Fluid delivery device

Abstract

The invention discloses a fluid delivery device. A fluid delivery device includes a first driven element, a second driven element, and a drive shaft rotatable about an axis of rotation. When the drive shaft rotates in a first rotational direction, the first driven element is drivable by the drive shaft, and when the drive shaft rotates in a second rotational direction opposite the first rotational direction, the first driven element is not driven by the drive shaft. The second driven element is drivable by the drive shaft when the drive shaft is rotated in the second rotational direction, and the second driven element is not driven by the drive shaft when the drive shaft is rotated in the first rotational direction. The first driven element and the second driven element each have one of a pump for pumping fluid and a fluid path selector for selectively directing fluid between a selector port of the fluid path selector and one or more of the plurality of communication ports.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to fluid delivery devices. In particular, the present invention relates to fluid delivery devices for pumping and / or fluid routing. Background Art

[0002] Known fluid delivery devices are used for the purpose of selectively delivering fluid from a fluid source to an output. The fluid delivery device may include an inlet, a pump, and an outlet. In some applications, it is necessary to deliver fluids from multiple fluid sources to a common output. Previously, this was achieved by using multiple pumps to pump fluids from different fluid sources to a common output.

[0003] There is a need for improved fluid delivery devices. Summary of the invention

[0004] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fluid delivery device comprising any one or all of the following features:

[0005] a first driven element;

[0006] a second driven element; and

[0007] Drive shaft;

[0008] The drive shaft is configured to be rotatably driven about a rotation axis;

[0009] The first driven element is configured to be driven by the drive shaft when the drive shaft rotates in a first rotation direction, and not driven by the drive shaft when the drive shaft rotates in a second rotation direction opposite to the first rotation direction;

[0010] The second driven element is configured to be driven by the drive shaft when the drive shaft rotates in the second rotation direction, and not to be driven by the drive shaft when the drive shaft rotates in the first rotation direction;

[0011] Wherein, the first driven element and the second driven element each include one of the following:

[0012] a pump for pumping fluid through the fluid delivery device; and

[0013] A fluid path selector is used to selectively direct fluid between a selector port of the fluid path selector and one or more of the plurality of communication ports.

[0014] By selectively directing fluid between a selector port and one or more of a plurality of communication ports, a fluid path selector can select between a plurality of different configurations, including: a configuration in which the selector port is fluidly connected only to a first communication port; a configuration in which the selector port is fluidly connected only to a second communication port; a configuration in which the selector port is fluidly connected to both the first communication port and the second communication port; and a configuration in which the selector port is not fluidly connected to any of the plurality of communication ports (e.g., sealed).

[0015] The advantage of this arrangement is that a single drive input is used to control two driven elements while avoiding the need for complex gear mechanisms. Therefore, this arrangement is suitable for relatively small fluid delivery devices (e.g., millimeter-scale fluid channels), where the number of components is preferably reduced and simplified for ease of manufacture.

[0016] The fluid delivery device may include a housing. The housing may support the first driven element. The housing may support the second driven element. The housing may support the drive shaft. The fluid delivery device may include a bearing. The bearing may be configured to support the drive shaft in the housing. The bearing may be located at a position along the rotation axis between the first driven element and the second driven element. This has the advantage of providing an efficiently packaged device in which the rotational reliability of the drive shaft is improved.

[0017] At least one of the first driven element and the second driven element is driven by the drive shaft by means of a one-way drive transmission device. The one-way drive transmission device may be a sprag clutch. The one-way drive transmission device may be any other freewheel device that allows transmission of drive in one rotational direction.

[0018] The first driven element may include a pump. The pump may be a peristaltic pump. The peristaltic pump may include a peristaltic tube. The peristaltic tube may be arranged in a plane perpendicular to the rotation axis. This has the advantage of improving the packaging efficiency of the components of the device and reducing the height of the device along the direction of the rotation axis.

[0019] The second driven element may include a fluid path selector. The selector port may be arranged in a fixed relationship with the housing portion of the fluid delivery device. At least one of the plurality of communication ports of the fluid path selector may be arranged in a fixed relationship with the housing portion of the fluid delivery device. This has the advantage of facilitating fluid connection with an external fluid source.

