Devices for aspirator, method of preparing reservoir for aspirator, reservoir, and aspirator

Abstract

A device (12) for an aspirator (10), the device comprising a suction inlet (16) for suctioned air (24) and liquid (26); an exhaust outlet (18) for air; a reservoir (32b) fluidly between the suction inlet and the exhaust outlet for collecting liquid; a tube (36a) arranged in the reservoir, the tube extending along an extension line (72) and includes a passage (74) extending through the tube along the extension line; and a collecting structure (38a) for collecting liquid and spanning across a space (86) extending transverse to the extension line from the tube to an inner surface (70b) of the reservoir. A method of preparing a reservoir for an aspirator, a reservoir prepared according to the method, a further device for an aspirator, and an aspirator, are also provided.

Description

[0001] DEVICES FOR ASPIRATOR, METHOD OF PREPARING RESERVOIR FOR ASPIRATOR, RESERVOIR, AND ASPIRATOR

[0002] Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure generally relates to aspirator devices. In particular, a device for an aspirator comprising a tube and a collecting structure, a method of preparing a reservoir for an aspirator, a reservoir prepared according to the method, a device for an aspirator comprising a rod extending over a length of a reservoir, and an aspirator, are provided.

[0004] Background

[0005] A medical aspirator is a device for removing or aspirating e.g., bodily fluids during medical procedures or emergency situations. For example, a patient or victim may need to be exposed to vacuum suction to remove bodily fluids and secretions from the upper airways, lungs or other locations. A medical aspirator is a part of the standard equipment in most ambulances.

[0006] Aspirators are also applicable to non-medical uses, such as to remove liquid and / or debris from a confined space. One example is the use of an aspirator in ventilation systems such as heating and cooling systems.

[0007] Many aspirators comprise a reservoir for collecting the received liquids that needs to be positioned on a horizontal surface in order to function. The aspirator typically also comprises an exhaust air filter in an upper part of the reservoir, a vacuum pump and a valve arrangement. When the reservoir is horizontal, the suctioned liquid is collected in the bottom of the reservoir and the risk of filter clogging is reduced. However, if the reservoir is not horizontal, the filter might clog rapidly and the suction operation is consequently deteriorated or stopped. WO 2020114581 Al discloses a device for an aspirator, the device comprising a suction inlet for suctioned air, liquid and particles; an exhaust outlet for air; a reservoir for collecting liquid and particles separated from the air; and a clearing arrangement fluidly between the suction inlet and the exhaust outlet, the clearing arrangement being configured to provide a path of air, substantially cleared from liquid sucked through the suction inlet, to the exhaust outlet, in any orientation of the device in space.

[0008] WO 2023110098 Ai discloses a device for an aspirator, the device comprising a device inlet for receiving air and liquids; a device outlet for delivering air; a reservoir for collection of received liquids separated from the air, the reservoir comprising a volume fluidly between the device inlet and the device outlet through which air can pass, and defining a center line; an absorber structure for absorbing liquids, the absorber structure comprising a plurality of absorber sections arranged substantially in parallel with the center line; and a distribution structure configured to allow air and liquids to pass therethrough, the distribution structure comprising a plurality of distribution sections. The absorber sections and the distribution sections are alternatingly arranged inside the reservoir.

[0009] Summary

[0010] One object of the invention is to provide an improved device for an aspirator.

[0011] A further object of the invention is to provide an improved method of preparing a reservoir for an aspirator.

[0012] A still further object of the invention is to provide an improved reservoir for an aspirator.

[0013] A still further object of the invention is to provide an improved aspirator.

[0014] These objects are achieved by the device according to appended claim 1, the method according to appended claim 28, the reservoir according to appended claim 31, the device according to appended claim 32 and the aspirator according to appended claim 36. The invention is based on the realization that by providing a device for an aspirator comprising a tube including a passage therethrough in a reservoir in combination with a collecting structure in a space between the tube and an inner surface of the reservoir, a performance of the device is improved.

[0015] The invention is also based on the realization that by joining a filter to a support part which in turn is fixed to a reservoir in a device for an aspirator, the filter is reliably secured which in turn makes a performance of the device more reliable.

[0016] The invention is also based on the realization that by providing a device for an aspirator comprising a rod extending over a length of a reservoir, production costs and complexity can be reduced without deteriorating a performance of the device.

[0017] According to a first aspect, there is provided a device for an aspirator, the device comprising a suction inlet for suctioned air and liquid; an exhaust outlet for air; a reservoir fluidly between the suction inlet and the exhaust outlet for collecting liquid; a tube arranged in the reservoir, the tube extending along an extension line and includes a passage extending through the tube along the extension line; and a collecting structure for collecting liquid and spanning across a space extending transverse to the extension line from the tube to an inner surface of the reservoir.

[0018] By virtue of the passage through the tube, the device enables some air and liquid to bypass the collecting structure, e.g., to an additional collecting structure. A liquid collection load on the collecting structure is thereby reduced, which leads to a high air flow through the collecting structure, a high collection capacity and a high filling degree of the collecting structure.

