Elastomeric membrane for a medical elastomeric pump and medical elastomeric pump with such elastomeric membrane

Abstract

A medical elastomer pump and elastomer membrane of this kind are known, wherein the elastomer membrane is configured for accommodating and conveying a pump volume of a medical liquid and elastically stretches in a filled state of the pump volume at least partially filled with the medical liquid, whereby the elastically stretched elastomer membrane causes a conveying pressure acting on the pump volume in order to convey the medical liquid. According to the invention, the elastomer membrane has a plurality of raised sections, which at least in the filled state project in the case of a corresponding configuration as a raised portion, wherein the raised portion respectively forms a pump volume section of the pump volume. Use in infusion therapy.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The invention relates to an elastomer membrane for a medical elastomer pump for conveying a medical liquid, wherein the elastomer membrane is configured for a pump volume for accommodating and conveying the medical liquid and is elastically stretched in a filled state of the pump volume at least partially filled with the medical liquid, whereby the elastically stretched elastomer membrane causes a conveying pressure acting on the pump volume in order to convey the medical liquid. Furthermore, the invention relates to a medical elastomer pump with such an elastomer membrane. BACKGROUND

[0002] Such a medical elastomer pump is known from DE 10 2017 205 251 A1 and is provided for administering a medical liquid to a patient in the case of ambulatory or stationary infusion therapy. Such a medical elastomer pump can also be referred to as an elastomer infusion pump. The known elastomer pump has an elastomer membrane which is configured for a pump volume for accommodating and conveying the medical liquid to be administered. In a filled state of the pump volume at least partially filled with the medical liquid, the elastomer membrane is elastically stretched balloon-like and assumes an outer shape, for example spherical or egg-shaped. The elastic stretching of the elastomer membrane causes a conveying pressure acting on the medical liquid present in the pump volume. Under the action of the conveying pressure, the medical liquid can be conveyed from the pump volume into a fluid line system downstream of the elastomer membrane. Here, the conveying rate of the medical liquid occurring here depends on the conveying pressure. The conveying pressure depends on the elastic stretching of the elastomer membrane, which in turn depends on the filled state of the pump volume and thus on the filled amount of the medical liquid present in the elastomer membrane. Due to the conveying pressure depending on the filled state, a conveying rate of the medical liquid occurs which can vary with respect to the filled state and thus also with respect to the administration duration. From a medical point of view, a conveying rate which is as constant as possible is desirable. In the prior art, a throttling element in the form of a pressure reducer or a conveying rate limiter is known, which is applied to stabilize the conveying rate with respect to the filled state and is usually arranged downstream of the elastomer membrane. SUMMARY

[0003] It is an object of the invention to provide an elastomer membrane and a medical elastomer pump of the type mentioned at the outset, which make a conveying rate which is as constant as possible possible.

[0004] This object is achieved by the elastomer membrane having a plurality of embossed sections (Ausbuchtungsabschnitt), which, at least in the filled state, project in the case of a corresponding configuration as an embossment, wherein the embossment respectively forms a pump volume section of the pump volume. It has been shown that by the solution according to the application a delivery pressure can be achieved which is less dependent on the filling state and thus also less dependent on the delivery duration. In this way, the medical liquid can be delivered with a delivery rate which is as constant as possible, which is desirable from a medical point of view and is advantageous for patient safety. By the solution according to the application, the pump volume can be said to be divided into a plurality of pump volume sections. To this end, the elastomer membrane has a plurality of embossed sections. The embossed sections respectively form one of the embossments in the state in which at least a portion of the elastomer membrane is filled with the medical liquid. These embossments in turn respectively form one of the pump volume sections of the pump volume. As a result, by the solution according to the application (in simple terms) a kind of hydraulic parallel connection of a plurality of pump volumes (i.e. pump volume sections) is achieved. The inventors have recognized that by this type of hydraulic parallel connection a stabilization of the delivery pressure and thus also of the delivery rate can be achieved with simple means. The elastomer membrane is elastically, preferably soft- elastically and / or rubber-elastically, stretchable according to the type of a balloon or air bladder. To this end, the elastomer membrane is made of at least one elastomer material. As elastomer material, silicone in the form of silicone rubber or silicone elastomer or the like is considered, inter alia. In the filled state, in which at least a portion is filled with the medical liquid, the elastomer membrane is elastically, preferably soft-elastically and / or rubber-elastically, stretched and surrounds the pump volume and the medical liquid contained therein in the shape of a balloon or in the shape of an air bladder. Due to the embossed sections provided according to the application, the elastomer membrane - at least in the filled state - does not, for example, assume the shape of a sphere, egg or balloon. Rather, the embossed sections respectively form one of the embossments. The embossments respectively project preferably circularly and can also be referred to as circular sections, arched sections, bulging sections, bulge sections or protruding sections, inter alia. The embossments can respectively project in the shape of a spherical cap, inter alia. Accordingly, the elastomer membrane - at least in the filled state - has a rounded, projecting, bulging and / or bulge-shaped outer shape at a plurality of locations, i.e. embossments. The same can apply to the empty state of the elastomer membrane, which is not filled with the medical liquid. Alternatively, the embossments in the empty state are not configured and / or to a lesser extent. The embossed sections and thus also the embossments are preferably arranged uniformly distributed over the surface of the elastomer membrane. The embossed sections can have a uniform, preferably equal, or non-uniform design.

