JP5211336B2 - Pump unit, breathing assistance device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a pump unit that transports fluid using a micropump, and a respiratory assistance device that uses this pump unit.

  In the medical field, a respiratory assistance device such as a ventilator is used. This type of respiratory assistance device includes a controlled ventilation method used for patients without spontaneous breathing (general anesthesia, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and severe patients), and positive airway pressure according to the patient's spontaneous breathing. Assisted Ventilation method to create, Partial Assist / Control method combining auxiliary ventilation and controlled ventilation, gas supplied by the airway is vibrated at a frequency of 5-40 Hz, 1-2 ml / kg High frequency oscillation ventilation (high frequency occilation) that realizes a very low tidal volume is adopted.

  In addition, this respiratory assistance apparatus is utilized also for the patient of the respiratory disorder at the time of sleep. This respiratory disorder occurs when the airway muscles relax during sleep and the tongue base and soft palate fall, closing the airway. Even for patients with this type of respiratory distress, the symptoms are alleviated by applying positive pressure to the airways.

  In any respiratory assistance device, a pump unit for creating a positive pressure in the airway is required. As a power source of the pump unit, a blower that rotates a fan to convey gas, a cylinder pump that reciprocates a piston to convey gas, and the like are used.

  However, in the conventional respiratory assistance device, since this pump unit is relatively large, this pump unit is housed in a box-shaped housing and installed on the side of the user. Therefore, there is a problem that it is difficult to make the respiratory assistance device compact.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 18, for example, the pump unit used in the breathing assistance device first quickly increases pressure (positive pressure) at a high flow rate during the intake operation, and then further increases the pressure to assist the intake. While maintaining the flow rate constant. During the exhalation operation, the pressure is quickly reduced (negative pressure) at a high flow rate, and when the pressure drops, the flow rate is gradually reduced so as not to burden the lungs. This control is an example, and various control modes are actually required, but in order to perform this kind of fine control, a large blower or cylinder pump can be used to freely change the pressure and flow rate. Must be. Therefore, there is a problem that it is increasingly difficult to reduce the size of the pump unit.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and provides a pump unit and a breathing assistance apparatus using the pump unit that can realize significant downsizing while allowing pressure and flow rate to be freely controlled. With the goal.

  The above-mentioned object is achieved by the following means based on the earnest research of the present inventors.

  That is, the means for achieving the above object includes a plurality of micropumps arranged in a grid having a relation between rows and columns, and transporting fluid in a direction along the columns, and at least the micropumps in the most downstream row. An integrated discharge port to which the fluid transported by the micro pump is finally discharged and a discharge port of each of the plurality of micro pumps in the intermediate row are directly connected to the integrated discharge port. A direct discharge mechanism, an intake direct connection mechanism that directly connects each of the suction ports of the plurality of micropumps in the intermediate row to the fluid that is initially supplied, and a discharge port of the prevalent micropump in the downstream row. A serial coupling mechanism that is directly coupled to the suction port of the micropump; and a controller that controls the discharge direct coupling mechanism, the suction direct coupling switching mechanism, and the serial coupling mechanism. Is constructed by connecting the outlets of the most popular micro pumps directly to the inlets of the micro pumps in the downstream row to establish the connection in the column direction, and setting the plurality of micro pumps in the pressure-priority transport state. In addition to directly connecting the discharge port of the micro pump to the integrated discharge port, the suction ports of the micro pumps arranged in a plurality of rows are directly connected to the fluid supplied first, thereby It is a pump unit characterized by setting it as a flow rate priority conveyance state.

  In the above invention, the pump unit that achieves the above object is characterized in that, in the pressure-priority transport state, the number of micropumps in the downstream row is the same as or smaller than the number of micropumps that are prevalent. It is preferable to do.

  In the above invention, the pump unit that achieves the above object is preferably characterized in that the number of the micropumps in the downstream row is the same or smaller than the number of the micropumps that are prevalent.

  In the above invention, the controller of the pump unit that achieves the above object combines the pressure priority transport state and the flow rate priority transport state at the same time, and the number of rows interconnected by the pressure priority transport state, It is preferable that the fluid conveyance pressure and the conveyance flow rate are switched stepwise by switching the occupation relationship of the number of rows directly connected to the integrated discharge port according to the flow rate priority conveyance state.

  In the above invention, the discharge direct coupling mechanism, the suction direct coupling mechanism, and the series coupling mechanism of the pump unit that achieves the above object are collectively connected to the plurality of micropumps arranged in the row. Is preferably switched.

  The means for achieving the above object comprises a plurality of stages of parallel pump units in which a plurality of micropumps are arranged in parallel, and the upstream side parallel pump unit and the downstream side parallel pump unit are located upstream. A fluid is branched and supplied to a discharge-side merge space in which fluids discharged from the plurality of micropumps of the parallel pump unit on the side join and a plurality of micropumps of the parallel pump unit on the downstream side A serially coupled valve that directly connects and blocks the suction-side branch space, the discharge-side merge space of the upstream parallel pump unit to the suction-side branch space of the downstream parallel pump unit, and the upstream parallel pump A discharge direct connection valve that directly connects / disconnects the discharge side merge space of the unit to an integrated discharge port through which fluid is finally discharged, and the downstream parallel pump unit. The suction side branch space Tsu bets, a suction direct valve that directly or blocking the fluid is initially supplied, characterized in that is disposed a pump unit.

