Peristaltic pump comprising a flow tube for transporting liquids or suspensions

Abstract

The invention relates to a peristaltic pump comprising a flow tube for transporting liquids or suspensions passing through an outer tube (2) and actuators affecting the change in the cross-section of the flow tube, wherein at least one actuator is attached to the outer tube (2) and slidably mounted on the outer tube (2) or rotatably mounted to the outer tube (2) around an axis inclined or perpendicular to the axis of the outer tube or rotatably mounted to the outer tube (2) around an axis coincident with the outer tube.

Description

[0001] Peristaltic pump comprising a flow tube for transporting liquids or suspensions

[0002] Technical field

[0003] The invention relates to a peristaltic pump comprising a flow tube for transporting liquids or suspensions passing through an outer tube and actuators affecting a change in the cross-section of the flow tube

[0004] State of the art

[0005] Peristaltic pumps originated in nature. Peristaltic movement of solid, liquid and gaseous substances is known, for example, from the digestive system of mammals, reptiles, worms and other animal species. Peristaltic, gradually undulating, movement is known as a method of transport for e.g. snails, mussels, reptiles, some types of insects, etc.

[0006] Their technical equivalents have been built. They are rotary and linear. Mostly with one drive. But they are also with more than one drive. The drives are placed on a frame on which they rest. In nature, there are only drives that exert force in only one direction like muscles.

[0007] A form of peristaltic pump was described in The Mechanics Magazine in 1845. The pump used a leather hose that did not have to open itself after the rollers were released, instead relying on the incoming water having sufficient pressure to fill the open inlet end each cycle. The peristaltic pump was first patented in the United States by Rufus Porter and J. D. Bradley in 1855 (U.S. Patent No. 12,753) as a well pump and later by Eugene Allen in 1881 (U.S. Patent No. 249,285) for blood transfusions. It was developed by cardiac surgeon Dr. Michael DeBakey for blood transfusions while he was a medical student in 1932 and later used for cardiopulmonary bypass systems. A specialized non-occlusive roller pump (U.S. Patent No. 5,222,880) using soft flat tubing was developed in 1992 for cardiopulmonary bypass systems. Other patents include CZ307764, CZ2016-0067A3, CA2636000A1, US11635073B2, CN207093348U,

[0008] US10385839B2, US10830227B2, US10518027B2.

[0009] The disadvantage of existing peristaltic pumps is that their frequency of movement is determined by the speed of spontaneous restoration of the deformed flexible tube to the undeformed, i.e. initial geometry. Another disadvantage is the high degree of deformation of the working part of the tube associated with cyclic loading, mostly only in compression. High cyclic deformation, in tension or compression, together with the action of the pumped medium, reduce the service life of the working segment (active part of the tube). Damage can occur at the nano and micro level on and in the wall of the working tube. This causes the initiation of cracks or undesirable, for example, chemical reactions of the tube material with the pumped medium.

[0010] The aim of this invention is a method and device for transporting liquids and suspensions that does not have to be placed on a frame (so that it can be inside the human body and the forces in the pump compensate for themselves) and whose pumping speed is not limited by the relaxation speed of the deformed flexible tube (so that it has greater performance than the previous one and so that the pumping speed is given only by the performance of the drive / drives) and which can shape the course of the pressure wave in the pump (so that particles, e.g. blood cells in the pumped fluid are not damaged).

