Fluid pumping device

Abstract

The problem addressed by the present invention is to provide a fluid pumping device (1) having a small number of components and high handleability.　This fluid pumping device (1) is provided with: a bag-shaped balloon pump (2) that can elastically expand and contract and that defines a pump chamber (20) therein; and a flow path unit (3) that has at least a portion of a flow path (P) that communicates with the pump chamber (20). The balloon pump (2) and the flow path unit (3) are integrally disposed. The flow path (P) has a supply path (P1) for supplying fluid (L) to the pump chamber (20), and a discharge path (P2) for discharging the fluid (L) from the pump chamber (20). The pressure loss of the discharge path (P2) is greater than the pressure loss of the supply path (P1).

Description

Fluid pumping device

[0001] The present disclosure relates to fluid pumping devices used, for example, to supply liquid to biomimetic system devices.

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a liquid supply device for supplying water to a mouse. The liquid supply device in this document includes a case and a balloon. A first shaft is disposed at one axial end (the outflow end) of the balloon, and a second shaft is disposed at the other axial end (the filling end).

[0003] When filling the balloon with water, a liquid source is connected to the filling port of the second shaft. Water is filled into the balloon through the filling port. The outlet of the first shaft is connected to a pipe with a valve. When filling the balloon with water, the valve is closed. Once the balloon is filled with water, the filling port is sealed with a lid. When supplying water to a mouse from the balloon, the valve of the pipe is switched from closed to open. Water flows out of the balloon through the outlet of the first shaft.

[0004] JP 2016-88602 A

[0005] In the liquid supply device of the same document, when filling a balloon with water through a filling port, it is necessary to prevent water from flowing out of the balloon through an outlet. Therefore, a valve must be placed on the outlet side. This increases the number of parts. Furthermore, the piping and valves are independent of the liquid supply device. Therefore, when moving the liquid supply device, it is necessary to move the piping and valves in addition to the liquid supply device. This reduces handleability. Therefore, the present disclosure aims to provide a fluid pumping device with a small number of parts and high handleability.

[0006] (1) In order to solve the above problem, the fluid pumping device of the present disclosure is a fluid pumping device that includes a bag-shaped balloon pump that can elastically expand and contract and defines a pump chamber therein, and a flow path unit that has at least a part of a flow path that communicates with the pump chamber, wherein the balloon pump and the flow path unit are integrally arranged, and the flow path has a supply path that supplies fluid to the pump chamber and a discharge path that discharges the fluid from the pump chamber, and the pressure loss is greater in the discharge path than in the supply path.

[0007] Here, the term "integrally arranged" includes a configuration in which the balloon pump and at least a portion of the flow path unit are one piece (a single member formed by integral molding, etc.), and a configuration in which the balloon pump and the flow path unit are combined (a composite member integrated by adhesion, bonding, assembly, etc.). In this configuration, the balloon pump and the flow path unit are integrally arranged. This allows for easy handling.

[0008] This configuration utilizes the elastic force of the balloon pump to discharge fluid from the pump chamber. This allows fluid to be pumped without a power source. This eliminates the need for power supply components (such as a power cord). This reduces the number of parts required and makes the device easy to handle.

[0009] With this configuration, the pressure loss is greater in the discharge path than in the supply path. Therefore, when fluid is supplied to the pump chamber through the supply path, it is possible to prevent the fluid from flowing out of the pump chamber through the discharge path. Therefore, when supplying fluid to the pump chamber, it is not necessary to block the discharge path using, for example, a valve. This reduces the number of parts.

[0010] On the other hand, when the fluid is discharged from the pump chamber through the discharge path, the pressure loss in the discharge path counteracts the contraction force (discharge pressure) of the balloon pump. This prevents a large amount of fluid from being discharged from the pump chamber in a short period of time. Therefore, the fluid can be continuously discharged from the pump chamber in small amounts.

[0011] (1-1) In the configuration of (1) above, it is preferable to further include a check valve that prevents backflow of the fluid in the supply passage. This configuration can prevent the fluid from flowing out (backflowing) from the pump chamber to the outside via the supply passage.

[0012] (1-2) In the configuration of (1) or (1-1) above, it is preferable that the flow path has a common section that is shared by the supply path and the discharge path and that is connected to the pump chamber. According to this configuration, the portion of the supply path that is connected to the pump chamber and the portion of the discharge path that is connected to the pump chamber are shared as a common section. Therefore, the overall length of the flow path can be shortened compared to when no common section is provided.

[0013] (2) In any of the configurations (1) to (1-2) above, the flow path unit is preferably configured to have a supply section having at least a part of the supply path, a discharge section having at least a part of the discharge path, and a pump accommodating section partitioned between the supply section and the discharge section and accommodating the balloon pump.

[0014] When fluid is supplied to the pump chamber, the pump chamber, i.e., the balloon pump, expands. On the other hand, when fluid is discharged from the pump chamber, the pump chamber, i.e., the balloon pump, contracts. With this configuration, a pump housing section is defined between the supply section and the discharge section. This allows for sufficient space for the balloon pump to expand and contract.

[0015] (3) In the configuration of (2) above, the juxtaposition direction of the supply section and the discharge section is the axial direction, and the flow path unit connects the supply section and the discharge section, is juxtaposed to the pump accommodating section, and has a sheet-like substrate extending in the axial direction, the flow path has an extension section disposed on the substrate, and the extension section has a length in the axial direction longer than that of the pump accommodating section.

[0016] According to this configuration, the base material can secure a pump housing between the supply portion and the discharge portion. Furthermore, the extension portion has a longer axial length than the pump housing portion. This allows for greater flexibility in the shape, size, and placement of the extension portion. Furthermore, the base material is juxtaposed to the pump housing portion, i.e., the balloon pump. This prevents interference between the balloon pump and an adjacent component adjacent to the balloon pump across the base material.

[0017] (4) In the configuration of (2) or (3) above, the juxtaposition direction of the supply section and the discharge section is defined as the axial direction, the direction perpendicular to the axial direction is defined as the axial-perpendicular direction, the state in which the balloon pump contracts and the amount of fluid stored in the pump chamber is minimized is defined as the contracted state, and the state in which the balloon pump expands and the amount of fluid stored in the pump chamber is maximized is defined as the expanded state. In the contracted state, the balloon pump is accommodated in the pump accommodating section with excess space remaining in the axial direction, and when transitioning from the contracted state to the expanded state, the balloon pump is preferably configured to expand more in the axial direction than in the axial-perpendicular direction.

[0018] According to this configuration, the balloon pump can be inflated by utilizing the excess space in the pump housing, i.e., the excess space in the pump housing can be utilized to store the fluid.

