Cartridge system and single screw pump

Abstract

The invention relates to a cartridge system (16) for a single-screw pump (1), having a cartridge (17) for receiving a medium (M) to be metered and dispensed, a stator arranged at the cartridge (17), which stator cooperates with a rotor unit (8) of the single-screw pump (1) for metering and dispensing the medium (M), and a plug (45) movably supported in the cartridge (17) for sealing the cartridge (17) in a fluid-tight manner, wherein the plug (45) comprises a rotor passage (46) through which the rotor unit (8) is guided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a cartridge system for a single-screw pump and a single-screw pump, in particular a 3D printing head, having such a cartridge system. Background Art

[0002] A screw pump consists of a stator and a rotor rotating within it. As the rotor rotates, the medium to be metered is conveyed in the longitudinal direction of the screw pump, away from the pump's drive, through the interaction of the rotor and stator according to the endless piston principle. The volume delivered per unit time is dependent on the rotor's speed, dimensions, pitch, and geometry. This type of screw pump enables highly precise metering processes with high repeatability. For this reason, screw pumps are suitable for use as print heads in additive or generative manufacturing.

[0003] In additive manufacturing, or 3D printing, components are constructed in layers from liquid, powdered, or pasty materials or media. Testing different formulations of the printing media, for example, often requires laborious and time-consuming disassembly of the entire screw pump and cleaning of its components that come into contact with the media, such as the rotor and stator. Therefore, it is desirable to be able to clean screw pumps as easily and quickly as possible. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Against this background, it is an object of the present invention to provide a replaceable cartridge system for a single screw pump.

[0005] Therefore, a cartridge system is proposed for a single-screw pump. The cartridge system comprises a cartridge for receiving a medium to be metered, a stator arranged at the cartridge, which interacts with a rotor unit of the single-screw pump for metering the medium, and a stopper movably mounted in the cartridge for closing the cartridge in a fluid-tight manner, wherein the stopper comprises a rotor penetration through which the rotor unit can be guided.

[0006] The provision of a stopper movably mounted in the cartridge prevents contamination of the medium to be metered. It also ensures that the drive of the screw pump is also protected from contamination by the medium. Thus, simply replacing the entire cartridge system allows all components that come into contact with the medium to be replaced. Contamination of the drive is not expected, significantly simplifying cleaning of the screw pump.

[0007] The single-screw pump preferably includes a rotor unit. However, the rotor unit can also be part of the barrel. The rotor unit includes a flexible shaft or bending shaft that is connected to the drive of the single-screw pump. The bending shaft can also be called a crankshaft or joint shaft. The bending shaft can also be or be called a bending rod, especially a plastic bending rod. In this case, the bending shaft can be made of, for example, polyetheretherketone (PEEK) or polyethylene (PE). A rotor is provided on the front side of the bending shaft, which cooperates with the stator.

[0008] The stator preferably includes an elastically deformable inner or elastomeric component with a central through-hole. The through-hole preferably has a helical or spiral inner profile. A rotatable rotor is housed in the stator and has an outer helical or spiral profile corresponding to the inner component. In addition to the replaceable cartridge system, the single-screw pump also includes the aforementioned drive device.

[0009] The rotor is driven by a drive unit, particularly an electric motor, via a bent shaft. The drive unit drives the drive shaft of the drive unit, which is coupled to the rotor unit. The drive shaft can be securely connected to the rotor via a flexible or bent shaft as described above. As the rotor rotates within the stator, it interacts with the internal components of the stator according to the endless piston principle, conveying the medium in the longitudinal direction of the single-screw pump away from the drive shaft. The conveyed volume per unit time is dependent on the rotor's speed, size, pitch, and geometry.

[0010] During operation of a single-screw pump, the rotor unit preferably moves eccentrically in the rotor penetration. However, this is not absolutely necessary. A purely rotary motion is also possible. In this case, the joint or the aforementioned bending axis should be arranged after the plug, i.e., in the medium.

[0011] The barrel is preferably cylindrical. In particular, the barrel is a disposable syringe. In other words, the barrel system is preferably a disposable item (disposable in English). Alternatively, the barrel system can also be reused. The barrel preferably has a Luer lock connector on the front side. This makes it easy to connect the nozzle to the barrel. The barrel can also be filled via the Luer lock connector.

[0012] The stator being "arranged" at the cartridge currently means that the stator is firmly connected to the cartridge. Alternatively, however, the stator can simply be inserted into the cartridge or the like. In other words, the stator can also be detachably connected to the cartridge. The plug is supported in the cartridge so as to be linearly movable along the aforementioned longitudinal direction. During metered dispensing of the medium, the medium follows the plug. The rotor penetration is preferably arranged in the middle of the plug. The rotor penetration can be a stepped hole.

[0013] The medium can be, for example, an adhesive or sealant, water, an aqueous solution, a paint, a suspension, a viscous material, an emulsion or a grease. The medium can also be a gel or an alginate. The medium can comprise cells, in particular human, animal or plant cells. The medium can be liquid or paste-like. A paste or paste-like product can be understood as a solid-liquid mixture, in particular a suspension, which has a high solids content. For example, the product can have a certain content, proportion of fillers, such as so-called fibrous, in particular short-fibered, microspheres, etc.

[0014] The cartridge system or the cartridge can comprise an RFID chip (English: Radio Frequency Identification). Thereby, in particular the geometry of the stator can be identified, in order to be able to, for example, equip the stator with a suitable rotor. Thus, for example, a size identification can be carried out. Furthermore, thereby also a batch identification of the medium received in the cartridge can be carried out.

[0015] Furthermore, the cartridge system or the cartridge can also have a QR code (English: Quick Response), which is, for example, lasered into the cartridge. Thereby, for example, the medium received in the cartridge can be identified. Then, for example, information can be read out, which can deduce the content of the cartridge, i.e. the medium. Thus, for example, a batch identification, a specification regarding the service life or durability of the medium, a product tracking, etc. can be carried out.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the stator and the cartridge are configured in one piece, in particular material- in one piece, or the stator and the cartridge are connected to each other in a form-fitting, force- fitting and / or material- fitting manner.

[0017] "one piece" or "in one piece" is currently to be understood in particular such that the stator and the cartridge form a common component and are not composed of different components. "material-in one piece" is currently specified such that the stator and the cartridge are always made of the same material. Alternatively, however, the stator and the cartridge can also be two separate components from each other, which are connected to each other in a form-fitting, force- fitting and / or material- fitting manner.

[0018] A form-fitting connection is achieved by joining or post-joining at least two connection partners, currently the stator and the cartridge, into each other. For this purpose, for example, a snap hook or the like can be provided at the stator and / or the cartridge. A force-fitting connection is premised on a normal force onto the surfaces to be connected to each other. The force-fitting connection can be achieved by a friction fit. As long as the counterforce caused by the static friction is not exceeded, a mutual displacement of the surfaces can be prevented. For example, the stator is pressed into the cartridge. Under a material- fitting connection, the connection partners are held together by atomic or molecular forces. The material- fitting connection is a non- detachable connection, which can only be separated by damaging the connection means and / or the connection partners. For example, the stator is glued or vulcanized into the cartridge.

[0019] The stator can be designed as a single piece. However, it can also be designed as a two-piece stator or, for example, have an inner part made of silicone and an outer part made of a different plastic material, with the inner part having a spiral-shaped penetration. For example, the stator can have an elastomer on the inside and any thermoplastic on the outside. Alternatively, the stator can be made of two different thermoplastics. The stator can have a conical geometry on the back side, that is, the side facing the plug. However, this is not absolutely necessary.

[0020] According to a further embodiment, the rotor penetration is closed by means of a diaphragm facing the stator.

[0021] Once the cartridge system is mounted on the drive, the diaphragm can be pierced using the rotor unit. For this purpose, the rotor can have a tip, which is used to pierce the diaphragm. Alternatively, the diaphragm can be pierced using the rotor unit before the cartridge system is mounted on the drive. In this case, the rotor unit is connected to the drive only after it has been inserted into the rotor penetration.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the diaphragm comprises perforations, wherein the perforations preferably divide the diaphragm into a plurality of diaphragm segments.

[0023] The number of diaphragm segments is essentially arbitrary. For example, two, three, or four diaphragm segments can be provided. The perforations prevent the diaphragm from being partially torn and contaminating the medium when the rotor pierces the diaphragm. The perforations ensure uniform tearing of the diaphragm. For example, the perforations can be cross-shaped and have two intersecting perforation segments.

[0024] According to a further embodiment, the plug comprises a pressure ring, through which the rotor penetration is guided and on which the diaphragm is arranged.

[0025] The pressure ring preferably has the geometry of a half O-ring. The diaphragm is connected to the pressure ring in a one-piece, preferably integral, manner. The pressure ring completely surrounds the rotor unit and is tightened around it. This ensures a reliable seal of the plug relative to the rotor unit on the medium side. The pressure ring also prevents tearing when the diaphragm is pierced by the rotor unit.

[0026] According to a further embodiment, the plug comprises, in a direction facing away from the pressure ring, a reinforcement ring through which the rotor penetration is guided.