[0005] In a design variant of the application, the elastomer film has locally different elastic stretch properties, wherein the elastomer film can be relatively more easily elastically stretched in the region of the raised section than beside the raised section. By the relatively more easily elastic stretchability in the region of the raised section it is ensured that the elastomer film in the case of a filling with medical liquid and / or in the filled state projects roundly and thus is configured as a raised portion in the region of the raised section. The locally different elastic stretch properties can be realized in terms of material and / or by a corresponding dimensioning. For example, the elastomer film can be made of a first material in the region of the raised section and of a second material beside the raised section, wherein the first material has a smaller modulus of elasticity than the second material. Alternatively or additionally, the elastomer film can be made entirely of one and the same material, wherein this material can have a locally different degree of crosslinking. Further alternatively or additionally, the elastomer film can be dimensioned more weakly in the region of the raised section, thereby realizing the relatively more easily elastic stretchability.

[0006] In a further design variant of the application, the raised section has different elastic stretch properties, whereby the raised portion is configured differently under the action of the delivery pressure. Due to the different elastic stretch properties, the raised section projects differently roundly in the filled state. Thereby, the respective raised portion forms a pump volume section with a different volume content. The inventors have recognized that such a design of the raised section with different elastic stretch properties provides a further advantage in view of the sought-after as constant as possible delivery rate of the medical liquid. The different elastic stretch properties of the raised section can be realized in terms of material and / or by a corresponding dimensioning.

[0007] In a further design variant of the application, the elastomer film has a locally different film thickness, wherein a first film thickness in the region of the raised section is relatively smaller than a second film thickness beside the raised section. By the relatively smaller first film thickness in the region of the raised section it is ensured that the elastomer film projects correctly functionally under the action of the medical liquid and is configured as a raised portion. Since the elastomer film can be more easily elastically stretched in the region of the raised section than beside the raised section due to the relatively smaller first film thickness. There is provided a relatively more strongly dimensioned second film thickness there. If the elastomer film is manufactured by means of an injection-molding method, the material used here can be injected in a locally different amount and thus configured as a different film thickness in order to manufacture the elastomer film. Alternatively or additionally, the elastomer film can be processed in a material-removing manner in order to be configured as a locally different film thickness.

[0008] In a further design of the application, the elevation sections have different film thicknesses. Thereby different elastic stretch properties of the elevation sections can be achieved. For example, a first of the elevation sections can have the first film thickness described above. A second of the elevation sections can have a further, in particular third, film thickness which is relatively less or more dimensioned in this regard. The disclosure with regard to the previous design of the application with regard to the configuration of different film thicknesses applies in this regard. The statements made there apply in the sense of this design of the application.

[0009] In a further design of the application, the elastomer film is made of at least one elastomer material which is cross-linked with locally different strength, wherein a first cross-linking degree in the region of the elevation sections is relatively weaker than a second cross-linking degree next to the elevation sections. By the locally different strength of the cross-linking of the at least one elastomer material, the at least one elastomer material has locally different elastic stretch properties. Here, a relatively weaker cross-linking is known to be accompanied by a relatively easy elastic stretchability and vice versa. The locally different strength of the cross-linking can be achieved in terms of manufacture, for example, by means of a locally different degree of vulcanization. The vulcanization can be achieved by means of methods which are known in principle for this purpose, in particular sulfur vulcanization, vulcanization by means of peroxides, metal oxides or high-energy radiation.

[0010] In a further design of the application, different cross-linking degrees are provided in the region of the elevation sections. By the different cross-linking degrees different elastic stretch properties of the elevation sections can be achieved. For example, a first of the elevation sections can have the first cross-linking degree described above. A second of the elevation sections can have a further, in particular third, cross-linking degree which is relatively weaker or stronger. With regard to measures for configuring the different cross-linking degrees in terms of manufacture, reference is made to the previous design of the application. The statements made there apply in the sense of this design of the application.