[0011] Subject Matter of the invention

[0012] The essence of a peristaltic pump comprising a flow tube for transporting fluids or suspensions passing through an outer tube and actuators affecting the change in the cross-section of the flow tube according to this technical solution consists in that at least one actuator is attached to the outer tube and slidably mounted on the outer tube or rotatably mounted to the outer tube around an axis inclined or perpendicular to the axis of the outer tube or rotatably mounted to the outer tube around an axis coincident with the outer tube. The actuator slidably mounted on the outer tube is connected to rods for compressing the flow tube. The actuators are attached or rest on the flow tube and move longitudinally when the flow tube is compressed. The actuators are attached to the flow tube or outer tube by a parallelogram or a four-joint mechanism or a cam, the axes of movement of which are inclined or perpendicular to the axis of the outer tube. At least two actuators are optionally rotatable about the axis of the flow tube and are connected to threads attached at their other end to the flow tube. The flow tube optionally has a variable cross-section. Alternatively, the actuator is attached to the outer tube with an inclination of the pressure surface to the flow tube or with one-way valves in the flow tube before and after the point of compression by the actuator, or at least two actuators are attached to the outer tube in a row, and are / are connected to the flow tube or abut against the flow tube. Alternatively, at least two opposing actuators are attached to the outer tube, arranged opposite each other on opposite sides of the flow tube and connected to the flow tube or abut against the flow tube. Actuators of the same or different widths can be attached to the outer tube in a row. The pressure surface of the actuator has a convex and / or concave shape. The actuators are equipped with pressure sensors, force sensors and motion sensors and the outer tube is equipped with a pressure sensor and a flow sensor. Two actuators are optionally connected to the outer tube, partially surrounding the flow tube, and two actuators connected to the outer tube on the opposite side and partially surrounding the flow tube. The flow tube and the outer tube may be curved, and the actuators in the direction perpendicular to other actuators may be formed by passive springs.

[0013] The advantage of this peristaltic pump for transporting liquids and suspensions is its design, which does not require a frame, and the possibility of increasing the pumping efficiency by forced change of cross-section by enlarging the flow tube, which also brings independence from the time constant of return of the deformed flow tube to its original state, and the possibility of controlling the course of the pressure wave in the flow tube is also an advantage.

[0014] Overview of figures in the drawings

[0015] The attached figures schematically show a peristaltic pump, where the individual figures, namely

[0016] Fig. 1 to Fig. 27 shows its individual alternative embodiments or individual parts thereof. Examples of embodiments of the invention

[0017] Fig. 1 shows one of the embodiments of the peristaltic pump in radial and longitudinal sections. The pump consists of a flow tube 1, which is arranged inside an outer tube 2. Actuators 3 are arranged between the flow tube 1. and the outer tube 2. The flow tube 1 is usually elastic (pliable), which returns to its original undeformed state after deformation under the action of the accumulated deformation energy and pressure energy of the fluid. There are preferably usually more actuators 3 both in the radial direction (8 actuators on the left section) and in the longitudinal direction (3 rows of actuators on the right section). The actuators 3 are arranged in the radial direction (in one row (section)) approximately oppositely so that their reaction forces in the outer tube 2 compensate each other (their sum is zero resultant). The advantage of the actuators 3 is that they can act by both pressure and tension, as indicated by the arrows 9, their possible force action and possible movement.

[0018] Fig. 2 shows the possibilities of deforming the flow tube 1. using actuators 3 in one row (section) from Fig. 1. In Fig. 2a, the flow tube 1 is compressed by actuators 3 in the vertical direction, while in the horizontal direction it can be expanded by two opposite horizontal actuators 3. Fig. 2b, similarly to Fig. 2a, shows the compression of the flow tube 1. by actuators 3 in the horizontal direction. Fig. 2c shows the expansion of the flow tube 1 by actuators 3 in all directions. The cross-section of the flow tube 1 is thus significantly increased. This is precisely what previous peristaltic pumps did not allow. Figs. 2d and 2e show the gradual compression of the flow tube 1. using actuators 3 into a star shape. The different deformed shapes, by their alternation, allow to reduce the fatigue stress of the flow tube 1. If the flow tube 1. is compressed, then the actuators 3 do not have to be firmly connected to the flow tube L If the flow tube 1 is expanded, then the actuators 3 must be firmly connected to the flow tube 1.

