KR100230755B1 - Oneway fluid pump - Google Patents

Abstract

A microfluidic pump capable of precisely transferring a small amount of fluid is disclosed. The disclosed microfluidic pump includes a housing including a case having a receiving space and a base having an inlet and an outlet; An electromagnet installed in the storage space and having a through hole formed in the center thereof; A magnet moving up and down within the through hole; A first one-way valve installed at the inlet and selectively flowing the fluid in the inflow direction; A second one-way valve installed at the outlet and configured to selectively flow the fluid in the outflow direction; An inlet of the first one-way valve and an outlet of the second one-way valve are accommodated, and a diaphragm interlocking and resiliently moving as the magnet is lifted, and the first one-way valve is closed when the diaphragm is compressed. The second one-way valve is opened at the same time, and when the diaphragm is restored to its original state, the first one-way valve is opened and the second one-way valve is closed.

Description

Micro fluid pump

The present invention relates to a microfluidic pump, and more particularly to a microfluidic pump used in a chemical analyzer.

As the industrial structure becomes more complex and the importance of the environment increases, the demand for chemical analysis increases. In general, a chemical analyzer that performs chemical analysis finds the components of a sample by aspirating a sample, taking a quantitative amount, mixing it with one or more reagents, and sensing the mixed solution.

In such a chemical analyzer, in order to accurately analyze the components of a sample, it is necessary to quantitatively finely control the amount of the sample or the reagent added to the sample. Therefore, the fluid pump used to precisely control the flow of the sample or reagent must be made very small. Such a small fluid pump is called a micro fluidics device.

In order to manufacture the microfluidic pump, microfabrication technology using a silicon wafer was proposed in the late 1980s. That is, by stacking using single crystal silicon, a microfluidic pump having a complicated structure could be produced.

However, fluid pumps made of silicon wafers have problems due to limitations in the physical properties of silicon wafers, for example, fragile, leaks between wafers in stacked structures, or problems with pumping power being too weak. These problems have impeded precise control of the amount or flow of very small amounts of sample or reagent.

The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a microfluidic pump capable of precisely analyzing sample components by precisely transferring a very small amount of fluid.

1 is an exploded perspective view of a first embodiment of a microfluidic pump according to the present invention.

2 is an enlarged perspective view of a one-way valve employed in the microfluidic pump of FIG.

3 is an operation state diagram of the one-way valve shown in FIG. 2, showing a state in which the valve is opened.

4 is an operation state diagram of the one-way valve shown in FIG. 2, showing a state in which the valve is closed.

5 is an operation state diagram of the microfluidic pump shown in FIG. 1, showing a state in which the diaphragm is compressed.

6 is an operational state diagram of the microfluidic pump shown in FIG. 1, showing a state in which the diaphragm is restored to its original state.

7 is an exploded perspective view of a second embodiment of a microfluidic pump according to the present invention.

8 is an operation state diagram of the microfluidic pump shown in FIG. 7, showing a state where the diaphragm is compressed.

9 is an operation state diagram of the microfluidic pump shown in FIG. 7, showing a state in which the diaphragm is restored to its original state.

* Explanation of symbols for main parts of the drawings

110, 1110: case 110a: first nut

1110b: flange 112: cover member

112a: First bolt 112b: Groove

120: base 122, 322: inlet

123: second bolt 124, 324: outlet

130 housing 140 electromagnet

141: reel member 142: coil

144: through hole 145: contact member

150: magnet 160: diaphragm

161: close flange 210: first one-way valve

220: second one-way valve 212: first tube

216: first valve 218: first welding point

222: second tube 226: second valve

228: second welding point 252: inlet tube

254: outflow tube 320a: copper plate

320: first substrate 520: second substrate

552: inflow channel 554: outflow channel

1400: soldering

In order to achieve the above object, the microfluidic pump according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a housing including a case having a receiving space, and a base having an inlet and an outlet; An electromagnet installed in the storage space and having a through hole formed in the center thereof; A magnet moving up and down within the through hole; A first one-way valve installed at the inlet to selectively flow the fluid in the inflow direction; A second one-way valve installed at the outlet and configured to selectively flow the fluid in the outflow direction; An inlet of the first one-way valve and an outlet of the second one-way valve are accommodated, and a diaphragm interlocked and resilient as the magnet is lifted. When the diaphragm is compressed, the first one-way valve is provided. Is closed and the second one-way valve is opened. When the diaphragm is restored to its original state, the first one-way valve is opened and the second one-way valve is closed.