[0020] The plurality of communication ports may include a first communication port and a second communication port. The fluid path selector may include a movable member. The movable member may be configured to move relative to the plurality of communication ports. The movable member may be configured to move between a first position and a second position, the first position being used to prevent fluid communication between the selector port and the second communication port, and the second position being used to prevent fluid communication between the selector port and the first communication port. The movable member may have a third position, the third position being used to provide fluid communication between the selector port and both the first communication port and the second communication port. This has the advantage of providing a fluid delivery device capable of mixing fluids from multiple fluid sources.

[0021] The movable member may include a selection surface. The selection surface may be configured to interface with the plurality of communication ports. The selection surface may include an axial recess. The axial recess may be configured to align with the selector port. The selection surface may include a radially extending recess. The radially extending recess may be configured to selectively align with at least one of the plurality of communication ports. This has the advantage of reducing the height of the fluid delivery device in the direction of the rotation axis and simplifying the manufacture of the device. The radially extending recess may include a first channel and a second channel. The first channel may be configured to align with the first communication port. The second channel may be configured to align with the second communication port.

[0022] The fluid delivery device may include a drive device, such as a motor. The drive device may be configured to drive the drive shaft. The first driven element may be disposed between the drive device and the second driven element along the axis of rotation. The housing may accommodate and / or support the drive device, the first driven element, and the second driven element. Incorporating the drive element into the device has the advantage of improving packaging efficiency.

[0023] The first driven element may include the pump, and the second driven element may include the fluid path selector. The fluid delivery device may include a connecting channel configured to connect the pump to the selector port of the fluid path selector in fluid communication, so that the pump is operable to pump fluid between the selector port and one or more selected communication ports of the plurality of communication ports. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of embodiments, which are provided by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0025] Figure 1is a schematic diagram of a fluid delivery device according to one embodiment;

[0026] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Another schematic diagram of a fluid delivery device including a cross-sectional view of a fluid path selector;

[0027] Figure 3A is a perspective view of a movable member of a fluid delivery device according to one embodiment;

[0028] Figure 3B is a perspective view of a movable member of a fluid delivery device according to another embodiment;

[0029] Figure 4A is a schematic plan view of a fluid path selector of a fluid delivery device;

[0030] Figure 4B yes Figure 4A A schematic plan view of a fluid path selector in another position;

[0031] Figure 4C yes Figure 4A A schematic plan view of a fluid path selector in yet another position; and

[0032] Figure 5 It is a plan view of a pump of a fluid conveying device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] In the examples described herein, a fluid delivery device is disclosed, which has multiple inlets, a selector for selecting the inlet, and a pump for driving the fluid from the selected inlet to the outlet of the fluid delivery device. The selector is connected to the pump in a fluid-connected manner through a communication channel. The selector is a rotatable disk with multiple positions, so that the selector can be switched between at least a first position and a second position, in which the first inlet is connected to the pump in a fluid-connected manner and the second position is connected to the pump in a fluid-connected manner. In this way, the pump can draw fluid from one of the multiple fluid sources based on the position of the selector. The selector can also mix fluids from more than one inlet so that the pump can draw fluid from more than one of the multiple fluid sources at the same time. The selector can be rotated by a drive shaft driven by a motor. The selector is connected to the drive shaft by a sprag clutch so that the selector rotates with the drive shaft only in one direction of the drive shaft. The pump is connected to the same drive shaft by a sprag clutch so that the pump is driven only when the drive shaft rotates in one direction. The sprag clutch is arranged so that the pump and the selector are driven by drive shafts rotating in opposite directions. In this way, the drive shaft can be rotated in a first direction to enable the selector, thereby selecting the fluid source, when the pump is not enabled. The drive shaft can also be rotated in a second direction to drive the pump, thereby the selected fluid source (or multiple fluid sources) is pumped to the outlet. Therefore, the fluid delivery driver can use a single drive input operating in two rotational directions to pump fluid from the selected one or more fluid sources in a plurality of fluid sources. In other structural arrangements, the fluid delivery device can include two selectors or two pumps, rather than having a selector and a pump.