[0027] The reinforcement ring preferably has a rectangular geometry in cross section. A rounding is provided at the transition from the reinforcement ring to the rotor penetration. The rounding facilitates the introduction of the rotor unit into the rotor penetration.

[0028] According to a further embodiment, at least one circumferential annular groove is provided on the rotor penetration.

[0029] The number of annular grooves is in principle arbitrary. For example, two or three annular grooves are provided. The annular grooves together form a labyrinth seal which forms a reliable seal of the plug with respect to the rotating rotor unit. Furthermore, the annular grooves also serve as an accommodation region for the material which is displaced by the plug when the rotor unit is moved eccentrically in the rotor through- going portion. That is, the plug follows the movement of the rotor unit. This is achieved by the selection of the respective material for the plug.

[0030] According to another embodiment, the plug comprises a circumferential first sealing lip in the orientation facing away from the stator, which abuts against the inside of the cartridge, and / or a circumferential second sealing lip in the orientation facing towards the stator, which likewise abuts against the inside of the cartridge.

[0031] The first sealing lip is preferably supplied with compressed air and thus presses against the cartridge on the inside in the circumferential direction. The second sealing lip ensures, on the one hand, a sealing of the plug with respect to the cartridge in the radial direction and, on the other hand, a wiping of the medium on the inside of the cartridge.

[0032] According to another embodiment, the second sealing lip has a greater stiffness than the first sealing lip.

[0033] “Stiffness” is to be understood in the present context as the resistance of the respective sealing lip to deformation. The stiffness can be influenced, for example, by a suitable geometry or a suitable material selection. For example, the second sealing lip is thicker-walled than the first sealing lip. A higher stiffness of the second sealing lip is thereby achieved.

[0034] According to another embodiment, the first sealing lip extends further out of the plug on the end side than the second sealing lip.

[0035] That is, the first sealing lip is higher than the second sealing lip. However, the first sealing lip is preferably thinner-walled than the second sealing lip here.

[0036] According to another embodiment, the cartridge system also comprises a rotor unit which is guided through the rotor through-going portion.

[0037] That is, the rotor unit can be an integrated component part of the cartridge system. In this case, the rotor unit is connected to the drive device in a detachable manner. When the cartridge system is removed from the drive device, the connection between the rotor unit and the drive device is preferably also released at the same time.

[0038] According to another embodiment, the rotor unit is connected to the cartridge and / or the plug in a non-detachable manner.

[0039] This prevents the rotor unit from being reused. Alternatively, however, the rotor unit can also be connected to the barrel and the stopper in a detachable manner. In the last-mentioned case, the rotor unit can be reused. In order to connect the rotor unit to the barrel in a non-detachable manner, for example, a cover can be provided on the back side of the closing barrel, the barrel having a penetration through which the rotor unit is guided. The rotor unit can have locking hooks or snap hooks that can be squeezed through the penetration. Once the snap hooks are guided through the penetration, the rotor unit is firmly connected to the barrel and can no longer be separated from the barrel.

[0040] According to another embodiment, the rotor unit is completely encapsulated by the cartridge.

[0041] This means that, on the one hand, the rotor unit cannot be separated from the cartridge, and on the other hand, direct contact between the rotor unit and the drive device is neither possible nor necessary. In this case, the rotor unit can be driven by the drive device, for example, by means of a magnetic coupling. The cartridge can be encapsulated by closing it on the back side in a fluid-tight manner. A cover can be provided for this purpose.

[0042] According to another embodiment, the rotor unit comprises an interface for coupling the rotor unit to a counterpart interface of a drive of a single-screw pump.

[0043] The interface and mating interface are used to transmit torque from the drive unit to the rotor unit. For example, the interface may have two parallel wrench flats. In this case, the mating interface has two corresponding wrench flats. The cross-section of the rotor unit can be rectangular, star-shaped, triangular, quadrilateral, or circular. To achieve the aforementioned magnetic coupling, the interface and mating interface may include magnets.

[0044] According to a further embodiment, the interface comprises a locking nose which locks into the mating interface when the rotor unit is connected to the drive device.

[0045] The locking nose thus achieves a positive connection between the rotor unit and the mating interface. The mating interface is provided on the drive shaft of the drive device. If the cartridge system is a disposable item, the locking nose is designed to be severed or broken off when the rotor unit is separated from the drive device. This means that the rotor unit can no longer be connected to the drive device. Alternatively, the locking nose can be elastically deformed. In this case, the rotor unit can be reused.

[0046] According to a further embodiment, the interface comprises a plurality of elastically deformable arm sections, at which the locking noses are arranged.

[0047] For example, two or four arm segments are provided. The number of arm segments is essentially arbitrary. Slits are provided between the arm segments. This results in a slit-shaped or cross-slit-shaped geometry. Alternatively, the interface can also have a polygonal, rectangular, triangular, or star-shaped geometry.

[0048] According to another embodiment, the cartridge system further includes a medium received in the cartridge.

[0049] The medium can be, for example, alginate, bone wax, or any other biological or medical material. The medium can contain human, animal, or plant cells. Furthermore, the medium can also include bacteria or viruses. The appropriate medium can be selected based on the application of the cartridge system in biomedicine, pharmaceutical technology, or industry. For example, the medium can also be cyanoacrylate.

[0050] According to another embodiment, the stopper comprises an indicator which changes its state after use of the cartridge system.

[0051] In particular, the indicator changes its state after a single use of the cartridge system. The indicator may be, for example, a dye. The change in state may be a color change. The state may be changed by exposing the indicator to light and / or moisture. Thus, the indicator can indicate that the cartridge system has been used once. Furthermore, the indicator may change its state only after a predetermined time. Furthermore, the indicator may be designed so that it changes its state only after the cartridge system has been used a predetermined number of times.

[0052] According to another embodiment, the stopper is made of a gas-permeable or gas-impermeable material.

[0053] When the stopper is made of a gas-permeable material, the medium can be degassed when the stopper applies pressure to the medium. This is particularly important when processing liquid silicones or acrylates. As a result, bubbles formed in the medium can pass through the gas-permeable material. For this purpose, the stopper is made of a porous, open-pore gas-permeable material. For example, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyethylene (PE) or other suitable materials can be used. As a result, bubbles contained in the medium can escape through the porous material. The porosity of the material is selected, for example, in the range of 1 μm to 50 nm, preferably in the range of 10 μm to 50 nm, and further preferably in the range of 20 μm to 50 nm. Therefore, viscous media cannot escape through the stopper. Alternatively, the stopper can also have a built-in gas-permeable diaphragm.

[0054] Furthermore, a single-screw pump, in particular a 3D printing head, is proposed, which comprises a drive and a replaceable cartridge system of the type described, which is detachably connected to the drive.

[0055] To removably connect the cartridge system to the drive, a bayonet connection, for example, can be provided. The medium is pressurized via the plug using compressed air or a spring element. Alternatively, an eccentric insert can be placed in the plug. The pitch of this eccentric insert is adapted to the volume and, therefore, the plug speed. This enables spindle drive. The plug is then forced to follow the medium.

[0056] The single-screw pump can be mains-powered. However, the single-screw pump can also be battery-powered. This makes the single-screw pump independent of the power grid. The single-screw pump can therefore operate independently (autonomously) as a handheld device. Thus, the single-screw pump can be used, for example, to meter solder paste at a manual workstation. The single-screw pump can therefore be used in the form of a pipetting device or pipetting aid, with the difference that the single-screw pump can preferably also meter highly viscous media. Furthermore, such an independently operating single-screw pump can also be used for rapid wound care, for example, for on-site care by emergency personnel, or in operating rooms. In this case, for example, waxes, in particular bone wax, adhesives, denture materials, artificial skin, etc. can be metered.

[0057] The term "one" or "a" should not be construed as necessarily limiting the number of elements to just one. Rather, a plurality of elements may be provided, for example, two, three, or more. Any other numerical terms used herein should also not be construed as limiting the number of elements mentioned. Rather, unless otherwise indicated, numerical deviations above and below are possible.

[0058] Other possible implementations of the cartridge system and / or the single screw pump also include combinations not explicitly mentioned of the features or embodiments described above or below with reference to the examples. Those skilled in the art will also add various schemes as improvements or supplements to the corresponding basic forms of the cartridge system and / or the single screw pump.