In the present invention, it is preferable that the base and the case each have a fastening portion to enable separation and coupling to each other.

In the present invention, the base has an inlet and an outlet and is a substrate, and the case preferably has a flange provided on the substrate on its outer circumferential surface.

In this case, the magnet is made of a niobium-iron-boron (NdFeB) material, the first one-way valve is installed in the inlet and the first tube having a predetermined length, and the first diaphragm direction And a first valve which is one-point hot-welded on the surface of one end of the tube, and has a first valve that moves in a valve around the one-weld weld. The second one-way valve is installed at the outlet and has a second tube having a predetermined length. Preferably, the second valve is provided with a one-point hot welding on one end surface of the second tube in a direction opposite to the diaphragm, and the second valve is moved around the one-point hot welding. In addition, the tube and the valve are preferably a polymer having a self cohesion, such as Tygon.

Hereinafter, a first embodiment of a microfluidic pump according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6.

Referring to the drawings, the microfluidic pump may include a housing 130 including a case 110 and a base 120, an electromagnet 140 stored in the case 110, and an inside of the electromagnet 140. The magnet 150 which is moved up and down, the first one-way valve 210 and the second one-way valve 220 installed on the base 120, the inlet and the second of the first one-way valve 210 The outlet of the one-way valve 220 is accommodated and includes a diaphragm 160 that is elastically moved by the magnet. A radially extending contact flange 161 is formed on an outer circumferential surface of the diaphragm 160, and the contact flange 161 is attached to the contact member 145 installed between the electromagnet 140 and the base 120. By pressing close to the surface of the base 120.

The first one-way valve 210 may include a first tube 212 having a predetermined length and a first end surface facing one end surface of the first tube 212, that is, an end surface facing toward the diaphragm 160. The first valve 216 is one-point welded around the welding point 218. The second one-way valve 220 may be formed on the second tube 222 having a predetermined length and the other end surface of the second tube 222, that is, the end surface facing the diaphragm 160. It consists of the 2nd valve | bulb 216 welded by one-point heat-welding about the 2nd welding point 228. In addition, the tubes and valves are preferably polymers having self-adhesive properties, such as Tygon, manufactured by Norton.

The first and second valves 216 and 226 may be formed in a disc shape having a diameter of 0.05 to 0.15 mm in the form of a disk having a diameter of 2-3 mm, and then formed on the end surfaces of the first and second tubes 212 and 222. 1,2 welding point (218, 228) is a one-point spot welding (Spot Welding). Since the first and second valves 216 and 226 continuously move in fluids of various properties, they must be strongly adhered to the first and second tubes 212 and 222. The first and second valves 216 and 226 may be used. The second valves 216 and 226 can be easily and reliably adhered to the end surfaces of the first and second tubes 212 and 222. In this way, an ultra-small one-way valve having a diameter of about 1 to 5 mm can be produced.

The operation of the one-way valve (in this embodiment, the first one-way valve will be described as an example) with the above structure will be described with reference to FIGS.

When the fluid flows in the forward direction (arrow direction), the fluid applies hydraulic pressure to the surface of the first valve 216 in the flow direction. When the fluid reaches a predetermined level or more, the first valve 216 is centered on the welding point 218. The first one-way valve 210 is opened while being turned over.

On the other hand, when the fluid flows in the reverse direction (the reverse arrow direction), the fluid applies hydraulic pressure in the direction in which the first valve 216 is closed to close the first one-way valve 210. At this time, the fluid closes the first one-way valve 210 more firmly because the fluid is more tightly adhered to the surface of the one end of the first tube 212 as the hydraulic pressure is stronger.