  In the above invention, the pump unit that achieves the above object further includes a control device that controls the discharge direct connection valve, the suction direct connection valve, and the series coupling valve, and the control device directly connects the series coupling valve, A pressure-priority conveying state in which the parallel pump unit on the upstream side and the parallel pump unit on the downstream side are connected in series with the discharge direct connection valve and the suction direct connection valve shut off, and the series coupling valve is shut off, the discharge direct connection valve It is preferable that the intake direct connection valve is in a direct connection state, and the flow rate priority transfer state in which the parallel pump units on the upstream side and the downstream side are connected in parallel is switched.

  The means for achieving the above object includes a flow path through which exhaled or inhaled gas passes, a nozzle that is arranged in the flow path and ejects an accelerating gas in the direction of exhalation or inhaling, and around the flow path. And a pump unit according to any one of the above inventions, which is fixed and supplies the acceleration gas to the nozzle.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to achieve an excellent effect that the pump unit can be significantly downsized while maintaining the capability.

It is the figure which showed the conceptual structure of the pump unit which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. (A) is sectional drawing which shows the structural example of the micropump used with the pump unit, (B) is a graph which shows the pressure-flow rate line of the micropump. It is a block diagram which shows the hardware constitutions of the control apparatus used with the pump unit. It is a block diagram which shows the function structure of the control apparatus used with the pump unit. It is a figure which shows the example of control of the pump unit. It is a figure which shows the example of control of the pump unit. It is a figure which shows the example of control of the pump unit. It is the figure which showed the conceptual structure of the pump unit which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of control of the pump unit. It is a figure which shows the example of control of the pump unit. It is a graph which shows the serial number and parallel number which can be selected with the pump unit. It is a figure which shows the other structural example of the pump unit. It is a figure which shows the other structural example of the pump unit. (A) is front sectional drawing which shows the structure of the respiratory assistance apparatus which concerns on 3rd Embodiment of this invention, (B) is BB arrow sectional drawing in (A). It is sectional drawing which shows the example of control of the same breathing assistance apparatus. It is sectional drawing which shows the other structural example of the same breathing assistance apparatus. It is sectional drawing which shows the other structural example of the same breathing assistance apparatus. It is a graph which shows the example of control of the pressure and flow volume in a common respiratory assistance apparatus.

  Hereinafter, examples of embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 illustrates a conceptual configuration of a pump unit 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In this pump unit 1, a plurality (25 in this case) of micro pumps 500 are arranged in a lattice pattern conceptually having m1 to m5 rows and n1 to n5 columns. The micropump 500 conveys fluid in a direction along the n1 to n5 rows.

  First, a structural example of the micropump 500 will be described with reference to FIG. This micropump 500 is proposed in Patent Document WO 2008/069266, and a piezoelectric element 501 is fixed to a diaphragm 502, and a vibrating wall 520 is disposed so as to face the diaphragm 502 to form a primary blower chamber 520A. To do. The vibrating wall 520 is formed with an opening 522 for moving a fluid inside and outside the primary blower chamber 520A. Further, a secondary blower chamber 540 is disposed outside the primary blower chamber 520A so as to be continuous with the opening 522. In the secondary blower chamber 540, a discharge port 542 is disposed at a position facing the opening 522, and a suction port 544 is disposed so as to be continuous with the periphery of the secondary blower chamber 540. When the diaphragm 502 is vibrated by the piezoelectric element 501, the fluid moves between the secondary blower chamber 540 and the primary blower chamber 520A, and the vibration wall 520 also resonates due to the fluid resistance. Due to the resonance between the diaphragm 502 and the vibration wall 520, fluid is sucked from the suction port 544 and discharged from the discharge port 542. The micropump 500 is suitable for blower applications that transport gas, and can be transported without using a check valve. The micropump 500 has a box shape with an outer diameter of about 20 mm × 20 mm × 2 mm and is extremely small. However, when the input sine wave is 15 Vpp (Volt peak to peak) and 26 kHz, the maximum is about 1 L / min. Air at a static pressure of 0 Pa can be conveyed, and a maximum static pressure of 2 kPa (flow rate of 0 L / min) can be obtained. On the other hand, since the micropump 500 conveys fluid by the vibration of the diaphragm 502 by the piezoelectric element 501, there is a limit to the volume of fluid that can be conveyed, and this static pressure / flow rate characteristic is also shown in FIG. Such a straight line is shown. Therefore, for example, when trying to obtain a static pressure of about 1 kPa, the flow rate is 0.5 L / min. Note that if the Vpp of the input sine wave is changed to 10 or 20, the amplitude of the piezoelectric element 501 changes, so that the flow rate and pressure can be changed. That is, when Vpp of the input sine wave is changed smoothly, the flow rate and pressure can be changed smoothly. Alternatively, the flow rate and pressure can be changed by changing the frequency of the input sine wave. That is, when the frequency of the input sine wave is changed smoothly, the flow rate and pressure can be changed smoothly. However, the flow rate and pressure have upper limits depending on the capacity of the piezoelectric element, the strength of the member, and the durability. Usually used at rated Vpp and frequency.

