Driving apparatus and blood pump

Abstract

Disclosed are a driving apparatus (10) and a blood pump (1). The driving apparatus (10) comprises a housing (100), rotating assemblies (200), stators (300), and proximal bearings (500). Each proximal bearing (500) comprises a proximal shaft sleeve (510), a proximal fitting (520), and a proximal ball (530), wherein the proximal shaft sleeve (510) is fixed to the proximal end of the housing (100); the proximal fitting (520) is located on the distal side of the proximal shaft sleeve (510), the proximal fitting (520) and the proximal shaft sleeve (510) are opposite in the axial direction, and the proximal fitting (520) is fixedly connected to the proximal end of the corresponding rotating assembly (200); the proximal ball (530) is movably mounted on one of the proximal shaft sleeve (510) and the proximal fitting (520), and is arranged on the periphery of the central axis of the rotating assembly (200); the other one of the proximal shaft sleeve (510) and the proximal fitting (520) is provided with a matching wall (502); the matching wall (502) abuts against the spherical surface of the proximal ball (530) in the axial direction.

Description

Drive unit and blood pump

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese patent application No. 202411566759.6, filed on November 5, 2024, with the Chinese Patent Office, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to the field of medical device technology, and in particular to a drive device and a blood pump. Background Technology

[0003] An interventional catheter pump, also known as a blood pump, is typically inserted from a blood vessel into the ventricles of the heart to assist the heart in pumping blood and support the patient's blood circulation. A blood pump generally consists of a drive unit and an impeller. The drive unit's shaft is fixed to the impeller to drive its rotation, thus driving blood flow. However, traditional drive units are unstable and have poor efficiency during operation. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a drive device and a blood pump to address the above problems, aiming to improve the stability of the drive device during operation, reduce the wear and tear during operation, and thus improve the working efficiency of the drive device.

[0005] In one embodiment of this application, the driving device includes a housing, a rotating assembly, a stator, and a proximal bearing. The rotating assembly is rotatably mounted on the housing; the stator is fixedly connected to the housing and can drive the rotating assembly to rotate; the proximal bearing includes a proximal bushing, a proximal fitting, and a proximal ball. The proximal bushing is fixed to the proximal end of the housing; the proximal fitting is located between the proximal bushing and the stator, the proximal fitting is axially opposite to the proximal bushing and can rotate relative to the proximal bushing, and the proximal fitting is fixedly connected to the proximal end of the rotating assembly; the proximal ball is movably mounted on one of the proximal bushing and the proximal fitting, the other of the proximal bushing and the proximal fitting having a mating wall, the mating wall abutting axially against the spherical surface of the proximal ball.

[0006] In another embodiment of this application, the driving device includes a housing, a rotating assembly, a stator, and a proximal bearing. The rotating assembly is rotatably mounted on the housing; the stator is fixedly connected to the housing and can drive the rotating assembly to rotate; the proximal bearing includes a proximal bushing, a proximal fitting, and a proximal spherical protrusion. The proximal bushing is fixed to the proximal end of the housing; the proximal fitting is located between the proximal bushing and the stator, the proximal fitting is axially opposite to the proximal bushing and can rotate relative to the proximal bushing, and the proximal fitting is fixedly connected to the rotating assembly; the proximal spherical protrusion is fixed to one of the proximal bushing and the proximal fitting, the other of the proximal bushing and the proximal fitting having a mating wall, the mating wall abutting axially against the spherical surface of the proximal spherical protrusion.

[0007] This application also provides a blood pump, which includes an impeller and a driving device as described in any of the above embodiments, wherein the impeller is fixedly connected to the distal end of the rotating shaft of the driving device. In some embodiments, the blood pump further includes a cannula assembly, which is fixedly connected to the housing of the driving device; the proximal end of the cannula assembly has a proximal opening, and the distal end of the cannula assembly has a distal opening, one of which is a blood inlet and the other is a blood outlet; the impeller is disposed within the cannula assembly.