[0019] The suction inlet may be configured to be fluidly connected with an aspiration site and capable of receiving air and liquid from the aspiration site. The reservoir is configured to receive air and liquid from the suction inlet. The device enables only, or substantially only, air to pass through. Without the passage extending through the tube, an upstream region of the collecting structure may be clogged with collected liquid relatively fast leading to a lower utilization of the collecting structure. The device enables a particularly efficient collection of blood, but also efficient collection of, for example, stomach acid and alcoholic liquids.

[0020] The reservoir may be of various shapes, such as elongated. According to one example, the reservoir is cylindrical. In this case, a reservoir inner dimension of the reservoir transverse to the extension line may be at least 30 mm and / or less than 100 mm, such as 50 mm. The reservoir may define a center line. In case the reservoir is straight, the center line also constitutes a longitudinal center axis of the reservoir. The extension line may be parallel with, such as concentric with, the center line.

[0021] The tube and the collecting structure may collectively be referred to as a unit. The tube may be straight, such as cylindrical. The collecting structure may constitute the only structure in the space.

[0022] The collecting structure may comprise a sorbent material for sorbing liquid. The sorbent material may be an absorbent material or an adsorbent material. The absorbent material may for example be fabric, such as non-woven fabric. Alternatively, or in addition, the absorbent material may include a thermoplastic, such as polyethersulfone (PES), cellulose and / or viscose (rayon).

[0023] The collecting structure may comprise a plurality of sorbent sections arranged substantially in parallel with, or in parallel with, the extension line. In case the sorbent sections are absorbent sections, the collecting structure may absorb the liquid such that the liquid is sucked into the absorbent sections.

[0024] The collecting structure may enclose the tube. In these cases, also the space encloses the tube.

[0025] The collecting structure may comprise one or more sorbent sheets for sorbing liquid. Each sorbent sheet may be arranged in parallel with the extension line. Each sorbent sheet may for example have a grammage of 120 g / m2to 220 g / m2, such as 150 g / m2to 190 g / m2. A thickness of each sorbent sheet may for example be at least 0.5 mm and / or less than 3 mm.

[0026] The collecting structure may be constituted by a single sorbent sheet rolled around the tube. Due to the rolling, these variants of the device contribute to the unit having a structure of low complexity which enables a fast and costefficient production. The sorbent sheet may be connected to the tube. As a possible alternative to a roll, the sorbent sheet may be arranged in a zigzag shape, for example in the shape of one or several W-shapes.

[0027] The collecting structure may be constituted by a single type of sorbent material. By using a single sorbent material, these variants of the device contribute to the unit having a structure of low complexity which enables a fast and cost-efficient production.

[0028] A tube length of the tube along the extension line may substantially correspond to, or correspond to, a collecting structure length of the collecting structure along the extension line.

[0029] The tube may be closed transverse to the extension line between the passage and the space. This means that air or liquid cannot pass from the passage to the space directly through the tube.

[0030] The tube may have a tube inner dimension transverse to the extension line of at least 1 mm and / or less than 8 mm. In case the tube is cylindrical, the tube inner dimension is the inner diameter of the tube.

[0031] The tube may have a tube inner dimension transverse to the extension line that is at least 5 % and / or less than 15 % of a reservoir inner dimension of the reservoir transverse to the extension line. The inventors have realized that a tube inner dimension that is between 5 % and 15 % of the reservoir inner dimension enables a very high degree of filling of the collecting structure with liquid while also preventing clogging of the passage. In case the reservoir is cylindrical, the reservoir inner dimension is the inner diameter of the reservoir.

[0032] The device may further comprise a filter fluidly between the collecting structure and the exhaust outlet. The filter may for example be a HEPA (high efficiency particulate arresting) filter. Alternatively, or in addition, the filter may be hydrophobic.

[0033] The filter may be press-fitted to a support part. The support part, to which the filter is press-fitted, may in turn be joined to the reservoir, e.g., by welding.

[0034] The device may further comprise a first guiding element arranged in the reservoir upstream of the collecting structure, the first guiding element being configured to guide air and liquid into both the collecting structure and the tube. The first guiding element may serve to decrease a flowrate of a flow of air and liquid through the collecting structure. The first guiding element may be a plate, e.g., fixed to the inner surface.

[0035] The first guiding element may comprise a tube opening aligned with the tube. The tube opening may have an area smaller than an area of the passage (transverse to the extension line). For example a tube opening inner dimension of the tube opening may be less than 75 %, such as less than 50 %, of the tube inner dimension.

[0036] The first guiding element may comprise one or more first collecting structure openings aligned with the collecting structure. A total area of the one or more first collecting structure openings may be at least 5 % and / or less than 25 %, such as approximately 10 %, of an area of the space transverse to the extension line.

[0037] The tube and the collecting structure may be a first tube and a first collecting structure, respectively, forming a first unit. In these cases, the device may further comprise a second unit in the reservoir downstream of the first unit and including a second collecting structure. Due to the first tube being hollow, the liquid filling of the first and second collecting structures becomes much more even, which in turn enables a longer time period of operation of the aspirator and an improved performance of the aspirator in any orientation, such as upside down. For example, some liquid may bypass the first collecting structure by instead passing through the passage of first tube. Should the first tube instead be closed, the first collecting structure would be saturated with liquid before the second collecting structure. The saturation of the first collecting structure may in turn prevent the second collecting structure from being saturated, thus leading to a poor utilization of the second collecting structure.

