JP5509549B2 - Tube unit, control unit, micro pump - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a tube unit, a control unit, and a micro pump configured by detachably coupling them.

  There is a peristaltic pump as a device for transporting liquid at low speed. As a peristaltic drive pump, a step motor is used as a drive source, a rotor having a plurality of rollers is rotated, and the rotor rotates along a flexible tube while rolling the plurality of rollers to suck and discharge liquid. The structure which performs is known (for example, patent document 1).

  In addition, such a pump is assembled by stacking a pump module including a tube and a rotor for closing the tube, and a motor module having a step motor and an output gear mechanism. A gear is provided, and the output gear mechanism is provided with a pinion as a power take-out mechanism. When the pump module and the motor module are stacked and connected, the pinion and the gear are connected (meshed), and the rotational driving force of the step motor Is transmitted to the rotor.

Japanese Patent No. 3177742

  In the configuration according to Patent Document 1, a step motor is employed as a drive source, and a motor module including a step motor, an output gear mechanism and a control circuit, a rotor including a tube and a roller, and a pump module including a connecting element are stacked and mounted. Therefore, it is difficult to reduce the thickness.

  Further, when the step motor is reduced in size, the driving torque is reduced. Therefore, it is necessary to increase the rotational torque of the rotor using a reduction mechanism (reduction gear mechanism) having a large reduction ratio. Therefore, a multi-stage reduction gear mechanism is used, resulting in an increase in size and a problem of increased loss due to deceleration.

  Further, it is known that the step motor generates electromagnetic noise, and it is considered that the step motor itself is affected by the electromagnetic noise of the surrounding equipment, in addition to the adverse influence on the surrounding equipment.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is to solve at least a part of the problems described above, and the invention can be implemented as the following forms or application examples.

  [Application Example 1] A micropump according to this application example includes a tube having a part thereof arranged in an arc shape and having elasticity, a plurality of fingers arranged radially from the center direction of the arc shape of the tube, A cam whose rotational axis substantially coincides with the center of the arc shape of the tube, a rotor that transmits a rotational force to the cam, and a vibrating body that has a piezoelectric element and a protrusion that contacts the rotor at a longitudinal end. And a control unit that is supplied with electric power from a power supply unit and applies an AC voltage to the piezoelectric element, and the tube unit and the control unit are stacked and mounted. The vibrator is vibrated by applying an AC voltage to the piezoelectric element, and a rotational force is repeatedly applied from the protrusion to the rotor, Sequentially pressing the outlet side of said plurality of fingers from the inflow side of the fluid, characterized by transporting the fluid by repeating opening and pressure closing of the tube.

  If the tube is repeatedly closed and opened for a long time, it is expected that the tube deteriorates and the restoring property at the time of opening is lowered, and it is preferable to replace the tube after a certain period of time.

  According to this application example, since the tube, the plurality of fingers, and the cam are unitized, the tube can be easily replaced as a tube unit. Moreover, there is an effect that it is easy to guarantee the discharge accuracy by adjusting the finger length and the cam shape in combination with each tube unit so as to have a predetermined discharge amount with respect to the variation of the tube diameter. .

  In addition, a tube unit that can be manufactured with a general manufacturing facility can be manufactured at a low cost with respect to a control unit including a high-cost control circuit unit. Therefore, if the control unit is used repeatedly and is used disposable for each liquid (medical solution) using the tube unit and for each use target (for example, for each individual), the running cost can be reduced.

  Further, in this application example, the rotor (cam) is rotated using the vibration of the vibrating body as a rotational drive source of the cam. Although described in detail in the embodiments, the rotor driven by the vibrating body has a large rotational torque, and therefore does not require a reduction gear mechanism as in the prior art. In addition, since a coupling mechanism between the motor module and the pump module is not required, the structure is simplified, and the drive source is a flat vibrating body, so that a small and thin micro pump can be realized.

  In addition, the vibrating body vibrates by applying an AC voltage to the piezoelectric element and rotates the rotor, so that no electromagnetic noise is generated and no adverse effects are exerted on surrounding equipment. It is not affected by. Therefore, it is possible to avoid the risk of electromagnetic noise, particularly in the medical field.

  Application Example 2 In the micropump according to the application example, it is preferable that the power supply unit is provided in the control unit and is detachable.

  When a vibrating body including a piezoelectric element is used as a driving source, there is almost no deterioration due to driving, and it has excellent durability and can be used for a long time. However, at that time, when a small battery is used as the power source, it is expected that the battery capacity will be insufficient during the period of use. Thus, if the power supply unit can be easily replaced independently, the micropump can be used continuously for a long time.

  In addition, according to such a configuration, the power supply unit can be replaced independently in accordance with the replacement timing of the tube unit, and the troublesomeness of taking out the power supply unit is eliminated, and the mechanical drive member is damaged at the time of replacement. This can eliminate problems such as

  In addition, since the power supply unit and the control circuit unit are arranged in the control unit, the degree of freedom of the planar layout for the tube unit is increased. For this reason, it is possible to employ a large-capacity battery having a large planar size and to realize long-time driving.

  Application Example 3 In the micropump according to the application example, it is preferable that the power supply unit is provided in the tube unit and is detachable.

  According to such a structure, it can replace | exchange as a tube unit in the state containing the power supply part (battery) at the timing of tube replacement | exchange. In addition, the power supply unit can be replaced independently.

  Application Example 4 In the micropump according to the application example described above, it is preferable that the power supply unit penetrates the tube unit and is connected to the control circuit unit and is detachable.

  According to such a configuration, the power supply unit can be made to have a thickness that reaches the control unit through the tube unit, so that the power supply unit can be made thick, so that a large-capacity battery can be adopted. And can be continuously driven for a long time.

  Application Example 5 In the micropump according to the application example described above, it is preferable that the rotor has a disk shape and the protrusion is disposed so as to abut on the outer peripheral side surface of the rotor.

  Although described in detail in the embodiment, the micropump of this application example has a structure in which the rotor is rotated using a vibrating body and the rotational force is transmitted to the cam, and the frictional force between the protrusion and the rotor ( The rotor is driven by a pressing force. Therefore, the driving force is high unlike the case of driving by magnetic force as in the step motor of the prior art. In addition, by contacting the protrusion of the vibrating body with the outer peripheral surface of the rotor having a large diameter, the rotational torque of the rotor can be increased when the same vibrating body is vibrated under the same conditions, so that stable driving can be continued.

  Application Example 6 In the micropump according to the application example described above, it is preferable that the rotor has a ring shape, and the protrusion is disposed so as to abut on a ring-shaped inner peripheral side surface of the rotor.

  In this way, the vibrating body can be disposed on the inner side of the outer diameter of the rotor, so that further downsizing can be realized.

  Application Example 7 In the micropump according to the application example described above, the rotor is formed in a recess formed in one plane of the cam, and the protrusion comes into contact with an inner peripheral side surface of the recess. It is desirable that they are arranged as described above.

  In such a configuration, the rotor can be formed integrally with the cam inside the cam. Therefore, the structure can be simplified and the size can be reduced.

  Application Example 8 In the micropump according to the application example described above, it is preferable that the rotation axis of the rotor coincides with the rotation axis of the cam.

  In such a configuration, since the rotor and the cam are provided on the same axis, the connection mechanism as in the prior art described above is not required, and the micropump can be further downsized and the cost can be reduced. it can.

  Application Example 9 In the micropump according to the application example described above, a groove along the rotation direction is provided on a contact surface of the rotor with the protrusion, and the protrusion is in contact with an inner side surface of the groove. It is preferable that it is disposed.