[0019] Fig. 3 shows a longitudinal section of one variant of the peristaltic pump in the main phases of its operation. The peristaltic pump is formed by one row of actuators 3, of which there are at least four in the radial section, so that they can create a deformed cross-section, as can be seen from Fig. 2a, 2b and 2c. However, there may be only two opposite actuators 3 provided that the flow tube 1 is passively attached to the outer tube 2 in a direction perpendicular to the action of the actuators 3, e.g. by a spring. The peristaltic pump is provided with one-way valves 4 upstream and downstream of a series of actuators 3 in the direction 5 of flow. Fig. 3a represents the initial state with an undeformed flow tube 1. The cycle of phases of operation of the peristaltic pump is the transition from the state in Fig. 3a to the state in Fig. 3b, which represents the increase in the cross-section of the flow tube 1 according to Fig. 2c and thus the suction of the pumped fluid. The next phase is the compression of the flow tube 1 shown in Fig. 3c. Then follows the phase shown in Fig. 3a and the cycle repeats. This leads to the opening of the one-way valve 4 downstream and the closing of the one-way valve 4 upstream of the actuators 3. This is a completely new way of pumping with a peristaltic pump by suction as can be seen in Fig. 3b. The cycle is given by the repeating sequence of Fig. 3a-3b-3c-3a.

[0020] A traditional peristaltic pump cycle would be the transition of phases from Fig. 3a to Fig. 3c (without suction in the phase Fig. 3b) and again to Fig. 3a, i.e. the cycle given by the repeating sequence Fig. 3a-3c-3a.

[0021] Fig. 4 shows a modification of the peristaltic pump variant of Fig. 3, in that, next to the one-way valves 4, narrower actuators 3 are placed before and after the actuators 3 of Fig. 3, which can replace the one-way valves 4 according to the procedure according to Fig. 9. In the event of a failure of the one-way valves 4, these narrower actuators 3 would be used until the one-way valves 4 are repaired. This figure shows two main recurring phases of the pump operation.

[0022] Fig. 5 shows another variant of the peristaltic pump in a longitudinal section. It consists of two sets of actuators 3 in the longitudinal direction. The arrangement of the actuators in the radial direction is similar to the variant in Fig. 3. Fig. 5a represents the initial state with an undeformed flow tube 1. The cycle of the phases of the peristaltic pump operation is the transition from Fig. 5a to the state in Fig. 5b, which represents the compression of the flow tube 1. according to Fig. 2a or Fig. 2b for the first set of actuators 3 in the direction 5 of pumping and at the same time increasing the cross-section according to Fig. 2c for the following set of actuators 3 in the direction 5 of pumping and thus sucking in the pumped fluid. The next phase in Fig. 5c is the compression of the flow tube 1. according to Fig. 2a or Fig. 2b and for the following set of actuators 3 in the direction 5 of pumping. Then follows the phase in Fig. 5d, when the cross-section increases according to Fig. 2c for the first set of actuators 3 in the direction 5 of pumping and thus sucking in the pumped fluid. Then follows in Fig. 5e the transition to the phase in Fig. 5b, when the flow tube 1 is compressed by the first set of actuators 3 and the flow tube 1 by the following set of actuators 3 is enlarged and the cycle repeats.

[0023] Fig. 6 shows another use of the pump solution variant from Fig. 5. From the state in Fig. 5a is the first phase of the transition to the state in Fig. 6a, which corresponds to the state in Fig. 5b. The difference is that the flow tube 1 does not have an increased cross-section and its cross-section remains the same as in Fig. 5a. This is followed by the phase in Fig. 6b with the compression of both sets of actuators 3, identically as in Fig. 5c. Then follows the phase in Fig. 6c with the opening of the flow tube 1. to the original cross-section at the first set of actuators 3, which corresponds to the phase in Fig. 5d, but without an increase in the cross-section. Finally, there is the transition to the state in Fig. 6d, which is identical to the state in Fig. 6a, which corresponds to the state in Fig. 5e, but without an increase in the cross-section.