[0019] (5) In the configuration of (2) or (3) above, the juxtaposition direction of the supply section and the discharge section is defined as the axial direction, the direction perpendicular to the axial direction is defined as the axial direction, the state in which the balloon pump contracts and the amount of fluid stored in the pump chamber is minimized is defined as the contracted state, and the state in which the balloon pump expands and the amount of fluid stored in the pump chamber is maximized is defined as the expanded state. One axial end of the balloon pump is fixed to the supply section and the other axial end is fixed to the discharge section, and in the contracted state, the balloon pump is suspended in mid-air. When transitioning from the contracted state to the expanded state, the balloon pump expands in the axial direction.

[0020] According to this configuration, in the deflated state, the balloon pump is suspended between the supply portion and the discharge portion. The balloon pump is spaced apart from adjacent members. This prevents interference between the balloon pump and adjacent members. Furthermore, when transitioning from the deflated state to the expanded state, the balloon pump expands primarily in the direction perpendicular to the axis. This prevents the balloon pump from sliding against adjacent members in the axial direction.

[0021] (6) In any of the configurations (1) to (5) above, the discharge channel may preferably have a microchannel portion having a smaller cross-sectional area than the supply channel. According to this configuration, the discharge channel has a microchannel portion. Therefore, the pressure loss in the discharge channel can be easily set to be larger than the pressure loss in the supply channel.

[0022] (7) In any of the configurations (1) to (6) above, it is preferable that the supply path and the discharge path have at least one of the following relationships (A) to (C): (A) The cross-sectional area of ​​the discharge path is smaller than that of the supply path. (B) The length of the discharge path is longer than that of the supply path. (C) The supply path and the discharge path have different flow path shapes.

[0023] In the case of (A), by creating a difference in the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path, in the case of (B), by creating a difference in the length of the flow path, and in the case of (C), by creating a difference in the shape of the flow path, it is possible to easily set the pressure loss in the discharge path to be larger than the pressure loss in the supply path.

[0024] (8) In any of the configurations (1) to (7) above, the wall of the balloon pump preferably includes a base wall and a thick wall having a greater wall thickness than the base wall. With this configuration, due to the difference in wall thickness, the thick wall has a greater spring constant than the base wall when the balloon pump expands or contracts. Therefore, the thick wall can apply a greater load (elastic restoring force) to the fluid when the balloon pump contracts (discharges) than the base wall. Therefore, the discharge pressure of the balloon pump can be increased compared to a balloon pump without a thick wall. By partially providing a thick wall in the balloon pump, the discharge pressure can be easily adjusted.

[0025] (8-1) In the configuration of (8) above, it is preferable that the extension direction of the pump housing portion be the axial direction, and the circular direction around the central axis of the balloon pump extending in the axial direction be the circumferential direction, and that the thick wall portion be a portion of the wall of the balloon pump that includes a circumferential rib extending in the circumferential direction. With this configuration, the thick wall portion can be arranged along the circumferential direction of the balloon pump.

[0026] (8-2) In the configuration of (8) or (8-1) above, it is preferable that the extension direction of the pump housing section is the axial direction, and the thick wall section is a portion of the wall section of the balloon pump that includes an axial rib extending in the axial direction. With this configuration, the thick wall section can be arranged along the axial direction of the balloon pump.

[0027] (9) In any of the configurations (1) to (8-2) above, the balloon pump is preferably made of PDMS. PDMS (polydimethylsiloxane) has high demoldability. Therefore, according to this configuration, when a balloon pump is manufactured using a molding die, the shape precision of the balloon pump can be increased. Furthermore, PDMS has high gas permeability. Therefore, the gas permeability of the balloon pump can be increased.

[0028] (10) In any of the configurations (1) to (9) above, it is preferable that the balloon pump and at least a portion of the flow path unit are integrated. This configuration can improve the relative positioning accuracy of the balloon pump and the flow path unit. It also reduces the number of parts in the fluid pumping device. There is also no seam between the balloon pump and the flow path unit. This improves the sealing performance between the pump chamber and the flow path.

[0029] (11) In any of the configurations (1) to (10) above, it is preferable to have a connector disposed between the flow path unit and an adjacent member, the connector being detachable from at least one of the flow path unit and the adjacent member. This configuration allows for easy connection and disconnection of the fluid pumping device to an adjacent member (e.g., an upstream device connected to the upstream side of the supply path, a downstream device connected to the downstream side of the discharge path, etc.).

[0030] According to the fluid pumping device of the present disclosure, the number of parts can be reduced and handling can be improved.

[0031] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a fluid pumping device according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the fluid pumping device in the front-rear direction. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line III-III in FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of the area enclosed by a box IV in FIG. 2. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the fluid pumping device in the front-rear direction when the balloon pump transitions from a contracted state to an expanded state. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the fluid pumping device in the front-rear direction when the balloon pump transitions from an expanded state to a contracted state. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a fluid pumping device according to a second embodiment. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a balloon pump of a fluid pumping device according to a third embodiment. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a fluid pumping device according to a fourth embodiment. FIG. 10(A) is a transparent top view of a base material of a fluid pumping device according to another embodiment (part 1). FIG. 10(B) is a transparent top view of a base material of a fluid pumping device according to another embodiment (part 2). FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a fluid pumping device according to another embodiment (part 3).

[0032] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a fluid pumping device according to the present disclosure will be described.

[0033] First Embodiment FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a fluid pumping device according to this embodiment. FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the fluid pumping device taken along the line III-III in FIG. 2 (direction perpendicular to the axis). FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view taken along the line III-III in FIG. 2 (direction perpendicular to the axis). FIG. 4 shows an enlarged view of the area enclosed by a box IV in FIG. 2. The balloon pump shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 is in a deflated state. The upstream connector 5 and downstream connector 6 shown in FIG. 1 do not appear in the cross section shown in FIG. 2. Therefore, for ease of explanation, FIG. 2 shows a section p1 extending from the upstream connector 5 shown in FIG. 1 and a section p13 extending from the downstream connector 6 shown in FIG. 1 as straight lines. Furthermore, sections p2 and p12 extending in the left-right direction in FIG. 1 (direction perpendicular to the cross section of FIG. 2) are indicated by a dot in FIG. 2.

[0034] 1 to 4, the fluid pumping device 1 includes a balloon pump 2, a flow path unit 3, a balloon connector 4, an upstream connector 5, a downstream connector 6, and a flow path P. The upstream connector 5 and the downstream connector 6 are included in the concept of a "connection portion" in this disclosure.

[0035] The fluid pumping device 1 is capable of supplying a liquid (culture medium) L (see FIGS. 5 and 6 described below) to a microphysiological system (MPS) device 91 without requiring any power source. The liquid L is included in the concept of "fluid" in the present disclosure.

