DE102016115608A1 - Syringe pump with improved syringe loading procedure to prevent unwanted bolus administration - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a syringe pump (1) for the automated application of medicaments from a syringe (2) to a patient, comprising a cylinder receptacle (9) for a syringe barrel (28) of the syringe (2), relative to the cylinder receptacle (9) A drive head (13) for contacting and actuating a syringe plunger plate (30) of the syringe (2), a drive (4) for relative positioning thereof and a coupling unit (11) to be actuated by an operator for coupling and decoupling the drive (4) with the drive head (13), wherein the coupling unit (11) the drive (4) and drive head (13) decoupled due to an operator-side operation, so that the drive head (13) manually relative to the cylinder receptacle (9) is positionable, and at a contacting of the syringe plunger plate ( 30) automatically coupled by the drive head (13, 46). It further relates to a method for inserting a syringe (2) in a syringe pump (1), in particular in a syringe pump (1) according to the invention.

Description

The present invention relates to a syringe pump for automated administration of medicaments or a medicament from a syringe to a patient, comprising a cylinder receptacle for a syringe barrel of the syringe, a drive head relative to the cylinder receptacle for contacting and actuating a syringe plunger or a syringe plunger plate of the syringe Drive for their relative positioning and an operable by an operator coupling unit for coupling and decoupling the drive with the drive head. It further relates to a method for inserting a syringe in a syringe pump, in particular in a syringe pump according to the invention.

In medicine, especially in the intensive care of patients, a continuous supply of fluids or drugs over a longer period is often required. Usually automatic syringe pumps are used for this purpose, with which a steady supply of a drug with largely defined volume flow over a long period is possible and ensured. In particular, highly effective drugs are applied by means of infusion syringe pumps. In such pumps, a filled with a corresponding drug syringe is inserted and fixed in the device. A promotion of the drug from the syringe ensures a drive over which the inserted into the device syringe is actuated.

It is in an automated administration of drugs, in particular of highly effective drugs, essential and immensely important that an application of the drug in the respectively desired and required manner, ie with the appropriate volume flow, constancy and quantity, takes place and is ensured. Drug deviations from it can involve far-reaching risks for the patient. For example, with highly effective drugs with low infusion rates (ie, a small volume of medication per unit of time), delayed or excessive drug administration (medication bolus) may occur. In particular, the latter case is medically undesirable because it leads to unwanted reactions of the patient, e.g. Blood pressure changes, can come, which can represent a critical therapy risk.

There are disadvantages associated with inserting and changing syringes into known syringe pumps. In particular, when manually inserting a syringe into a receptacle provided for this purpose and subsequent commissioning, there may be pressure variations and / or insufficient or uncontrollable pressure in the syringe. This may in particular be the case when an expiration of the drug from the syringe is interrupted. It is unfavorable that infusion syringes are usually made of plastic and have a displaceable by a piston rod in a syringe barrel piston made of an elastomer. These materials are reversibly deformable within certain force / pressure ranges, so that it can lead to changes in the volume enclosed by the syringe plunger with pressure variations in the syringe barrel.

If, after insertion of a syringe and the presence of a deformation as described above, drainage of the medicament from the syringe is enabled, for example when an intended medication is started, the syringe barrel and piston return to their original shape due to their elastic properties, which results in volume variation of the volume determined by the cylinder and the piston. If the patient is already connected to the infusion syringe, depending on the pressure built up in the syringe, patient blood may be aspirated or an undefined amount of medication delivered to the patient.

In the prior art, a change or insertion of a syringe can in principle be done either by a manual or an automatic method:
When manually inserting or changing, the syringe plunger is to be manually coupled with the syringe pump and its drive. In this case, the drive head is usually decoupled from the drive by a lever mechanism when inserting the syringe into a syringe receptacle of the pump. The drive head is positioned in the sequence relative to the syringe by hand and is delivered after inserting the syringe in the syringe pump by an operator by hand in the direction of the syringe plunger. If the drive head touches a piston plate of the syringe plunger, the user adjusts the feed motion of the drive head and couples it back to the drive by actuating the lever mechanism. At the same time, the piston plate is automatically mechanically or firmly connected by manual operation of the operator with the drive head. This can lead to unnoticed pressure variations in the syringe, which balance when connected to the patient, so that it can come to the above-described aspiration of patient's blood or to a dose of uncontrolled amounts of medication during a short period.

Another disadvantage of syringe pumps with manual syringe change is that the positioning of the syringe wings in the axial fixation of the syringe barrel, the alignment of the syringe Piston rod in the radial direction and the coupling of the drive head with the syringe plunger plate and the fixation of the piston plate must be performed simultaneously. In particular, if a quick start-up of the pump, for example, in acute circulatory problems of a patient, is required, it is problematic to perform all these actions safely, correctly and completely, so that it can easily make mistakes. It can, for example, come to tilt the piston rod resulting in a later infusion interruption. When fitting the piston rod into the receptacle provided for this purpose or when approaching the piston plate manually, an undesired medication bolus may occur, which may even not be detected. Lack of axial fixation of the syringe barrel may result in unwanted drug flow.

In the case of an automatic syringe change, the drive head of the syringe pump is first driven by a motor into an end position before inserting a syringe. This is defined by the maximum stroke of the syringe plunger and designed for the largest usable syringe. When the final position is reached, an operator can insert the syringe into the syringe holder. Subsequently, the drive head automatically advances from the end position in the direction of the piston plate of the syringe plunger. A sensor immediately stops the motor movement when the drive head touches the piston plate. This is followed by a mechanical coupling of the piston plate with the drive head. A pressure build-up in the syringe can be avoided by the sensor-controlled movement of the drive head and the so controlled acting forces. However, it is disadvantageous that the speed of the syringe change can not be influenced by the user, but is determined by the automatic sequences.

