Component, in particular for an infusion pump, and method for assembly

Abstract

The present invention relates to a component (1), in particular for a medical device, preferably an infusion pump, comprising at least one drive unit (2) and a mounting flange (3), wherein the drive unit (2) comprises at least one motor (4) and at least one gearbox (5), wherein the mounting flange (3) has at least one mounting opening (15), wherein at least one part of the drive unit (2) is arranged in the mounting opening (15), wherein at least one pre-assembly element (17) is arranged on the mounting flange (3), and the pre-assembly element (17) is movable relative to the mounting flange (3), and the pre-assembly element (17) is designed such that the drive unit (2) is secured with the pre-assembly element (17) in at least one pre-assembly position in the mounting opening (15) and can be rotated in the mounting opening (15). The invention further relates to a method for assembling a component unit (1) of this type, wherein the component unit (1) has at least one pre-assembly element (17) for securing the drive unit (2), and wherein the method comprises at least the following process steps: - Arranging at least part of the drive unit (2) in the mounting opening (15), - Securing the drive unit (2) in the mounting opening (15) with the pre-assembly element (17), - Aligning the drive unit (2) by rotating it from the pre-assembly position to at least one final assembly position, and - Fixing the drive unit (2) relative to the mounting flange (3) in the final assembly position.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a structural unit, in particular for a medical device, preferably for a metering pump, e.g., an infusion pump or insulin pump. The structural unit comprises at least one drive unit for driving, for example, an infusion pump, and a mounting flange for securing the drive unit. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for assembling such a structural unit.

[0002] A drive unit comprises at least one motor, e.g., an electric motor, and a transmission. The motor is coupled to the transmission, so that a drive element of the transmission, e.g., a transmission shaft, can be driven in rotation via a motor shaft. Typically, the motor and transmission are housed in separate housings that are firmly connected to each other.

[0003] To attach the drive unit to a device to be driven by it, in particular an infusion pump, the drive unit is typically mounted on a mounting flange to form a structural unit comprising at least the drive unit and the mounting flange. The radial alignment of the drive unit relative to the mounting flange is determined by the predefined fastening points and is therefore not changeable.

[0004] If a defined alignment of the drive unit is required and must be maintained during assembly, the drive unit must be manufactured very precisely and with small tolerances, which increases the manufacturing effort.

[0005] Based on the aforementioned prior art, the invention is based on the object of providing a structural unit comprising at least one drive unit and a mounting flange, in particular for a medical device, e.g., an infusion pump, and a method for assembling the same, in which the manufacturing effort is reduced.

[0006] The aforementioned object is achieved in a generic structural unit according to the characterizing part of claim 1 in that at least one pre-assembly element is arranged on the mounting flange. The pre-assembly element is movable relative to the mounting flange and is designed such that the drive unit is secured or can be secured with the pre-assembly element in at least one pre-assembly position in the mounting opening and can be aligned in the mounting opening by rotation.

[0007] The motor of the drive unit is preferably an electric motor. The motor is preferably a DC motor, particularly preferably a mechanically commutated DC motor, e.g., with an internal rotor. The motor is constructed in a conventional manner and, in the case of a brushed DC motor, comprises, among other things, at least one motor housing, at least one connecting cable, at least one stator, at least one rotor, at least one brush, at least one commutator, and / or at least one motor shaft. It is also contemplated that the motor be designed as an external rotor motor. Furthermore, it is contemplated that the motor is an electronically commutated DC motor, e.g., a BLDC flat motor.

[0008] The transmission of the drive unit is preferably a planetary transmission, which is constructed in a conventional manner and comprises, for example, at least one transmission housing, an output shaft, and a pinion. It is preferably provided that the pinion is arranged on the opposite side of the mounting flange in the assembled state of the unit, i.e., when the drive unit is arranged in the mounting flange.

[0009] The pre-assembly element is fastened to the mounting flange and is movable relative thereto, for example in a rotating and / or translational manner. The pre-assembly element is designed such that the drive unit can be secured in a pre-assembly position in the mounting opening. In particular, the drive unit is secured in such a way that the drive unit cannot be removed from the mounting opening, in particular not in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the drive unit. In the pre-assembly position, the drive unit cannot be removed from the mounting opening, but can be aligned by rotating it within the mounting opening. The drive unit is advantageously held in the mounting opening in such a way that rotation of the drive unit about its longitudinal axis is possible, in particular against a force.For example, the force is dimensioned such that the drive unit cannot rotate freely, but rather a specific torque must be applied. The torque is preferably dimensioned such that it can be applied manually by a person performing the assembly.

