Medical liquid infusion apparatus, and liquid communication assembly and elastic hose member used for same

Abstract

Disclosed in the present disclosure are a medical liquid infusion apparatus, and a liquid communication assembly and an elastic hose member used for same. The elastic hose member is a single member integrally shaped by means of an elastic material and comprises: a hose body; a joint ring and a holder portion, the holder portion radially extending outwards from the hose body to the joint ring, and the joint ring being in interference fit with the hose body; and a stop protrusion portion, defining a folding portion and an insertion portion. The ratio of the length of the folding portion to the length of the holder portion in the radial direction is between 2 and 5, such that when the insertion portion is completely inserted into the joint ring, the folding portion is folded to jam the liquid from flowing in the hose body, and when the hose body is subjected to an axial tension, as the holder portion is stretched, the folding portion is at least partially unfolded so as to allow the liquid to freely flow in the hose body. The present disclosure can reduce the risks of unexpected or undesirable liquid flow or liquid infusion in medical liquid infusion apparatuses or pipelines.

Description

Medical liquid infusion device and liquid connecting assembly and elastic hose component therefor Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a medical fluid infusion device, such as a medical fluid delivery device for administering medication to a patient via an infusion line using an intravenous infusion pump or an enteral nutrition pump. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a medical fluid infusion device and a liquid communication assembly and an elastic hose component therefor, wherein the elastic hose component is capable of preventing accidental or undesirable liquid flow or liquid infusion. Background Art

[0002] In clinical medicine, infusion devices are widely used for intravenous infusion and enteral feeding. In routine applications, the infusion flow rate must be consistently controlled. Otherwise, in an unexpected situation, the infused liquid or solution may flow freely into the patient's body without being controlled by a pump or other flow-regulating device, which can be extremely dangerous.

[0003] To avoid or reduce the aforementioned risks, some anti-free-flow devices (i.e., anti-self-flow devices) for use in infused medical fluids have been provided. These anti-self-flow devices are typically mechanisms or components manually operated by an operator (such as a doctor or nurse) that can be operated to selectively stop and allow the flow of the medical fluid through a particular tube. In other words, the operator can adjust or operate these anti-self-flow devices to actuate them to a closed position to prevent the flow of the liquid, and to an open position to allow the liquid to flow, thereby administering medication to a patient using a drug pumping device (e.g., an intravenous infusion pump or an enteral nutrition pump).

[0004] The existing anti-flow devices described above still have the following drawbacks. These existing anti-flow devices generally require manual operation when switching from an open position to a closed position or vice versa, and typically employ additional mechanisms or components associated with the infusion pathway, such as a clamp capable of clamping the infusion line or a valve element for controlling whether the infusion line is connected. However, these anti-flow devices are prone to the risk of misoperation or accidental contact, such as accidental contact by the operator, the patient, or a passerby, or even separation of these components from the infusion line or pump they control, resulting in uncontrolled flow and delivery of the infused liquid or solution. Furthermore, these existing anti-flow devices may require high standards for proper installation on the pump or infusion line. If they are not properly installed, there is a risk of allowing unintended or undesirable liquid flow or infusion to occur without notice.

[0005] In addition, these existing anti-self-flow devices may have the defects of complex structure or high cost due to the addition of additional components to the medical liquid infusion equipment, infusion pipeline or pump, as well as the defect of inconvenience in operation.

[0006] Therefore, there is an urgent need to provide a new solution for preventing accidental or undesirable free flow of liquid for medical liquid infusion devices, so as to at least partially alleviate or solve the above-mentioned problems and defects of existing solutions.

[0007] Summary of the Invention

[0008] In order to at least partially alleviate or solve the above-mentioned defects of the existing anti-free flow devices for infusing medical fluids, the present disclosure provides a medical fluid infusion device and a liquid communication assembly and an elastic hose component therefor.

