Pump housing for tube pump, tube pump, tube pump arrangement, method, and computer program product

Abstract

A pump housing (45) for a tube pump (1) comprises a first chamber (2) and a shaped membrane (17). The first chamber (2) has an elongated shape, a longitudinal direction (5), and two ends (28, 29). The shaped membrane (17) is provided in the first chamber (2). The shaped membrane (17) comprises a flexible material and defines a groove within the shaped membrane. The shaped membrane (17) comprises an opening (20) on a side of the shaped membrane directed towards a first surface (31) of the pump housing. The shaped membrane (17) is fixed to the first chamber (2) at both ends (28, 29) of the first chamber (2) and along the entire length of the opening (20) on both sides in such a manner that at least one hose (8) of a cartridge (40), the hose (8) defining a first tubular cavity (9) within the hose (8), which first tubular cavity (9) is designed to receive product material to be pumped, can be received into the groove (21). Thereby all the parts of the tube pump (1) provided in contact with the product material can be removed and replaced from the pump housing (45) without affecting other parts of the tube pump (1).

Description

[0001] PUMP HOUSING FOR TUBE PUMP, TUBE PUMP, TUBE PUMP ARRANGEMENT, METHOD, AND COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCT

[0002] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0003] The present disclosure relates to pumping, and particularly to a pump housing for a tube pump. The present disclosure further concerns a tube pump, a tube pump arrangement, a method, and a computer program product.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0005] Pumps are used in many applications that require high flow precision. Many of such applications, for instance in food and beverage, and pharmaceutical industries, further require cleanliness.

[0006] In such applications, it is currently typical to use positive displacement pumps, such as peristaltic pumps, also known as tube pumps, that utilise a rolling element to compress a tube containing the process fluid. The pumping action of these types of pumps can often damage delicate solids possibly provided in the process fluid by applying shear stress and pulsation to the process fluid.

[0007] Another problem is contamination of the process fluid, which can occur for instance by flakes of material dislodged from the wetted components, such as the tube in a peristaltic pump, or during changeout or cleaning of components when a process batch is changed. Pumping action and contamination can directly impact the yield and quality of process fluids.

[0008] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0009] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a new pump housing for a tube pump, tube pump, method, and computer program product.

[0010] The object of the disclosure is achieved by the pump housing for a tube pump, tube pump, tube pump arrangement, method and computer program product which are characterized by what is stated in the independent claims. Some embodiments of the disclosure are disclosed in the dependent claims.

[0011] The disclosure is based on the idea of providing a pump housing for a tube pump, which comprises at least a first chamber and a shaped membrane provided in the first chamber, which shaped membrane comprises a flexible material and defines a groove within the shaped membrane for receiving a hose of a cartridge and an opening on a side of the shaped membrane, the opening extending along the entire length of the shaped membrane in the longitudinal direction of the first chamber. Thus, in the pump housing and in a tube pump comprising such a pump housing, the inside of the cartridge forms the only parts of the tube pump between the product inlet and the product outlet of the tube pump that are in contact with the product.

[0012] An advantage of the solution of the disclosure is that the parts of the tube pump in contact with product and only those parts can be easily replaced, thus increasing product safety and hygiene while minimizing the amount of material waste, while providing excellent pumping characteristics. In addition, replaceable cartridges can be used and changed without tools or special skills.

[0013] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] In the following the disclosure will be described in greater detail by means of preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0015] Figure 1 illustrates schematically a cartridge for a tube pump;

[0016] Figure 2 illustrates schematically a shaped membrane for a tube pump seen from a side in cross-section;

[0017] Figure 3 illustrates schematically a shaped membrane for a tube pump seen from an inlet end;

[0018] Figure 4 illustrates schematically a detail of a pump housing seen from the top;

[0019] Figure 5 illustrates schematically a pump housing according to an embodiment seen from above and from the direction of an end in cross-section;

[0020] Figure 6 illustrates schematically a pump housing according to an embodiment seen from the direction of an end in cross-section;

[0021] Figure 7 illustrates schematically a detail of a tube pump according to an embodiment seen from the direction of an end in cross-section;

[0022] Figure 8 illustrates schematically a detail of a tube pump seen in perspective;

[0023] Figure 9 illustrates schematically a tube pump according to an embodiment;

[0024] Figure 10 illustrates schematically a tube pump;

[0025] Figure 11 illustrates schematically a tube pump arrangement;

[0026] Figure 12 illustrates schematically a cartridge for a tube pump;

[0027] Figure 13 illustrates schematically a method for dispensing a product material; and

[0028] Figure 14 illustrates schematically a tube pump according to an embodiment shown in perspective with the cover open. The figures are for illustrative purposes only and are not shown in scale. Not all similar features are provided with reference signs in all figures. Some features, such as gaps and differences in dimensions may be exaggerated in the figures for the sake of clarity.

[0029] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0030] Figure 1 illustrates schematically a cartridge for a tube pump, Figure 2 illustrates schematically a shaped membrane for a tube pump seen from a side in cross-section, Figure 3 illustrates schematically a shaped membrane for a tube pump seen from an inlet end, and Figure 4 illustrates schematically a detail of a pump housing seen from the top.

[0031] Figure 5 illustrates schematically a pump housing according to an embodiment seen from above and from the direction of an end in cross-section, and Figure 6 illustrates schematically a pump housing according to an embodiment seen from the direction of an end in cross-section.

[0032] Figure 7 illustrates schematically a detail of a tube pump according to an embodiment seen from the direction of an end in cross-section, Figure 8 illustrates schematically a detail of a tube pump seen in perspective, Figure 9 illustrates schematically a tube pump according to an embodiment, Figure 10 illustrates schematically a tube pump, and Figure 14 illustrates schematically a tube pump according to an embodiment shown in perspective with the cover open.

[0033] Figure 11 illustrates schematically a tube pump arrangement, Figure 12 illustrates schematically a cartridge for a tube pump, and Figure 13 illustrates schematically a method for dispensing a product material.

[0034] According to an aspect, a cartridge 40 for a tube pump 1 , such as a cartridge 40 according to one of the Figures 1 , 11 , or 12, comprises at least two hoses 8. Each hose 8 comprises a tubular member formed of a flexible material capable of being compressed and being returned to the original shape of the hose 8, wherein each hose 8 defines a first tubular cavity 9 within the hose 8, which first tubular cavity 9 is designed to receive product material to be pumped. According to an embodiment, the first tubular cavity 9 may comprise a round, for instance circular, cross-section.

[0035] In the context of this disclosure, the cartridge 40 refers to a replaceable entity, a cartridge, which can be removed from the tube pump 1 and replaced by a new replaceable cartridge.

[0036] According to an embodiment, the cartridge 40 may comprise a single-use cartridge. Depending on the embodiment, a single-use may refer to the cartridge 40 being replaced after each batch, between different products, at predetermined time intervals, or based on other such criteria, whereas a multi-use cartridge may be intended to be used for extended periods of time. The structure, materials and functionality of a single-use cartridge and a multi-use cartridge may, thus, be similar to one another, but in some embodiments, there may be some differences. For instance, in some embodiments, a multi-use cartridge may be made of more durable materials and components than a single-use cartridge. According to an embodiment, the single-use cartridge 40 may be designed to be disposed after use.

[0037] According to an embodiment, the cartridge 40 may comprise a multi-use cartridge. According to another embodiment, the multi-use cartridge 40 may be designed to be cleaned, and optionally sterilized, for instance presterilized again, after use.

[0038] The cartridge 40, such as a single-use cartridge or a multi-use cartridge, further comprises an inlet 18 for receiving the product material to be pumped to the tube pump 1 , which inlet 18 is provided in fluid connection with each hose 8, an outlet 19 for discharging the product material from the tube pump 1 , which outlet 19 is provided in fluid connection each hose 8, and connecting members 27 connecting the hoses 8 to the inlet 18 at the first end 28 of each hose 8 and to the outlet 19 at the second end 29 of each hose 8.

[0039] According to an embodiment, the hoses 8 and the connecting members 27 are presterilized. This may be particularly beneficial, if the cartridge 40 is designed to be used for pumping food or pharma products. According to an embodiment, the presterilized hoses 8 and connecting members 27 may form a part of a single-use cartridge.

[0040] According to an embodiment, the connecting members 27 may be rigid. In other words, the connecting members 27 may comprise a material that is not flexible. More particularly, the connecting members 27 must be rigid enough to withstand the pressure of the product material extruded from the outlet 19 without deformation, for example expanding.

[0041] According to an embodiment, the cartridge 40 further comprises an inlet closing device 10 provided at the first end 28 of each hose 8 to control receiving of product material into the first tubular cavity 9, and an outlet closing device 11 provided at the second end 29 of each hose 8 to control extruding of product material out from the first tubular cavity 9. Each inlet closing device 10 may be provided downstream from the inlet 18 and each outlet closing device 11 may be provided upstream from the outlet 19.