  By providing the grooves in the rotor in this manner, it is possible to prevent the thin plate-like vibrating body from being detached from the contact surface due to external vibration, impact, or the like. Further, since the contact position in the cross-sectional direction between the protrusion and the contact surface is substantially constant, there is an effect that the driving force from the vibrating body to the rotor is stabilized.

  Application Example 10 In the micropump according to the application example, each of the vibrating body and the control circuit unit is dispersedly arranged at a position where the tube, the cam, and the plurality of fingers do not overlap with each other in a plane. It is preferable.

  The control circuit unit is disposed in the control unit, and the vibrating body is disposed in the tube unit. When the control unit and the tube unit are mounted, the control circuit unit and the vibrating body are electrically connected. Therefore, by arranging the control circuit unit and the vibrating body so as not to overlap the tube, the cam, and the fingers in a plan view, the electrical connection can be easily made and the micropump can be made thinner. Also. Since the small-sized vibrating body is dispersedly arranged with the plurality of fingers and tubes, the assemblability can be improved.

  Application Example 11 In the micropump according to the application example described above, the vibrating body, the control circuit unit, and the power supply unit are distributed at positions where the tube, the cam, and the plurality of fingers do not overlap with each other in a plane. It is desirable that it is installed.

  In addition to the vibrating body and the control circuit unit, the power source unit is also dispersed and disposed in a plane with the tube, the cam, and the plurality of fingers, thereby further reducing the thickness.

  Application Example 12 In the micropump according to the application example described above, it is preferable that a speed reduction mechanism or a speed increase mechanism is provided between the rotor and the cam.

  Thus, by providing the speed reducing mechanism or speed increasing mechanism, the rotational speed of the cam can be changed without changing the driving condition of the vibrating body. That is, the amount of fluid flow can be adjusted as appropriate.

  Application Example 13 In the micropump according to the application example, it is preferable that the speed reduction mechanism or the speed increase mechanism is disposed in the tube unit.

  As described above, by providing the tube unit with the speed reduction mechanism or the speed increase mechanism, all the movable elements are provided in the tube unit, and the mutual connection structure of the movable elements can be simplified.

  Application Example 14 In the micropump according to the application example, it is preferable that the speed reduction mechanism or the speed increase mechanism is disposed in the control unit.

  If comprised in this way, a tube unit will become a structure of a cam, a some finger, and a tube. Therefore, it is possible to adjust the finger length and the cam shape in combination with each tube unit so as to achieve a predetermined discharge amount with respect to the variation in the tube diameter, and the control circuit unit of high cost. The cost can be reduced with respect to a control unit including the above, and the running cost can be further reduced when the tube unit is used in a disposable manner.

  Application Example 15 A tube unit according to this application example is attachable to and detachable from a control unit including a control circuit unit that applies an AC voltage to a piezoelectric element, and a tube having a part arranged in an arc shape and having elasticity. A plurality of fingers arranged radially from the center of the arcuate shape of the tube, a cam whose rotation axis substantially coincides with the arcuate center of the tube, a rotor for transmitting rotational force to the cam, It has a piezoelectric element and has a vibrating body having a protruding portion that comes into contact with the rotor at an end in the longitudinal direction.

  In the configuration according to this application example, since the drive mechanism (movable part mechanism) is configured as a tube unit by a vibrating body as a drive source, a rotor, a cam, and a plurality of fingers, a motor module as in the prior art. This eliminates the need for a coupling mechanism between the pump module and the pump module, thereby simplifying the structure.

  Application Example 16 In the tube unit according to the application example, it is preferable that a speed reduction mechanism or a speed increase mechanism is provided between the rotor and the cam.

  Thus, the rotational speed of the cam can be changed by providing the speed reduction mechanism or speed increasing mechanism. That is, the amount of fluid flow can be adjusted as appropriate. Moreover, since all the movable elements are provided in the tube unit, the mutual connection structure of the movable elements can be simplified.

  Further, by providing the tube unit with the speed reduction mechanism or speed increasing mechanism and the drive mechanism described above, it is possible to arrange them on the same plane, and the control unit and the power supply section in the control unit are more flexible in layout. There is an effect.

  Application Example 17 A tube unit according to this application example includes a rotor that transmits a rotational force to a cam, a vibrating body that includes a piezoelectric element and a protrusion that contacts the rotor at a longitudinal end, and the piezoelectric element A control circuit unit for applying an alternating voltage to the tube, and a control unit that is detachable from the tube, and a part of the tube is arranged in an arc shape and has elasticity, and is arranged radially from the center direction of the arc shape of the tube A plurality of fingers, and a cam whose arc axis substantially coincides with the center of the arc shape of the tube.

  According to such a configuration, the tube pressure closure amount can be adjusted by adjusting the finger length and the cam shape in combination with each tube unit in response to variations in tube diameter. There is an effect that it is easy to guarantee.

  In addition, the tube unit has a configuration of a tube, fingers, and a cam, so that further cost reduction can be achieved.

  [Application Example 18] A control unit according to this application example includes a tube having a part thereof arranged in an arc shape and having elasticity, a plurality of fingers arranged radially from a central direction of the arc shape of the tube, A cam whose rotational axis substantially coincides with the center of the arc shape of the tube, a rotor that transmits a rotational force to the cam, and a vibrating body that has a piezoelectric element and a protrusion that contacts the rotor at a longitudinal end. And a control circuit unit that applies an AC voltage to the piezoelectric element.

  According to this application example, the control unit has a configuration including the control circuit unit of the non-movable member, and a simple structure can be realized.

  [Application Example 19] A control unit according to this application example includes a tube having a part thereof arranged in an arc shape and having elasticity, and a plurality of fingers arranged radially from the center direction of the arc shape of the tube, A tube unit having a center of the arc shape of the tube and a cam whose rotation axis substantially coincides with the tube unit, a rotor that transmits a rotational force to the cam, a piezoelectric element, and a longitudinal end of the tube unit. And a vibrating body having a protrusion that abuts on the rotor.

  According to such a configuration, the control circuit unit and the vibration body (the vibration body and the rotor as the drive source, the deceleration mechanism or the speed increase mechanism as the transmission mechanism, and the control circuit unit are provided in the control unit. Specifically, there is an effect that electrical connection with the piezoelectric element can be easily performed.

  Application Example 20 In the control unit according to the application example, it is preferable that a speed reduction mechanism or a speed increase mechanism is provided between the rotor and the cam.

  According to such a configuration, the movable element can be centrally arranged in the control unit by providing the control unit with the speed reduction mechanism or the speed increase mechanism.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
1 to 6 show the micropump according to the first embodiment, FIGS. 7 and 8 are the second embodiment, FIG. 9 is the third embodiment, FIG. 10 is the fourth embodiment, FIG. 11 is the fifth embodiment, and FIG. Embodiment 6 and FIG. 13 show Embodiment 7.
Note that the drawings referred to in the following description are schematic views in which the vertical and horizontal scales of members or portions are different from actual ones for convenience of illustration.
(Embodiment 1)

  1A and 1B show a micropump according to a first embodiment, where FIG. 1A is a plan view and FIG. 1B is a front view. In FIG. 1, the micropump 1 includes a drive unit 10 and a reservoir 11 that stores liquid.

  The drive unit 10 is configured by stacking and mounting the tube unit 2 and the control unit 3. The tube unit 2 includes a tube 50, a plurality of fingers, a cam, a rotor, and a vibrating body (not shown), and a tube guide frame 15 and a second machine frame 16 as guide frames for holding them. The control unit 3 includes a first machine casing 14 as a machine casing that holds a control circuit section and a power supply section (both not shown).

  The tube unit 2 and the control unit 3 are stacked and mounted in the thickness direction to form the drive unit 10, but are detachable. In addition, the attachment of the tube unit 2 and the control unit 3 has illustrated the structure fixed by the three fixing screws 91 in this embodiment, as shown to Fig.1 (a).