[0009] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an elastic hose component for a medical liquid infusion device, the elastic hose component being integrally formed into a single piece from an elastic material and comprising:

[0010] a hose body having a first end and a second end opposite to each other and having a circular cross-section;

[0011] an engagement ring and a shank extending radially outward from a first predetermined position of the hose body to the engagement ring and defining a first hose portion extending from the first end to the first predetermined position and a second hose portion extending from the second end to the first predetermined position, the engagement ring having a radial orientation consistent with that of the hose body and being configured to be interference fit with the hose body;

[0012] a stop protrusion protruding from a second predetermined position of the first hose portion and defining a folding portion from the first predetermined position to the second predetermined position and an insertion portion from the first end to the second predetermined position;

[0013] The ratio of the length of the folded portion to the length of the handle in the radial direction is between 2 and 5, so that when the insertion portion is completely inserted into the engagement ring, the folded portion is folded to prevent liquid from flowing in the hose body without being subjected to external force, and when the hose body is subjected to axial tension, the folded portion is at least partially unfolded as the handle is stretched, thereby allowing liquid to flow freely in the hose body.

[0014] According to this first aspect, the inner diameter of the engagement ring is slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the hose body to achieve an interference fit, thereby enabling the hose body to be bent and inserted into the engagement ring without sliding relative to the engagement ring. The length of the shank portion is the distance between the engagement ring and the hose body, that is, the distance between the engagement ring and the outer circumference of the hose body at their closest point.

[0015] The present disclosure is based on the following technical insights. The stop protrusion defines the maximum length over which the first end of the hose body can be bent and inserted into the coupling ring, i.e., the insertion portion is fully inserted into the coupling ring. Due to the length difference between the insertion portion and the handle, as well as the stretchability and elasticity of the hose body and the handle, when the insertion portion is fully inserted into the coupling ring, a fold angle, such as less than 90°, is formed in the folded portion, thereby blocking the liquid passage in the hose. When the folded portion is at least partially unfolded, the fold angle disappears. In other words, when this portion of the hose body is subjected to axial tension (meaning a force having at least a component in the axial direction of the hose body or a force that causes the hose to be stretched longer), it is stretched to a certain extent to become straighter, or the section previously having the fold angle is formed into an arc-shaped bend. At this time, the passage within the hose body allows free flow of liquid.

[0016] It should also be understood that the maximum insertion length of the engagement ring, defined by the stop protrusion, ensures that each complete insertion of the insertion portion into the engagement ring produces the same folding angle and corresponding extension of the handle. When the force causing the folding portion to at least partially unfold disappears, the elasticity of the handle and the restraining action of the stop protrusion force the folding portion to return to its previous folded state, thereby re-blocking the liquid passage in the hose.

[0017] According to some embodiments, the stopping protrusion is formed as an annular protrusion along the circumferential direction of the hose body, and the annular protrusion is flattened on the same side as the engagement ring, so that the height of the annular protrusion at the flattened portion does not exceed half of the height of the other portions.

[0018] According to some embodiments, the height of the annular protrusion at the truncated portion is 10% to 30% of the height of the other portions.

[0019] According to other embodiments, the hose body has an annular reinforcement portion at the first predetermined position, and the proximal end of the handle is connected to the annular reinforcement portion.

[0020] According to other embodiments, the height of the annular reinforcement portion does not exceed half of the thickness of the side wall of the engagement ring.

[0021] According to other embodiments, the axial dimension of the annular reinforcement portion is larger than the axial dimension of the shank and smaller than the axial dimension of the engagement ring, and the width of the shank is not less than the inner diameter of the hose body.

[0022] According to some embodiments, the ratio of the length of the folded portion to the length of the handle is between 3 and 4, and the elastic material is silicone with an elongation at break greater than 400% and a tear strength greater than 30 MPa.

[0023] According to some embodiments, the inner diameter of the hose body is between 1.5 mm and 3 mm, the side wall thickness is between 0.6 mm and 1.2 mm, the length of the folded portion is between 10 mm and 30 mm, the insertion portion is not less than 5 mm, and the length of the second hose portion is greater than 60 mm.

[0024] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a liquid communication assembly for a medical liquid infusion device is provided, the liquid communication assembly comprising a pump tube structure and an elastic hose component for the medical liquid infusion device described in the first aspect. The pump tube structure is made of a non-elastic material and has two independent pipelines, each of which has a truncated cone-shaped first interface and a cylindrical second interface. The outer diameter of the bottom cross-section of the truncated cone-shaped first interface is larger than the inner diameter of the hose body, so that the first and second ends of the hose body are respectively mounted and fixed on the first interfaces of the two pipelines, and the second interface is configured to accommodate and connect the liquid output port and the liquid input port of the medical liquid infusion device.