[0042] According to an embodiment, each inlet closing device 10 and each outlet closing device 11 comprises at least one of the following: a check valve, other non-returning valve, a butterfly valve, a control valve, a pinch valve, a diaphragm valve, a ball valve, or another type of valve capable of closing and opening in each case the inlet 18 or the outlet 19, respectively.

[0043] According to an embodiment, each inlet closing device 10 and / or outlet closing device 11 may be installed to an end of the respective hose 8. According to another embodiment, at least some of the inlet closing devices 10 and / or outlet closing devices 11 may be installed to respective connecting members 27. This option is illustrated schematically in Figure 1 by the inlet closing devices and outlet closing devices shown as dashed lines.

[0044] According to an embodiment, the inlet closing devices 10, the outlet closing devices 11 , the hoses 8, and the connecting members 27 are formed as a preassembled, presterilized unit. According to an embodiment, the entire cartridge 40 is provided as a preassembled, presterilized unit. According to an embodiment, the preassembled, presterilized unit may comprise a single-use cartridge, whereby the entire single-use cartridge may be provided as a preassembled and presterilized unit.

[0045] According to an embodiment, each hose 8 and connecting member 27 is made from an FDA-approved material, and the inlet closing devices 10 and outlet closing devices 11 comprise FDA-approved valves. According to an embodiment, the entire cartridge 40 is made from FDA-approved materials. FDA-approved valves and materials refer to valves and materials, respectively, which are approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration for the intended use, especially for use in cosmetics, food industry, biopharma, and / or pharma applications. This, thus, is particularly important in connection with embodiments, where product material is a product material of pharma, biopharma, food industry or cosmetics. The reason for this is that the material in contact with the product material has to be compatible with the material pumped and the purpose it is used for and, where applicable, certified for it. On the other hand, in embodiments, where chemicals are pumped, the materials have to be compatible with chemicals they are brought into contact with. Thus, in embodiments, where the cartridge 40, which may comprise a single-use cartridge or a multi-use cartridge, or the tube pump 1 is used in environments other than pharma, biopharma, food industry, or cosmetics, requirements for the material may vary significantly.

[0046] According to an embodiment, each hose 8 comprises at least one of the following: silicone, thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), or suitable material.

[0047] According to an embodiment, at least some parts of the cartridge 40, such as the hoses 8, the connecting members 27, the inlet closing devices 10 and / or the outlet closing devices 11 , may be connected to each other by clamps. According to an embodiment, all parts of the cartridge 40, such as the hoses 8, the connecting members 27, the inlet closing devices 10 and / or the outlet closing devices 11 , may be connected to each other by clamps. According to an embodiment, at least some of the parts of the cartridge 40 may be connected to each other by welding, gluing, made as a single unit, or by other manner approved by the FDA.

[0048] According to an aspect, pump housing 45 for a tube pump 1 may be designed to receive at least one hose 8 of the cartridge 40 according to any one of the embodiments disclosed in this description, accompanying claims, and / or accompanying drawings, or a combination thereof.

[0049] According to some aspects, a pump housing 45 and / or a tube pump 1 comprising such a pump housing 45 may also receive at least one hose 8 and possibly other structural parts, which are disclosed in connection with a disclosed embodiment, where the hose 8 is not part of a cartridge 40 and / or not part of a preassembled assembly. Thus, the cartridge 40, the pump housing 45, and / or the tube pump 1 of this disclosure may be used either in combination with each other or independently of each other depending on the aspect and embodiment.

[0050] The pump housing 45 may comprise a first chamber 2 having an elongated shape, a longitudinal direction 5, and two ends 6, 7, namely a first end 6 and a second end 7. The first chamber 2 may open to a first surface 31 of the pump housing 45. More particularly, the first chamber 2 may open to the first surface 31 between the first end 6 and the second end 7. In other words, the first surface 31 of the pump housing 45 may extend between the first end 6 and the second end 7 of the first chamber 2. According to an embodiment, the first chamber 2 may further open to towards the first end 6 and the second end 7, as best shown in Figures 5, 6, and 14. Thus, the hose 8 may be provided in the pump housing 45 from the direction of the first surface 31 , and to extend through the first end 6 and the second end 7, as best shown in Figures 6, 11 , 12, and 14.

[0051] According to an embodiment, the cross-section of the first chamber 2 may have the shape of a rectangular. According to another embodiments, the cross-section of the first chamber 2 may have another shape.

[0052] According to an embodiment, the pump housing 45 may comprise further cavities for other connections and structural parts, such as inlets, outlet, ports for inflow and outflow of pressure medium, and others, not all of which are shown in the schematical figures. According to an embodiment, the pump housing 45 may be made of steel, aluminium, plastic material, or a combination thereof. According to an embodiment, the pump housing 45 may be casted or machined from a block.

[0053] The pump housing 45 may further comprise a shaped membrane 17 provided in the first chamber 2, which shaped membrane 17 comprises a tubular member formed of a flexible material and defining a groove 21 within the shaped membrane 17.

[0054] According to an embodiment, the shaped membrane 17 comprises an opening 20 on a side of the shaped membrane 17 directed towards the first surface 31 of the pump housing 45, the opening 20 extending along the entire length of the shaped membrane 17 in the longitudinal direction of the first chamber 2. According to an embodiment, the shaped membrane 17 is fixed to the first chamber 2 at both ends 6, 7 of the first chamber 2 and along the entire length of the opening 20 on both sides in such a manner that the hose 8 can be received into the groove 21. In other words, the groove 21 may extend from the first end 6 to the second end 7 of the first chamber, and the groove 21 may open towards the first end 6, the second end 7, and the first surface 31 , as best seen in Figures 2 - 6. Thereby all the parts of the tube pump 1 provided in contact with the product material, especially the hose 8 and / or the cartridge 40, can be removed and replaced from the pump housing 45 without affecting other parts of the tube pump 1. In other words, the hose 8 and / or the cartridge 40 comprising the hose(s) 8 can then be removed from the pump housing 45 and replaced by a new hose 8 and / or a new cartridge 40 without any contact with other parts of the tube pump 1 , and especially without any contact with the pressure medium.

[0055] According to an embodiment, the shaped membrane 17 may further comprise a side flange 35 extending on each side of the opening 20 in a direction parallel to the surface 31 . These side flanges 35 may help keeping the shaped membrane 17 in its place in the chamber 2, 3, for instance when the hose 8 is provided into the chamber 2, 3 or removed from the chamber 2, 3, and / or when shaped membrane 17 is being compressed or decompressed.

[0056] According to an embodiment, the pump housing 45 is designed to receive all the hoses 8 of the cartridge 40, and wherein the pump housing 45 comprises one or more further chambers 3, such that the pump housing 45 comprises a chamber 2, 3, in other words a first chamber 2 or a further chamber 3, for each hose 8. According to an embodiment, the further chamber(s) 3 have an elongated shape, a longitudinal direction 5, two ends 6, 7, namely a first end 6 and a second end 7, wherein each further chamber 3 opens to the first surface 31 of the pump housing 45. The further chamber(s) 3 may be structurally and / or functionally similar to the first chamber 2 also in other respects. According to an embodiment, the cross-section of the further chamber 3 has the shape of a rectangular. In other embodiments, the cross-section of the first chamber 2 and / or the further chamber(s) 3 may comprise a different shape.

[0057] According to an embodiment, the pump housing 45 comprises one or more further shaped membranes 17, such that the pump housing comprises a shaped membrane 17 provided in each chamber 2, 3, which shaped membrane 17 comprises a tubular member formed of a flexible material and defining a groove 21 within the shaped membrane 17. According to an embodiment, the shaped membrane 17 comprises an opening 20 on a side of the shaped membrane 17 directed towards the first surface 31 of the pump housing 45, the opening 20 extending along the entire length of the shaped membrane 17 in the longitudinal direction of the further chamber 3. According to an embodiment, the shaped membrane 17 is fixed to the further chamber 3 at both ends 6, 7 of the further chamber 3 and along the entire length of the opening 20 on both sides in such a manner that the hose 8 can be received into the groove 21 . Thereby all the parts of the tube pump 1 provided in contact with the product material can be removed and replaced from the pump housing 45 without affecting other parts of the tube pump 1 , and especially without any contact with the pressure medium.

[0058] According to an embodiment, each chamber 2, 3, namely each first chamber 2 and / or each further chamber 3, and each shaped membrane 17 is designed in such a manner that the hose 8 first reaches its maximum compression at the first end 6 of the hose 8 and last at the second end 7 creating a peristaltic-type of an effect.

[0059] According to an embodiment, a gap 37 between the edge of the first chamber 2 and the possible further chamber(s) 3 in the direction of the height 38 of the chamber 2, 3, which height 38 extends in a direction perpendicular the plane defined by the first surface 31 of the pump housing 45, is smaller than the gap 37 in the direction of the width 39 of the chamber, which width extends in a direction perpendicular to the height 38. Thereby, when the shaped membrane 17 is compressed, the shape of the chamber 2, 3 limits its deformation in the direction of the height 38, whereby the groove 21 expands more in the direction of the width 39 of the chamber 2, 3 and less in the direction of the height 38 of the chamber 2, 3, thus obtaining a more oval shape. Preferably, the gap 37 in the direction of the height 38 is very small, only enabling a very small to no expansion of the groove 21 in that direction.