  Although a monomorph (unimofull) structure in which one piezoelectric element is attached to a diaphragm is introduced here, it is of course possible to adopt a bimorph structure in which two piezoelectric elements are attached to increase the amount of vibration. Note that there are various other structures of the micropump 500 such as a structure suitable for liquid transport. Therefore, in the present invention, an optimum structure may be adopted according to the purpose. That is, the micropump 500 in the present embodiment can convey gas without using a check valve, but instead of the micropump 500, a micropump having a check valve at the discharge port or the suction port may be applied. good.

  Returning to FIG. 1, the pump unit 1 includes an integrated discharge port 50 and an integrated suction port 60. The integrated discharge port 50 is a part where the fluid conveyed by all the micro pumps 500 is finally discharged. The integrated discharge port 50 is directly connected to at least the discharge port 542 of the micropump 500 belonging to the most downstream m1 row. Near the integrated discharge port 50, a flow sensor 52 for measuring the flow rate of the fluid discharged therefrom and a pressure sensor 54 for detecting the pressure of the fluid are installed. The integrated suction port 60 is a part to which the fluid conveyed by all the micropumps 500 is first supplied. The integrated inlet 60 is directly connected to the inlet 544 of the micropump 500 belonging to at least the most upstream m5 row.

  The pump unit 1 includes a discharge direct coupling mechanism 70, a suction direct coupling mechanism 80, and a series coupling mechanism 90. The discharge direct connection mechanism 70 directly connects each discharge port 542 of the micropump 500 belonging to at least the middle m2 to m4 rows to the integrated discharge port 50. In particular, in the present embodiment, each discharge port 542 of the micro pump 500 belonging to the most upstream m5 row can also be directly connected to the integrated discharge port 50. The suction direct coupling mechanism 80 directly couples the respective suction ports 544 of the micropumps 500 belonging to the m2 to m4 rows located at the middle to the integrated suction port 60. In particular, in the present embodiment, each suction port 544 of the micro pump 500 belonging to the most downstream m1 row can also be directly connected to the integrated discharge port 60.

  The serial coupling mechanism 90 directly connects the discharge port 542 of the prevalent micropump 500 to the suction port 544 of the micropump 500 in the downstream row between the pair of micropumps 500 adjacent in the column direction (vertical direction in the drawing). .

  In the pump unit 1 of the present embodiment, the discharge direct coupling mechanism 70, the suction direct coupling mechanism 80, and the series coupling mechanism 90 collectively connect the entire connection relationship of the plurality of micropumps 500 arranged in each row. Switch. That is, the discharge direct coupling mechanism 70, the suction direct coupling mechanism 80, and the series coupling mechanism 90 are between m1 and m2, between m2 and m3, between m3 and m4, between m4 and m5. Each one is arranged. The discharge direct connection mechanism 70 disposed between the rows directly connects all the discharge ports 542 of the micro pumps 500 belonging to the corresponding row to the integrated discharge port 50. The suction direct connection mechanism 80 disposed between the rows directly connects the suction ports 544 of all the micropumps 500 belonging to the corresponding row to the integrated suction port 60. The serial coupling mechanism 90 arranged between the rows collectively connects all the discharge ports 542 of the micropumps 500 belonging to the epidemic to the suction ports 544 of the micropumps 500 belonging to the downstream row. This simplifies the valve structure and valve control. Although the structure is complicated, the discharge direct coupling mechanism 70, the suction direct coupling mechanism 80, and the series coupling mechanism 90 may be arranged in each of the micropumps 500 instead of in units of rows, and more accurate control is possible. It becomes possible.

  FIG. 3 shows a control device 10 provided in the pump unit 1. The control device 10 includes a CPU 12, a first storage medium 14, a second storage medium 16, a third storage medium 18, an input device 20, a display device 22, an input / output interface 24, and a bus 26 as hardware configurations. . The CPU 12 is a so-called central processing unit, and implements various functions of the control device 10 by executing various programs. The first storage medium 14 is a so-called RAM (Random Access Memory) and is a memory used as a work area of the CPU 12. The second storage medium 16 is a so-called ROM (Read Only Memory), and is a memory for storing a basic OS executed by the CPU 12. The third storage medium 18 is composed of a hard disk device incorporating a magnetic disk, a disk device containing a CD, a DVD, or a BD, a non-volatile semiconductor flash memory device, and the like. Various programs executed by the CPU 12, flow sensors 52 and the sensing data of the pressure sensor 54 are stored. The input device 20 is an input key, a keyboard, and a mouse, and is a device for inputting various information. The display device 22 is a display and displays various operation states. The input / output interface 24 includes a power source and control signal for operating the discharge direct coupling mechanism 70, the suction direct coupling mechanism 80, and the series coupling mechanism 90, a sensing signal for the flow sensor 52 and the pressure sensor 54, and a power source for operating each micropump 500 (sinusoidal). Waveform) and control signals are input and output. Further, the input / output interface 24 can acquire data such as a program from an external personal computer and can output a measurement result to the personal computer. The bus 26 is a wiring for integrally connecting the CPU 12, the first storage medium 14, the second storage medium 16, the third storage medium 18, the input device 20, the display device 22, the input / output interface 24, and the like for communication. It becomes.