[0038] The second unit may or may not comprise a tube. A sum of a collecting structure length of each of the first and second collecting structure may be at least 50 %, such as at least 6o %, such as approximately 70 %, of a length of the reservoir along the extension line.

[0039] The first unit and the second unit may have corresponding designs and the second unit may include a second tube. In these cases, the first unit and the second unit may have the same dimensions. By using units of the same design and size, manufacture of the units and mounting of the units is made more cost-efficient.

[0040] The device may further comprise a second guiding element between the first unit and the second unit. The second guiding element may be a plate, e.g., fixed to the inner surface.

[0041] The second guiding element may be configured to guide air and liquid from the first collecting structure and the first tube to the second collecting structure.

[0042] The second guiding element may comprise one or more second collecting structure openings aligned with the second collecting structure. The second guiding element may comprise one or more guiding channels arranged to guide air and liquid from the first tube to the one or more second collecting structure openings.

[0043] The second guiding element may be configured to prevent air and liquid from the first collecting structure and the first tube from entering the second tube. Alternatively, the second tube may be closed, i.e., not comprising a passage therethrough. In these manners, direct access of liquid from the first tube to a filter downstream of the second unit is prevented.

[0044] The reservoir may be a second reservoir. In these cases, the device may further comprise a first reservoir fluidly between the suction inlet and the second reservoir. The second reservoir may be fluidly connected in series with the first reservoir, e.g., via an interconnecting passage. Alternatively, or in addition, the first and second reservoirs may be spatially parallel.

[0045] The device may further comprise a third unit in the first reservoir including a third collecting structure. A volume of the third unit may be less than 75 %, such as less than 50 %, of a volume of the first reservoir. This enables a relatively high amount of liquid to be held in the first reservoir.

[0046] The first unit and the third unit may have corresponding designs and the third unit may include a third tube. In these cases, the first unit and the third unit may have the same dimensions.

[0047] According to a second aspect, there is provided a method of preparing a reservoir for an aspirator, the method comprising press-fitting a filter to a support part; and joining the support part to a reservoir. By virtue of the method, the filter becomes reliably secured in the reservoir. This is for example valuable to ensure a reliable functioning aspirator or if the aspirator is dropped on ground. The joining may comprise welding, such as ultrasonic welding. The reservoir and the aspirator according to the second aspect may be of any type described in connection with each of the first and third to fifth aspects. The method may further comprise preparing a unit comprising a tube extending along an extension line and including a passage extending through the tube along the extension line, and a collecting structure for collecting liquid; and inserting the unit into the reservoir such that the collecting structure spans across a space extending transverse to the extension line from the tube to an inner surface of the reservoir.

[0048] According to a third aspect, there is provided a reservoir prepared according to the method according to the second aspect. The reservoir according to the third aspect may be of any type describe in connection with each of the first, second, fourth and fifth aspects.

[0049] According to a fourth aspect, there is provided a device for an aspirator, the device comprising a suction inlet for suctioned air and liquid; an exhaust outlet for air; a reservoir fluidly between the suction inlet and the exhaust outlet for collecting liquid; and a rod comprising a piston fixed to the rod at one side of the reservoir and a driven end, opposite to the piston, at an opposite side of the reservoir. The device according to the fourth aspect may be of any type described in connection with each of the first to third and fifth aspects.

[0050] A length of the rod may thus be longer than a length of the reservoir. By virtue of the rod extending over a length of the reservoir, the rod can be made relatively long. This has the effect that when the driven end is driven by a rotating eccentric, an angular displacement of the rod will be relatively small. This is very advantageous since it enables the piston to be fixed to the rod, which lowers production costs and complexity. The performance of the piston has also been proven to be surprisingly good, despite the piston being fixed to the rod. The rod may be substantially parallel with the reservoir, e.g., parallel with the reservoir except for the relatively small angular displacement when driven by the rotating eccentric. Since the piston is fixed to the rod, there is no degree of freedom therebetween. The piston and the rod may each be rigid, e.g., each having a bending stiffness of at least 100 N*m.

[0051] The device may further comprise a piston chamber. The piston may be reciprocatingly and slidingly movable within the piston chamber to create suction.

[0052] The reservoir may be a second reservoir. In these cases, the device may further comprise a first reservoir fluidly between the suction inlet and the second reservoir. Moreover, in these cases, the rod may be positioned between the first reservoir and the second reservoir. This enables a very compact design of the device. The first reservoir may be spatially parallel with the second reservoir.

[0053] According to a fifth aspect, there is provided an aspirator comprising a device according to any of the first and fourth aspects, or comprising a reservoir according to the third aspect. The aspirator may for example be a medical aspirator or an industrial aspirator. The aspirator may comprise a vacuum pump, e.g., for suction from the suction inlet and exhaust through the exhaust outlet. The aspirator may further comprise a motor for driving the vacuum pump. As a possible alternative, the aspirator may comprise a pump upstream of the device that is not necessarily a vacuum pump. Throughout the present disclosure, the aspirator may be handheld.