  The reservoir 11 is placed in a recess provided on the upper surface side of the first machine casing 14, and is connected to the drive unit 10 by a tube 50. The reservoir 11 is made of a flexible material, and is deformed by the external atmospheric pressure when the internal liquid flows out, so that the internal pressure of the reservoir 11 is kept constant.

  The liquid stored in the reservoir 11 is discharged from the outlet part 53 by repeatedly closing and releasing the tube 50 by the peristaltic motion of the driving part 10.

Next, the configuration of the drive unit 10 will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the configuration of the drive unit, and FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the A-P-B section of FIG. In FIG. 2, the second machine casing 16 is not shown.

First, the planar configuration will be described with reference to FIG. The drive unit 10 includes a tube 50 that is partly arranged in a circular arc shape in plan view and has elasticity, a cam 20 in which the center of the circular arc shape of the tube 50 and the rotation axis P substantially coincide with each other, and an arc-shaped portion of the tube 50 A plurality of fingers 40 to 46 that are interposed between the rotary shaft P and radially spaced from the rotation axis P, a disk-shaped rotor 70 that transmits rotational force to the cam 20, and a rotor The vibrating body 80 is disposed so that the protrusion 81 a contacts the outer peripheral portion of the 70, the control circuit portion 60, and a battery 61 as a power supply portion.
In the present embodiment, the battery 61 is preferably a small button type battery in order to reduce the size of the drive unit 10.

  The cam 20 and the rotor 70 are fixed to the cam shaft 75. Therefore, the cam 20 and the rotor 70 are configured to rotate integrally with the same rotation axis P.

  Each of the control circuit unit 60, the battery 61, and the vibrating body 80 is distributed and disposed at positions that do not overlap the tube 50, the cam 20, and the fingers 40 to 46 in a planar manner.

  The cam 20 has irregularities in the outer peripheral direction, and finger pressing surfaces 21a to 21d are formed on the outermost peripheral portion. The finger pressing surfaces 21 a to 21 d are formed on concentric circles equidistant from the rotation axis P.

  Moreover, the circumferential pitch and outer shape of the finger pressing surface 21a and the finger pressing surface 21b, the finger pressing surface 21b and the finger pressing surface 21c, the finger pressing surface 21c and the finger pressing surface 21d, and the finger pressing surface 21d and the finger pressing surface 21a Are equally formed.

  Each of the finger pressing surfaces 21a to 21d is formed with a finger pressing inclined surface 22 and a concentric circular arc portion 23 centering on the rotation axis P. The arc portion 23 is provided at a position where the fingers 40 to 46 are not pressed.

  Further, one end of each of the finger pressing surfaces 21a, 21b, 21c, and 21d and the arc portion 23 are connected by a linear portion 24 that extends from the rotation axis P.

  The tube 50 is inserted into a tube guide groove 15 b formed in the tube guide frame 15, and one end portion is an outflow port portion 53 that discharges liquid to the outside, and protrudes to the outside of the micropump 1. . The other end is an inflow port portion 52 into which liquid flows in, and is connected to the reservoir 11 that stores the liquid, and the liquid flow portion 51 is communicated with the reservoir 11.

  The tube 50 is mounted in a tube guide groove 15b formed so that the range pressed by the fingers 40 to 46 is concentric with the rotation axis P. Since the fingers 40 to 46 are formed in the same shape, the finger 44 will be described as an example.

  The finger 44 includes a cylindrical shaft portion 44a, a bowl-shaped tube pressing portion 44c provided at one end portion of the shaft portion 44a, a cam contact portion 44b in which the other end portion is rounded into a hemisphere, It is composed of

  The fingers 40 to 46 can advance and retreat along the finger guide grooves 15 a formed in the tube guide frame 15, are pressed outward by the cam 20, and close the tube 50 to close the liquid flow part 51. . The center positions of the fingers 40 to 46 in the cross-sectional direction substantially coincide with the center of the tube 50.

Next, a cross-sectional configuration of the drive unit 10 will be described with reference to FIG.
The tube unit 2 has fingers 40 to 46 (illustrated as fingers 44) inserted into seven finger guide grooves 15a having a U-shaped cross-section formed on the peripheral edge of the tube guide frame 15, and a cross-sectional shape. The tube 50 inserted in the U-shaped tube guide groove 15b, and the 2nd machine frame 16 holding the fingers 40-46 and the tube 50 from the upper part of the figure are provided.

  After inserting the fingers 40 to 46 and the tube 50 into the finger guide groove 15a and the tube guide groove 15b, respectively, the upper surface (the open side of each groove) is covered with the second machine frame 16, and the tube guide frame 15 and the tube guide groove 15b. A sealed space 30 is formed by closely fixing the contact surfaces of the two machine frames 16 with each other. In addition, the tube guide wall 15c is provided in the outer (outer periphery) direction of the tube guide groove 15b, and the movement of the tube 50 is restricted when the tubes 40 to 46 are closed.

  In the tube unit state, the fingers 40 to 46 can advance and retreat along the finger guide groove 15a, and the finger located at the arc portion 23 of the cam 20 moves in the direction of the cam 20 to open the tube 50. In position (indicated by fingers 44 ′ and tube 50 ′).

  Further, the cam 20 and the rotor 70 are axially stopped on the cam shaft 75. The shaft portion 75 a of the cam shaft 75 is pivotally supported by a bearing 92 provided on the second machine casing 16, and the shaft portion 75 b is pivotally supported by a bearing 93 provided on the tube guide frame 15. Therefore, the cam 20 and the rotor 70 can rotate integrally with the cam shaft 75 as a rotation axis.

  The shaft hole of the bearing 92 does not penetrate. Therefore, the inside of the space 30 is sealed by closely fixing the tube unit 2 at the peripheral edge portions of the tube guide frame 15 and the second machine frame 16.

  A groove 71 is formed in the outer peripheral portion of the rotor 70 along the rotation direction, and an inner side surface of the groove 71 is a contact surface 72 with the vibrating body 80.

  The vibrating body 80 is disposed substantially at the center in the cross-sectional direction of the groove 71 of the rotor 70, and the arm portion 81 c is fixed to the vibrating body fixing shaft 90 planted on the tube guide frame 15 by a fixing screw 98. Yes. The vibrating body 80 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  The vibrating body fixing shaft 90 penetrates the connection substrate 64 and is fixed. A connection pattern (not shown) is formed on both the front and back surfaces of the connection substrate 64, and a connection pattern connected to the vibrating body 80 is formed on the front surface side, and on the back surface side (the surface side of the tube guide frame 15). A connection pattern for connecting to the control circuit unit 60 is formed.

  A connection terminal 65 penetrating the front and back is planted in the tube guide frame 15, one end is connected to the back side connection pattern of the connection substrate 64, and the other end protrudes from the tube guide frame 15. ing. Note that the number of connection terminals 65 corresponding to the number of connection terminal portions 63a formed on a circuit board 63 described later (that is, the number of connection patterns connected to the vibrating body 80) is provided.

  Note that it is desirable that the connection substrate 64 is attached to the tube guide frame 15 at least around the connection terminal 65 so as not to float from the tube guide frame 15.

  Next, the configuration of the control unit 3 will be described with reference to FIG. The control unit 3 includes a control circuit unit 60, a battery 61, a circuit board 63 that connects them, and a first machine casing 14 that holds them.

  The circuit board 63 has circuit patterns (not shown) formed on both the front and back surfaces, and is stuck in a recess corresponding to the thickness of the circuit board 63 formed on the surface of the first machine casing 14. A peninsula-shaped connection terminal portion 63 a is formed on the circuit board 63.