From the patent EP 2 599 511 B1 a drive device for a semi-automatic syringe change is described. The device is relatively complex and expensive, since a multi-stage apron sensors for initiating the coupling operation of the drive head with the drive and a number of electromagnets are required.

Another disadvantage of syringe pumps with automatic syringe change may be that the time required for a syringe change from the maximum travel speed of the drive head to the end position and back and is determined by their position relative to the piston plate. This can be problematic in some applications, especially if a rapid onset of drug administration is required. In these cases, the traversing speed of the drive head dictates the time until infusion start and can not be shortened by the user.

Unwanted fluctuations in drug administration can be caused not only by inserting and changing the syringe, but also as a result of inadequate fixation of the syringe in the syringe pump:

On the one hand, the piston plate is connected as part of the syringe directly to the drive of the syringe pump. Forces from the drive in the direction of movement of the syringe plunger are exerted on the syringe via the piston plate and cause a controlled emptying of the syringe. Now, different syringes usually have different piston plates, which differ in diameter and thickness. This can cause the piston plate is not sufficiently fixed to the drive head and dissolves in vibration or a negative pressure in the syringe barrel. There may be an uncontrolled flow of medication to the patient. There are known Kolbenplattenfixierungen in which a braking device for the piston rod is provided to achieve a safe and the patient not endangering function. This prevents it during the fixing of the piston plate on the drive head to a displacement of the piston rod can come in the axial direction.

On the other hand, the syringe is held over its cylinder in the syringe pump and fixed. Different syringes usually have different syringe barrel diameters and lengths. The result is that the syringe cylinder as well as the piston plate of the syringe piston in the radial direction relative to the contact surface of the syringe holder have different distances, so that the drive head contacts this at different points. This can lead to tilting of the piston rod.

In addition to a sufficient fixation of the piston plate also the syringe barrel is to be fixed in the axial direction. According to the prior art, this takes place via receiving devices for syringe wings, which are provided at the end of the syringe barrel in conventional syringes. If the recording devices are mistakenly not used by a user or used incorrectly, unwanted fluctuations in medication can occur, including self-emptying.

Fixations are known which, in the case of small syringes with small plunger plates, produce a force component which acts in the radial direction on the piston rod of the syringe. As a result, there may be a tilting of the piston rod, so that they jammed in the syringe barrel and the medication is interrupted or delayed. To avoid is known, for example, an additional braking device of the piston rod use. This represents an increased technical effort.

Against the background described above, the invention has for its object to provide a medical syringe pump, which does not have the aforementioned disadvantages of known pumps. The pump should be user-friendly and easy to use, with a view to a syringe change rapid availability of the drug should be given to the patient, without this being compromised by inaccurate or deviant drug administration, for example due to an unwanted pressure buildup in the syringe barrel. With regard to the coupling of the syringe plunger of a syringe with the drive of the syringe pump always a solid, safe and correct coupling should be ensured. Furthermore, a firm, secure and correct fixation of the syringe barrel in the pump should be ensured. The time required to insert a syringe until infusion begins is to be minimized as needed. In particular, an uncontrolled drug flow during syringe change should be avoided. Finally, the cost of technical components for an automated syringe change should be low and reduced compared to the prior art.

This object is achieved according to the present invention on the device side by a medical syringe pump according to the preamble of claim 1, which is characterized in that the coupling unit as a result of an operator-side operation drive and drive head decoupled from each other, in particular mechanically decoupled, and in the case of mutual contact syringe plunger plate and drive head automatically couples drive and drive head with each other. According to the invention, the drive head in the decoupled state can be positioned manually relative to the cylinder receptacle. In the case of a contact of the drive head through the syringe plunger plate, the inventive design of the syringe pump causes an immediate and only with a slight delay automatic re-coupling. As a result, the drive head can not be moved in the coupled state without adjustment of the drive. It can also be said that the drive head is fixed in the coupled state due to its coupling with the drive relative to the cylinder receptacle and a relative positioning of the drive head with respect to the cylinder receptacle and a syringe therein is not possible. Unintentional medication is thus without an adjustment of the drive, which is preferably controlled by a control of the pump and braked or fixed at a standstill, not possible. In this way, the invention can allow a bolus-free insertion of the syringe in the syringe pump, but unlike in known pumps that allow such, yet a particularly fast and effective disassembly and assembly of a syringe by manually adjusting the syringe pump is possible. Furthermore, by the invention traversing paths in which the syringe plunger plate and the drive head (yet) are not engaged or in contact with each other, can be moved manually particularly quickly and independently of the maximum travel speed of the drive. A manual method is only and immediately suppressed as soon as the syringe plunger plate and the drive head are in contact with each other and relative positioning of the syringe plunger in the syringe barrel could occur.

• – die Koppeleinheit durch eine Bedienperson betätigt wird, wodurch der Antrieb und der Antriebskopf entkoppelt, insbesondere mechanisch entkoppelt, werden,
• – der Antriebskopf nachfolgend manuell relativ zur Zylinderaufnahme in eine ein Einlegen einer Spritze ermöglichende Wechselposition positioniert wird,
• – nachfolgend eine Spritze in die Zylinderaufnahme eingelegt wird und
• – nachfolgend der Antriebskopf in Richtung der Zylinderaufnahme positioniert, insbesondere manuell positioniert, und mit der Spritzenkolbenplatte in Kontakt gebracht wird, wobei bei Inkontaktgelangen von Spritzenkolbenplatte und Antriebskopf der Antrieb mit dem Antriebskopf automatisch gekoppelt wird. Infolge dieser automatischen Kopplung sind der Antriebskopf und die Zylinderaufnahme zueinander relativpositioniert und fixiert (ein manuelles Positionieren des Antriebskopf ist nicht mehr möglich), so dass ihre relative Lage zueinander und damit auch die Lage des Spritzenkolbens im Spritzenzylinder bestimmt und gehalten ist.