[0010] In the preferred application of the inventive assembly for an infusion pump or dosing pump, the drive unit, for example, forms a rotating displacement system. The fluid is conveyed by displacement via a controlled rotational movement of the rotor. Changing the direction of rotation also allows the system to convey in reverse. This enables clean, controlled material removal without dripping.

[0011] The invention has the advantage over the prior art that the drive unit can be secured, in particular clamped, in the pre-assembly position with any desired, preferably roughly adjusted, rotational orientation. For example, the clamping force exerted by the pre-assembly element on the drive unit is sufficiently large to hold the drive unit in its position and orientation in the mounting opening. Furthermore, the clamping force can be overcome with a mechanical force to change the radial orientation of the drive unit relative to the mounting flange to any desired final assembly position.

[0012] This allows the desired rotational orientation of the drive unit to be precisely and easily adjusted. This is particularly advantageous with regard to the alignment of a connecting cable extending from the drive unit, especially when it is a ribbon cable, a foil cable (FFC), or a flexible printed circuit board (FPC), since the desired or required cable alignment then no longer needs to be performed during assembly of the drive unit, as is usual.

[0013] According to a first embodiment of the assembly, the motor has at least one motor housing, and the transmission has at least one transmission housing. The motor housing and the transmission housing are firmly connected to one another. Preferably, the motor housing is screwed to the transmission housing. It is preferred that the motor housing is screwed into the transmission housing.

[0014] As explained above, with the structural unit according to the invention, it is no longer necessary to separately consider the rotational alignment of the motor housing relative to the transmission housing during assembly, since alignment with the mounting flange can be achieved by rotating the mounting flange. Manufacturing tolerances with regard to the rotational alignment are also not taken into account. Preferably, the transmission housing has at least one pre-assembly section for interacting with the pre-assembly element. For example, the pre-assembly element interacts with the pre-assembly section in a force-fitting and / or form-fitting manner.

[0015] Advantageously, the drive unit can be fixed with the pre-assembly element in at least one final assembly position relative to the mounting flange. The final assembly position refers to the position of the drive unit arranged in the mounting opening of the mounting flange relative to the mounting flange, in which the drive unit has been finally aligned or readjusted rotationally. The position of the drive unit is fixed by the pre-assembly element, so that, for example, further handling or an additional fastening measure can be carried out while maintaining the aligned position of the drive unit.The pre-assembly element is designed to cooperate with the drive unit in such a way that removal of the drive unit from the mounting opening can be prevented and, at the same time, alignment can be carried out by rotation in the mounting opening, and that the drive unit can be fixed with the pre-assembly device, i.e. neither removal nor rotation can take place.

[0016] According to a preferred embodiment, the drive unit is integrally connected to the mounting flange in the final assembly position, in particular by adhesive bonding or welding. This ensures reliable continuous operation. The adhesive bonding or welding, e.g., laser welding, is carried out in the usual way. Advantageously, the adhesive bonding or welding between the gearbox housing and the mounting flange is provided in the area of ​​the mounting opening on the side facing away from the pinion. In particular, the adhesive bonding or welding is formed circumferentially around the gearbox housing.

[0017] According to a further embodiment of the structural unit, the pre-assembly element is movable toward and away from the drive unit at an angle to a longitudinal axis of the drive unit. The angle is preferably approximately 90°. The pre-assembly element is advantageously held on the mounting flange in such a way that the pre-assembly element is movable in translation toward and away from the drive unit. In particular, it is provided that the pre-assembly element is movable toward and away from the pre-assembly section of the drive unit. The pre-assembly element is preferably movable in a plane to which a longitudinal axis of the drive unit is a plane normal.