  The connection terminal portion 63a is formed of the number necessary to apply an AC voltage to the vibrating body 80 described above, and has elasticity.

  The circuit board 63 extends around the connection terminal portion 63a, the control circuit portion 60, and the battery 61, and the control circuit portion 60 is connected and fixed to the back surface (downward in the drawing). The control circuit unit 60 is connected to the positive and negative electrodes of the battery 61 and a circuit pattern corresponding to the output of the AC voltage.

  The battery 61 is inserted from the back surface (lower side in the drawing) of the first machine casing 14, and the periphery of the side surface is held by the first machine casing 14 and is fixed by the battery lid 19.

  The surface of the battery 61 in contact with the circuit board 63 is a negative electrode, the side surface is a positive electrode, and the negative electrode is in direct contact with the circuit pattern. Further, the positive electrode is connected to a corresponding circuit pattern via a battery terminal 62 (see also FIG. 2).

  A screw part 19 b is formed on the outer peripheral protrusion of the battery lid 19, and is screwed to a female screw formed on the first machine casing 14.

  The battery lid 19 has an opening / closing groove 19a. The battery lid 19 can be opened / closed by inserting a screwdriver or a coin into the opening / closing groove 19a and rotating it. That is, the battery 61 is removed, the battery 61 is taken out, the battery 61 is attached, and the battery cover 19 is tightened to press the battery 61 on the circuit board 63. At this time, the battery lid 19 and the first machine casing 14 are in close contact with each other.

  The battery lid 19 can be selected from an open / close structure such as a bayonet structure, a press-fit structure, and a fixed screw structure in addition to the screwing and fixing.

  The above-described tube unit 2 is stacked on the control unit 3 and closely fixed at the peripheral edge by a fixing screw 91 (see FIGS. 1 and 2). At this time, since the connection terminal 65 protrudes from the tube guide frame 15, the connection terminal portion 63 a of the circuit board 63 is pressed and the connection board 64 and the circuit board 63 are connected.

  As described above, with the control unit 3 and the tube unit 2 attached, the control circuit unit 60, the battery 61, and the circuit board 63 are sealed.

Next, the vibrating body 80 will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the vibrating body. As shown in FIG. 4, the vibrating body 80 has a substantially rectangular thin plate shape. The vibrating body 80 has a plate-like piezoelectric element 82 on the surface of the reinforcing plate 81, an electrode 84 on the surface of the piezoelectric element 82, and a plate-like piezoelectric element 83 on the back surface and an electrode 85 on the surface of the piezoelectric element 83. Configured.

  The piezoelectric elements 82 and 83 each have a rectangular shape, and are expanded and contracted in the longitudinal direction by applying an AC voltage output from the control circuit unit 60 (see FIG. 3). The material of the piezoelectric elements 82 and 83 is not particularly limited. Lead zirconate titanate (PZT), crystal, lithium niobate, barium titanate, lead titanate, lead metaniobate, polyvinylidene fluoride, lead zinc niobate , Lead scandium niobate and the like can be used.

  The reinforcing plate 81 has a function of reinforcing the entirety of the vibrating body 80, and prevents the vibrating body 80 from being damaged by over-amplitude or external force. Although it does not specifically limit as a material of the reinforcement board 81, For example, it is desirable that they are metal materials, such as stainless steel, aluminum or an aluminum alloy, titanium or a titanium alloy, copper or a copper-type alloy.

  The piezoelectric elements 82 and 83 are preferably thinner than the reinforcing plate 81. Thereby, the vibrating body 80 can be vibrated with higher efficiency.

The reinforcing plate 81 also has a function as a common electrode for the piezoelectric elements 82 and 83. That is, an AC voltage is applied to the piezoelectric element 82 by the electrode 84 and the reinforcing plate 81, and an AC voltage is applied to the piezoelectric element 83 by the electrode 85 and the reinforcing plate 81.
The piezoelectric elements 82 and 83, the reinforcing plate 81, and the connection substrate 64 (see FIG. 3) are connected by a wire or the like.

  The piezoelectric elements 82 and 83 repeatedly expand and contract in the longitudinal direction when an AC voltage is applied, and accordingly, the reinforcing plate 81 repeatedly expands and contracts in the longitudinal direction. That is, when an AC voltage is applied to the piezoelectric elements 82 and 83, the vibrating body 80 vibrates with a minute amplitude in the longitudinal direction as indicated by an arrow in FIG.

  Protrusions 81a and 81b are integrally formed at both ends of the reinforcing plate 81, respectively. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the vibrating body 80 is disposed so that the protrusion 81 a contacts the outer peripheral side surface (contact surface 72) of the rotor 70.

Next, the operation of the vibrating body 80 will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 5 is a partial plan view schematically showing the action of the vibrating body, and FIG. 6 is an explanatory view schematically showing the movement of the protrusion. In FIG. 5, the protrusion 81 a is provided at a position (corner in the illustrated configuration) that is shifted from the center (center line G) of the reinforcing plate 81.

  In the illustrated configuration, the protrusion 81b is provided symmetrically with the protrusion 81a at the opposite corner, but this is not used in this embodiment.

  Further, an arm portion 81 c is projected from substantially the center in the longitudinal direction of the reinforcing plate 81. A fixing hole 81d is formed at the tip of the arm portion 81c, and a fixing screw 98 (see FIG. 3) is inserted into the fixing hole 81d.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the vibrating body 80 is fixed by a fixing screw 98 to a vibrating body fixing shaft 90 planted on the tube guide frame 15 in the arm portion 81 c. That is, the vibrating body 80 is supported by the arm portion 81c. Thereby, the vibrating body 80 can vibrate freely and vibrates with a relatively large amplitude.

  The vibrating body 80 is disposed in a state where the protrusion 81 a is pressed against the contact surface 72 on the outer peripheral side surface of the rotor 70 by the elasticity of the arm portion 81 c.

  In addition, the vibrating body 80 is disposed in a posture substantially parallel to the rotor 70 in the cross-sectional direction and is thinner than the thickness of the rotor 70. Further, the thickness of the vibrating body 80 is more preferably made thinner than the width of the groove 71 formed in the outer peripheral surface of the rotor 70 in the cross-sectional direction.

  As described above, when an AC voltage is applied to the piezoelectric elements 82 and 83, the vibrating body 80 expands and contracts, and the protrusion 81a repeats elliptical motion as indicated by the arrow r in FIG.

  Therefore, when the vibrating body 80 is vibrated by applying an alternating voltage to the piezoelectric elements 82 and 83 in a state where the protrusion 81a is in contact with the contact surface 72 of the rotor 70, the vibrating body 80 is expanded. The rotor 70 receives frictional force (pressing force) from the protrusion 81a, and the rotor 70 rotates in the clockwise direction (arrow R) by repeating this pressing force.

  The frequency applied to the piezoelectric elements 82 and 83 is not particularly limited, but is preferably approximately the same as the resonance frequency of vibration (longitudinal vibration) of the vibrating body 80. Thereby, the amplitude of the vibrating body 80 becomes large, and the rotor 70 can be rotationally driven with high efficiency.

  The vibrating body 80 mainly longitudinally vibrates in the longitudinal direction, but it is more preferable to resonate the longitudinal vibration and the bending vibration and cause the protrusion 81a to elliptically vibrate. Thereby, the rotor 70 can be rotationally driven with higher efficiency. Hereinafter, this point will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 5, when the vibrating body 80 rotationally drives the rotor 70, the protrusion 81 a receives a reaction force f represented by an arrow in FIG. 5 from the rotor 70. In the present embodiment, the protrusion 81 a is provided at a position shifted from the center line G of the vibrating body 80. Accordingly, the vibrating body 80 is deformed and vibrated by the reaction force f so as to bend in the in-plane direction as shown in FIG. In FIG. 5, the deformation of the vibrating body 80 is exaggerated.