The case 110 and the base 120 each have a fastening portion. The fastening part is, for example, a second nut (not shown) formed on the lower inner peripheral surface of the case 110 and a second bolt 123 formed on the upper outer peripheral surface of the base. Accordingly, the case 110 and the base 120 may be separated from each other and coupled to the fastening portion. The case 110 or the base 120 is made of a nonmagnetic material, for example, a plastic material.

The case 110 is provided with a cover member 112 to prevent the separation of the electromagnet 140 is received. The cover member 112 has a first bolt (112a) is formed on the outer peripheral surface. A first nut 110a corresponding to the first bolt 112a is formed on the upper inner circumferential surface of the case 110. Here, the cover member 112 is fastened to the case 110 by being screwed to the first nut (110a). At this time, since the groove 112b into which the general driver tip (not shown) is fitted is formed in the cover member 112, the cover member 112 is inserted into the groove 112b by rotating the driver tip. Screw on (110).

The inlet 122 and the outlet 124 are formed in the base 120. The first one-way valve 210 described above is installed at an upper side of the inlet 122, and an inlet tube 252 is fitted at a lower side thereof. The second one-way valve 220 is fitted to the upper side of the outlet 124 and the outlet tube 254 is fitted to the lower side. In this case, since the first and second one-way valves 210 and 220 have self-adhesiveness, the first and second one-way valves 210 and 220 are fitted to the inlet 122 and the outlet 124 without using an adhesive. Therefore, the fluid is prevented from leaking between the first and second one-way valves 210 and 220 and the oil and the inlet and outlet 122 and 124.

The inflow tube 252 is a passage through which a fluid such as a sample or a reagent to be analyzed is introduced, and the fluid introduced through the inflow tube 252 is the first one-way valve 210 to the diaphragm ( 160 is introduced into the interior. The fluid introduced into the diaphragm 160 flows out into the outflow tube 254 via the second one-way valve 220.

The electromagnet 140 is for lifting and lowering the magnet 150. The electromagnet 140 has a solenoid shape in which a coil 142 is wound around a reel member 141 having a through hole 144 formed at the center thereof. The magnet 150 is stored in the through hole 144 so as to be lifted and lowered. Therefore, when a current is applied to the coil 142 in the forward or reverse direction, the magnet 150 moves up and down in the through hole 144 according to Fleming's right hand rule.

The magnet 150 is a magnet made of niobium-iron-boron (NdFeB). The magnet 150 has a very small diameter of about 1 mm to 5 mm and a magnetic strength of tens to hundreds of times stronger than a general magnet (thousands of gauss). Therefore, a strong actuator can be constructed using the electromagnet 140 and the niobium-iron-boron magnet, and the magnet 150 can be reciprocated up and down several times per second by using the actuator.

The diaphragm 160 is a semicircular diaphragm having a space formed therein, and the material of the diaphragm 160 has good elasticity and resilience by using Tygon. The uppermost side of the diaphragm 160 is connected to the magnet 150. When the magnet 150 moves downward, the diaphragm 160 is pressed as shown in FIG. The upward movement restores the original state as shown in FIG. Since the diaphragm 160 is securely pressed and fixed to the surface of the base 120 by being pressed by the contact flange 161 and the contact member 145, the diaphragm 160 may be pressed or restored to its original state. 160 to maintain the sealed state of the interior and the base 120.

When the diaphragm 160 is compressed, the hydraulic pressure of the fluid contained in the diaphragm 160 is increased, and the fluid is hydraulically applied so that the first valve 216 is in close contact with the end surface of the first tube 212. As shown in FIG. 5, the first one-way valve 210 is closed. At the same time, the fluid opens the second one-way valve 220 by applying hydraulic pressure so that the second valve 226 is flipped off the second tube 222.

