devices may be provided to move various elements of the pump. For example, referring to the pump 120 of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the suction actuator 168, the discharge actuator 170, and the piston 144 can be selectively moved to achieve the operation of the pump 120. Here, various examples of the drive mechanism will be described with reference to FIGS. 9A to 9D.

FIG. 9A shows a cam-type drive mechanism 434. As shown, the drive member 486 is configured to move a cam element corresponding to each of the members to be driven. In the illustrated embodiment corresponding to the pump configuration such as the configurations shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, there are a suction actuator 468, a discharge actuator 470, and a piston 444. As shown, the first cam member 488a is associated with the suction actuator 468 and the second cam member 488b is associated with the piston 444 (although it can be configured to engage directly with the bellows). The cam member 488c of 3 is associated with the discharge actuator 470. The cam members 488a, 488b, and 488c are configured to be driven by a drive member 486 in a desired path. As shown, each cam member has a pin that engages the track of drive member 486. The pins corresponding to each cam member may be offset from the central axis, whereby the path around the cam member is not circular. Each of the suction actuator 468, the discharge actuator 470, and the piston 444 is configured to follow an individual path so that it can be moved up and down. Of course, the movement is adjusted so that, for example, the pump 120 shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 operates as described.

Although not shown, one or more drive devices may be provided to move the drive member 486. Such a drive may have a variety of configurations and may be powered in a variety of ways, including mechanically or electrically.

The drive mechanism is preferably related to the drive portion of the pump of the present invention. In one embodiment, the drive mechanism can be connected to the drive portion in such a way that the drive mechanism and the drive portion can be separated. In another embodiment, the drive mechanism is preferably integrated with the drive portion, such as being located in the lower portion of the drive portion housing.

FIG. 9B shows a solenoid drive mechanism. As shown, a first drive 588a in the form of an electrically driven solenoid is provided. The first drive device 588a preferably moves the drive rod, which drives or moves the suction actuator 568. Similarly, the third drive 588c takes the form of an electrically drive solenoid. The third drive 588c also preferably includes a drive rod. The drive rod moves the discharge actuator 570. Finally, in one embodiment, the second drive 588b takes the form of a stepper motor and is configured to move or drive the piston 544.

In general, a solenoid comprising a first drive 588a and a third drive 588c, respectively, can be configured to move the associated drive between an extension position and a contraction position. Preferably, these positions correspond to the extension and contraction positions of the suction actuator 568 and the discharge actuator 570.

In a preferred embodiment, the second drive 588b is linear to allow the piston 544 to move to various positions, such as a contraction position and multiple extension positions between this contraction position and the maximum extension position. -Take the form of a stepping motor. In this way, the position of the piston 444 can be selectively controlled (for example, to control the pumping volume and cycle time, as detailed below).

9C and 9D show yet another embodiment of the drive mechanism. In the present embodiment, the drive mechanism is configured to drive the drive membrane or the drive membrane directly, rather than indirectly driving the drive membrane or the drive membrane via a fluid or the like associated with the variable volume chamber.

As shown, this drive mechanism includes a plurality of actuators. Preferably, these actuators are nested. Specifically, in one embodiment, the drive mechanism includes a first actuator 590a, a second actuator 590b, and a third actuator 590c. The first actuator 590a is at least partly arranged or housed in the second actuator 590b, and the second actuator is at least partly placed or housed in the third actuator 590c.

In one embodiment, the first actuator 590a, the second actuator 590b, and the third actuator 590c are substantially conical and have a first i.e. upper end and a second i.e. lower end, the first end. The size of is smaller than the second end. Preferably, each actuator allows relative movement and at least a portion of independent movement, i.e., moving the first actuator 590a within the second actuator 590b and moving the second actuator 590b into the first actuator 590a and the third actuator. It has a size that allows it to move relative to the 590c and to move the third actuator 590c relative to the second actuator 590b.

In one preferred embodiment, each actuator can be moved at least between the extension and contraction positions, preferably between one or more positions between them. When used with pumps such as the pumps shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the extension and contraction positions can correspond to an ascending or high position and a contracting or low position.