[0059] Other advantageous designs and aspects of the cartridge system and / or the single screw pump are the subject matter of the embodiments described below of the cartridge system and / or the single screw pump and the subordinate technical solutions. In addition, the cartridge system and / or the single screw pump will be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings according to preferred embodiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0060] Figure 1 A schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a single screw pump is shown;

[0061] Figure 2 Shown according to Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of a single screw pump;

[0062] Figure 3 Shown according to Figure 1Another schematic perspective view of a single screw pump;

[0063] Figure 4 Shown according to Figure 1 Another schematic perspective view of a single screw pump;

[0064] Figure 5 Shown according to Figure 1 Another schematic perspective view of a single screw pump;

[0065] Figure 6 Shown for Figure 1 A schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a bearing sleeve of a single screw pump;

[0066] Figure 7 Shown according to Figure 2 Detail of Figure A;

[0067] Figure 8 Shown according to Figure 1 Another schematic perspective view of a single screw pump;

[0068] Figure 9 Shown according to Figure 1 Another schematic perspective view of a single screw pump;

[0069] Figure 10 Shown for Figure 1 A schematic perspective view of an embodiment of an interface of a rotor unit of a single-screw pump;

[0070] Figure 11 Shown for Figure 1 A schematic perspective view of another embodiment of an interface of a rotor unit of a single-screw pump;

[0071] Figure 12 Shown according to Figure 2 Detail of Figure B;

[0072] Figure 13 Shown for Figure 1 A schematic partial cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a cartridge system of a single-screw pump;

[0073] Figure 14 Shown for Figure 13 A schematic diagram of one embodiment of a plug for a cartridge system;

[0074] Figure 15 Shown according to Figure 14 A schematic cross-sectional view of a plug;

[0075] Figure 16 Shown according to Figure 14 A schematic bottom view of the stopper;

[0076] Figure 17 Shown for Figure 13 A schematic diagram of another embodiment of a plug of a cartridge system;

[0077] Figure 18 Shown according to Figure 17 A schematic cross-sectional view of a plug;

[0078] Figure 19 Shown for Figure 13 A schematic diagram of another embodiment of a plug of a cartridge system;

[0079] Figure 20 Shown according to Figure 19 A schematic cross-sectional view of a plug;

[0080] Figure 21 Shown for Figure 13 A schematic diagram of yet another embodiment of a plug for a cartridge system;

[0081] Figure 22 Shown according to Figure 21 A schematic cross-sectional view of a plug;

[0082] Figure 23 shows the method for filling the Figure 13 A schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a filling concept of a cartridge system;

[0083] Figure 24 A schematic cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a single screw pump is shown;

[0084] Figure 25 Shown according to Figure 24 Detail of Figure C;

[0085] Figure 26 Shown for Figure 1 or Figure 24 A schematic partial cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a cartridge system for a single-screw pump;

[0086] Figure 27 Shown according to Figure 26 Detail of Figure D; and

[0087] Figure 28 Shown for Figure 1 or Figure 24 Schematic partial cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a single-screw pump cartridge system.

[0088] Unless otherwise specified, identical or functionally identical elements are provided with the same reference symbols in the figures. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0089] Figure 1 A schematic perspective view shows an embodiment of a single-screw pump 1 for metering liquid or pasty media. Figure 2 A schematic cross-sectional view of a single-screw pump 1 is shown. Figure 3 Another schematic perspective view of a single-screw pump 1 is shown. Figure 4 A further schematic perspective view of a single-screw pump 1 is shown. Figure 5 A further schematic perspective view of a single screw pump 1 is shown. Figures 1 to 5 .

[0090] The single-screw pump 1 includes a drive device 2. The drive device 2 has a drive unit 3, which may include an electric motor. The drive unit 3 is accommodated in a housing 4. The housing 4 may be tubular. A bearing sleeve 5 is mounted on the front side of the housing 4. The bearing sleeve 5 may be screwed to the housing 4, for example, by means of a connecting element 6.

[0091] The drive unit 3 drives the drive shaft 7 of the drive device 2. The drive shaft 7 in turn drives the rotor unit 8. The rotor unit 8 includes a crankshaft or a bent shaft 9 (which is coupled to the drive shaft 7 via an interface) and a helical rotor 10 (which is mounted on the front side of the bent shaft 9). The rotor 10 is thus driven by the bent shaft 9.

[0092] The bending shaft 9 is elastically deformable and enables eccentric movement of the rotor 10. The bending shaft 9 is used to transmit torque from the drive unit 3 to the rotor 10. The bending shaft 9 can be, for example, a steel cable coated or covered with a plastic material. Instead of the bending shaft 9, a cross joint or a universal joint can also be provided, which can also enable eccentric movement of the rotor 10. The bending shaft 9 can also be or be referred to as a bending lever, in particular a plastic bending lever. In this case, the bending shaft 9 can be made, for example, of polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyethylene (PE), etc. The bending shaft 9 can have a diameter of, for example, 3 mm. The rotor 10 has a top end 11 on the front side.

[0093] The rotor 10 and the bending shaft 9 can be constructed, for example, in one piece, in particular, from a single material. "One piece" or "integrated" here means that the bending shaft 9 and the rotor 10 form a common component, rather than being made of separate components. "Integrated from a single material" here means that the bending shaft 9 and the rotor 10 are made entirely of the same material. Preferably, the rotor unit 8 is a plastic component. For example, the rotor unit 8 can be a single-piece plastic injection-molded component.

[0094] Alternatively, the bending shaft 9 and the rotor 10 can also be two separate components from one another, which are, for example, inserted into one another and thus connected to one another in a detachable or non-detachable manner. For example, the bending shaft 9 can be made of a metallic material, while the rotor 10 can be made of plastic. The bending shaft 9 can be covered with an elastomer. The rotor 10 can also be made of a metallic material. The rotor 10 can, for example, be made of stainless steel. However, the rotor 10 can also be embodied as a plastic component or a ceramic component and can have various coatings.

[0095] The single screw pump 1 also comprises a stator 12 which is preferably at least partially elastically deformable. In particular, the stator 12 is an elastically deformable elastomer component having an intermediate through-portion 13. The through-portion 13 preferably comprises a helical or spiral inner contour. Received in the stator 12 is a rotatable rotor 10 which comprises a helical or spiral outer contour corresponding to the stator 12. Provided at the bearing sleeve 5 is a gas supply 14 which is in fluid connection with a gas duct 15 provided in the bearing sleeve 5, the gas duct leading out of the end side of the bearing sleeve 5.

[0096] When the rotor 10 is rotated, the medium is conveyed in the longitudinal direction L, which is oriented from the drive device 2 toward the rotor 10, away from the drive shaft 7, according to the principle of the endless circulating piston by the mutual cooperation of the through-portion 13 of the stator 12. The conveying volume per unit of time is here dependent on the rotational speed, the size, the pitch and the geometry of the rotor 10.

[0097] The single screw pump 1 is particularly suitable for conveying a wide variety of media, in particular viscous, highly viscous and abrasive media. The single screw pump 1 belongs to the class of rotary positive displacement pumps. The main components of the single screw pump 1 are the drive device 2, the rotatable rotor 10 and the stationary stator 12, in which the rotor 10 moves in a rotational manner. The rotor 10 is configured as a round thread screw joint having a very large pitch, a large thread depth and a small thread inner diameter.

[0098] The at least partially elastically deformable stator 12 preferably has more than the number of thread turns of the rotor 10 and twice the length of the pitch of the rotor 10. A conveying space is thus reserved between the stator 12 and the rotor 10, which rotates therein and also moves radially, which continuously moves from the inlet side of the stator 12 to the outlet side of the stator 12. No valves are required for defining the conveying space. The size of the conveying space and thus the theoretical conveying volume is dependent on the pump size. A volume conveying per revolution is obtained with a 360° rotation of the rotor unit 8 in free operation. The pump conveying volume can thus be varied by the rotational speed. The actual conveying volume is dependent on the set counter pressure.

[0099] The medium being metered always tends to achieve a pressure balance from high pressure to low pressure. Since the seal between rotor 10 and stator 12 is not static, the medium will always flow from the pressure side to the suction side. These "slip losses" are evident from the characteristic curve as the difference between the theoretical and actual delivery rates.

[0100] The shape of the conveying space is constant, preventing compression of the medium. Therefore, with a suitable design, this type of single-screw pump 1 can be used to convey not only fluids but also solids. The shear forces acting on the conveyed material are very low, allowing for the lossless conveying of, for example, plant, animal, and human cells. A particular advantage of this type of single-screw pump 1 is that it delivers continuously and with minimal pulsation. This makes them suitable for use in perfusion systems. Even highly viscous and abrasive media can be conveyed without any problems.

[0101] The single-screw pump 1 can therefore convey a wide range of media gently and with minimal pulsation. These range from water to non-free-flowing media. Since the delivery volume is proportional to the speed of the rotor 10, the single-screw pump 1 can be used effectively for metering and dispensing tasks in conjunction with appropriate measurement and control technology.

[0102] The single-screw pump 1 combines many of the advantages of other pump systems. Like a centrifugal pump, it lacks suction and pressure valves. Like a piston pump, it offers excellent self-priming capabilities. Like a diaphragm pump or peristaltic pump, it can pump any type of inhomogeneous and abrasive media, even those mixed with solids and fibrous materials.

[0103] The single-screw pump 1 also conveys multiphase mixtures reliably and gently. Like gear pumps or twin-screw pumps, the single-screw pump 1 can handle the highest viscosities of the medium. Like piston pumps, diaphragm pumps, gear pumps, or twin-screw pumps, the single-screw pump 1 has a speed-dependent, continuous delivery rate and can therefore handle highly precise metering tasks.

[0104] The single screw pump 1 can be used in principle in all industrial sectors where specific conveying tasks need to be fulfilled. For example, in environmental technology, especially in the field of sewage treatment plants, in the food industry, especially for highly viscous media (such as syrups, curd, yogurt and ketchup) in various aseptic processing stages, and in the chemical industry, especially for the reliable conveying and metering of aggressive, highly viscous and abrasive products.