  FIG. 4 shows a functional configuration obtained by the CPU 12 executing a control program stored in the control device 10. The control device 10 includes a pump control unit 30, a sensing unit 32, and a valve control unit 34 as functional configurations. The pump control unit 30 controls the Vpp and frequency of the input sine wave to the micropump 500. The sensing unit 32 always acquires sensing signals from the flow sensor 52 and the pressure sensor 54 and transmits them to the pump control unit 30 and the valve control unit 34. The valve control unit 34 refers to the sensing signal of the sensing unit 32 and appropriately switches the discharge direct coupling mechanism 70, the suction direct coupling mechanism 80, and the series coupling mechanism 90, and performs control so as to approach the target flow rate value and pressure value.

  An example of control of the pump unit 1 by the control device 10 is shown in FIG.

  5A, in the pump unit 1, all the discharge direct coupling mechanisms 70 and the suction direct coupling mechanisms 80 are turned on, and all the series coupling mechanisms 90 are turned off, so that the discharge ports 542 of the micro pumps 500 in the m1 to m5 rows. Are directly connected to the integrated discharge port 50, and the suction ports 544 of the micro pumps 500 in the m1 to m5 rows are directly connected to the integrated suction port 60. In this way, since the 25 micropumps 500 are connected in parallel, all the rows are in a transport state in which the flow rate is prioritized (here, referred to as a flow rate priority transport state). As a result, a flow rate 25 times that of the single micropump 500 can be obtained.

  In FIG. 5B, in the pump unit 1, all the discharge direct coupling mechanisms 70 and the suction direct coupling mechanisms 80 are turned off, all the series coupling mechanisms 90 are turned on, and the discharge ports 542 of the prevalent micropump 500 are Directly connected to the suction port 544 of the micropump 500 of the trendy fashion. If it does in this way, it will be in the state where the 5-stage micropump 500 is connected in series along the n1-n5 column direction, and all the rows will be in the conveyance state (referred to as pressure priority conveyance state here) which gave priority to pressure. Become. As a result, the pressure of the fluid rises as it goes downstream, and about 5 times as much pressure can be obtained on the outlet side. As for the flow rate, as a result of the five micropumps 500 operating in parallel in m1 to m5 rows, a flow rate approximately five times that of a case where five micropumps 500 are simply connected in series is obtained. I can do it.

  In the flow rate priority conveyance state of FIG. 5A, the case where all the micropumps 500 are operated is illustrated. However, for example, as shown in FIG. 6A, the number of micropumps 500 in each row is decreased. It is preferable to control the flow rate. In FIG. 6, the stopped micropump 500 is hatched. If it does in this way, if the flow volume of the micro pump 500 single-piece | unit is set to 1, a flow volume can be changed in the range of 1-25.

  Moreover, in the pressure priority conveyance state of FIG. 5 (B), the case where all the micropumps 500 are operated was illustrated. However, for example, as shown in FIG. Thus, it is preferable to control the number of downstream micro pumps 500 to be the same or smaller. This is because, for example, when a gas is transported, the volume decreases according to Boyle's law as the atmospheric pressure increases from the m5 line toward the m1 line. Therefore, a sufficient flow rate can be secured without driving all the micropumps 500 in each row. For example, as shown in the figure, in the m5 line, five micropumps 500 are operated, in the m4 line, four micropumps 500 are operated, in the m3 line, three micropumps 500 are operated, and m2 In the row, two micro pumps 500 are operated, and in the m1 row, one micro pump 500 is operated. When the static pressure is increased by 1 kPa in each row, the integrated discharge port 50 has a static pressure of 5 kPa, and its volume (flow rate) also becomes about one fifth. As a result, since the flow rate in the m1 line falls within the range of the maximum allowable flow rate of one micropump 500, the same flow rate as that in FIG. 5B can be obtained by operating one micropump 500. That is, since the same output can be obtained in FIGS. 5B and 6B, FIG. 6B is preferable from the viewpoint of energy efficiency. Note that FIG. 6B illustrates a case where the number of operating micropumps 500 is necessarily reduced as it moves from the epidemic to the downstream line, but the present invention is not limited to this, and at least any one of them If the number of operations is decreasing due to the relationship between the epidemic and the downstream line, it is not necessary to decrease it for all lines.

  Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 7, it is also preferable to mix a flow rate priority transport state and a pressure priority transport state. Here, the pressure priority transfer state between the m1 line and the m2 line, the flow rate priority transfer state between the m2 line and the m3 line, the pressure priority transfer state between the m3 line and the m4 line, and between the m4 line and the m5 line The flow rate priority transfer state. In addition, the number of operating micro pumps 500 in each row is appropriately controlled. In this way, by switching the occupation relationship between the number of a pair of rows interconnected by the pressure priority transport state and the number of rows directly connected to the integrated discharge port 50 by the flow rate priority transport state, the fluid transport pressure and transport Switch the flow rate step by step. As a result, the optimum flow rate and pressure can be determined by various combinations including the number of operating micropumps 500.