When the diaphragm 160 is restored to its original state, the hydraulic pressure of the fluid contained in the diaphragm 160 is lowered, and the fluid causes the first valve 216 to be flipped off the end surface of the first tube 216. As shown in FIG. 6, the first one-way valve 210 is opened. At the same time, the fluid closes the second one-way valve 220 by applying hydraulic pressure so that the second valve 226 comes into close contact with the end surface of the second tube 222. That is, the electromagnet 140 lifts the magnet 150 and moves the diaphragm 160 to the original state by compressing or restoring the diaphragm 160 to the original state alternately with the first one-way valve 210 and the second one-way valve 220. Open and close.

Hereinafter, the operation of the first embodiment of the microfluidic pump according to the present invention will be described in detail.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the diaphragm is compressed in the microfluidic pump described above.

When the forward current is applied to the electromagnet 140, the magnet 150 is lowered to the lower position of the through hole 144. Then, the magnet 150 compresses the diaphragm 160, and the fluid contained in the diaphragm 160 applies hydraulic pressure to the surface of the first valve 216 installed in the direction of the diaphragm 160, thereby providing a first valve ( 216 is firmly in contact with the end surface of the first tube (212). Therefore, the first one-way valve 210 is closed, and the fluid flowing from the inlet tube 252 does not flow into the diaphragm 160. At the same time, the fluid applies hydraulic pressure to the second valve 226 installed in the opposite direction to the first valve 216 to fold the second valve 226 from the second tube 222, that is, the fluid flows out. Will flip in the direction. Accordingly, the second one-way valve 220 is opened, and the fluid inside the diaphragm 160 is discharged to the outside through the second one-way valve 220 and the second outlet tube 254.

6 is a view showing a state in which the diaphragm is restored to its original state in the microfluidic pump described above.

When a reverse current is applied to the electromagnet 140, the magnet 150 rises to an upper position of the through hole 144. Then, the hydraulic pressure of the fluid contained in the diaphragm 160 is lowered, and the hydraulic pressure causes the first valve 216 to be flipped off the first tube 212 to open the first one-way valve 210. Accordingly, the fluid flowing into the first inlet tube 252 flows into the internal space of the diaphragm 160 through the first one-way valve 210. At the same time, the hydraulic pressure causes the second valve 226 to be secondly supplied. Since the second one-way valve 220 is closed by being in close contact with the end surface of the tube 222, the fluid contained in the diaphragm 160 may not flow out through the second one-way valve 220.

Next, referring to Figures 7 to 9, a second embodiment of a microfluidic pump according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

Referring to the drawings, the microfluidic pump of the present invention includes a case 1110 fixed to the first substrate 320, an electromagnet 140 housed in the case 1110, and elevating within the electromagnet 140. The magnet 150 is moved, the first one-way valve 210 and the second one-way valve 220 installed on the first substrate 320, the inlet and the first one-way valve 210 The outlet of the two-way valve 220 is accommodated and includes a diaphragm 160 that is elastically moved by the magnet. A radially extending contact flange 161 is formed on an outer circumferential surface of the diaphragm 160, and the contact flange 161 is an adhesion member 145 installed between the electromagnet 140 and the first substrate 320. ) Is pressed against the surface of the first substrate 320.

The case 1110 has a flange 1110b installed on the copper plate 320a of the first substrate 320, and the case 1110 has a diameter of about 12 mm using a nonmagnetic material such as copper. do.

The first substrate 320 has an inlet 322 and an outlet 324, and a copper plate 320a on which the flange 1110b is seated and fixed is provided. The flange 1110b is fixed to the copper plate 320a of the substrate 320 by welding, for example, soldering 1400 around the flange 1110b in a state of being seated on the copper plate 320a. The first one-way valve 210 is installed at the inlet 322 of the first substrate 320, and the second one-way valve 220 is installed at the outlet 324. An inlet channel 552 communicating with the inlet 322 and an outlet channel 554 communicating with the outlet 324 are formed in the second substrate 520 that is in close contact with the first substrate 320. It is. The first substrate 320 and the second substrate 520 may be bonded to each other using an adhesive or ultrasonic waves.