[0008] Details of one or more embodiments of the present invention are set forth in the following drawings and description. Other features, objects, and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the specification, drawings, and claims. Attached Figure Description

[0009] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0010] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the blood pump provided in this application.

[0011] Figure 2 is a partial structural diagram of the blood pump in Figure 1.

[0012] Figure 3 is a structural schematic diagram of the first embodiment of the driving device provided in this application.

[0013] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the distal part of the drive device in Figure 3.

[0014] Figure 5 is an enlarged view of point P1 in Figure 4.

[0015] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the first bearing in Figure 3.

[0016] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the near end of the drive device in Figure 3.

[0017] Figure 8 is an enlarged view of point P2 in Figure 7.

[0018] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of the rotating shaft and the second bearing assembled into one unit in Figure 3.

[0019] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of the disassembly of the shaft and the second bearing in Figure 9.

[0020] Figures 11-A and 11-B are schematic diagrams of the small radial sway of the shaft to the left and right in Figure 3.

[0021] Figures 12-A to 12-C are schematic diagrams of the near-end components in Figure 10.

[0022] Figures 13-A and 13-B are schematic diagrams of the structure of the second bearing in Figure 10.

[0023] Figure 14 is a structural schematic diagram of a second embodiment of the driving device provided in this application.

[0024] Figure 15 is a schematic diagram of the near-end portion of the drive device in Figure 14.

[0025] Figures 16-A to 16-C are structural schematic diagrams of the near-end fittings in Figure 14.

[0026] Figures 17-A and 17-B are schematic diagrams of the structure of the second bearing in Figure 14.

[0027] Figure 18 is a structural schematic diagram of the third embodiment of the driving device provided in this application.

[0028] Figure 19 is a schematic diagram of the near end of the drive device in Figure 18.

[0029] Figures 20-A and 20-B are schematic diagrams of the structure of the second bearing in Figure 18.

[0030] Figure 21 is a structural schematic diagram of the fourth embodiment of the driving device provided in this application.

[0031] Figure 22 is a schematic diagram of the near end of the drive device in Figure 21.

[0032] Figure 23 is a structural schematic diagram of the sixth embodiment of the driving device provided in this application.

[0033] Figure 24 is a schematic diagram of the near end of the drive device in Figure 23.

[0034] Figures 25-A and 25-B are schematic diagrams of the structure of the second bearing in Figure 24. Detailed Implementation

[0035] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the following detailed description is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the scope of this application.

[0036] It should be noted that when a component is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another component, it can be directly on or indirectly on that other component. When a component is referred to as being "connected to" another component, it can be directly connected to or indirectly connected to that other component.

[0037] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this application, "multiple" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0038] To illustrate the technical solution of this application, the following description is provided in conjunction with specific accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0039] It should be noted that the terms "distal" and "proximal" throughout the text are only used to indicate relative position. The "distal" end of a component refers to the end that enters the patient's body first and / or is farther from the operator during normal operation, while the "proximal" end refers to the end that enters the patient's body later and / or is closer to the operator. As shown in Figure 2, the arrow Y+ indicates the direction from the proximal end to the distal end; the arrow Y- indicates the direction from the distal end to the proximal end.

[0040] Referring to Figure 1, the blood pump 1 mentioned in this application is designed as a percutaneous interventional blood vessel to assist the heart in pumping blood. The blood pump 1 can be a left-sided ventricular interventional blood pump or a right-sided ventricular interventional blood pump. To avoid redundancy, the following description mainly uses a left-sided ventricular interventional blood pump as an example. The following describes the blood pump in the embodiment of this application.

[0041] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the blood pump 1 includes a drive unit 10 and an impeller 50; the impeller 50 is connected to the distal end of the rotating shaft 210 of the drive unit 10. The drive unit 10 drives the impeller 50 to rotate, thereby driving blood flow.