[0034] Figure 1A fluid delivery device 100 is shown. The fluid delivery device 100 includes a first driven element 110, a second driven element 120, and a drive shaft 102. The drive shaft 102 is configured to be driven in a rotatable manner around a rotation axis 103. The first driven element 110 is configured to be driven by the drive shaft 102 when the drive shaft 102 rotates in a first rotation direction. The first driven element 110 is also configured so that when the drive shaft 102 rotates in a second rotation direction opposite to the first rotation direction, the first driven element 110 is not driven by the drive shaft 102. The second driven element 120 is configured to be driven by the drive shaft 102 when the drive shaft 102 rotates in the second rotation direction. The second driven element 120 is also configured so that when the drive shaft 102 rotates in the first rotation direction, the second driven element 120 is not driven by the drive shaft 102. Therefore, rotation of the drive shaft 102 in one direction drives only the first driven element 110, while rotation of the drive shaft 102 in another direction drives only the second driven element 120. In other words, the fluid delivery device 100 is configured such that the first driven element 110 and the second driven element 120 cannot be driven by the drive shaft 102 at the same time.

[0035] The fluid delivery device 100 may include a drive device 101 for driving a drive shaft 102. In one structural arrangement, the fluid delivery device includes a motor 101, which is configured to drive the drive shaft 102. The motor 101 may be a stepper motor. The drive shaft 102 may extend from the drive device 101 along its central axis. The fluid delivery device 100 may be arranged such that a first driven element 110 is arranged between the drive device 101 and a second driven element 120 along a rotation axis 103.

[0036] The fluid delivery device 100 may include a housing 104. The housing 104 may be configured to accommodate and / or support any one or all of the drive device 101, the drive shaft 102, the first driven element 110, and the second driven element 120. The housing 104 may include a first housing portion 104a configured to accommodate the first driven element 110, a second housing portion 104b configured to accommodate the second driven element 120, and a third housing portion 104c configured to accommodate the motor 101. The first housing portion 104a, the second housing portion 104b, and the third housing portion 104c may be fixed together by at least one fastening member. In one structural arrangement, the fluid delivery device 100 includes a fastening member configured to fix the housing portions 104a, 104b, 104c together so that the first housing portion 104a is disposed between the second housing portion 104b and the third housing portion 104c.

[0037] The fluid delivery device 100 may include a bearing (not shown) configured to support the drive shaft 102 relative to the housing 104. The bearing may be a roller bearing having an inner race fixed to the drive shaft 102 and an outer race fixed to the housing 104. In one structural arrangement, the bearing is disposed along the rotation axis 103 at a position between the first driven element 110 and the second driven element 120. The bearing may be supported by the first housing portion 104b.

[0038] The first driven element 110 may be driven by the drive shaft 102 via a first one-way transmission device 119, which may be a sprag clutch or other freewheel device configured to transmit rotational drive only in one rotational direction. The first one-way drive transmission device 119 may be disposed between the drive shaft 102 and the first driven element 110, such that when the drive shaft 102 rotates in a first rotational direction, the first one-way drive transmission device 119 transmits rotational drive from the drive shaft 102 to the first driven element 110, and when the drive shaft 102 rotates in a second rotational direction, the first one-way drive transmission device 119 idles, such that rotational drive from the drive shaft 102 is not transmitted to the first driven element 110. The second driven element 120 may be driven by the drive shaft 102 via a second one-way transmission device 129, which may be a sprag clutch or other freewheel device configured to transmit rotational drive only in one rotational direction. The second one-way drive transmission device 129 can be disposed between the drive shaft 102 and the second driven element 120, so that when the drive shaft 102 rotates in the second rotational direction, the second one-way drive transmission device 129 transmits the rotational drive from the drive shaft 102 to the second driven element 120, and when the drive shaft 102 rotates in the first rotational direction, the second one-way drive transmission device 129 idles, so that the rotational drive from the drive shaft 102 is not transmitted to the second driven element 120. Although it should be understood that due to the presence of friction, the free-wheel one-way drive transmission device can transmit some rotational drive to the corresponding driven element, the liquid delivery device 100 can be configured so that the force transmitted during idling is insufficient to activate the corresponding driven element.

[0039] Each of the first driven element 110 and the second driven element 120 includes one of the following: a pump for pumping fluid through the fluid delivery device 100, and a fluid path selector for selectively guiding fluid between a selector port of the fluid path selector and one of the plurality of communication ports. Therefore, the fluid delivery device 100 may include: a pump and a fluid path selector; two pumps; or two fluid path selectors. In one structural arrangement, the first driven element 110 is a pump and the second driven element 120 is a fluid path selector. In the opposite structural arrangement, the first driven element 110 is a fluid path selector, and the second driven element 120 is a pump. In another structural arrangement, the first driven element 110 and the second driven element 120 are both pumps. In yet another structural arrangement, the first driven element 110 and the second driven element 120 are both fluid path selectors.