[0054] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0055] Further details, advantages and aspects of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the drawings, wherein:

[0056] Fig. 1: schematically represents a perspective side view of an aspirator comprising a device;

[0057] Fig. 2: schematically represents a perspective cross-sectional side view of section A-A in Fig. 1 of the aspirator; Fig. 3: schematically represents a partial cross-sectional side view of section A-A of the device;

[0058] Fig. 4: schematically represents a cross-sectional front view of section B-B in Fig. 3 of a reservoir and a tube of the device;

[0059] Fig. 5: schematically represents a cross-sectional front view of section B-B of the reservoir, the tube and a collecting structure of the device;

[0060] Fig. 6: schematically represents a front view of a first guiding element of the device;

[0061] Fig. 7: schematically represents a perspective front view of a second guiding element of the device;

[0062] Fig. 8: schematically represents a rear view of the second guiding element;

[0063] Fig. 9: schematically represents a partial cross-sectional side view of section A-A of the reservoir;

[0064] Fig. 10: schematically represents a perspective cross-sectional side view of section A-A of a filter and a clamping part of the device; and

[0065] Fig. 11: is a flowchart outlining general steps of a method.

[0066] Detailed Description

[0067] In the following, a device for an aspirator comprising a tube and a collecting structure, a method of preparing a reservoir for an aspirator, a reservoir prepared according to the method, a device for an aspirator comprising a rod extending over a length of a reservoir, and an aspirator, will be described. The same or similar reference numerals will be used to denote the same or similar structural features.

[0068] Fig. 1 schematically represents a perspective side view of one specific example of an aspirator 10. The aspirator 10 is here exemplified as a handheld medical aspirator. The aspirator 10 is horizontally oriented in Fig. 1. The aspirator 10 comprises a device 12 and a drive unit 14. The device 12 may be referred to as a collection device. The device 12 is here detachably attached to the drive unit 14, for example by one or more snap-fit connections. The device 12 may be for single use and the drive unit 14 may be for multiple use.

[0069] The device 12 comprises a suction inlet 16 and an exhaust outlet 18. The suction inlet 16 of this example is rigid and elongated. The suction inlet 16 comprises a suction tip 20. The suction inlet 16 may optionally also or alternatively comprise a flexible hose (not shown) downstream of the suction tip 20. The suction tip 20 can be applied to a suction site 22. The suction site 22 is one example of an aspiration site according to the present disclosure. The suction inlet 16 is configured to receive air 24 and liquid 26 sucked from the suction site 22. The exhaust outlet 18 is configured to deliver air 24 away from the device 12.

[0070] Fig. 1 further shows an indicator 28 on an interconnecting passage 30. The indicator 28 may for example be a transparent cover. When liquid 26 is present in the interconnecting passage 30, the liquid 26 is visible to an operator in the indicator 28. The interconnecting passage 30 interconnects a first and a second reservoir as described herein.

[0071] Fig. 2 schematically represents a perspective cross-sectional side view of section A-A in Fig. 1 of the aspirator 10. The device 12 of this example comprises a first reservoir 32a and a second reservoir 32b spatially in parallel with the first reservoir 32a. Each of the first and second reservoirs 32a, 32b is here cylindrical with a same diameter. The first reservoir 32a is longer than the second reservoir 32b in this example. The first reservoir 32a is arranged fluidly between the suction inlet 16 and the second reservoir 32b, and the second reservoir 32b is arranged fluidly between the first reservoir 32a and the exhaust outlet 18. The first and second reservoirs 32a, 32b are thus connected fluidly in series. Each of the first and second reservoirs 32a, 32b is provided for collecting liquid 26.

[0072] In this specific and non-limiting example, the second reservoir 32b contains a first unit 34a and a second unit 34b downstream of the first unit 34a, and the first reservoir 32a contains a third unit 34c. The first unit 34a comprises a first tube 36a and a first collecting structure 38a enclosing the first tube 36a. The second unit 34b comprises a second tube 36b and a second collecting structure 38b enclosing the second tube 36b. The third unit 34c comprises a third tube 36c and a third collecting structure 38c enclosing the third tube 36c. Each of the first to third tubes 363-360 is here cylindrical and rigid, e.g., made of plastic.

[0073] A volume spanned by the third unit 34c is here approximately 35 % of the volume of the first reservoir 32a. Relatively high amounts of liquid 26 can thereby be contained in the first reservoir 32a.

[0074] In this example, each of the first to third units 343-340 has the same design and dimensions. Thus, although descriptions will mainly be given for the first unit 34a, these descriptions also apply to the second and third units 34b, 34c in this example. The provision of the first to third units 343-340 of the same design and dimensions provides production advantages.

[0075] The device 12 of this example further comprises a first guiding element 40a and a second guiding element 40b, both arranged in the second reservoir 32b in this example. Each of the first and second guiding elements 40a, 40b is here embodied as a plate transverse to the first tube 36a. The first guiding element 40a is arranged upstream of the first unit 34a. The second guiding element 40b is arranged between the first and second units 34a, 34b. The first and second guiding elements 40a, 40b may be rigid or soft.

[0076] The first reservoir 32a includes a suction inlet valve 42 at an upstream end and a first cover 44a at a downstream end (to the right in Fig. 2). The second reservoir 32b includes a second cover 44b at an upstream end (to the right in Fig. 2).