With regard to a method, the object on which the invention is based is achieved by a method for inserting a syringe into a syringe pump, in particular into a syringe pump according to the invention, the present description or any one of the preceding claims, having a cylinder receptacle for a syringe barrel of the syringe, a relative to the cylinder receiving relatively positionable drive head for contacting and actuation of a syringe plunger / a syringe plunger plate of the syringe, a drive for their relative positioning and operable by an operator coupling unit for coupling and decoupling the drive with the drive head, said

• - The coupling unit is actuated by an operator, whereby the drive and the drive head decoupled, in particular mechanically decoupled,
• The drive head is subsequently positioned manually relative to the cylinder receptacle in a change position enabling insertion of a syringe,
• - Subsequently, a syringe is inserted into the cylinder receptacle and
• - Subsequently, the drive head positioned in the direction of the cylinder mount, in particular manually positioned, and is brought into contact with the syringe plunger plate, wherein when Inkontaktgelangen syringe plunger plate and drive head of the drive is automatically coupled to the drive head. As a result of this automatic coupling of the drive head and the cylinder receiving each other are relatively positioned and fixed (a manual positioning of the drive head is no longer possible), so that their relative position to each other and thus the position of the syringe plunger in the syringe barrel is determined and maintained.

In the present description of the invention, the term "axial direction" refers to a direction parallel to the central longitudinal axis of a syringe intended to be received in the syringe pump. The term "radial direction" refers to a direction orthogonal thereto. The invention is not limited to a positioning of the Driven head limited relative to the cylinder mount, but also includes embodiments in which the cylinder mount is positioned relative to the drive head and can be positioned.

Advantageous embodiments of the invention are claimed in the subclaims and are explained in more detail below.

In one embodiment, the coupling unit can be fixed relative to the drive head. It may in particular be connected in the axial direction fixed to the drive head, for example via a push rod or guide rod or other, in particular thrust forces in the axial direction between the coupling unit and drive head transmitting unit. In this way, the coupling unit and the drive head can be positioned together in the axial direction relative to the cylinder receptacle. If the coupling unit is decoupled from the drive, so there is a decoupling of the drive and drive head, the coupling unit can be freely positioned together with the drive head by a manual operator-side operation relative to the cylinder holder and the drive. After the automatic coupling of the drive head and fixed to or with this coupling unit on the one hand and the cylinder holder and the drive on the other hand relatively positioned and fixed to each other, so that their relative position to each other and thus the position of the syringe plunger in the syringe barrel is determined and maintained.

An embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the coupling unit has a first clutch interacting directly or indirectly with the drive and a second clutch interacting directly or indirectly with the drive head. The first clutch may in particular be designed as a mechanical clutch, while the second clutch may be designed in particular as an electromagnetic clutch. The first coupling preferably causes a coupling or decoupling of the drive head together with the coupling unit with the drive or from the drive. If the first clutch is decoupled, the drive head can be manually positioned with the coupling unit. If the first clutch is coupled, a drive torque can be transmitted from the drive to the coupling unit and the drive head and so a motor-driven positioning of the drive head can be effected and a manual positioning of the drive head is not possible. Task and effect of the second clutch is to effect a fastest possible and largely immediate re-coupling of drive and drive head in case of contacting of the drive head and syringe plunger plate. This is preferably done by the second clutch is automatically decoupled in the case of a contact and transferred to its decoupled position, wherein it entrains the first clutch and transferred to the coupled state. The automatic decoupling can be done for example by applying a bias, for example by a spring, to the second clutch.

The first clutch can be decoupled by a user-side actuation of the coupling unit, in particular when the second clutch is coupled. For example, via the coupled second clutch, a displacement exerted on the coupling unit by an operator can be transmitted in the axial direction to the first clutch. As a result of such a displacement in the axial direction, the first clutch can be transferred from the coupled state to the uncoupled state.

It is particularly advantageous when the first clutch is biased in its coupled position, in particular by means of a spring / compression spring. This promotes re-engagement of the first clutch and thereby coupling the drive and drive head in the event of mutual contacting of syringe plunger plate and drive head.

In one embodiment, the coupling unit may have an operatively connected to the second clutch actuator for decoupling the first clutch. This can cooperate with at least one coupling element of the first clutch, preferably in such a way that the coupling element can be positioned (coupled) into a position coupling the drive with the drive head and (decoupled) into a position uncoupling the drive from the drive head. In particular, the coupling element may be a pivotably arranged on the coupling unit coupling arm, which is operatively connected via an inclined plane or sliding bevel with the actuator. By a displacement of the actuator in the axial direction relative to the coupling element, a pivoting of the coupling element can be effected, whereby it is pivoted between its coupled and its uncoupled position. The actuator may in particular be formed as a sleeve, which is operatively connected on the one hand with the second clutch and on the other hand with the coupling element or the coupling elements of the first clutch. It can in particular be positioned, for example displaced, by actuation of the second clutch relative to the first clutch and thus the coupling element. By such a relative positioning of the actuator, the first clutch is actuated and in particular coupled or decoupled. The coupling element may be operatively connected in its coupled position directly or indirectly via a transmission unit with the drive. In the coupled position, the coupling unit can be positioned by the action of the drive relative to the cylinder receptacle, in particular positionable in the axial direction. In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the actuator biased by a compression spring which is supported on the one hand on the actuator and on the other hand on the coupling element and biases the first clutch in its coupled position.

An embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the second clutch comprises an electromagnet. The second clutch can be positioned in its coupling position by an operator-side actuation of the coupling unit in its uncoupling position and by applying current to the electromagnet. The second clutch may in particular be held in its coupled position by the electromagnet. If the energization of the electromagnet is set, the second clutch is decoupled or can be transferred due to a bias voltage in its uncoupled state, preferably automatically transferred. Preferably, the second clutch is biased to its disengaged position. This can be effected according to the invention, in particular by means of a spring or compression spring.

It is particularly advantageous if the coupling unit relative to the cylinder receiving is relatively positionable. In particular, it can be guided so as to be positionable in the axial direction relative to the cylinder receptacle with a linear guide, for example in the form of a guide rod. The coupling unit may in particular be designed in the manner or in the form of a carriage. In particular, the coupling unit can carry or store the first clutch and the second clutch as well as the possibly existing actuator between the first and the second clutch. Furthermore, the coupling unit can bear or form a bearing, for example in the form of a bearing journal or bearing pin, which serves for a bearing, in particular pivotable mounting, of the coupling element of the first coupling.

According to one embodiment, the coupling unit is operatively connected to a pivot lever mechanism for operator-side actuation of the syringe pump. It is in particular positionable by its operator-side operation. Preferably, the second clutch may be operatively connected to the pivot lever mechanism and be positionable by its operator-side operation in its uncoupling position.

An embodiment is characterized in that the drive head has two pivotable clamping elements. These are designed and fixed for clamping the syringe plunger and / or the syringe plunger plate provided thereon from opposite sides therebetween. The clamping elements are each shaped such that a clamping force exerted by the respective clamping element on the syringe plunger or the syringe plunger plate is aligned radially to the central longitudinal axis of the syringe plunger. In particular, the clamping elements may each have a clamping contour, the shape of which is formed such that contact areas of the clamping elements with the syringe plunger or the syringe plunger plate depending on the diameter of the syringe plunger or the syringe plunger plate and the position in the cylinder receptacle on diametrically opposite sides of the central longitudinal axis of the Syringe plunger are formed. Furthermore, the contact regions of the clamping elements may be concave in an arc shape. In this way, the syringe plunger or the syringe plunger plate can be partially arcuately encompassed, so that a supporting effect is present in several directions and a displacement or tilting of the syringe plunger can be avoided due to tangentially acting holding forces.

A further embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the cylinder receptacle has a radial fixation for fixing the syringe, in particular the syringe barrel, in the radial direction in the cylinder receptacle. The radial fixing is preferably designed as a locking element which can be positioned in the radial direction of the cylinder receptacle and is prestressed in the direction of the cylinder receptacle (in a clamping position). It can be positioned in a loading position, that is to say in a position remote from the cylinder receptacle, and in a clamping position, ie in a position close to the cylinder receptacle, and serves in the latter for a syringe located in the cylinder receptacle, in particular by contacting and clamping to fix the syringe barrel. The cylinder receptacle may further comprise a position sensor which detects a proper position and fixation and clamping of the syringe in the cylinder receptacle. In addition, a receptacle for syringe wings of the syringe may be formed in the cylinder receptacle, which allows additional fixation and securing the position of the syringe in the syringe pump.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the drive head to a sensor which detects a contacting of the syringe plunger and the syringe plunger plate with the drive head. As soon as there is a contact between the drive head and the syringe, the sensor outputs a sensor signal which is used for an immediate, at least as immediate as possible coupling of the drive head to the drive, so that further manual positioning of the drive head relative to the syringe is no longer possible and unintentional bolus administration.

According to a further embodiment, the drive head on a pressure plate, the is movable relative to the drive head in the axial direction and a contacting of the syringe plunger plate is used. The pressure plate may in particular be designed to be elastic, for example as a diaphragm plate. The mobility and / or the elasticity of the pressure plate serves two purposes, on the one hand a contact of pressure plate and syringe plunger plate can be detected simply by a displacement or deformation of the pressure plate, on the other hand, the displaceability and / or elasticity can be designed such that even at a initial light contact, movement of the syringe plunger in the syringe barrel is avoided.

According to one embodiment, the drive unit of the syringe pump consists of a drive, which is preferably formed by an electric motor, and of a gear unit for converting the drive torque of the drive into a corresponding desired linear movement. The transmission unit can be designed in particular as a band transmission in the broadest sense, for example with a toothed belt, a V-belt, a chain drive or a cable, or as a spindle drive with a threaded spindle and a spindle nut. In the case of a spindle drive, the coupling elements of the first coupling may be formed with particular advantage with a kind of half-shell spindle nut and contact the spindle directly.

A coupling or decoupling of the drive and the drive head according to the invention can be effected by direct or indirect action of the coupling unit on the drive. The coupling unit can contact the drive unit formed from drive and gear unit at any point, in particular, a contact can be made for coupling / decoupling of the gear unit. For example, the coupling elements of the coupling unit with the gear unit, for example with a toothed belt or a threaded spindle, are engaged and disengaged and lock their movement or release.