[0042] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the blood pump 1 also includes a cannula assembly 20, which is fixedly connected to the housing 100 of the drive device 10. The proximal end of the cannula assembly 20 has a proximal opening 20a, and the distal end of the cannula assembly 20 has a distal opening 20b. An impeller 50 is disposed within the cannula assembly 20. One of the proximal opening 20a and the distal opening 20b serves as a blood inlet, and the other serves as a blood outlet.

[0043] When blood pump 1 is a right ventricular interventional blood pump, it can propel blood through the right ventricle across the pulmonary valve to the pulmonary artery, such that the proximal opening 20a is located in the right ventricle, while the distal opening 20b is located in the pulmonary artery. In this case, the proximal opening 20a is the blood inlet, and the distal opening 20b is the blood outlet.

[0044] When blood pump 1 is a left ventricular interventional blood pump, blood pump 1 can push blood into the left ventricle through the aorta and across the aortic valve, so that the proximal opening 20a is located in the aorta and the distal opening 20b is located in the left ventricle; at this time, the proximal opening 20a is the blood outlet and the distal opening 20b is used as the blood inlet.

[0045] The intubation assembly 20 may include an intubation tube 21, an inlet tube 23, and an outlet tube 22. The outlet tube 22 has a proximal opening 20a and connects the proximal end of the intubation tube 21 to the distal end of the drive device 10. The inlet tube 23 has a distal opening 20b and is connected to the distal end of the intubation tube 21. It is understood that the outlet tube 22 is optional, and the proximal opening 20a can be directly provided on the intubation tube 21. Similarly, the inlet tube 23 is also optional, and the distal opening 20b can also be directly provided on the intubation tube 21.

[0046] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the blood pump 1 also includes a catheter 40, which is fixedly connected to the proximal end of the drive device 10. The catheter 40 is used to accommodate the wires, flushing lines, and other components of the drive device 10.

[0047] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the blood pump 1 also includes a non-invasive flexible element 30, which is fixedly connected to the distal end of the cannulation assembly 20. Specifically, the non-invasive flexible element 30 is connected to the distal end of the inlet tube 23 of the cannulation assembly 20. The non-invasive flexible element 30 can contact the inner wall of the tissue to position the blood pump 1. The non-invasive flexible element 30 is made of a flexible material, which makes it flexible and prevents it from damaging the tissue.

[0048] The driving device 10 in the embodiments of this application will be described in detail below. It should be noted that, in addition to being applied to the blood pump 1 described above, the driving device 10 can also be applied to medical devices such as thrombus aspiration pump systems, rotary thrombectomy catheters, and thoracic and abdominal drainage pumps in other embodiments.

[0049] Figures 3 to 13-B illustrate a first embodiment of the drive device 10 of this application. In this first embodiment, the drive device 10 includes a housing 100, a rotating assembly 200, and a stator 300. The rotating assembly 200 includes a rotating shaft 210 and a rotor 220 fixedly connected to the rotating shaft 210. The rotating shaft 210 is rotatably mounted on the housing 100, passing through the distal end of the housing 100, and has a connecting end 211 located outside the housing 100. The connecting end 211 is the distal end of the rotating shaft 210. The stator 300 is fixedly connected to the housing 100 and is capable of driving the rotor 220 to rotate, thereby driving the rotating shaft 210 to rotate.

[0050] Referring to Figures 2 and 3, the housing 100 is cylindrical. The distal end of the housing 100 is fixedly connected to the proximal end of the cannulation assembly 20; the proximal end of the housing 100 is fixedly connected to the distal end of the conduit 40. The housing 100 is provided with a receiving cavity 101; the stator 300 and the rotor 220 are both received in the receiving cavity 101 and are arranged at intervals along the axial direction of the housing 100.

[0051] Referring to Figures 3 to 5, the housing 100 includes a first housing 110 and a second housing 120, with the second housing 120 connected to the distal end of the first housing 110. The second housing 120 covers the distal end of the first housing 110. The housing 100 may also include a third housing 130, which is connected to the proximal end of the first housing 110. The first housing 110, the second housing 120, and the third housing 130 enclose a receiving cavity 101. One of the second housing 120 and the third housing 130 is optional.