[0011] In a further design of the application, the film has between 2 and 100, preferably between 7 and 40, particularly preferably between 15 and 25 elevation sections. A number of between 2 and 100 elevation sections is advantageous in terms of all conceivable application cases and thereby also the size of the pump volume. A number of between 7 and 40 elevation sections is relatively preferred. Since thereby the maximum number of elevation sections is relatively small, a relatively simplified manufacture can be achieved while at the same time maintaining an advantageous stabilization of the delivery rate. A number of between 15 and 25 elevation sections is relatively particularly preferred. Since thereby the sought stabilization with regard to the delivery rate on the one hand and the as simple as possible design of the elastomer film on the other hand are achieved optimally.

[0012] In a further design of the application, a film thickness of between 0.5 mm and 4 mm, preferably between 1.5 mm and 2.5 mm, particularly preferably between 1.7 mm and 1.9 mm and / or a locally varying film thickness is provided. By covering almost all practical application cases in the range between 0.5 mm and 4 mm. The range between 1.5 mm and 2.5 mm is preferred, since by this on the one hand a material saving can be achieved by the relative reduction of the maximum film thickness and on the other hand at the same time a reliable protrusion of the raised section can be achieved. The range between 1.7 mm and 1.9 mm proves to be particularly advantageous in this respect.

[0013] In a further design of the application, the elastomer film has at least a single-layer film structure with at least one first film layer made of silicone. The silicone can be in particular a silicone rubber or a silicone elastomer. The single-layer film structure makes a particularly simple and thus cost-advantageous production of the elastomer film possible, by which costs can be saved. By using silicone as the first film layer, advantageous chemical properties of the elastomer film can be achieved in particular.

[0014] In a further design of the application, the elastomer film has a multi-layer film structure with at least one second film layer made of rubber. The multi-layer film structure makes an advantageous adaptability of the properties of the elastomer film possible, in particular in terms of chemistry and / or mechanics. Preferably, the second film layer dominates the mechanical properties of the elastomer film. The chemical properties of the elastomer film which are decisive for the interaction with medical liquids are preferably dominated by the first film layer. Accordingly, the first film layer preferably faces the pump volume and is arranged as a radially inner layer. The second film layer is preferably radially outer and is further preferably arranged directly on the first film layer. It is apparent that further film layers can be provided.

[0015] Furthermore, the invention relates to a membrane arrangement for a medical elastomer pump for conveying a medical liquid, with an elastomer membrane of the type described above or mentioned previously and with a tensile-resistant grid structure which at least section-wise sheaths the elastomer membrane, the elastomer membrane being supported radially outward at least in the filled state at the inside of the grid structure radially inside, wherein the grid structure has a plurality of grid openings, the bulge sections projecting radially outwards through the grid openings at least in the filled state in the case of a respective configuration as one of the bulges. The grid structure forms a sheathing for the elastomer membrane, wherein the elastomer membrane - at least in the filled state partially filled with the medical liquid - projects radially outward through the plurality of grid openings of the grid structure. In contrast to the elastomer membrane, the grid structure is tensile-resistant. In the case of a filling of the elastomer membrane and thus of the pump volume with the medical liquid, the elastomer membrane is elastically stretched in the manner described previously and is section-wise inhibited in this respect by the tensile-resistant grid structure. Only in the region of the grid openings, the elastic stretching of the membrane leads to the projection of the bulge sections in the case of a respective configuration as one of the bulges. The grid openings of the grid structure can be arranged in a regular or irregular distribution. The grid openings can be designed in particular circularly, elliptically or angularly. The grid structure can be designed itself shape-stable or shape-yielding and only tensile-resistant. The bulge sections can be provided at the elastomer membrane itself and / or configured only by the interaction with the grid structure.

[0016] In a further design of the invention, the grid openings are different. The elastic stretching of the membrane leads in a corresponding manner together with the differently dimensioned grid openings to differently dimensioned bulge sections and finally to pump volume sections with different volume contents. The inventors have recognized that such a design offers further advantages in view of the sought-after as constant as possible conveying rate of the medical liquid.

[0017] In a further design of the invention, the grid structure is a textile fabric, wherein the grid openings are formed by the meshes of the textile fabric. The textile fabric is preferably knitted, woven, braided or plaited from a textile material. It is particularly advantageous if the textile fabric is designed as a net. The textile fabric is tensile-resistant under the action of the elastomer membrane. By the design of the grid structure as a textile fabric, a particularly compact membrane arrangement in the empty state of the elastomer membrane is achieved. Since the textile fabric itself is shape-yielding and can be compactly folded together with the elastomer membrane - not filled with the medical liquid - for packaging, transport and / or storage.