  FIG. 8A illustrates the configuration of the pump unit 1 according to the second embodiment. Since the first embodiment and the second embodiment have many parts that are the same or similar, explanations thereof will be omitted, and here, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described.

  In the pump unit 1, as in the first embodiment, the micropump 500 is conceptually arranged in m1 to m5 rows and n1 to n5 columns in a lattice shape. The arrangement number of the micropumps 500 in the downstream row is set to be the same or smaller than the arrangement number. Specifically, in the m5 row, five micropumps 500 are arranged in parallel, in the m4 row, four micropumps 500 are arranged in parallel, in the m3 row, three micropumps 500 are arranged in parallel, and in the m2 row, Two micropumps 500 are arranged in parallel, and one micropump 500 is arranged in the m1 row. In addition, although the case where the number of arrangement | positioning of the micropump 500 reduces without fail as it moves to a downstream line from an upper fashion is illustrated, this invention is not limited to this.

  In the second embodiment, the micropumps 500 arranged in parallel in each row are collectively referred to as a parallel pump unit 600. Therefore, the pump unit 1 includes the parallel pump units 600 in five stages of m1 to m5 rows. Further, as shown in enlarged views in FIGS. 8B and 8C, the pump unit 1 includes a discharge-side merge space 72 between the upstream-side parallel pump unit 600 and the downstream-side parallel pump unit 600. The discharge direct connection valve 74, the suction side branch space 82, the suction direct connection valve 84, and the series coupling valve 92 are provided. The discharge direct connection valve 74, the suction direct connection valve 84, and the series connection valve 92 operate together by rotating one switching valve 65. In addition, the switching valve 65 is not limited to a rotary type, and may be a type using an electromagnetic valve or the like.

  The discharge side merge space 72 is a chamber space in which fluids discharged from the plurality of micro pumps 500 of the upstream parallel pump unit 600 merge together. As shown in FIG. 8C, the discharge direct connection valve 74 is a valve that directly connects or blocks the discharge side merge space 72 to the integrated discharge port 50 from which the fluid is finally discharged.

  The suction side branch space 82 is a space that supplies fluid to the plurality of micro pumps 500 of the downstream parallel pump unit 600 while branching the fluid. That is, it becomes a chamber space to which the suction ports 544 of the plurality of micropumps 500 are connected together. As shown in FIG. 8C, the suction direct connection valve 84 is a valve that directly connects or blocks the suction side branch space 82 to the integrated suction port 60 to which a fluid is first supplied.

  As shown in FIG. 8B, the series coupling valve 92 is a valve that directly connects or blocks the upstream discharge-side merge space 72 to the downstream suction-side branch space 82.

  Therefore, when corresponding to the discharge direct coupling mechanism 70, the suction direct coupling mechanism 80, and the series coupling mechanism 90 of the first embodiment, the discharge side merging space 72 and the discharge direct coupling valve 74 become the discharge direct coupling mechanism 70, and the suction side branch space 82 and the suction side The direct connection valve 84 becomes the suction direct connection mechanism 80, and the discharge side merge space 72, the suction side branch space 82, and the series coupling valve 92 become the series coupling mechanism 90.

  In the pump unit 1 of the second embodiment, the entire connection of the micropumps 500 belonging to each parallel pump unit 600 by the parallel pump unit 600 by the discharge side merge space 72, the suction side branch space 82, and the switching valve 65. Switch relationships together.

  FIG. 9 shows a control example of the pump unit 1 of the second embodiment by the same control device 10 as in FIG.

  FIG. 9A shows all the parallel pumps on the upstream side and the downstream side with all the series coupling valves 92 shut off (OFF) and all the discharge direct coupling valves 74 and the suction direct coupling valves 84 are directly coupled (ON). The unit 600 is further connected in parallel. That is, the discharge ports 542 of all the micropumps 500 are directly connected to the integrated discharge port 50, and the suction ports 544 of all the micropumps 500 are directly connected to the integrated suction port 60. If it does in this way, since 15 micropumps 500 are connected in parallel, it will be in a flow rate priority conveyance state. As a result, a flow rate 15 times that of the single micropump 500 can be obtained.

  In FIG. 9B, all the serial coupling valves 92 are directly connected, all the discharge direct connection valves 74 and the suction direct connection valves 84 are shut off, and the upstream parallel pump unit 600 and the downstream parallel pump unit 600 are connected. All are connected in series. As a result, the pressure-priority transfer state in which the five-stage parallel pump units 600 are connected in series is achieved. In particular, the fluid supplied to each micropump 500 and the pressure of the fluid discharged are equalized by the discharge side merge space 72 and the suction side branch space 82 arranged in the middle of the flow path. A uniform load can be applied to 500, and the conveyance efficiency can be increased.