[0105] Thus, with the single screw pump 1 it is possible to dose various media precisely. A repeatability of up to ±1% can be achieved. Various embodiments of the single screw pump 1 also enable the dosing of two-component media. Due to its configuration, in which the rotor 10 moves in the medium and the internal volume of the suction side has to be filled, this type of single screw pump 1 always has a certain dead zone.

[0106] As already mentioned above, the rotor unit 8 comprises a bendable shaft 9, which can be elastically deformed. This enables an eccentric movement of the rotor 10 in the stator 12. This eccentric movement can also be achieved by means of a joint, in particular a cross joint or a cardan joint. The stator 12 is subjected to continuous loads during operation, so that it is subject to wear. This wear is compensated for by regular replacement of the stator 12, wherein the replacement intervals are determined by the media used and the process parameters.

[0107] In this type of single screw pump 1, the medium to be conveyed has hitherto always been supplied from the outside of the single screw pump 1. For this purpose, cartridges, hoses or the like can be provided. The drive shaft 7 is sealed at the interface to the drive unit 3, and this seal has to withstand at least the supply pressure or the pressure generated by the counter-rotation of the drive device 2. The single screw pump 1 can be cleaned, both by flushing with a cleaning liquid and by disassembly and manual cleaning. In many cases, the single screw pump 1 can be heated or cooled.

[0108] In addition to the drive device 2, the single screw pump 1 comprises a cartridge system 16, which is connected to the drive device 2 in a detachable manner. The cartridge system 16 comprises a cartridge 17, which is configured as a plastic component, in particular a plastic injection-molded component. The cartridge 17 has, for example, the shape of a disposable syringe. The cartridge 17 has a luer lock connector 18 on the front side. The rotor unit 8 can be part of the cartridge system 16.

[0109] The cartridge 17 encloses a cylindrical inner space 19, in which the medium to be explained later is received. The inner space 19 is or can be referred to as cartridge inner space. The gas channel 15 also opens into the inner space 19. That is, the gas supply 14 is fluidically connected to the inner space 19 via the gas channel 15, which leads out of the end side of the bearing sleeve 5.

[0110] The stator 12 is received in the inner space 19. The stator 12 can be configured in one piece, in particular in material one piece, with the cartridge 17. For example, the cartridge 17 and the stator 12 form a one-piece, in particular material one-piece, plastic injection-molded component. However, the stator 12 can also be made of a different material than the cartridge 17. For example, the stator 12 is made of liquid silicone or LSR (English: Liquid Silicone Rubber, LSR), any elastomer, an engineering plastic, etc.

[0111] The stator 12 can be injection molded onto the barrel 17 using a plastic injection molding process. For this purpose, a two-component plastic injection molding process can be used, for example. However, the stator 12 can also be simply pressed into the barrel 17 and thus connected to the barrel in a force-fitting and / or form-fitting manner. The form-fitting connection is achieved by joining at least two connecting partners (here, the stator 12 and the barrel 17) into one another or joining them laterally. For this purpose, for example, snap-on or locking hooks can be provided on the stator 12 and / or the barrel 17.

[0112] In contrast, a force-fit connection requires a normal force acting on the surfaces to be connected. A force-fit connection can be achieved by a friction fit. As long as the reaction forces caused by static friction are not exceeded, the surfaces are prevented from shifting relative to each other. In this case, the stator 12 is preferably pressed into the cylinder 17.

[0113] The stator 12 can also be connected to the barrel 17 in a material-bonded manner. This can be accomplished, for example, using the aforementioned two-component plastic injection molding process. In a material-bonded connection, the connected parts are held together by atomic or molecular forces. A material-bonded connection is a non-detachable connection that can only be separated by damaging the connecting element and / or the connected part. For example, the stator 12 can be glued into the barrel 17.

[0114] The stator 12 is arranged on the end side of the cartridge 17. The cartridge 17 comprises two arm sections 20, 21 facing away from the Luer lock connector 18, which can engage with the bearing sleeve 5 in a form-fitting manner to connect the cartridge system 16 to the drive device 2. In addition, the cartridge 17 comprises a conical engagement section 22 ( Figure 7 ).

[0115] like Figure 6 As shown, the bearing sleeve 5 comprises a conical mating engagement section 23, which is suitable for engaging into the engagement section 22. The conical mating section 23 comprises a central through-hole 24, through which the drive shaft 7 is guided. An annular groove 25 surrounds the mating engagement section 23 on the outside, in which an O-ring 26 ( Figure 7 The bearing sleeve 5 further comprises a bayonet connection 27 which enables a simple and quick connection of the cartridge system 16 to the drive device 2 . The bayonet connection 27 comprises two slit-shaped recesses 28 , 29 provided at the bearing sleeve 5 .

[0116] like Figures 3 to 5As shown, the cartridge system 16 is first inserted onto the conical counter engagement section 23, whereby the counter engagement section engages into the engagement section 22 of the cartridge 17. Subsequently, the cartridge system 16 is twisted 90° clockwise with respect to the drive device 2. Here, the arm sections 20, 21 engage with the notches 28, 29 of the bayonet connection 27, whereby the engagement section 22 of the cartridge 17 is pushed further onto the counter engagement section 23 until the O-ring 26 seals with respect to the cartridge 17 and until the end sides 30( Figure 7 ) of the arm sections 20, 21 rest against the end sides 31( Figure 6 and Figure 7 ) of the bearing sleeve 5. The O-ring 26 is pressed here, whereby a fluid-tight sealing of the bearing sleeve 5 with respect to the cartridge 17 is achieved. "Fluid-tight" refers in particular to a gas-tight and liquid-tight sealing. The interior space 19 of the cartridge 17 can now be pressurized via the gas duct 15.

[0117] By means of the sealing of the cartridge system 16 at the conical counter engagement section 23 by the O-ring 26, an easy installation of the cartridge system 16 at the drive device 2 can be achieved. When twisting the cartridge system 16 with respect to the bearing sleeve 5, the cartridge system 16 is pulled towards the bearing sleeve 5 based on the bayonet connection 27 and thus sealed with respect to the cartridge 17 by means of the O-ring 26. The conical counter engagement section 23 also enables a centering of the cartridge system 16 at the bearing sleeve 5.

[0118] Thus, the counter engagement section 23 fixes the cartridge system 16 at the drive device 2. An unintentional detachment of the cartridge system 16 from the drive device 2 is reliably prevented by using the bayonet connection 27. The sealing is achieved via the conical engagement section 22 and the conical counter engagement section 23 as well as the O-ring 26. With the bayonet connection 27, a uniform pressure can be applied to the cartridge 17, so that the end sides 30, 31 press against each other. The geometry of the counter engagement section 23 is adapted to the engagement section 22 of the cartridge 17.

[0119] Figure 8 Another schematic perspective view of the single screw pump 1 is shown, wherein the cartridge 17 is not shown. As described above, an interface 32( Figure 10 and Figure 11 ) is provided between the rotor unit 8, in particular the curved shaft 9, and the drive shaft 7. As shown in Figure 10 and Figure 11 , the interface 32 comprises two wrench faces 33 arranged opposite to each other as well as a plurality of elastically deformable arm sections 34, 35. Here, as shown in Figure 10 , two arm sections 34, 35 of this type can be provided.

[0120] However, as shown in Figure 11As shown, for example, four arm segments 34 to 37 can also be provided. Slits 38 and 39 are provided between the arm segments. This allows elastic deformation of the arm segments 34 to 37. An annular locking lug 40 is provided on the arm segments 34 to 37. The locking lug 40 is interrupted at the grooves 38 and 39. The provision of two slits 38 and 39 or four arm segments 34 to 37 is optional and is particularly suitable for rotor units 8 made of relatively hard plastic.

[0121] like Figure 12 As shown, the drive shaft 7 includes a mating interface 41 corresponding to the interface 32. The mating interface 41 includes wrench flats 42 and 43 corresponding to the wrench flats 33. The wrench flats 33 and the wrench flats 42 and 43 are used to transmit torque from the drive shaft 7 to the bending shaft 9. The mating interface 41 also includes a shoulder 44, which is configured as a circumferential annular groove. The locking nose 40 engages in a form-fitting manner in the shoulder 44.

[0122] In order to connect the rotor unit 8 to the drive device 2, the interface 32 of the rotor unit 8 is pushed into the interface 41 of the drive shaft 7, as shown in FIG. Figure 8 and Figure 9 Here, the arm sections 34 to 37 of the interface 32 are deformed in a spring-elastic manner until the locking nose 40 engages with a positive fit in the shoulder 44 of the counter-interface 41. To separate the rotor unit 8 from the drive device 2, the rotor unit 8 is pulled off the drive shaft 7, so that the interface 32 and the counter-interface 41 are separated from each other.

[0123] If the rotor unit 8 is a disposable item, the locking nose 40 can be cut off or broken off from the interface 32. This makes it impossible to reconnect the rotor unit 8 to the drive device 2. If the rotor unit 8 is to be reused, the arm sections 34 to 37 deform in a spring-elastic manner when the rotor unit 8 is pulled out of the drive shaft 7, so that the locking nose 40 releases the positive engagement with the shoulder 44 of the mating interface 41. The rotor unit 8 can now be removed from the drive device 2. Since the locking nose 40 is not cut off in this case, the rotor unit 8 can also be reused.