[0018] It is thereby achieved for the medical elastomer pump mentioned at the outset based on the object of the invention that an elastomer membrane according to the previous description and / or a membrane arrangement according to the previous description is provided. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0019] Further advantages and features of the invention will become apparent from the claims and from the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

[0020] Figure 1 A medical elastomer pump according to the prior art is shown, which is provided with an elastomer membrane designed according to the prior art and configured to deliver medical fluids in the case of infusion therapy.

[0021] Figure 2 An embodiment of a medical elastomer pump according to the present invention is shown, wherein the medical elastomer pump is provided with an elastomer membrane according to the present invention.

[0022] Figure 3 The detailed perspective illustration shows the results based on Figure 2 elastomeric membranes,

[0023] Figure 4 Showing the passage according to Figure 3 A schematic cross-sectional view of a planar unfolded segment of an elastomer membrane.

[0024] Figure 5 An embodiment of the membrane arrangement structure according to the invention is shown, comprising a grid structure with an elastomeric membrane and at least segmentally encased elastomeric membranes.

[0025] Figure 6 A schematically simplified, truncated, and planar unfolded cross-section diagram shows the... Figure 5 The membrane arrangement structure, wherein the elastomer membrane occupies the empty state, and

[0026] Figure 7 In accordance with Figure 6 The diagram shows that, according to Figure 5 A membrane arrangement structure wherein an elastomeric membrane occupies at least a portion of a filled state with medical fluid. Detailed Implementation

[0027] according to Figure 1 A medical elastomer pump 101, as known in the prior art, is configured to deliver medical fluid F in active and / or stationary infusion therapy situations. The medical elastomer pump 101 may also be referred to as an elastomer infusion pump. The medical elastomer pump 101 has an elastomer membrane 102 configured to contain and deliver the medical fluid F in a pump volume 103. According to... Figure 1In the configuration shown, the pump volume 103 is shown in a filling state in which it is at least partially filled with medical liquid F. In this filling state, the pump volume 103 and thus also the elastomer membrane 102 are elastically stretched balloon-like under the action of the medical liquid F. The elastic stretching of the membrane 102 causes a delivery pressure p acting on the pump volume 103 and the medical liquid F contained therein, which depends on the stretching and thus, by implication, on the filling state. The elastomer membrane 102 known from the prior art has a uniformly circularly convex outer shape at least in the filling state, which is currently configured approximately spherically. The same applies to the pump volume 103 delimited by the elastomer membrane 102. In order to fill the pump volume 103 with medical liquid F, the medical elastomer pump 101 has a refill branch 104, which is fluidically coupled to the elastomer membrane 102 in a manner known per se. In order to discharge medical liquid F from the pump volume 103, the elastomer pump 101 has a discharge branch 105, which is fixedly and fluidically coupled to the elastomer membrane 102 in a manner known per se. Downstream of the pump volume 103, a hose line 106 is fluidically connected at one end to the discharge branch 105. At the other end, the hose line 106 is provided with a fluid connector 107 in a manner known per se. The fluid connector 107 is fluidically connected in a manner known per se in the ready-to-use state to a patient-side patient inlet 108, which is connected depending on the application Figure 1 only outlined in dashed lines.

[0028] On the basis of the delivery pressure p depending on the stretching and thus on the filling state, an inconstant delivery rate of the medical liquid between the pump volume 103 and the patient-side inlet 108 naturally occurs. This delivery rate can also be referred to as volume flow and is finally variable with respect to the delivery time or dosing time, during which medical liquid F is delivered from the pump volume 103, on the basis of the delivery pressure p depending on the stretching. In the elastomer pump 101 known from the prior art, a throttle element 109 is provided, which serves to stabilize the delivery rate over the delivery time. The throttle element 109 is connected depending on the application Figure 1 only outlined schematically and is associated with the hose line 106 in a manner known per se. The throttle element 109 can be designed, for example, in the form of a pressure reducer or a flow rate limiter.

[0029] According to Figure 2 An embodiment of a medical elastomer pump 1 according to the application is shown, which is designed in a manner corresponding to the medical elastomer pump 101 known from the prior art according to Figure 1 for the dosing of medical liquid F. Here, the medical elastomer pump 1 differs from the medical elastomer pump 101 known from the prior art in that it has an elastomer membrane 2 designed according to the application. The elastomer membrane 2 is shown in detail also depending on Figure 3 ​

[0030] The elastomer membrane 2 has a plurality of raised sections 10, 11, 12, 13. Depending on Figure 2 and 3 a filling state of the elastomer membrane 2 is shown, in which the pump volume 3 configured by the elastomer membrane 2 for receiving and conveying the medical liquid F is at least partially filled with the same medical liquid. In this filling state, the raised sections 10, 11, 12, 13 of the elastomer membrane 2 bulge round in the case of a corresponding configuration as raised portions 14, 15, 16, 17. Here, the raised portions 14, 15, 16, 17 correspondingly form pump volume sections 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d of the pump volume 3. Figure 2 ).