[0052] Referring to Figure 3, the rotor 220 includes a first rotor 221, which is arranged axially with the stator 300. Specifically, the first rotor 221 is disposed at the far end of the receiving cavity 101 of the housing 100, and is located between the far end bearing 400 and the stator 300. The stator 300 is capable of driving the first rotor 221 to rotate.

[0053] Referring to Figure 3, the rotor 220 also includes a second rotor 222, which and the first rotor 221 are respectively disposed on opposite sides of the stator 300 along the axial direction. That is, the stator 300 is located between the first rotor 221 and the second rotor 222. The stator 300 can also drive the second rotor 222 to rotate.

[0054] The first rotor 221 and the second rotor 222 may only have one of them. Either rotor 220 may include multiple magnets arranged in a ring along the outer periphery of the shaft 210. For example, the multiple magnets may be arranged in a Hellbeck array magnetic ring. Either rotor 220 may also include a flywheel fixed to the shaft 210, on which the multiple magnets are mounted. It is understood that the flywheel may be a disc-shaped support or a cylindrical support.

[0055] Referring to Figure 3, the stator 300 includes a first stator 310 through which a rotating shaft 210 rotatably passes. The first stator 310 is adjacent to and capable of driving the first rotor 221 to rotate. The stator 300 also includes a second stator 320, which, along with the first stator 310, is arranged axially; the rotating shaft 210 rotatably passes through the second stator 320. The second stator 320 is adjacent to and capable of driving the second rotor 222 to rotate. It is understood that the second stator 320 is not essential. In other embodiments, only the first stator 310 may be present.

[0056] Referring to Figures 3, 7, and 8, the drive device 10 further includes a proximal bearing 500, which is disposed at the proximal end of the housing 100. The proximal bearing 500 includes a proximal bushing 510, a proximal fitting 520, and a proximal ball 530. The proximal bushing 510 is fixedly connected to the proximal end of the housing 100. The proximal fitting 520 is located between the proximal bushing 510 and the stator 300, and is axially opposite to the proximal bushing 510 and rotatable relative to it. The rotating assembly 200 is fixedly connected to the proximal fitting 520 to drive its rotation. The proximal ball 530 is movably mounted on one of the proximal bushing 510 and the proximal fitting 520. The other of the proximal bushing 510 and the proximal fitting 520 has a mating wall 502, which axially abuts against the spherical surface 501 of the proximal ball 530. The axial abutment refers to the spherical surface 501 of the mating wall 502 and the proximal ball 530 being opposite each other along the axial direction of the rotating assembly 200 and abutting against each other.

[0057] Specifically, in this first embodiment, the proximal ball 530 of the proximal bearing 500 is movably mounted on the proximal bushing 510; and the proximal fitting 520 has a mating wall 502, which abuts against the proximal ball 530 on the proximal bushing 510. Specifically, the housing 100 also includes a retaining pin 140; the retaining pin 140 is fixed to the proximal end of the housing 100. The retaining pin 140 has a retaining groove 141, in which the proximal bushing 510 is installed. When the rotating assembly 200 tends to move in the Y-direction, the proximal ball 530 of the proximal bearing 500 and the mating wall 502 remain abutted, thereby preventing the rotating assembly 200 from moving in the Y-direction and reducing the risk of axial displacement of the rotating assembly 200.