[0024] Fig. 7 shows a longitudinal section similar to the solution in Fig. 5, but with three sets of actuators 3 in the longitudinal direction 5 of pumping. The arrangement of the actuators 3 in the radial direction is similar to the variant in Fig. 3.

[0025] Fig. 7a represents the initial state with an undeformed flow tube L The cycle of phases of the peristaltic pump operation is the transition from the state in Fig. 7a to the state in Fig. 7b, which represents the compression of the flow tube 1. according to Fig. 2a or Fig. 2b for the first set of actuators 3 in the direction 5 of pumping and at the same time the increase in the cross section according to Fig. 2c for the next set of actuators 3 in the direction 5 of pumping and thus the suction of the pumped fluid. The next phase in Fig. 7c is the increase in the cross section according to Fig. 2c for the last set of actuators 3 in the direction 5 of pumping and thus the suction of the pumped fluid. This is followed by the phase in Fig. 7d, when the flow tube 1 is compressed according to Fig. 2a or Fig. 2b by the first two sets of actuators 3 in the pumping direction 5, thereby forcing the pumped fluid out of the flow tube 1. under the middle set of actuators 3. Then, in the phase in Fig. 7e, the flow tube 1 is compressed by the middle and last sets of actuators 3 in the pumping direction 5 and at the same time the flow tube 1. is expanded by the first set of actuators 3 in the pumping direction 5, where the pumped fluid is sucked in. Fig. 7f shows the following phase, when the crosssection of the flow tube 1 is increased by the middle set of actuators 3 and the cross-section of the flow tube 1 is brought to an undeformed cross-section by the first set of actuators 3 in the pumping direction 5. This is the transition to the phase in Fig. 7b and the entire pumping cycle is repeated. In Fig. 8 schematically shows in longitudinal section a solution similar to that in Fig. 7, but where the cross-section of the flow tube 1 is not increased compared to the initial state in Fig. 7a. In the individual phases in Fig. 8a to Fig. 8e, the path of the wave of fluid pumping through the peristaltic pump is shown. The phase in Fig. 8e is identical to Fig. 8a and creates a pump operation cycle.

[0026] Fig. 9 schematically shows in longitudinal section a solution similar to that in Fig. 8, where the first and last set of actuators are formed by narrower actuators 3, which perform the function of one-way valves 4. The initial state is in Fig. 9a. In Fig. 9b, the pump inlet is closed. In Fig. 9c, the pumped fluid is expelled. In Fig. 9d, the pump outlet is closed and the pump inlet is opened again. In Fig. 9e, the open pump inlet again causes the pumped fluid to fill the flow tube 1 below the middle set of actuators 3. This is followed by the phase in Fig. 9b.

[0027] Fig. 10 schematically shows a variant where the passive one-way valves 4 are reinforced by sets of narrow actuators 3 placed above them. The narrow actuators 3 reduce or release or increase the cross-section of the flow tube 1, and thus help to close or open the flow tube 1 by the one-way valves 4.

[0028] Fig. 11 schematically shows a variant where four sets of actuators 3 are used in the longitudinal direction. The number of sets of actuators can be even greater. A larger number of sets of actuators can accelerate the flow of the pumped fluid wave according to Fig. 8.

[0029] Fig. 12 schematically shows in a longitudinal section the location and use of various sensors for controlling the operation of the peristaltic pump. Pressure sensors 10 are placed at the inlet and outlet of the peristaltic pump. A flow sensor 13 is placed at the outlet of the peristaltic pump. Each actuator 3 can be equipped with pressure sensors 10, force sensors 11, motion sensors 12 of the actuator 3 for determining the position, speed, acceleration and electric current (or other energy flow).

[0030] Fig. 13 schematically shows in longitudinal section another solution of the first set of actuators 3 in the direction 5 of pumping with the concept of the solution according to Fig. 6. The actuators 3 with the inclination of the pressure surface to the flow tube 1. move in such a way that they clamp the flow tube 1. like a wedge at the beginning in the direction 5 of pumping in Fig. 13a and 13b. Subsequently, the flow tube 1. is clamped along the entire length of the first set of actuators 3 in the direction 5 of pumping in Fig. 13c. This will push out the pumped fluid in the direction 5 of pumping, thus improving the pumping in the direction 5 of pumping.