[0031] In contrast to the elastomer membrane 102 known from the prior art, the elastomer membrane 2 - at least in the filling state - does not for example assume an outer shape in the shape of a sphere, in the shape of an egg or in the shape of a spheroid. Instead, the elastomer membrane 2 is designed round, bulging, swollen and / or convex at a plurality of locations in the case of a configuration as raised portions 14, 15, 16, 17. The raised portions 14, 15, 16, 17 bulge outwards in the radial direction in relation to the wall section of the elastomer membrane 2 which is arranged next to the raised sections 10, 11, 12, 13. The raised portions 14, 15, 16, 17 can be referred to as round portions, arched portions, swollen portions, convex portions or protruding portions, inter alia, correspondingly.

[0032] In the shown embodiment, the raised portions 14, 15, 16, 17 are correspondingly designed in the form of a spherical cap. Such a shaping has proven to be advantageous. In an unshown embodiment, the raised portions can be designed differently from the shown spherical cap shape.

[0033] In the empty state of the elastomer membrane 2, which is not shown in detail in the drawing (in which the pump volume 3 is not filled with the medical liquid F, but instead is empty), the raised portions 14, 15, 16, 17 are not or to a relatively small extent bulging configured.

[0034] The present elastomer membrane 2 has a total of four raised sections 10, 11, 12, 13 and correspondingly in the filling state a total of four raised portions 14, 15, 16, 17, however this is not mandatory. In an unshown embodiment there can be fewer than four raised sections and thus also raised portions. In another unshown embodiment there can be more than four raised sections and thus also raised portions.

[0035] As further depends on Figure 2 and 3As shown, the pump volume 3, bounded by the elastomer membrane 2, comprises individual pump volume sections 3a, 3b, 3c, and 3d. The delivery pressure p, which occurs in the filled state, is present throughout the entire pump volume 3 and thus also in any single pump volume section 3a, 3b, 3c, and 3d. In this sense, it can also be said that the pump volume sections 3a, 3b, 3c, and 3d—in short—form approximately parallel pump volumes or, in other words, form a pump.

[0036] The design of the elastomeric membrane 2 according to the invention allows for the stabilization of the delivery pressure p via the elastic stretching of the elastomeric membrane 2, and thus ultimately enables the medical fluid F to be delivered at the most constant possible rate.

[0037] The other structures of the medical elastomer pump 1 are roughly corresponding to those based on... Figure 1 The structure shown is known from the prior art. Accordingly, the medical elastomer pump 1 has an inlet branch 4 and an outlet branch 5. The inlet branch 4 and the outlet branch 5 are fluid-tightly connected to the elastomer membrane 2 in a manner known in principle. According to... Figure 2 In the shown configuration, the outlet-side hose line 6 is connected to the discharge branch pipe 5, and the hose line has a fluid connector 7 at its end opposite to the discharge branch pipe 5. The fluid connector 7 is configured for fluid-guided connection to the patient inlet 8 schematically depicted on the patient side. Clearly, even in the elastomeric pump 1, a throttling element corresponding to the throttling element 109 can be provided, and this throttling element can be associated with the hose line 6.

[0038] Elastomer membrane 2 - different from Figure 3 As conceivable – having an inlet opening associated with inlet branch 4 and an outlet opening associated with outlet branch 5, said inlet and outlet openings can be brought into the elastomeric membrane 2 in a manner known in principle and for the purpose of Figure 3 The reason for the drawing is not shown.

[0039] In the shown embodiment, the elastomer membrane 2 has locally different elastic stretching characteristics. Here, the elastomer membrane 2 can stretch elastically relatively more easily in the regions of the raised sections 10, 11, 12, 13 than in region B adjacent to the raised sections 10, 11, 12, 13. Figure 3 The varying stretch characteristics in different areas can be caused by varying material properties of the elastomer membrane 2 in different areas and / or by varying dimensional settings in different areas. By making the elastomer membrane 2 relatively easier to stretch elastically in the regions of the raised sections 10, 11, 12, 13, reliable and properly functioning protrusions are ensured when the raised portions 14, 15, 16, 17 are constructed.