[0077] The device 12 comprises a vacuum pump 46. The vacuum pump 46 of this example comprises a piston chamber 48 and a piston 50 reciprocatingly and slidingly movable within the piston chamber 48 to create suction. The device 12 further comprises a rod 52. The rod 52 is fixed to the piston 50 at one side (left side in Fig. 2) of the second reservoir 32b. The rod 52 comprises a driven end 54 at an opposite side (the right side in Fig. 2) of the second reservoir 32b. As shown in Fig. 2, the rod 52 is arranged generally in parallel with the second reservoir 32b and a length of the rod 52 is longer than a length of the second reservoir 32b. The relatively long length of the rod 52 enables the piston 50 to be fixed to the rod 52 while maintaining a good performance of the vacuum pump 46. The fixing of the piston 50 to the rod 52 reduces production costs, e.g., in comparison to providing a joint between these components.

[0078] The rod 52 is here also positioned between the first and second reservoirs 32a, 32b, contributing to a very compact design of the device 12. The rod 52 and the piston 50 may for example be made of plastic, such as polyethylene.

[0079] The device 12 of this example further comprises a filter 56, such as a hydrophobic HEPA filter. The filter 56 is arranged in the second reservoir 32b downstream of the first unit 34a, here also downstream of the second unit 34b, and upstream of the vacuum pump 46. The filter 56 filters any remaining liquid 26 from the air 24.

[0080] The aspirator 10 of this example further comprises a transmission 58 and an electric motor 60 for driving the vacuum pump 46 via the transmission 58 and the rod 52. The transmission 58 comprises an output shaft 62. At the driven end 54 of the rod 52, an eccentric 64 is provided. The eccentric 64 is detachably attached to the output shaft 62, here via a spline connection. The spline connection is a self-aligning connection that causes the eccentric 64 to become rotationally aligned with the output shaft 62 upon axial movement of the eccentric 64 along the output shaft 62 during attachment of the rod 52. Since the output shaft 62 drives the eccentric 64 on the rod 52, an angle of the rod 52 will vary slightly. However, due to the relatively long length of the rod 52, this angle variation is kept small. The aspirator io of this example further comprises an electronic control system 66 for controlling operations of the motor 6o, and a power source (not shown) for electrically powering the control system 66 and the motor 6o.

[0081] When operating the vacuum pump 46, an underpressure is established in the device 12. The underpressure in the device 12 causes air 24 and liquid 26 to be sucked from the suction site 22 through the suction inlet 16, for example with a flowrate of 301 / min. Each of the first to third collecting structures 383-380 is configured to collect liquid 26 separated from the suctioned air 24. Air 24 passes through the device 12 and the filter 56 removes any remaining liquid 26 from the air 24 passing therethrough. The air 24 is pumped out through the exhaust outlet 18 by the vacuum pump 46.

[0082] Fig. 3 schematically represents a partial cross-sectional side view of section A-A of the device 12. Fig. 3 generally denotes a flow 68 of air 24 and liquid 26 in the device 12. Fig. 3 further shows a first inner surface 70a of the first reservoir 32a and a second inner surface 70b of the second reservoir 32b.

[0083] The first tube 36a extends along an extension line 72 and includes a passage 74 extending through the first tube 36a along the extension line 72. In this example, the second reservoir 32b and the first tube 36a are concentric with the extension line 72.

[0084] The first guiding element 40a is configured to guide air 24 and liquid 26 into both the first collecting structure 38a and the first tube 36a. The first guiding element 40a thereby serves to decrease a flowrate of the flow 68 through the first collecting structure 38a. The first guiding element 40a of this example comprises a tube opening 76 radially aligned (with respect to the extension line 72) with the first tube 36a and a plurality of first collecting structure openings 78a (only one is seen in Fig. 3) radially aligned (with respect to the extension line 72) with the first collecting structure 38a. By virtue of the tube opening 76 being aligned with the first tube 36a and the first tube 36a being hollow, some liquid 26 is allowed to bypass the first collecting structure 38a through the passage 74. The second guiding element 40b is configured to guide air 24 and liquid 26 from the first collecting structure 38a and the first tube 36a to the second collecting structure 38b, and to prevent air 24 and liquid 26 from entering the second tube 36b. To this end, the second guiding element 40b comprises a plurality of second collecting structure openings 78b (only one is seen in Fig. 3) radially aligned (with respect to the extension line 72) with the second collecting structure 38b. However, the second guiding element 40b is centrally closed, in contrast to the first guiding element 40a. The second guiding element 40b thereby prevents air 24 and liquid 26 from the first collecting structure 38a and the first tube 36a from directly entering the filter 56.

[0085] The first and second guiding elements 40a, 40b thus contribute to spreading the liquid 26 more evenly in the first and second collecting structures 38a, 38b, respectively. The combination of the first and second reservoirs 32a, 32b, the first to third units 343-340 and the second guiding element 40b preventing air 24 and liquid 26 from the first collecting structure 38a and the first tube 36a from entering the second tube 36b particularly contribute to a high performance of the aspirator 10 in any orientation, such as upside down.

[0086] Fig. 3 further shows that the device 12 comprises a clamping part 80, here arranged in the second reservoir 32b. The first guiding element 40a, the first unit 34a, the second guiding element 40b and the second unit 34b are sandwiched and held in place against the clamping part 80 by the second cover 44b.