[0036] (Balloon Pump 2) As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the balloon pump 2 is made of PDMS and has a cylindrical shape that is long in the front-to-rear direction (axial direction). The balloon pump 2 is elastically deformable. A pump chamber 20 is defined inside the balloon pump 2. The volume of the pump chamber 20 is deformable in response to deformation of the balloon pump 2. A pair of upper and lower axial ribs 21 are arranged on the outer surface of a wall portion 22 of the balloon pump 2.

[0037] 3, the portion of the wall 22 of the balloon pump 2 where the axial ribs 21 are arranged is the thick wall portion 22a. The portion where the axial ribs 21 are not arranged is the base wall portion 22b. The thick wall portion 22a has a greater wall thickness than the base wall portion 22b by the amount where the axial ribs 21 are arranged.

[0038] 1 and 2 , the flow path unit 3 is disposed integrally with the balloon pump 2 via a balloon connector 4 (described later). The flow path unit 3 includes a supply section 30, a discharge section 31, a pump housing section 32, and a substrate 33.

[0039] As shown in Figures 2 and 4, the base material 33 is made of resin and has a rectangular plate (sheet) shape. The base material 33 extends in the front-rear direction. The base material 33 has a multi-layer structure. That is, the base material 33 includes a first layer 330 and a second layer 331. The second layer 331 is laminated on the upper surface of the first layer 330.

[0040] As shown in Fig. 2, the supply unit 30 is made of resin and has a rectangular block shape. The supply unit 30 is fixed to the rear end (one axial end) of the upper surface of the second layer 331. The discharge unit 31 is made of resin and has a rectangular block shape. The discharge unit 31 is fixed to the front end (the other axial end) of the upper surface of the second layer 331. In this way, the supply unit 30 and the discharge unit 31 are connected in the front-rear direction via the base material 33.

[0041] As shown in Fig. 2, the pump housing section 32 is defined between the supply section 30 and the discharge section 31. The balloon pump 2 is housed in the pump housing section 32. The pump housing section 32 extends in the front-rear direction. The pump housing sections 32 are arranged side by side in the vertical direction on the base material 33.

[0042] (Balloon Connector 4) The balloon connector 4 is made of resin and is disposed in the pump housing portion 32 as shown in FIG. 2. The balloon connector 4 is disposed on the front surface of the supply portion 30 (the outer surface on the pump housing portion 32 side). The balloon connector 4 is connected to the balloon pump 2. The balloon connector 4 connects the supply portion 30 (flow path P) and the balloon pump 2 (pump chamber 20). The balloon connector 4 is detachable from the supply portion 30 and the balloon pump 2. The balloon connector 4 has the same configuration as the upstream connector 5 and downstream connector 6 described below.

[0043] (Upstream Connector 5) As shown in FIG. 1 , the upstream connector 5 is made of resin and is disposed on the right surface (outer surface) of the supply unit 30. A liquid supply device (upstream device) 90 is connected to the upstream connector 5 via a tube 90a shown in FIG. 2 . The tube 90a is included in the concept of "adjacent member" in this disclosure. The upstream connector 5 connects the supply unit 30 (flow path P) and the tube 90a. The upstream connector 5 is detachable from the supply unit 30 and the tube 90a.

[0044] (Downstream Connector 6) As shown in FIG. 1, the downstream connector 6 is made of resin and is disposed on the left surface (outer surface) of the discharge portion 31. A biomimetic system device (downstream equipment) 91 is connected to the downstream connector 6 via a tube 91a shown in FIG. 2. The tube 91a is included in the concept of "adjacent member" in this disclosure. The downstream connector 6 connects the discharge portion 31 (flow path P) and the tube 91a. The downstream connector 6 is detachable from the discharge portion 31 and the tube 91a.

[0045] 1, 2, and 4, the flow path P has sections p1 to p13. The flow path P is arranged across the flow path unit 3, the balloon connector 4, the upstream connector 5, and the downstream connector 6. That is, the flow path unit 3, the balloon connector 4, the upstream connector 5, and the downstream connector 6 each have a portion of the flow path P.

[0046] Specifically, the upstream connector 5 is provided with section p1, the supply unit 30 with sections p2 to p3 and p5, the balloon connector 4 with section p4, the second layer 331 with sections p6 and p10, the first layer 330 with sections p7 to p9, the discharge unit 31 with sections p11 to p12, and the downstream connector 6 with section p13. A check valve p1a is provided in section p1, i.e., the upstream connector 5. The check valve p1a allows the liquid L to flow only from the upstream side (the upstream side in the flow direction of the liquid L (see Figures 5 and 6 described below)) to the downstream side (the downstream side in the flow direction of the liquid L).

[0047] As shown in Figures 2 and 4, the flow path P includes a supply path P1 and a discharge path P2. The supply path P1 is disposed between the tube 90a and the pump chamber 20. The liquid L is supplied from the liquid supply device 90 to the pump chamber 20 via the supply path P1. The supply path P1 includes sections p1 to p4 out of sections p1 to p13. The sections p1 to p4 are connected in this order from upstream to downstream. The upstream end section p1 is connected to the tube 90a. The downstream end section p4 is connected to the pump chamber 20.

[0048] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the discharge channel P2 is disposed between the pump chamber 20 and the tube 91a. The liquid L is supplied from the pump chamber 20 to the biomimetic system device 91 via the discharge channel P2. The discharge channel P2 includes sections p3 to p13 among sections p1 to p13. The sections p3 to p13 are connected in this order from upstream to downstream: p4, p3, p5, p6, p7, p8, p9, p10, p11, p12, and p13. The upstream end section p4 is connected to the pump chamber 20. The downstream end section p13 is connected to the tube 91a.

[0049] Section p8 is included in the concept of a "microchannel portion" in the present disclosure. Section p8 has a smaller channel cross-sectional area (the minimum value of the cross-sectional area in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the channel P; the same applies below) than the other sections p1 to p7 and p9 to p13. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 4, the channel cross-sectional area S2 of section p8 is smaller than the channel cross-sectional area S1 of the supply channel P1. Therefore, the discharge channel P2 having section p8 is less likely to allow the liquid L to flow than the supply channel P1 not having section p8. In other words, the discharge channel P2 has a larger pressure loss than the supply channel P1. Furthermore, section p8 is included in the concept of an "extension portion" in the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 2, section p8 extends in the front-rear direction. Section p8 has a longer length in the front-rear direction than the pump accommodating section 32.

[0050] As shown in Figure 4, of the sections p1 to p13, sections p3 to p4 are common sections shared by the supply path P1 and the discharge path P2. Sections p1 to p2 are supply-only sections dedicated to the supply path P1. As shown in Figures 2 and 4, sections p5 to p13 are discharge-only sections dedicated to the discharge path P2. Section p8 is a pressure loss difference setting section that sets a pressure loss difference between the supply path P1 and the discharge path P2.