  By appropriately selecting the frequency of the applied voltage, the shape / size of the vibrating body 80, the position of the protrusion 81a, etc., the frequency of the bending vibration and the frequency of the longitudinal vibration resonate, the amplitude increases, and the protrusion 81a is displaced (ellipse vibration) substantially along an ellipse as shown by an arrow r in FIG.

  Accordingly, when the protrusion 81a sends the rotor 70 in the rotation direction with one amplitude of the vibrating body 80, the protrusion 81a is pressed against the rotor 70 with a strong force, and when the protrusion 81a returns, Since the frictional force can be reduced or eliminated, the vibration of the vibrating body 80 can be converted with higher efficiency than the rotation of the rotor 70.

  Next, the operation relating to the transport of the liquid according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The cam 20 is rotated via the rotor 70 by the driving force from the vibrating body 80 (shown in the direction of arrow R) and presses the finger 44 with the finger pressing surface 21 d of the cam 20.

  The finger 45 is in contact with a joint portion between the finger pressing surface 21d and the finger pressing slope 22 and closes the tube 50. Further, the finger 46 presses the tube 50 on the finger pressing slope 22 but is smaller than the pressing amount of the finger 44 and does not completely close the tube 50.

  The fingers 41 to 43 are in the range of the arc portion 23 of the cam 20 and are in an initial position where they are not pressed. In addition, the finger 40 is in contact with the finger pressing slope 22 of the cam 20, but the tube 50 is not yet closed at this position.

  When the cam 20 is further rotated in the direction of arrow R from this position, the fingers 50 and 46 are pressed in this order by the finger pressing surface 21d of the cam 20, and the tube 50 is closed. The finger 44 is released from the finger pressing surface 21d, and the tube 50 is opened. The liquid flows into the liquid flow part 51 of the tube 50 at a position where the pressure-closure is released from the finger or a position where the pressure-close is not yet closed.

  When the cam 20 is further rotated by the vibrating body 80, the finger pressing slope 22 is sequentially pressed from the liquid inflow side to the outflow side in the order of the fingers 40, 41, 42, 43, and reaches the finger pressing surface 21c. The tube 50 is closed.

  By repeating such an operation, the liquid flows from the inlet portion 52 side toward the outlet portion 53 side and is discharged from the outlet portion 53.

  At this time, two of the plurality of fingers come into contact with the finger pressing surface of the cam 20, and when moving to a position where the next finger is pressed, one of the fingers is pressed. Thus, by repeating the state of pressing two fingers and the state of pressing one finger, a state in which at least one finger always press-closes the tube 50 is formed. Such a structure of the micropump by the movement of a plurality of fingers is called a peristaltic drive system.

  Therefore, according to the above-described embodiment, the driving mechanism (movable part mechanism) is configured as the tube unit 2 by the vibrating body 80, the rotor 70, the cam 20, and the fingers 40 to 46. Thus, there is an effect that the connecting mechanism for the movable part between the motor module and the pump module is not required and the structure is simplified.

  In addition, the control unit 3 includes a control circuit unit 60 that is a non-movable member and a battery 61, and can realize a simple structure that does not have a movable mechanism.

  Further, since the tube 50, the fingers 40 to 46, and the cam 20 are unitized, the tube 50 can be easily replaced as the tube unit 2. Moreover, by adjusting the length of the fingers 40 to 46 and the shape of the cam 20 for each tube unit so as to be a predetermined discharge amount with respect to the variation in the diameter of the tube 50, the discharge accuracy is guaranteed. The effect is easy.

  Moreover, the tube unit which can be manufactured with a general manufacturing facility with respect to the control unit 3 including the expensive control circuit unit 60 can be manufactured at low cost. Therefore, if the control unit 3 is repeatedly used and is used disposable for each liquid (medical solution) using the tube unit 2 and for each use target (for example, for each individual), the running cost can be reduced.

  In the present embodiment, the rotor 70 (cam 20) is rotated using the vibration of the vibrating body 80 as a rotational drive source of the cam 20. Since the rotor 70 driven by the vibrating body 80 has a large rotational torque, it does not require a reduction gear mechanism as in the prior art. In addition, the movable portion between the tube unit 2 and the control unit 3 does not require a coupling mechanism, and the structure is simplified. Since the drive source is the flat vibrating body 80, a small and thin micro pump 1 can be realized. .

  Further, since the vibrating body 80 vibrates by applying an AC voltage to the piezoelectric elements 82 and 83 and rotates the rotor 70, no electromagnetic noise is generated and no adverse influence is exerted on surrounding equipment. It is not affected by the electromagnetic noise generated by the equipment. Therefore, it is possible to avoid the risk of electromagnetic noise, particularly in the medical field.

  Further, when the vibrating body 80 including the piezoelectric elements 82 and 83 is used as a driving source, there is almost no deterioration due to driving, and it is excellent in durability and can be used for a long time. However, at that time, when a small battery is used as the power source, it is expected that the battery capacity will be insufficient during the period of use. Therefore, the micropump 1 can be continuously used for a long time by adopting a configuration in which the battery 61 can be easily replaced independently.

  Further, the battery 61 can be replaced in accordance with the replacement timing of the tube unit 2, and the trouble of taking out the power supply unit can be eliminated and the problem that the mechanical driving member is damaged at the time of replacement can be eliminated. .

  In addition, since the battery 61 and the control circuit unit 60 are disposed in the control unit 3, the degree of freedom in planar layout with respect to the tube unit 2 is increased. Therefore, it is possible to employ a large capacity battery having a large planar size and to realize long-time driving.

  In this embodiment, the rotor 70 is rotated using the vibrating body 80 and the cam is further rotated. The rotor 70 is driven by the frictional force (pressing force) between the protrusion 81 a of the vibrating body 80 and the rotor 70. To do. Therefore, the driving force is high unlike the case of driving by magnetic force as in the step motor of the prior art. In addition, by bringing the protrusion 81a into contact with the outer peripheral surface of the rotor 70 having a large diameter, the rotational torque of the rotor 70 can be increased when the same vibrating body is vibrated under the same conditions, so that stable driving can be continued.

  Further, since the rotor 70 and the cam 20 are fixed to the cam shaft 75, the connection mechanism as in the prior art described above becomes unnecessary, and the micropump 1 can be further downsized.

  Further, a groove 71 along the rotation direction is provided on the contact surface of the rotor 70 with the protrusion 81 a, and the protrusion 81 a is disposed to contact the contact surface 72 inside the groove 71. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the thin plate-like vibrating body 80 from coming off the contact surface 72 due to external vibration, impact, or the like. Further, since the contact position in the cross-sectional direction between the protrusion 81a and the contact surface 72 is substantially constant, there is an effect that the driving force from the vibrating body 80 to the rotor 70 is stabilized.

Further, when the control unit 3 and the tube unit 2 are mounted, the control circuit unit 60 and the vibrating body 80 are electrically connected. Therefore, by arranging the control circuit unit 60 and the vibrating body 80 so as not to overlap the tube 50, the cam 20, and the fingers 40 to 46 in a plan view, the electrical connection can be easily performed and the micropump 1 can be more easily connected. Thinning can be achieved. In addition, since the small-sized vibrating body 80 is distributed in a plane with the fingers 40 to 46 and the tube 50, the assemblability can be improved.
(Embodiment 2)

  Next, the micro pump according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. The second embodiment is characterized in that the rotor 70 has a ring shape, and the protruding portion 81a of the vibrating body 80 is disposed so as to contact the ring-shaped inner peripheral side surface of the rotor 70. Therefore, the description will focus on the differences from the first embodiment.

  FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the drive unit according to the second embodiment, and FIG. 8 is a plan view showing the rotor. 7 and 8, the rotor 170 is formed in a ring shape by forming a recess from the lower surface direction in the figure. And the vibrating body 80 is arrange | positioned in this recessed part.

  A groove 171 is formed in the ring-shaped inner peripheral side surface of the rotor 170 along the rotation direction of the rotor 170. An inner peripheral side surface of the groove 171 is an abutting surface 172 with which a protrusion 81 a provided on the vibrating body 80 abuts.

  Similarly to the first embodiment, the rotor 170 is configured to rotate together with the cam 20 so as to overlap the cam shaft 75 and rotate integrally therewith.

  Further, the vibrating body 80 is fixed to the vibrating body fixing shaft 90 planted in the tube guide frame 15 by a fixing screw 98 at the tip of the arm portion 81c (see FIG. 4).

  The configuration and driving action of the vibrating body 80 are the same as those in the first embodiment (see FIGS. 4 to 6), but the protrusion 81a contacts the contact surface 172 on the ring-shaped inner peripheral surface of the rotor 170, The rotor 170 is rotated clockwise (in the direction of arrow R in the figure).

According to such a configuration, the rotor 170 has a ring shape, and the protrusion 81 a of the vibrating body 80 is disposed so as to contact the contact surface 172 on the inner peripheral side surface of the rotor 170. Therefore, since the vibrating body 80 is disposed on the inner side of the outer diameter of the rotor 170, further downsizing can be realized, and the layout design of the control circuit unit 60 and the battery 61 (see also FIG. 3) is facilitated. effective.
(Embodiment 3)

  Next, a micro pump according to Embodiment 3 will be described with reference to the drawings. The third embodiment further simplifies the structure of the second embodiment described above. The rotor is formed inside a recess formed in one plane of the cam 20, and a protrusion 81 a provided on the vibrating body 80. Is characterized in that it is disposed so as to contact the inner peripheral side surface of the recess. Therefore, the description will focus on the differences from the second embodiment.

  FIG. 9 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating a drive unit according to the third embodiment. In FIG. 9, a recess is formed in the lower surface of the cam 20 (the surface in the direction of the tube guide frame 15), and a vibrating body 80 is disposed in the recess.

  A groove 171 is formed on the inner peripheral side surface of the rotor 170, and an abutting surface 172 on which the protrusion 81 a provided on the vibrating body 80 abuts is formed on the inner side surface of the groove 171. That is, the rotor function is formed integrally with the cam 20.

  In addition, the vibrating body 80 is fixed to the vibrating body fixing shaft 90 planted in the tube guide frame 15 by a fixing screw 98 at the distal end portion (see FIG. 4) of the arm portion 81c (see also FIG. 8). .

  The configuration and driving action of the vibrating body 80 are the same as those in the first embodiment (see FIGS. 4 to 6), but the protrusion 81a is a ring of the rotor 170 as in the second embodiment (see FIG. 8). The rotor 170 is rotated in the clockwise direction by contacting the contact surface 172 on the inner peripheral side surface of the shape.

Therefore, according to the above-described configuration, the rotor 170 is integrally formed with the cam 20 inside the cam 20, so that the structure can be simplified and the size can be reduced.
(Embodiment 4)

  Next, a micro pump according to Embodiment 4 will be described with reference to the drawings. In the fourth embodiment, the battery 61 is mounted on the control unit 3 in the first embodiment (see FIG. 3), but the battery 61 is provided in the tube unit 2 and is detachable. It is said. Therefore, the description will focus on the differences from the first embodiment.

  FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a drive unit according to the fourth embodiment. In FIG. 10, the battery 61 is attached to the tube unit 2. The tube guide frame 15 and the second machine casing 16 are provided with a hole penetrating in the cross-sectional direction, and the battery 61 is inserted into this hole.

  One end face of the battery 61 is a negative pole and is connected to a negative pole pattern (not shown) of a circuit board 63 provided in the control unit 3.

  The side surface of the battery 61 is a positive electrode, and is connected to a positive electrode pattern (not shown) via a battery terminal 62 connected and fixed to the circuit board 63.

  The battery 61 is inserted from above in the figure of the second machine casing 16, and the periphery of the side surface is held by the tube guide frame 15 and is fixed by the battery lid 19. In addition, it is preferable that the battery insertion hole of the tube guide frame 15 is set to a fitting relationship such that the battery 61 can be inserted and removed.

  A screw part 19 b is formed on the outer peripheral protrusion of the battery lid 19, and is screwed to a female screw formed on the second machine casing 16. The battery lid 19 has an opening / closing groove 19a. The battery lid 19 can be opened / closed by inserting a screwdriver or a coin into the opening / closing groove 19a and rotating it.

  That is, the battery 61 is removed, the battery 61 is taken out, the battery 61 is attached, and the battery cover 19 is tightened to press the battery 61 on the circuit board 63. At this time, the battery lid 19 and the second machine casing 16 are in close contact with each other.

  Here, the battery 61 is removed together with the tube unit 2 when the tube unit 2 is removed from the control unit 3 and then replaced. Alternatively, the battery cover 19 is removed while the tube unit 2 is attached to the control unit 3. It is also possible to replace it alone.

According to such a configuration, since the battery 61 can have a thickness up to a position reaching the control unit 3 through the tube unit 2, the battery 61 can be thickened, and thus a large capacity battery is adopted. And can be continuously driven for a long time.
(Embodiment 5)

  Next, a micro pump according to Embodiment 5 will be described with reference to the drawings. The fifth embodiment is a modification of the above-described fourth embodiment (see FIG. 10), and is characterized in that the battery 61 is mounted inside the tube unit 2. Therefore, the difference from the fourth embodiment will be mainly described.

  FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a drive unit according to the fifth embodiment. In FIG. 11, the connection substrate 64 extends to the lower part of the battery 61, and a positive electrode pattern and a negative electrode pattern (not shown) are formed.

  The connection board 64 provided in the tube unit 2 and the circuit board 63 provided in the control unit 3 are connected by a connection terminal 65. Accordingly, the connection terminals 65 and the connection terminal portions 63 a are provided in the numbers necessary for the connection between the battery 61 and the control circuit unit 60 and the connection between the vibrating body 80 and the control circuit unit 60. The connection board 64 is connected and fixed to a battery terminal 62 connected to the side surface of the battery 61.

  The battery 61 is inserted into the tube unit 2 (the tube guide frame 15 and the second machine frame 16) and fixed by the battery lid 19. The battery lid 19 and the fixing structure are the same as those in the fourth embodiment.

  With such a configuration, the battery 61 can be replaced in accordance with the replacement time of the tube 50. Further, even when the tube unit 2 and the control unit 3 are mounted, the battery 61 can be replaced alone.

In the fourth embodiment and the fifth embodiment described above, the vibrating body 80, the control circuit unit 60, and the battery 61 are dispersedly arranged at positions that do not overlap the tube 50, the cam 20, and the fingers 40 to 46 in a plane. Therefore, thinning and assembling can be improved.
(Embodiment 6)

  Next, a micro pump according to Embodiment 6 will be described with reference to the drawings. The sixth embodiment is characterized in that a speed reduction mechanism or a speed increasing mechanism is provided as a driving force transmission mechanism between the rotor 70 and the cam 20. An example of the speed reduction mechanism will be described as an example.

  FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a drive unit according to the sixth embodiment. In FIG. 12, the speed reduction mechanism of the present embodiment includes a cam gear 101 provided on the cam 20, a rotor gear 105 provided on the rotor 70, and an intermediate wheel 102 that meshes with the cam gear 101 and the rotor gear 105. Has been.