[0060] The shaped membrane 17 is, thus, preferably open towards the first surface 31 along the entire length of the shaped membrane 17 between the first end 6 and the second end 7. This enables receiving the hose 8 in the groove 21 without disassembling for instance the inlet closing device(s) 10, outlet device(s) and / or other parts of the cartridge 40 from the hose 8. According to an embodiment, the shaped membrane 17 may, thus, comprise a cross-section comprising a circular segment cut by an opening 20 on one side and flanges 35 extending on each side of the opening 20.

[0061] According to an embodiment, the height 38 of the first chamber 2 and the possible further chamber(s) 3 may be greater at the first end 6, which is the inlet end, than at the second end 7, which is the outlet end. The cross-sectional dimensions of the groove 21 , on the other hand, may be same along the length of the groove 21 in the longitudinal direction 5. Thereby, this may enable the groove 21 to obtain a more oval shape at the second end 7 and a less oval shape at the first end 6, when the shaped membrane 17 is compressed.

[0062] The shape of the chambers 2, 3 and / or the varying thickness 25 of the shaped membrane wall may enable extruding the product material provided in the hose 8 inside the groove 21 in the peristaltic-manner, in other words in such a manner that the material first entered to the first tubular cavity 9 inside the hose 8 is extruded first through the outlet 19 and the material entered to the first tubular cavity 9 last is extruded last.

[0063] According to an embodiment, in each case the shaped membrane 17, more particularly at least the groove 21 defined inside the shaped membrane 17, has a cross-section shaped as a circular segment, where the flat side 39 is aligned with the first surface 31 and a wall thickness 25, which wall thickness 25 is smaller at the first end 6 than at the second end 7. The flat side 39 refers to the flat part of the cross section of the groove 21 , where the otherwise rounded cross-section of the groove 21 is cut by the opening 20. In other words, the wall of the shaped membrane 17, especially the part of the shaped membrane 17 defining the groove 21 , is preferably thinner at the end directed towards the inlet 18 and thicker at the end directed towards the outlet 19. This has the effect that the shaped membrane 17 tend to deform first and more at the first end 6 and later and less at the second end 7, when the shaped membrane 17 being compressed, even when the compressing force is same or similar along the length of the shaped membrane 17. According to an embodiment, the circular segment may comprise a slightly oval shape, where the height of the cross-section is not equal with the width of the cross-section.

[0064] According to an embodiment, the pump housing 45 comprises a cover 32 for keeping the shaped membrane(s) 17 in place in the chamber 2, 3, as best seen in Figures 7, 9, and 14. More particularly, the cover 32 may be designed to keep the shaped membrane(s) 17 in place by compressing the shaped membrane 17, especially the side flange(s) 35 of the shaped membrane 17, against the pump housing 45. According to an embodiment, the cover 32 may comprise a plate, a door, a hatch, or similar. The cover 32 may, thus, prevent the shaped membrane 17 from moving in relation to the pump housing 45, for instance when it is deformed by compressing. In embodiments comprising such a cover 32, the hose 8 or the cartridge 40 may, thus, be accessed by opening the cover 32 without any contact with other parts of the pump housing 45 and / or the tube pump 1 , and more particularly without any contact with the pressure medium.

[0065] According to an embodiment, such as the embodiments of Figures 9 and 14, the cover 32 may be hinged to the part of the pump housing 45 comprising the first chamber 2 and / or the possible further chamber(s) 3. According to an embodiment, the cover 32 may be provided with locking means 46 for securing the cover 32 to the rest of the pump housing 45 during use I operation.

[0066] According to an embodiment, the pump housing 45 further comprises a retaining member 33 for each opening 20 designed to close and seal the opening 20 so that the chamber 2, 3 is formed as a closed space. According to an embodiment, the retaining member(s) 33 may be arranged to, instead of or in addition to closing and sealing the opening 20, to hold the shaped membrane 17 inside the chamber 2, 3, and the hose 8 inside the groove 21 inside the shaped membrane 17.

[0067] According to an embodiment, the retaining member 33 comprises flanges at each end of the retaining member 33 arranged to engage, when attached to the pump housing 45, with an outer surface of the pump housing 45 in such a manner that it keeps the retaining member 33 in place and prevents the hose 8 from extending through the opening 20.

[0068] According to an embodiment, such as illustrated in Figure 7, the retaining member 33 may comprise a separate structural part. According to another embodiment, the retaining member 33 may be formed as a part of the cover 32, such as illustrated in Figure 14.

[0069] According to an embodiment, the retaining member 33 comprises cup-like structures 36 at each end designed to at least partly cover a respective inlet closing device 10 or an outlet closing device 11 , such that it keeps the inlet closing device 10 and the outlet closing device 11 in place in relation to the pump housing 45 and to each other, such that it prevents the hose 8 from extending in the longitudinal direction. According to an embodiment, a part of the cup-like structures 36 forms at least a part of the respective flange. According to another embodiment, such cup-like structures 36 may be fixed to the pump housing 45 instead of the retaining member 33.

[0070] According to an aspect, a tube pump 1 comprises a pump housing 45 according to any one of the embodiments disclosed in this description, accompanying claims, and / or accompanying drawings, or a combination thereof, a hose 8 or a cartridge 40 according to any one of the embodiments disclosed in this description, accompanying claims, and / or accompanying drawings, or a combination thereof provided in the pump housing 45, and a compressing means 12.

[0071] The compressing means 12 may be configured to compress the shaped membrane 17 inside the respective chamber(s) 2, 3 and the hose 8 inside the shaped membrane 17 enabling extruding product material from the hose(s) 8 via the respective outlet closing devices 11 to the outlet 19, and removing compression from one of the chambers 2, 3 to enable the respective shaped membrane 17, and thereby the hose 8, to return towards its original form enabling refilling the hose 8 via the respective inlet closing device 10, which enables pumping product material from the inlet 18 through the inlet closing device 10, the tube 8, and the outlet closing device 11 to the outlet 19 and controlling the amount of product material extruded through each outlet closing device 11 per a time unit at a given moment by controlling the compressing means 12 coupled to each chamber 2, 3.

[0072] According to an embodiment, the hose 8 may comprise a soft tube, which does not return to its original form, or shape, by itself when a compression is released. In such embodiments, the shaped membrane 17 may be arranged to force the hose 8 to return to its original form. This may be implemented for instance by the mutual shaping of the shaped membrane 17 and the hose 8. This may be beneficial, since this may enable lower energy consumption, as no energy is needed compress the hose 8. According to another embodiment, the hose 8 may comprise a conventional hose, which returns to its original form by itself, when a compression is released.

[0073] According to an embodiment, the compressing means 12 comprise a pressure medium supply system provided in fluid connection with the first chamber 2 and the further chamber(s) 3, wherein the pressure medium supply system is designed to provide pressure medium into the chambers 2, 3 to surround the shaped membrane 17 and to control the amount of the pressure medium provided in each chamber 2, 3. Thereby supplying pressure medium into one or each of the chambers 2, 3 by the pressure medium supply system may be configured to compress the shaped membrane 17 inside the respective chamber(s) 2, 3 and the hose 8 inside the shaped membrane 17 enabling extruding product material from the hose(s) 8 via the respective outlet closing devices 11 to the outlet 19, and removing pressure medium from one of the chambers 2, 3 by the pressure medium supply system is configured to enable the respective shaped membrane

[0074] 17 and hose 8 to return towards its original form enabling refilling the hose 8 via the respective inlet closing device 10, which enables pumping product material from the inlet

[0075] 18 through the inlet closing device 10, the tube 8, and the outlet closing device 11 to the outlet 19 and controlling the amount of product material extruded through each outlet closing device 11 per a time unit at a given moment by controlling the amount of the pressure medium supplied to or removed from each chamber 2, 3. Supplying pressure medium into the respective chamber(s) 2, 3 may comprise increasing volume of pressure medium inside the chamber 2, 3 and / or decreasing the volume of the chamber 2, 3 by for instance a plunger entering the chamber 2, 3. One or both of these ways of supplying pressure medium into the chamber(s) 2, 3 may cause compressing of the shaped membrane 17 by decreasing the volume of the groove 21 inside the shaped membrane 17 and, therefore, the first tubular cavity 9 inside the hose 8, while displacing product material from the first cavity 9.

[0076] According to an embodiment, the volume of the chamber 2, 3, in other words the volume of the pressure medium in the chamber 2, 3, can be controllably increased or decreased by at least one of the following: plunger with predetermined diameter and length designed to enter and exit the chamber 2, 3 holding pressure medium at a desired speed, a hydraulic pump, a hydraulic cylinder, or a gear pump. In embodiments, where the pressure medium comprises air or other gas, the volume of the pressure medium in the chamber 2, 3 can alternatively be controllably increased or decreased by for instance a compressor, or a gas bottle. According to an embodiment, compressing the shaped membrane 17 may also be done by mechanical means using a mechanical actuator, roller, cam device, or other suitable mechanical means. In such embodiments, the mechanical means may be driven for instance by an electric motor, a servo motors, a step motors, or pneumatic motors.