[0051] [Method of Using the Fluid Pumping Device] Next, a method of using the fluid pumping device of this embodiment will be described. The fluid pumping device 1 is used to supply the liquid L to the biomimetic system device 91 in an incubator (not shown).

[0052] Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional view of the fluid pumping device in the front-rear direction when the balloon pump transitions from a deflated state to an expanded state, and Figure 6 shows a cross-sectional view of the fluid pumping device in the front-rear direction when the balloon pump transitions from an expanded state to a deflated state.

[0053] Here, the contracted state refers to a state in which the balloon pump 2 is contracted and the amount of liquid L stored in the pump chamber 20 is minimized. The expanded state refers to a state in which the balloon pump 2 is expanded and the amount of liquid L stored in the pump chamber 20 is maximized. In Figure 5, the contracted balloon pump 2 is shown by a dashed line, and the expanded balloon pump 2 is shown by a solid line. In Figure 6, the contracted balloon pump 2 is shown by a solid line, and the expanded balloon pump 2 is shown by a dashed line.

[0054] First, outside the incubator, a predetermined amount of liquid L is stored in the pump chamber 20 of the balloon pump 2 of the fluid pumping device 1. Specifically, a tube 90a is connected to the upstream connector 5 (section p1 shown in FIG. 5) shown in FIG. 1. Note that the tube 91a shown in FIG. 2 is not connected to the downstream connector 6 (section p13 shown in FIG. 5) shown in FIG. 1. The tube 91a and the biomimetic system device 91 are placed in an incubator (not shown).

[0055] As shown in FIG. 5, the liquid L is pumped from the liquid supply device 90 to the pump chamber 20 via the tube 90a and the supply path P1 (sections p1 to p4). The pump chamber 20, i.e., the balloon pump 2, transitions from a contracted state to an expanded state against its own elastic restoring force (contractile force) as the liquid L is pumped. In this manner, the liquid L is supplied to and stored in the pump chamber 20. A check valve p1a is disposed in section p1. Therefore, the liquid L does not flow back from the pump chamber 20 to the liquid supply device 90.

[0056] Next, the fluid pumping device 1 is carried into an incubator and connected to the tube 91a shown in Figure 6. Specifically, first, the tube 90a shown in Figure 5 is removed from the upstream connector 5 shown in Figure 1. Next, the fluid pumping device 1 is carried into the incubator. Then, the tube 91a is connected to the downstream connector 6 shown in Figure 1 (section p13 shown in Figure 6).

[0057] Here, elastic restoring force is accumulated in the expanded balloon pump 2. Therefore, as shown in Figure 6, the liquid L is supplied from the pump chamber 20 to the biomimetic system device 91 via the discharge path P2 (sections p3 to p13) and the tube 91a.

[0058] [Operational Effects] Next, operational effects of the fluid pumping device of this embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, in the fluid pumping device 1 of this embodiment, the balloon pump 2, the flow path unit 3, the balloon connector 4, the upstream connector 5, and the downstream connector 6 are assembled together to form a single unit. These components are integrally arranged. This makes the fluid pumping device 1 easy to handle and disposable. Furthermore, because the above-mentioned multiple components are integrally arranged, contamination by bacteria and the like can be suppressed.

[0059] As shown in Figure 6, with the fluid pumping device 1 of this embodiment, when supplying the liquid L to the biomimetic system device 91, the elastic force of the balloon pump 2 can be used to discharge the liquid L from the pump chamber 20. This allows the liquid L to be pumped to the biomimetic system device 91 without a power source. This eliminates the need for a power supply member (such as a power cord). This allows for a reduction in the number of parts. Furthermore, the device is easy to handle and disposable.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 4 , in the fluid pumping device 1 of this embodiment, the flow path cross-sectional area S2 of section p8 of the discharge path P2 is smaller than the flow path cross-sectional area S1 of the supply path P1. Therefore, the pressure loss is greater in the discharge path P2 than in the supply path P1. Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 1 , 4 , and 5 , when the liquid L is supplied to the pump chamber 20 via the supply path P1, a portion of the liquid L flows from section p2 to section p5, preventing the liquid L from flowing out via the discharge path P2. Therefore, when the liquid L is supplied to the pump chamber 20, it is not necessary to block the discharge path P2 using, for example, a valve. This reduces the number of parts.

[0061] 6, when the liquid L is discharged from the pump chamber 20 via the discharge path P2, the pressure loss in the discharge path P2 (section p8) counteracts the contraction force (discharge pressure) of the balloon pump 2. This prevents a large amount of the liquid L from being discharged from the pump chamber 20 in a short period of time. This makes it possible to easily and continuously discharge the liquid L in small amounts from the pump chamber 20.

[0062] 1 and 2, a check valve p1a is disposed in section p1 of the upstream connector 5. This makes it possible to prevent fluid from flowing out (backflowing) from the pump chamber 20 to the tube 90a via the supply path P1.

[0063] 4, the flow path P includes sections p3 to p4. The sections p3 to p4 are shared by the supply path P1 and the discharge path P2. Therefore, the overall length of the flow path P can be shortened compared to when the sections p3 to p4 are not provided.

[0064] As shown in Fig. 5, when liquid L is supplied to the pump chamber 20, the pump chamber 20, i.e., the balloon pump 2, expands. On the other hand, as shown in Fig. 6, when liquid L is discharged from the pump chamber 20, the pump chamber 20, i.e., the balloon pump 2, contracts. According to the fluid pumping device 1 of this embodiment, the pump housing section 32 is defined between the supply section 30 and the discharge section 31. This allows for a space for expansion and contraction of the balloon pump 2.

[0065] As shown in FIG. 2 , in the fluid pumping device 1 of this embodiment, the base material 33 ensures that the pump housing portion 32 is located between the supply portion 30 and the discharge portion 31. The section p8 (extension portion) is longer in the front-to-rear direction than the pump housing portion 32. This allows for greater flexibility in the shape, size, and placement of section p8. Furthermore, the base material 33 is juxtaposed vertically to the pump housing portion 32, i.e., the balloon pump 2. This prevents interference between the balloon pump 2 and adjacent components (e.g., the liquid supply device 90 and the biomimetic system device 91) that are adjacent to the balloon pump across the base material 33.

[0066] As shown by the dashed line in Figure 5, in the deflated state, the balloon pump 2 is housed in the pump housing 32 with excess space remaining in the front-to-back direction (axial direction). Furthermore, when transitioning from the deflated state to the expanded state, the balloon pump 2 expands more in the front-to-back direction than in the up-down and left-to-right directions (directions perpendicular to the axis). Therefore, the excess space in the pump housing 32 can be used to expand the balloon pump 2. In other words, the excess space in the pump housing 32 can be used to store the liquid L.