The drive mechanism includes a drive device configured to move a plurality of actuators. In one embodiment, each actuator defines passages 592a, 592b, 592c through its second or lower end. The cam-type drive shaft 594 extends through it. Preferably, the actuators 590a, 590b, 590c move when the shaft 594 rotates or makes other movements. In one embodiment, the shaft 594 defines a plurality of cams on it, at least one cam corresponding to each actuator and configured to move the corresponding actuator in a particular pattern. Of course, other means for moving actuators such as solenoids, linear stepper motors, or other mechanical or electromechanical drives may be provided.

Of course, the drive device may have two or less or four or more actuators. Further, the shape of those actuators may be changed. However, preferably, each actuator is configured to engage and move a portion of the drive membrane.

A particular advantage of the drive mechanism of this embodiment is that the movement of the drive membrane is achieved without the need for a variable volume chamber or fluid. Instead, membrane movement is achieved directly.

In addition, the advantage of having multiple actuators is that the amount of force applied to the drive membrane can be tightly controlled by controlling how many of the actuators are moved and the degree of such movement. In this way, the movement of the driven film can be strictly controlled, and therefore the flow rate characteristics can be carefully controlled. In addition, the actuators 590a, 590b, 590c can be selectively moved in the anterior or posterior (up or down) direction, again with significant control over pumping.

Pumps and methods for pumping or moving fluids can have many other embodiments according to the invention.

In one embodiment, the pump of the present invention has two main parts, a fluid contact part referred to herein as a disposable unit or part, and a drive part. However, the pump may have three or more parts. For example, a pump has three parts, such as a disposable fluid contact part, a working part (including a suction actuator, a discharge actuator, and a piston), and a driving part (including a solenoid, a stepping motor, or a cam driving device, etc.). May have.

Preferably, the driving part of the pump is computer controlled, whereby the volume change of the pump chamber can be controlled. For example, a computer can be used to control multiple actuators 590a, 590b, 590c or stepping motor 588b of the pump of the embodiment shown in FIG. 9D, thereby changing the volume of the pump chamber of the pump. It can be changed over time under control.

Pumps can be made from different materials in different ways. In one preferred embodiment, the disposable portion is made to be disposable, i.e. preferably low cost. For example, the disposable portion can be made from a thermoplastic material and can have a simple configuration (such as the only moving part with a driven membrane), as detailed herein.

As shown herein, the pump is configured to include several features such as an air trap, bubble sensor, flow rate sensor, one or more pressure sensors, a flow stop, or a combination thereof. be able to. The composition of these features can be changed. For example, various types of pressure sensors are available as part of the pump. Such sensors can be used, for example, to measure suction pressure, discharge pressure, and in the case of fluid actuators, fluid pressure. In the latter case, the suction pressure and the discharge pressure can be estimated from the pressure of the fluid actuator, and it is not necessary to provide a secondary sensor. In one embodiment, the pump can include a vacuum pressure sensor. Such sensors can be used to detect or measure pressure in a vacuum line (s). The sensor is associated with a switch to activate the vacuum source when the pump is turned on and / or to activate the vacuum source when the vacuum pressure is below the minimum level, such as a switch connected to the vacuum source. This can be provided.

As mentioned above, various drive devices or drive mechanisms can be used to operate the pump. Although various examples have been described and illustrated in the present specification, other examples are also possible.

The parts of the pump, such as the housing of the disposable part and the drive part, can have various shapes and sizes. The shape and size of those parts may vary according to various design criteria.

In a preferred embodiment, the pump comprises a flow control device that controls the flow of fluid through it. As shown, the flow control device may include one or more actuating valves. Other types of flow control devices other than those specifically shown herein may be used. For example, the actuator can be configured to reach the suction flow path directly and extend out of the discharge flow path in order to selectively conceal the suction flow path and the discharge flow path.

In one preferred embodiment, the disposable portion of the pump has a single driven membrane. This single membrane is used as a pump member and as a valve component for the suction and discharge channels. However, the disposable part includes the first membrane of the pump chamber, the second membrane that acts as a suction control valve together with the fluid suction path, and the third membrane that acts as a discharge control valve together with the fluid discharge path. Multiple membranes can be used.