[0018] According to a further embodiment, the mounting flange has at least one pre-assembly bore. The pre-assembly bore preferably extends from a surface of the mounting flange to the mounting opening. The pre-assembly element is arranged in the pre-assembly bore so that the pre-assembly element can be moved toward and away from the drive unit. The pre-assembly bore thus defines the direction of movement of the pre-assembly element. The pre-assembly bore extends in particular from a side surface of the mounting flange and / or from an end surface of the mounting flange to the mounting opening.

[0019] In particular, the pre-assembly element is arranged to be movable in the pre-assembly bore in such a way that an end of the pre-assembly element, preferably designed as a tip, can be inserted into the assembly opening in order to engage with the drive unit, preferably with the pre-assembly section of the drive unit.

[0020] It has proven particularly advantageous if, according to a further embodiment, the mounting flange is provided with at least two pre-assembly elements. Both pre-assembly elements are designed in particular such that they can act on the drive unit independently of one another. For example, it is provided that at least two pre-assembly bores are present in the mounting flange, and that a pre-assembly element is arranged in each pre-assembly bore. In particular, it is provided that the two pre-assembly bores are aligned with one another, i.e., arranged coaxially. In particular, the pre-assembly bores are arranged opposite one another on an inner circumference of the mounting opening.

[0021] For example, the pre-assembly holes are designed to extend parallel to the width direction of the mounting flange and radially extend the diameter of the mounting opening. This ensures optimal mounting of the drive unit by the pre-assembly element extending through the pre-assembly hole.

[0022] If statements are made above or below regarding a pre-assembly element or a pre-assembly bore in the singular, the statements and features apply equally to a plurality of the respective components.

[0023] In particular, it is provided that a first pre-assembly bore extends in the width direction from a first side surface of the mounting flange to the mounting opening, and that a second pre-assembly bore extends in the width direction from a second side surface of the mounting flange to the mounting opening.

[0024] According to a further embodiment, it is particularly preferred that the pre-assembly element comprises a screw or is designed as a screw. Advantageously, the pre-assembly element comprises at least one grub screw or is a grub screw. Preferably, an end of the pre-assembly element facing the drive unit has at least one or exactly one point.

[0025] According to this embodiment, it is provided in particular that the pre-assembly bore or bores have an internal thread for screwing in the pre-assembly elements designed as a screw, in particular a grub screw.

[0026] The design of the assembly unit with screws screwed into the pre-assembly holes, in particular pointed grub screws, offers the advantage that a holding force or clamping force on the drive unit can be adjusted individually and precisely and, above all, easily.

[0027] Preferably, the clamping axial holding force (preload force) is 10 to 100 N and / or the tightening torque is 100 mNm to 10 Nm.

[0028] Particularly preferably, the fastening of the drive unit to the mounting flange in the final assembly position, in particular the adhesive or welded connection in combination with the pre-assembly element, which is preferably designed as a grub screw, has a final holding torque of 0.1 to 10 Nm. This means that the drive unit is non-rotatable relative to the mounting flange up to a force corresponding to the final holding torque.

[0029] In particular, to ensure advantageous interaction between the pre-assembly element and the drive unit, a further embodiment provides that the pre-assembly section of the transmission housing has at least one circumferential groove and / or a plurality of recesses arranged on the circumference. The circumferential groove and the recesses are advantageously designed for interaction with the pre-assembly element(s).

[0030] The circumferential groove is preferably designed to partially accommodate the pre-assembly elements. For example, the circumferential groove has a V-shape in cross-section, i.e., the circumferential groove is designed, in particular, as a V-shaped groove.

[0031] The pre-assembly elements, in particular the grub screws, are selected to match the groove or recesses so that they can at least partially engage therein. It is provided that a tip of the pre-assembly element has a smaller flank angle than a V-shaped groove, so that the pre-assembly element can advantageously interact with a base of the groove. It is also provided that a flank angle of a tip of the pre-assembly element essentially corresponds to the flank angle of a V-shaped groove.

[0032] Preferably, the recesses arranged on the circumference are equally spaced from one another. The recesses are designed such that the pre-assembly element(s) can engage therein, i.e., each pre-assembly element can be partially accommodated in each recess. This allows for step-by-step alignment of the drive unit with respect to the mounting flange. The more recesses there are, the finer the alignment.

[0033] According to a further preferred embodiment of the assembly, the gear housing has at least one housing shoulder, and the mounting opening has at least one flange shoulder. The housing shoulder and the flange shoulder are arranged adjacent to one another and are designed such that the pre-assembly section is aligned with the pre-assembly element, in particular aligned with the pre-assembly bore or bores.