[0067] As shown in Figure 4, the discharge channel P2 has a section p8 (microchannel portion). The channel cross-sectional area S2 of the section p8 is smaller than the channel cross-sectional area S1 of the supply channel P1. In other words, the channel cross-sectional area of ​​the discharge channel P2 is smaller than that of the supply channel P1. This makes it easy to set the pressure loss of the discharge channel P2 larger than the pressure loss of the supply channel P1.

[0068] As shown in FIG. 3 , the thick wall portion 22a has a greater wall thickness than the base wall portion 22b. Due to the difference in wall thickness, the thick wall portion 22a has a greater spring constant when the balloon pump 2 is expanded or contracted than the base wall portion 22b. Therefore, the thick wall portion 22a can apply a greater load (elastic restoring force) to the liquid L when the balloon pump 2 is contracted (discharged) as shown in FIG. 6 compared to the base wall portion 22b. Therefore, the discharge pressure of the balloon pump 2 can be increased compared to when the balloon pump 2 does not have the thick wall portion 22a. In this way, by partially providing the thick wall portion 22a in the balloon pump 2, the discharge pressure can be easily adjusted.

[0069] As shown in Fig. 3, the thick wall portion 22a corresponds to the portion of the wall portion 22 that includes the axial rib 21. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 1, the thick wall portion 22a can be arranged along the front-to-rear direction (the axial direction of the balloon pump 2). Furthermore, during the expansion and contraction periods shown in Figs. 5 and 6, only the lower axial rib 21 of the balloon pump 2 comes into sliding contact with the upper surface of the base material 33. Therefore, sliding resistance during the expansion and contraction periods can be reduced.

[0070] The balloon pump 2 is made of PDMS. PDMS has high demoldability. Therefore, when manufacturing the balloon pump 2 using a molding die, the shape precision of the balloon pump 2 can be increased. PDMS also has high gas permeability. Therefore, the gas permeability of the balloon pump 2 can be increased. For example, gas mixed in the liquid L in the pump chamber 20 can be degassed through the wall 22.

[0071] As shown in Fig. 1, the fluid pumping device 1 of this embodiment includes an upstream connector 5. The upstream connector 5 is detachable from the supply unit 30 and the tube 90a shown in Fig. 2. This allows the fluid pumping device 1 to be easily connected to and disconnected from the liquid supply device 90.

[0072] As shown in Fig. 1, the fluid pumping device 1 of this embodiment includes a downstream connector 6. The downstream connector 6 is detachable from the discharge portion 31 and the tube 91a shown in Fig. 2. This allows the fluid pumping device 1 to be easily connected to and disconnected from the biomimetic system device 91.

[0073] Second Embodiment The fluid pumping device of this embodiment differs from the fluid pumping device of the first embodiment in that both ends of the balloon pump in the front-rear direction are fixed, the flow path does not have a shared portion, and the base material has a single-layer structure. Here, only the differences will be described.

[0074] 7 shows a cross-sectional view of the fluid pumping device of this embodiment taken along the longitudinal direction. The balloon pump 2 in the deflated state is shown by a solid line, and the balloon pump 2 in the expanded state is shown by a dashed line. The same reference numerals are used for parts corresponding to those in FIG. 2.

[0075] As shown in FIG. 7 , the fluid pumping device 1 includes a balloon connector (supply-side balloon connector) 4 on the supply unit 30 side and a balloon connector (discharge-side balloon connector) 7 on the discharge unit 31 side. The rear end (one axial end) of the balloon pump 2 is connected and fixed to the balloon connector 4. The balloon connector 7 is made of resin and is disposed in the pump housing 32. The balloon connector 7 is disposed on the rear surface of the discharge unit 31 (the outer surface on the pump housing 32 side). The front end (the other axial end) of the balloon pump 2 is connected and fixed to the balloon connector 7. The balloon connector 7 connects the discharge unit 31 (flow path P) and the balloon pump 2 (pump chamber 20). The balloon connector 7 is detachable from the discharge unit 31 and the balloon pump 2. The flow path unit 3 is disposed integrally with the balloon pump 2 via the balloon connectors 4 and 7.

[0076] The flow path P includes sections p1 to p4 and p12 to p15. Specifically, sections p14 to p15 are arranged instead of sections p5 to p11 shown in FIG. 2. The flow path P is arranged across the flow path unit 3, the balloon connectors 4 and 7, and the upstream connector 5 and downstream connector 6 shown in FIG. 1. That is, the flow path unit 3, the balloon connectors 4 and 7, the upstream connector 5, and the downstream connector 6 each have a portion of the flow path P.

[0077] Specifically, the upstream connector 5 shown in FIG. 1 has section p1, the supply section 30 has sections p2 to p3, the balloon connector 4 has section p4, the balloon connector 7 has section p14, the discharge section 31 has sections p12 and p15, and the downstream connector 6 shown in FIG. 1 has section p13.

[0078] The flow path P includes a supply path P1 and a discharge path P2. The supply path P1 includes sections p1 to p4. The sections p1 to p4 are connected in the order of p1, p2, p3, and p4 from upstream to downstream. The discharge path P2 includes sections p12 to p15. The sections p12 to p15 are connected in the order of p14, p15, p12, and p13 from upstream to downstream.

[0079] Section p14 is included in the concept of a "microchannel portion" in the present disclosure. Section p14 has a smaller channel cross-sectional area than the other sections p1 to p4, p12 to p13, and p15. Therefore, the channel cross-sectional area of ​​section p14 is smaller than the channel cross-sectional area of ​​the supply channel P1. Therefore, the discharge channel P2 having section p14 is less likely to allow the liquid L (see FIGS. 5 and 6) to flow than the supply channel P1 not having section p14. Therefore, the discharge channel P2 has a larger pressure loss than the supply channel P1.

[0080] Of sections p1 to p4 and p12 to p15, sections p1 to p4 are dedicated supply sections for the supply path P1. Sections p12 to p15 are dedicated discharge sections for the discharge path P2. Section p14 is a pressure loss difference setting section that sets a pressure loss difference between the supply path P1 and the discharge path P2. Note that no shared section is set in the flow path P that is shared by the supply path P1 and the discharge path P2.

[0081] As shown by the solid line in Fig. 7, in the deflated state, the balloon pump 2 floats above the upper surface of the base material 33. In other words, the balloon pump 2 is suspended in mid-air. As shown by the dashed line in Fig. 7, in the expanded state, the balloon pump 2 abuts against the upper surface of the base material 33.