[0025] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, a medical fluid infusion device is provided, comprising a peristaltic pump device and the liquid communication assembly for a medical fluid infusion device according to the second aspect. The peristaltic pump device comprises: a fixing element configured to fix the pump tube structure and the hose body, thereby stretching the hose body so that the folded portion is at least partially unfolded, thereby allowing free flow of liquid in the hose body; and a drive mechanism arranged in association with the second hose portion to cause liquid to flow at a controlled flow rate in the hose body.

[0026] On the basis of conforming to the common sense in the art, the above-mentioned preferred conditions can be arbitrarily combined to obtain the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0027] The positive progress of this disclosure is:

[0028] The medical liquid infusion device and the liquid communication assembly and elastic hose component used therefor according to the present disclosure can provide a more reliable design for preventing free flow of liquid, which can avoid accidental or undesirable liquid flow or liquid infusion in the medical liquid infusion device or pipeline as much as possible. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] FIG1A schematically shows a perspective view of an elastic hose component for a medical fluid infusion device according to a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure in a non-use state.

[0030] FIG. 1B is a front view of the elastic hose component in FIG. 1A .

[0031] FIG. 1C schematically shows a view of the elastic hose component in FIG. 1A-1B viewed along the axial direction of the hose body.

[0032] FIG. 1D schematically shows a cross section of a preferred example of an annular raised portion of a hose body.

[0033] 2A schematically shows a perspective view of an elastic hose component for a medical fluid infusion device according to a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure in a folded state, wherein the inserting portion is completely inserted into the coupling ring and the elastic hose component is not subjected to external force.

[0034] 2B schematically shows a perspective view of the elastic hose component for a medical fluid infusion device according to a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure in an expanded state, wherein the hose body is subjected to axial tension so that the folded portion is at least partially expanded.

[0035] FIG3A schematically shows the elastic hose component shown in FIG2A in a folded state, which is connected to a liquid inflow channel and a liquid outflow channel of a medical liquid infusion device via a pump tube structure.

[0036] FIG3B schematically shows the elastic hose component shown in FIG2B in an expanded state, which is connected to a liquid inflow channel and a liquid outflow channel of a medical liquid infusion device via a pump tube structure.

[0037] FIG. 3C schematically illustrates the pump tube structure shown in FIG. 3A-3B .

[0038] FIG. 4 schematically illustrates an exemplary layout of a medical fluid infusion apparatus, wherein the elastic hose component shown in FIGs. 3A-3C is arranged in association with a peristaltic pump device.

[0039] Explanation of reference numerals: 100: elastic hose component 11: first end 12: second end 13: second hose portion 14: folded portion 15: insertion portion 21: handle 22: engaging ring 23: annular reinforcement portion 3: stop protrusion 31: truncated portion 400: pump tube structure 41: first interface 42: second interface 51: liquid inflow channel 52: liquid outflow channel 600: peristaltic pump device 61: positioning column 62: rotor pivot axis DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] The preferred embodiments of the present disclosure are further described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The following description is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit the present disclosure. Any other similar situations also fall within the scope of protection of the present disclosure.

[0041] In the detailed description below, directional terms, such as "left," "right," "up," "down," "front," "back," etc., are used with reference to directions depicted in the accompanying drawings. Components of the embodiments of the present disclosure can be positioned in a variety of different orientations, and the directional terms are used for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to be limiting.

[0042] 1A-1C and 2A-2B , an elastic hose component 100 for a medical fluid infusion device according to a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure is integrally formed from an elastic material into a single piece. The elastic hose component 100 includes a hose body, an engagement ring 22, a handle 21, and a stop protrusion 3.

[0043] Specifically, as shown in Figures 1A-1B, the hose body has a first end 11 and a second end 12 that oppose each other and have a circular cross-section. A handle 21 extends radially outward from a first predetermined position of the hose body to an engagement ring 22, defining a first hose portion extending from the first end 11 to the first predetermined position and a second hose portion 13 extending from the second end 12 to the first predetermined position. The engagement ring 22 has a radial orientation aligned with the hose body and is configured to provide an interference fit with the hose body. A stop protrusion 3 protrudes from the second predetermined position of the first hose portion and defines a folded portion 14 extending from the first predetermined position to the second predetermined position, and an inserted portion 15 extending from the first end 11 to the second predetermined position.