[0034] Preferably, the housing shoulder delimits the pre-assembly section, wherein the pre-assembly section is designed as a radially circumferential housing recess, so that the gear housing has a smaller diameter at the pre-assembly section. The housing shoulder is thus designed as a circumferential annular collar. The housing shoulder, in particular, limits the insertion depth of the drive unit into the assembly opening.

[0035] Preferably, the mounting opening extends from a front side to a rear side of the mounting flange through the latter, wherein the mounting opening is formed in particular centrally on a longitudinal axis of the mounting flange.

[0036] According to a further preferred embodiment, the drive unit comprises at least one connecting cable, in particular a ribbon cable or foil cable or a flexible printed circuit board. The connecting cable is held on the motor housing in such a way that it extends away from the drive unit in an orientation fixed with respect to the drive unit.

[0037] With such a connecting cable, especially a ribbon cable, the alignment can only be achieved by rotating the motor. The alignment cannot be influenced by the cable itself.

[0038] In certain applications, however, it is necessary for a connecting cable, in particular a ribbon cable, of a drive unit to extend in a specific direction in the assembly position, for example, to enable connection. By assembling the drive unit according to the invention with the pre-assembly element, the connecting cable can be easily aligned by rotating the drive unit until the connecting cable has the desired orientation in the final assembly position.

[0039] In particular, it is provided that the connecting cable extends in the final assembly position at an angle between 45° and 135° to an imaginary plane, wherein the plane is aligned parallel to the longitudinal axis of the drive unit and parallel to at least one side surface of the mounting flange.

[0040] Preferably, the connecting cable extends out of the motor housing in a second imaginary plane. The longitudinal axis of the drive unit is a plane normal to the second imaginary plane.

[0041] The assembly according to the invention thus advantageously enables the drive unit to be arranged in the assembly opening in the pre-assembly position and to be secured against falling out and self-rotation, but to be aligned into the desired rotational end position by applying an external rotational force.

[0042] The object mentioned at the outset is further achieved by a method for assembling a structural unit, preferably a structural unit described in the exemplary embodiments, in particular for a medical device, e.g. an infusion pump, wherein a generic structural unit has at least one pre-assembly element for securing the drive unit, and wherein the method has at least the following method steps: - Arranging at least part of the drive unit in the mounting opening, - Securing the drive unit in the mounting opening with the pre-assembly element, - Aligning the drive unit by rotating it from the pre-assembly position to at least one final assembly position, and - Fixing the drive unit relative to the mounting flange in the final assembly position.

[0043] The method according to the invention also results in the advantages described above. In particular, in a pre-assembly position, the rotational alignment of the drive unit can be individually set or readjusted by rotating the drive unit, so that the drive unit, in particular a connecting cable extending away from the drive unit, can be brought into a specific desired alignment with respect to the mounting flange. This is particularly important for a connecting cable in the form of a ribbon cable, so that damage caused by movement in the event of incorrect alignment is avoided. Measures for this purpose that were previously necessary, e.g. connecting the drive unit and gearbox as precisely as possible with regard to the alignment of the connecting cable, are no longer required with the method according to the invention.

[0044] According to one embodiment of the method, at least one clamping screw, in particular a grub screw, is used as the pre-assembly element. The screw can preferably be moved toward and away from the drive unit through a pre-assembly hole provided in the mounting flange.

[0045] A further embodiment of the method provides that the pre-assembly element can interact with a pre-assembly section formed on the drive unit, in particular on a transmission housing. The pre-assembly section preferably has a radially circumferential groove, in particular a V-shaped groove, and / or a plurality of recesses spaced apart from one another around the circumference of the pre-assembly section.

[0046] It is preferred that the pre-assembly element is designed as a clamping screw, in particular a grub screw, and is screwed in a clamping manner into the radially circumferential, preferably V-shaped, groove and / or into the recesses of the pre-assembly section.

[0047] According to one embodiment of the method, it is provided that when inserting the drive unit into the assembly opening, a pre-assembly section of the drive unit is arranged in alignment with the pre-assembly element, in particular in alignment with a pre-assembly bore.

