Precise piston pump device

Abstract

The invention relates to a piston pump (1) comprising a piston guide (3) arranged at a piston end (10b), the piston guide being provided with: an orifice (30) having a diameter corresponding to a rod diameter (D200) of a piston (20); and a fastener (32) adapted to center the piston guide (3) on the pump body (10); the invention also relates to a kit comprising a plurality of pistons which can be mounted on the pump and a piston guide; the invention further relates to a method for pumping a liquid using such a piston pump.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a precision piston pump, particularly for collecting biological samples. More specifically, the invention relates to a modular pump that allows for piston replacement. The invention also relates to a kit or assembly comprising such a pump and multiple pistons. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for pumping or metering using such a pump. Background Technology

[0002] Piston pumps are used in precision applications, particularly in the medical and research fields. They are used to pump precise volumes of liquids for therapeutic, sampling, measurement, or diagnostic purposes. Therefore, they must possess extremely high accuracy and reliability under operating conditions. The principle is based on the use of a rotary motor, which can be a stepper motor or a DC motor, whose reciprocating rotary motion is converted into the translational motion of a piston, thereby enabling liquid pumping.

[0003] These types of pumps suffer from a lack of flexibility in their use. In such cases, a particular pump is typically designed for a specific purpose. When different flow rates need to be handled or when multiple applications require different pumps, multiple pumps must be used, which significantly increases operating costs.

[0004] Furthermore, maintenance operations performed to ensure their reliability can render them inoperable, resulting in management costs and difficulties. The consequences of unexpected failures can be severe.

[0005] Therefore, there is room for improvement in existing pumps, particularly in ways that increase the flexibility of use without compromising their reliability or accuracy. Summary of the Invention

[0006] One object of the present invention is to provide a precision piston pump that can be used in a wide range of volumes and / or pumping flows and / or application types. Specifically, the object is to provide a piston pump compatible with pistons of various sizes or types.

[0007] Another object of the present invention is to provide a piston pump that is easier to maintain or requires less maintenance.

[0008] Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for metering and / or pumping liquids over a wide range of volumes or pumping flow rates.

[0009] According to the invention, these objectives are achieved, in particular, by means of the aspects and embodiments described below.

[0010] Specifically, this piston pump includes a pump body. The pump body preferably has a first end and a second end oriented along a longitudinal axis X. The pump body also includes a piston adapted for translational movement along the longitudinal axis. The piston may include a piston base and a piston rod having a rod diameter. The piston base is provided with a piston receiving groove.

[0011] This piston pump also includes a pump housing attached to the first end of the pump body. The pump housing includes a motor adapted to rotate a drive shaft about a longitudinal axis. The drive shaft preferably includes at least one thread.

[0012] This piston pump also includes a transmission system that connects the drive shaft to the piston, such that the rotational motion of the drive shaft generates the translational motion of the piston.

[0013] This piston pump may include an anti-rotation device to prevent the piston from rotating when the drive shaft rotates.

[0014] This piston pump includes a pump head having an inlet for the liquid to be pumped, an internal chamber, and an outlet for the liquid. The internal chamber communicates with a piston rod. The pump head is connected to a second end of the pump body.

[0015] This piston pump preferably includes a piston guide located at the second end of the pump body. The piston guide includes an orifice with a diameter corresponding to the diameter of the piston rod. The piston guide also includes a fastener adapted to center the piston guide on the pump body.

[0016] The pump head preferably includes a fixing device that mates with the pump body. The piston guide may include one or more mounting points compatible with the fixing device of the pump head. Therefore, the piston guide can be fixed to the pump body by means of the fixing device of the pump head.

[0017] The pump body preferably includes a side opening. The pump body may also include a control plate that covers the side opening. The control plate may preferably include at least one position detector, such as a first detector and / or a second detector, on its inner surface. The piston advantageously includes a position marker identifiable by said at least one position detector.

[0018] The control board may include one or more connectors and / or electronic components on its outer surface.

[0019] The piston anti-rotation device preferably includes a groove on the outer periphery of the piston base and oriented along the longitudinal axis, and a lip or lug on the inner surface of the pump body. The lip or lug engages with the groove to prevent piston rotation while allowing piston translation.

[0020] The transmission system may include a first drive nut, which has a thread at its center and contacts the piston base. The first drive nut is arranged on the thread of the drive shaft, for example, in the drive area, so as to cause the piston to translate when the drive shaft rotates.

[0021] The transmission system may include a second drive nut having a thread at its center, for example, arranged on the thread of the drive shaft in the drive area. It may also include a spring disposed between the first drive nut and the second drive nut.

[0022] The drive shaft preferably includes a first threaded portion at its first end. Therefore, it can mate with a shaft attachment on the pump housing. It may include an intermediate portion suitable for mates with a motor. It also includes a drive section that mates with a transmission system. Its second end is preferably received within a piston recess. Therefore, the second end of the drive shaft, together with the piston recess, can form a reservoir suitable for receiving lubricant.