  FIG. 10 shows a control example in which the pump unit 1 is used to switch from a high flow rate state to a high pressure state in stages. First, as shown in FIG. 10A, all the discharge side merge spaces 72, the suction side branch spaces 82, and the switching valves 65 are set in the flow rate priority transfer state, and the fifteen micro pumps 500 are set in parallel. Double pressure and 15 times flow rate.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 10B, the discharge-side merge space 72, the suction-side branch space 82, and the switching valve 65 between the parallel pump units 600 in the m2 and m3 rows are switched to the pressure priority transport state, The discharge side merge space 72, the suction side branch space 82, and the switching valve 65 between the parallel pump units 600 in the m4 and m5 rows are switched to the pressure priority transport state. As a result, these parallel pump units 500 realize a two-stage series connection and obtain twice the pressure. In addition, a flow rate that is six times that of the six micropumps 500 in total by the parallel pump units 600 of the m2 row and the m4 row is obtained. At this time, the parallel pump units 600 in the m1 row are suspended.

  Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 10 (C), in the same connection state as in FIG. 10 (B), in each parallel pump unit 600 of the m2 to m5 rows, one micropump 500 is paused, and the same double While maintaining the pressure, a total of four times the flow rate with four parallel micropumps is obtained. Here, the case where the micropump 500 is stopped to reduce the flow rate is shown, but, for example, the discharge side merge space 72 between the m1 line and the m2 line, and the m3 line and the m4 line, and the suction side branch. The same situation occurs even when the space 82 and the switching valve 65 are switched to the pressure priority transport state.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 10D, the discharge-side merge space 72, the suction-side branch space 82, and the switching valve 65 between the m3 and m4 rows and between the m4 and m5 rows are switched to the pressure priority transport state. Thus, three stages of serial connection are realized to obtain three times the pressure, and at the same time, three times the flow rate by the three micro pumps 500 of the parallel pump unit 600 of m3 rows is obtained. At this time, the parallel pump units 600 in the m1 and m2 rows are suspended.

  Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 10 (E), between the m2 and m3 rows, between the m3 and m4 rows, and between the m4 and m5 rows, the discharge-side merge space 72, the suction-side branch space 82, and the switching By switching the valve 65 to the pressure-priority transfer state, a four-stage series connection is realized to obtain four times the pressure, and at the same time, a double flow rate by the two micropumps 500 of the m2 rows of parallel pump units 600 is obtained. . At this time, the parallel pump units 600 in the m1 row are suspended.

  Finally, as shown in FIG. 10F, by switching all the discharge side merging space 72, the suction side branching space 82 and the switching valve 65 to the pressure priority transport state, a five-stage series connection is realized. At the same time as obtaining a pressure of 5 times, a flow rate of 1 time by one micro pump 500 of the parallel pump unit 600 of m1 rows is obtained. At this time, all the micro pumps 500 of each parallel pump unit 600 are moving.

  When the control is performed in this way, it is possible to select the number of series stages and the number of parallel variations as shown in FIG. 11, for example. Therefore, if the occupation relationship between the parallel number and the serial number is switched stepwise, the relationship between the flow rate and the pressure amount can be switched smoothly. For example, as indicated by a dotted line X, it is possible to realize control that smoothly shifts between high-pressure conveyance and high-flow-rate conveyance. In addition, by smoothly changing the Vpp or frequency of the input sine wave, the relationship between the flow rate and the pressure amount can be changed more smoothly. For example, as indicated by the dotted line Y, it is possible to realize control that makes a smooth transition between the high-pressure transport and the high-flow transport.

  As described above, according to the pump unit 1 of these embodiments, the micropumps 500 are arranged in a lattice pattern, and the discharge pump direct connection mechanism 70, the suction direct connection mechanism 80, and the serial connection mechanism 90 can be connected in series. It is possible to control the parallel connection in a rational combination. As a result, even if the micropump 500 is used alone, the flow rate and the static pressure are insufficient, a plurality of micropumps 500 can be used in combination, and thus can be used in the same manner as a conventional blower or syringe pump. In addition, since each micropump 500 is small, even if a plurality of micropumps 500 are arranged, the micropump 500 can be made smaller and lighter than a conventional blower or the like. In particular, various variations that are combinations of the parallel number and the serial number are digitally controlled by ON / OFF of each micropump 500 and ON / OFF of the discharge direct coupling mechanism 70, the suction direct coupling mechanism 80, and the series coupling mechanism 90. Therefore, the control configuration can be extremely simplified. Furthermore, in the case of a conventional blower or syringe pump, if one of them fails, the entire fluid transport is delayed, but according to the pump unit 1 of this embodiment, each micropump 500 fails. However, since it can be supplemented by another micropump 500, safety can be improved.

  In particular, in the pump unit 1 of the present embodiment, in the pressure priority transport state in which the micropumps 500 are connected in series, the number of micropumps 500 in the downstream line is equal or smaller than the number of micropumps 500 belonging to the epidemic. Yes. As a result, useless operation of the micropump 500 is suppressed, so that power consumption can be reduced, which is particularly suitable for battery-driven applications, for example.