[0048] In particular, it is provided that when inserting the drive unit into the mounting opening, a housing shoulder formed on the gear housing is arranged so as to bear against a flange shoulder formed in the mounting opening. In this position, the pre-assembly section of the drive unit is automatically aligned with the pre-assembly element, in particular aligned with a pre-assembly bore. This makes assembly and subsequent alignment of the drive unit particularly simple.

[0049] According to a further embodiment, it is provided that the drive unit is aligned by rotation in the mounting opening such that the connecting cable, in particular ribbon cable, of the drive unit extends in the final assembly position at an angle α between 45° and 135° to an imaginary plane, wherein the plane is aligned parallel to a longitudinal axis of the drive unit and parallel to at least one side surface of the mounting flange.

[0050] Preferably, the drive unit is rotated into the end position manually.

[0051] The invention further relates to an infusion pump with at least one structural unit according to one of the described embodiments.

[0052] Further advantageous embodiments of the invention will become apparent from the following description of the figures and the dependent claims. They show: Fig. 1 a perspective view of the structural unit according to the invention; Fig. 2 a rear view of the assembly according to Fig. 1; Fig. 3 a schematic sectional view of the assembly according to Fig. 1, and Fig. 4 a schematic sequence of a method for assembling a structural unit.

[0053] In the various figures of the drawing, identical parts are always provided with the same reference symbols.

[0054] With regard to the following description, it is claimed that the invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments and not to all or several features of described combinations of features, but rather each individual partial feature of the / each exemplary embodiment is also important for the subject matter of the invention, even independently of all other partial features described in connection therewith, and also in combination with any features of another exemplary embodiment.

[0055] Fig. 1, Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 show the same embodiment of a structural unit 1 according to the invention in the final assembly position, each in different views. Fig. 3 is a sectional view along the section line AA according to Fig. 1, wherein the sectional view, in particular with respect to the drive unit, is only schematic, since concrete details of an engine 4 and a transmission 5, such as the exact representation of a drive shaft, are not important here.

[0056] The assembly 1 comprises a drive unit 2 and a mounting flange 2. The assembly 1 is intended for operating an infusion pump. The drive unit 2 comprises the motor 4 and the gear 5. The motor 4 is firmly screwed to the gear 5, here with a thread that is essentially coaxial with a longitudinal axis 24.

[0057] In the exemplary embodiment, the motor 4 is designed as a mechanically commutated DC motor with an internal rotor. The motor 4 is constructed in a conventional manner and comprises at least a motor housing 6, a rear motor cover 7, a connecting cable 8 in the form of a ribbon cable, and (neither shown in the figures) a stator, the internal rotor, a commutator with several brushes, and a motor shaft.

[0058] The transmission 5 is designed here, for example, as a planetary transmission with a known structure and comprises at least one internally toothed transmission housing 9, an output shaft 10, and a pinion 11, as well as (neither shown in the figures) at least one planetary gear, a planetary carrier, a sun gear, and a bearing. It is within the scope of the invention to use another suitable transmission.

[0059] The gear housing 9 has a pre-assembly section 12 and a housing shoulder 13. The pre-assembly section 12 is formed on a radially circumferential housing recess, so that the gear housing 9 has a smaller diameter at the pre-assembly section 12. The pre-assembly section 12 has a V-shaped, radially circumferential groove 12a. The pre-assembly section 12 merges into the housing shoulder 13 at its motor-side end. The housing shoulder 13 is thus formed as a circumferential annular collar.

[0060] The mounting flange 3 is essentially cuboid-shaped and has a front side 14a, a parallel rear side 14b, two opposite side surfaces 14c, 14d, and two opposite end surfaces 14e, 14f. Furthermore, the mounting flange 3 has a longitudinal extension in a longitudinal direction L, a width extension in a width direction B, and a height extension in a height direction H. Furthermore, the mounting flange 3 has a mounting opening 15 and two pre-assembly bores 16, as well as components of the infusion pump, which are not discussed. Furthermore, two pre-assembly elements 17 are arranged on the mounting flange 3.

[0061] The mounting opening 15 extends in the vertical direction H through the mounting flange 3 from the housing front 14a to the housing rear 14b. The mounting opening 15 is expediently arranged on a longitudinal axis 20 of the mounting flange 3.