[0082] The fluid pumping device 1 of this embodiment and the fluid pumping device of the first embodiment have similar functions and effects with respect to common configurations. In the deflated state, the balloon pump 2 is suspended between the supply unit 30 and the discharge unit 31. The balloon pump 2 is spaced apart from the base material 33 and adjacent components (e.g., the liquid supply device 90 and the biomimetic system device 91). This prevents interference between the balloon pump 2 and the base material 33 or adjacent components. Furthermore, when transitioning from the deflated state to the expanded state, the balloon pump 2 expands primarily in the up-down and left-right directions (directions perpendicular to the axis). This prevents the balloon pump from sliding against the upper surface of the base material 33 or adjacent components in the front-to-back direction (axial direction).

[0083] The base material 33 does not have a flow path P. This simplifies the layer structure of the base material 33. This also allows the thickness of the base material 33 to be reduced. The wall portion 22 of the balloon pump 2 does not have the axial rib 21 shown in FIG. 3. This simplifies the structure of the balloon pump 2.

[0084] The fluid pumping device of this embodiment differs from the fluid pumping device of the first embodiment in that a circumferential rib is disposed on the outer surface of the wall of the balloon pump. Only this difference will be described here.

[0085] Figure 8 shows a perspective view of the balloon pump of the fluid pumping device of this embodiment. The same reference numerals are used to denote parts corresponding to those in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 8, a circumferential rib (circular rib) 23 is disposed on the outer surface of the wall portion 22 of the balloon pump 2. The circumferential rib 23 extends in a circular direction centered on the central axis (axial extension in the front-rear direction) of the balloon pump 2. The circumferential rib 23 has an endless annular shape.

[0086] The portion of the wall 22 of the balloon pump 2 where the circumferential ribs 23 are arranged is the thick wall portion 22a. The portion where the circumferential ribs 23 are not arranged is the base wall portion 22b. The thick wall portion 22a has a greater wall thickness than the base wall portion 22b by the amount where the circumferential ribs 23 are arranged.

[0087] The fluid pumping device 1 of this embodiment and the fluid pumping device of the first embodiment have similar functions and effects with respect to the common configuration. According to the fluid pumping device 1 of this embodiment, a thick wall portion 22a extending in the circumferential direction can be disposed on the wall portion 22. Furthermore, by arranging a plurality of circumferential ribs 23 on the wall portion 22 in the axial direction at predetermined intervals, the balloon pump 2 can be deflated in stages. In other words, the liquid L can be discharged from the pump chamber 20 in stages.

[0088] Fourth Embodiment The fluid pumping device of this embodiment differs from the fluid pumping device of the first embodiment in that the balloon pump and the supply section of the flow path unit are integrated. Only this difference will be described here.

[0089] 9 shows a cross-sectional view of the fluid pumping device of this embodiment taken along the longitudinal direction. The balloon pump 2 in the deflated state is shown by a solid line, and the balloon pump 2 in the expanded state is shown by a dashed line. Components corresponding to those in FIG. 2 are designated by the same reference numerals.

[0090] 9, the balloon pump 2 and the supply unit 30 are an integral part (a single-piece molded product) made of PDMS. Therefore, the fluid pumping device 1 does not include the balloon connector 4 (section p4) shown in FIG.

[0091] The fluid pumping device 1 of this embodiment and the fluid pumping device of the first embodiment have similar functions and effects with respect to the common configuration parts. According to the fluid pumping device 1 of this embodiment, the balloon pump 2 and the supply unit 30 (part of the flow path unit 3) are integrated. This allows for high accuracy in relative positioning of the balloon pump 2 and the flow path unit 3. Furthermore, since the balloon connector 4 is not required, the number of parts of the fluid pumping device 1 can be reduced. Furthermore, there is no seam between the balloon pump 2 and the supply unit 30. This allows for improved sealing between the pump chamber 20 and section p3 (common section).

[0092] <Others> The embodiments of the fluid pumping device of the present disclosure have been described above. However, the embodiments are not particularly limited to the above-described embodiments. Various modifications and improvements that can be made by those skilled in the art are also possible.

[0093] There are no particular limitations on the method for setting the pressure loss difference between the supply path P1 and the discharge path P2 (more specifically, a pressure loss difference such that the pressure loss in the discharge path P2 is relatively greater than that in the supply path P1). Fig. 10(A) shows a transparent top view of the base material of a fluid pumping device according to another embodiment (part 1). Fig. 10(B) shows a transparent top view of the base material of a fluid pumping device according to another embodiment (part 2). Note that the discharge path P2 is shown through the base material 33. Furthermore, parts corresponding to those in Fig. 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0094] As shown in FIG. 10A, section p8 of discharge channel P2 has multiple base width portions p8a and multiple narrow width portions p8b. The narrow width portions p8b are included in the concept of a "microchannel portion" in this disclosure. The base width portions p8a and the narrow width portions p8b are arranged alternately in the front-to-rear direction. The channel cross-sectional area of ​​the base width portion p8a is the same as the channel cross-sectional area of ​​the supply channel (not shown). On the other hand, the channel cross-sectional area of ​​the narrow width portion p8b is smaller than the channel cross-sectional areas of the base width portions p8a and the supply channel. Therefore, the discharge channel P2 has a larger pressure loss than the supply channel.

[0095] As shown in FIG. 10(B), the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the discharge path P2 is constant, including section p8. The flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the discharge path P2 is the same as the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the supply path (not shown). Section p8 extends in a rectangular wave shape. That is, the flow path length of section p8 is extended compared to when section p8 extends in a straight line. Therefore, the flow path length of the discharge path P2 is longer than that of the supply path. Therefore, the discharge path P2 has a greater pressure loss than the supply path. Furthermore, section p8 extends in a rectangular wave shape. That is, section p8 extends in a complex shape. Therefore, the flow path shape of the discharge path P2 is more complex (has more curved portions) than that of the supply path. Therefore, the discharge path P2 has a greater pressure loss than the supply path.

[0096] As described above, there is no particular limitation on the method for setting the pressure loss difference between the supply channel P1 and the discharge channel P2. The pressure loss difference between the supply channel P1 and the discharge channel P2 may be set by adjusting one or more of the cross-sectional area of ​​the channel, the length of the channel, the shape of the channel (the shape in the channel length direction, the cross-sectional shape of the channel, the shape and surface roughness of the inner surface of the channel), etc.

[0097] For example, an orifice may not be provided in the supply path P1, but an orifice may be provided in the discharge path P2. Alternatively, the supply path P1 may extend linearly, and the discharge path P2 may extend in a curved shape (such as a sine wave or rectangular wave). Alternatively, the supply path P1 may extend in a curved shape, and the discharge path P2 may extend in a curved shape (a curve with a larger curvature (sharper bend) than the supply path P1). Alternatively, the inner surface of the supply path P1 may be smooth, while the inner surface of the discharge path P2 may be provided with irregularities. Alternatively, the inner surfaces of the supply path P1 and the discharge path P2 may be made of different materials.

