CH711436A1 - Diaphragm pump with medium separation. - Google Patents

Abstract

An exchangeable pump cartridge (200) for a membrane pump has a base body (300) and a cover body (500). Between the base body and the cover body, a pumping membrane (410) is arranged. The pumping membrane and the cover body together define a working space. Furthermore, valve flaps (420, 430) of an inlet valve and an outlet valve are arranged laterally of the pump membrane between the base body and the cover body. The base body and the cover body each have to the valve flaps facing surfaces. Recesses are formed in said surfaces which form laterally extending fluid channels (521, 531) between the inlet valve, the working chamber and the outlet valve. In addition, a filter membrane (600) can be integrated in the pump cartridge. For connection to a connecting rod of a drive module, the pumping membrane may have a blind hole-like opening (412).

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

The present invention relates to a diaphragm pump in which all parts which come into contact with the pumping medium, are completely interchangeable, a replaceable pump cartridge for such a diaphragm pump, and a set comprising such a pump cartridge.

STATE OF THE ART

Diaphragm pumps (also referred to as diaphragm pumps) find use in areas as diverse as laboratory technology, process engineering or medical technology. They can be used to convey gaseous or liquid media.

From WO 2007/013 049 A1 a diaphragm pump is known, which is designed as a vacuum system for wound drainage. The pump has a drive unit with a drive motor and a connecting rod driven by it to an oscillating drive movement. A disposable pump unit is detachably connectable to the drive unit by means of a bayonet connection. The pump unit contains all parts that come into contact with the pumping medium to be pumped. The pumping unit has an inlet chamber, an inlet valve, an elastic pumping membrane, an outlet valve and an outlet chamber. The pumping membrane is driven by the connecting rod to an oscillating working movement. To connect to the connecting rod, a drive rod is fixedly attached to the pumping membrane. This drive rod is inserted into a cavity of the connecting rod and locked with this bayonet-like.

However, the known from this document pump unit is relatively complicated and takes up much space. In addition, the handling, in particular the way the connection between the pump unit and the drive unit, can be improved. In particular, it may happen that depending on the position of the connecting rod when connecting the pump unit to the drive unit no secure connection between the connecting rod and the drive rod is possible.

PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect, it is an object of the present invention to provide a replaceable pump unit of a diaphragm pump containing all parts that come into contact with the pumping medium, the pump unit is simple and can be manufactured inexpensively. This object is achieved by a pump unit with the features of claim 1. Further embodiments are given in the dependent claims.

The present invention provides a pump cartridge for a diaphragm pump for delivering a pumping medium available. The pump cartridge is designed such that it can be detachably connected to a drive module of the diaphragm pump. She points out: a base body; a cover body; an intake valve including an elastic intake valve door; an exhaust valve including an elastic exhaust valve flap; and an elastic pumping membrane disposed between the base body and the cover body and releasably connectable to a connecting rod of the drive module to drive the pumping membrane to oscillate working movement along a longitudinal direction.

The pumping membrane and the cover body together define a working space, which has a variable by the oscillating working movement of the pumping membrane volume. The inlet valve flap is disposed laterally of the pumping membrane (i.e., adjacent to the pumping membrane) between the base body and the cover body with respect to the longitudinal direction. Similarly, the exhaust valve flap is laterally spaced from the pumping membrane and from the inlet valve flap (i.e., adjacent to the pumping membrane and inlet valve flap) between the base body and the longitudinal direction

[0008] Cover bodies are arranged, i. the outlet valve door, inlet valve flap and pump diaphragm do not overlap along the length direction. The base body and the cover body respectively have surfaces facing the inlet valve flap and the outlet valve flap, wherein recesses are formed in at least one of these surfaces (preferably in the cover body), the fluid channels extending laterally (ie transversely to the longitudinal direction) between the inlet valve, the longitudinal direction Make working space and the exhaust valve.

By the inlet valve flap and the outlet valve flap are arranged laterally of the pumping diaphragm and the lateral connections between the valves and the working space are formed by recesses in surfaces of the base body and / or the cover body, results in a very simple construction and a very simple assembly of pumping cartridge. The assembly may e.g. be done by simply inserting the pumping membrane, the inlet valve flap and the outlet valve flap in the base body, and then that the cover body is placed and connected to the base body, e.g. by laser welding or a snap connection. At the same time, the proposed construction makes it possible to easily adapt the dimensioning of the working space, the valves and the fluid channels to different requirements (for example to different media to be conveyed, to different delivery pressures and delivery rates, etc.). In addition, a very compact and flat design of the pump cartridge is possible by the proposed design.

The pumping membrane, the inlet valve flap and the outlet valve flap may be arranged substantially coplanar, i. In this case, there is at least one plane which intersects these elements, this plane preferably being perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

In order to achieve a particularly simple construction, the base body preferably has at least one plate-shaped section. Likewise, the cover body preferably has at least one plate-shaped section. The plate-shaped sections then have mutually facing, flat surfaces. In at least one of these surfaces then the recesses are formed.

To further simplify the structure, the pumping membrane, the inlet valve flap and the outlet valve flap may be integrally formed in a common elastomeric insert. The elastomer insert is then held in total between the base element and the cover element. It may additionally serve to confine and seal the fluid channels.

In addition, said recesses may form an intake valve space and an exhaust valve space. Here, the intake valve space is configured to receive the intake valve flap when the intake valve opens, and the exhaust valve space is configured to receive the exhaust valve flap when the exhaust valve opens. By also the valve chambers are formed as depressions, the structure is additionally simplified.

The pumping cartridge may also have a filter membrane which is arranged between the base body and the cover body such that the pumping medium passes through the filter membrane when it is conveyed through the pumping cartridge. In this case, the filter membrane is preferably arranged with respect to the conveying direction upstream of the working space, i. the pumping medium preferably passes through the filter membrane prior to its entry into the working space. More preferably, the filter membrane is disposed upstream of the inlet valve to prevent the entry of contaminants into the movable elements of the pump cartridge. The filter membrane may in particular be designed to retain germs such as bacteria or viruses. Filter membranes for this purpose are well known in the art. In order to further enable a simple and flat construction, the filter membrane is preferably arranged laterally with respect to the longitudinal direction of the pumping membrane, the inlet valve flap and the outlet valve flap. The recesses may then form at least a portion of a connecting channel, which connects the filter membrane laterally with the inlet valve, the working space or the outlet valve.