  The cam gear 101 is fixed to the cam shaft 75 together with the cam 20 and is supported by bearings 92 and 93. The intermediate wheel 102 has an intermediate gear 103 and is supported by a bearing 95 provided on the tube guide frame 15 and an intermediate wheel receiver 110. The intermediate wheel receiver 110 is fixed to the tube guide frame 15 with a fixing screw or the like.

  On the other hand, the rotor gear 105 is formed on the rotor shaft 104 that fixes the rotor 70, and is supported by a bearing 97 provided on the tube guide frame 15 and a bearing 96 provided on the second machine frame 16.

  In addition, since the shaft holes of the bearings 92 and 96 provided in the second machine casing 16 do not penetrate, the space 30 formed by the tube guide frame 15 and the second machine casing 16 is the control unit 3 and the tube unit 2. It is sealed with the attached.

  The vibrating body 80 is fixed to the vibrating body fixing shaft 90 planted in the tube guide frame 15 by a fixing screw 98 at the tip end portion (see FIG. 4) of the arm portion 81c.

  A groove 71 is formed in the outer peripheral portion of the rotor 70 along the rotation direction, and an inner side surface of the groove 71 is a contact surface 72 with the protruding portion 81a. The shape of the rotor 70 illustrates the same case as that of the first embodiment (see FIG. 3).

  The vibrating body 80 is disposed substantially at the center in the cross-sectional direction of the groove 71 of the rotor 70, and is fixed to the vibrating body fixing shaft 90 by a fixing screw 98.

  The configuration and operation of the vibrating body 80 are the same as those in the first embodiment (see FIGS. 4 to 6), and the relationship between the vibrating body 80 and the rotor 70 is the same as that in the first embodiment, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

  The rotor 70 is rotated by the vibration of the vibrating body 80, and the rotation of the rotor 70 is transmitted to the cam 20 via the rotor gear 105, the intermediate gear 103, and the cam gear 101. By providing the intermediate wheel 102, the cam 20 rotates in the same direction as in the first embodiment (see FIG. 2).

  Here, the gear ratio between the rotor gear 105 and the cam gear 101 is a reduction ratio, and the reduction ratio can be appropriately changed according to the gear ratio between the rotor gear 105 and the cam gear 101. Further, if the intermediate wheel 102 is configured with a large gear and a small gear, the reduction ratio can be further adjusted. In addition, what is necessary is just to use the gear ratio of each gear as a speed-up gear mechanism when speeding up.

  As described above, by providing the speed reduction mechanism or the speed increasing mechanism between the cam 20 and the rotor 70, the rotational speed of the cam 20 can be changed. That is, the amount of liquid flow can be adjusted as appropriate.

  Further, by providing all the movable mechanisms such as the vibrating body 80, the rotor 70, the speed reduction mechanism, and the cam 20 in the tube unit 2, a connecting mechanism is not required between the control unit 3 and the tube unit 2, and assemblability is improved. .

  In this embodiment as well, the same arrangement structure of the battery 61 as in Embodiment 1 (see FIG. 3), Embodiment 4 (see FIG. 10), and Embodiment 5 (see FIG. 11) is adopted. it can.

Further, in the present embodiment, the structure in which the protrusion 81a of the vibrating body 80 is in contact with the contact surface 72 on the outer peripheral side surface of the rotor 70 has been described as an example. However, the second embodiment described above (see FIGS. 7 and 8). Alternatively, it can be adapted to a configuration in which the protrusion 81a is brought into contact with the contact surface 172 on the inner peripheral side surface of the rotor 170 shown in the third embodiment (see FIG. 9).
(Embodiment 7)

  Next, a micro pump according to Embodiment 7 will be described with reference to the drawings. The seventh embodiment is characterized in that the tube unit includes a cam, a tube, and a plurality of fingers, and the control unit includes a vibrating body, a speed reduction mechanism or a speed increasing mechanism, and a control circuit unit. An example of the speed reduction mechanism will be described as an example.

  FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a drive unit according to the seventh embodiment. In FIG. 13, the tube unit 2 includes a cam 20, fingers 40 to 46, and a tube 50 (both not shown). Since the structures of the fingers 40 to 46 and the tube 50 are the same as those in the first embodiment (see FIGS. 2 and 3), the description thereof is omitted.

  The cam 20 is fixed to the cam shaft 75 together with the cam gear 101, and is fixed by a bearing 93 provided on the tube guide frame 15 and a bearing 92 provided on the second machine frame 16.

  On the other hand, the control unit 3 includes a vibrating body 80, a rotor 70, a speed reduction mechanism, and a control circuit unit 60.

  In the vibrating body 80, an arm portion 81 c is fixed to a vibrating body fixing shaft 90 planted in the third machine casing 17 by a fixing screw 98. The vibrating body fixing shaft 90 fixes the circuit board 63 to the third machine casing 17. The circuit board 63 is attached to the third machine casing 17.

  A groove 71 is formed in the outer peripheral portion of the rotor 70 along the rotation direction, and an inner side surface of the groove 71 is a contact surface 72 with the protruding portion 81a. The shape of the rotor 70 illustrates the same case as that of the first embodiment (see FIG. 3).

  The vibrating body 80 is disposed substantially at the center in the cross-sectional direction of the groove 71 of the rotor 70, and is fixed to the vibrating body fixing shaft 90 by a fixing screw 98.

  The configuration and operation of the vibrating body 80 are the same as those in the first embodiment (see FIGS. 4 to 6), and the relationship between the vibrating body 80 and the rotor 70 is the same as that in the first embodiment, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

  The reduction mechanism includes a cam gear 101 provided on the cam 20, a rotor gear 105 formed on the rotor 70, and an intermediate wheel 102 that meshes with the cam gear 101 and the rotor gear 105.

  The rotor 70 is fixed to the shaft portion of the rotor gear 105 and is pivotally supported by a bearing 96 provided on the third machine casing 17 and a bearing 97 provided on the first machine casing 14. The rotor gear 105 meshes with an intermediate gear 103 provided in the intermediate wheel 102.

  The intermediate wheel 102 includes an intermediate axle 108 and an intermediate gear 103 that is fixed to a shaft portion 108b of the intermediate axle 108, and a small gear 108a is formed on the intermediate axle 108.

  One of the intermediate wheels 102 is pivotally supported by a bearing 99 provided on the third machine casing 17 and an intermediate wheel receiver 110. Then, the small gear 108 a protrudes from the third machine casing 17 toward the tube unit 2 and meshes with the cam gear 101.

  Note that the third machine casing 17 is fixed to the first machine casing 14 and the intermediate wheel receiver 110 is fixed to the third machine casing 17 using fixing screws.

  When the tube unit 2 is attached to the control unit 3, it is conceivable that the cam gear 101 and the small gear 108a of the intermediate wheel 102 interfere with each other. In such a case, the cam gear 101 and the intermediate wheel 102 can be meshed by rotating either the intermediate wheel 102 or the cam gear 101 by one pitch of the gear.

  In addition, a slope is formed in the outer peripheral portion in the cross-sectional direction that meshes with the intermediate wheel 102 of the cam gear 101, and assists the meshing of the cam gear 101 with the intermediate wheel 102.

  The circuit board 63 is a single-sided board, and a circuit pattern (not shown) is formed on the surface opposite to the third machine casing 17, and the control circuit unit 60 is connected and fixed.

  The rotor 70 is rotated by the vibration of the vibrating body 80, and the rotation of the rotor 70 is transmitted to the cam 20 via the rotor gear 105, the intermediate gear 103, the small gear 108 a, and the cam gear 101. By providing the intermediate wheel 102, the cam 20 rotates in the same direction as in the first embodiment (see FIG. 2).