[0040] The locally different elastic stretchability of the elastomer film 2 in the shown embodiment is caused by different film thicknesses M1, M2, wherein a first film thickness M1 is provided in the region of the raised sections 10, 11, 12, 13 and a second film thickness M2 is provided next to the raised sections 10, 11, 12, 13 and thus, in particular, in the region B. Here, the first film thickness M1 is dimensioned relatively smaller than the second film thickness M2. Correspondingly, the elastomer film 2 can be relatively more easily elastically stretched in the region of the raised sections 10, 11, 12, 13.

[0041] In the shown embodiment, the first film thickness M1 is 1.7 mm and the second film thickness M2 is 1.9 mm. In principle, film thicknesses M1, M2 between 0.5 mm and 4 mm and preferably between 1.5 mm and 2.5 mm have proven to be advantageous.

[0042] The elastomer film 2 is made of at least one elastomer material. For this purpose, in particular silicones and rubbers in the form of silicone rubber and / or silicone elastomers are considered.

[0043] In addition to the locally different design of the stretchability, it is provided that the elastomer film 2 (more precisely: the at least one elastomer material, from which the elastomer film 2 is made) is locally different in strength cross-linked. Here, a first cross-linking degree V1 is provided in the region of the raised sections 10, 11, 12, 13 and a second cross-linking degree V2 is provided next to the raised sections 10, 11, 12, 13 and thus, in particular, also in the region B. The first cross-linking degree V1 is relatively weaker than the second cross-linking degree V2. Thereby, the elastomer film 2 can be relatively more easily elastically stretched in the region of the raised sections 10, 11, 12, 13. For the locally different strength cross-linking, corresponding vulcanization methods can be used. Such vulcanization methods are in principle known as such. Currently, vulcanization which is locally adapted by means of high-energy radiation has proven to be particularly advantageous.

[0044] In the shown embodiment, the elastomer film 2 not only has a locally different elastic stretchability (A) with regard to the raised sections 10, 11, 12, 13 and the region B next to the raised sections 10, 11, 12, 13 Figure 3 ) but additionally the raised sections 10, 11, 12, 13 also have different elastic stretchability properties. Thereby, the raised sections 10, 11, 12, 13 bulge differently under the effect of the conveying pressure p, so that the raised portions 14, 15, 16, 17 are also different accordingly. The raised portions 14, 15, 16, 17 depend on the Figure 2 and 3The different configurations are obviously accompanied by different volume contents of the pump volume sections 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d corresponding thereto. In brief, a kind of parallelization of different pumps is achieved by the different bulge sections 10, 11, 12, 13 of the bulges 14, 15, 16, 17 and thus by the different design of the pump volume sections 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d in this respect. It has been shown that this offers further advantages in view of the stabilization of the delivery rate of the medical liquid F. It should be noted, however, that the bulge sections 10, 11, 12, 13 do not necessarily have to have different elastic extension properties. Correspondingly, embodiments of the bulge sections not shown in the drawing are not different in view of their elastic extension properties, so that pump volume sections of the same volume content are achieved.

[0045] In the embodiment shown, the different elastic extension properties of the bulge sections 10, 11, 12, 13 are achieved by different film thicknesses M1, M3, M4, M5. The bulge section 10 has the first film thickness M1 already mentioned previously. The bulge section 11 has a third film thickness M3. The bulge section 12 has a fourth film thickness M4. The bulge section 13 has a fifth film thickness M5. The film thicknesses M1, M3, M4, M5 are dimensioned differently from one another and correspondingly relatively thin and / or relatively thick.

[0046] In order to configure the different elastic extension properties of the bulge sections 10, 11, 12, 13, a different degree of cross-linking of the elastomer material of the elastomer film 2 is additionally provided in the region of the bulge sections 10, 11, 12, 13. Here, a first degree of cross-linking V1 already mentioned previously is provided in the region of the bulge section 10. The bulge section 11 has a third degree of cross-linking V3. The bulge section 12 has a fourth degree of cross-linking V4. The bulge section 13 has a fifth degree of cross-linking V5. The degrees of cross-linking V1, V3, V4, V5 mentioned previously are relatively weak and / or relatively strong in relation to one another.

[0047] It is obvious that the measures described previously for achieving the different elastic extension properties of the bulge sections 10, 11, 12, 13 do not necessarily have to be present in combination. Correspondingly, in one embodiment not shown only a different film thickness in the region of the bulge sections is provided for this, wherein the elastomer material has the same degree of cross-linking in the region of the bulge sections. In another embodiment not shown, the bulge sections have the same film thickness, wherein, however, a different degree of cross-linking of the elastomer material is provided in the region of the bulge sections.