[0124] Now return to Figure 2 The cartridge system 16 includes a plug 45 received in the cartridge 17. The plug 45 is supported in a linearly displaceable manner along the longitudinal direction L. That is, the plug 45 can move in the cartridge 17 along the longitudinal direction L and counter to the longitudinal direction L. The rotor unit 8, in particular the rotor 10, is guided through the plug 45. For this purpose, a rotor passage 46 is provided that passes through the plug 45.

[0125] The cartridge system 16 with the cartridge 17, the stator 12 and the plug 45 preferably forms a disposable article or a one-time item. The cartridge system 16 can also include a rotor unit 8, in particular a rotor 10. However, this is not mandatory. Alternatively, the cartridge system 16 can also be reused. In the case mentioned last, the cartridge system 16 can be filled again.

[0126] Disposable process solutions, also known as single-use technologies, are particularly used in the production of biopharmaceutical products. This refers to complete solutions consisting of disposable systems (also known as single-use systems) for the entire production line. This can include, for example, media and buffer production, bioreactors, cell harvesting, depth filtration, tangential flow filtration, chromatography, and virus activation.

[0127] Biotechnological processes require a variety of defined media. These include nutrient solutions, cells, buffers for pH stabilization, and acids and bases for setting and adjusting the pH during cultivation. All media must be sterilized before use. Two processes are generally used in biotechnology: heat sterilization at a temperature of at least 121°C for at least 20 minutes under a positive pressure of 1 bar, and sterile filtration. Sterile filtration is the preferred method for media containing heat-sensitive components, such as vitamins, proteins, and peptides.

[0128] Disposable media and buffer manufacturing differ from conventional processes in the use of corresponding disposable products developed specifically for this purpose, such as dedicated bags, disposable mixing systems, disposable filters, and corresponding pumps. Unlike conventional filters, the filters used are pre-sterilized. Sometimes, the bag, filter, and pump head are already connected to form a complete disposable system. The entire system is connected and delivered in a pre-sterilized manner to avoid contamination. In addition to the disposable processes mentioned above (each of which is based on the basic operations of process technology), special methods and equipment have been developed within the scope of disposable production of biopharmaceuticals, and these methods and equipment (such as sterile connectors and hose welding equipment) are mostly used only here.

[0129] Available single-use process solutions are each conceived as an independent module. Within the framework of a single-use production process, the basic process technology operations required for manufacturing and cleaning the target product are connected in series. The preconfigured single-use system, consisting of hoses, disposable tanks, pump tanks, and filtration or chromatography modules, is inherently closed. Therefore, sterile connection technology, typically hose connections, is required to connect two consecutive process steps.

[0130] On the one hand, a mechanical single-use coupling is provided, and on the other hand, an apparatus is provided which can be used to aseptically weld thermoplastic hoses together or to cut an existing connection and to weld the hose ends. Specialized rapid transfer systems have been developed for the connection through a wall. At present, most production processes using single-use products are still so-called hybrid processes in which the single-use system is combined with conventional systems made of stainless steel and glass. The distinction here is between closed systems and station systems, in which, in the closed system, the single-use systems are coupled to one another in the order of the process steps, and in the station system, the intermediate products are transported to the next process step by means of movable containers.

[0131] The term "single use" (often referred to as "disposable") defined in biopharmaceutical production defines an article for one-time use. Typically, the article is composed of a plastic material, such as polyamide (PA), polycarbonate (PC), polyethylene (PE), polyether sulfone (PESU), polyoxymethylene (POM), polypropylene (PP), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), cellulose acetate (CA) or ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), and is disposed of after its use. Thus, single-use technology (SUT) is to be understood as a technology based on single-use systems (SUS).

[0132] As shown in Figure 13 The plug 45 comprises a rotor passage 46 through which the rotor unit 8, in particular the rotor 10, is guided. As shown in Figure 13 Further shown, the stator 12 comprises an inner part 47, in particular an elastomer part, at which the passage 13 with the helical inner geometry is provided, and an outer part 48 which receives the inner part 47. The outer part 48 is tubular and itself receives the inner part 47. The inner part 47 is elastically deformable. For example, the inner part 47 can be made of thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), while the outer part 48 can be made of polyurethane (PU).

[0133] The stator 12 can be a one-piece or a multi-piece component. For example, the inner part 47 can be pressed into the outer part 48. Alternatively, the inner part 47 and the outer part 48 can be manufactured as a one-piece component in a two-component injection molding process. For example, the elastomer part 47 is made of liquid silicone or LSR. The outer part 48 can be made of any thermoplastic, such as PE, ABS, PP, etc. Alternatively, the elastomer part 47 can also be made of a thermoplastic material.

[0134] For example, the stator 12 is pushed, clamped, glued into the cartridge 17 or connected to it in another manner. In particular, as described above, the stator 12 can be designed as a single piece, in particular as a single piece of material, with the cartridge 17. However, the stator 12 can also be removable from the cartridge 17.

[0135] By means of the air supply 14, an overpressure can be applied to the plug 45. A sterile filter or a moisture filter can be provided at the air supply 14. The filter can be provided inside the bearing sleeve 5 or outside, for example in the air supply 14.

[0136] Return to plug 45, as Figure 14 and Figure 15 As shown, the stopper has a cylindrical or roller-shaped geometry. In particular, the stopper 45 is configured to be rotationally symmetrical with respect to the central axis or axis of symmetry 49. The stopper 45 can be made, for example, of LSR, two-component silicone, PE, POM, PP, PTFE, or an elastomer. The stopper 45 can also be made of a porous, open-pore, gas-permeable material, such as PTFE or PE. This allows air bubbles contained in the medium to escape through the porous stopper 45. The porosity of the material is, for example, in the range of 1 μm to 50 nm, preferably in the range of 10 μm to 50 nm, and further preferably in the range of 20 μm to 50 nm. Therefore, the medium itself cannot escape through the stopper 45. Alternatively, the stopper 45 can also include a built-in diaphragm.

[0137] The plug 45, facing away from the stator 12, includes a first sealing lip 50 that completely surrounds the axis of symmetry 49. The first sealing lip 50 rests against the inside of the cartridge 17. The plug 45, facing away from the first sealing lip 50, includes a second sealing lip 51 that also rests against the inside of the cartridge 17. The second sealing lip 51 is positioned toward the medium. The first sealing lip 50 is positioned facing away from the medium. The second sealing lip 51 performs a wiping function and has greater rigidity than the first sealing lip 50. Viewed along the axis of symmetry 49, the more flexible first sealing lip 50 extends a greater distance from the plug 45 than the second sealing lip 51.

[0138] The rotor penetration 46 includes a plurality of annular grooves 52, 53 extending around the axis of symmetry 49. These annular grooves together form a labyrinth seal 54, which seals the bending shaft 9 and / or rotor 10 from the plug 45 in a fluid-tight manner. When the bending shaft 9 moves eccentrically in the rotor penetration 46, displaced plug material is forced into the annular grooves 52, 53. The number of annular grooves 52, 53 is arbitrary. For example, two annular grooves 52, 53 of this type can be provided. However, only one annular groove 52, 53 can also be provided.

[0139] On the top side, i.e., facing away from the medium, the plug 45 comprises a reinforcement ring 55 extending completely around the axis of symmetry 49 and through which the rotor passage 46 passes. A rounding 56 is provided in the transition between the reinforcement ring 45 and the rotor passage 46, which facilitates the introduction of the rotor unit 8 into the rotor passage 46.

[0140] A pressure ring 57 is arranged facing the medium, i.e., away from the reinforcement ring 55. The pressure ring 57 is tightened around the rotor unit 8 and seals it against the rotor unit. The pressure ring 57 has the shape of a half O-ring. The rotor penetration 46 is closed by a diaphragm 58, which is connected to the pressure ring 57. The diaphragm 58 can be pierced by the rotor 10, in particular by the top 11 of the rotor 10. The pressure ring 57 ensures that the plug 45 does not tear further when the diaphragm 58 is pierced.

[0141] like Figure 16 As shown, diaphragm 58 includes a plurality of diaphragm segments 59 to 62. The number of diaphragm segments 59 to 62 is arbitrary. For example, two, three, or four diaphragm segments 59 to 62 may be provided. Cross-shaped perforations 63 are provided between diaphragm segments 59 to 62. Perforations 63 include a first perforation segment 64 and a second perforation segment 65, which are arranged perpendicularly to each other and form cross-shaped perforations 63. The provision of perforations 63 prevents portions of diaphragm 58 from being peeled off when the diaphragm is pierced by rotor 10.

[0142] The plug 45 seals with the cover at the first sealing lip 50 and the second sealing lip 51. That is, the sealing lips 50, 51 are radially compressed in the cylinder 17. At the same time, a sliding function is achieved on the medium side and on the inner side of the cylinder 17.