[0031] Fig. 14 schematically shows in longitudinal section the use of a different set of actuators 3 than in Fig. 13 for the variant in Fig. 9. In Fig. 14a, the initial state of the open flow tube 1 is shown. In Fig. 14b, the flow tube 1 is closed by the first set of actuators 3 in the pumping direction 5 as one-way valves 4. In Fig. 14c, the flow tube 1 is clamped like a wedge by the second set of actuators in the pumping direction 5. In Fig. 14d, the flow tube 1 is clamped along the entire length of the second set of actuators 3 in the pumping direction 5. In Fig. 14e, the flow tube 1. is closed by the third set of actuators 3 in the pumping direction 5 as one-way valves 4. In Fig. 14f, the flow tube 1 is opened under the first and second sets of actuators 3 in the pumping direction 5. Then there is a return to the initial state in Fig. 14a. In Fig. 14c - 14f it is clear that for the movement of the second set of actuators 3 in the direction of pumping 5 as a wedge (Fig. 14c) and then clamped along the entire length (Fig. 14d - e) - i.e. the planar movement of the displacement and rotation of the actuators 3, two displacement actuators 31 and 32 are used. However, these are flexible mechanisms so that the described movements are carried out.

[0032] Fig. 15 schematically shows in longitudinal section the solution for the movement of the set of actuators 3 as a wedge using only one actuator 31 and two sliding guides 6. If the actuator wedge 3 is guided in both sliding guides 6 in Fig. 15a, then only the actuator wedge 3 is moved towards the flow tube 1 by the action of the actuator 31. After reaching the end of one sliding guide 6 and leaving the other sliding guide 6, the actuator wedge 3 rotates and the flow tube 1 is closed along the length of the actuators 3 by the action of the actuator 31. However, these are flexible mechanisms so that the described movements are carried out or the actuator 31 is connected to the actuator 3 as a wedge using a rotary joint.

[0033] In Fig. 16 schematically shows several shapes of actuators 3 in longitudinal section. Fig. 16a shows a narrow actuator 3 with a continuous convex shape. This allows for faster closure of the flow tube L Fig. 16b shows a wider actuator 3 with a convex and concave part of the actuator 3, which allows for closure of the flow tube 1 and expulsion of fluid in the direction 5 of pumping. Fig. 16c shows a wider actuator 3 with only a convex part of the actuator 3, which allows closure of the flow tube 1 and expulsion of fluid in the direction 5 of pumping.

[0034] Fig. 17 schematically shows in cross section variants of the solution, where the outer tube 2 is not closed and forms only the outer support of the actuators 3 and during their movement 9 the outer tube 2 leads to mutual compensation of the forces of the actuators 3 so that no resulting forces arise that would need to be anchored to the frame. This mutual compensation of forces is ensured by the closed outer tube 2, but its closure is not necessary for this. In Fig. 17a, the outer tube 2 is not closed only in one place, in Fig. 17b in several places and in Fig. 17c the actuators 3 are larger than the distance between the flow tube 1. and the outer tube 2, whereby the tubes can be of non-circular cross-section. The advantage of the unclosed outer tube 2 is the easier assembly of the peristaltic pump around the existing flow tube 1 and the possibility of a uniform medium between the flow tube 1. and the outer tube 2 and the external environment outside the outer tube 2. In all cases, the actuators 3 are firmly fixed in the outer tube 2 and move only in the direction of the flow tube 1_. The illustrated unclosure of the outer tube 2 represents an opening in the outer tube 2 along its entire length or only a local opening. All parts of the outer tube 2 are always interconnected and then attached to the flow tube 1 according to Fig. 23.