[0077] According to an embodiment, the pressure medium supply system comprises two separate pressure medium supply units 13, wherein each one of the pressure medium supply units 13 is in each case designed to supply pressure medium to one of the chambers 2, 3.

[0078] According to an embodiment, each pressure medium supply unit 13 comprises at least one of the following: a hydraulic pump, a hydraulic cylinder, a gear pump, a plunger pump, a gear pump, or a gas bottle. According to an embodiment, each pressure medium supply unit 13 may be driven by an electrical motor, an electrical actuator, a hydraulic motor, a pneumatic motor, a pneumatic actuator, or like. More particularly, the plunger 34 may, for instance, be arranged to enter the chamber 2, 3 and, thereby, to displace pressure medium causing a pressure in the chamber 2, 3, which compresses the shaped membrane 17 and the hose 8 inside the shaped membrane 17. According to another embodiment, a different type of a pump, such as a gear pump, could be used to supply pressure medium into the chamber 2, 3 by pumping more pressure medium into the chamber 2, 3. According to an embodiment, compressing means 12 may comprise mechanical compressing means, which may be arranged to compress the shaped membrane 17 by a direct or indirect mechanical movement.

[0079] According to an embodiment, the tube pump 1 further comprises a control unit 16 for controlling the compression of the shaped membrane 17 in each chamber 2, 3, such as to control flow of the pressure medium in the chambers 2, 3 and the amount and flow rate of pressure medium provided in each chamber 2, 3.

[0080] According to an embodiment, the control unit 16 comprises at least one of a programmable logic controller, a programmable automation controller, or a computer.

[0081] According to an embodiment, the control unit 16 is configured to control the amount and flow rate of pressure medium provided in each chamber 2, 3 in such a manner that the combined amount of product material discharged through the outlet closing devices 11 per a time unit at a given moment of time corresponds a desired amount of product material discharged through the outlet closing devices 11 per the time unit.

[0082] According to an embodiment, the control unit 16 is configured to control the compression of the shaped membrane 17 in such a manner that neither the first tubular cavity 9 within the hose 8 nor the groove 21 inside the shaped membrane 17 is closed at any point of the operation to a point, where two opposite sides of the first tubular cavity 9 or the groove 21 engage with each other. In other words, opposite sides of the wall of either the shaped membrane 17 or the hose 8 are not brought into contact with each other during normal use of the cartridge 40, the tube pump 1 , or the tube pump arrangement 30. This means that at all times of the normal operation, there is a distance, and a space provided by the distance, between opposite sides of the wall of both the shaped membrane 17 and the hose 8. An advantage of such embodiments is that they may further enable product material flow from the outlet 19 with minimal or no shear and minimal or no damage to the product. This is particularly beneficial, when the product material flow comprises delicate solids.

[0083] According to an embodiment, the tube pump 1 may be configured to adjust the product material to be extruded through the outlet 19 at a flow rate of less than 0.7 m per second. According to an embodiment, the tube pump 1 may be configured to adjust the product material to be fed, or in other words sucked, through the inlet 18 at a flow rate of less than 0.7 m per second. According to an embodiment, the control unit 16 may be configured to adjust the flow rate, in other words the velocity, of feeding the product material to the tube pump 1 through the inlet 18 and of extruding the product material from the tube pump 1 through the outlet 19 independently. According to an embodiment, the flow rate of extruding the product material and / or the flow rate of feeding the product material may be constant.

[0084] According to an embodiment, the tube pump 1 may be configured to control the suction flow rate, at which product material is sucked into the first tubular cavity 9 within the hose 8, to control receiving of product material into the first tubular cavity 9. This control may be implemented by the control unit 16. The control of the suction flow rate may be independent from other means of controlling the characteristics of the tube pump 1 .

[0085] According to an embodiment, the control unit 16 may be configured to control the tube pump 1 in a flow mode, where the flow rate, in other words the rate of extruding the product material and the rate of feeding the product material, is kept at a predetermined value regardless of the pressure in the product line, in other words in the feed system of the product material.

[0086] According to an embodiment, the control unit 16 may be configured to control the tube pump 1 in a pressure mode, where the product line pressure is kept at a predetermined value by adjusting the flow rate in the tube pump 1 . According to an embodiment, the tube pump 1 may comprise a pressure detecting device (not shown), such as a pressure sensor, for monitoring the controlled pressure.

[0087] According to an embodiment, the tube pump 1 further comprises at least one measuring instrument (not shown) configured to measure at least one of the following: pressure medium flow to the first chamber 2, pressure medium flow to the further chamber 3, pressure medium pressure in the first chamber 2, or pressure medium pressure in the further chamber 3.

[0088] According to an embodiment, the tube pump 1 may further comprise at least one positioning device (not shown) associated with a pressure medium supply system of the tube pump 1 and configured to detect in each case a predetermined initial position of the respective pressure medium supply system. Similarly, the tube pump 1 may also comprise at least one positioning device associated with the compression means 12 of another type, the positioning device being configured to detect a predetermined initial position of the shaped membrane 17. According to an embodiment, the tube pump 1 may comprise one or more positioning devices configured to detect other predetermined position(s) of the respective shaped membranes 17, for instance a predetermined extreme position or other predetermined position, for controlling the compressing. According to an embodiment, one or more of the positioning devices may comprise a positioning sensor or proximity switch.

[0089] According to an embodiment, the product material may be fed from one or more first receptacles 41 to and pumped through the cartridge 40 and / or by a tube pump 1 to one or more second receptacles 42. Figures 11 and 12 illustrate schematically such embodiments.

[0090] According to an embodiment, such as the embodiment of Figure 11 , instead of extruding the product material at a constant flow rate, the tube pump 1 , such as the control unit 16 of the tube pump 1 , may be configured to extrude a predetermined amount of product material through the outlet 19 of a hose 8. According to an embodiment, such a tube pump 1 may comprise several hoses 8 each having an outlet 19, whereby such a dose of a predetermined amount, such as a predetermined volume, may be extruded from each hose 8 at the same time or from one hose 8 at a time, depending on the embodiment. In Figure 11 , only one hose 8 is provided with a connecting member 27 and an outlet 19 for illustrative purposes.

[0091] According to an aspect, a tube pump arrangement 30 comprises at least one tube pump 1 according to any one of the embodiments disclosed in this description, accompanying claims, and / or accompanying drawings, or a combination thereof.

[0092] According to an embodiment, a tube pump arrangement 30 may comprise two or more tube pumps 1 according to any one of the embodiments disclosed in this description, accompanying claims, and / or accompanying drawings, or a combination thereof. According to an embodiment, each tube pump 1 is connected to a separate inlet 18 for receiving in each case a specific product material and to a shared outlet 19 for discharging a combined product material comprising a combination of product materials discharged through the outlet closing devices 11 of each tube pump 1. An example of such an embodiment is illustrated schematically in Figure 12. According to an embodiment, the cartridge 40 may comprise a cartridge 40 for a tube pump 1 suitable for such a tube pump arrangement 30. Such a cartridge 40 may comprise inlets 18 for each tube pump 1 , hoses 8 of each tube pump 1 , and connecting members 27 both for connecting the hoses 8 of each tube pump 1 and further connecting all the hoses 8 of all tube pumps 1 to a shared outlet 19, as illustrated in Figure 12.

[0093] According to an aspect, a method for dispensing a product material comprises dispensing the product material by a tube pump 1 according to any one of the embodiments disclosed in this description, accompanying claims, and / or accompanying drawings, or a combination thereof. According to an embodiment, the dispensing of the product material is controlled by a control unit 16.