[0044] The length of the folded portion 14 and the length of the handle 21 in the radial direction (i.e., the radial direction of the hose body) are set to have a certain ratio, specifically between 2 and 5. This ensures that when the insertion portion 15 is fully inserted into the coupling ring 22, the folded portion 14 is folded in the absence of external forces to prevent liquid from flowing in the hose body. Moreover, when the hose body is subjected to axial tension, the folded portion 14 is at least partially unfolded as the handle 21 is stretched, thereby allowing liquid to flow freely in the hose body. FIG. 1B schematically illustrates that the length of the folded portion 14 is L1 and the length of the handle 21 is L2, i.e., the ratio L1 / L2 is between 2 and 5.

[0045] It should be understood that Figures 1A-1B show the elastic hose component 100 in an initial state, which can be, for example, the state of the elastic hose component 100 when it is produced by means of a process such as injection molding. Figures 2A and 3A show the folded state of the elastic hose component 100, which can be, for example, the state of the elastic hose component 100 when the entire infusion circuit of the medical liquid infusion device has been assembled and the infusion operation has not yet started. Figures 2B, 3B and Figure 4 show the unfolded state of the elastic hose component 100, which can be, for example, the state of the elastic hose component 100 when the medical liquid infusion device is in an infusion operation or is about to perform an infusion operation.

[0046] For example, as shown in Figures 2B and 3B, the hose body is subjected to axial tension so that the folded portion 14 is partially unfolded, which is not completely straightened but slightly bent. However, this slightly bent folded portion 14 obviously does not create any obstruction to the liquid flowing through the middle.

[0047] With reference to the various states shown in the above figures, it can be understood that when the elastic hose component 100 is in its initial state, the first end 11 of the hose body is simply bent and inserted into the engagement ring 22 until the stop protrusion 3 abuts the engagement ring 22. The elastic hose component 100 will then elastically enter its folded state. While in this folded state, if the entire hose body is slightly stretched axially or an external force causes the handle 21 to be extended, the folded portion 14 will unfold, causing the elastic hose component 100 to enter its expanded state.

[0048] The inner diameter of the engagement ring 22 is slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the hose body to achieve an interference fit, allowing the hose body to be bent and inserted into the engagement ring 22 without sliding relative to the engagement ring 22. The length of the handle 21 is the distance between the engagement ring 22 and the hose body, i.e., the distance between the engagement ring 22 and the outer circumference of the hose body at their closest point. Specifically, as shown in FIG1C , the handle 21 extends along its length (i.e., the vertical direction in FIG1C ) between the engagement ring 22 and the hose body (shown as the insertion portion 15 of the hose body). The length of the handle 21 is defined as the shortest distance between the engagement ring 22 and the hose body in FIG1C , i.e., the distance between the lower end of the outer circumference of the engagement ring 22 shown in FIG1C and the upper end of the outer circumference of the hose body (although not shown in FIG1C ).

[0049] Furthermore, referring still to FIG1C , according to some preferred embodiments, to enhance the strength of the handle 21 and its connection with the coupling ring 22 and the hose body, the width of the handle 21 (i.e., the transverse direction in FIG1C ) is no less than the inner diameter of the hose body. When the folded portion 14 is at least partially unfolded by stretching the handle 21, i.e., when the elastic hose component 100 is moved from a folded state to an unfolded state, the elastic hose component 100 is subjected to significant external forces, potentially causing stress concentration and structural weaknesses, primarily at the connection between the handle 21, the coupling ring 22, and the hose body. The design of a handle 21 no less than the inner diameter of the hose body largely eliminates these structural weaknesses, thereby helping to extend the service life of the elastic hose component 100.

[0050] 2A-2B , the stopper protrusion 3 defines the maximum length of the first end 11 of the hose body that can be bent and inserted into the engagement ring 22, i.e., the insertion portion 15 is fully inserted into the engagement ring 22. Due to the length difference between the insertion portion 15 and the handle 21, as well as the stretchability and elasticity of the hose body and the handle 21, when the insertion portion 15 is fully inserted into the engagement ring 22, a fold angle of, for example, 90° or less is formed in the folded portion 14, thereby blocking the liquid passage in the hose. When the folded portion 14 is at least partially unfolded, the fold angle disappears. In other words, when this portion of the hose body is subjected to axial tension (meaning a force having at least a component in the axial direction of the hose body or a force that causes the hose to be stretched longer), it is stretched to a certain extent, becoming straighter or forming an arc-shaped bend. At this time, the passage in the hose body allows free flow of liquid.