[0023] This pump may include or be connected to one or more sensors, including temperature sensors, ultrasonic sensors, vibration sensors, pressure sensors, ambient temperature sensors, atmospheric pressure sensors, humidity sensors, and power consumption sensors.

[0024] This pump may include or be connected to a module for processing data collected by the one or more sensors, and / or one or more artificial intelligence programs suitable for analyzing the collected data.

[0025] The kit described herein includes a pump according to this document and one or more additional pistons, the piston rods of which have different diameters.

[0026] This kit may also include one or more additional piston guides, all having the same mounting point and orifices of different diameters, each orifice corresponding to the rod diameter of the corresponding additional piston.

[0027] In this kit, the bases for the additional pistons can all be identical.

[0028] The method for pumping, metering, or dispensing liquids according to this document is performed using a pump as described herein. The method includes starting a motor to rotate a drive shaft alternately in one direction of rotation and then in the opposite direction by a given angular value, thereby causing a piston to translate along a longitudinal axis between a first end position and a second end position.

[0029] This method may include the step of replacing the piston with another piston having a different rod diameter while retaining the pump body.

[0030] This method may include the following steps: considering one or more environmental parameters and / or one or more pump operating parameters, and adjusting the motor step distance and / or predicting events such as failures, maintenance operations, and the end of pump life.

[0031] This method may also include the step of automatically lubricating the drive shaft.

[0032] Compared to existing technologies, this solution offers a significant advantage in increasing the flexibility and / or modularity of precision pumps without compromising their reliability or accuracy. This solution also allows for better planning of maintenance operations and / or reduces the frequency of maintenance procedures.

[0033] This solution also ensures optimal operating conditions, thereby improving the reliability of pumping or metering results. Attached Figure Description

[0034] Embodiments of the present invention are illustrated in the following figures:

[0035] [ Figure 1 [A schematic perspective view of a pump according to an embodiment of the present invention]

[0036] [ Figure 2 [A cross-sectional view of a pump according to an embodiment of the present invention]

[0037] [ Figure 3a [: An exploded perspective view of a piston and piston guide assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.]

[0038] [ Figure 3b [A perspective view of a pistonless pump body according to an embodiment of the present invention.]

[0039] [ Figure 4 [A perspective view of a pump body with a piston according to an embodiment of the present invention.]

[0040] [ Figure 5 [A cross-sectional view of a detailed portion of a pump according to an embodiment of the present invention.]

[0041] [ Figure 6 [: Perspective view of a drive shaft according to an embodiment of the present invention.] Detailed Implementation

[0042] Reference Figure 1 According to this document, the pump 1 includes a pump body 10 serving as a housing or frame. The pump body 10 is elongated along its longitudinal axis X. Its overall shape may be generally cylindrical, but is not limited thereto. For example, its cross-section may be rectangular, square, or hexagonal. The pump body 10 is hollow, with openings at each of its first end 10a and second end 10b. A piston 20 is housed within the pump body 10 so that the piston can translate along its longitudinal axis X. The piston 20 has a piston rod 200 and a piston body 201. The piston rod has a rod diameter D200 adapted to the expected performance of the pump, particularly in terms of pumping flow rate. A piston passage 100 is formed ( Figure 3b The first opening allows the piston rod 200 to pass through.

[0043] The piston body 201 has a diameter larger than the rod diameter D200. The piston body 201 and piston rod 200 can be constructed as a single component or as two components assembled together. The material of the piston rod 200 can be the same as or different from the material of the piston body 201. Therefore, factors such as chemical compatibility, production cost, and mechanical reliability can be considered to allow the materials of the piston rod and / or piston body to be independently adapted to meet requirements.

[0044] The piston body 201 has a piston recess 204, which forms an opening on its surface opposite to and aligned with the piston rod 200. The piston recess may be in the form of a hole formed in the piston body 201 along the longitudinal axis X. The piston recess is sized to receive the drive shaft 112.

[0045] The pump described herein includes a pump seat 11 attached to a first end 10a of a pump body 10. The pump seat 11 and the pump body 10 can be assembled together in any suitable manner, preferably detachable. The pump seat 11 can be secured to the pump body 10, for example, by bolts or screws. The pump seat includes a motor 110 for driving a drive shaft 112 to rotate about a longitudinal axis X. The motor is powered by a power connector 111. The drive shaft 112 is rotatably attached to the pump seat 11 at its first end 112a via a shaft attachment 113. This shaft attachment includes, for example, ball bearings or any equivalent device for holding the shaft in place while allowing rotation. A second end 112b of the drive shaft is disposed in a piston reservoir 204. For this purpose, the drive shaft 112 passes through an opening provided at the first end 10a of the pump body. The drive shaft 112 is threaded 114 along at least a portion of its length. The circumference of the drive shaft may be threaded, for example, in a section contained within the pump body 10 or a portion thereof.