[0040] In a structural arrangement where the fluid delivery device 100 has two pumps, the first driven element 110 includes a first port 111 and a second port 112, respectively representing the inlet and outlet of the pump 110. In addition, the second driven element 120 includes a first port 121 and a second port 122, respectively representing the inlet and outlet of the pump 120. In this way, by driving the drive shaft 102 in opposite directions, the two pumps can be driven separately.

[0041] In the structural arrangement of the fluid delivery device having two fluid path selectors, the first driven element 110 includes a first port 111 and a second port 112, wherein the first port 111 represents a first selector port and the second port 112 represents a first group of communication ports, so that the first driven element 110 can selectively guide the fluid between the first selector port and one of the communication ports in the first group of communication ports. Moreover, the second driven element 120 includes a first port 121 and a second port 122, wherein the first port 121 represents a second selector port and the second port 122 represents a second group of communication ports, so that the second driven element 120 can selectively guide the fluid between the second selector port and one of the communication ports in the second group of communication ports. Therefore, by driving the drive shaft 102 in opposite directions, the two fluid path selectors can be driven separately.

[0042] In some structural arrangements, the first driven element 110 is connected to the second driven element 120 in a fluid communication manner. In the structural arrangement of the fluid delivery device 100 having two fluid path selectors, a channel (not shown) can be provided between the first port 111 of the first driven element 110 and the first port 121 of the second driven element 120. Therefore, the first group of communication ports 112 can serve as a group of selectable inputs, and the second group of communication ports 122 can serve as a group of selectable outputs.

[0043] Figure 2 1 shows further details of a fluid delivery device 100 having a structural arrangement including a pump and a selector. In the structural arrangement shown, the first driven element 110 is a pump configured to pump fluid through the fluid delivery device 100. The pump 110 can be any suitable pump that can be driven by a rotational input. The pump 110 can be as described with reference to Figure 5 The peristaltic pump described in more detail. The pump 110 can be configured to pump fluid from a first port 111 of the pump 110 to a second port 112 of the pump via a pump channel 113. In the illustrated arrangement, the second driven element 120 can be a fluid path selector. The fluid path selector 120 can include any suitable valve or selector that can be driven by a rotational input to select among a plurality of fluid paths.

[0044] The fluid path selector 120 is configured to selectively direct fluid between a first port 121 of the fluid path selector 120 and one of a plurality of communication ports of the fluid path selector 120. For example, the fluid path selector 120 can select between a first configuration in which the first port 121 is in fluid communication with one communication port 122b (as shown by the fluid path 128) and a second configuration in which the first port 121 is in fluid communication with another communication port 122d. Thus, the fluid path selector 120 can select to deliver fluid from one or the other of the two communication ports 122.

[0045] The fluid path selector 120 may be contained within the housing 104 and may be configured to move relative to the housing 104. To this end, the fluid path selector 120 may include a movable member 120a configured to move relative to the plurality of communication ports 122, such that the movable member 120a may facilitate selection between the plurality of communication ports 122. In the illustrated arrangement, the movable member 120a includes a hole 127 configured to receive an end of the drive shaft 102 and at least a portion of the one-way transmission device 129. The hole 127 may be a blind hole extending from an axial face of the movable member 120a and along the rotation axis 103.

[0046] The selector port 121 may be disposed in a fixed relationship with the housing 104. The plurality of communication ports 122 may be disposed in a fixed relationship with the housing 104. In the illustrated arrangement, the selector port 121 and the plurality of communication ports 122 are disposed as an integral part of the second housing portion 104b. The selector port 121 and the plurality of communication ports may comprise a tubular extension of the housing 104 extending in a direction parallel to the rotational axis 103 of the drive shaft 102. The selector port 121 may have a longitudinal axis that is co-linear with the rotational axis 103.

[0047] The fluid delivery device 100 may include a sensing device configured to determine the rotational position of the first driven element 110 and / or the second driven element 120. The sensing device may include an optical sensor. In the illustrated arrangement, the fluid delivery device 100 includes an optical sensor 131 configured to measure the rotational position of the fluid path selector 120.