[0051] It should also be understood that the maximum length of insertion into the engagement ring 22, defined by the stop protrusion 3, results in the same folding angle and corresponding extension of the handle 21 each time the insertion portion 15 is fully inserted into the engagement ring 22. When the force causing the folding portion 14 to at least partially unfold disappears, the elasticity of the handle 21 and the limiting effect of the stop protrusion 3 will drive the folding portion 14 to return to its previous folded state, thereby re-blocking the liquid passage in the hose.

[0052] According to some preferred embodiments, the ratio of the length of the folding portion 14 to the length of the handle 21, that is, the ratio of L1 / L2 is between 3 and 4, and the elastic material is silicone with a breaking elongation greater than 400% and a tear strength greater than 30 MPa, wherein the tear strength defines the force that the material can withstand per unit cross-sectional area. Under the action of an external force that does not exceed the force and the breaking elongation, the material can basically restore its original shape by elastic deformation. The combination of the above-mentioned material properties and the set ratio L1 / L2 not only improves the service life of the elastic hose component 100, but also takes into account the following two characteristics: on the one hand, the elastic hose component 100 in the folded state reliably and completely prevents the flow of liquid in the hose body (i.e., reliable anti-self-flow property); on the other hand, when it is desired to at least partially unfold the folded portion 14 to allow free flow of liquid in the hose body, only a certain axial tension is required to stretch the handle 21 and fully unfold the folded portion 14, without applying a very large tension that may cause damage to certain parts of the elastic hose component 100, such as the handle 21 or the coupling ring 22.

[0053] With further reference to Figures 2A and 3A , it can be seen that when the insertion portion 15 is fully inserted into the coupling ring 22, the folded portion 14 is relatively small and occupies a small space. This means that the risk of an operator or other person accidentally unfolding the folded portion 14 or detaching from the coupling ring 22 and returning it to its initial state due to misoperation is reduced. Furthermore, even if the folded portion 14 is briefly unfolded due to accidental contact by the operator or other person, the elastic deformation capability of the handle 21 can quickly return the folded portion 14 to its folded state, thereby re-blocking the liquid passage in the hose.

[0054] Based on this preferred embodiment, according to some more specific examples, the inner diameter of the hose body can be between 1.5 mm and 3 mm, the sidewall thickness can be between 0.6 mm and 1.2 mm, the length L1 of the folded portion 14 can be between 10 mm and 30 mm (L2 is determined according to the aforementioned ratio), the length L3 of the insert 15 is not less than 5 mm, the length of the second hose portion 13 is greater than 60 mm, and optionally, the dimension L4 of the engagement ring 22 along the axial direction of the hose body is between approximately 3 mm and 4 mm. In a more specific example, the length L1 of the folded portion 14 of the hose body is approximately 16 mm, the length L2 of the handle 21 is approximately 5 mm, the length L3 of the insert 15 is approximately 10 mm, and the dimension L4 of the engagement ring 22 along the axial direction of the hose body is approximately 3.5 mm.

[0055] More specifically, when the elastic hose component 100 is made of silicone material by injection molding, for the purpose of facilitating processing and manufacturing, the side wall thickness of the hose body, the side wall thickness of the coupling ring 22, and the thickness of the handle 21 (such as the axial dimension of the handle 21 along the hose body as shown in FIG. 1B ) can be substantially the same, all around 1.0 mm.

[0056] Alternatively or additionally, the stop protrusion 3 can be formed in the form of a stop ring. However, preferably, the stop protrusion 3 is formed as an annular protrusion along the circumference of the hose body. The annular protrusion is truncated on the same side as the engagement ring 22, so that the height of the annular protrusion at the truncated portion 31 does not exceed half the height of the other portions. It will be appreciated that Figures 1A-1B schematically illustrate an annular protrusion that is truncated on the same side as the engagement ring 22. For easier understanding, Figure 1D shows an example of this type of annular protrusion in a cross-sectional schematic diagram, where the innermost ring represents the inner surface of the hose body, the middle ring represents the outer surface of the hose body, and the truncated portion 31 of the annular protrusion is located at the top.