[0046] The motor enables the drive shaft 112 to rotate a specific angular distance in two rotational directions. The piston stroke depends on the angular distance the drive shaft 112 rotates under the action of the motor step distance. The motor can be a stepper motor, a DC motor, or any other type suitable for alternating rotation of the drive shaft.

[0047] Pump 1 has a transmission system 4 that transmits the mechanical motion of drive shaft 112 to piston 20. Transmission system 4 includes at least one drive nut 41, 42 that contacts piston base 201. This drive nut may be in the form of a ring with a central thread to engage with thread 114 of drive shaft 112. Rotation of drive shaft 112 via the corresponding thread engagement causes the drive nut to translate along longitudinal axis X. First drive nut 41 may be arranged around drive shaft 112 to contact piston base so that its translational motion is transmitted to piston 20 during rotation of drive shaft 112. First drive nut 41 is positioned at the inlet of piston cavity 204, providing clearance for piston movement at the second end 112b of drive shaft. First drive nut 41 may be connected to piston base 201 by any suitable means. According to one embodiment, first drive nut 41 has a neck 410 that can be embedded in piston cavity 204. This allows the drive shaft 112 and piston base 201 to be precisely centered and positioned relative to each other, and the piston to be pushed and pulled according to the rotation direction of the drive shaft 112. It can also be easily separated from the piston, especially for maintenance or replacement of piston 20.

[0048] During the rotation of the drive shaft 112, the second end 112b of the drive shaft 112 moves within the piston cavity 204. Specifically, the second end 112b of the drive shaft 112 moves closer to or further away from the bottom of the piston cavity 204 depending on its rotation direction.

[0049] The transmission system 4 may include a second drive nut 42, which is associated with a spring 43 and compensates for any operating backlash. The second drive nut 42 has a thread at its center to mate with the thread of the drive shaft. The spring 43 is positioned between the first drive nut 41 and the second drive nut 42.

[0050] The first end 10a of the pump body may also include a centering device 115 for holding the drive shaft 112 on the longitudinal axis X.

[0051] The pump according to this document also includes a pump head 12 located at the second end 10b of the pump body 10. The pump head 12 allows flow of the liquid L to be pumped. For this purpose, the pump head includes a liquid inlet 120, a liquid outlet 122, and a chamber 121 in fluid communication with the inlet 120 and the outlet 122. The liquid inlet 120 is preferably arranged laterally relative to the longitudinal axis X, while the liquid outlet is arranged along the longitudinal axis X. The end 200a of the rod 200 of the piston 20 is contained within the chamber 121, such that alternating translational movements of the piston 20 along the longitudinal axis X allow the liquid L to be drawn into the chamber 121 when it retracts, and allow the liquid L to be expelled through the outlet 122 when it advances into the chamber 121. This chamber is located inside the pump head 12. The pump head 12 is attached to the second end 10b of the pump body 10 by suitable fastening means (e.g., a set of screws or bolts or any equivalent means). One or more intermediate components, such as the piston guide 3 described below, can be used, particularly for centering the pump head 12 relative to the translational axis of the piston. One or more seals 123 may be provided around the piston rod 200 and / or at the interface between the pump head 12 and the pump body 10.

[0052] The pump head may have multiple inlets 120 and / or outlets 122. It can be referred to by the English term "manifold".

[0053] The pump described herein is characterized by the presence of a piston guide 3 located at the second end 10b of the pump body 10. Figure 3a The piston guide 3 holds the piston rod 200 on the longitudinal axis X. For this purpose, the piston guide 3 has an orifice 30, the diameter of which corresponds to the rod diameter D200 of the piston rod 200. The piston guide 3 has a support surface 31 around its orifice 30, which abuts against the end of the pump body 10. The piston guide also includes a fastener 32 that keeps the orifice 30 centered on the longitudinal axis X. Such a fastener 32 may include, for example, a lip or lug adapted to abut against an inner surface of the pump body 10. The piston guide 3 may also include mounting points 33 adapted to secure the piston guide to the pump body 10. Such mounting points may include one or more screws or bolts. According to one embodiment, these mounting points are compatible with the fixing device of the pump head 12, allowing the piston guide to be assembled or disassembled from the pump head 12 simultaneously. Therefore, the mounting points may simply be holes in the support surface through which screws or bolts can pass. The hole corresponding to assembly point 33 then coincides with the screw or bolt used to fix the pump head 12 to the pump body 10. In a preferred embodiment, the support surface of the piston guide 3 is fitted between the pump head 12 and the pump body 10. Preferably, the fixing device of the pump head 12 is compatible with the assembly point 33 of the piston guide 3, so that the fixing device of the pump head 12 can also fix the piston guide 3 to the pump body 10.

[0054] Alternatively, other alternatives can be used to secure the piston guide 3 to the pump body 10. For example, the fastener 32 of the piston guide 3 may be provided with external threads, while the pump body 10 may be provided with internal threads at its second end 10b, so that the piston guide can be screwed onto the pump body 10.