[0058] The aforementioned drive device 10 includes a proximal bearing 500 at the distal end of the housing 100. This proximal bearing 500 comprises a proximal sleeve 510, a proximal fitting 520, and proximal balls 530. The proximal sleeve 510 is fixedly connected to the proximal end of the housing 100. The proximal fitting 520 is located between the proximal sleeve 510 and the stator 300 and is fixedly connected to the rotating assembly 200. The proximal balls 530 are movably mounted on one of the proximal sleeve 510 and the proximal fitting 520. The other of the proximal sleeve 510 and the proximal fitting 520 has a mating wall 502 that axially abuts against the spherical surface 501 of the proximal ball 530. Thus, the proximal sleeve 510, the proximal fitting 520, and the proximal balls 530 combine to form an axial ball bearing. During the start-up, shutdown, and operation of the drive unit 10, the axial ball bearing maintains axial contact with the mating wall 402 via the proximal ball 530, making it difficult for the rotating assembly 200 to undergo axial displacement. This prevents collisions between the rotating assembly 200 and the fixed components at the proximal end of the housing 100, improving the operational stability of the rotating assembly 200, reducing the risk of drive unit 10 failure, and extending its service life. On the other hand, when the rotating assembly 200 rotates, the proximal ball 530 of the axial ball bearing is driven by the rotating assembly 200 to roll. The proximal ball 530 and the mating wall 502 experience rolling friction, resulting in low rolling friction resistance. This effectively reduces the resistance experienced by the rotating assembly 200 during rotation, reduces the power loss of the drive unit 10 in overcoming resistance, and improves the working efficiency of the drive unit 10.

[0059] The number of proximal balls 530 can be multiple. In this application, "multiple" means two or more. Multiple proximal balls 530 are arranged around the central axis of the rotating assembly 200. The multiple proximal balls 530 of the axial ball bearing jointly support the rotating assembly 200 from different positions around the central axis of the rotating assembly 200, effectively preventing radial runout of the shaft 210 and enabling the rotating assembly 200 to operate smoothly.

[0060] Optionally, multiple proximal balls 530 are arranged at intervals around the central axis of the rotating assembly 200. This allows the use of a smaller number of proximal balls 530. As a result, not only can the weight of the drive unit 10 be reduced, making the blood pump 1 lighter, but the power required to start the drive unit 10 can also be reduced, allowing the rotating assembly 200 to start smoothly.

[0061] Typically, the distal end of the housing 100 (specifically, the distal bushing 410) has a distal shaft hole 411. The rotating shaft 210 of the rotating assembly 200 passes through the distal shaft hole 411, and a gap is provided between the rotating shaft 210 and the inner circumferential surface of the distal shaft hole 411. This gap is used to allow the flushing fluid inside the housing 100 to drain into the cannulation assembly 20 of the blood pump 1, preventing blood from flowing back into the housing 100. Due to the presence of the gap, the rotating shaft 210 may have a tendency to radially wobble when rotating. However, in this application, since the multiple proximal balls 530 of the proximal bearing 500 jointly support the rotating assembly 200 from different circumferential positions, the rotating assembly 200 cannot easily wobble radially, thereby reducing the risk of radial wobble and making the operation of the rotating assembly 200 more stable.

[0062] Even if the rotating assembly 200 experiences a slight radial wobbling, the distal bearing 400 will still contact the mating wall 502 with one of its proximal balls 530 as the fulcrum, while the proximal ball 530 on the opposite side will briefly and slightly loosen from the mating wall 502. This reduces the number of proximal balls 530 in contact with the mating wall 502, thereby reducing the contact points between the proximal fitting 520 and the proximal bushing 510. Consequently, the resistance experienced by the rotating shaft 210 during wobbling can be reduced, preventing the rotating shaft 210 from jamming and making it easier for the rotating shaft 210 to return to its original stable state.

[0063] Figures 11-A and 11-B illustrate the situation when the shaft experiences a small radial wobble: Referring to Figure 11-A, when the shaft 210 wobbles radially to the right, the proximal bushing 510 uses its left proximal ball 530 as a fulcrum and supports the wobble of the shaft 210; the right proximal ball 530 of the proximal bushing 510 will briefly and slightly loosen from the mating wall 502, at which point only the left proximal ball 530 of the proximal bushing 510 remains loose. 30 remains abutted against the mating wall 502; see Figure 11-B. Conversely, when the shaft 210 wobbles radially to the left, the proximal bushing 510 uses its right proximal ball 530 as a fulcrum to support the wobbling of the shaft 210; the left proximal ball 530 of the proximal bushing 510 will briefly and slightly loosen from the mating wall 502, at which time only the right proximal ball 530 of the proximal bushing 510 remains abutted against the mating wall 502.