[0094] According an embodiment, the method comprises dispensing, in a first phase of a work cycle of the method, product material from the outlet closing device 11 associated with the first chamber 2 at an increasing flow rate and from the outlet closing device 11 associated with the further chamber 3 at a decreasing flow rate, in which second phase of the work cycle of the method the inlet closing devices 10 associated with the first chamber 2 and the further chamber 3 are closed and the outlet closing devices 11 associated with both the first chamber 2 and the further chamber 3 are at least partly open; dispensing, in a second phase of the work cycle of the method, product material from the outlet closing device 11 associated with the first chamber 2 only at a constant flow rate, and refilling the hose 8 associated with the further chamber 3 by enabling the shaped membrane 17, and thus the hose 8, associated with the further chamber 3 to return to its original form, in which second phase of the work cycle of the method the inlet closing device 10 associated with the first chamber 2 is closed, the inlet closing device 10 associated with the further chamber 3 is at least partly open, the outlet closing device 11 associated with the first chamber 2 is at least partly open, and the outlet closing device 11 associated with the further chamber 3 is closed; dispensing, in a third phase of the work cycle of the method, product material from the outlet closing device 11 associated with the first chamber 2 at a decreasing flow rate and from the outlet closing device 11 associated with the further chamber 3 at an increasing flow rate, in which fourth phase of the work cycle of the method the inlet closing devices 10 associated with the first chamber 2 and the further chamber 3 are closed and the outlet closing devices 11 associated with both the first chamber 2 and the further chamber 3 are at least partly open; and dispensing, in a fourth phase of the work cycle of the method, product material from the outlet closing device 11 associated with the further chamber 3 only at a constant flow rate, and refilling the hose 8 associated with the first chamber 2 by enabling the shaped membrane 17, and thus the hose 8, associated with the first chamber 2 to return to its original form, in which fourth phase of the work cycle of the method the inlet closing device 10 associated with the first chamber 2 is at least partly open, the inlet closing device 10 associated with the further chamber 3 is closed, the outlet closing device 11 associated with the first chamber 2 is closed, and the outlet closing device 11 associated with the further chamber 3 is at least partly open. The compression and enabling return to an original form of the shaped membrane 17, and thus the hose 8, associated in each case with the first chamber 2 or the further chamber 3 is controlled by the control unit 16 in such a manner that the combined amount and flow rate of product material discharged remains constant in all four phases of the work cycle of the method.

[0095] According to an embodiment, the method comprises dispensing, in a first phase of a work cycle of the method, product material from the outlet closing device 11 associated with the first chamber 2 at an increasing flow rate and from the outlet closing device 11 associated with the further chamber 3 at a decreasing flow rate, in which second phase of the work cycle of the method the inlet closing devices 10 associated with the first chamber 2 and the further chamber 3 are closed and the outlet closing devices 11 associated with both the first chamber 2 and the further chamber 3 are at least partly open. According to an embodiment, the method further comprises dispensing, in a second phase of the work cycle of the method, product material from the outlet closing device 11 associated with the first chamber 2 only at a constant flow rate, and refilling the hose 8 associated with the further chamber 3 by removing pressure medium from the further chamber 3 by the pressure medium supply system thus enabling the hose 8 associated with the further chamber 3 to return to its original form, in which second phase of the work cycle of the method the inlet closing device 10 associated with the first chamber 2 is closed, the inlet closing device 10 associated with the further chamber 3 is at least partly open, the outlet closing device 11 associated with the first chamber 2 is at least partly open, and the outlet closing device 11 associated with the further chamber 3 is closed. According to an embodiment, the method further comprises dispensing, in a third phase of the work cycle of the method, product material from the outlet closing device 11 associated with the first chamber 2 at a decreasing flow rate and from the outlet closing device 11 associated with the further chamber 3 at an increasing flow rate, in which fourth phase of the work cycle of the method the inlet closing devices 10 associated with the first chamber 2 and the further chamber 3 are closed and the outlet closing devices 11 associated with both the first chamber 2 and the further chamber 3 are at least partly open. According to an embodiment, the method further comprises dispensing, in a fourth phase of the work cycle of the method, product material from the outlet closing device 11 associated with the further chamber 3 only at a constant flow rate, and refilling the hose 8 associated with the first chamber 2 by removing pressure medium from the first chamber 2 by the pressure medium supply system thus enabling the hose 8 associated with the first chamber 2 to return to its original form, in which fourth phase of the work cycle of the method the inlet closing device 10 associated with the first chamber 2 is at least partly open, the inlet closing device 10 associated with the further chamber 3 is closed, the outlet closing device 11 associated with the first chamber 2 is closed, and the outlet closing device 11 associated with the further chamber 3 is at least partly open. According to an embodiment, the supplying and removing of pressure medium to and from the first chamber 2 and the further chamber 3 is controlled by the control unit 16 in such a manner that the combined amount of product material discharged remains constant in all four phases of the work cycle of the method.

[0096] According to an embodiment, the state of the inlet closing devices 10 and the outlet closing devices 11 is controlled by at least one of a pressure difference over the respective valve 10, 11 or by control commands by the control unit 16.

[0097] According to an embodiment, the pressure in each one of the first chamber 2 and the further chamber 3 may be detected by a pressure detector (not shown).

[0098] According to an embodiment, the work cycle of the method further comprises a first intermediate phase between the second and third phase of the work cycle, wherein product material is dispensed from the outlet closing device 11 associated with the first chamber 2 at a constant flow rate, while the inlet closing device 10 associated with the further chamber 3 is closed and the further chamber 3 is prepressurized to a first predetermined pressure, which first predetermined pressure may be smaller than or equal to the pressure in the further chamber 3 during the preceding third phase of the work cycle of the method, and a second intermediate phase after the fourth phase of the work cycle, wherein product material is dispensed from the outlet closing device 11 associated with the further chamber 3 at a constant flow rate, while the inlet closing device 10 associated with the first chamber 2 is closed and the first chamber 2 is prepressurized to a second predetermined pressure, which second predetermined pressure may be smaller than or equal to the pressure in the first chamber 2 during the preceding first phase of the work cycle of the method. According to an embodiment, the first predetermined pressure may be in the range of 10 to 100 percent, preferably 30 to 99 percent, of the pressure in the further chamber 3 during the preceding third phase of the work cycle of the method. According to an embodiment, the second predetermined pressure may be in the range of 10 to 100 percent, preferably 30 to 99 percent, of the pressure in the first chamber 2 during the preceding first phase of the work cycle of the method. This prepressurization helps minimising the pulsation of the pumped product.

[0099] According to an embodiment, the method further comprises controlling by the control unit 16 supplying pressure medium in the first chamber 2 and the further chamber 3 in such a manner that the hose 8 is never compressed to the extent that the sides of the hose 8 would be brought into contact with each other. According to an embodiment, the cross-sectional area of the tubular cavity 9 inside the hose 8 in the area of the hose 8 configured to be compressed by the pressure medium inside the respective chamber 2, 3 has a predetermined minimum value determined on the basis of a consistency of the product material.

[0100] According to an embodiment, the tube pump 1 comprises at least one measuring instrument configured to measure at least one of the following: pressure medium flow to the first chamber 2, pressure medium flow to the further chamber 3, pressure in the first chamber 2, or pressure in the further chamber 3. According to an embodiment, the method further comprises monitoring on the basis of the data received from the measuring instrument at least one of the following quantities: pressure medium flow to the first chamber 2, pressure medium flow to the further chamber 3, pressure in the first chamber 2, or pressure in the further chamber 3; and generating an alarm if a deviation in one or more of the monitored quantities exceeds a threshold.

[0101] According to an embodiment, the tube pump 1 is configured to execute a maximum of 30 work cycles in a minute.

[0102] According to an embodiment, the tube pump 1 is configured to execute a maximum of 10 work cycles in a minute.

[0103] According to an embodiment, the pressure medium comprises a liquid, such as an oil, grease, or water.

[0104] According to an embodiment, the pressure medium comprises a gas, such as air. In other words, the hydraulic components disclosed in this disclosure may be replaced by pneumatic components in such embodiments. According to such an embodiment, the pressure medium supply unit 13 may comprise a compressor or a gas bottle.

[0105] According to an embodiment, the pressure medium comprises an FDA approved pressure medium. In other words, the liquid and / or gas used as the pressure medium may consist of FDA approved substance(s).

[0106] According to an aspect, a computer program product, stored on a non-transitory storage medium, configured to perform or execute at least some of the functions or tasks of the method according to any one of the embodiments disclosed in this description, accompanying claims, and / or accompanying drawings, or a combination thereof, when the program is executed on a computer.

[0107] According to an aspect, a computer program product, stored on a non-transitory storage medium, configured to perform or execute at least some of the functions or tasks to control a tube pump according to any one of the embodiments disclosed in this description, accompanying claims, and / or accompanying drawings, or a combination thereof, when the program is executed on a computer.

[0108] According to an embodiment, a benefit of the disclosed solution is that all the parts of the tube pump 1 provided in contact with the product material can be removed and replaced without affecting the compressing means 12, such as the pressure medium supply system, and parts directly in contact with the pressure medium.

[0109] The disclosure of this description together with accompanying claims and drawings provides several advantages. For instance, the disclosed solution provides a product material flow from the outlet 19, which has minimal or no pulsation, minimal or no shear and minimal or no damage to the product, because the sides of the hose 8 are not brought into contact with each other. In addition, no pressure or flow measuring instruments are required on product line, no control valves are required on product line, and no dampeners are required on product line. The tube pump 1 can be operated dry without creating problems and no calibration is required. The disclosed tube pump 1 and method can provide volumetric flow, where the flow rate accuracy is not affected by changes in product line back pressure. The disclosed tube pump 1 requires no wearing components that need to be brought into contact with product to introduce wear related contaminants. As opening and closing is done only few times per minute, stress on the hose is minimized. As the hose is never closed rubber to rubber, hose life is maximized and also significant reduction of potentially flaking contaminants from hoses to the product material is minimized. Hoses not exposed to pressure differential like in peristaltic pumps, whereby soft hoses can be used, which in turn means the solution only requires very low energy.