[0055] Piston guide 3 also acts as a centering element to center the pump head 12 relative to the pump body 10 and piston rod 200.

[0056] According to an advantageous aspect of the invention, the piston guide 3 can be easily separated from the pump body 10, for example by unscrewing the corresponding screws or bolts, or, where applicable, by unscrewing the piston guide itself. This allows for convenient access to the interior of the pump body 10. For this purpose, the diameter D of the opening at the second end 10b of the pump body 10, allowing the piston 100 to pass through, can be at least equal to the diameter of the piston base 201, enabling the piston to be removed or replaced with minimal force. Under these conditions, direct access to the piston 20 can be achieved simply by separating the piston guide 3 from the pump body 10. The diameter D' of the fastener 32 is equal to the diameter D of the piston passage 100. Therefore, the piston passage 100 is wider than the diameter D200 of the piston rod 200. The diameter of the orifice 30 is correspondingly adapted to hold the piston in place.

[0057] Therefore, multiple piston guides 3 and multiple pistons 20 with different rod diameters D200 can be mounted on the same pump body 10. Each different piston 20 is associated with a piston guide, the orifice 30 of which corresponds to the rod diameter D200. Furthermore, different pump heads 12 can also be used within the same pump body.

[0058] To prevent piston 20 from rotating under the action of drive shaft 112, the pump described herein includes an anti-rotation device 5. Figure 2 , Figure 3a , Figure 3b In one embodiment, the piston 20, or a portion thereof (e.g., its base 201), is guided to translate by a fixed element coupled to or integrated into the pump body 10. The anti-rotation device 5 may, for example, include one or more grooves 51 oriented along the longitudinal axis X and disposed on the outer periphery of the piston 20 base 201. The inner surface of the pump body 10 may include a lip 52 or a lug that engages with such a groove 51 to prevent any rotational movement of the piston 20. Specifically, the thickness of such a lip or lug corresponds to the width of the corresponding groove 51, but still leaves a clearance just sufficient to allow for longitudinal sliding.

[0059] However, an opposite configuration can also be considered, wherein the inner surface of the pump body 10 has a groove 51 parallel to the longitudinal axis X, and the piston 20 base 201 has a lip 52 or lug movable along the groove. In one particular arrangement, one end of the groove 51, particularly the end furthest from the rod 200, may be flared to facilitate mounting of the piston 20 through the second end 10b of the pump body 10. Alternatively or as an addition, the second end 112b of the drive shaft 112 may be inclined to better fit into the piston reservoir 204. According to this arrangement, the anti-rotation device 5 can serve as a guide for mounting the piston in the pump body 10.

[0060] To control the stroke of piston 20, the pump includes at least one detection system 6 for detecting the linear position of piston 20. In this case, such detection system 6 is capable of determining at least one end position of the piston, preferably two opposite end positions. Such detection system 6 can also determine one or more intermediate positions of the piston. Alternatively or supplementarily, such detection system 6 is capable of determining the instantaneous position of piston 20 along its path. This allows for adjustment of the motor step distance if necessary.

[0061] Various systems can be considered for this purpose. For example, an angular position sensor can be mounted on the drive shaft 112 to determine the angular position of the drive shaft and thereby derive the linear position of the piston 20.

[0062] According to a preferred embodiment, the linear position of piston 20 is directly determined. Piston 20 may then include at least one fixed mark 203, which can be identified by one or more detectors, such as a first detector 61 and / or a second detector 62 fixed directly to pump body 10 or via one or more intermediate components. According to an example described in more detail below, such detectors may be attached to an electronic board attached to pump body 10. The mark and associated detector can be of any type, such as magnetic or optical. For example, an optical mark 203 may be disposed on the base 201 of piston 200 for detection by the first optical detector 61 and / or the second optical detector 62. The first detector 61 and the second detector 62 are arranged to detect the first stroke end and the second stroke end of piston 20, respectively. The first stroke end may, for example, correspond to the low position of piston 20 and / or correspond to the maximum withdrawal of piston rod 200 from chamber 121. The second stroke end may correspond to the high position of piston and / or correspond to the maximum engagement of piston rod 200 into chamber 121. The movement from the low position (or the end of the first stroke) to the high position (or the end of the second stroke) causes liquid L to be discharged through outlet 122. The reverse movement from the high position to the low position causes liquid L to be drawn in through inlet 120.

[0063] One advantage is that the detection system 6 is independent of the anti-rotation device 5. In other words, the anti-rotation device 5 does not determine the linear position of the piston, and the detection system has no effect on the rotation of the piston 20. This arrangement prevents potential detection errors caused by wear of the mechanical components in the anti-rotation device 5. Furthermore, the position detectors, particularly the first optical detector 61 and the second optical detector 62, can be arranged and / or adjusted independently of the anti-rotation device 5.