[0048] The elastomer film 2 can be configured in one layer or in multiple layers.

[0049] In the embodiment shown, a multi-layer film structure (18, 19) is provided with a first film layer 18 and a second film layer 19. Figure 4). The first membrane layer 18 is located internally in the radial direction of the pump volume 3 and is thus arranged at the inner side S1 of the elastomer membrane 2. The second membrane layer 19 is located externally in the radial direction and is thus arranged at the outer side S2 of the elastomer membrane 2. The first membrane layer 10 is currently made of a silicone material 20. The silicone material 20 can be a silicone rubber or a silicone elastomer, inter alia. The first membrane layer 18 is in direct contact with the medical liquid F in the filled state, in any case. Here, the silicone material 20 has advantageous chemical properties in this regard. The second membrane layer 19 is made of a rubber 21 in the shown embodiment. Here, the second membrane layer 19 currently dominates the elastic stretch properties of the elastomer membrane 2.

[0050] According to Figure 5 A membrane arrangement A is shown, which has an elastomer membrane 2a and a grid structure 22. The membrane arrangement A is provided for a medical elastomer pump and can be used, for example, instead of the elastomer membrane 2 in a medical elastomer pump 1 according to Figure 2 The elastomer membrane 2a is configured for an not further depicted pump volume for accommodating and conveying a medical liquid F. Here, the elastomer membrane 2a itself is elastically stretchable balloon-like, alone. However, the elastic stretchability of the elastomer membrane 2a is limited by the grid structure 22. The grid structure 22 is stretch-resistant and at least section-wise sheaths the elastomer membrane 2a. Correspondingly, the elastomer membrane 2a is supported at its outer side S2 in the radial direction at an not further depicted inner side of the grid structure 22. The grid structure 22 has a plurality of grid openings 23. At least in the filled state of the elastomer membrane 2a, this elastomer membrane bulges radially outwards through the grid openings 23 in the region of the grid openings 23 in the case of corresponding configurations as humps 14a, 14b Figure 7 The grid openings 23 are designed hexagonally, for example, in the shown embodiment, which is to be understood, however, purely by way of example.

[0051] In the shown embodiment according to Figure 5 The grid openings 23 differ slightly in this embodiment. This is due to the design and / or the diameter of the grid openings 23. In one not shown embodiment, the difference can be more pronounced. In another not shown embodiment, the grid openings are not differently dimensioned.

[0052] The elastomer membrane 2a itself does not have a special design for the configuration as humps 14a, 15a. Rather, the respective hump sections 10a, 11a can be configured only by the interaction between the elastomer membrane 2a and the grid structure 22.

[0053] Since the grid openings 23 are differently dimensioned in the shown embodiment, the hump sections 10a, 11a are correspondingly configured differently.

[0054] According to Figure 5The membrane arrangement structure A is shown in a state in which the elastomeric membrane 2a and thus its pump volume are not, or in any case, significantly filled with medical fluid F. In this empty state of the pump volume, the outer side S2 of the elastomeric membrane is at most loosely abutted against or even spaced from the inner side of the grid structure 22, depending on... Figure 6 To illustrate. Only with illustrative evidence. Figure 7 The described filling state includes raised portions 14a and 15a, wherein corresponding raised sections 10a and 11a protrude circularly through the grid opening 23. The raised portions 14a and 15a are constructed in an approximately spherical shape. Each of the raised portions 14a and 15a further forms a pump volume section (not further depicted) of the pump volume. Through a slightly different design of the grid opening 23 (as already mentioned), the raised portions 14a and 15a and their corresponding associated pump volume sections—different from… Figure 7 As conceivable, they are different. For simplicity, corresponding drawing descriptions are omitted. Due to different grid openings 23, for example, ridge 14a may protrude more strongly than ridge 15a, or vice versa. The corresponding situations apply to the corresponding associated pump volume sections. The grid structure 22 is tensile-resistant and therefore remains in accordance with [the specified conditions] even when the elastomer membrane 2a is filled with medical fluid F. Figure 5 In the obvious configuration, the grille structure 22 does not elastically stretch in a roughly balloon-like shape.

[0055] In the shown embodiment, the grid structure 22 is designed as a textile fabric 24. The textile fabric 24 is made in the form of a coarse mesh, wherein the grid openings 23 are formed by the meshes 25 of the textile fabric 24. The textile fabric 24 may be, in particular, woven, knitted, spun, or braided textile strips 26 effectively connected to each other, forming meshes 25 or – in other words – surrounding the grid openings 23. Figure 6 ,7).