  Furthermore, in the pump unit 1 shown in the present embodiment, the connection relation is collectively switched with respect to the whole of the plurality of micropumps 500 arranged in each row (the whole parallel pump unit 600). As a result, the configuration of the valve is simplified and the maintainability is improved. In particular, as in the second embodiment, since the discharge-side merge space 72 and the suction-side branch space 82 are arranged between the pair of parallel pump units 600, the apparatus configuration is simplified. For example, even when the number of micro pumps 500 of the parallel pump unit 600 is decreased from the upstream to the downstream, the discharge side merging space 72 and the suction side branching space 82 are buffer spaces, so that a complicated piping configuration Is no longer necessary. Also, the number of parallel micropumps 500 in the unit parallel pump unit 600 can be easily increased or decreased by simply turning on / off the micropumps 500 belonging to each parallel pump unit 600 without performing the opening / closing control of individual valves. Control is also easy. In addition, since the pressure of the transport fluid is homogenized in the parallel pump unit 600, the transport efficiency is improved.

  In the present embodiment, the case where the fluid is first supplied to the integrated suction port 60 and branched from the fluid is connected to the suction port 544 of each micropump 500 is illustrated, but the present invention is not limited to this.

  For example, in the case of a blower application for conveying a gas, as shown in FIG. 12, the suction port 544 or the suction side branch space 82 of each micropump 500 may be individually opened to the atmosphere side S to perform intake. Is possible. In this case, since two or more kinds of gases can be sucked individually, for example, the first fluid (for example, oxygen) is sucked from the suction side branch space 82 between the m1 and m2 rows and between the m2 and m3 rows. And the second fluid (for example, air) is sucked from the suction side branch spaces 82 between the m3 and m4 rows, the m4 and m5 rows, and the suction ports 544 of the micropumps 500 in the m5 rows. Is also possible.

  Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 13, the suction ports 544 of the micropumps 500 in the most upstream m5 rows can be separately opened to the atmosphere side S separately from the integrated suction port 60 for intake. It is. In this case, since two or more kinds of gases can be sucked individually, for example, the first fluid (for example, oxygen) is sucked from the integrated suction port 60 and the suction port 544 of the micropump 500 in the n1 to n3 columns in the m5 row. In addition, the second fluid (for example, air) can be sucked from the suction port 544 of the micropump 500 in the n4 and n5 columns in the m5 row. In these examples, the first and second fluids are mixed and discharged from the integrated discharge port 50.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the case where the micropumps 500 are arranged in a grid shape is illustrated in terms of appearance, but this is for convenience of explanation, and this is the case of the present embodiment on the path surface through which the fluid passes. It should be in such a state. That is, it is only necessary to have a lattice shape on the fluid path configuration, and it goes without saying that the hard layout configuration can be freely changed.

  As a third embodiment of the present invention, an example in which the pump unit 1 described in the second embodiment is applied to a medical respiratory assistance device 700 is shown in FIG. The breathing assistance device 700 includes a flow path 702 through which breathing gas passes, and an expiratory nozzle 704 and an inhalation nozzle that are disposed in the flow path 702 and can release acceleration air in the exhalation direction and the inhalation direction, respectively. 706, a pump unit 1 disposed along the circumferential direction on the outer surface of the flow path 702, and a battery 710 that drives the pump unit 1. Venturi walls 720 are disposed in the vicinity of the exhalation and inhalation nozzles 704 and 706 disposed in the flow path 702, respectively. Note that the battery 710 can be omitted by disposing the battery 710 at a remote location or connecting a power supply line.

  Further, a breathing switching valve 725 is disposed at an integrated discharge port (not shown) in the pump unit 1. The breath switching valve 725 switches between a case where the air discharged from the integrated discharge port is discharged from the exhalation nozzle 704 and a case where the air is discharged from the intake nozzle 706. As shown in FIG. 15A, in the case of releasing air from the exhalation nozzle 704, the exhalation side becomes a negative pressure state by spreading this air by the venturi wall 720, and the carbon dioxide discharged from the inhalation side (lung side). Invoke carbon and let it flow in the direction of exhalation. As a result, exhalation operation can be assisted. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 15B, when air is discharged from the intake nozzle 706, the air is spread by the venturi wall 720, and the intake side is in a negative pressure state, and oxygen supplied from the intake side is sucked in. It flows in the direction of exhalation (lung side). As a result, the intake operation can be assisted.

  According to this respiratory assistance device 700, since the miniaturized pump unit 1 is directly fixed to the piping itself constituting the flow path 702, the respiratory assistance device 700 can be configured extremely compactly. Furthermore, since the flow path 702 and the pump unit 1 are integrated, even if the flow path 702 moves in conjunction with the movement of the user's body, the flow path 702 and the pump unit 1 move together. The connection between the intake nozzles 704 and 706 and the pump unit 1 is not interrupted. Therefore, the stability of the breathing assistance operation is increased and the user can easily move the body.

  Furthermore, since the distance from the pump unit 1 to the exhalation and inhalation nozzles 704 and 706 is shortened, the responsiveness of the breathing assistance operation can be enhanced.