In order to hold the filter membrane between the base body and cover body and to guide the pumping medium efficiently through the filter membrane, a first support structure may be formed on the base body, on which the filter rests with a first side. On the cover body may be formed according to a second support structure on which the filter rests with a second side. One of the support structures can then form a plurality of distribution channels for supplying the pumping medium to the filter membrane and the other support structure a plurality of collecting channels for collecting and merging of the passed through the filter membrane pumping medium.

To enable efficient pumping operation, the cover body may form a membrane support on which the pumping membrane rests in an initial position in which the volume of the working space is minimized. In the membrane support a plurality of drain channels may be formed, which communicate with the inlet valve and the outlet valve. The emptying channels can be arranged in particular star-shaped or reticulated in the membrane support. This allows for efficient draining of the pumping medium from the working space at the end of a working cycle and efficient distribution of the pumping medium into the working space at the beginning of the following working cycle, although the pumping diaphragm is then close to the membrane support.

To allow a particularly simple connection of the connecting rod with the pumping membrane, the pumping membrane may have a longitudinally extending, proximally open, blind hole-like receiving opening which is adapted to receive a connecting pin of the connecting rod by insertion and to lock with this , The connecting dome may have a thickening, whereby this thickening may taper in the distal direction to facilitate the insertion. The receiving opening may form an elastically stretchable tapered portion and in the distal direction thereafter a flared portion of enlarged cross-section to accommodate the thickening of the connecting mandrel. In this way, by receiving the thickening in the widened portion of the receiving opening very easy an elastic, releasable locking connection between the connecting rod and the pumping membrane can be made. Complicated connection processes via a thread, a bayonet connection, etc., as known from the prior art, can be dispensed with. Also, a separate connecting element, which is firmly connected to the pumping membrane to make a connection to the connecting rod, omitted.

Between a proximal surface of the pumping membrane and the tapered portion, a funnel-like tapering in the distal direction insertion funnel may be formed to facilitate the insertion of the connecting dome in the receiving opening.

The present invention also provides a kit which comprises: a pump cartridge of the type specified above; an outlet tube connected to the pumping cartridge for diverting the pumping medium delivered from the working space away from the pumping cartridge; and a package that receives the pump cartridge and the outlet tube sterile or sterilizable.

Such a sterile set facilitates work when the diaphragm pump is to be used in the medical context, e.g. in an operating room. Thus, the diaphragm pump may e.g. be designed as a gas pump for generating a compressed gas to supply this a medical spray applicator. To operate the pump, the operator opens the package and removes the sterilized unit of the pump cartridge and outlet tube from the package. The operator connects the pump cartridge to the drive module and connects the outlet tube with its free distal end to the spray applicator. The pump can now be put into operation to generate the compressed gas and perform the spray process. After completion of the spraying process, the unit of pump cartridge and outlet hose is disconnected from the drive module and can be disposed of completely. In this way results in ease of use, and it is ensured that all parts that come into contact with the gas to be pumped, can be provided sterile, without the need for elaborate sterilization of the drive elements of the pump needs to be done.

Depending on the application, the set may also have an inlet tube which is connected to the pump cartridge to supply the pumping medium to be pumped to the pump cartridge. In this case, the inlet tube is advantageously also included in the package. An inlet tube may be particularly advantageous when a compressed gas is to be supplied to a laparoscopic spray applicator. In laparoscopic procedures, a pressurized gas (usually CO2 gas) is usually passed into the abdominal cavity in order to enlarge it (insufflation). To disturb this process as little as possible in a laparoscopic spray application, it is advantageous to remove the gas required for the spray application of the abdominal cavity, promote with the membrane pump to the spray applicator and due to the spray process back into the abdominal cavity.

In addition, the present invention provides a diaphragm pump with a pump cartridge of the aforementioned type. This indicates: a drive module with a drive motor and a connecting rod, which can be driven by the drive motor to an oscillating drive movement; and a pump cartridge of the aforementioned type, wherein the pump cartridge is replaceably connectable to the drive module.

According to a second aspect, it is an object of the present invention to provide a diaphragm pump with a drive module and a replaceable pump cartridge, wherein the connection between the connecting rod of the drive module and the pumping membrane of the pump cartridge in a particularly simple and safe way is possible.

The membrane pump has: a drive module with a drive motor and a connecting rod, which can be driven by the drive motor to an oscillating drive movement; and a pump cartridge detachably connectable to the drive module and having an elastic pumping membrane, an inlet valve and an outlet valve.

The pumping membrane is connectable to the connecting rod to drive the pumping membrane to an oscillating working movement along a longitudinal direction. For this purpose, the connecting rod has a connecting mandrel extending distally along the longitudinal direction. The pumping membrane has a proximally open, blind hole-like receiving opening extending along the longitudinal direction for the connecting mandrel. The connecting mandrel and the receiving opening are formed so complementary to each other that an elastic, releasable locking connection between the connecting rod and the pumping membrane can be produced by the connecting mandrel along the longitudinal direction is fully inserted into the receiving opening.

As a result, the connection between the pumping membrane and the connecting rod in an extremely simple manner. There are no other fasteners on the pumping membrane or complicated operations required to make the connection.

The first and second aspects of the invention can be readily combined as desired.

Advantageously, the latching connection is produced in that a surrounding the receiving opening area of the pumping diaphragm is expanded during insertion of the connecting mandrel and then contracts elastically after the connecting mandrel has been fully inserted into the receiving opening. For this purpose, the connecting dome may have the aforementioned thickening with an enlarged cross-section, wherein this thickening may be designed to taper in particular in the distal direction in order to facilitate the insertion of the connecting mandrel into the receiving opening. The receiving opening may correspondingly form a tapered section and in the distal direction thereafter a widened section of enlarged cross-section to accommodate the thickening of the connecting mandrel. When inserting the connecting mandrel, the thickening widens the tapered section. After receiving the thickening in the widened section, the pumping membrane may contract again in the tapered section. This then creates an elastic, releasable latching connection between the connecting rod and the pumping membrane.

To facilitate the insertion of the connecting mandrel into the receiving opening, a funnel-like tapering insertion funnel can be formed between a proximal surface of the pumping membrane and the tapered portion. This insertion funnel ensures that the connecting mandrel finds the receiving opening even if it is slightly offset from the central center axis of the insertion opening or slightly tilted towards this moves.