[0048] The fluid delivery device 100 can be configured such that the pump 110 is connected in fluid communication with the fluid path selector 120. The pump 110 can be connected in fluid communication with the fluid path selector 120 via a connection channel 130. The connection channel 130 can be at least partially defined within the fluid delivery device 100, or can be external to the fluid delivery device 100. In the illustrated structural arrangement, the connection channel 130 includes a fluid path external to the housing 104 of the fluid delivery device 100. The selector port 121 of the fluid path selector 120 can be connected in fluid communication with the first port 111 of the pump 110. Therefore, the pump 110 can be configured to pump fluid from the selected one or more communication ports 122 via the selector port 121.

[0049] Figure 3A and Figure 3B Two possible embodiments of a fluid path selector, in particular a movable member of the fluid path selector, are shown. Figure 3A A first movable member 120a is shown, Figure 3B A second movable member 220b is shown. In each case, the movable members 120a, 220a can be configured to rotate within the housing 104. Thus, the movable members 120a, 220a can have a substantially cylindrical outer surface. In the illustrated structural arrangement, each movable member 120a, 220a includes a body having a first portion having a first radius and a second portion having a larger second radius. The cylindrical axes of the first and second portions can be colinear, so that the movable members 120a, 220a have a T-shaped cross-section (see Figure 2 ).

[0050] The movable member 120a, 220a may include a sealing device to contain the fluid flow. The movable member 120a, 220a may include a groove on its outer cylindrical surface. Figure 3A In the illustrated arrangement, the first portion has a groove 126 disposed about the cylindrical surface and configured to receive an O-ring (see Figure 2 ), so that the movable member 120a seals the housing 104, especially the second housing portion 104b.

[0051] The movable member 120a, 220a may include a device for transferring fluid between the selector port and at least one of the plurality of communication ports. Such a device may be provided by a selection surface 123, 223 of the movable member 120a, 220a, which is configured to interface with the plurality of communication ports 122. The selection surface 120a, 220a may include an axial face of the movable member 120a, 220a. In the illustrated arrangement, the first portion (i.e., the cylindrical portion with a smaller radius) includes a face configured to be perpendicular to the axis of rotation 103, which provides the selection surface 123, 223. The movable member 120a, 220a may be configured so that no matter what position the movable member 120a, 220a is in, it can maintain fluid communication with the selector port 121. For example, the movable member 120a, 220a may include an axial recess 124, 224 configured to align with the rotation axis 103 of the drive shaft 102. In this way, the movable member 120a, 220a may rotate while the axial recess 124, 224 maintains its position relative to the housing 104.

[0052] like Figure 3A As shown, the movable member 120a according to the first embodiment may include a selection surface 123, which is configured to provide fluid communication between the selector port and up to two communication ports. The movable member 120a may include two channels, and the two channels are configured to align with up to two communication ports. In the structural arrangement shown, the selection surface 123 includes a first channel 125a and a second channel 125b. The first channel 125a and the second channel 125b can be connected to the axial recess 124 in a fluid-connected manner via the radial recess 125. The first channel 125a and the second channel 125b can be arranged at a position of the radial outer side of the selection surface 123 relative to the axial recess 124. The first channel 125a and the second channel 125b can be arranged as separate branches of the radial recess 125.

[0053] like Figure 3BAs shown, the movable member 220a according to the second embodiment may include a selection surface 223, which is configured to provide fluid communication between the selector port and a communication port. The movable member 220a may include a radial recess 225, which is configured to align with the communication port. In the illustrated structural arrangement, the radial recess 225 includes an extension of the axial recess 224 in the radially outward direction.

[0054] FIG. 4A to FIG. 4C The structural arrangement of the fluid path selector 120 is shown, which is configured to selectively guide fluid between the selector port 121 and at least one of the plurality of communication ports 122. In the structural arrangement shown, the movable member 120a is rotatable relative to the plurality of communication ports 122. The movable member 120a is configured to have different rotational positions, in which one or two channels 125a, 125b are aligned with different communication ports 122. In the structural arrangement shown, the fluid delivery device 100 includes a first communication port 122a, a second communication port 122b, a third communication port 122c, and a fourth communication port 122d. The communication ports 122 are distributed in a circular array around the movable member 120a. The second communication port 122b may be on the side of the circular array opposite to the fourth communication port 122d (see Figure 2 The first communication port 122a may be disposed adjacent to the second communication port 122b. The angle between the first communication port 122a and the second communication port 122b relative to the rotation axis 103 may be substantially the same as the angle between the first channel 125a and the second channel 125b of the movable member 120a.