[0087] As shown in Fig. 3, the device 12 of this example further comprises a pump inlet valve 82 fluidly between the filter 56 and the vacuum pump 46, and a pump outlet valve 84 downstream of the vacuum pump 46. Each of the pump inlet valve 82 and the pump outlet valve 84 is a one-way valve. Air 24 from the pump outlet valve 84 is exhausted to the ambient atmosphere via the exhaust outlet 18. Fig. 4 schematically represents a cross-sectional front view of section B-B in Fig. 3 of the second reservoir 32b and the first tube 36a. Fig. 4 shows a space 86 extending transverse to the extension line 72 from the first tube 36a to the second inner surface 70b. Thus, also the space 86 encloses the first tube 36a. The first tube 36a is closed transverse to the extension line 72 between the passage 74 and the space 86.

[0088] Fig. 5 schematically represents a cross-sectional front view of section B-B of the second reservoir 32b, the first tube 36a and the first collecting structure 38a. From Figs. 4 and 5, it can be gathered that the first collecting structure 38a spans across the space 86 from the first tube 36a to the second inner surface 70b.

[0089] The first collecting structure 38a is in Fig. 5 exemplified as a single absorbent sheet 88 for absorbing liquid 26 rolled around the first tube 36a. As shown, the absorbent sheet 88 is connected to the first tube 36a and extends in a spiral shape to the second inner surface 70b. The absorbent sheet 88 thereby provides a plurality of absorbent sections 90 in parallel with the extension line 72. The absorbent sheet 88 may for example be made of polyethersulfone (PES) and / or have a grammage of 170 g / m2. A thickness 92 of the absorbent sheet 88 may for example be 0.5 mm to 3 mm. The provision of the first collecting structure 38a in a roll reduces complexity of the first unit 34a, enables a cost-efficient and reliable production and a high absorption capacity.

[0090] In a dry state of the absorbent sheet 88, there may be a non-zero spacing 94 between at least two absorbent sections 90 that are radially adjacent with respect to the extension line 72. In this way, some air 24 and liquid 26 may pass between two adjacent absorbent sections 90 in the dry state of the absorbent sheet 88. In case the spacing 94 is zero, the absorbent sheet 88 may or may not be compressed transverse to the extension line 72 in a dry state. Fig. 6 schematically represents a front view of the first guiding element 40a. As shown, the first guiding element 40a of this example comprises the centrally located tube opening 76 and a plurality of, here five, first collecting structure openings 78a. Each of the tube opening 76 and the first collecting structure openings 78a are circular in this example. The first collecting structure openings 78a are here evenly distributed circumferentially around the tube opening 76.

[0091] Fig. 7 schematically represents a perspective front view of the second guiding element 40b, and Fig. 8 schematically represents a rear view of the second guiding element 40b. With collective reference to Figs. 7 and 8, the second guiding element 40b of this example is centrally closed and comprises a plurality of, here five, second collecting structure openings 78b. The second collecting structure openings 78b constitute the only openings through the second guiding element 40b.

[0092] All second collecting structure openings 78b are circular in this example. Each of a total area of the first collecting structure openings 78a and a total area of the second collecting structure openings 78b may be approximately 10 % of an area of the space 86 transverse to the extension line 72.

[0093] The second guiding element 40b further comprises one guiding channel 96 associated with each second collecting structure opening 78b. As shown, each guiding channel 96 extends from a (closed) center 98 of the second guiding element 40b, aligned with the extension line 72, to the associated second collecting structure opening 78b. The second collecting structure openings 78b are here evenly distributed circumferentially around the center 98.

[0094] Fig. 9 schematically represents a partial cross-sectional side view of section A-A of the second reservoir 32b. Fig. 9 further shows a reservoir inner dimension 100 of the second reservoir 32b. Since the second reservoir 32b is cylindrical, the reservoir inner dimension 100 is a inner diameter of the second reservoir 32b. The reservoir inner dimension 100 may for example be 50 mm. Fig. 9 further shows a tube inner dimension 102 of the first tube 36a. Since the first tube 36a is cylindrical, the tube inner dimension 102 is an inner diameter of the first tube 36a. The tube inner dimension 102 may for example be 5 mm. In any case, the tube inner dimension 102 may for example be 5 % to 15 % of the reservoir inner dimension 100 which enables a very high degree of filling of the first collecting structure 38a with liquid 26 while also preventing clogging of the passage 74. As shown in Fig. 9, the tube opening 76 of the first guiding element 40a has a smaller area than the tube inner dimension 102.

[0095] Fig. 9 further shows a tube length 104 of the first tube 36a along the extension line 72, and a collecting structure length 106 of the first collecting structure 38a along the extension line 72. In this example, the tube length 104 and the collecting structure length 106 are equal. A sum of the collecting structure length 106 of each of the first and second collecting structures 38a, 38b may amount to at least 50 %, such as approximately 70 %, of a length of the second reservoir 32b along the extension line 72.

[0096] Fig. 9 further shows that air 24 and liquid 26 from the first tube 36a is guided by the guiding channels 96, here transverse to the extension line 72, to the respectively associated second collecting structure opening 78b. Each second collecting structure opening 78b can also receive air 24, and potentially some liquid 26, from the first collecting structure 38a.

[0097] The tube opening 76, the first tube 36a and the guiding channels 96 provide an equalizing effect on the collection loads of the first and second collecting structures 38a, 38b. The device 12 can thereby provide an efficient separation of liquid 26 from air 24 for long periods of time and a high degree of filling of the second reservoir 32b with liquid 26.