[0098] Figure 11 shows a cross-sectional view of a fluid pumping device according to another embodiment (part 3) taken along the longitudinal direction. The balloon pump 2 in the deflated state is shown by a solid line, and the balloon pump 2 in the expanded state is shown by a dashed line. Components corresponding to those in Figure 2 are designated by the same reference numerals.

[0099] As shown in Figure 11, the fluid pumping device 1 is housed in a case 8, except for sections p1 (upstream connector 5 shown in Figure 1) and p13 (downstream connector 6 shown in Figure 1). The case 8 includes a case body 80 and a lid 81. The case body 80 has a box shape with a bottom that opens downward. The lid 81 seals the opening of the case body 80. The pump housing 32 is disposed in the internal space of the case 8. The pump housing 32 and the biomimetic system device 91 are connected by a return flow path 91b.

[0100] When the biomimetic system device 91 is in use, the liquid L is continuously supplied in small amounts from the discharge path P2 (section p13) of the fluid pumping device 1 to the biomimetic system device 91 via the tube 91a. Waste liquid (used liquid L) used in the biomimetic system device 91 is discharged from the biomimetic system device 91 to the pump housing 32 via the return flow path 91b. In other words, the pump housing 32 functions as a waste liquid tank.

[0101] The fluid pumping device 1 of this embodiment is housed in a case 8. Therefore, even if the liquid L leaks from the balloon pump 2 (pump chamber 20), the liquid L can be contained in the pump housing portion 32. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the liquid L from leaking into the external environment of the case 8 (for example, inside an incubator).

[0102] The pump housing 32 and the biomimetic system device 91 are connected by a return flow path 91b. The pump housing 32 also functions as a waste liquid tank. This eliminates the need to provide a separate waste liquid tank in the biomimetic system device 91. Alternatively, the waste liquid tank of the biomimetic system device 91 can be made smaller.

[0103] Furthermore, when the liquid L is supplied to the biomimetic system device 91, the volume of the balloon pump 2, i.e., the pump chamber 20, decreases and the volume of the pump housing 32 increases by the amount of the supplied liquid L. Therefore, even if an amount of waste liquid equal to the amount of the supply returns from the biomimetic system device 91 to the pump housing 32, the waste liquid can be reliably stored in the pump housing 32.

[0104] Furthermore, the volume of the pump housing 32 is larger than the maximum volume of the balloon pump 2 in the expanded state, i.e., the pump chamber 20. Therefore, even if the maximum amount of liquid L stored in the pump chamber 20 returns to the pump housing 32 via the biomimetic system device 91, the entire amount of the liquid L can be reliably stored in the pump housing 32.

[0105] The shape, size, position, number, and material (hereinafter collectively referred to as "shape, etc." as appropriate) of each component of the balloon pump 2, flow path unit 3 (supply section 30, discharge section 31, substrate 33), balloon connector 4, upstream connector 5, downstream connector 6, balloon connector 7, and case 8 are not particularly limited.

[0106] At least two of these components may be integral (single components formed by integral molding, etc.). For example, the "balloon pump 2 and the supply unit 30" may be integral. Of course, the balloon pump 2 and the supply unit 30 may also be combined (composite components integrated by bonding, joining, welding, assembling, etc.). Similarly, the "balloon pump 2, the supply unit 30, and the discharge unit 31" and the "balloon pump 2, the supply unit 30, the discharge unit 31, and the base material 33 (i.e., the entire balloon pump 2 and the flow path unit 3)" may be integral or combined. The manufacturing method of the balloon pump 2 is not particularly limited. The balloon pump 2 may be manufactured using a molding die or without a molding die. The same applies to the manufacturing method of the flow path unit 3.

[0107] The balloon pump 2 and the supply unit 30 of the fluid pumping device 1 shown in FIG. 9 are an integral part (single-piece molded product) made of PDMS. Similar to the fluid pumping device 1 shown in FIG. 9, the balloon pump 2, the supply unit 30, and the discharge unit 31 of the fluid pumping device 1 shown in FIG. 7 may be an integral part made of PDMS. This improves the relative positioning accuracy between the balloon pump 2 and the flow path unit 3. Furthermore, the balloon connectors 4 (section p4) and 7 (section p14) are unnecessary. This reduces the number of parts in the fluid pumping device 1. Furthermore, there is no seam between the balloon pump 2 and the supply unit 30. This improves the sealing performance between the pump chamber 20 and section p3. Similarly, there is no seam between the balloon pump 2 and the discharge unit 31. This improves the sealing performance between the pump chamber 20 and section p15. Furthermore, because there is no seam (seamless) along the entire length of the flow path P shown in FIG. 7 (excluding sections p1 and p13), the sealing performance of the entire flow path P is improved.

[0108] In the fluid pumping device 1 shown in FIG. 9 , the balloon pump 2, the supply unit 30, the base material 33, and the discharge unit 31 may be integrated. That is, the balloon pump 2 and the flow path unit 3 (the supply unit 30, the discharge unit 31, and the base material 33) may be integrated. This reduces the number of parts in the fluid pumping device 1. Furthermore, since there are no seams along the entire length of the flow path P (excluding sections p1 and p13) shown in FIG. 9 , the sealing performance of the entire flow path P can be improved. Furthermore, the balloon pump 2, the flow path unit 3, the upstream connector 5 (section p1), and the downstream connector 6 (section p13) may be integrated. This reduces the number of parts in the fluid pumping device 1. Furthermore, since there are no seams along the entire length of the flow path P shown in FIG. 9 , the sealing performance of the entire flow path P can be improved.

[0109] As with the fluid pumping device 1 shown in FIG. 9 , the balloon pump 2, the supply unit 30, the base material 33, and the discharge unit 31 in the fluid pumping device 1 shown in FIG. 7 may be integrated. That is, the balloon pump 2 and the flow path unit 3 may be integrated. In this case, the number of parts in the fluid pumping device 1 can be reduced. Furthermore, since there are no seams along the entire length of the flow path P (excluding sections p1 and p13) shown in FIG. 7 , the sealing performance of the entire flow path P can be improved. Furthermore, the balloon pump 2, the flow path unit 3, the upstream connector 5 (section p1), and the downstream connector 6 (section p13) can be integrated. This reduces the number of parts in the fluid pumping device 1. Furthermore, since there are no seams along the entire length of the flow path P shown in FIG. 7 , the sealing performance of the entire flow path P can be improved.

[0110] When the fluid pumping device 1 is used in an incubator, the materials for these components are preferably those that do not deform or deteriorate in the incubator environment. Examples of materials for the balloon pump 2 include elastomers. Examples of elastomers include silicones such as PDMS. Examples of materials for components other than the balloon pump 2 include resins, elastomers, and metals. Examples of resins include polystyrene, COP (cycloolefin polymer), COC (cycloolefin copolymer), polycarbonate, and acrylic. Examples of elastomers include silicones such as PDMS.