• – Ein schnelles, bolusfreies und manuelles Einlegen der Spritze in die Pumpe ist möglich. Der Anwender kann den Antriebskopf manuell mit der für ihn sinnvollen Geschwindigkeit verschieben, um eine gefüllte Spritze in die Spritzenaufnahme einzulegen und mit dem Antriebskopf koppeln zu können.
• – Sobald der Antriebskopf mit der Spritze, dem Spritzenkolben oder der Spritzenkolbenplatte in Kontakt gelangt und eine Möglichkeit besteht, dass der Kolben gegenüber dem Spritzenzylinder relativpositioniert werden könnte, erfolgt erfindungsgemäß eine Kopplung und damit Verriegelung und Lagefixierung von Antrieb und Antriebskopf und damit von Spritzenkolben und Spritzenzylinder, so dass durch die Erfindung ein möglicher, ungewollter Medikamentenfluss sicher vermieden werden kann.
• – Ein sicheres, automatisches Fixieren der Kolbenplatte am Antriebskopf ist insbesondere ohne Verursachen von Verkantungen der Lage der Spritze in der Spritzenaufnahme möglich. Der Anwender muss diese Fixierung nicht manuell auslösen oder durchführen. Es können alle bekannten Kolbenplattengeometrien sicher fixiert werden.
• – Eine Überwachung, ob der Spritzenzylinder plan, also bestimmungsgemäß, in der Spritzenzylinderaufnahme aufliegt, ist möglich, um ein falsches Einlegen der Spritzenflügel durch den Anwender in die dafür ggf. vorgesehene Axialfixierung zu signalisieren.

In particular, the following advantages can be achieved by the invention:

• - Fast, bolus-free and manual insertion of the syringe into the pump is possible. The user can manually move the drive head at the speed that suits him or her to insert a filled syringe into the syringe holder and couple it to the drive head.
• - As soon as the drive head with the syringe, the syringe plunger or the syringe plunger plate comes into contact and there is a possibility that the piston relative to the syringe barrel could be relatively positioned, according to the invention a coupling and thus locking and fixing the position of drive and drive head and thus of syringe plunger and syringe barrel , so that a possible, unwanted drug flow can be safely avoided by the invention.
• - A secure, automatic fixing of the piston plate on the drive head is possible in particular without causing tilting of the position of the syringe in the syringe holder. The user does not have to trigger or perform this fixation manually. All known piston plate geometries can be securely fixed.
• - It is possible to monitor whether the syringe barrel rests flat in the syringe barrel receptacle, as intended, in order to signal the incorrect insertion of the syringe blades by the user into the axial fixation provided therefor.

In summary, it can also be said that the invention comprises a syringe pump which is set up and designed for a basically manual syringe change. After inserting a syringe in the syringe pump, the forward movement of the drive head is monitored and interrupted according to the invention as soon as a piston plate of the syringe is detected by the drive head. The syringe pump according to the invention further allows an automatic fixation of the piston plate without tilting the piston rod. In addition, according to the invention, the manual loading operation can be improved by monitoring the position of the syringe barrel. This ultimately improves safe and quick handling of the infusion syringe pump.

Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following exemplary and non-limiting description of the invention with reference to figures. These are merely schematic in nature and are only for understanding the invention. Showing:

1 an embodiment of the syringe pump according to the invention in a schematic view, wherein individual components are arranged in a plane of drawing for better understanding,

2 a schematic enlarged detail of the coupling unit of the syringe pump,

3 the representation of 2 in the decoupled state,

4 the representation of 2 in the coupled state,

5 a schematic plan view of a known fixation for the syringe on a drive head,

6 a schematic plan view of a fixation for the syringe on a drive head according to the invention,

7 a flowchart for an exemplary embodiment of the method according to the invention,

8th a schematic representation of a cylinder receiving and a drive head with a designated inserted syringe,

9 a schematic representation of a cylinder receiving and a drive head with a not properly inserted syringe,

10 a schematic, perspective view of the syringe pump according to the invention without inserted syringe and without housing cover,

11 an enlarged detail view of the operating unit of 10 without cover,

12 a sectional view of the drive head to illustrate the function of a sensor for detecting a contact of the syringe,

13 a perspective view of the drive unit, actuator unit and coupling unit,

14 a perspective view of the drive head and

15 a section of the cylinder holder in a perspective view.

1 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of the syringe pump 1 according to the invention with a syringe inserted therein 2 , The pump 1 includes a drive unit 3 essentially formed from a drive 4 in the form of an electric motor and a spindle drive 5 with spindle 6 and spindle bearings 7a . 7b , It further includes a base plate 8th holding a syringe holder or syringe barrel holder, the spindle bearing 7a . 7b and a linear guide 10 wearing. The syringe pickup 9 , the spindle bearings 7a . 7b and the linear guide 10 are each fixed and fixed to each other. The spindle 6 is by the drive 4 rotationally driven and rotatable, but axially fixed by means of storage 7a . 7b stored.

The syringe pump 1 also includes a coupling unit 11 on the linear guide 10 is guided positionable in the axial direction, and one in an operating unit 12 integrated drive head 13 , The drive head 13 is via a torque tube or drive tube 14 fix with the coupling unit 11 connected. In the drive tube 14 is an actuating or unlocking rod 15 arranged over which the actuator unit 12 in a manner described in more detail below with the coupling unit 11 is actively connected. Finally, in 1 a controller 51 for controlling the syringe pump 1 and their components indicated.

The coupling unit 11 is schematic and detailed in 2 shown. It includes a sledge 16 , a first clutch 17 , a second clutch 18 and an actuator 19 , The second clutch 18 has an electromagnet 20 on and is with the actuating or unlocking rod 15 connected / operatively connected. The electromagnet 20 forms a first part of the second clutch 18 that with the actuator 19 as the second part of the second clutch 18 can be coupled and uncoupled. The first clutch 17 has two as lever arms 21 trained coupling elements 21 on, each by means of a bearing pin 22 rotatable on the carriage 16 are stored. At his the camp pin 22 opposite end is every lever arm 21 with an intervention area 23 Mistake. This is in each case on the type and shape of a half nut or spindle nut 23 for engagement with the threaded spindle 6 educated. At its bearing pin end are the lever arms 21 each with a stop arm 24 Mistake. This forms a stop for a compression spring 25 out, which is the first clutch 17 in its closed position (shown in the 2 and 4 ), which may also be referred to as a coupled or engaged position, is biased. The compression spring 25 stands with her stop arms 24 opposite end to a sleeve 26 of the actuator 19 in attack. The compression spring 25 causes the stop arms 24 and the sleeve 26 of the actuator 19 be pressed apart. As a result, the compression spring tensions 25 the first clutch 17 in their coupled position, in which the spindle half nuts 23 the coupling arms 21 with the threaded spindle 6 engage (see 2 and 4 ).