[0064] Therefore, if the rotating assembly 200 experiences a small radial sway, the proximal bushing 510 will contact the mating wall 502 with one of the proximal balls 530 as the fulcrum, while the other proximal ball 530 will briefly and slightly loosen from the mating wall 502, thereby reducing the number of contact points between the proximal fitting 520 and the proximal ball 530, and thus reducing the resistance experienced by the rotating shaft 210 during the sway.

[0065] It is understood that the number of proximal balls 530 may also be one. For example, in some other embodiments, the proximal bearing 500 includes only one proximal ball 530, which is movably mounted on the proximal bushing 510; the proximal bearing 500 also includes at least one proximal spherical protrusion 540 (refer to Figures 18 to 20-B), which is fixed to the proximal bushing 510. The proximal spherical protrusion 540 and the proximal ball 530 are arranged together around the central axis of the rotating assembly 200. Both the proximal spherical protrusion 540 and the proximal ball 530 have a spherical surface 501, and both of their spherical surfaces 501 abut against the abutment wall 402 on the proximal fitting 520 axially.

[0066] Referring to Figures 7 and 12-A to 12-C, the proximal fitting 520 is configured as a disc-shaped structure. The proximal fitting 520 is housed in the receiving cavity 101 of the housing 100. Since the proximal ball 530 is movably mounted on the proximal bushing 510, the proximal end face of the proximal fitting 520 facing the proximal bushing 510 is a mating wall 502, which is located on the distal side of the proximal ball 530 and abuts against the proximal ball 530.

[0067] Optionally, the distal end of the proximal fitting 520 is fixedly connected to the proximal end of the rotating shaft 210. The proximal end of the proximal fitting 520 is provided with a rotating post 522, which is coaxial with the rotating shaft 210 and rotatably passes through the proximal bushing 510. Specifically, the proximal bushing 510 is provided with a proximal shaft hole 512, which rotatably engages with the rotating post 522. In this case, the plurality of proximal ball bearings 530 are specifically arranged at intervals around the rotating post 522.

[0068] The proximal accessory 520 can be an independent component, meaning it is separately formed from the rotating shaft 210. The proximal accessory 520 can be connected and fixed to the rotating shaft 210 by welding or bonding. In some embodiments, the proximal accessory 520 can also be integrally formed with the rotating shaft 210. However, in this embodiment, the proximal accessory 520 and the rotating shaft 210 are separately formed. Specifically, the distal end of the proximal accessory 520 is provided with a socket 521, and the proximal end of the rotating shaft 210 is fixed in the socket 521. The proximal end of the rotating shaft 210 and the socket 521 are welded together or bonded with filler adhesive.

[0069] Optionally, the socket 521 is a blind hole, and the socket 521 has a bottom wall 521a; the proximal end of the rotating shaft 210 is a mounting end 212, which is fixed in the socket 521, and the end face of the mounting end 212 abuts against the bottom wall 521a.

[0070] Typically, in some conventional technologies, the proximal end of the rotating shaft 210 is provided with a ball head, and the proximal end of the housing 100 is provided with a movable groove, so that the ball head of the rotating shaft 210 is installed in the movable groove, the ball head abuts against the inner wall of the movable groove and can move within the movable groove. Since the distal end of the rotating shaft 210 passes through the shaft hole at the distal end of the housing 100, when the ball head of the rotating shaft 210 is installed into the spherical groove, the rotating shaft 210 and the spherical groove need to maintain a high degree of coaxiality in order for the ball head of the rotating shaft 210 to be smoothly installed into the spherical groove. In other words, the method of assembling the rotating shaft 210 of the drive device 10 in the conventional technology by means of a ball head and the spherical groove requires a high degree of coaxiality between the rotating shaft 210 and the spherical groove, which increases the manufacturing difficulty of the drive device 10.