[0055] like Figure 4A As shown, the fluid path selector 120 can have a position where the selector port 121 is in fluid communication with one communication port while preventing fluid communication between the selector port 121 and other communication ports. In the illustrated structural arrangement, the movable member 120a provides fluid communication between the selector port 121 and the third communication port 122c by aligning with the first channel 125a of the selection surface 123. Fluid communication between the selector port 121 and the first communication port 122a, the second communication port 122b, and the fourth communication port 122d is prevented.

[0056] Other rotational positions of the movable member 120a can be envisioned, in which the selector port 121 is in fluid communication with only one communication port. For example, fluid communication with the third communication port 122c can also be achieved by aligning the third communication port 122c with the second channel 125b of the selection surface 123 instead of aligning it with the first channel 125a. In addition, fluid communication between the selector port 121 and the fourth communication port 122d can also be achieved by rotating the movable member 120a to a position in which the fourth communication port 122d is aligned with either the first channel 125a or the second channel 125b.

[0057] like Figure 4B As shown, the fluid path selector 120 can have a position where the selector port 121 is in fluid communication with the two communication ports. In the structural arrangement shown, the movable member 120a is in a rotational position so that the selector port 121 is in fluid communication with both the first communication port 122a and the second communication port 122b. This can be achieved by aligning the first channel 125a with the first communication port 122a and aligning the second channel 125b with the second communication port 122b. In this way, the two communication ports 122a, 122b can be provided as a pair for aligning with the first channel 125a and the second channel 125b.

[0058] like Figure 4C As shown, the movable member 120a may have a position in which the selector port 121 is fluidly connected to the second communication port 122b and fluid communication between the selector port 121 and the other communication ports 122a, 122c, and 122d is blocked. Therefore, even though the first communication port 122a and the second communication port 122b may be a pair, Figure 4C It can be seen that the movable member 120a can be moved to a position where only one of the pair is in fluid communication with the selector port 121. This can be achieved by spacing the communication ports 122 apart from each other so that when one channel (e.g., the first channel 125a) is aligned with a communication port (e.g., the second communication port 122b), the other channel (e.g., the second channel 125b) may not be aligned with all of the communication ports 122 (e.g., aligned with the space between the second communication port 122b and the third communication port 122c).

[0059] Figure 5A structural arrangement of a pump 110 is shown. The pump 110 can be included in the first housing portion 104a of the fluid delivery device 100. The pump 110 can be a peristaltic pump, wherein the pump channel 113 includes a peristaltic tube 113. The pump 110 can also include a rotor 114 and at least one roller 115. The rotor 114 is arranged around the rotation axis 103 of the drive shaft 102 and is configured to rotate when the drive shaft 102 is driven in a first rotation direction. At least one roller 115 is connected to the rotor 114 in a rotatable manner. In the structural arrangement shown, the pump 110 includes three rollers 115. The peristaltic tube 113 may include a flexible tube. The peristaltic tube 113 may be arranged in a plane perpendicular to the rotation axis 103. The peristaltic tube 113 may be arranged around at least 180 degrees, preferably at least 200 degrees, preferably at least 220 degrees, preferably at least 240 degrees of the angular range of the rotor 114. In view of the above, the pump 110 may be configured such that rotation of the rotor 114 causes the roller 115 to squeeze the peristaltic tube 113 and pump the fluid in the peristaltic tube 113 between the first port 111 and the second port 112 of the pump 110 .

[0060] In operation, the fluid delivery device 100 can be used to pump fluid from a selectable fluid source based on the position of the fluid path selector 120. In one example, the first communication port 122a is connected to a fluid source containing liquid A, and the second communication port 122b is connected to a fluid source containing liquid B. The fluid delivery device can be operated to deliver a certain volume of liquid A, then a certain volume of liquid B, and then a certain volume of a mixture of liquids A+B. Starting from a position of the fluid path selector 120 where the selector port 121 is connected to the first communication port 122a in a fluid communication manner (e.g., via the second channel 125b), the pump 110 can be driven by the drive shaft 102 rotating in a first rotational direction to pump liquid A from the fluid source through the first communication port 122a and the second channel 125b, toward the axial recess 124 and through the selector port 121, then along the connecting channel 130 via the first port 111 to the pump channel 113, and then out through the second port 112. To select Liquid B, the drive shaft 102 may be driven in the second rotational direction to activate the fluid path selector 120 until the second communication port 122b is in fluid communication with the selector port 121 (via the first channel 125a, see Figure 4C ). Liquid B can then be pumped through the fluid delivery device 100 by driving the drive shaft 102 in the first rotational direction. Then, to select liquids A+B, the drive shaft 102 can be driven in the second rotational direction to activate the fluid path selector 120 until the selector port 121 is in fluid communication with both the first communication port 122a and the second communication port 122b (via the first channel 125a and the second channel 125b, see Figure 4B). Liquid A+B may then be pumped through the fluid delivery device 100 by driving the drive shaft 102 in a first rotational direction.