In an advantageous embodiment, the connection between the connecting rod and the pumping membrane is made automatically in pumping operation by the connecting mandrel is pushed by the drive movement in the insertion opening. In other words, the connecting rod can be connected to the drive motor in such a way that, when the pump cartridge is connected to the drive module, the elastic, detachable latching connection between the connecting rod and the pumping membrane can be produced automatically by the drive movement of the connecting rod generated by the drive motor. This can be achieved by a suitable dimensioning and arrangement of drive motor, connecting rod and pumping membrane.

The connecting rod may comprise a support ring which laterally surrounds the connecting mandrel with respect to the longitudinal direction and rests on the pumping diaphragm in order to support it. In particular, the support ring can ensure that the connecting rod advances the pumping membrane uniformly over its entire surface in order to reduce the volume of the working space without tilting or undesirably deforming the pumping membrane.

Preferably, the connection of the pump cartridge with the drive module via a simple releasable locking connection. For this purpose, the pump cartridge may have a latching element for producing a releasable latching connection between the pump cartridge and a housing-fixed mounting region of the drive module. The fastening area fixed to the housing can form a pivot receptacle for the pump cartridge, so that the pump cartridge can be connected to the drive module by a pivoting movement in the pivot receptacle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the drawings, which are merely illustrative and not restrictive interpreted. In the drawings show: <Tb> FIG. 1 <SEP> is a perspective view of a diaphragm pump with drive module and pump cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention, in the assembled state; <Tb> FIG. 2 <SEP> a front view of the diaphragm pump; <Tb> FIG. 3 <SEP> is a perspective view of the diaphragm pump in one <tb> <SEP> Intermediate state during attachment or removal of the pump cartridge; <Tb> FIG. 4 <SEP> is a perspective view of the diaphragm pump in a state where the pump cartridge is separated from the drive module; <Tb> FIG. 5 <SEP> is a sectional view of the diaphragm pump in the plane A-A of FIG. 2 in the assembled state; <Tb> FIG. 6 <SEP> is a sectional view of the diaphragm pump in the plane A-A in the intermediate state; <Tb> FIG. 7 <SEP> an exploded view of the pump cartridge of the diaphragm pump from a first viewing direction; <Tb> FIG. 8 <SEP> is an exploded view of the pump cartridge from a second viewing direction; <Tb> FIG. FIG. 9 shows an enlarged detail of FIG. 6 for illustrating the connection between the connecting rod and the pumping membrane; FIG. <Tb> FIG. 10 <SEP> is a schematic diagram illustrating the principle of operation of the diaphragm pump; <Tb> FIG. Fig. 11 <SEP> is a sectional view of the diaphragm pump in the plane B-B of Fig. 5 in a first position; <Tb> FIG. 12 <SEP> is a sectional view according to FIG. 11 in a second position; <Tb> FIG. Fig. 13 <SEP> is a cross-sectional view of the diaphragm pump in the plane C-C of Fig. 5 during the first part of the working cycle (suction phase); <Tb> FIG. 14 <SEP> is a sectional view according to FIG. 13 during the second part of the working cycle (ejection phase); <Tb> FIG. 15 <SEP> is an enlarged view of the detail E of FIG. 5; <Tb> FIG. 16 <SEP> a schematic diagram illustrating the use of the diaphragm pump in the context of laparoscopic procedures; and <Tb> FIG. 17 <SEP> A schematic diagram of how to use the diaphragm pump in the context of open surgery.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In Figs. 1 to 15, a diaphragm pump 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in various states and views. This diaphragm pump is designed as a gas pump for producing a compressed gas such as air or CO2, the pressurized gas being e.g. can be supplied to a medical spray applicator. However, the principles of the present invention can also be applied to membrane pumps for fluids other than gases, e.g. for conveying liquids, emulsions, suspensions, liquid-gas mixtures, etc. Instead of a pressure pump for generating a pressurized medium, the diaphragm pump can also be configured as a suction pump.

As is apparent from Figs. 1 and 2, the diaphragm pump 1 comprises a drive module 100 and a replaceable pump cartridge 200. The drive module 100 has a housing 110 in which various parts required for the drive and the control of the diaphragm pump are received , and one or more controls, in the present example in the form of a knob 111, which serve to operate the diaphragm pump by the user. On a front side of the housing, a mounting plate 120 is formed to releasably connect the pump cartridge 200 with the drive module 100. For this purpose, the pump cartridge is at its lower end in a pivot receptacle 122 which is formed at the lower end of the holding plate 120, inserted and clicked with the aid of a handle 510 in the mounting plate 120. To the pump cartridge 200 are connected an inlet tube 211 for the sucked gas (suction direction F1) and an outlet tube 212 for the outgoing compressed gas (outlet direction F2).

Figures 3 and 4 illustrate how the pump cartridge 200 is connected to or detached from the drive module 100. In Fig. 3, the pump cartridge 200 is inserted with its lower end in the pivot receiver 122, but has not been firmly connected to the mounting plate 120. In order to establish the connection between the drive module 100 and the pump cartridge 200, the fastening plate 120 has a slot-shaped latching opening 121, and on the handle 510, a latching hook or a latching pawl 512 is formed, which can be inserted into the latching opening 121. When the latch 512 is inserted into the latching opening 121, it engages behind a latching nose in the latching opening 121 and in this way latches the handle 510 detachably with the fastening plate 120.

4 shows the design of the drive module 100 in that area in which this is connected to the pump cartridge 200. In addition to the already mentioned detent opening 121 and the swiveling seat 122, the fastening plate 120 has a recess 123, which serves as a diaphragm counterbearing and runs slightly conically in the direction of the interior of the housing 110, which delimits a circular opening. Parts of a connecting rod described in more detail below protrude into this opening, in particular a connection mandrel 134 for connecting the connecting rod with the pumping membrane to be described in more detail below, and a support ring 135 for the pumping membrane. A lower support rib 125 serves to accurately position the pump cartridge 200 to the mounting plate 120. An upper support rib 124 ensures a defined distance between the mounting plate 120 and the proximal side of the pump cartridge 200.