By the electromagnet 140 accommodated in the case 1110 and the cover member 112 to prevent the electromagnet 140 from being separated, the magnet 150 accommodated in the electromagnet 140, the magnet 150 Since the diaphragm 160 for peristaltic compression motion has the same member and the same action as that used in the first embodiment, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The first one-way valve 210 installed at the inlet 322 and the second one-way valve 220 installed at the outlet 324 have the same members and the same action as those used in the first embodiment, so the detailed Description is omitted.

Hereinafter, the operation of the second embodiment of the microfluidic pump according to the present invention will be described in detail.

8 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the diaphragm is compressed in the microfluidic pump described above.

When the forward current is applied to the electromagnet 140, the magnet 150 is lowered to the lower position of the through hole 144. Then, the magnet 150 compresses the diaphragm 160, and the fluid contained in the diaphragm 160 applies hydraulic pressure to the surface of the first valve 216 installed in the direction of the diaphragm 160, thereby providing a first valve ( 216 is firmly in contact with the end surface of the first tube (212). Therefore, the first one-way valve 210 is closed, and the fluid flowing in the inflow channel 522 does not flow into the diaphragm 160. At the same time, the fluid applies hydraulic pressure to the second valve 226 installed in the opposite direction to the first valve 216 to fold the second valve 226 from the second tube 222, that is, the fluid flows out. Will flip in the direction. Accordingly, the second one-way valve 220 is opened, and the fluid inside the diaphragm 160 is discharged to the outside through the second one-way valve 220 and the second outlet channel 554.

9 is a view showing a state in which the diaphragm is restored to its original state in the microfluidic pump described above.

When a reverse current is applied to the electromagnet 140, the magnet 150 rises to an upper position of the through hole 144. Then, the hydraulic pressure of the fluid contained in the diaphragm 160 is lowered, and this hydraulic pressure causes the first valve 216 to be bent in the direction in which the first tube 212 is bent in the first tube 212, that is, in the direction in which the fluid is introduced. Open the one-way valve 210. Therefore, the fluid flowing into the first inflow channel 552 of the second substrate 520 flows into the inner space of the diaphragm 160 through the first one-way valve 210. At the same time, the hydraulic pressure closes the second one-way valve 220 by bringing the second valve 226 into close contact with the one end surface of the second tube 222. Therefore, the fluid contained in the diaphragm 160 may not flow out through the second one-way valve 220.

As described above, according to the present invention, a strong actuator is constructed by using an electromagnet and a niobium-iron-boron magnet, and has a strong pumping force and a small size by using a one-way valve and a diaphragm having self-adhesiveness. Since microfluidic pumps can be made, it is possible to precisely transfer the amount or flow of very small amounts of sample or reagent.

In addition, since a material such as plastic or copper is used, there is an effect that the problem caused by the limitations of the physical properties of the silicon wafer, for example, it is fragile and the problem of leakage between the wafers in the laminated structure can be solved.

Claims (5)

A housing including a case having a storage space and a base having an inlet and an outlet; An electromagnet 140 installed in the case and having a through hole formed at a center thereof; A magnet 150 that moves up and down within the through hole of the electromagnet 140; A diaphragm 160 covering the inlet and the outlet and interlocking with each other as the magnet 150 moves up and down; The first tube 212 of the predetermined length that is installed in the inlet, and the one-point hot welding to the end surface of the one end of the first tube 212 in the diaphragm direction is the valve movement around the one heat welding A first one-way valve 210 composed of one valve 216; The second valve 222 of a predetermined length is provided in the outlet and the second valve valve is welded to one surface of the end surface of the second tube in a direction opposite to the diaphragm, and the valve is moved around the one point heat welding A second one-way valve 220 composed of 226; One-way fluid pump comprising a. The one-way fluid pump according to claim 1, wherein the base and the case each have a fastening part made of a bolt and a nut so as to be separated and coupled to each other. The one-way fluid pump according to claim 1, wherein the base is a substrate having an inlet and an outlet, and the case has a flange seated on the base on an outer circumferential surface thereof. The one-way fluid pump according to claim 1, wherein the magnet is made of niobium-iron-boron (NdFeB) material. The one-way fluid pump of claim 1, wherein the tube and valve are TYGON with self cohesion.

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