[0035] Fig. 18 schematically shows a variant of a peristaltic pump with a rotary shape in a longitudinal section. This variant using multiple actuators shows that the described peristaltic pump can have a curved flow tube 1_, it does not have to be straight. In this variant, the shape of the flow tube in the longitudinal section is rotary.

[0036] Fig. 19 schematically shows a variant of a peristaltic pump using the longitudinal compliance of the flow tube 1. In Fig. 19a, the actuators 3 are driven by a parallelogram mechanism 7. In the initial phase in Fig. 19a, the flow tube 1 is compressed by movement 9. In Fig. 19b in the following phase (into which the initial phase smoothly transitions) the movement 9 of the compressed flow tube 1 in the direction 5 of fluid pumping takes place precisely by utilizing the longitudinal compliance of the flow tube L This creates a pumping wave of fluid inside the flow tube 1. In Fig. 19c the flow tube 1. is released. In Fig. 19d the actuator 3 is moved to the initial phase shown in Fig. 19a. The parallelogram 7 clearly shows the process of fluid pumping, but it requires extensive movement of the actuator 3 with loss of contact with the flow tube L For extensive movement of the actuator 3 in the given case, the outer tube 2 must be unclosed. All this can be eliminated by replacing the parallelogram 7 with a four-joint mechanism that can move completely in the space between the flow and outer tubes and that does not have to lose contact with the flow tube 1 in any phase of the peristaltic pump operation. An example of such a four-joint mechanism is shown in Fig. 20. The rotary drive 14 of the mechanism ensures the movement 9 of the actuator 3.

[0037] Fig. 21 shows the implementation of the mechanism for the variant from Fig. 19 and Fig. 20 using a cam. The actuator 3 in the form of a cam rotates and gradually causes deformation by compressing the flow tube 1_, its displacement in the direction 5 of fluid pumping, release of the flow tube 1. and its return to the initial state. The individual phases of pumping are Fig. 21a-21b-21c-21d- 21a.

[0038] Fig. 22 shows a schematic longitudinal section of the variant of the peristaltic pump from Fig. 19, where the longitudinal compliance of the flow tube 1 is reinforced or even replaced by a bellows (compensator) 8.

[0039] Fig. 23 schematically shows in longitudinal section that the compliance of the flow tube 1. can lead to the accumulation of pumped fluid by deformation (enlargement, inflation) of the flow tube 1 between two rows of actuators 3, between which there is a distance, e.g. in the variant in Fig. 6. Fig. 23 also shows that the outer tube 2 is then attached to the flow tube 1 and through this attachment all force effects of the actuators 3 are mutually compensated in all directions both through the outer tube 2 and through the flow tube L The described peristaltic pump thus does not need an external frame.

[0040] In Fig. 24 schematically shows in longitudinal section how the movement of the drive 14 of the actuator 3 in the longitudinal direction realizes the movement of the flow tube 1_ in the direction 9 through the rods 15. The movement of the actuators 3 in the longitudinal direction can be longer than the movement of the rods 15 in the transverse direction. The actual compression of the flow tube 1 is performed by the rods 15. Fig. 25 schematically shows in transverse and longitudinal section another method of actuating the deformation of the flow tube L The actuators 3 are here formed by actuators that are capable of contraction and relaxation. They act in pairs in parallel planes. In the initial phase, the undeformed flow tube 1 is shown in Fig. 25a-c. After the contraction of the actuators 3 in two parallel planes on the left, the deformation of the flow tube 1 is shown in Fig. 25d-f. After the contraction of the actuators 3 is released, the deformation of the flow tube 1. and the actuators 3 is restored to the original state in Fig. 25a-c. The operation of the peristaltic pump is similar to the variant in Fig. 6, here it is an alternative of the actuators 3.