[0061] The fluid delivery device 100 can be efficiently manufactured by stacking components in a single direction. Figure 2 , assembly can begin with the motor 101 in the third housing portion 104c, wherein the drive shaft 102 extends axially from the motor 101. Next, the components of the first housing portion 104a and the pump 110 can be stacked onto the drive shaft 102, including the first one-way drive transmission device 119, the rotor 114, and the peristaltic tube 113. Subsequently, a bearing supporting the drive shaft 102 can be disposed around the drive shaft 102 and connected to the first housing portion 104a. Then, the second one-way drive transmission device 129 and the movable member 120a of the fluid path selector 120 can be assembled onto the drive shaft 102. Finally, the second housing portion 104b, in which the selector port 121 and the plurality of communication ports 122 are integrated, can be assembled with the movable member 120a and fastened to the first housing portion 104a by at least one fastening component.

[0062] The fluid delivery device 100 can be configured to deliver fluid at a flow rate in the range of 50 ml / min to 600 ml / min (milliliters per minute). The fluid delivery device 100 can be configured to deliver fluid at a pressure of up to about 200 kPa (2 bar). For example, the fluid delivery device 100 can be configured to deliver fluid at a pressure of at least 50 kPa (0.5 bar), or at least 100 kPa (1 bar), or at least 150 kPa (1.5 bar). The fluid delivery device 100 can be suitable for using liquids with a viscosity in the range of 1 mPa·s to 60000 mPa·s (1 cP to 60000 cP). For example, the fluid delivery device 100 can be configured to use a liquid with a viscosity of at least 10 mPa·s, or at least 100 mPa·s, or at least 1000 mPa·s, or at least 10000 mPa·s, or at least 30000 mPa·s, or at least 50000 mPa·s.

[0063] The fluid delivery device 100 may have a height measured along the rotation axis 103 of less than 30 cm, preferably less than 20 cm, preferably less than 15 cm, preferably less than 13 cm. The maximum width of the fluid delivery device 100 measured perpendicular to the rotation axis 103 may be less than 16 cm, preferably less than 12 cm, preferably less than 10 cm, and preferably less than 8 cm. Any port in the fluid delivery device 100, such as any of the selector port 121 and the communication port 122, may have a diameter of less than 10 mm, preferably less than 8 mm, preferably less than 6 mm, preferably less than 5 mm.

[0064] Although the fluid delivery device 100 has been described as being configured to allow fluid to enter the device through the communication port 122 of the fluid path selector 120 and exit the device from the pump 110 via the second port 112, the fluid delivery device may also be operated in the reverse direction. Reversing the direction of the pump 110 allows the fluid to be directed toward the fluid path selector 120 by switching the connection channel 130 from being connected to the first port 111 to being connected to the second port 112 so that the pump 110 is connected to the fluid path selector 120 in a fluid communication manner via the connection channel 130 between the second port 112 and the selector port 121. Thus, instead of using the fluid path selector 120 to select a fluid source, the reverse operation of the fluid delivery device may be used to selectively direct fluid from the pump 110 and out of a selected one (or more) of the plurality of communication ports 122. For example, the first port 111 may be connected to a fluid source containing liquid C. The pump 110 can be driven by rotating the drive shaft 102 in a first rotational direction to pump the liquid C from a source attached to the first port 111 to the second port 112, toward the selector port 121, and out of the selected one or more communication ports. As previously described, the fluid path selector 120 can be activated by driving the drive shaft 102 in a second rotational direction until the desired communication port or ports are aligned with the first channel 125a and / or the second channel of the selection surface 123.