[0111] The shape of the flow path P in the flow path length direction, the flow path cross-sectional shape, the position, etc. are not particularly limited. It is sufficient that a pressure loss difference can be set between the supply path P1 and the discharge path P2. The shape of the flow path P in the flow path length direction may be linear, curved, a shape that combines linear and curved lines, etc. The flow path cross-sectional shape of the flow path P may be polygonal (triangle, square, hexagon, etc.), circular (perfect circle, ellipse), semicircular, etc.

[0112] There are no particular limitations on the method for defining the flow path P in the base material 33. When the base material 33 has a two-layer structure, the flow path P may be defined by forming a groove in the lower surface of the upper second layer 331 and sealing the groove with the upper surface of the lower first layer 330. Conversely, the flow path P may be defined by forming a groove in the upper surface of the lower first layer 330 and sealing the groove with the lower surface of the upper second layer 331.

[0113] When the substrate 33 has a three-layer structure, that is, when the substrate 33 has, from bottom to top, a first layer, a second layer, and a third layer, a long hole penetrating in the layer thickness direction may be opened in the second layer, and the long hole may be sealed with the lower first layer and the upper third layer, thereby partitioning the flow path P.

[0114] In this way, when the substrate 33 has a multi-layer structure, the layer boundaries may be utilized to define the flow paths P. Of course, the substrate 33 may have a single-layer structure. In this case, the flow paths P may be defined in the form of holes inside the substrate 33.

[0115] The position of the upstream connector 5 relative to the supply unit 30 is not particularly limited. It may be on the outer surface of the supply unit 30. The same applies to the position of the downstream connector 6 relative to the discharge unit 31. At least one of the upstream connector 5, downstream connector 6, and balloon connectors 4 and 7 may not be disposed in the fluid pumping device 1. At least one of the tubes 90a and 91a may not be disposed. For example, a syringe (adjacent member) may be connected directly to the upstream connector 5 (without via the tube 90a).

[0116] The use of the fluid pumping device 1 is not particularly limited. The fluid pumping device 1 can continuously supply fluid (liquid, gas) in small amounts. Therefore, it can be used in drug discovery experiments, medical settings, hydrating animals and plants, supplying liquid fertilizer to plants, and supplying oxygen to aquariums. Furthermore, the fluid pumping device 1 can supply fluid without a power source. Therefore, it is suitable for situations where it is difficult to secure a power source (for example, when conducting experiments simultaneously using multiple biomimetic system devices 91, during a power outage, or during a disaster).

[0117] 1: Fluid pressure-transfer device, 2: Balloon pump, 20: Pump chamber, 21: Axial rib, 22: Wall portion, 22a: Thick wall portion, 22b: Base wall portion, 23: Circumferential rib, 3: Flow path unit, 30: Supply portion, 31: Discharge portion, 32: Pump accommodating portion, 33: Base material, 330: First layer, 331: Second layer, 4: Balloon connector, 5: Upstream connector (connection portion), 6: Downstream connector (connection portion), 7: Balloon connector, 8: Case, 80: Case body, 81: Lid, 90: liquid supply device, 90a: tube (adjacent member), 91: biomimetic system device, 91a: tube (adjacent member), 91b: return channel, L: liquid (fluid), P: channel, P1: supply channel, P2: discharge channel, p1-P15: section, p1a: check valve, p8: section (microchannel section, extension section), p14: section (microchannel section), p8a: base width section, p8b: narrow width section (microchannel section), S1: channel cross-sectional area, S2: channel cross-sectional area

Claims

1. A fluid pumping device comprising a balloon pump that is elastically expandable and contractible and partitions a pump chamber therein, and a flow path unit having at least a part of a flow path communicating with the pump chamber, wherein the balloon pump and the flow path unit are integrally arranged, the flow path has a supply path for supplying fluid to the pump chamber and a discharge path for discharging the fluid from the pump chamber, and the discharge path has a greater pressure loss than the supply path.

2. The fluid pumping device according to claim 1, wherein the flow path unit has a supply part having at least a part of the supply path, a discharge part having at least a part of the discharge path, and a pump accommodation part partitioned between the supply part and the discharge part and accommodating the balloon pump.

3. With the juxtaposition direction of the supply part and the discharge part as the axial direction, the flow path unit has a sheet-like base material that connects the supply part and the discharge part, is juxtaposed with the pump accommodation part, and extends in the axial direction, the flow path has an extending part arranged on the base material, and the extending part has a longer axial length than the pump accommodation part. The fluid pumping device according to claim 2.

4. With the juxtaposition direction of the supply part and the discharge part as the axial direction, the direction orthogonal to the axial direction as the axial perpendicular direction, the state in which the balloon pump contracts and the storage amount of the fluid in the pump chamber is minimized as the contraction state, and the state in which the balloon pump expands and the storage amount of the fluid in the pump chamber is maximized as the expansion state, in the contraction state, the balloon pump is accommodated in the pump accommodation part leaving an excess space in the axial direction, and when transitioning from the contraction state to the expansion state, the balloon pump expands more in the axial direction than in the axial perpendicular direction. The fluid pumping device according to claim 2.

5. With the juxtaposition direction of the supply section and the discharge section as the axial direction, the direction perpendicular to the axial direction as the axial perpendicular direction, the state in which the balloon pump contracts and the storage amount of the fluid in the pump chamber becomes minimum as the contraction state, and the state in which the balloon pump expands and the storage amount of the fluid in the pump chamber becomes maximum as the expansion state, one axial end of the balloon pump is fixed to the supply section and the other axial end is fixed to the discharge section. In the contraction state, the balloon pump is in a suspended state. When shifting from the contraction state to the expansion state, the balloon pump expands in the axial perpendicular direction. The fluid pumping device according to claim 2.

6. The discharge path has a micro-channel section with a smaller channel cross-sectional area than the supply path. The fluid pumping device according to claim 1.

7. The supply path and the discharge path have at least one of the following relationships (A) to (C). (A) The discharge path has a smaller channel cross-sectional area than the supply path. (B) The discharge path has a longer channel length than the supply path. (C) The supply path and the discharge path have different channel shapes. The fluid pumping device according to claim 1.

8. The wall portion of the balloon pump has a base wall portion and a thick wall portion with a larger wall thickness than the base wall portion. The fluid pumping device according to claim 1.

9. The balloon pump is made of PDMS. The fluid pumping device according to claim 1.

10. The balloon pump and at least a part of the flow path unit are integral. The fluid pumping device according to claim 1.

11. A connection portion is provided between the flow path unit and an adjacent member and is detachable with respect to at least one of the flow path unit and the adjacent member. The fluid pumping device according to claim 1.

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