In Figs. 5 and 6, the diaphragm pump is shown in longitudinal section. FIGS. 5 and 6 show, in particular, how the handle 510 is latched by means of the latching pawl 512 with the latching lug 126 already mentioned in the latching opening 121.

As is apparent from FIGS. 5 and 6, inter alia, a drive motor 130 is received in the interior of the housing 110, which drives with its motor shaft 131, an eccentric disc 132 to rotate. The eccentric disk 132 is surrounded by a raceway 136, which runs with its inner peripheral surface on the outer peripheral surface of the eccentric disk 132. The drive motor 130, the motor shaft 131, the eccentric disc 132 and the race 136 are shown in the present drawings only in a highly schematic manner; Thus, among other things, the representation of means for axial fixation of the race 136 on the eccentric disk 132 was omitted. Possible connections of eccentric disc and race are well known in the art. With the race 136, the proximal end of a rigid connecting rod 133 is rigidly connected. The drive motor 130 drives via the eccentric 132 and the race 136, the connecting rod 133 to an oscillating drive movement along a longitudinal direction L. At the free distal end of the connecting rod 133, the already mentioned connection dome 134 and the support ring 135 are integrally formed. The pumping cartridge 200 described in more detail below with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8 has, among other things, the already mentioned pumping membrane 410. The pumping diaphragm 410 is connected to the connecting rod 133 via the connecting rod 134 and is driven by the connecting rod to an oscillating working movement along the longitudinal direction L. The manner of connecting the pumping membrane 410 to the connecting mandrel 134 will be described below with reference to FIG. 9.

In FIGS. 7 and 8, the pump cartridge 200 is shown in two exploded views from different viewing directions. The pump cartridge 200 consists of only four components, namely a plate-shaped base body, which is referred to below as the base plate 300, an elastomer insert 400, a plate-shaped cover body, which is referred to below as cover plate 500, and a flat filter membrane 600, which serves Contain impurities, especially germs such as bacteria and, if necessary, viruses, from the gas to be delivered.

The base plate 300 has on its proximal (ie the drive module 100 facing) side, which is visible in Fig. 8, an alignment groove 301 which cooperates with the mounting of the pump cartridge 200 on the drive module 100 with the lower support rib 125, to align the pump cartridge 200 with respect to the vertical direction exactly on the drive module 100. In the base plate 300, a circular opening 310 is formed for the pumping membrane, which extends through the base plate 300 therethrough. On the distal side of the base plate 300, which is visible in FIG. 7, a recess is formed which forms an exhaust valve space 330 of an exhaust valve, described in more detail below, this exhaust valve space 330 receiving an exhaust valve flap as the exhaust valve flap is deflected in the proximal direction , A short, groove-shaped recess adjoins the outlet valve chamber 330 laterally, which forms an outlet channel section 331 (here extending horizontally). Laterally offset from the outlet valve space 330, a support structure 340 for the filter membrane 600 is formed. This support structure 340 protrudes distally over the surface in which the exhaust valve space 330 and the exhaust passage portion 331 are formed. The support structure 340 comprises a set of longitudinally extending (in Fig. 7) vertical ribs on which a set of transverse (in Fig. 7 horizontal) extending ribs is arranged. As a result, the support structure 340 has a plurality of channels, which are here designed as collecting ducts for collecting the gas which has passed through the filter membrane 600. In other words, the support structure 340 acts as a gas collector to combine the gas that has passed through the filter membrane from the relatively large area of the filter membrane 600 into the relatively small cross-sectional area of an inlet channel section 321. Intake passage section 321 directs the incoming gas from support structure 340 to an intake valve, described in more detail below. The support structure 340 and the inlet channel section 321 are jointly surrounded by a sealing groove 353.

The elastomeric liner 400 is made of an elastomeric material, e.g. a silicone rubber. In particular, it forms the pumping membrane 410. The pumping membrane 410 has several zones which realize different functions of the pumping membrane. In a central zone 411, the pumping membrane is greatly thickened in the proximal direction (for example, it can also be reinforced by a rigid insert) and thus has a considerably greater rigidity than in the surrounding zones. In this central zone 411, a blind hole-like central receiving opening 412 for the connecting rod 134 of the connecting rod 133 is formed. The central zone 411 is surrounded by a ring zone 413 of relatively low material thickness. This ring zone 413 is in turn surrounded by a likewise annular clamping zone 414 for fixing the pumping membrane 410 between the base plate 300 and the cover plate 500. Lateral offset from the pumping diaphragm 410 are integrally formed therewith an inlet valve flap 420 and an outlet valve flap 430. In the present example, the valve flaps 420, 430 are each formed as a flat, here semicircular segment of the elastomeric liner 400 elastically and thereby pivotally connected along its diameter to the remainder of the elastomeric liner 400, while along the circumference of the semicircle by a semi-circular cut is separated from the rest of the elastomeric liner 400. As a result, the respective valve flap can be pivoted elastically in the distal or proximal direction. At a short distance to the exhaust valve 430, an exhaust port 431 is formed in the elastomer liner 400. Laterally offset from the valve flaps 420, 430 (in FIGS. 7 and 8 above it), a relatively large window opening 440 is formed, through which the support structure 340 of the base plate 300 extends in the assembled state. Various sealing beads 451, 452, 453 serve to seal between the base plate 300, elastomer insert 400 and cover plate 500. A first sealing bead 451 surrounds the pumping membrane 410, the valve flaps 420, 430 and the outlet opening 431 on the distal side of the elastomer insert 400 (see FIG ). A second sealing bead 452 surrounds the window opening 440 on the distal side of the elastomeric liner 400. A third sealing bead 453 on the proximal side of the elastomeric liner 400 surrounds the window opening 440 and the valve flap 420 (see FIG. 8); this sealing bead 453 acts in the assembled state sealingly with the complementary formed sealing groove 353 of the base plate 300 together.