[0065] In addition, although the fluid delivery device 100 has been described as selecting at most two communication ports at the same time, the present disclosure also extends to any number of communication ports, such as three or four or more. It should be understood that in order to meet the increased number of simultaneous connections, the selection surface 123 can be modified to include an additional channel connected to the axial recess 124 in a fluid communication manner. Moreover, although the movable member 120a is disclosed as having four communication ports, there may be only two communication ports, or only three communication ports, or any number of communication ports greater than four.

[0066] In addition, although the movable member 120a has been described as selecting a communication port by rotating the selection surface 123, the present disclosure also includes a structural arrangement in which the movable member is configured to move linearly to select a communication port. For example, the rotation of the drive shaft 102 can drive a cam mechanism to actuate a cam follower in a linear direction to move the channel on the linear selection surface into alignment and misalignment with a plurality of communication ports.

[0067] Although the pump 110 has been described as a peristaltic pump, the pump may take any suitable form capable of being driven by a rotational input from the drive shaft 102, including a piston pump which may include a mechanism to convert the rotational input into linear motion of a piston.

[0068] Various modifications may be made to all of the above-described embodiments, whether by addition, deletion, and / or substitution, to provide further embodiments, any and / or all of which are intended to be covered by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A fluid delivery device, comprising: a first driven element; a second driven element; as well as Drive shaft; The drive shaft is configured to be rotatably driven about a rotation axis; The first driven element is configured to be driven by the drive shaft when the drive shaft rotates in a first rotation direction, and not driven by the drive shaft when the drive shaft rotates in a second rotation direction opposite to the first rotation direction; The second driven element is configured to be driven by the drive shaft when the drive shaft rotates in the second rotation direction, and not to be driven by the drive shaft when the drive shaft rotates in the first rotation direction; Wherein, the first driven element and the second driven element each include one of the following: a pump for pumping fluid through the fluid delivery device; as well as A fluid path selector is provided for selectively directing fluid between a selector port of the fluid path selector and one or more of the plurality of communication ports.

2. The fluid delivery device according to claim 1, wherein: The fluid delivery device includes a housing supporting the first driven element, the second driven element, and the drive shaft.

3. The fluid delivery device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein: The fluid delivery device includes a bearing configured to support the drive shaft in the housing, the bearing being located between the first driven element and the second driven element along the rotational axis.

4. A fluid delivery device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: At least one of the first driven element and the second driven element is driven by the drive shaft by means of a one-way drive transmission device such as a sprag clutch.

5. A fluid delivery device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The first driven element includes the pump.

6. The fluid delivery device according to claim 5, wherein: The pump is a peristaltic pump comprising a peristaltic tube arranged in a plane perpendicular to the rotation axis.

7. A fluid delivery device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The second driven element includes the fluid path selector.

8. The fluid delivery device according to claim 7, wherein: The selector port and the plurality of communication ports of the fluid path selector are disposed in a fixed relationship with a housing portion of the fluid delivery device.

9. The fluid delivery device according to claim 7 or claim 8, wherein: The multiple communication ports include a first communication port and a second communication port, and wherein the fluid path selector includes a movable member, which is configured to move between a first position and a second position relative to the multiple communication ports, the first position is used to prevent fluid communication between the selector port and the second communication port, and the second position is used to prevent fluid communication between the selector port and the first communication port.

10. The fluid delivery device according to claim 9, wherein: The movable member has a third position for providing fluid communication between the selector port and both the first communication port and the second communication port.

11. The fluid delivery device according to claim 9 or claim 10, wherein: The movable member includes a selection surface configured to interface with the plurality of communication ports, wherein the selection surface includes: an axial recess configured to align with the selector port; and A radially extending recess is configured to be selectively aligned with at least one of the plurality of communication ports.

12. The fluid delivery device according to claim 11, wherein: The radially extending recess includes a first channel and a second channel, wherein the first channel is configured to align with the first communication port and the second channel is configured to align with the second communication port.

13. A fluid delivery device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The fluid delivery device includes a motor configured to drive the drive shaft, and wherein the first driven element is disposed along the rotational axis between the motor and the second driven element.

14. A fluid delivery device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The first driven element includes the pump and the second driven element includes the fluid path selector, and wherein the fluid delivery device includes a connecting channel, which is configured to connect the pump with the selector port of the fluid path selector in a fluid-connected manner, so that the pump can be operated to pump fluid between the selector port and one or more selected communication ports among the multiple communication ports.

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