[0098] In case the sorbent sheet 88 is compressed inside of the second reservoir 32b, the first unit 34a may have an outer dimension that is larger than the reservoir inner dimension 100 prior to insertion of the first unit 34a into the second reservoir 32b. The sorbent sheet 88 may then be in a compressed state during insertion of the first unit 34a into the second reservoir 32b, and may be maintained in a compressed state within the second reservoir 32b.

[0099] Fig. 9 further shows that the device 12 comprises a clamping part 80, here arranged in the second reservoir 32b. The clamping part 80 is one example of a support part for supporting the filter 56. The filter 56 is press-fitted into the clamping part 80. The clamping part 80 may for example be made of plastic. The clamping part 80 is in turn welded, such as by ultrasonic welding, to the second reservoir 32b and thereby fixed to the second reservoir 32b.

[0100] Fig. 10 schematically represents a perspective cross-sectional side view of section A-A of the filter 56 and the clamping part 80. As shown, the clamping part 80 is annular and comprises an annular lip 108. The filter 56 is press- fitted into the clamping part 80 to a state where the lip 108 presses into the filter 56. In this state of the clamping part 80 supporting the filter 56, the clamping part 80 can be inserted into, and welded to, the second reservoir 32b, e.g., along an interface between the clamping part 80 and the second reservoir 32b. In this manner, the filter 56 is reliably secured in the device 12 which provides a more reliable performance.

[0101] Fig. 11 is a flowchart outlining general steps of a method of preparing the first and second reservoirs 32a, 32b for the aspirator 10. The method comprises press-fitting S10 the filter 56 to the support part 80. The support part 80 thereby supports the filter 56. The method further comprises joining S12 the support part 80 to the second reservoir 32b, while the clamping part 80 supports the filter 56. The joining S12 may comprise welding S14.

[0102] The method may further comprise preparing S16 the second unit 34b comprising the second tube 36b and the second collecting structure 38b for collecting liquid 26. The method may further comprise, after the press-fitting S10 and the joining S12, inserting S18 the second unit 34b into the second reservoir 32b.

[0103] The method may further comprise preparing S20 the second guiding element 40b configured to guide air 24 and liquid 26 from the first collecting structure 38a and the first tube 36a to the second collecting structure 38b, and to prevent air 24 and liquid 26 from the first collecting structure 38a and the first tube 36a from entering the second tube 36b. The method may further comprise, after the inserting S18, inserting S22 the second guiding element 40b into the second reservoir 32b.

[0104] The method may further comprise preparing S24 the first unit 34a comprising the first tube 36a extending along the extension line 72 and including the passage 74 extending through the first tube 36a along the extension line 72, and the first collecting structure 38a for collecting liquid 26. The method may further comprise, after the inserting S22, inserting S26 the first unit 34a into the reservoir 32b such that the first collecting structure 38a spans across the space 86 extending transverse to the extension line 72 from the first tube 36a to the second inner surface 70b of the reservoir 32b.

[0105] The method may further comprise preparing S28 the first guiding element 40a configured to guide air 24 and liquid 26 into both the first collecting structure 38a and the first tube 36a. The method may further comprise, after the inserting S26, inserting S30 the first guiding element 40a into the second reservoir 32b.

[0106] The method may further comprise, after the inserting S30, inserting S32 the second cover 44b into the second reservoir 32b. The method may further comprise welding S34 the second cover 44b to the second reservoir 32b.

[0107] The method may further comprise preparing S36 the third unit 34c comprising the third tube 36c and the third collecting structure 38c for collecting liquid 26. The method may further comprise inserting S38 the third unit 34c into the first reservoir 32a.

[0108] The method may further comprise, after the inserting S38, inserting S40 the first cover 44a into the first reservoir 32a. The method may further comprise welding S42 the first cover 44a to the first reservoir 32a. While the present disclosure has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be appreciated that the present invention is not limited to what has been described above. For example, it will be appreciated that the dimensions of the parts may be varied as needed. Accordingly, it is intended that the present invention may be limited only by the scope of the claims appended hereto.

Claims

23CLAIMS1. A device (12) for an aspirator (10), the device (12) comprising:- a suction inlet (16) for suctioned air (24) and liquid (26);- an exhaust outlet (18) for air (24);- a reservoir (32b) fluidly between the suction inlet (16) and the exhaust outlet (18) for collecting liquid (26);- a tube (36a) arranged in the reservoir (32b), the tube (36a) extending along an extension line (72) and includes a passage (74) extending through the tube (36a) along the extension line (72); and- a collecting structure (38a) for collecting liquid (26) and spanning across a space (86) extending transverse to the extension line (72) from the tube (36a) to an inner surface (70b) of the reservoir (32b).

2. The device (12) according to claim 1, wherein the collecting structure (38a) encloses the tube (36a).

3. The device (12) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the collecting structure (38a) comprises one or more sorbent sheets (88) for sorbing liquid (26).

4. The device (12) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the collecting structure (38a) is constituted by a single sorbent sheet (88) rolled around the tube (36a).

5. The device (12) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the collecting structure (38a) is constituted by a single type of sorbent material.

6. The device (12) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a tube length (104) of the tube (36a) along the extension line (72) substantially corresponds to a collecting structure length (106) of the collecting structure (38a) along the extension line (72).