The cover plate 500 includes at its in Figs. 7 and 8 above the end of the already mentioned handle 510 with the latch 512 on. The handle 510 is connected via a film hinge 511 resiliently pivotally connected to the remaining cover plate 500. On the distal side of the cover plate 500, which can be seen in FIG. 7, two connecting pieces for the inlet tube 211 and the outlet tube 212 are formed. On the proximal side of the cover plate 500, which can be seen in FIG. 8, a shallow recess is formed, which serves as a membrane support 550. This depression has a flat central region 551, in which reticulated grooves are formed, which form drainage channels 552. The central region 551 of the membrane support 550 is surrounded by a conically widening cone region 553. The central region 551 serves as a support for the central zone 411 of the pumping membrane, while the cone region 553 serves as a support for the annular zone 413 of the pumping membrane 410. Laterally spaced from the membrane support 550 (in Fig. 8 above it) is a recess which receives the inlet valve flap 420 when deflected distally. This recess thus acts as an intake valve chamber 520 of an intake valve. The inlet valve chamber 520 is connected via a groove-shaped channel section 521 with the emptying channels 551 in the central region 550 of the membrane support. From the channel section 521 branches off an also groove-shaped outlet channel section 531. At a slight lateral distance thereof, a continuous outlet opening 532 is formed, which opens into the outlet connection on the distal side of the cover plate 500. In a region of the cover plate 500 located at the top in FIGS. 7 and 8, a rectangular depression is formed, in which a support structure 540 is present. The support structure 540 is designed analogously to the support structure 340, that is, it forms a plurality of longitudinally and transversely extending ribs, between which a plurality of channels are formed, which are now formed here as distribution channels for distribution of the gas entering the pumping cartridge; in other words, the support structure 540 acts as a gas distributor to distribute the incoming gas to the relatively large area of the filter membrane 600. The distribution channels are fed by a non-illustrated inlet opening extending through the top plate 500, which communicates with the inlet port on the distal side of the top plate 500. The region in which the membrane support 550, the inlet valve chamber 520, the inlet channel section 521, the outlet channel section 531 and the outlet opening 532 are formed is surrounded by a first sealing groove 571, which is complementary to the sealing bead 451 of the elastomeric insert and sealingly cooperates with it. The support structure 540 is surrounded by a second sealing groove 572 which is complementary to the sealing bead 452 of the elastomer insert 400 and cooperates sealingly therewith.

Fig. 9 illustrates how the connecting rod 133 is connected to the pumping membrane 410. The connecting rod 133 has the already mentioned connecting mandrel 134. At its distal (free) end, the connecting mandrel 134 has a thickening 137 that tapers in the distal direction. The blind-hole-like receiving opening 412 of the pumping membrane 410, starting from a proximal boundary surface of the pumping membrane, initially forms an insertion funnel 415, which tapers conically in the distal direction. The insertion funnel 415 is adjoined in the distal direction by a tapered section 416, which is followed distally by a widened receiving section 417.

In order to connect the connecting rod 133 with the pumping membrane 410, the connecting mandrel 134 is inserted into the receiving opening 412. This is facilitated by the insertion funnel 415: Through the insertion funnel 415, the connecting pin 134 finds the receiving opening 412 even when the connecting pin 134 is not inserted exactly centered or at an angle to the receiving opening 412. When inserted, the connecting mandrel 134 with the thickening 137 widens the tapered portion 416 of the receiving opening 412 slightly. As soon as the thickening 137 reaches the receiving section 417 of the receiving opening 412, which section is correspondingly enlarged in cross-section, the tapered section 416 can contract again. As a result, the connecting mandrel 134 elastically locks with the pumping diaphragm 410 and is securely connected to the pumping diaphragm 410 both by pressure and by tension. In this case, a special feature is that this connection is self-locking: When the connecting rod 133 is in the rear position of FIG. 12 when the pump cartridge 200 is connected to the drive module 100, no latching takes place at first because the connecting rod 134 does not travel far enough into the receiving opening 412 enters. Only when the pump is put into operation and the connecting rod first reaches the starting position of FIG. 11, the locking connection between the connecting mandrel 134 and the pumping diaphragm 410 is produced.

To release the latching connection, the pump cartridge 200 is withdrawn with sufficient force from the drive module 100. In this case, a tensile force acts between the pumping membrane 410 and the connecting mandrel 134, which is sufficiently large to pull the thickening 137 out of the receiving opening 412 again at the end of the connecting dome.

The operation principle of the present diaphragm pump will now be explained with reference to FIG. The diaphragm pump defines a working space W bounded by the pumping diaphragm 410 and the cover plate 500. The diaphragm pump also has an integrated inlet valve V1 and an integrated outlet valve V2. The intake valve is formed through the intake passage portion 321 in the base plate 300, the intake valve flap 420 of the elastomeric liner 400, and the intake valve space 520 in the cover plate 500. The exhaust valve V2 is formed by the exhaust valve space 330 in the base plate 300, the exhaust valve 430 of the elastomeric liner 400, and the exhaust port 532 in the cover plate 500. Through the inlet tube 211, the gas to be delivered passes into the pumping cartridge 200. The incoming gas is distributed by means of the support structure 540 of the cover plate 500 to a relatively large area and passes through the filter membrane 600 therethrough. In the support structure 340 of the base plate 300, the gas thus filtered is collected again and passes through the inlet channel section 321 to the inlet valve V1 and thence into the working space W. In the working space W, the pumping membrane 410 enters in a first part of the working cycle (suction phase) Produces negative pressure and so sucked gas through the open valve V1 through; due to the negative pressure, the outlet valve V2 automatically remains closed. In a second part of the working cycle (ejection phase), the pumping diaphragm 410 now generates an overpressure in the working space W. As a result, the inlet valve V1 closes, the outlet valve V2 opens, and the gas is expelled through the outlet opening 532 into the outlet hose 212.

In Figs. 11 and 12, the duty cycle of the oscillating pumping diaphragm 410 is illustrated. FIG. 11 shows the pump diaphragm 410 in its initial position, FIG. 12 in its end position. The pumping membrane 410 is clamped with its clamping zone 414 between the base plate 300 and the cover plate 500. The connecting pin 134 of the connecting rod 133 is inserted into the receiving opening 412 of the pumping membrane 410 and locked in this releasably. In the starting position of FIG. 11, the pumping membrane 410 is pressed by the connecting rod 133 via the connecting mandrel 134 and the support ring 135 against the cover plate 500. In this position, the pumping membrane 410 lies with its central zone 411 on the central region 551 of the membrane support 550. With its ring zone 413, the pumping membrane 410 lies correspondingly on the cone region 553 of the membrane support 550. In the first part of the working cycle (suction phase), the connecting rod 133 pulls the diaphragm 410 from the starting position of FIG. 11 into the end position of FIG. 12. The central zone 411 is now at a distance from the central region 551 of the membrane support 550. The annular zone 413 has changed its orientation due to the elasticity of the pump membrane and now extends at an angle to the cone region 553 of the membrane support 550. Between the pump membrane 140 and the cover plate 500 has the already mentioned working space W is formed, and through the inlet valve V1 gas is introduced into this working space. In the following second part of the working cycle (ejection phase), the connecting rod 133 presses the pump diaphragm 410 back into its starting position via its dome 134 and the support ring 135. In this case, the working space W decreases, and the gas therein is expelled through the outlet valve V2. In order to facilitate the expulsion of the gas at the end of the working cycle and the inflow of new gas at the beginning of the next cycle, the already mentioned net-like emptying channels 552 are formed in the membrane support 550.