In the decoupled position of the first clutch 17 , in the 3 is shown, is the compression spring 25 by action of the sleeve 26 of the actuator 19 in the direction of the stop arms 24 compressed. Due to the radial distance of the contact of the compression spring 25 with the stop arms 24 and the pressure effect of the compression spring 25 are the coupling arms 21 around their respective bearing pin 22 turned so that the spindle half nuts 23 not with the spindle anymore 6 in threaded engagement. As in 3 with field lines 27 a magnetic field is indicated, is the electromagnet 20 energized, so that he is the actuator 19 pulls in his direction in a mutual investment.

The syringe 2 may be a conventional disposable syringe and consists essentially of a syringe barrel 28 and one in it in the axial direction sliding syringe plunger 29 who's on his syringe barrel 28 opposite side with a syringe plunger plate 30 is provided. The syringe 2 is how in 8th is shown in more detail, in the (syringe) cylinder recording 9 the pump 1 inserted. To a proper position and positioning of the syringe 2 ensure is the cylinder intake 9 with a radial fixation 31 and an axial fixation 32 educated. When the syringe is inserted as intended 2 are their syringe wings 33 in a gap 34 the axial fixation 32 , The syringe barrel 28 lies then on its entire length on an inner wall 49 the syringe barrel 9 at. This system is according to the invention with a position sensor 35 detected. 9 indicates an improper location or positioning of the syringe 2 in the cylinder holder 9 , The syringe barrel 28 is not on its entire length at the cylinder mount 9 on and the syringe wings 33 are not in the gap 34 so that the sensor 35 does not indicate correct position.

The 10 to 14 show, among other things, the operating unit 12 , This has a housing 36 in which an operating lever 37 around a rotation axis 38 is pivotally mounted around. With the rotation axis 38 and the operating lever 37 is a lever arm 39 or driver 39 with a slope designed as inclined plane 40 coupled. axis of rotation 38 , Operating lever 37 and takers 39 are by means of a tension spring 41 in the in 11 biased rest position shown. The slip slope 40 of the driver 39 stands with the actuating or unlocking rod 15 in Appendix. Is the driver located 39 in the in 11 shown rest position, is the actuating or unlocking rod 15 in the direction of the driver 39 postponed (cf. 1 , there to the right). As a result, the electromagnet is also 20 shifted to the left and the second clutch 18 is in its coupled state (state according to 2 ). The actuator is located in its from the bearing pins 22 distant end position, the compression spring 25 is relaxed and the first clutch 17 engaged, so that the coupling elements 21 with the spindle 6 engaged, a torque from the drive 4 on the drive head 13 is transmitted and a manual adjustment is not possible.

The operating lever 37 can be lowered by about 30 ° from the user (referring to 11 ) are moved. This rotational movement is via the driver 39 on the actuating or unlocking rod 15 transferred and implemented in a linear motion. This linear movement in the axial direction is achieved by the actuating or unlocking rod 15 to the second clutch 18 directed. The feather 41 sets the operating lever 37 to its starting position (see 11 ) as soon as the user releases it.

The drive head 13 has a sensor 42 which serves to make contact between the drive head 13 and a syringe plunger plate 30 one in the cylinder holder 9 Properly arranged syringe 2 to recognize. The sensor 42 is schematic in 12 and includes a forked light barrier 43 with a light source (not shown) and an opposite light sensor (not shown). The drive head 13 further includes a pressure plate 46 that as a diaphragm plate 46 may be formed for installation and operation of the syringe plunger plate 30 in the axial direction relative to the housing 36 of the drive head 13 and the operating unit 12 is movable, for example, is stored. The pressure plate 46 changes its position in relation to the housing connection in contact with the syringe plunger plate 30 , The drive head still includes one over a pin 47 with the pressure plate 46 connected switching flag 48 , This is between light source and light sensor of the forked light barrier 43 arranged and interrupts the beam path. If the relative position of the pressure plate 46 to the housing 36 changes, the beam path from the switching flag 48 Approved. In summary, it can be seen that the photocell 43 generates a signal as soon as the drive head 13 , here the pressure plate 46 , comes into contact with the syringe plunger plate.

15 shows a detail of the cylinder mount 9 enlarged in a perspective view. Shown is a part of the inner wall 49 the cylinder intake 9 , which has a support surface for the syringe barrel 28 formed. Furthermore, the axial fixation is recognizable 32 as well as the radial fixation 31 ,

13 shows parts of the drive of the 1 in their actual perspective arrangement. The drive 4 in the form of the electric motor 4 is via a gear transmission 50 with the spindle 6 connected and so outside the axis of the spindle 6 arranged. In this way, the axial length of the pump 1 be trained briefly. In the enlarged detail view of the 13 is the first clutch 17 without the compression spring 25 shown.

The drive head 13 is in 14 shown in a perspective view. There are next to the pressure plate 46 , the housing 36 , the drive tube 14 and the release bar 15 two swiveling on the drive head 13 arranged and mounted therein clamping elements 48 shown. 4 shows clamping elements 48 in the prior art and illustrates the emergence of a force acting in the radial direction force F upon clamping a syringe plunger plate 30a with a large diameter against a syringe plunger plate 30b with a small diameter. 6 shows in contrast a solution according to the invention, with arcuate clamping surfaces 52 the clamping elements, regardless of Diameter of the respective piston plate 30a . 30b no radial force is generated.