[0143] The stopper 45 or the material used for the stopper 45 may include an indicator that changes state when the stopper 45 is used or after a certain period of use. For example, the indicator may be a dye. That is, the stopper 45 changes color after a single use. For example, the stopper 45 may change color when exposed to air, moisture, or a medium. For example, the stopper 45 may change color after a certain period of time, such as eight hours.

[0144] Figure 17 and Figure 18 Another embodiment of the plug 45 is shown. Figure 17 and Figure 18 The stopper 45 is particularly suitable for low-viscosity to medium-viscosity media. As mentioned above, the stopper 45 includes two sealing lips 50, 51. Figures 14 to 16 The plugs are 45 different, depending on Figure 17 and Figure 18 The plug 45 includes three annular grooves 52, 53, wherein Figure 18Only two annular grooves are provided with reference numerals. The stopper 45 comprises a conical section 66 protruding from the stopper 45 in the direction facing the medium. Figure 17 and Figure 18 When the plug 46 is provided, the stator 12 has a conical geometry corresponding to the conical section 66 of the plug 45, in particular a counter-conical section 67, for example Figure 13 shown.

[0145] Figure 19 and Figure 20 FIG. 4 shows another embodiment of the plug 45. Different from the plug 45 explained above, according to Figure 19 and Figure 20 The plug 45 comprises only one sealing lip 51 facing the medium. In addition, no annular grooves 52, 53 as described above are provided at the rotor penetration 46. Figure 19 and Figure 20 The plug 45 is particularly suitable for low-viscosity to high-viscosity media. However, for high-viscosity media, the plug 45 is particularly preferred. In this case, the rotor penetration 46 is implemented as a stepped hole.

[0146] Figure 21 and Figure 22 A further embodiment of the plug 45 is shown. Figure 21 and Figure 22 The plug 45 is particularly suitable for use with low to high viscosity materials. Figure 21 and Figure 22 The plug 45 with the Figure 19 and Figure 20 The plug 45 of the invention differs in that the rotor penetration 46 is designed so that the plug 45 contacts the plug 45 only in the region of the thin-walled diaphragm 58. The plug 45 comprises only one circumferential sealing lip 51 facing the medium. In this case, the plug 45 is preferably made of a particularly elastic material.

[0147] The single-screw pump 1 can be used in particular for additive manufacturing or generative manufacturing. In other words, the single-screw pump 1 is or can be referred to as a 3D printhead. 3D printing is a general term for all manufacturing processes in which materials are applied layer by layer to produce three-dimensional objects. Here, one or more liquid or solid materials are layered and constructed in a computer-controlled manner according to predetermined dimensions and shapes.

[0148] A physical or chemical curing process or a melting process takes place during the construction. Typical materials for 3D printing are plastics, synthetic resins, ceramics and metals. During this time, carbon materials and graphite materials have also been developed for 3D printing of components made of carbon. Although this involves a shaping process, no special tools (such as molds) are required for the respective geometry of the workpiece to be stored for the specific product. 3D printers are used in industry, model making and research for the production of models, samples, prototypes, tools, end products and the like. They are also used for private purposes. In addition, applications also exist in the areas of home and leisure, construction and art and medicine.

[0149] In the production of very small components in large numbers in parallel, these processes are used both for small-scale production and for single-piece production with highly complex geometries and even with additional functional integration. In contrast to shaping, reforming or subtractive manufacturing processes (such as separating), the cost-effectiveness of 3D printing increases with increasing complexity of the component geometry and decreasing number of pieces required. In recent years, the range of applications of these manufacturing processes has expanded to other areas. 3D printers were first used primarily for the production of prototypes and models, then for the production of tools and finally for the production of finished parts that only require a small number of pieces.

[0150] Some fundamental advantages over competing manufacturing processes have made the technology increasingly popular, even in the mass production of components. The advantage of 3D printing over injection molding processes is the elimination of complex mold manufacturing and mold changes. The advantage of 3D printing over all material removal processes (such as cutting, turning, drilling, etc.) is the elimination of additional machining steps after shaping. This process is mostly more energy-efficient, especially when the material is only constructed once in the desired size and scale. However, as with other automated processes, reworking can be necessary depending on the application area.

[0151] Other advantages are the possibility of manufacturing different components on one machine and the production of complex geometries. Single-screw pumps 1 are used for 3D printing based on extrusion processes. With the aid of single-screw pumps 1, for example, silicones, polyurethanes, ceramic and metal pastes, epoxy resins and acrylates can be processed.

[0152] The advantage over other technologies that can print liquids is the suitability for high viscosity, high precision and high process stability, a large range of usable materials and high coating speeds. Other technologies sometimes rely on powerful material adaptation to achieve a satisfactory printing process. Light-based technologies for liquids, for example, always rely on the use of photonic crosslinkers, while single-screw pumps 1 can print completely independently of the curing mechanism.

[0153] In particular, the single-screw pump 1 can be used for so-called bioprinting. This application area is still relatively new and demonstrates the latest advances in cell culture technology. It can be considered a specialized form of additive manufacturing at the intersection of medical engineering and biotechnology. The topic of "bioprinting" is frequently discussed due to the enormous demand for organ donations. To meet this enormous demand, artificially manufacturing tissues and organs will be essential in the future. However, realistically, this vision still has a long way to go before it can become a reality.

[0154] However, the use of simpler tissue structures is increasingly imminent. For example, imitation local skin or cartilage implants for faster wound care are conceivable. Bone wax and bone substitute materials are also feasible. Individually fabricated bone implants made from biocompatible materials are already in use. However, since no biomaterials are used, this cannot be considered bioprinting in the strict sense.

[0155] The research field of drug discovery holds enormous potential. Knowledge of the side effects and interactions of various active ingredients can be rapidly acquired. To this end, "mini-organs" can be printed that replicate all the essential functions of regular organs. Using microfluidics, these mini-organs can be combined into multi-organ systems, allowing the systemic effects of active ingredients to be tested without the need for animal testing.

[0156] During bioprinting, cell-laden gels or matrices are produced using a single-screw pump 1, particularly a bioprinter, to harvest and cultivate them. This is achieved through a layered structure known from additive manufacturing. Since most media used in bioprinting contain living cells, which can only be produced at considerable cost and expense, gentle distribution is crucial. The stress on the distributed cells increases with increasing cell density and viscosity in the medium. However, for a satisfactory structure, the highest possible cell density and robustness are required. Consequently, there is a tension between cell concentration and distribution technology.

[0157] The special feature of the single-screw pump 1 is that the cartridge system 16 is designed as a disposable item. Here, the cartridge system 16, including the stator 12, is replaced after a single use. The drive unit 2 itself remains. The plug 45, which is part of the cartridge system 16, also needs to be replaced. If the rotor is part of the cartridge system 16, the rotor 10 can also be replaced.

[0158] Compared to established methods, the use of the cartridge system 16 as a single-use printing head has numerous advantages. High precision and high resolution can be achieved in the coating. Process fluctuations are balanced and consistent and reproducible printing results can be achieved. Environmental parameters are leveled. Gentle delivery of the product for low to high viscous media can be achieved. No clogging of the metering dispensing needle occurs.

[0159] The coating is gentle to the cells and precision is not compromised. The coating can be performed without pulsation. The medium can be actively withdrawn into the cartridge system 16 to inhibit stringing or dripping. Hygienically compliant application or sterilization enables a contamination-free process. This is ensured by the single use. Low dead volume enables almost complete extrusion of the medium. Easy integration into existing bioprinters is possible. The design does not require a separate control unit and is optimized to the geometry of the bioprinter. Simple handling without additional tools is possible.

[0160] The interior space 19 of the cartridge 17 can be sealed with respect to the surroundings by means of the plug 45 and the drive unit 3 is protected from contamination by the medium. Since the medium is not supplied via a hose line or a tube, but is received directly in the cartridge system 16, the dead volume can be reduced, since the medium is very expensive and even the smallest amounts are valuable and cannot be lost as dead volume. This ensures a loss-free supply and at least almost complete emptying of the cartridge system 16.

[0161] Since the cartridge system 16 is a single-use item, it can be well sterilized. Since the cartridge system 16 is replaceable, the drive device 2 itself does not have to be cleaned. It is therefore not necessary to completely disassemble the drive device 2 in order to clean the single-screw pump 1. The cartridge system 16 can be replaced very easily and quickly, so that the single-screw pump 1 can be put into operation again in a very short time.

[0162] Biological media are usually metered and dispensed in a working range of +4°C to +40°C, since most cells can only survive in a narrow temperature range. The medium to be printed is often influenced by a temperature-controlled gelation mechanism, which ensures shape stability at the time of printing. Precise temperature control is required for this. Cooling is also important so that some cell types do not die and specific gels can be printed.

[0163] The sealing of the medium with respect to the interior space 19 can be achieved by means of the eccentrically sealed plug 46. This enables contamination-free and ensures that sensitive components, such as the drive unit 3, are protected. The plug 45 serves not only for sealing, but also for transmitting forces to the medium in order to provide a pre-pressure for metering and dispensing the medium. This pre-pressure can be applied, for example, by compressed air supplied via the gas supply 14 or a spring.