The surrounding the connecting mandrel 134 support ring 135 ensures the correct orientation of the central zone 411 of the pumping membrane 410 during both phases of the working cycle. In particular, the support ring ensures that during the ejection phase, the central zone 411 of the pumping membrane 410 is pressed as uniformly as possible in the direction of the cover plate 500.

FIGS. 13 and 14 illustrate the different valve positions of the intake valve V1 and the exhaust valve V2 during the intake phase and the exhaust phase, respectively. During the aspiration phase (FIG. 13), the inlet valve flap 420 is deflected in the distal direction (i.e., toward the top plate 500) and thereby projects into the inlet valve space 520. As a result, the inlet valve flap 420 releases a passage between the inlet channel section 321 in the base plate 300 and the inlet channel section 521 in the cover plate 500, allowing gas to enter from the filter 600 to the working space W. On the other hand, the outlet valve flap 430 rests on the cover plate 500 and closes Thus, during the ejection phase (FIG. 14), the inlet valve flap 420 rests on the base plate 300, thus closing the passage between the inlet channel section 321 in the base plate 300 and the first outlet passageway portion 321 of the cover plate 500 Instead, the exhaust valve 430 of the exhaust valve V2 is deflected in the proximal direction (ie, in the direction of the base plate 300) and thereby protrudes into the exhaust valve space 330. Thereby, the exhaust valve door 430 releases a passage between the exhaust passage portion 531 in the cover plate 500 and the exhaust passage portion 331 in the base plate 300, thereby allowing the gas to be expelled from the work space W via the exhaust ports 431, 532 to the exhaust port 562.

FIG. 15 illustrates the positioning of the filter membrane 600. The filter membrane 600 is clamped between the base plate 300 and the cover plate 500 and lies on both sides on the support structures 340, 540. Gas enters the region of the support structure 540 via an inlet opening of the cover plate 500, which is not visible in FIG. 15, is distributed from its channels to the surface of the filter membrane 600 and passes through the filter membrane 600. The permeated filtered gas is collected from the channels of the support structure 340 and directed to the inlet channel section 321, not visible in FIG. The region accommodating the filter 600 is sealed to the outside by the sealing beads 452, 453 of the elastomer insert 400 and the sealing grooves 353, 572 of the base plate 300 and the cover plate 500 cooperating therewith.

Fig. 16 illustrates in a highly schematic way a possible use of the diaphragm pump of Figs. 1-15 in the context of a laparoscopic procedure. From a gas cylinder 710, CO2 gas passes via an insufflator 720 to a first trocar 730 in the abdominal wall of the patient. Through this trocar 730 CO2 gas is directed into the abdominal cavity of the patient (insufflation) to fill it with gas. The trocar 730 also introduces a surgical instrument 740 into the abdominal cavity. In order to stop bleeding in the abdominal cavity, a second trocar 750 is passed through the abdominal wall. Through this, the catheter 762 of a laparoscopic spray applicator 760 is inserted into the abdominal cavity. With the help of the spray applicator 760, two components of a tissue adhesive are sprayed inside the abdominal cavity. For spraying the components, the spray applicator 760 is supplied with pressurized CO 2 gas in a connection region 761. For this purpose, the membrane pump 1 with drive module 100 and pump cartridge 200 is used. The inlet tube 211 is connected to the trocar 750. As a result, the pump cartridge 200 is supplied with CO2 gas from the abdominal cavity. The diaphragm pump 1 delivers the gas thus supplied under pressure through the outlet hose 212 to the spray applicator 760, where it is used for spraying the components in the abdominal cavity. By using the CO2 gas already supplied by the insufflator of the abdominal cavity for spraying, the influence of the spraying process on the pressure conditions in the abdominal cavity is minimized.

Fig. 17 illustrates in a highly schematic way a possible use of the diaphragm pump of Figs. 1-15 in the context of an open engagement. The membrane pump draws in via the intake manifold 561 (which for the sake of simplicity is greatly shortened here) ambient air and conveys it under pressure to a spray applicator 770.

In both cases, it is of great advantage that the pump cartridge 200 is completely separable from the drive module 100 in a very simple manner. The pump cartridge 200, together with the already pre-assembled outlet tube 212 and possibly also with the already pre-assembled inlet tube 211, can be provided in a common packaging sterile or sterilizable (for example sterilized by gamma radiation or by fumigation). Such a packaging 800 is indicated by way of example in FIG. 14 and strongly schematically by a dashed line. As a result, all parts that come in contact with the gas to be delivered, provided sterile and disposed of after use in a simple manner. The surgeon removes the unit of pumping cartridge 200, outlet tubing 212, and optionally inlet tubing 211 of the package, clicks the pump cartridge 200 into the drive module 100, and connects the outlet tubing 212 to the spray applicator 760 and 770 and optionally the inlet tubing 211 to the trocar 750. Upon completion the procedure, the unit of the pump cartridge 200, outlet hose 212 and optionally inlet hose 211 is released and disposed of completely. This results in a very simple handling.

The integrated gas filter (filter membrane 600) not only ensures that germs and other impurities are effectively filtered out of the gas to be pumped, but also has a strong sound-absorbing. As a result, a particularly quiet operation of the diaphragm pump 1 is achieved.