7. The device (12) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the tube (36a) is closed transverse to the extension line (72) between the passage (74) and the space (86).

8. The device (12) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the tube (36a) has a tube inner dimension (102) transverse to the extension line (72) of at least 1 mm and / or less than 8 mm.

9. The device (12) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the tube (36a) has a tube inner dimension (102) transverse to the extension line (72) that is at least 5 % and / or less than 15 % of a reservoir inner dimension (100) of the reservoir (32b) transverse to the extension line (72).

10. The device (12) according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a filter (56) fluidly between the collecting structure (38a) and the exhaust outlet (18).

11. The device (12) according to claim 10, wherein the filter (56) is press- fitted to a support part (80) joined to the reservoir (32b).

12. The device (12) according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a first guiding element (40a) arranged in the reservoir (32b) upstream of the collecting structure (38a), the first guiding element (40a) being configured to direct air (24) and liquid (26) into both the collecting structure (38a) and the tube (36a).

13. The device (12) according to claim 12, wherein the first guiding element (40a) comprises a tube opening (76) aligned with the tube (36a).

14. The device (12) according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the first guiding element (40a) comprises one or more first collecting structure openings (78a) aligned with the collecting structure (38a).

15. The device (12) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the tube (36a) and the collecting structure (38a) are a first tube (36a) and afirst collecting structure (38a), respectively, forming a first unit (34a), and wherein the device (12) further comprises a second unit (34b) in the reservoir (32b) downstream of the first unit (34a) and including a second collecting structure (38b).

16. The device (12) according to claim 15, wherein the first unit (34a) and the second unit (34b) have corresponding designs and the second unit (34b) includes a second tube (36b).

17. The device (12) according to claim 16, wherein the first unit (34a) and the second unit (34b) have the same dimensions.

18. The device (12) according to claim 16 or 17, further comprising a second guiding element (40b) between the first unit (34a) and the second unit (34b).

19. The device (12) according to claim 18, wherein the second guiding element (40b) is configured to guide air (24) and liquid (26) from the first collecting structure (38a) and the first tube (36a) to the second collecting structure (38b).

20. The device (12) according to claim 19, wherein the second guiding element (40b) comprises one or more second collecting structure openings (78b) aligned with the second collecting structure (38b).

21. The device (12) according to claim 20, wherein the second guiding element (40b) comprises one or more guiding channels (96) arranged to guide air (24) and liquid (26) from the first tube (36a) to the one or more second collecting structure openings (78b).

22. The device (12) according to any of claims 18 to 21, wherein the second guiding element (40b) is configured to prevent air (24) and liquid (26) from the first collecting structure (38a) and the first tube (36a) from entering the second tube (36b).2624. The device (12) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the reservoir (32b) is a second reservoir (32b), and wherein the device (12) further comprises a first reservoir (32a) fluidly between the suction inlet (16) and the second reservoir (32b).

25. The device (12) according to claim 24, further comprising a third unit (34c) in the first reservoir (32a) including a third collecting structure (38c).

26. The device (12) according to claim 25, wherein the first unit (34a) and the third unit (34c) have corresponding designs and the third unit (34b) includes a third tube (36c).

27. The device (12) according to claim 24, wherein the first unit (34a) and the third unit (34c) have the same dimensions.

28. A method of preparing a reservoir (32b) for an aspirator (10), the method comprising:- press-fitting (S10) a filter (56) to a support part (80); and -joining (S12) the support part (80) to a reservoir (32b).

29. The method according to claim 28, wherein the joining (S12) comprises welding (S14).

30. The method according to claim 28 or 29, further comprising:- preparing (S24) a unit (34a) comprising a tube (36a) extending along an extension line (72) and including a passage (74) extending through the tube (36a) along the extension line (72), and a collecting structure (38a) for collecting liquid (26); and- inserting (S26) the unit (34a) into the reservoir (32b) such that the collecting structure (38a) spans across a space (86) extending transverse to the extension line (72) from the tube (36a) to an inner surface (70b) of the reservoir (32b).

31. A reservoir (32b) prepared according to the method in any of claims 282732. A device (12) for an aspirator (10), the device (12) comprising:- a suction inlet (16) for suctioned air (24) and liquid (26);- an exhaust outlet (18) for air (24);- a reservoir (32b) fluidly between the suction inlet (16) and the exhaust outlet (18) for collecting liquid (26); and- a rod (52) comprising a piston (50) fixed to the rod (52) at one side of the reservoir (32b) and a driven end (54), opposite to the piston (50), at an opposite side of the reservoir (32b).

33. The device (12) according to claim 32, wherein the rod (52) is substantially parallel with the reservoir (32b).

34. The device (12) according to claim 32 or 33, wherein the reservoir (32b) is a second reservoir (32b), wherein the device (12) further comprises a first reservoir (32a) fluidly between the suction inlet (16) and the second reservoir (32b), and wherein the rod (52) is positioned between the first reservoir (32a) and the second reservoir (32b).

35. The device (12) according to claim 34, wherein the first reservoir (32a) is spatially parallel with the second reservoir (32b).

36. An aspirator (10) comprising a device (12) according to any of claims 1 to 27 and 32 to 34, or comprising a reservoir (32b) according to claim 31-

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