[0057] The truncated side of the annular protrusion, i.e., the same side as the coupling ring 22, is located at the top in FIG. 1D , while in FIG. 2A , it is located to the left of the stop protrusion 3 shown therein and near the right end of the handle 21. Referring to FIG. 1D and FIG. 2A , the stop protrusion 3 being truncated on the same side as the coupling ring 22 can achieve the following technical effect: when a force is applied to stretch the elastic hose component 100 in the folded state shown in FIG. 2A , the left end of the coupling ring 22 (i.e., the connection with the handle 21) will elastically deform in the same direction as the handle 21. As a result, the handle 21 and the half of the coupling ring 22 connected to the handle 21 can elastically deform more uniformly under the action of the external force, resulting in more uniform elastic deformation.

[0058] In contrast, the retaining protrusion 3 in the form of a complete limiting ring will cause the left end of the coupling ring 22 (i.e., the connection with the handle 21) to first deform along the radial direction of the corresponding part of the hose body due to the limiting effect of the limiting ring. For example, as can be seen from Figure 2A, there is a significant angle between the radial direction of this part of the hose body and the extension direction of the handle 21, which means that the elastic deformation of the handle 21 and the half coupling ring 22 connected to the handle 21 will be relatively uneven.

[0059] According to some further preferred embodiments, the height of the annular protrusion at the flattened portion 31 is 10% to 30% of the height of the remaining portion. In tests, this preferred design achieved a good balance between the following two aspects: preventing the engagement ring 22 from disengaging from the retaining protrusion 3 when the hose is stretched, and ensuring that the elastic deformation of the handle 21 and the half engagement ring 22 connected to the handle 21 is more consistent when the folded portion 14 of the hose body is unfolded, thereby improving service life.

[0060] Alternatively or additionally, with particular reference to Figures 1A-1B , according to other embodiments, the hose body includes an annular reinforcement portion 23 at a first predetermined location, with the proximal end of the handle 21 connected to the annular reinforcement portion 23. In particular, the height of the annular reinforcement portion 23 does not exceed half the thickness of the sidewall of the engagement ring 22. Referring to Figure 1B , according to some more specific examples, the axial dimension of the annular reinforcement portion 23 is larger than the axial dimension of the handle 21 and smaller than the axial dimension of the engagement ring 22, and the width of the handle 21 is no less than the inner diameter of the hose body. The term "axial dimension" refers to the dimension along the axial direction of the hose body, while the width of the handle 21 refers to its dimension perpendicular to the axial and radial directions of the hose body, i.e., the transverse dimension shown in Figure 1C .

[0061] When the folded portion 14 is unfolded by tension, thereby moving the elastic hose component 100 from a folded state to an unfolded state, the most vulnerable location is the connection between the handle 21, the hose body, and the coupling ring 22. This is particularly so when, as described above, the sidewall thicknesses of the hose body, the coupling ring 22, and the handle 21 are set to the same dimensions for ease of manufacturing. Therefore, the specific design with the annular reinforcement portion 23 also provides some reinforcement at the connection between the handle 21 and the hose body, further extending the service life of the elastic hose component 100, particularly by maintaining its elastic deformation and recovery capabilities during long-term use, and reducing the risk of damage if an operator inadvertently applies excessive force to unfold the folded portion 14.

[0062] 3A-3C , some preferred embodiments of the present disclosure further provide a liquid communication assembly for a medical fluid infusion device, comprising a pump tube structure 400 and the elastic hose component 100 described above. Pump tube structure 400 is made of a non-elastic material and comprises two independent conduits, each of which has a truncated-conical first interface 41 and a cylindrical second interface 42. The outer diameter of the bottom cross-section of the truncated-conical first interface 41 is greater than the inner diameter of the hose body, allowing the first end 11 and second end 12 of the hose body to be respectively sleeved and fixed to the first interface 41 of the two conduits. The second interface 42 is configured to accommodate and connect to the liquid output port and liquid input port of the medical fluid infusion device.

[0063] 4 , some preferred embodiments of the present disclosure further provide a medical liquid infusion device, comprising a peristaltic pump device 600 and the aforementioned liquid connection assembly comprising a pump tube structure 400 and an elastic hose component 100. The peristaltic pump device 600 comprises three positioning posts 61 arranged in an inverted triangle in FIG4 as fixed elements (several are shown in the figure) and a peristaltic pump motor as a driving mechanism. The peristaltic pump motor comprises a motor rotor that can rotate in a controlled manner (e.g., clockwise) about a rotor pivot axis 62 of the peristaltic pump motor, and the positioning posts 61 are fixedly arranged relative to the motor rotor and the rotor pivot axis 62.