[0062] The mounting opening 15 has three flange sections with different inner diameters. A first flange section corresponds approximately to the diameter of the pre-assembly section 12 of the gearbox 5, a second flange section has a larger diameter than the first flange section, approximately corresponding to the diameter of the gearbox housing 9 adjacent to the pre-assembly section 12, and a third flange section has a larger diameter than the second flange section. The first flange section merges into the second flange section, forming a first flange shoulder 18, and the second flange section merges into the third flange section, forming a second flange shoulder 19. The mounting opening 15 serves to accommodate the drive unit 3, in particular the gearbox housing 9.

[0063] The mounting flange 3 has two pre-assembly bores 16. A first pre-assembly bore 16 extends in the width direction B from a first side surface 14c of the mounting flange 3 to the mounting opening 15, and a second pre-assembly bore 16 extends in the width direction B from a second side surface 14d of the mounting flange 3 to the mounting opening 15. The two pre-assembly bores 16 are aligned with one another and arranged in the width direction B as a radial extension of a diameter of the mounting opening 15. The pre-assembly bores 16 each have an internal thread for screwing in the pre-assembly elements 17.

[0064] The two pre-assembly elements 17 are in the embodiment of the Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3 each designed as a grub screw 23. The pre-assembly elements 17 can be screwed or are screwed into the pre-assembly bores 16 in a pre-assembly position relative to the mounting flange 3 such that a tip of the pre-assembly elements 17, in particular of the grub screw 23, protrudes into the mounting opening 15.

[0065] In the pre-assembly position (not shown), the drive unit 2 is arranged with the gear housing 9 in the assembly opening 15 such that the housing shoulder 13 of the gear housing 9 and the first flange shoulder 18 are arranged adjacent to one another. The pre-assembly section 12, in particular the V-shaped groove 12a, is aligned with the two pre-assembly bores 16 and thus aligned with the pre-assembly elements 17. The grub screws 23 projecting into the assembly opening 15 thus engage in the V-shaped groove 12a. The grub screws 23 are tightened with a tightening force against the V-shaped groove 12a such that the drive unit 2 is secured in the assembly opening 15 against falling out and spontaneous rotation, but can be rotationally aligned in the assembly opening by applying an external rotational force.

[0066] Thus, starting from the pre-assembly position, the rotational alignment of the drive unit 2 can be individually adjusted or readjusted (according to the rotation arrow in Fig. 1), so that the connecting cable 8 of the drive unit 2 extends away from the drive unit 2 in a specific desired orientation. This is important for a ribbon cable to avoid damage due to incorrect alignment. The orientation is expediently selected such that the connecting cable 8 extends at an angle α between 45° and 135°, preferably approximately 90°, to an imaginary plane E, wherein the plane E is aligned parallel to a longitudinal axis 24 of the drive unit 2 and parallel to at least one side surface 14c, 14d of the mounting flange 3.

[0067] Once the drive unit 2 has been finally aligned, it is in the final assembly position - as shown. In this position, the drive unit 2 can be finally fixed to the mounting flange 3. According to the embodiment (in particular Fig. 3), the drive unit 2 is secured in the final assembly position to the mounting flange 3 by means of an adhesive bond 21. The adhesive bond 21 is provided at a fastening gap 22 between the gear housing 9 and the third flange section and the second flange shoulder of the mounting flange 3. The adhesive bond 21 extends circumferentially around the gear housing 9.

[0068] The structural unit 1 according to the invention has the advantage that two-stage assembly is possible. Thus, the drive unit 2 with the gear housing 9 can be inserted in a pre-assembly position with any desired, expediently roughly adjusted, rotational alignment and secured, in particular clamped, by means of the pre-assembly elements 17. The holding force exerted on the drive unit 2 by the pre-assembly elements 17 is, on the one hand, sufficiently large to securely hold the drive unit 2 in its position and alignment in the mounting opening 15. On the other hand, however, the holding force can be overcome with an external mechanical force, e.g., by manual or automated twisting, in order to bring the rotational alignment of the drive unit 2 relative to the mounting flange 3 into any desired final assembly position. This allows a desired rotational alignment of the drive unit 2 to be set precisely and easily.