[0164] Figure 23 The filling concept for filling the cartridge system 16 is schematically shown. First, the plug 45 is pushed into the cartridge 17. Here, the diaphragm 58 of the plug 45 faces the stator 12. The plug 45 is pushed into the cartridge 17 until it rests against the stator 12.

[0165] Subsequently, the syringe 68 filled with the medium M is connected to the Luer lock connector 18 of the cartridge 17 via the adapter 69. The cartridge system 16 is now filled with the medium M, with the stopper 45 moved away from the stator 12. Once the cartridge system 16 is filled with the medium M, it is connected to the drive device 2. Here, the septum 58 is pierced by the rotor 10. Furthermore, the nozzle 70 is attached to the Luer lock connector 18. The cartridge system 16 is connected to the drive device 2 via the bayonet connection 27. Metered dispensing of the medium M can now begin.

[0166] In order to fill the cartridge 17 and protect the medium M from the surrounding environment, the plug 45 needs to be sealed. This problem is solved by providing a perforable diaphragm 58 in the middle of the plug 45. Even after the cartridge system 16 is filled, the diaphragm 58 should remain sealed even when the rotor 10 pierces it from above. In addition, the plug 45 must allow eccentric movement of the rotor 10 during complete emptying of the cartridge system 16 while still maintaining a seal. This is achieved by selecting an appropriate material for the plug 45.

[0167] In order to largely eliminate dead zones, it is necessary to ensure that the medium M can only remain in as few recesses, cavities or undercuts as possible. Therefore, an internal geometry of the barrel 17 that is in contact with the product is as simple as possible. Therefore, the barrel 17 is also designed to be cylindrical on the inside. The rotor 10 must be guided through the middle of the barrel 17, and this may cause the medium M to adhere to the rotor unit 8. This potential disadvantage is compensated by the sliding function of the plug 45. As also shown in FIG. Figure 13 and Figure 18 As shown in FIG, an optimal residual draining is achieved by the conically ending stator 12 and the correspondingly shaped plug 45.

[0168] Considering the feasibility of daily laboratory use, it is difficult to thoroughly clean and sterilize single-screw pumps. However, this problem can be solved by introducing a disposable cartridge system 16. The disposable use of the pump components that are crucial for metered dispensing ensures absolute safety in terms of sterility and contamination. All parts that come into contact with the product can be replaced after a single use, that is, after a single emptying of the cartridge system 16. The stator 12, which is firmly connected to the cartridge 17, as well as the rotor 10 and the plug 45, can all be replaced.

[0169] The following measures can be taken to ensure disposable use. The rotor-stator combination can be designed for small metered dispensing volumes until it is abandoned. The stopper 45 can be damaged in an irreversible manner (e.g., by piercing the septum 58) after a single use. The rotor 10 can be locked in the barrel 17 so that it can not be separated from the barrel system 16. The irreversible closure of the barrel 17 is feasible, so that the damaged stopper 45 cannot be replaced. In addition, a color indication showing that it is disposable is feasible.

[0170] The operation of the barrel system 16 is simplified so that the user only needs to refill the barrel system 16, insert the rotor unit 8 into the drive device 2 and fasten the barrel system 16 to the drive device 2. No tool is required to disassemble and assemble. The barrel system 16 can be filled, operated and replaced in a sterile manner without leaving residue. After use, when the barrel system 16 is pulled down from the drive device 2, the rotor 10, especially the rotor unit 8, is automatically removed together. Therefore, the operation corresponds to conventional barrels to a great extent. Extrusion is controlled by the stepper motor signal of the controller. No self-contained control unit is needed, which improves operation in practice.

[0171] To enable the use of the single-screw pump 1 in existing 3D printers, it is desirable to reduce weight and size. The greatest savings can be achieved by selecting a suitable drive unit 3. Since the seals of the drive unit 3 do not need to withstand high pressures, their size can also be reduced. The lightest possible material is selected for the drive unit 2. The housing 4 can be partially made of metal or plastic. By making the components (rotor 10, stator 12, plug 45, and barrel 17) from plastic, additional weight savings are achieved.

[0172] The temperature of the medium M can be regulated by an external element that can be plugged into the barrel system 16. Cooling or heating can be performed directly on the outer surface of the barrel 17 and can be maintained constant over the entire length of the barrel 17 by means of an adapted shape. There is no thermal bridge between the drive unit 3 and the barrel system 17, so that a rise in the motor temperature does not directly affect the barrel contents. This is achieved on the one hand by the relatively large spacing between the drive unit 3 and the barrel system 16, and on the other hand by the selection of suitable materials. Plastic prevents conduction from the drive unit 3 to the medium M. The metal provided at the drive unit 3 promotes heat dissipation to the surrounding environment.

[0173] In addition to using the single-screw pump 1 in the field of bioprinting, other applications are also conceivable. The use of the single-screw pump 1 in additive manufacturing is not limited to bioprinting. Materials such as silicone, epoxy, polyurethane, ceramics, metals, and solder paste can also be printed. Due to its compact design, it is also conceivable to develop a market for non-professional 3D printers.

[0174] Another potential application is the printing of meat substitutes. Here, too, strict hygiene regulations apply. Many different materials are used, and the viscosity can be very high. It doesn't matter whether the substitute product is directly derived from animal sources or is a replica or replacement of plant-based sources.

[0175] Applications are also possible in the chemical industry. Some chemicals are generally unsuitable for printing with a screw pump because they tend to stick together. Cyanoacrylate, for example, is problematic because it solidifies in the presence of moisture and can completely destroy the screw pump. An independent system in the form of the aforementioned cartridge system 16 is advantageous because it can be quickly replaced without significant damage in the event of a malfunction.

[0176] The cartridge system 16 is also highly suitable for use in laboratory environments, where small quantities need to be tested and product changes made quickly. If, for example, different formulations of adhesive compounds are being tested, a single-screw pump without this type of cartridge system 16 would always have to be disassembled and cleaned. Since adhesives do not require sterility, it is also conceivable to replace only the cartridge 17 without replacing the rotor unit 8. The various cartridge sizes ensure applicability in various applications.

[0177] Furthermore, applications as manual applicators are conceivable in medical engineering. The cartridge system 16 can be used for precisely applying materials or delivering drugs in wound care, in vivo, during surgery, or during dental treatment. An example of an area where additive manufacturing and medical engineering intersect is tablet printing. Creating individual tablets with patient-specific active ingredients and active ingredient contents can mitigate issues such as interactions, overdosing, underdosing, and missed doses. The single-screw pump 1 can also be used for tablet printing.

[0178] Figure 24 A schematic sectional view of another embodiment of a single-screw pump 1 is shown. Figure 25 Shown according to Figure 24 Detail of Figure C. According to Figure 24 The single screw pump 1 and according to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The only difference between the single screw pump 1 and the embodiment of the present invention is that the cartridge system 16 has a spring element 71, which is arranged between the stopper 45 and the bearing sleeve 5. Annular pressure pieces 72 and 73 are provided on both sides of the spring element 71. In addition, pressure can still be applied via the air supply 14. It is also possible to apply a negative pressure, in particular a vacuum, to the interior 19 of the cartridge 17.

[0179] According to Figure 1 and Figure 2Unlike the single-screw pump 1, the task of applying pressure to the plug 45 is performed by a spring element 71 instead of air. The spring element 71 has a linear characteristic curve. Force can be applied to the plug 45 via air pressure, the elastic force of the spring element 71, or a spindle drive (not shown). In the latter case, an eccentric insert is provided in the plug 45. The pitch of this eccentric insert is adapted to the volume and, therefore, the plug speed. In other words, the plug 45 is force-guided.

[0180] like Figure 25 As shown, a sliding bushing 74 is provided for supporting the drive shaft 7 in the bearing sleeve 5. The sliding bushing 74 includes a first sealing ring 75 and a second sealing ring 76. Alternatively, only one sealing ring 75, 76 may be provided. The sealing ring 75 seals the vacuum in the inner space 19.

[0181] Figure 26 A schematic cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the cartridge system 16 is shown. Figure 27 Shown according to Figure 26 Detail D. In this modification of the cartridge system 16, locking hooks or snap-on hooks 77, 78 are provided on the inner side of the cartridge 17. A cover 79 is also provided to close the cartridge 47. The cover 79 can be plate-shaped and include a central through-hole 80 through which the rotor unit 8 is guided. The cover 79 includes a circumferential engagement section 81, the rear of which engages the locking hooks 77, 78. Figure 27 As shown by the arrow in FIG, the cover 79 can be squeezed into the tube 17, wherein the engagement section 81 is locked into the latching hooks 77, 78 at the rear. The cover 79 can no longer be separated from the tube 17 at this time.

[0182] Locking hooks or snap-in hooks 82, 83 can be provided on the rotor unit 8, in particular at the bending axis 9. The number of snap-in hooks 82, 83 is arbitrary. The snap-in hooks 82, 83 can engage the cover 79 at the rear. In particular, the snap-in hooks 82, 83 extend radially from the rotor unit 8 by a distance greater than the diameter of the penetration 80. The rotor unit 8 can be guided through the penetration 80. Once the snap-in hooks 82, 83 have traversed the penetration 80, they snap into engagement with it at the rear. At this point, the rotor unit 8 can no longer be separated from the cartridge system 16.