7 shows a flow chart for the procedure of insertion of the syringe 2 into the pump 1 , After the start of the process (syringe change START), by an operator-side operation of the operating lever 37 Initially, the electromagnet is first 20 energized. He generates a magnetic field, indicated in 3 so that the second clutch 18 is coupled and the electromagnet 20 the actuator 19 pulls to himself. At the same time by the operation of the operating lever 37 the operating rod 15 towards the drive 4 postponed. Because the second clutch 18 is energized, becomes the actuator 19 against the bias of the compression spring 25 in the direction of the drive 4 out of place. The compression spring 25 acts on the actuator 19 opposite side against the stop arms 24 the coupling arms 21 , By the above-described configuration of the first clutch 17 pivot the coupling arms 21 around their respective bearing pin 22 and uncouple from the threaded spindle 6 , The drive head 13 can now be moved manually by an operator.

It will be an injection 2 in the cylinder receptacle 9 inserted, leaving syringe wings 33 in the gap 34 between the cylinder intake 9 and the axial fixation 32 are inserted (see 8th ). The position sensor checks 35 the intended position of the syringe 2 in the recording 9 , In this way it is ensured that the syringe barrel 28 is properly inserted and the syringe axis congruent with the direction of movement of the drive head 13 is.

In case of incorrect insertion of the syringe (see 9 ) are the syringe wings 33 in the direction of the drive head 13 behind the axial fixation 32 , Through the contour of the syringe barrel 28 raised, is not on the inner wall 49 and is not parallel to the longitudinal axis of the pump 1 aligned. This is done by the position sensor 35 detected and can by the controller 51 the pump are evaluated. According to the invention, an indication or alarm is triggered and a start of the drive 4 blocked until the syringe wings 33 correct in the axial fixation 32 are placed.

Is the syringe 2 as intended in the cylinder mount 9 arranged, the drive head can 13 manually by the operator in the direction of the syringe holder 9 (in 1 to the left) until the pressure plate 46 the syringe plunger plate 30 contacted and the sensor 42 in the drive head 13 acts in the manner described above and gives a signal. After the flow control of 7 is permanently checked if the sensor 42 such a signal gives. As soon as this happens, the electromagnet will turn on 20 by controlling the pump 1 de-energized switched. This will be the second clutch 18 immediately opened, so that the actuator 19 due to the action of the compression spring 25 from the drive 4 moved (in the 1 to 4 to the right) and thereby by sliding over the slip slopes 40 the coupling arms these from the spindle 6 decoupled position in the with the spindle 6 coupled position urges. This immediate coupling is the drive head 13 again with the drive 4 connected and can not be moved manually. Another relative displacement of the pressure plate 46 in the direction of the cylinder intake 9 and thus a movement of the syringe plunger 29 in the syringe barrel 28 This is not possible and unwanted bolus doses are avoided.

The procedure of 7 includes as a special feature that the drive 4 at a signal from the sensor 42 and after coupling with the spindle 6 to run a certain distance "backwards" and the drive head 13 from the syringe plunger plate 30 moved on. The sensor 42 detects a release of the pressure plate 46 from the syringe plunger plate 30 and then gives another signal. The drive 4 is then stopped by the pump control and advances a fixed distance, so that the drive head 13 around this fixed distance in the direction of the syringe plunger plate 30 is moved. When the end of this fixed route is reached, the clamping arms become 48 closed, leaving the syringe plunger plate 30 on the pressure plate 46 is fixed. The syringe pump 1 is then ready for an application of the syringe 2 contained drug.

During a medication through the syringe pump 1 are the coupling elements 21 with the threaded spindle 6 coupled. The feather 25 is relaxed and the second clutch 18 is open, so uncoupled. This state of medication is in 4 shown. The sled 16 is with the threaded spindle 6 coupled and in sequence via the drive tube 14 also with the drive head 13 , So you can say that in this state, the drive head 13 with the drive 4 is coupled. A rotary motion of the drive 4 is via the threaded spindle 6 Delay-free in a linear movement of the carriage 16 converted and over the drive tube 14 on the drive head 13 transfer. A manual movement of the drive head 13 by an operator is not possible.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

 syringe pump

2

 syringe

3

 drive unit

4

 drive

5

 spindle drive

6

 spindle

7a, b

 Spindle bearings, storage

8th

 baseplate

9

 Syringe cylinder receptacle, syringe pickup

10

 linear guide

11

 coupling unit

12

 operating unit

13

 powerhead

14

 Drive tube, torque tube

15

 Operating rod, unlocking rod

16

 carriage

17

 first clutch

18

 second clutch

19

 actuator

20

 electromagnet

21

 Lever arm, coupling element

22

 bearing pin

23

 Engagement area, threaded nut, spindle nut

24

 stop arm

25

 compression spring

26

 shell

27

 field lines

28

 syringe barrel

29

 syringe plunger

30

 Syringe piston plate

31

 radial fixation

32

 axial fixation

33

 syringe wings

34

 gap

35

 position sensor

36

 casing

37

 actuating lever

38

 axis of rotation

39

 Lever arm, driver

40

 sliding bevel

41

 mainspring

42

 sensor

43

 photocell

46

 Pressure plate, diaphragm plate

47

 pen

48

 Clamping element, clamping arm

49

 inner wall

50

 gear transmission

51

 control

52

 clamping surface

F

 radial force

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• EP 2599511 B1 [0009]

Claims (16)