[0110] According to item 1 , a cartridge 40, for instance a single-use cartridge or a multi-use cartridge, for a tube pump 1 , wherein the cartridge 40 comprises at least two hoses 8, wherein each hose 8 comprises a tubular member formed of a flexible material capable of being compressed and being returned to the original shape of the hose 8, wherein each hose 8 defines a first tubular cavity 9 within the hose 8, which first tubular cavity 9 is designed to receive product material to be pumped; an inlet 18 for receiving the product material to be pumped to the cartridge 40, which inlet 18 is provided in fluid connection each hose 8; an outlet 19 for discharging the product material from the cartridge 40, which outlet 19 is provided in fluid connection each hose 8; and connecting members 27 connecting the hoses 8 to the inlet 18 at the first end 28 of each hose 8 and to the outlet 19 at the second end 29 of each hose 8.

[0111] According to item 2, a cartridge 40 according to item 1 , wherein the cartridge 40 further comprises an inlet closing device 10 provided at the first end 28 of each hose 8 to control receiving of product material into the first tubular cavity 9; an outlet closing device 11 provided at the second end 29 of each hose 8 to control extruding of product material out from the first tubular cavity 9; wherein each inlet closing device 10 is provided downstream from the inlet 18, and wherein each outlet closing device 11 is provided upstream from the outlet 19.

[0112] According to item 3, a cartridge 40 according to item 2, wherein each inlet closing device 10 and each outlet closing device 11 comprises at least one of the following: a check valve, other non-returning valve, a butterfly valve, a control valve, a pinch valve, a diaphragm valve, a ball valve, or another type of valve capable of closing and opening in each case the inlet 18 or the outlet 19, respectively.

[0113] According to item 4, a cartridge 40 according to item 2 or 3, wherein the inlet closing devices 10, the outlet closing devices 11 , the hoses 8, and the connecting members 27 are formed as a preassembled, presterilized unit.

[0114] According to item 5, a cartridge 40 according to any one of items 1 - 4, wherein each hose 8 and connecting member 27 is made from an FDA-approved material, and the inlet closing devices 10 and outlet closing devices 11 comprise FDA approved valves.

[0115] According to item 6, a cartridge 40 according to any one of items 1 - 5, wherein each hose 8 comprise at least one of the following: silicone, thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), or suitable material.

[0116] According to item 7, a pump housing 45 for a tube pump 1 , wherein the pump housing 45 is designed to receive at least one hose 8 of the cartridge 40 according to any one of items 1 - 6, and wherein the pump housing 45 comprises a first chamber 2 having an elongated shape, a longitudinal direction 5, two ends 6, 7, namely a first end 6 and a second end 7, and which first chamber 2 opens to a first surface 31 of the pump housing 45 in such a manner that the cross-section of the first chamber 2 has the shape of a rectangular, a shaped membrane 17 provided in the first chamber 2, which shaped membrane 17 comprises a tubular member formed of a flexible material and defining a groove 21 within the shaped membrane 17, wherein the shaped membrane 17 comprises an opening 20 on a side of the shaped membrane 17 directed towards the first surface 31 of the pump housing 45, the opening 20 extending along the entire length of the shaped membrane 17 in the longitudinal direction of the first chamber 2, and wherein the shaped membrane 17 is fixed to the first chamber 2 at both ends 6, 7 of the first chamber 2 and along the entire length of the opening 20 on both sides in such a manner that the hose 8 can be received into the groove 21 , whereby all the parts of the tube pump 1 provided in contact with the product material can be removed and replaced from the pump housing 45 without affecting other parts of the tube pump 1 .

[0117] According to item 8, a pump housing 45 according to item 7, wherein the pump housing 45 is designed to receive all the hoses 8 of the cartridge 40, and wherein the pump housing 45 comprises one or more further chambers 3, such that the pump housing 45 comprises a chamber 2, 3 for each hose 8, the further chamber(s) 3 having an elongated shape, a longitudinal direction 5, two ends 6, 7, namely a first end 6 and a second end 7, wherein each further chamber 3 opens to the first surface 31 of the pump housing 45 in such a manner that the cross-section of the further chamber 3 has the shape of a rectangular, one or more further shaped membranes 17, such that the pump housing comprises a shaped membrane 17 provided in each chamber 2, 3, which shaped membrane 17 comprises a tubular member formed of a flexible material and defining a groove 21 within the shaped membrane 17, wherein the shaped membrane 17 comprises an opening 20 on a side of the shaped membrane 17 directed towards the first surface 31 of the pump housing 45, the opening 20 extending along the entire length of the shaped membrane 17 in the longitudinal direction of the further chamber 3, and wherein the shaped membrane 17 is fixed to the further chamber 3 at both ends 6, 7 of the further chamber 3 and along the entire length of the opening 20 on both sides in such a manner that the hose 8 can be received into the groove 21 , whereby all the parts of the tube pump 1 provided in contact with the product material can be removed and replaced from the pump housing 45 without affecting other parts of the tube pump 1 .

[0118] According to item 9, a pump housing 45 according to item 7 or 8, wherein each chamber 2, 3 and each shaped membrane 17 is designed in such a manner that the hose 8 first reaches its maximum compression at the first end 6 of the hose 8 and last at the second end 7 creating a peristaltic-type of an effect.

[0119] According to item 10, a pump housing 45 according to item 9, wherein in each case the shaped membrane 17 has a cross-section shaped as a circular segment, where the flat side 39 is aligned with the first surface 31 and a wall thickness 25, which wall thickness 25 is smaller at the first end 6 than at the second end 7.

[0120] According to item 11 , a pump housing 45 according to any one of items 7 - 10, wherein the pump housing 45 further comprises a cover 32 for keeping the shaped membrane(s) 17 in place in the chamber 2, 3, and a retaining member 33 for each opening 20 designed to close and seal the opening 20 so that the chamber 2, 3 is formed as a closed space.

[0121] According to item 12, a tube pump 1 comprising a pump housing 45 of any one of the items 7 - 11 , a cartridge 40 according to any one of items 1 - 6 provided in the pump housing 45, and a compressing means 12 configured to compress the shaped membrane 17 inside the respective chamber(s) 2, 3 and the hose 8 inside the shaped membrane 17 enabling extruding product material from the hose(s) 8 via the respective outlet closing devices 11 to the outlet 19, and removing compression from one of the chambers 2, 3 to enable the respective shaped membrane 17, and thereby the hose 8, to return towards its original form enabling refilling the hose 8 via the respective inlet closing device 10, which enables pumping product material from the inlet 18 through the inlet closing device 10, the tube 8, and the outlet closing device 11 to the outlet 19 and controlling the amount of product material extruded through each outlet closing device 11 per a time unit at a given moment by controlling the compressing means 12 coupled to each chamber 2, 3.

[0122] According to item 13, a tube pump 1 according to item 12, wherein the compressing means 12 comprise a pressure medium supply system provided in fluid connection with the first chamber 2 and the further chamber(s) 3, wherein the pressure medium supply system 12 is designed to provide pressure medium into the chambers 2, 3 to surround the shaped membrane 17 and to control the amount of the pressure medium provided in each chamber 2, 3, whereby supplying pressure medium into one or each of the chambers 2, 3 by the pressure medium supply system 12 is configured to compress the shaped membrane 17 inside the respective chamber(s) 2, 3 and the hose 8 inside the shaped membrane 17 enabling extruding product material from the hose(s) 8 via the respective outlet closing devices 11 to the outlet 19, and removing pressure medium from one of the chambers 2, 3 by the pressure medium supply system 12 is configured to enable the respective shaped membrane 17 and hose 8 to return towards its original form enabling refilling the hose 8 via the respective inlet closing device 10, which enables pumping product material from the inlet 18 through the inlet closing device 10, the tube 8, and the outlet closing device 11 to the outlet 19 and controlling the amount of product material extruded through each outlet closing device 11 per a time unit at a given moment by controlling the amount of the pressure medium supplied to or removed from each chamber 2, 3.

[0123] According to item 14, a tube pump 1 according to item 13, wherein the pressure medium supply system 12 comprises two separate pressure medium supply units 13, wherein each one of the pressure medium supply units 13 is in each case designed to supply pressure medium to one of the chambers 2, 3.

[0124] According to item 15, a tube pump 1 according to item 14, wherein each pressure medium supply unit 13 comprises at least one of the following: a hydraulic pump, a hydraulic cylinder, a gear pump, a plunger pump, a compressor, or a gas bottle.

[0125] According to item 16, a tube pump 1 according to any one of items 12 - 15, wherein the tube pump 1 further comprises a control unit 16 for controlling the compression of the shaped membrane 17 in each chamber 2, 3, such as to control flow of the pressure medium in the chambers 2, 3 and the volume of pressure medium provided in each chamber 2, 3.