[0064] More specifically, as shown in FIG4 , the first and second ends 11 and 12 of the hose body are respectively secured to the first ports 41 of the two conduits, while the second port 42 connects to the liquid inflow channel 51 and liquid outflow channel 52 of the medical fluid infusion device. For example, the liquid inflow channel 51 can be a flexible tube connected to a medical fluid source, and the liquid outflow channel 52 can be a flexible tube connected to a syringe. The positioning posts 61 are configured to secure the hose body, while the pump tube structure 400 is secured by other fixtures or other securing elements (not shown in FIG4 ). This allows the hose body to be stretched so that the folded portion 14 is at least partially unfolded, thereby allowing the fluid from the medical fluid source to flow freely within the hose body. The drive mechanism is arranged to be associated with the second hose portion 13, thereby allowing the fluid from the medical fluid source to flow through the hose body at a controlled flow rate. Based on the operating principles of known peristaltic pumps, it can be understood that in the position shown in FIG4 , the hose, which is attached or sleeved on the upper two positioning posts 61, is simultaneously secured and stretched, thereby causing the folded portion to be stretched to at least partially unfolded, allowing the fluid to flow freely therethrough. When the motor rotor is controlled to rotate clockwise around the rotor pivot axis 62, the three positioning posts 61 rotate around the rotor pivot axis 62 and return to the state shown in Figure 4 each time the rotation reaches about 120 degrees. During the rotation of the motor rotor, the fluid in the hose flows in a controlled manner.

[0065] It can be understood that in the medical liquid infusion device shown in FIG4 , the elastic hose component 100 is arranged to be associated with the peristaltic pump device 600. That is, a portion of the hose body (a section of the second hose portion 13) is used as the hose of the peristaltic pump device 600, so that the peristaltic pump device controls the flow of liquid in the hose, such as the flow rate.

[0066] It should be noted that the folded portion 14 of the hose body generally does not need to be unfolded to the nearly straight state shown in FIG. 4 , but can be in a curved state (i.e., a partially unfolded state) with a folding angle not less than 90°. The folded portion 14 in this curved state is still sufficient to allow liquid to flow through the hose, such as shown in FIG. 2B and FIG. 3B . Furthermore, the positioning post 61 shown in FIG. 4 is merely an example. Any other type of fixing element or assembly capable of maintaining the elastic hose component 100 in its unfolded state is suitable for use with the elastic hose component 100 described above.

[0067] With further reference to FIG. 4 , in the state shown in FIG. 4 , the medical fluid infusion device may be in the process of performing an infusion. If, due to an operator's or another person's misoperation or contact, the elastic hose component 100 detaches from the positioning post 61, the folding portion 14 will then quickly return to its folded state under the elastic force of the handle 21, thereby blocking the fluid passage in the hose and temporarily halting the infusion until the operator repositions the elastic hose component 100. This prevents the risk of an accident during an infusion operation causing the medical fluid to be delivered to the patient in an uncontrolled manner or at an uncontrolled rate. For example, if the medical fluid is being delivered to the patient at a predetermined rate under the control of the peristaltic pump device 600 and the elastic hose component 100 accidentally detaches and is no longer under the control of the peristaltic pump device 600, the hose component, if not folded as described above, will allow the medical fluid to flow freely therein, posing a significant risk to the patient.

[0068] Compared to the prior art, the medical liquid infusion device, liquid communication assembly, and elastic hose component used therefor according to the above-described preferred embodiment of the present disclosure can provide a more reliable design for preventing free flow of liquid, thereby minimizing the risk of accidental or undesirable liquid flow or infusion in the medical liquid infusion device or tubing. Furthermore, when, for example, the elastic hose component is improperly installed on a peristaltic pump or in a position associated with the peristaltic pump, the free flow of medical liquid can be automatically prevented. Furthermore, the design of this elastic hose component can also allow medical personnel to conveniently check the current operating status of the liquid infusion device (i.e., whether free flow of liquid is permitted or whether liquid is currently flowing through the hose).

[0069] The elastic hose component according to the preferred embodiment of the present disclosure has the advantages of being relatively cheap and easy to use, and is particularly suitable for medical infusion devices such as intravenous infusion devices and pump tube devices for enteral nutrition delivery.