[0064] According to an advantageous embodiment, the pump according to this document includes a side opening 101 that allows easy access to the interior of the pump body 10. The side opening 101 may be located at the height of the anti-rotation device 5. It may be, for example, radially opposite to the anti-rotation device 5, or at an angle of 90° or 120° to the anti-rotation device 5. Other angles may also be considered as needed, for example, taking into account the accessibility required for any maintenance operations. Preferably, the longitudinal dimension of the side opening 101 is sufficient to remove the piston 20 from the pump body 10 if necessary. The longitudinal dimension of the side opening 101 may, for example, be between one-half and two-thirds, or two-thirds to three-quarters, of the length of the pump body 10. The width of the side opening is also suitable for removing the piston.

[0065] According to one embodiment, the side opening 101 is longer than the distance separating the first detector 61 and the second detector 62.

[0066] The side opening 101 has a fixing surface 101a that allows it to be covered by a protective cover or equivalent. Preferably, the fixing surface 101a is flat so that a flat cover can be attached to it, but other arrangements are also possible.

[0067] According to an advantageous embodiment, the side opening 101 is covered by a control panel 7, which includes one or more connectors 71 and / or one or more electronic components 72 adapted to process and / or transmit information such as pump operating parameters or control commands. The control panel 7 is preferably flat and arranged on a fixed surface 101a so that its connectors 71 and electronic components are externally accessible. Operating parameters include the linear position of the piston 20, the angular position of the drive shaft 112, the temperature of the motor 110, the power consumption of the motor 110, the pressure of the liquid L, the size of the piston 20 where applicable, ambient humidity, ambient temperature, atmospheric pressure, and any other parameters deemed useful. Control commands include, for example, solenoid valve commands, start-up of the stepper motor 110, the direction of rotation of the drive shaft 112, the angular distance of the motor step, and any other useful commands.

[0068] The control plate 7 may have at least one detector for determining the position of the piston 20 on its side facing the interior of the pump body 10 (the side opposite to the side including the connector 71 and electronic components 72). Preferably, both the first detector 61 and the second detector 62 are arranged on the control plate 7. The control plate 7 is fixed to the fixed surface 101a so that the first detector 61 and the second detector 62 are correctly positioned in the pump body 10.

[0069] Location marker 203 ( Figure 4 (As shown in more detail below) is arranged on piston 20, opposite to the first detector 61 and the second detector 62. In this arrangement, position mark 203 is arranged on piston 20, opposite to side opening 101. In a preferred arrangement, position mark 203 is positioned on piston 20 diametrically opposite guide device 202. Preferably, position mark 203 is positioned on the periphery of piston base 201 at a minimum distance from the first detector 61 and the second detector 62.

[0070] According to one embodiment, the pump described herein includes a lubrication device for continuously lubricating the drive shaft 112. Figure 5 In the embodiment described, the second end 112b of the drive shaft 112 forms a lubricant reservoir together with the piston reservoir 204. This lubricant facilitates the movement of the first drive nut 41 on the threads of the drive shaft 112 as it rotates, and therefore must be able to automatically diffuse onto the threads. When the second end 112b of the drive shaft 112 contacts the bottom 204a of the piston reservoir, the lubricant contained in the reservoir diffuses onto the walls of the piston reservoir 204 and lubricates the threads during the successive movements of the drive shaft 112 within the piston reservoir 204.

[0071] According to one embodiment, when the piston is in its low position or its first end position, the second end 112b of the drive shaft 112 contacts the bottom 204a of the piston reservoir 204. With this arrangement, the bottom 204a of the piston reservoir 204 can serve as a stop for the piston stroke. Under these conditions, lubrication is performed automatically during each stroke cycle of the piston 20. Alternatively, the depth of the piston reservoir 204 is determined such that when the piston reaches the end of its first stroke, the second end 112b of the drive shaft 112 does not contact the bottom 204a, thus leaving a remaining volume corresponding to the amount of lubricant in the reservoir. At this point, the drive shaft 112 needs to rotate further to move the piston 20 beyond the end of its first stroke so that the second end 112b of the drive shaft 112 contacts the bottom 204a of the reservoir 204. Under these conditions, lubrication operations can be determined independently of the piston 20's operating cycle, making it possible to extend the lubrication time using a given amount of lubricant. The lubricant refers to an oil or grease suitable for the device.

[0072] Figure 6An example of a drive shaft according to the invention is shown in detail. According to this embodiment, the drive shaft 112 has a first threaded portion 1120 at its first end 112a for engaging with a shaft attachment 113, which may be threaded. In this case, the shaft attachment can be implemented by a nut in the pump seat 11, or by directly providing threads in the pump seat 11. At the opposite end 112b, the drive shaft may include a retaining device 8 that allows reception of a screwdriver tool. The retaining device 8 may be in the form of a groove with suitable geometry, forming, for example, a polygon (such as a hexagon or octagon), slot, cross, star, or any equivalent shape, to enable the use of a screwdriver, an Allen wrench, or any equivalent tool. Alternatively, the retaining device 8 may include one or more flat surfaces on the surface of the drive shaft 112 at the second end 112b of the drive shaft. The second end 112b of the drive shaft 112 can therefore be formed into a polygon suitable for use with an adjustable wrench or equivalent tool, such as a square, hexagon, or octagon. In this way, the drive shaft 112 can be screwed into the shaft attachment 113 from the second end 112b of the drive shaft 112 using a suitable tool. Preferably, the fixing tool is a standard tool. Alternatively, a tool with a specific geometry can be used, particularly to restrict the operation of the drive shaft to qualified personnel possessing such a tool.