In one embodiment, the driven membrane is separable from the disposable portion. In this embodiment, after using the disposable portion, the driven membrane may be discarded and the rest of the disposable portion may be sterilized for reuse. After sterilization, a new driven membrane is combined with the disposable part. In one embodiment, the driving membrane is driven by a fluid. As described above, and as shown herein, as the piston moves, the volume of the chamber containing the fluid changes, and the chamber is demarcated by a driving membrane in at least one region. .. In one embodiment, such as the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the piston itself can demarcate a portion of the chamber, which directly changes the volume of the chamber as the piston moves. In another embodiment, the piston can move the boundaries of the chamber, as shown in FIG. In that embodiment, the piston moves a portion of the chamber bounded by bellows. Of course, the driving membrane may be moved in other ways. For example, the fluid may be pumped into or discharged from the chamber to vary the amount of fluid in it. The driving membrane can also be moved directly.

In a preferred embodiment, the driving film and the driven film include relatively thin and flexible members. The materials used to make these films may be different. Further, these membranes can have a shape other than a material body having a constant thickness as a whole, but include other members having sufficient elasticity to move up and down in response to the applied force. be able to.

In one embodiment, the disposable portion may be configured to have an integrated external fluid line or connector for mating with an external device (such as a fluid source or fluid line).

In one embodiment, the driving membrane is indirectly driven by a fluid or the like placed in a variable volume chamber. However, in other embodiments, the driving membrane may be driven directly.

In one embodiment, the air trap comprises sensors for detecting or determining when a predetermined amount of air (such as the maximum amount) is contained therein. When such a level or amount of air is detected, the air may be expelled from the air trap, such as returning to the fluid source dripping chamber. This can be achieved by operating a solenoid or linear actuator, preferably while the suction valve is closed to avoid any interruption in the flow of fluid to the patient.

Here, various aspects of the invention will be understood. First, one aspect of the present invention is a fluid pump having at least two portions, a portion configured to be in contact with the pumped fluid and another portion. Preferably, the pump has a first portion with a pumping or drive portion and a second fluid contact portion that can be selectively connected to or separated from the drive portion. Advantageously, this allows the fluid contact portion to be discarded or sterilized after use, while the rest of the pump, such as the pumping portion, can be reused with the new fluid contact portion of the pump or the sterilized fluid contact portion.

In one embodiment, the fluid contact portion of the pump is configured to be "disposable". Specifically, the design of that part of the pump is configured to be simple, which makes it relatively inexpensive to manufacture. This allows the portion to be replaced at a low cost (eliminating the costs and steps associated with having to sterilize for reuse). In one embodiment, the disposable portion can therefore be made from a plastic material, at least in part, in a molding process or the like.

Another aspect of the invention is a pump composed of a plurality of components that facilitates pumping by using one or more engaging membranes or diaphragms or other flexible members. Preferably, these members are configured to move in unison by vacuum connection. The vacuum connection has the advantage of being a simple and inexpensive connection configuration. For example, such a configuration eliminates the need for complicated mechanical connections of various elements, which is common in pump drives. In addition, the vacuum connection provides a simple way to separate each part of the pump without the need to disconnect specific couplings or elements.

Advantageously, the pumps of the present invention can be configured to have very high compliance. Moreover, the flow rate or volume, and pressure can be very tightly controlled using the pumps of the present invention.

An important advantage of the pump of the present invention is that the membrane of the disposable part of the pump is very elastic. This feature minimizes the dimensional accuracy required for the disposable part, which significantly reduces manufacturing complexity and manufacturing costs, and thus the final cost of the disposable part.

An important advantage of the vacuum connection is that this connection allows the pump to pump against negative output pressure and draw fluid from a container lower than the pump (this feature is not possible otherwise-ie, above. The advantage of disposable parts detailed in (is realized or made possible by vacuum connection).

Another feature and advantage of the present invention is the pre-pump chamber that assists in capturing and removing air bubbles that occur within the fluid itself or that can enter the pump from the fluid source.

The above arrangement of the device and the above method merely exemplify an application of the principles of the present invention, and any other examples and modifications are made from the gist and scope of the invention described in the appended claims. It will be understood that it can be done without deviation.