In the above-described embodiment, the diaphragm pump is designed as a gas pump for generating a compressed gas. However, the principles of the present invention can also be applied to diaphragm pumps for conveying other fluid media, e.g. for conveying liquids, emulsions, suspensions, liquid-gas mixtures, etc. Accordingly, the applications are not limited to the field of medical technology. Thus, a membrane pump according to the invention can also be used e.g. be used in chemical laboratory technology or analytics. Instead of a pressure pump for generating a pressurized medium, the diaphragm pump can also be configured as a suction pump. Depending on the application, the filter membrane 600 with the associated structures (gas distributor, gas collector) can be dispensed with. Depending on the application, the membrane, the valves and the channels inside the pump cartridge can be dimensioned differently.

In the embodiment described above, the pumping membrane is formed integrally with the valve flaps of the inlet and outlet valves in a common elastomer insert. Instead, it is also conceivable to form the valve flap (s) of the inlet and / or outlet valve in separate elastomeric inserts.

In the embodiment described above, the base body and the cover body are plate-shaped. Instead, it is also conceivable to use these bodies e.g. to train graduated. The base body and the cover body can be made in one piece with one another and connected to one another via one or more film hinges.

The manner of connecting the pump cartridge 200 to the drive module 100 may also be configured differently than in the embodiment explained above. Thus, another form of locking connection can be provided. Instead of a latching connection, other easily detachable types of connection between the housing of the pump cartridge and the housing of the drive module are conceivable, e.g. a bayonet connection.

From the foregoing, it will be understood that numerous other modifications are possible without departing from the scope of the invention.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

[0061] <Tb> 1 <September> diaphragm pump <Tb> 100 <September> Drive module <Tb> 110 <September> Housing <Tb> 111 <September> knob <Tb> 120 <September> mounting plate <Tb> 121 <September> latching opening <Tb> 122 <September> swivel mount <Tb> 123 <September> depression <tb> 124 <SEP> upper support rib <tb> 125 <SEP> lower support rib <Tb> 126 <September> locking lug <Tb> 130 <September> drive motor <Tb> 131 <September> motor shaft <Tb> 132 <September> eccentric <Tb> 133 <September> Rods <Tb> 134 <September> connecting mandrel <Tb> 135 <September> support ring <Tb> 136 <September> race <Tb> 137 <September> Thickening <Tb> 200 <September> pumping cartridge <Tb> 211 <September> inlet hose <Tb> 212 <September> outlet hose <Tb> 300 <September> baseplate <Tb> 301 <September> alignment groove <Tb> 310 <September> opening <Tb> 321 <September> inlet channel section <Tb> 330 <September> Auslassventilraum <Tb> 331 <September> outlet channel <Tb> 340 <September> support structure <Tb> 353 <September> sealing groove <Tb> 400 <September> elastomer insert <Tb> 410 <September> pump diaphragm <Tb> 411 <September> Central Zone <Tb> 412 <September> receiving opening <Tb> 413 <September> ring zone <Tb> 414 <September> clamping zone <Tb> 415 <September> insertion funnel <tb> 416 <SEP> Tapered section <tb> 417 <SEP> expanded section <Tb> 420 <September> inlet valve flap <Tb> 430 <September> discharge valve <Tb> 431 <September> outlet <Tb> 440 <September> window opening <Tb> 451 <September> sealing bead <Tb> 452 <September> sealing bead <Tb> 453 <September> sealing bead <Tb> 500 <September> cover plate <Tb> 510 <September> handle <Tb> 511 <September> hinge <Tb> 512 <September> latch <Tb> 520 <September> inlet valve chamber <Tb> 521 <September> inlet channel section <Tb> 531 <September> outlet channel <Tb> 532 <September> outlet <Tb> 540 <September> support structure <Tb> 550 <September> membrane base <tb> 551 <SEP> central area <Tb> 552 <September> drain channels <Tb> 553 <September> cone region <Tb> 561 <September> inlet port <Tb> 562 <September> outlet <Tb> 571 <September> sealing groove <Tb> 572 <September> sealing groove <Tb> 600 <September> Filters <Tb> 710 <September> Gas bottle <Tb> 720 <September> Gas Regulator <Tb> 730 <September> trocar <tb> 740 <SEP> surgical instrument <Tb> 750 <September> trocar <Tb> 760 <September> discharge <Tb> 761 <September> spray head <Tb> 762 <September> Catheters <Tb> 770 <September> spray applicator <Tb> 800 <September> Packaging <Tb> F1 <September> suction direction <Tb> F2 <September> Outlet <Tb> V1 <September> inlet valve <Tb> V2 <September> exhaust <Tb> W <September> workspace

Claims (23)