[0069] This is also advantageous with regard to the connecting cable 8 extending away from the drive unit 2. Particularly in the case of a ribbon cable, incorrect or unfavorable alignment can lead to damage to the ribbon cable. The assembly 1 according to the invention ensures that the ribbon cable is aligned in a favorable desired position. Additional, complex measures for this purpose, such as those previously required, such as connecting the drive unit and transmission as precisely as possible with regard to the alignment of the connecting cable, are not required here, which is also advantageous.

[0070] Fig. 4 shows the schematic sequence of an embodiment of a method 100 for assembling a structural unit, for example according to the Fig. 1 to 3. The method comprises at least the following steps: - arranging (101) at least a part of the drive unit (2) in the mounting opening (15), - securing (102) the drive unit (2) in the assembly opening (15) with the pre-assembly element (17), - aligning (103) the drive unit (2) by rotating it from the pre-assembly position into at least one final assembly position, and - Fixing (104) the drive unit (2) relative to the mounting flange (3) in the final assembly position.

[0071] The securing 102 is carried out by means of at least one pre-assembly element 17, preferably with two pre-assembly elements. The securing 102 is carried out in particular in such a way that the drive unit 2 is held in the mounting opening 15 and cannot be removed therefrom, although an alignment 103 of the drive unit 2 can be carried out by rotating it about the longitudinal axis 24 in the mounting opening 15. The fixing 104 is carried out either only by the pre-assembly element(s) 17, in particular by tightening the grub screws 23 very firmly, or additionally by gluing or welding the drive unit 2 to the mounting flange 3 in the Fig. Final assembly position and final assembly orientation shown in 1 to 3.

[0072] The invention is not limited to the illustrated and described embodiments, but also encompasses all equivalent embodiments within the meaning of the invention. It is expressly emphasized that the embodiments are not limited to all features in combination; rather, each individual partial feature can also have an inventive significance in itself, independently of all other partial features. Furthermore, the invention is not yet limited to the combination of features defined in claim 1, but can also be defined by any other combination of specific features of all individual features disclosed as a whole. This means that, in principle, practically every individual feature of claim 1 can be omitted or replaced by at least one individual feature disclosed elsewhere in the application. Reference symbol 1 unit 2 drive unit 3 Mounting flange 4 Engine 5 gearboxes 6 Engine housing 7 Engine cover 8 connection cables 9 Gearbox housing 10 Output shaft 11 pinions 12 Pre-assembly section 12a V-shaped groove 13 Housing heel 14a Flange front 14b Flange back 14c Flange side surface 14d flange side surface 14e Flange face 14f flange face 15 Mounting opening 16 Pre-assembly hole 17 Pre-assembly element 18 First flange shoulder 19 Second flange shoulder 20 Longitudinal axis of 3 21 Adhesive bond 22 Mounting gap 23 Grub screw 24 Longitudinal axis of 2 α orientation angle B Width direction E Level H Altitude direction L longitudinal direction