[0073] The diameter of the first threaded portion 1120 at the first end 112a can be smaller than the diameter of the drive shaft 112 at its second end 112b. A first shoulder 1121 can then be provided, thereby defining an intermediate portion 1122. The intermediate portion passes through the motor 110. Its diameter is suitable to allow the motor 110 to drive the drive shaft 112 to rotate. The intermediate portion 1122 may include a guide region 1123, which in particular allows the drive shaft to be precisely held along the axis of rotation X. For this purpose, the guide region can mate with a centering device 115. The intermediate portion can be defined by a second shoulder 1124. The intermediate portion is thus located between the first shoulder 1121 and the second shoulder 1124. The drive shaft 112 has a drive region 1125 between the second shoulder 1124 and the second end 112b, the drive region being adapted to mate with the transmission system 4, particularly with the first drive nut 41 and the second drive nut 42. For this purpose, the drive region has suitable threads and diameter. This drive shaft 112 can be easily disassembled and replaced with a different drive shaft. In this configuration, the diameter of the drive zone 1125 can be adjusted according to pumping or metering requirements. When the piston is replaced, the diameter of the drive zone 1125 is adjusted to match the dimensions of the piston reservoir 204.

[0074] According to one embodiment, the diameter of the drive region 1125 is uniform between the second shoulder 1124 and the second end 112b. Alternatively, the second end 112b, intended for insertion into the piston reservoir 204, may have its own diameter.

[0075] The pump described herein may further include or be connected to one or more sensors, such as temperature sensors (e.g., infrared sensors, thermocouples, or thermometers), ultrasonic sensors, pressure sensors, voltage or power consumption sensors, vibration sensors, ambient temperature sensors, humidity sensors, or atmospheric pressure sensors.

[0076] Data collected by one or more of these sensors can be transmitted via a control board 7 directly attached to pump 1. Alternatively, data or portions of the data can be transmitted remotely via a suitable network (such as the Internet, intranet, or wireless network). Alternatively or supplementarily, data or portions of the data can be transmitted via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth communication or any equivalent means. Pump 1 is thus equipped with suitable communication devices.

[0077] The pump described herein may include or be connected to a data processing module (not shown) to compile collected data according to relevant algorithms. The algorithms used are suitable for determining the pump's operating status, such as its instantaneous or average power consumption, its wear condition, its vibration level, its noise level, its lubrication condition, or any other operating parameters. The collected data can also be used to predict the maintenance or replacement of certain components, or the end of the service life or failure of pump 1. Alternatively or supplementarily, the collected data may be analyzed to adjust the pump's operating parameters according to environmental parameters such as humidity, ambient temperature, atmospheric pressure, or any other relevant parameters.

[0078] The pump or data processing module described herein may include one or more artificial intelligence programs or a combination thereof, said one or more artificial intelligence programs being adapted to analyze the collected data for the purposes described herein.

[0079] The pump design described herein allows for easy maintenance, thanks in particular to the side opening 101 and piston passage 100, which is significantly wider than the diameter of the rod 200. Furthermore, the piston 20 can be easily replaced with different pistons as needed. For example, the piston can be removed by pulling along the longitudinal axis X to separate it from the first drive nut 41. Alternatively, the piston 20 can be removed together with the first drive nut 41 by completely unscrewing it from the drive shaft 112. Removing the piston 20 provides easy access to the second end 112b of the drive shaft 112, and lubricant can be added to the piston reservoir 204 if necessary. Alternatively, after removing the control panel 7, the piston can be removed from the pump body 10 through the side opening 101.

[0080] According to one embodiment, the position of the position mark 203 on the piston can be changed. For example, the base 201 of the piston 20 may include multiple predetermined positions for placing the position mark 203. Alternatively or supplementarily, one or more position detectors can be changed as needed. For example, the plate 7 including the first detector 61 and the second detector 62 can be replaced with another plate 7 in which the positions of the first detector 61 and the second detector 62, or the position of one of them, are different. This allows for easy modification of the stroke of the piston 20.