  Here, the gear ratio between the rotor gear 105 and the cam gear 101 is a reduction ratio, and the reduction ratio can be appropriately changed according to the gear ratio between the rotor gear 105 and the cam gear 101. Further, if the intermediate wheel 102 is configured with a large gear and a small gear, the reduction ratio can be further adjusted. In addition, what is necessary is just to use the gear ratio of each gear as a speed-up gear mechanism when speeding up.

  In the present embodiment, the same arrangement structure of the battery 61 as in the first embodiment (see FIG. 3) and the fourth embodiment (see FIG. 10) can be adopted. In the case of the arrangement structure of the battery 61 similar to that of the fourth embodiment, it can be realized by using the circuit board 63 as a double-sided board and connecting the front and back circuit patterns through holes.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the structure in which the protrusion 81a of the vibrating body 80 is in contact with the contact surface 72 on the outer peripheral side surface of the rotor 70 has been described as an example. However, the second embodiment described above (see FIGS. 7 and 8). Alternatively, it can be adapted to a configuration in which the protrusion 81a is brought into contact with the contact surface 172 on the inner peripheral side surface of the rotor 170 shown in the third embodiment (see FIG. 9).

  According to the configuration of the present embodiment, the tube unit 2 has the configuration of the cam 20, the fingers 40 to 46, and the tube 50. Therefore, it is possible to adjust the length of the fingers 40 to 46 and the shape of the cam 20 in combination with each tube unit so as to have a predetermined discharge amount with respect to the variation in the diameter of the tube 50. Moreover, the cost can be reduced with respect to the control unit 3, and the running cost can be further reduced when the tube unit 2 is used as a single use.

  Further, by providing the control circuit unit 60 and the vibrating body 80 in the control unit 3, it is possible to connect on one surface side of the circuit board 63, and the connection structure can be simplified.

  The configuration of the speed reduction mechanism can be simplified by the technical idea of the present embodiment. That is, this can be realized by projecting the rotor gear 105 that fixes the rotor 70 toward the tube unit 2 and directly meshing the rotor gear 105 and the cam gear 101.

  This structure is realized because the rotor 70 is provided in the control unit 3 and the cam 20 (cam gear 101) is provided in the tube unit 2 so that the cam 20 and the rotor 70 may intersect in plane.

  In such a configuration, since an intermediate wheel is not used, consideration is given to the contact direction of the vibrating body 80 to the rotor 70 so that the rotation direction of the rotor 70 is opposite to that in the first embodiment.

  As described above, the micropump 1 according to the first to seventh embodiments can be reduced in size and thickness, and can stably flow continuously at a minute flow rate. It is suitable for medical use such as development of new drugs and drug delivery. Moreover, in various mechanical devices, it can be mounted in the device or outside the device and used for transporting fluids such as water, saline, chemicals, oils, fragrances, inks and gases. Furthermore, the micropump alone can be used for fluid flow and supply.

The micropump which concerns on Embodiment 1 is shown, (a) is a top view, (b) is a front view. FIG. 3 is a plan view illustrating a configuration of a drive unit according to the first embodiment. Sectional drawing which shows the AP cross section of FIG. FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a configuration of a vibrating body according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a partial plan view schematically showing the action of the vibrating body according to the first embodiment. Explanatory drawing which shows the motion of a projection part typically. FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating a drive unit according to a second embodiment. FIG. 6 is a plan view showing a rotor according to a second embodiment. FIG. 9 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating a drive unit according to a third embodiment. Sectional drawing which shows the drive part which concerns on Embodiment 4. FIG. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a drive unit according to a fifth embodiment. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a drive unit according to a sixth embodiment. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a drive unit according to a seventh embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Micro pump, 2 ... Tube unit, 3 ... Control unit, 20 ... Cam, 40-46 ... Finger, 50 ... Tube, 60 ... Control circuit part, 61 ... Battery, 70 ... Rotor, 80 ... Vibrating body, 81a ... Protrusion part, 82, 83 ... Piezoelectric element.

Claims (16)

A tube having a part in a circular arc shape and having elasticity, a plurality of fingers radially arranged from the center of the circular arc shape of the tube, and the center of the circular arc shape of the tube coincide with or substantially coincide with the rotation axis. A tube unit including a cam, a rotor that transmits a rotational force to the cam, and a vibrating body that includes a piezoelectric element and a protrusion that contacts the rotor at a longitudinal end.
A control unit that is supplied with electric power from a power supply unit and applies an AC voltage to the piezoelectric element, and a control unit,
The tube unit and the control unit are stacked and detachable,
By applying an alternating voltage to the piezoelectric element, the vibrating body vibrates, and a rotational force can be applied from the protrusion to the rotor.
A micropump characterized by that. The micropump according to claim 1,
The micropump characterized in that the power supply unit is provided in the control unit and is detachable. The micropump according to claim 1,
The micropump characterized in that the power supply unit is provided in the tube unit and is detachable. The micropump according to claim 3, wherein
The micropump characterized in that the power supply unit passes through the tube unit and is connected to the control circuit unit and is detachable. The micropump according to claim 1,
The rotor has a disk shape,
The micropump characterized in that the protrusion is disposed so as to contact the outer peripheral side surface of the rotor. The micropump according to claim 1,
The rotor has a ring shape;
The micropump characterized in that the protrusion is disposed so as to contact the ring-shaped inner peripheral side surface of the rotor. The micropump according to claim 1,
The rotor is formed in a recess formed in one plane of the cam;
The micropump characterized in that the protrusion is disposed so as to contact an inner peripheral side surface of the recess. The micropump according to claim 1,
The micropump characterized in that the rotation axis of the rotor coincides with the rotation axis of the cam. The micropump according to claim 1,
A groove along the rotation direction is provided on the contact surface of the rotor with the protrusion,
The micropump characterized in that the protrusion is disposed so as to contact the inner side surface of the groove. The micropump according to claim 1,
Each of the vibrating body and the control circuit unit is dispersedly arranged at a position where it does not overlap the tube, the cam, and the plurality of fingers in a plan view. The micropump according to claim 1,
Each of the vibrating body, the control circuit unit, and the power supply unit is dispersedly arranged at a position that does not overlap the tube, the cam, and the plurality of fingers in a planar manner. The micropump according to claim 1,
A micropump, wherein a speed reduction mechanism or a speed increase mechanism is provided between the rotor and the cam. The micropump according to claim 12, wherein
The micropump characterized in that the deceleration mechanism or the speed increasing mechanism is disposed in the tube unit. A control unit including a control circuit unit for applying an AC voltage to the piezoelectric element is detachable,
A tube having a part thereof arranged in an arc shape and having elasticity, a plurality of fingers arranged radially from the center direction of the arc shape of the tube, and a cam whose rotation axis substantially coincides with the center of the arc shape of the tube A tube unit comprising: a rotor that transmits a rotational force to the cam; and a vibrating body that includes the piezoelectric element and has a protrusion that contacts the rotor at a longitudinal end. The tube unit according to claim 14 ,
A tube unit, wherein a speed reduction mechanism or a speed increase mechanism is provided between the rotor and the cam. A tube having a part thereof arranged in an arc shape and having elasticity, a plurality of fingers arranged radially from the center direction of the arc shape of the tube, and a cam whose rotation axis substantially coincides with the center of the arc shape of the tube And a tube unit having a rotor that transmits a rotational force to the cam, and a vibrating body having a piezoelectric element and a protrusion that contacts the rotor at a longitudinal end,
A control unit comprising a control circuit unit for applying an AC voltage to the piezoelectric element.

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