[0041] Fig. 26 schematically shows a completely different method of actuating the deformation of the flow tube 1 in cross-section and longitudinal section. The actuators 3 are here formed by rotary actuators that twist and release the fibers 16. The fibers 16 compress the flow tube 1. during twisting and cause its compression. The actuators 3 perform a relative rotational movement 14 between the outer tube 2 and the flow tube 1 and thus act on the twisting of the fibers 16 leading to the deformation 17 of the flow tube 1. The representation of the cross-section corresponds to only one set of actuators 3 in the longitudinal section. The actuators 3 are two sets moving in opposite directions 14 and thus compensate for the rotational moments.

[0042] Fig. 27 schematically shows a variant with a minimum number of actuators 3 in longitudinal and cross- section. Their minimum number is one with the inclination of the pressure surface to the flow tube 1 as a wedge. An actuator with a wedge-shaped inclination of the pressure surface to the flow tube 1. can also be realized with a cam according to Fig. 21. The principle is that the forces acting in this actuator 3 compensate each other in the structure of the outer tube 2 with the reactions from the flow tube 1, i.e. the sum of its reaction forces acting on the outer tube 2 and the reaction forces in the attachment of the outer tube 2 to the flow tube 1. according to Fig. 23 is zero. Fig. 27a shows the undeformed state and Fig. 27b shows the deformed state.

[0043] All described variants can be combined. The variants are shown schematically.

[0044] The actuators are controlled by a computer. The advantage of this peristaltic pump for transporting liquids and suspensions is its design, which does not require a frame, the possibility of increasing pumping efficiency by forcedly changing the cross-section by enlarging the flow tube, which also brings independence from the time constant of the return of the deformed flow tube to its original state, and the possibility of controlling the course of the pressure wave in the flow tube is also an advantage.

Claims

AMENDED CLAIMS received by the International Bureau on 14 May 20251. Peristaltic pump comprising a flow tube (1) for transporting fluids or suspensions passing through an outer tube (2) and actuators affecting the change in the cross-section of the flow tube, characterized in that at least one actuator is attached to the outer tube (2) and slidably mounted on the outer tube (2) and movable in the longitudinal direction (14) and is connected to rods (15) for compressing the flow tube (1) or the actuators (3) are attached to the flow tube (1) or the outer tube (2) by a parallelogram (7) or a four-joint mechanism or a cam, the rotation axes of movement of which are oblique or perpendicular to the axis of the outer tube (2) or at least two actuators (3) are rotatable around the axis of the flow tube and are connected to fibers (16) attached at their other end to the flow tube (1).

2. Peristaltic pump according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuators (3) are attached or rest on the flow tube (1) and are moved longitudinally by pressing the flow tube (1).

3. Peristaltic pump according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the flow tube (1) has a variable cross-section.

4. Peristaltic pump according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuator (3) is attached to the outer tube (2) with an inclination of the pressure surface towards the flow tube (1) or with one-way valves (4) in the flow tube (1) before and after the point of its compression by the actuator (3), or at least two actuators (3) are attached to the outer tube (2) in a row, and are / are connected to the flow tube (1) or abut against the flow tube (1).

5. Peristaltic pump according to claim 1, characterized in that at least two opposing actuators (3) are attached to the outer tube (2) arranged opposite eachother on opposite sides of the flow tube (1) and connected to the flow tube (1) or abut against the flow tube (1).

6. Peristaltic pump according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that actuators (3) of the same or different widths are attached to the outer tube (2) in a row.

7. Peristaltic pump according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuator pressure surface has a convex and / or concave shape.

8. Peristaltic pump according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuators (3) are provided with pressure sensors (10), pressure force sensors (11) and movement sensors (12).

9. Peristaltic pump according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the outer tube (2) is provided with a pressure sensor (10) and a flow sensor (13).

10. Peristaltic pump according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that two actuators (3) are connected to the outer tube (2) partially surrounding the flow tube (1) and two actuators (3) are connected to the outer tube (2) on the opposite side and partially surrounding the flow tube (1).

11. Peristaltic pump according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the flow tube (1) and the outer tube (2) are curved.

12. Peristaltic pump according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuators (3) in the direction perpendicular to the other actuators (3) are formed by passive springs.

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