[0081] This document also covers a kit comprising a pump 1 as described herein and one or more additional pistons 20. The one or more additional pistons preferably have the same piston base 201. Specifically, for all pistons, the piston reservoir 204, position marker 203, and guide device 202 are identical. The pistons differ in their piston rods 200. They may have different rod diameters D200 to allow for adjustment of the flow rate of the pump 1 as needed. The lengths of the piston rods 200 of the different pistons may differ, provided that the positions of the first detector 61 and the second detector 62 can be adjusted. The kit includes one or more additional piston guides 3 adapted to the different pistons. In this case, the different piston guides 3 may have the same support surface 31, mounting point 33, and fastener 32, as well as center orifices 30 with different diameters. The kit may include one or more complementary pump heads 12, the diameter of which is adapted to the diameter of the corresponding piston rod.

[0082] According to one embodiment, a given plate 7 including at least one detector can be used with multiple pistons or all pistons. According to another embodiment, multiple plates 7 can be associated with the pistons used, for example, to adapt to the one or more position detectors and / or control parameters.

[0083] This document also covers a method for pumping, dispensing, extracting, or metering liquid L using the pump 1 described herein. The method includes connecting a liquid inlet 120 and a liquid outlet 122 to suitable conduits. It further includes the step of activating a motor to alternately rotate a drive shaft 112 in one direction of rotation and then in the opposite direction by a given angular value, thereby causing a piston 20 to translate between a first end position and a second end position along the longitudinal axis X. This translational circulation of the piston within the chamber 121 allows liquid to be drawn in through the inlet 120 and then discharged through the outlet 122.

[0084] The angular amplitude and / or frequency of the drive shaft 112 can be manually or automatically controlled according to a preset program or based on parameters determined in real time. Automatic control may involve artificial intelligence. Therefore, the motor step distance can be adjusted in real time or predetermined by a given program.

[0085] This method includes the step of automatically lubricating the drive shaft 112. Lubrication may be inherent to the translational movement of the drive shaft within the piston cavity. Alternatively, a specific lubrication operation can be initiated by bringing the drive shaft into contact with the bottom of the piston cavity.

[0086] The method described herein may also include the following steps: considering one or more environmental parameters, including ambient temperature, humidity, and atmospheric pressure, and determining a suitable rotational frequency and / or amplitude for the drive shaft 112. These environmental parameters can also improve the accuracy of liquid pumping or metering.

[0087] The method described herein may alternatively or as a supplement to include the following steps: considering one or more pump operating parameters, such as motor power consumption, vibration, one or more sound ranges emitted by the pump, motor temperature, and accordingly determining an appropriate rotational frequency and / or amplitude, and / or issuing an alarm signal when necessary, and / or transmitting pump inspection or maintenance instructions when necessary.

[0088] One or more maintenance steps can be automated. For example, a lubrication step can be automatically initiated based on collected parameters. In this case, the drive shaft 112 can be moved appropriately until it contacts the bottom of the piston groove 204 to lubricate the threads of the drive shaft.

[0089] The method described herein may alternatively or as a supplement to include the following steps: considering one or more pump operating parameters (e.g., motor power consumption, motor vibration, one or more sound ranges emitted by the pump, motor temperature), and / or one or more environmental parameters (e.g., ambient temperature, humidity, atmospheric pressure), and processing them with an appropriate algorithm to generate operating status and / or operating predictions, including one or more of the following: wear predictions for one or more components, expected replacement of one or more components, upcoming maintenance deadlines, failure predictions, and end-of-life predictions for the pump.

[0090] The pumps described herein allow for the dispensing and / or metering of liquids, particularly for medical, diagnostic, or therapeutic, research, or analytical purposes. The liquids mentioned herein include all types of liquids, especially those with varying viscosities at different pressures. These liquids include solutions of active ingredients, test or diagnostic solutions, injectable solutions, infusion solutions, and physiological fluids such as blood.