[0183] This means that the cartridge system 16 and all its components can be used practically only once. Alternatively, however, the rotor unit 8 and the stopper 45 can be cleaned and reused multiple times. However, the cap 79 at least ensures that the cartridge 17 is used only once. This can also be advantageous in the case of single-use or contamination, for example, with toxic or carcinogenic active ingredients, as well as in terms of cleanliness and self-protection.

[0184] Figure 28A schematic cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the cartridge system 16 is shown. Figure 28 The cartridge system 16 is fully encapsulated. For this reason, a cover 84 is provided on the back side of the cartridge 17. The cover 84 is for example bonded or fused to the cartridge 17. The cover 84 is connected to the cartridge 17 in a fluid-tight manner.

[0185] The cartridge system 16 is thus completely encapsulated and, in addition to the cartridge 17, comprises the stator 12, the rotor unit 8, and the plug 45 (not shown). The interface 32 to the rotor unit 8, in particular the bending shaft 9, is designed as a contactless interface. In particular, the interface 32 is provided on the bending shaft 9. Consequently, a corresponding mating interface is provided on the drive device 2. The interface 32 can be, for example, a magnetic coupling or part of a magnetic coupling.

[0186] In principle, all embodiments of the cartridge system 16 or cartridge 17 can include an RFID chip (Radio Frequency Identification). This makes it possible, in particular, to identify the geometry of the stator 12, for example, so that the appropriate rotor 10 can be assigned to the stator 12. This allows, for example, size identification. Furthermore, batch identification of the media M received in the cartridge 17 is also possible.

[0187] The cartridge system 16 or cartridge 17 may also have a QR code (Quick Response), which is irradiated into the cartridge 17 by a laser, for example. This allows, for example, identification of the medium M received in the cartridge 17. Information can then be read out, which allows conclusions to be drawn about the contents of the cartridge 17, i.e., the medium M. This allows, for example, batch identification, information about the service life or durability of the medium M, product tracking, etc.

[0188] The single-screw pump 1 can be mains-powered or battery-powered. This means that battery power is possible for the drive unit 3. The single-screw pump 1 is therefore independent of the power grid. The single-screw pump 1 can therefore operate independently as a handheld device. Thus, the single-screw pump 1 can be used, for example, to meter and dispense solder paste at a manual workstation. The single-screw pump 1 can thus be used as a pipetting device or a pipetting aid, with the difference that highly viscous media M can also be metered and dispensed with the aid of the single-screw pump 1. Furthermore, such an independently operating single-screw pump 1 can also be used for rapid wound care, for example, for on-site care by emergency personnel, in clinics or operating rooms. In this case, for example, waxes, in particular bone wax, adhesives, medications, denture materials, artificial skin, etc. can be metered and dispensed.

[0189] Although the present invention has been described with reference to embodiments, it can be modified in many ways.

[0190] Reference Signs List

[0191] 1 Single screw pump

[0192] 2 Drive unit

[0193] 3 drive units

[0194] 4 Housing

[0195] 5 bearing sleeve

[0196] 6 Connecting elements

[0197] 7 Drive shaft

[0198] 8 rotor units

[0199] 9 Bending axis

[0200] 10 rotors

[0201] 11 Top

[0202] 12 stator

[0203] 13 penetration

[0204] 14 Air Supply Department

[0205] 15 Airway

[0206] 16-barrel system

[0207] 17 tubes

[0208] 18 Luer lock connector

[0209] 19 Interior Space

[0210] 20 arm segments

[0211] 21 arm segments

[0212] 22 Joint section

[0213] 23 Paired joint section

[0214] 24 penetration

[0215] 25 annular groove

[0216] 26 O-ring

[0217] 27 Bayonet connection

[0218] 28 notches

[0219] 29 notch

[0220] 30 End side

[0221] 31 End side

[0222] 32 interface

[0223] 33 handle face

[0224] 34 arm segment

[0225] 35 arm segment

[0226] 36 arm segment

[0227] 37 arm segment

[0228] 38 slit

[0229] 39 slit

[0230] 40 locking nose

[0231] 41 counter-interface

[0232] 42 handle face

[0233] 43 handle face

[0234] 44 shoulder

[0235] 45 plug

[0236] 46 rotor through-passage

[0237] 47 inner part

[0238] 48 outer part

[0239] 49 axis of symmetry

[0240] 50 sealing lip

[0241] 51 sealing lip

[0242] 52 annular groove

[0243] 53 annular groove

[0244] 54 labyrinth seal

[0245] 55 stiffening ring

[0246] 56 rounded portion

[0247] 57 pressure ring

[0248] 58 diaphragm

[0249] 59 diaphragm segment

[0250] 60 diaphragm segment

[0251] 61 diaphragm segment

[0252] 62 diaphragm segment

[0253] 63 perforation

[0254] 64 perforation section

[0255] 65 perforation section

[0256] 66 conical section

[0257] 67 counter-conical section

[0258] 68 tip

[0259] 69 adapter

[0260] 70 nozzle

[0261] 71 spring element

[0262] 72 pressure piece

[0263] 73 pressure piece

[0264] 74 sliding bushing

[0265] 75 sealing element

[0266] 76 sealing element

[0267] 77 snap hook

[0268] 78 snap hook

[0269] 79 cover

[0270] 80 through-passage

[0271] 81 engagement section

[0272] 82 snap hook

[0273] 83 snap hook

[0274] 84 cover

[0275] A detail view

[0276] B detail view

[0277] C detail view

[0278] D detail view

[0279] L longitudinal direction

[0280] M medium

Claims

1. A cartridge system (16) for a single screw pump (1) having a cartridge (17) for receiving the medium (M) to be metered, a stator (12) arranged at the barrel (17), the stator cooperating with the rotor unit (8) of the single screw pump (1) for metering the medium (M), and A plug (45) is movably supported in the cartridge (17) for closing the cartridge (17) in a fluid-tight manner, wherein the plug (45) comprises a rotor passage (46) through which the rotor unit (8) can be guided, wherein the rotor passage (46) is closed by means of a diaphragm (58) facing the stator (12).

2. The cartridge system according to claim 1, wherein the stator (12) and the cartridge (17) are constructed as one piece, or wherein the stator (12) and the cartridge (17) are connected to each other in a form-fitting, force-fitting and / or material-fitting manner.

3. The cartridge system according to claim 2, wherein the stator (12) and the cartridge (17) are constructed as a single piece.

4. The cartridge system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the septum (58) comprises a perforation (63).

5. The cartridge system of claim 4, wherein the perforations (63) divide the diaphragm (58) into a plurality of diaphragm segments (59-62).

6. Cartridge system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the bung (45) comprises a pressure ring (57), through which the rotor penetration (46) is guided, and at which the diaphragm (58) is arranged.

7. Cartridge system according to claim 6, wherein the bung (45) comprises a reinforcement ring (55) facing away from the pressure ring (57), the rotor penetration (46) being guided through the reinforcement ring.

8. The cartridge system according to claim 1, wherein at least one circumferential annular groove (52, 53) is provided on the rotor penetration (46).

9. A cartridge system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the plug (45) comprises a first circumferential sealing lip (50) in a direction facing away from the stator (12), the first sealing lip being in contact with the inner side of the cartridge (17), and / or wherein the plug (45) comprises a second circumferential sealing lip (51) in a direction facing the stator (12), the second sealing lip also being in contact with the inner side of the cartridge (17).

10. The cartridge system according to claim 9, wherein the second sealing lip (51) has a greater stiffness than the first sealing lip (50).

11. The cartridge system according to claim 9, wherein the first sealing lip (50) extends further from the stopper (45) at the end side than the second sealing lip (51).

12. The cartridge system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising the rotor unit (8), the rotor unit being guided through the rotor penetration (46).

13. The cartridge system according to claim 12, wherein the rotor unit (8) is connected to the cartridge (17) and / or the bung (45) in a non-detachable manner.

14. The cartridge system according to claim 12, wherein the rotor unit (8) is completely enclosed by the cartridge (17).

15. The cartridge system according to claim 12, wherein the rotor unit (8) comprises an interface (32) for coupling the rotor unit (8) to a counterpart interface (41) of a drive device (2) of the single-screw pump (1).

16. Cartridge system according to claim 15, wherein the interface (32) comprises a locking nose (40) which locks into the mating interface (41) when the rotor unit (8) is connected to the drive device (2).

17. Cartridge system according to claim 16, wherein the interface (32) comprises a plurality of elastically deformable arm sections (34 to 37), the locking noses (40) being arranged at the arm sections.

18. The cartridge system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising the medium (M) received in the cartridge (17).

19. The cartridge system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the stopper (45) comprises an indicator which changes its state after use of the cartridge system (16).

20. The cartridge system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the plug (45) is made of a gas permeable or gas impermeable material.

21. A single-screw pump (1) comprising a drive device (2) and a replaceable cartridge system (17) according to any one of claims 1 to 20, the cartridge system being detachably connected to the drive device (2).

22. The single-screw pump of claim 21, wherein the single-screw pump is a 3D printing head.

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