[0056] In embodiments not shown, the grid structure is made of a shape-stable material. In particular, the grid structure can be made of metal or plastic.

Claims

1. An elastomeric membrane (2) for a medical elastomeric pump (1) for delivering a medical fluid (F), wherein The elastomer membrane (2) is configured as a pump volume (3) for accommodating and delivering the medical liquid (F) and elastically stretches in a filled state in which at least a portion of the pump volume (3) is filled with the medical liquid (F), whereby the elastically stretched elastomer membrane (2) causes a delivery pressure (p) acting on the pump volume (3) in order to deliver the medical liquid (F), characterized in that the elastomer membrane (2) has a plurality of raised sections (10, 11, 12, 13) which at least in the filled state project in the case of a corresponding configuration as a raised portion (14, 15, 16, 17), wherein the raised portions (14, 15, 16, 17) correspondingly form pump volume sections (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) of the pump volume (3).

2. The elastomeric membrane (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that Locally different elastic stretching properties, wherein the elastomer membrane (2) can be elastically stretched relatively more easily in the region of the raised sections (10, 11, 12, 13) than beside the raised sections (10, 11, 12, 13).

3. Elastomeric membrane (2) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The raised sections (10, 11, 12, 13) have different elastic stretching properties, whereby the raised portions (14, 15, 16, 17) are configured differently under the action of the delivery pressure (p).

4. Elastomeric membrane (2) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that Locally different membrane thicknesses (M1, M2, M3, M4, M5), wherein a first membrane thickness (M1) in the region of the raised sections (10, 11, 12, 13) is relatively smaller than a second membrane thickness (M2) beside the raised sections (10, 11, 12, 13).

5. The elastomeric membrane (2) according to claim 4, characterized in that The raised sections (10, 11, 12, 13) have different membrane thicknesses (M1, M3, M4, M5).

6. Elastomeric membrane (2) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that Manufactured from at least one elastomer material (20, 21) which is cross-linked with locally different strengths, wherein a first cross-linking degree (V1) in the region of the raised sections (10, 11, 12, 13) is relatively weaker than a second cross-linking degree (V2) beside the raised sections (10, 11, 12, 13).

7. The elastomeric membrane (2) according to claim 6, characterized in that A different cross-linking degree (V1, V3, V4, V5) is provided in the region of the raised sections (10, 11, 12, 13).

8. The elastomeric membrane (2) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that Between 2 and 100 raised sections (10, 11, 12, 13) are provided.

9. The elastomeric membrane (2) according to claim 8, characterized in that Between 7 and 40 raised sections (10, 11, 12, 13) are provided.

10. The elastomeric membrane (2) according to claim 9, characterized in that Between 12 and 25 raised sections (10, 11, 12, 13) are provided.

11. The elastomeric membrane (2) according to claim 4, characterized in that A membrane thickness and / or locally different membrane thicknesses (M1, M2, M3, M4, M5) of between 0.5 mm and 4 mm are provided.

12. The elastomeric membrane (2) according to claim 11, characterized in that A membrane thickness and / or locally different membrane thicknesses (M1, M2, M3, M4, M5) of between 1.5 mm and 2.5 mm are provided.

13. The elastomeric membrane (2) according to claim 12, characterized in that A membrane thickness and / or locally different membrane thicknesses (M1, M2, M3, M4, M5) of between 1.7 mm and 1.9 mm are provided.

14. The elastomeric film (2) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that A membrane structure of at least a single layer, which has at least one first membrane layer (18) made of silicone (20).

15. The elastomeric membrane (2) according to claim 14, characterized in that A multi-layered membrane structure having at least one second membrane layer (19) made of rubber (21).

16. Membrane arrangement (A) for a medical elastomeric pump (1) for conveying a medical fluid (F) with an elastomeric membrane (2, 2a) according to any one of the preceding claims and with a tensile-resistant grid structure (22) at least section-wise sheathing the elastomeric membrane (2, 2a), the elastomeric membrane (2, 2a) being supported radially outward at least in a filled state at an inner side of the grid structure radially inside, wherein The grid structure (22) has a plurality of grid openings (23), through which the elastomer membrane (2, 2a) protrudes radially in the filled state, respectively in the case of a configuration as a bulge (14a, 15a).

17. The film arrangement (A) according to claim 16, characterized in that The grid openings (23) are different.

18. The film arrangement (A) according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that The grid structure (22) is a textile fabric (24), wherein the grid openings (23) are formed by meshes (25) of the textile fabric (24).

19. A medical elastomer pump (1) for delivering a medical liquid (F) with an elastomer membrane (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 15 and / or a membrane arrangement (A) according to any one of claims 16 to 18.

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