[0091] The reference numerals used in the figure

[0092] 1 piston pump

[0093] 10 pump body

[0094] 10a, 10b Pump body ends

[0095] 100 piston channel

[0096] 101 side opening

[0097] 101a fixed surface

[0098] 102 Anti-rotation device

[0099] 11 Pump Base

[0100] 110 motor

[0101] 111 connector

[0102] 112 drive shaft

[0103] The first end of the 112a drive shaft

[0104] The second end of the 112b drive shaft

[0105] 1120 threaded portion

[0106] 1121 First shoulder

[0107] 1122 Middle section

[0108] 1123 Guide Area

[0109] 1124 Second shoulder

[0110] 1125 drive area

[0111] 113 axis attachment

[0112] 114 thread

[0113] 115 centering device

[0114] 12 pump heads

[0115] 120 liquid inlet

[0116] 121 chambers

[0117] 122 Liquid Outlet

[0118] 20 pistons

[0119] 200 piston rod

[0120] The end of the 200a rod

[0121] 201 Piston Base

[0122] 202 Guiding Device

[0123] 203 Location Marker

[0124] 204 Piston Groove

[0125] Bottom of the 204a piston reservoir

[0126] 3 Piston Guide

[0127] 30-hole opening

[0128] 31 Support Surface

[0129] Fasteners for 32 piston guide components

[0130] 33 assembly points

[0131] 4. Transmission System

[0132] 41 First drive nut

[0133] 410 Neck

[0134] 42 Second drive nut

[0135] 43 springs

[0136] L liquid

[0137] 5 Anti-rotation device

[0138] 51 grooves

[0139] 52 Lips

[0140] 6 Detection System

[0141] 61 First Detector

[0142] 62 Second Detector

[0143] 7 control panels

[0144] 71 connector

[0145] 72 electronic components

[0146] 8-card holding device

Claims

1. A piston pump (1), comprising: - Pump body (10) having a first end (10a) and a second end (10b) oriented along a longitudinal axis (X), the pump body including a piston (20) adapted to translate along the longitudinal axis (X), the piston including a piston rod (200) having a rod diameter (D200) and a piston base (201) having a piston groove (204). - Pump base (11), which is attached to the first end (10a) of the pump body, includes a motor (110) adapted to rotate a drive shaft (112) including a thread (114) about a longitudinal axis (X). - A transmission system (4) that connects the drive shaft (112) to the piston (20), such that the rotational motion of the drive shaft (112) generates the translational motion of the piston (20). - Anti-rotation device (5), the anti-rotation device being adapted to prevent the piston (20) from rotating during rotation of the drive shaft (112), - A pump head (12), comprising a liquid (L) inlet (120), an internal chamber (121) communicating with the piston rod (200) of the piston (20), and a liquid outlet (122), the pump head (12) being connected to the second end (10b) of the pump body (10), and - Piston guide (3), which is arranged at the second end (10b) of the pump body (10) and includes an orifice (30) with a diameter corresponding to the rod diameter (D200) of the piston rod (200) and a fastener (32) suitable for centering the piston guide (3) on the pump body (10). The pump head includes a fixing device that mates with the pump body (10), and the piston guide (3) includes one or more mounting points (33) compatible with the fixing device of the pump head (12), such that the piston guide can be fixed to the pump body (10) by means of the fixing device of the pump head.

2. The piston pump according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pump body (10) includes a side opening (101) and a control plate (7) covering the side opening. The control plate includes at least one position detector, such as a first detector (61) and / or a second detector (62), on its inner surface. The piston includes a position mark (203) that can be identified by the at least one position detector.

3. The piston pump according to claim 2, characterized in that, The control board (7) has one or more connectors (71) and / or electronic components (72) on its outer surface.

4. The piston pump according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The anti-rotation device (5) of the piston (20) includes a groove (51) disposed on the outer periphery of the piston base (201) and oriented along the longitudinal axis (X), and a lip (52) or lug disposed on the inner surface of the pump body (10), such that the lip or lug engages with the groove to prevent the piston from rotating while allowing the piston to translate.

5. The piston pump according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The transmission system (4) includes a first drive nut (41) with a central thread, which contacts the piston base (201) and is arranged on the thread of the drive shaft (112) to cause the piston to translate when the drive shaft (112) rotates.

6. The piston pump according to claim 5, characterized in that, The transmission system (4) includes a second drive nut (42) with a central thread and a spring (43), the second drive nut being arranged on the thread of the drive shaft (112), and the spring being arranged between the first drive nut (41) and the second drive nut (42).

7. The piston pump according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The drive shaft (112) includes: a first threaded portion (1120) disposed at a first end (112a) of the drive shaft to engage with a shaft attachment (113) on a pump base (11); an intermediate portion (1122) adapted to engage with a motor (110); a drive section (1125) to engage with a transmission system (4); and a second end (112b) received in the piston reservoir (204), the second end (112b) of the drive shaft (112) together with the piston reservoir (204) forming a reservoir adapted to receive lubricant.

8. The piston pump according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The piston pump includes or is connected to one or more of the following sensors: a temperature sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a vibration sensor, a pressure sensor, an ambient temperature sensor, an atmospheric pressure sensor, a humidity sensor, a power consumption sensor, and / or the piston pump includes or is connected to a module for processing data collected by the one or more sensors, and / or one or more artificial intelligence programs adapted to analyze the collected data.

9. A kit comprising a piston pump according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising: - One or more additional pistons, whose piston rods (200) have different rod diameters (D200), and - One or more additional piston guides, each having the same mounting point (33) and orifices of different diameters, each orifice corresponding to the rod diameter (D200) of the corresponding additional piston.

10. A method for pumping, metering, or dispensing liquid (L) using a piston pump according to any one of claims 1 to 9, the method comprising starting a motor to rotate a drive shaft (112) alternately in one direction of rotation and then in the opposite direction by a given angle value, so as to cause a piston (20) to translate along a longitudinal axis (X) between a first end position and a second end position, and the method comprising one or more of the following steps: - Replace the piston (20) with another piston having a different rod diameter (D200), while retaining the pump body (10). - Consider one or more environmental parameters and / or one or more pump operating parameters, and adjust the motor step distance and / or predict events during failure, maintenance operations, and the end of pump life; and - Automatic lubrication of the drive shaft (112).

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