Syringe pump ( 1 ) for the automated application of medicaments from a syringe ( 2 ) to a patient, comprising: a cylinder receptacle ( 9 ) for a syringe barrel ( 28 ) of the syringe ( 2 ), one opposite the cylinder receiving ( 9 ) relatively positionable drive head ( 13 ) for contacting and actuating a syringe plunger plate ( 30 ) of the syringe ( 2 ), a drive ( 4 ) for their relative positioning; and a coupling unit to be operated by an operator ( 11 ) for coupling and decoupling the drive ( 4 ) with the drive head ( 13 ), characterized in that the coupling unit ( 11 ), the drive ( 4 ) and drive head ( 13 ) to decouple as a result of an operator-side operation, so that the drive head ( 13 ) manually relative to the cylinder receptacle ( 9 ) is positionable, and at a contacting of the syringe plunger plate ( 30 ) by the drive head ( 13 . 46 ) to pair automatically. Syringe pump ( 1 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that the coupling unit ( 11 ) one with the drive ( 4 ) cooperating first clutch ( 17 ) and one with the drive head ( 13 ) cooperating second clutch ( 18 ) having. Syringe pump ( 1 ) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the first coupling ( 17 ) with coupled second clutch ( 18 ) by an operator-side actuation of the coupling unit ( 11 ) is decoupled. Syringe pump ( 1 ) According to one of the preceding claims 2 or 3, characterized in that the first clutch ( 17 ) is biased in its coupled position, in particular by means of a spring ( 15 ) or compression spring ( 25 ). Syringe pump ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the coupling unit ( 11 ) with the second clutch ( 18 ) operatively connected actuator ( 19 ) for disengaging the first clutch ( 17 ), which with at least one coupling element ( 21 ) of the first clutch ( 17 ) cooperates, such that the coupling element ( 21 ) in a drive ( 4 ) with the drive head ( 13 ) coupling position and in a drive ( 4 ) from the drive head ( 13 ) uncoupled position is positionable. Syringe pump ( 1 ) According to claim 5, characterized in that the coupling element ( 21 ) pivotally on the coupling unit ( 11 ) arranged arm ( 21 ), which is over an inclined plane ( 40 ) with the actuator ( 19 ) is operatively connected. Syringe pump ( 1 ) according to one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that the second clutch ( 18 ) an electromagnet ( 20 ) and by operator-side actuation of the coupling unit ( 11 ) in its uncoupling position and by current application of the electromagnet ( 20 ) is positionable in its coupling position. Syringe pump ( 1 ) according to claim 7, characterized in that the second clutch ( 18 ) is biased in its uncoupling position, in particular by means of a spring ( 25 ) or compression spring ( 25 ). Syringe pump ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the coupling unit ( 11 ) relative to the cylinder receptacle ( 9 ) is relatively positionable. Syringe pump ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the coupling unit ( 11 ) with an actuating unit ( 12 ), which may be formed in particular as a pivot lever mechanism, is operatively connected and can be positioned by the operator-side actuation. Syringe pump ( 1 ) according to claim 10, characterized in that the second clutch ( 18 ) with the operating unit ( 12 ), in particular with the swivel lever mechanism ( 12 ) is operatively connected and can be positioned by their or the operator-side operation in their uncoupling position. Syringe pump ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the drive head ( 13 ) two pivotable clamping elements ( 48 ), for clamping the syringe plunger ( 29 ) or the syringe plunger plate ( 30 ) from opposite sides therebetween, the clamping elements ( 48 ) are each shaped such that one of the respective clamping element ( 48 ) on the syringe plunger ( 29 ) or the syringe plunger plate ( 30 ) exerted clamping force radially to the central longitudinal axis of the syringe plunger ( 28 ) is aligned. Syringe pump ( 1 ) according to claim 11, characterized in that the clamping elements ( 48 ) each have a clamping contour whose shape is formed such that contact areas of the clamping elements ( 48 ) with the syringe plunger ( 29 ) or the syringe plunger plate ( 30 ) depending on the diameter of the syringe plunger ( 29 ) or the syringe plunger plate ( 30 ) and the position in the cylinder receptacle ( 9 ) on diametrically opposite sides of the central longitudinal axis of the syringe plunger ( 29 ) are formed. Syringe pump ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cylinder receptacle ( 9 ) a radial fixation ( 31 ) for fixing the syringe ( 2 ) in the radial direction in the cylinder receptacle ( 9 ) and a position sensor ( 35 ), which a designated position of the syringe ( 2 ) in the cylinder receptacle ( 9 ) detected. Syringe pump ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the drive head ( 13 ) a position sensor ( 42 ), in particular as a light barrier ( 43 ) may be formed, and the contacting of the syringe plunger ( 29 ) or the syringe plunger plate ( 30 ) with the drive head ( 13 ) detected. Method for inserting a syringe ( 2 ) into a syringe pump ( 1 ), in particular in a syringe pump ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, with a cylindrical receptacle ( 9 ) for a syringe barrel ( 28 ) of the syringe ( 2 ), one opposite the cylinder receiving ( 9 ) relatively positionable drive head ( 13 ) for contacting and actuating a syringe plunger ( 29 ) or a syringe plunger plate ( 30 ) of the syringe ( 2 ), a drive ( 4 ) for their relative positioning and a coupling unit to be actuated by an operator ( 11 ) for coupling and decoupling the drive ( 4 ) with the drive head ( 13 ), the method comprising the steps of: - decoupling drive ( 4 ) and drive head ( 13 ) by actuating the coupling unit ( 11 ), - Manual positioning of the drive head ( 13 ) relative to the cylinder intake ( 9 ) in a one insertion of the syringe ( 2 ) enabling changing position, - inserting the syringe ( 2 ) in the cylinder receptacle ( 9 ), - positioning of the drive head ( 13 ) in the direction of the cylinder receptacle ( 9 ), and - Automatic coupling of drive ( 4 ) and drive head ( 13 ), when the syringe plunger plate ( 30 ) and the drive head ( 13 . 46 ) get in touch.

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