Claims

[1] A structural unit (1), in particular for a medical device, preferably an infusion pump, comprising at least one drive unit (2) and a mounting flange (3), wherein the drive unit (2) has at least one motor (4) and at least one gear (5), wherein the mounting flange (3) has at least one mounting opening (15), wherein at least a part of the drive unit (2) is arranged in the mounting opening (15), characterized by that at least one pre-assembly element (17) is arranged on the mounting flange (3), that the pre-assembly element (17) is movable relative to the mounting flange (3), and that the pre-assembly element (17) is designed such that the drive unit (2) with the pre-assembly element (17) is secured in at least one pre-assembly position in the mounting opening (15) and can be aligned in the mounting opening (15) by rotating. [2] Assembly (1) according to claim 1, characterized bythat the motor (4) has a motor housing (6) and the transmission (5) has a transmission housing (9), and that the motor housing (6) and the transmission housing (9) are firmly connected to one another, in particular are screwed to one another, and that the transmission housing (9) has at least one pre-assembly section (12) for interacting with the pre-assembly element (17). [3] Assembly (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the drive unit (2) can be fixed with the pre-assembly element (17) in at least one final assembly position with respect to the mounting flange (3). [4] Assembly (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the drive unit (2) is integrally connected to the mounting flange (3) in a final assembly position, in particular glued or welded, preferably welded by means of laser welding. [5] Assembly (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the pre-assembly element (17) is movable towards and away from the drive unit (2) at an angle to a longitudinal axis (24) of the drive unit (2), in particular that the angle is approximately 90°. [6] Assembly (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the mounting flange (3) has at least one pre-assembly bore (16), that the pre-assembly bore (16) extends from a surface, in particular a side surface (14c, 14d), of the mounting flange (3) to the mounting opening (15), wherein the pre-assembly element (17) is arranged in the pre-assembly bore (16) so that the pre-assembly element (17) can be moved towards and away from the drive unit (2). [7] Assembly (1) according to one of the preceding claims characterized bythat the mounting flange (3) has at least two pre-assembly elements (17) and at least two pre-assembly bores (16), in particular that the two pre-assembly bores (16) are arranged in alignment with one another. [8] Assembly (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the pre-assembly element (17) has a screw, in particular a grub screw (23). [9] Assembly (1) according to one of claims 2 to 8, characterized by that the pre-assembly section (12) has at least one circumferential groove and / or a plurality of recesses arranged on the circumference. [10] Assembly (1) according to one of claims 2 to 9, characterized bythat the gear housing (9) has at least one housing shoulder (13) and the assembly opening (15) has at least one flange shoulder (18), that the housing shoulder (13) and the flange shoulder (18) are arranged adjacent to one another and are designed such that the pre-assembly section (12) is arranged in alignment with the pre-assembly element (17), in particular in alignment with the pre-assembly bores (16). [11] Assembly (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the drive unit (2) has at least one connecting cable (8), in particular a ribbon cable, that the connecting cable (8) extends away from the drive unit (2) in an orientation fixed with respect to the drive unit (2), in particular that the connecting cable (8) in a final assembly position extends at an angle (α) between 45° and 135° to an imaginary plane (E), wherein the plane (E) is aligned parallel to a longitudinal axis (24) of the drive unit (2) and parallel to at least one side surface (14c, 14d) of the mounting flange (3). [12] Method for assembling a structural unit (1), preferably according to one of the preceding claims, in particular for a medical device, preferably an infusion pump, wherein the structural unit (1) has at least one drive unit (2) and a mounting flange (3), wherein the drive unit (2) has at least one motor (4) and at least one gear (5), wherein the mounting flange (3) has at least one mounting opening (15) for receiving the drive unit (2) and at least one pre-assembly element (17) for securing the drive unit (2), at least comprising the following method steps: - arranging at least part of the drive unit (2) in the mounting opening (15), - Securing the drive unit (2) in the assembly opening (15) with the pre-assembly element (17), - aligning the drive unit (2) by rotating it from the pre-assembly position into at least one final assembly position, and - Fixing the drive unit (2) relative to the mounting flange (3) in the final assembly position. [13] Method according to claim 12, characterized by that at least one clamping screw, in particular a grub screw (23), is used as the pre-assembly element (17), in particular that the clamping screw can be moved towards and away from the drive unit (2) through a pre-assembly bore (16) provided in the mounting flange (3). [14] Method according to claim 12 or 13, characterized by that the pre-assembly element (17) can interact with a pre-assembly section (12) formed on the drive unit (2), in particular on a gear housing (5), in particular that the pre-assembly element (17) is designed as a clamping screw and the clamping screw is screwed in a clamping manner into a radially circumferential groove, preferably a V-shaped groove (12a). [15] Method according to one of claims 12 to 14, characterized bythat when inserting the drive unit (2) into the assembly opening (15), a pre-assembly section (12) of the drive unit (2) is arranged in alignment with the pre-assembly element (17), in particular in alignment with a pre-assembly bore (16). [16] Method according to one of claims 12 to 15, characterized by that the drive unit (2) is aligned by rotation in the mounting opening (15) in such a way that a connecting cable (8), in particular a ribbon cable, of the drive unit (2) extends in the final assembly position at an angle (α) between 45° and 135° to an imaginary plane (E), wherein the plane (E) is aligned parallel to a longitudinal axis (24) of the drive unit (2) and parallel to at least one side surface (14c, 14d) of the mounting flange (3). [17] Infusion pump comprising at least one structural unit according to one of claims 1 to 11.

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