  The respiratory assistance device 700 can be used continuously with an intubation tube inserted from the user's mouth toward the trachea. For example, as shown in FIG. 16, a nasal mask 830 is used. Alternatively, the flow path 702 can be connected to and used. Furthermore, when applied to a nasal mask, it is preferable to directly fix the pump unit 1 to the outer peripheral surface of the nasal mask 830, for example, like a breathing assistance device 800 shown in FIG. Also, here, a case where one pump unit 1 is switched by the breath switching valve 725 and supplied to the exhalation nozzle or the intake nozzle is illustrated, but two pump units 1 are prepared, and the exhalation nozzle and the inspiration nozzle, respectively. You may make it connect with a nozzle.

  Note that the pump unit and the respiratory assistance device of the present invention are not limited to the above-described embodiments, and it is needless to say that various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention.

  The pump unit of the present invention can be used for various purposes other than the respiratory assistance device. Moreover, the respiratory assistance apparatus of this invention can be utilized for the purpose of respiratory assistance of various living things.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Pump unit 10 Control apparatus 50 Integrated discharge port 60 Integrated suction port 65 Switching valve 70 Discharge direct connection mechanism 72 Discharge side confluence space 74 Discharge direct connection valve 80 Inhalation direct connection mechanism 82 Inlet side branch space 84 Inlet direct connection valve 90 Series connection mechanism 92 Series connection Valve 500 Micro pump 600 Parallel pump unit 700, 800 Respiration assist device 702 Flow path 704 Exhalation nozzle 706 Inhalation nozzle 710 Battery 830 Nasal mask

Claims (8)

A plurality of micropumps that are arranged in a grid having a relationship between rows and columns, and that transport fluid in a direction along the columns;
An integrated discharge port through which the fluid transported by the micro pump is finally discharged by directly connecting at least the discharge port of the micro pump in the most downstream row;
A discharge direct connection mechanism that directly connects each discharge port of the plurality of micropumps in an intermediate row to the integrated discharge port;
A suction direct coupling mechanism that directly couples each suction port of the plurality of micropumps in an intermediate row to the fluid supplied first;
A serial coupling mechanism that directly connects the discharge port of the micropump that is popular with the suction port of the micropump in the downstream line;
A controller that controls the discharge direct coupling mechanism, the suction direct coupling switching mechanism, and the series coupling mechanism;
The controller is
While connecting the column direction connection by directly connecting the discharge port of the micropump of the popular fashion to the suction port of the micropump in the downstream row, the plurality of micropumps are in a pressure priority transport state,
By connecting the discharge ports of the micropumps in a plurality of rows directly to the integrated discharge ports, and by directly connecting the suction ports of the micropumps arranged in a plurality of rows to the fluid that is initially supplied, The pump is in a flow priority transport state,
Pumping unit. In the pressure priority transport state,
The number of driving of the micropumps in the downstream line is the same or smaller than the number of driving of the micropumps that are prevalent,
The pump unit according to claim 1. The number of arranged micro pumps in the downstream line is the same or smaller than the number of arranged micro pumps in the trend,
The pump unit according to claim 1 or 2. The controller is
While combining the pressure priority transport state and the flow rate priority transport state simultaneously,
By switching the occupation relationship between the number of rows interconnected by the pressure priority transport state and the number of rows directly connected to the integrated discharge port by the flow rate priority transport state, the fluid transport pressure and transport flow rate are switched. Characterized by switching in stages,
The pump unit according to claim 1. The discharge direct coupling mechanism, the suction direct coupling mechanism, and the series coupling mechanism collectively switch the connection relationship with respect to the whole of the plurality of micropumps arranged in the row.
The pump unit according to any one of claims 1 to 4. It is equipped with a parallel pump unit in which multiple micropumps are arranged in parallel in multiple stages,
Between the parallel pump unit on the upstream side and the parallel pump unit on the downstream side,
A discharge-side merge space in which fluids discharged from the plurality of micropumps of the parallel pump unit on the upstream side merge;
A suction-side branch space that supplies fluid to the plurality of micropumps of the parallel pump unit on the downstream side while branching;
A series coupling valve that directly connects and blocks the discharge-side merge space of the upstream parallel pump unit to the intake-side branch space of the downstream parallel pump unit;
A discharge directly connected valve for directly connecting / blocking the discharge side merge space of the parallel pump unit on the upstream side to an integrated discharge port from which fluid is finally discharged;
A suction direct connection valve for directly connecting / blocking the suction side branch space of the parallel pump unit on the downstream side to the fluid supplied first;
Is arranged,
Pumping unit. A control device for controlling the discharge direct connection valve, the suction direct connection valve, and the series connection valve;
The controller is
A pressure-priority conveying state in which the parallel pump unit on the upstream side and the parallel pump unit on the downstream side are connected in series, with the series coupling valve in a direct connection state, the discharge direct connection valve and the suction direct connection valve in a shut-off state,
The flow rate priority conveying state in which the parallel pump units on the upstream side and the downstream side are connected in parallel, with the series coupling valve being shut off, the discharge direct coupling valve and the suction direct coupling valve being directly coupled,
Characterized by switching
The pump unit according to claim 6. A flow path through which exhaled or inhaled gas passes;
A nozzle that is arranged in the flow path and ejects a gas for acceleration in the direction of expiration or inhalation;
The pump unit according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the pump unit is fixed around the flow path and supplies the gas for acceleration to the nozzle.
Respiratory device.

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