[0126] According to item 17, a tube pump 1 according to item 16, wherein the control unit 16 comprises at least one of a programmable logic controller, a programmable automation controller, or a computer.

[0127] According to item 18, a tube pump 1 according to item 16 or 17, wherein the control unit 16 is configured to control the amount and flow rate of pressure medium provided in each chamber 2, 3 in such a manner that the combined amount of product material discharged through the outlet closing devices 11 per a time unit at a given moment of time corresponds a desired amount of product material discharged through the outlet closing devices 11 per the time unit.

[0128] According to item 19, a tube pump 1 according to any one of items 12 - 18, wherein the inlet closing devices 10 and the outlet closing devices 11 each comprise at least one of the following: a check valve, other non-returning valve, a butterfly valve, a control valve, a pinch valve, a diaphragm valve, a ball valve, or another type of valve.

[0129] According to item 20, a tube pump 1 according to any one of items 13 - 19, wherein the pressure medium comprises an FDA approved pressure medium.

[0130] According to item 21 , a tube pump 1 according to any one of items 12 - 20, wherein the tube pump 1 further comprises at least one measuring instrument configured to measure at least one of the following: pressure medium flow to the first chamber 2, pressure medium flow to the further chamber 3, pressure in the first chamber 2, or pressure in the further chamber 3.

[0131] According to item 22, a tube pump 1 according to any one of items 12 - 21 , wherein the tube pump 1 further comprises at least one positioning device associated with a shaped membrane 17 of the tube pump 1 and configured to detect in each case a predetermined initial position of the respective pressure medium supply system 12.

[0132] According to item 23, a tube pump arrangement 30, wherein the tube pump arrangement 30 comprises two or more tube pumps 1 according to any one of items 12 - 22, wherein each tube pump 1 is connected to a separate inlet 18 for receiving in each case a specific product material and to a shared outlet 19 for discharging a combined product material comprising a combination of product materials discharged through the outlet closing devices 11 of each tube pump 1 .

[0133] According to item 24, a method for dispensing a product material, wherein the method comprises dispensing the product material by a tube pump 1 according to any one of item 13 - 23.

[0134] According to item 25, a method according to item 24, wherein the dispensing of the product material is controlled by a control unit 16.

[0135] According to item 26, a method according to item 25, wherein the method comprises dispensing, in a first phase of a work cycle of the method, product material from the outlet closing device 11 associated with the first chamber 2 at an increasing flow rate and from the outlet closing device 11 associated with the further chamber 3 at a decreasing flow rate, in which second phase of the work cycle of the method the inlet closing devices 10 associated with the first chamber 2 and the further chamber 3 are closed and the outlet closing devices 11 associated with both the first chamber 2 and the further chamber 3 are at least partly open; dispensing, in a second phase of the work cycle of the method, product material from the outlet closing device 11 associated with the first chamber 2 only at a constant flow rate, and refilling the hose 8 associated with the further chamber 3 by removing pressure medium from the further chamber 3 by the pressure medium supply system 12 thus enabling the hose 8 associated with the further chamber 3 to return to its original form, in which second phase of the work cycle of the method the inlet closing device 10 associated with the first chamber 2 is closed, the inlet closing device 10 associated with the further chamber 3 is at least partly open, the outlet closing device 11 associated with the first chamber 2 is at least partly open, and the outlet closing device 11 associated with the further chamber 3 is closed; dispensing, in a third phase of the work cycle of the method, product material from the outlet closing device 11 associated with the first chamber 2 at a decreasing flow rate and from the outlet closing device 11 associated with the further chamber 3 at an increasing flow rate, in which fourth phase of the work cycle of the method the inlet closing devices 10 associated with the first chamber 2 and the further chamber 3 are closed and the outlet closing devices 11 associated with both the first chamber 2 and the further chamber 3 are at least partly open; and dispensing, in a fourth phase of the work cycle of the method, product material from the outlet closing device 11 associated with the further chamber 3 only at a constant flow rate, and refilling the hose 8 associated with the first chamber 2 by removing pressure medium from the first chamber 2 by the pressure medium supply system 12 thus enabling the hose 8 associated with the first chamber 2 to return to its original form, in which fourth phase of the work cycle of the method the inlet closing device 10 associated with the first chamber 2 is at least partly open, the inlet closing device 10 associated with the further chamber 3 is closed, the outlet closing device 11 associated with the first chamber 2 is closed, and the outlet closing device 11 associated with the further chamber 3 is at least partly open; wherein the supplying and removing of pressure medium to and from the first chamber 2 and the further chamber 3 is controlled by the control unit 16 in such a manner that the combined amount and flow rate of product material discharged remains constant in all four phases of the work cycle of the method. According to item 27, a method according to item 27, wherein the state of the inlet closing devices 10 and the outlet closing devices 11 is controlled by at least one of a pressure difference over the respective valve 10, 11 or by control commands by the control unit 16.

[0136] According to item 28, a method according to item 27 or 28, wherein the pressure in each one of the first chamber 2 and the further chamber 3 is detected by a pressure detector, and the work cycle of the method further comprises a first intermediate phase between the second and third phase of the work cycle, wherein product material is dispensed from the outlet closing device 11 associated with the first chamber 2 at a constant flow rate, while the inlet closing device 10 associated with the further chamber 3 is closed and the further chamber 3 is prepressurized to a pressure smaller than the pressure in the further chamber 3 during the third phase of the work cycle of the method; and a second intermediate phase after the fourth phase of the work cycle, wherein product material is dispensed from the outlet closing device 11 associated with the further chamber 3 at a constant flow rate, while the inlet closing device 10 associated with the first chamber 2 is closed and the first chamber 2 is prepressurized to a pressure smaller than the pressure in the first chamber 2 during the first phase of the work cycle of the method.

[0137] According to item 29, a method according to any one of items 25 - 29, wherein the method further comprises controlling by the control unit 16 supplying pressure medium in the first chamber 2 and the further chamber 3 in such a manner that the hose 8 is never compressed to the extent that the sides of the hose 8 would be brought into contact with each other.

[0138] According to item 30, a method according to item 30, wherein the cross-sectional area of the tubular cavity 9 inside the hose 8 in the area of the hose 8 configured to be compressed by the pressure medium inside the respective chamber 2, 3 has a predetermined minimum value determined on the basis of a consistency of the product material.

[0139] According to item 31 , a method according to any one of items 25 - 31 , wherein the tube pump 1 comprises at least one measuring instrument configured to measure at least one of the following: pressure medium flow to the first chamber 2, pressure medium flow to the further chamber 3, pressure in the first chamber 2, or pressure in the further chamber 3; wherein the method further comprises monitoring on the basis of the data received from the measuring instrument at least one of the following quantities: pressure medium flow to the first chamber 2, pressure medium flow to the further chamber 3, pressure in the first chamber 2, or pressure in the further chamber 3; and generating an alarm if a deviation in one or more of the monitored quantities exceeds a threshold.

[0140] According to item 32, a method according to any one of items 25 - 32, wherein the tube pump 1 is configured to execute a maximum of 30 work cycles in a minute.

[0141] According to item 33, a method according to item 33, wherein the tube pump 1 is configured to execute a maximum of 10 work cycles in a minute.

[0142] According to item 34, a method according to any one of items 25 - 34, wherein the pressure medium comprises a liquid.

[0143] According to item 35, a method according to any one of items 25 - 35, wherein the pressure medium comprises a gas.

[0144] According to item 36, a computer program product, stored on a non-transitory storage medium, configured to perform or execute at least some of the functions or tasks of the method according to any one of item 25 - 36, when the program is executed on a computer.

[0145] According to item 37, a computer program product, stored on a non-transitory storage medium, configured to perform or execute at least some of the functions or tasks to control a tube pump of any one of items 12 - 16, when the program is executed on a computer.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A pump housing for a tube pump, wherein the pump housing is designed to receive at least one hose of a cartridge, wherein the cartridge comprises at least two hoses, wherein each hose comprises a tubular member formed of a flexible material capable of being compressed and being returned to the original shape of the hose, wherein each hose defines a first tubular cavity within the hose, which first tubular cavity is designed to receive product material to be pumped; and wherein the pump housing comprises a first chamber having an elongated shape, a longitudinal direction, two ends, namely a first end and a second end, and which first chamber opens to a first surface of the pump housing between the first end and the second end, and a shaped membrane provided in the first chamber, which shaped membrane comprises a flexible material and defines a groove within the shaped membrane, wherein the shaped membrane comprises an opening on a side of the shaped membrane directed towards the first surface of the pump housing, the opening extending along the entire length of the shaped membrane in the longitudinal direction of the first chamber, and wherein the shaped membrane is fixed to the first chamber at both ends of the first chamber and along the entire length of the opening on both sides in such a manner that the hose can be received into the groove, whereby all the parts of the tube pump provided in contact with the product material can be removed and replaced from the pump housing without affecting other parts of the tube pump.