A pump cartridge (200) for a diaphragm pump for delivering a pumping medium, wherein the pump cartridge (200) is detachably connectable to a drive module (100) of the diaphragm pump, comprising: a base body (300); a cover body (500); an intake valve (V1) including an elastic intake valve flap (420); an exhaust valve (V2) including an elastic exhaust valve flap (430); and an elastic pumping membrane (410) disposed between the base body (300) and the cover body (500) and releasably connectable to a connecting rod (133) of the drive module (100) to move the pumping membrane (410) in an oscillating working motion to drive a longitudinal direction (L); characterized, that the pumping membrane (410) and the covering body (500) together define a working space (W) which has a volume which is variable by the oscillating working movement of the pumping membrane (410), the inlet valve flap (420) is arranged laterally of the pump membrane (410) with respect to the longitudinal direction between the base body (300) and the cover body (500), in that the outlet valve flap (430) is arranged laterally of the pumping membrane (410) and of the inlet valve flap (420) with respect to the longitudinal direction between the base body (300) and the cover body (500), and in that the base body (300) and the cover body (500) have mutually facing surfaces, depressions being formed in at least one of these surfaces, the laterally extending fluid channels (331, 521, 531) between the inlet valve (V1), the working space (W) and the exhaust valve (V2) form. The pumping cartridge (200) of claim 1, wherein the pumping diaphragm (410), the inlet valve flap (420), and the outlet valve flap (430) are disposed substantially coplanar with one another. 3. A pump cartridge (200) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the base body (300) has at least one plate-shaped portion, wherein the cover body (500) has at least one plate-shaped portion, wherein the mutually facing surfaces are flat and on the plate-shaped portions of the base body (300) and the cover body (500) are formed, and wherein the recesses are formed in at least one of these flat surfaces. 4. The pumping cartridge (200) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pumping membrane (410), the inlet valve flap (420) and the outlet valve flap (430) are integrally formed in a common elastomer insert (400), and wherein the fluid channels (321, 331, 521, 531) are at least partially bounded by the elastomer insert (400). 5. A pumping cartridge (200) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the recesses further define an intake valve space (520) and an exhaust valve space (330), wherein the intake valve space (520) is adapted to receive the intake valve flap (420) when the intake valve (5) V1), and wherein the exhaust valve space (330) is adapted to receive the exhaust valve flap (430) when the exhaust valve (V2) opens. A pump cartridge (200) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pump cartridge (200) has a filter membrane (600) longitudinally laterally of the pumping membrane (410), the inlet valve flap (420) and the outlet valve flap (430) ) is arranged between the base body (300) and the cover body (500) such that the pumping medium passes through the filter membrane (600) during conveyance through the pumping cartridge (200). The pumping cartridge (200) of claim 6, wherein the recesses define at least a portion of a connection channel (321) laterally connecting the filter membrane (600) to the inlet valve (V1), the working space (W), or the outlet valve (V2). 8. A pumping cartridge (200) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein a first support structure (340) is formed on the base body (300), on which the filter membrane (600) rests with a first side, and in that a second support structure (540) is formed on the cover body (500) on which the filter membrane (600 ) rests with a second side, and wherein one of the support structures forms a plurality of distribution channels for supplying the pumping medium to the filter membrane (600) and the other support structure forms a plurality of collection channels for collecting and collecting the pumping medium passed through the filter membrane (600). 9. pump cartridge (200) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cover body (500) forms a membrane support (550) on which the pumping membrane (410) rests in a starting position in which the volume of the working space (W) is minimized, and wherein in the membrane support (550) a plurality of drain channels (552) are formed, which communicate with the inlet valve (V1) and the outlet valve (V2). 10. The pumping cartridge (200) according to claim 9, wherein the emptying channels (552) are arranged in a star-shaped or reticulated manner in the membrane support (550). 11. A pumping cartridge (200) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pumping membrane (410) has a longitudinally extending, proximally open, blind hole-like receiving opening (412) which is adapted to form a connecting pin (134) of the connecting rod (133). by inserting and locking with this. The pumping cartridge (200) according to claim 11, wherein the receiving opening (412) forms a tapered region and, distally thereafter, a flared portion of enlarged cross section to receive a thickened portion of the connecting mandrel such that receiving the thickened portion in FIG the expanded area, the elastic, releasable latching connection between the connecting rod (133) and the pumping diaphragm (410) can be produced. 13. A pump cartridge (200) according to claim 12, wherein between a proximal surface of the pumping membrane (410) and the tapered portion a funnel-like tapered insertion funnel is formed in the distal direction to the insertion of the connecting dome (134) in the receiving opening (412) facilitate. 14. Set comprising: a pump cartridge (200) according to any one of claims 1-13; an outlet tube (212) connected to the pump cartridge (200) for directing the pumping medium delivered by the pump cartridge (200) away from the pumping cartridge (200); and a package (800) receiving the pump cartridge (200) and the outlet tube (212) sterile or sterilizable. The kit of claim 14, further comprising an inlet tube (211) connected to the pump cartridge (200) for delivering the pumping medium to be pumped to the pump cartridge (200), the inlet tube (211) also being disposed in the package (800) ) is recorded. 16. A diaphragm pump for delivering a fluid pumping medium, comprising: a drive module (100) having a drive motor (130) and a connecting rod (133) which is drivable by the drive motor (130) for an oscillating drive movement; and a pump cartridge (200) according to any one of claims 1-13, wherein the pump cartridge (200) is detachably connected to the drive module (100). 17. A membrane pump for delivering a fluid pumping medium, comprising: a drive module (100) having a drive motor (130) and a connecting rod (133) which is drivable by the drive motor (130) for an oscillating drive movement; and a pump cartridge (200) detachably connectable to the drive module (100) and having an elastic pumping membrane (410), an inlet valve (V1) and an outlet valve (V2), the pumping membrane (410) being connectable to the connecting rod (133) to drive the pumping diaphragm (410) in an oscillating working motion along a longitudinal direction, characterized, the connecting rod (133) has a connecting mandrel (134) distally extending along the longitudinal direction, the pumping membrane (410) has a proximally open, blind-hole-like receiving opening (412) extending along the longitudinal direction, and in that the connecting mandrel (134) and the receiving opening (412) are designed in such a way that an elastic, detachable latching connection can be produced between the connecting rod (133) and the pumping membrane (410), by the connecting mandrel (134) being completely inserted into the receiving opening along the longitudinal direction (412) is inserted. 18. Diaphragm pump according to claim 17, wherein the connecting mandrel (134) has a thickened portion with an enlarged cross-section in a distal end region, wherein the receiving opening (412) forms a tapered region and, in the distal direction thereafter, a widened region of enlarged cross-section to receive the thickened portion of the connecting mandrel, and wherein the elastic, releasable latching connection between the connecting rod (133) and the pumping membrane (410) can be produced by receiving the thickened portion in the widened region. 19. A diaphragm pump according to claim 18, wherein between a proximal surface of the pumping membrane and the tapered portion a funnel-like tapering insertion funnel is formed in order to facilitate the insertion of the connecting dome (134) into the receiving opening (412). 20. Diaphragm pump according to one of claims 17-19, wherein the connecting rod (133) is connected to the drive motor (130) such that when the pump cartridge (200) is connected to the drive module (100), the elastic, releasable latching connection between the connecting rod (133) and the pumping diaphragm (410) can be produced automatically by the drive movement (133) of the connecting rod (130) generated by the drive motor (130). 21. A diaphragm pump according to any one of claims 17-20, wherein the connecting rod (133) comprises a support ring (135) laterally surrounding the connection dome (134) with respect to the longitudinal direction and resting on the pumping diaphragm (410) to support it. 22. Diaphragm pump according to one of claims 17-21, wherein the pump cartridge (200) has a latching element (512) for producing a releasable latching connection between the pump cartridge (200) and a housing-fixed mounting region (120) of the drive module (100). 23. A diaphragm pump according to any one of claims 17-22, wherein the housing fixed mounting portion (120) forms a pivot receptacle (122) for the pump cartridge (200), so that the pump cartridge (200) by a pivoting movement in the pivot receptacle (122) with the drive module (100) is connectable.