[0070] Although specific embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, those skilled in the art will appreciate that these are merely illustrative and that the scope of protection of the present disclosure is defined by the appended claims. Those skilled in the art may make various changes or modifications to these embodiments without departing from the principles and essence of the present disclosure, and such changes and modifications are intended to fall within the scope of protection of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. An elastic hose component for medical liquid infusion equipment, It is characterized in that The elastic hose component is integrally formed of an elastic material into a single piece and comprises: a hose body having a first end and a second end opposite to each other and having a circular cross-section; an engagement ring and a shank, the shank extending radially outward from a first predetermined position of the hose body to the engagement ring and defining a first hose portion extending from the first end to the first predetermined position and a second hose portion extending from the second end to the first predetermined position, the engagement ring having a radial direction consistent with the hose body, and the engagement ring being configured to be interference fit with the hose body; a stop protrusion protruding from a second predetermined position of the first hose portion and defining a folding portion from the first predetermined position to the second predetermined position and an insertion portion from the first end to the second predetermined position; The ratio of the length of the folded portion to the length of the handle in the radial direction is between 2 and 5, so that when the insertion portion is completely inserted into the engagement ring, the folded portion is folded to prevent liquid from flowing in the hose body without being acted upon by external force, and when the hose body is subjected to axial tension, the folded portion is at least partially unfolded as the handle is stretched, thereby allowing liquid to flow freely in the hose body.

2. The elastic hose component for medical liquid infusion equipment according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The stop protrusion is formed as an annular protrusion along the circumferential direction of the hose body, and the annular protrusion is flattened on the same side as the engagement ring so that the height of the annular protrusion at the flattened portion does not exceed half of the height of the other portions.

3. The elastic hose component for medical liquid infusion equipment according to claim 2, It is characterized in that The height of the annular protrusion at the truncated portion is 10% to 30% of the height of the other portions.

4. The elastic hose component for a medical liquid infusion device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, It is characterized in that The hose body has an annular reinforcement portion at the first predetermined position, and the proximal end of the handle is connected to the annular reinforcement portion.

5. The elastic hose component for medical liquid infusion equipment according to claim 4, It is characterized in that The height of the annular reinforcement portion does not exceed half of the thickness of the side wall of the engagement ring.

6. The elastic hose component for medical liquid infusion equipment according to claim 4, It is characterized in that The axial dimension of the annular reinforcement portion is larger than the axial dimension of the shank and smaller than the axial dimension of the engagement ring, and the width of the shank is not less than the inner diameter of the hose body.

7. The elastic hose component for a medical liquid infusion device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, It is characterized in that The ratio of the length of the folded portion to the length of the handle is between 3 and 4, and the elastic material is silicone with a breaking elongation greater than 400% and a tear strength greater than 30 MPa.

8. The elastic hose component for medical liquid infusion equipment according to claim 7, It is characterized in that The inner diameter of the hose body is between 1.5 mm and 3 mm, the side wall thickness is between 0.6 mm and 1.2 mm, the length of the folded portion is between 10 mm and 30 mm, the insertion portion is not less than 5 mm, and the length of the second hose portion is greater than 60 mm.

9. A liquid communication assembly for a medical liquid infusion device, It is characterized in that The liquid communication assembly comprises a pump tube structure and an elastic hose component for a medical liquid infusion device according to any one of claims 1 to 8; The pump tube structure is made of non-elastic material and has two independent pipelines, each of which has a truncated cone-shaped first interface and a cylindrical second interface. The outer diameter of the bottom cross-section of the truncated cone-shaped first interface is larger than the inner diameter of the hose body, so that the first end and the second end of the hose body are respectively mounted and fixed on the first interfaces of the two pipelines, and the second interface is constructed to accommodate and connect the liquid output port and the liquid input port of the medical liquid infusion device.

10. A medical liquid infusion device, It is characterized in that The medical liquid infusion device comprises a peristaltic pump device and a liquid communication assembly for a medical liquid infusion device according to claim 9, wherein the peristaltic pump device comprises: a fixing element configured to fix the pump tube structure and the hose body so that the hose body is stretched so that the folded portion is at least partially unfolded, thereby allowing free flow of liquid in the hose body; and A drive mechanism is arranged in association with the second hose portion so as to cause liquid to flow in the hose body at a controlled flow rate.

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