2. A pump housing according to claim 1 , wherein the pump housing is designed to receive all the hoses of the cartridge, and wherein the pump housing comprises one or more further chambers, such that the pump housing comprises a chamber for each hose, the further chamber(s) having an elongated shape, a longitudinal direction, two ends, namely a first end and a second end, wherein each further chamber opens to the first surface of the pump housing, one or more further shaped membranes, such that the pump housing comprises a shaped membrane provided in each chamber, which shaped membrane comprises a tubular member formed of a flexible material and defining a groove within the shaped membrane,wherein the shaped membrane comprises an opening on a side of the shaped membrane directed towards the first surface of the pump housing, the opening extending along the entire length of the shaped membrane in the longitudinal direction of the further chamber, and wherein the shaped membrane is fixed to the further chamber at both ends of the further chamber and along the entire length of the opening on both sides in such a manner that the hose can be received into the groove, whereby all the parts of the tube pump provided in contact with the product material can be removed and replaced from the pump housing without affecting other parts of the tube pump.

3. A pump housing according to claim 1 or 2, wherein each chamber and each shaped membrane is designed in such a manner that the hose first reaches its maximum compression at the first end of the hose and last at the second end creating a peristaltic type of an effect.

4. A pump housing according to claim 3, wherein in each case the shaped membrane has a cross-section shaped as a circular segment, where the flat side is aligned with the first surface and a wall thickness, which wall thickness is smaller at the first end than at the second end.

5. A pump housing according to any one of claims 1 - 4, wherein the pump housing further comprises a cover for keeping the shaped membrane(s) in place in the chamber, and a retaining member for each opening designed to close and seal the opening so that the chamber is formed as a closed space.

6. A tube pump comprising a pump housing of any one of the claims 1 - 5; a cartridge provided in the pump housing, wherein the cartridge comprises at least two hoses, wherein each hose comprises a tubular member formed of a flexible material capable of being compressed and being returned to the original shape of the hose, wherein each hose defines a first tubular cavity within the hose, which first tubular cavity is designed to receive product material to be pumped, an inlet for receiving the product material to be pumped to the cartridge , which inlet is provided in fluid connection each hose, an outlet for discharging the product material from the cartridge, which outlet isprovided in fluid connection each hose, connecting members connecting the hoses to the inlet at the first end of each hose and to the outlet at the second end of each hose, an inlet closing device provided at the first end of each hose to control receiving of product material into the first tubular cavity, an outlet closing device provided at the second end of each hose to control extruding of product material out from the first tubular cavity, wherein each inlet closing device is provided downstream from the inlet, and wherein each outlet closing device is provided upstream from the outlet; and compressing means configured to compress the shaped membrane inside the respective chamber(s) and the hose inside the shaped membrane enabling extruding product material from the hose(s) via the respective outlet closing devices to the outlet, and to remove compression from one of the chambers to enable the respective shaped membrane, and thereby the hose, to return towards its original form enabling refilling the hose via the respective inlet closing device, which enables pumping product material from the inlet through the inlet closing device, the tube, and the outlet closing device to the outlet and controlling the amount of product material extruded through each outlet closing device per a time unit at a given moment by controlling the compressing means coupled to each chamber.

7. A tube pump according to claim 6, wherein the compressing means comprise a pressure medium supply system provided in fluid connection with the first chamber and the further chamber(s), wherein the pressure medium supply system is designed to provide pressure medium into the chambers to surround the shaped membrane and to control the amount of the pressure medium provided in each chamber, whereby supplying pressure medium into one or each of the chambers by the pressure medium supply system is configured to compress the shaped membrane inside the respective chamber(s) and the hose inside the shaped membrane enabling extruding product material from the hose(s) via the respective outlet closing devices to the outlet, and removing pressure medium from one of the chambers by the pressure medium supply system is configured to enable the respective shaped membrane and hose to return towards its original form enabling refilling the hose via the respective inlet closing device, which enables pumping product material from the inlet through the inlet closing device, the tube, and the outlet closing device to the outlet and controlling the amount of product material extruded through each outlet closing device per a time unitat a given moment by controlling the amount of the pressure medium supplied to or removed from each chamber.

8. A tube pump according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the tube pump further comprises a control unit for controlling the compression of the shaped membrane in each chamber, such as to control flow of the pressure medium in the chambers and the volume of pressure medium provided in each chamber.

9. A tube pump according to claim 8, wherein the control unit is configured to control the volume of pressure medium provided in each chamber in such a manner that the combined amount of product material discharged through the outlet closing devices per a time unit at a given moment of time corresponds a desired amount of product material discharged through the outlet closing devices per the time unit.

10. A tube pump according to any one of claims 7 - 9, wherein the pressure medium comprises an FDA approved pressure medium.

11. A tube pump according to any one of claims 6 - 10, wherein the volume of the pressure medium provided in each chamber is controllably increased or decreased by at least one of the following: plunger with predetermined diameter and length designed to enter and exit the chamber holding pressure medium at a desired speed, a hydraulic pump, a hydraulic cylinder, a gear pump, a compressor, or a gas bottle.

12. A tube pump according to any one of claims 6 - 11 , wherein the inlet closing devices, the outlet closing devices, the hoses, and the connecting members are formed as a preassembled, presterilized unit.

13. A tube pump according to any one of claims 6 - 12, wherein each inlet closing device and each outlet closing device comprises at least one of the following: a check valve, other non-returning valve, a butterfly valve, a control valve, a pinch valve, a diaphragm valve, a ball valve, or another type of valve capable of closing and opening in each case the inlet or the outlet, respectively.

14. A tube pump according to any one of claims 6 - 13, wherein each hose comprises at least one of the following: silicone, thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), or polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

15. A tube pump according to any one of claims 6 - 14, wherein the cartridge comprises a single-use cartridge.

16. A tube pump arrangement, wherein the tube pump arrangement comprises at least one tube pump according to any one of claims 6 - 15.

17. A tube pump arrangement according to claim 16, wherein the tube pump arrangement comprises two or more tube pumps according to any one of claims 6 - 15, wherein each tube pump is connected to a separate inlet for receiving in each case a specific product material and to a shared outlet for discharging a combined product material comprising a combination of product materials discharged through the outlet closing devices of each tube pump.

18. A method for dispensing a product material, wherein the method comprises dispensing the product material by a tube pump according to any one of claim 6 - 15.

19. A method according to claim 18, wherein the method comprises dispensing, in a first phase of a work cycle of the method, product material from the outlet closing device associated with the first chamber at an increasing flow rate and from the outlet closing device associated with the further chamber at a decreasing flow rate, in which second phase of the work cycle of the method the inlet closing devices associated with the first chamber and the further chamber are closed and the outlet closing devices associated with both the first chamber and the further chamber are at least partly open; dispensing, in a second phase of the work cycle of the method, product material from the outlet closing device associated with the first chamber only at a constant flow rate, and refilling the hose associated with the further chamber by enabling the shaped membrane, and thus the hose, associated with the further chamber to return to its original form, in which second phase of the work cycle of the method the inlet closing device associated with the first chamber is closed, the inlet closing device associated with the further chamber is at least partly open, the outlet closing device associated with the first chamber is at least partly open, and the outlet closing device associated with the further chamber is closed; dispensing, in a third phase of the work cycle of the method, product material from the outlet closing device associated with the first chamber at a decreasing flow rate and from the outlet closing device associated with the further chamber at an increasing flow rate, in which fourth phase of the work cycle of the method the inlet closing devices associated with the first chamber and the further chamber are closed and the outlet closing devices associated with both the first chamber and the further chamber are at least partly open; anddispensing, in a fourth phase of the work cycle of the method, product material from the outlet closing device associated with the further chamber only at a constant flow rate, and refilling the hose associated with the first chamber by enabling the shaped membrane, and thus the hose, associated with the first chamber to return to its original form, in which fourth phase of the work cycle of the method the inlet closing device associated with the first chamber is at least partly open, the inlet closing device associated with the further chamber is closed, the outlet closing device associated with the first chamber is closed, and the outlet closing device associated with the further chamber is at least partly open; wherein the compression and enabling return to an original form of the shaped membrane, and thus the hose, associated in each case with the first chamber or the further chamber is controlled by the control unit in such a manner that the combined amount and flow rate of product material discharged remains constant in all four phases of the work cycle of the method.

20. A method according to claim 19, wherein the work cycle of the method further comprises a first intermediate phase between the second and third phase of the work cycle, wherein product material is dispensed from the outlet closing device associated with the first chamber at a constant flow rate, while the inlet closing device associated with the further chamber is closed and the further chamber is prepressurized to a first predetermined pressure, which first predetermined pressure is smaller than or equal to the pressure in the further chamber during the preceding third phase of the work cycle of the method, and a second intermediate phase after the fourth phase of the work cycle, wherein product material is dispensed from the outlet closing device associated with the further chamber at a constant flow rate, while the inlet closing device associated with the first chamber is closed and the first chamber is prepressurized to a second predetermined pressure, which second predetermined pressure is smaller than or equal to the pressure in the first chamber during the preceding first phase of the work cycle of the method.

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