[0071] In contrast, in this embodiment, the proximal end of the rotating shaft 210 of the drive device 10 does not need to be provided with a ball head. The proximal end of the rotating shaft 210 can be directly fixed to the insertion hole 521 of the proximal accessory 520. The proximal end of the rotating shaft 210 does not need to move against the inner wall of the insertion hole 521. Therefore, the coaxiality requirement between the rotating shaft 210 and the insertion hole 521 is smaller. Furthermore, during the assembly process, the multiple proximal balls 530 between the proximal accessory 520 and the proximal bushing 510 roll relative to the mating wall 502, which can finely adjust the position of the proximal accessory 520 (i.e., the position of the rotating column 522) so that the rotating column 522 and the proximal bushing 510 tend to be coaxial. In this way, the assembly difficulty of the proximal accessory 520 and the proximal bushing 510 can be reduced. Therefore, the near-end bearing 500 can reduce the coaxiality requirement between the shaft 210 and the near-end bearing 500 when installing the shaft 210 by the rolling of the near-end ball 530, thereby reducing the assembly difficulty of the shaft 210 and improving the assembly efficiency.

[0072] Of course, the rotating column 522 is not essential. In other embodiments, the rotating shaft 210 may extend through the proximal fitting 520, such that the proximal end of the rotating shaft 210 is rotatably inserted into the proximal shaft hole 512 of the proximal bushing 510. In this case, the plurality of proximal balls 530 are specifically arranged at intervals around the rotating shaft 210.

[0073] Referring to Figure 7, the near end of the housing 100 is also provided with a near-side limiting groove 143, which is located far from the fixing groove 141. The diameter of the near-side limiting groove 143 is larger than the diameter of the fixing groove 141. The near-end fitting 520 is at least partially housed in the near-side limiting groove 143, and there is a gap between the outer peripheral surface of the near-end fitting 520 and the inner peripheral surface of the near-side limiting groove 143.

[0074] Due to the presence of the gap, when the rotating assembly 200 drives the proximal accessory 520 to rotate, the outer peripheral surface of the proximal accessory 520 is less likely to contact the inner peripheral surface of the proximal limiting groove 143, thus preventing friction between the proximal accessory 520 and the inner peripheral surface of the proximal limiting groove 143. Furthermore, since the proximal accessory 520 is confined to rotating within the proximal limiting groove 143, the rotating assembly 200 is less prone to significant swaying.

[0075] Referring to Figures 7, 9, and 10, the proximal bushing 510 is an independent component and can be connected and fixed to the housing 100 by means of bonding, welding, or other methods. Optionally, the proximal end of the housing 100 is provided with a fixing pin 140, and the fixing pin 140 is provided with a fixing groove 141; the proximal bushing 510 is installed in the fixing groove 141. Of course, in some other embodiments, the proximal bushing 510 can be a component integrally formed with the housing 100.

[0076] The proximal bushing 510 has a second end face 511, and the second end face 511 and the mating wall 502 of the proximal fitting 520 are axially opposed and spaced apart. A plurality of proximal balls 530 are movably mounted on the proximal bushing 510, and a portion of each proximal ball 530 protrudes from the first end face 421, that is, a portion of the proximal ball 530 is located between the second end face 511 and the mating wall 502 to abut against the mating wall 502.

[0077] Referring to Figures 8, 13-A, and 13-B, the proximal bushing 510 is provided with a proximal mounting groove 503, which has an opening 503c. A proximal ball 530 is mounted in each proximal mounting groove 503. A portion of the outer peripheral surface of the proximal ball 530 extends outward from the opening 503c of the proximal mounting groove 503, such that the proximal ball 530 has an inner portion 532 received inside the proximal mounting groove 503 and an outer protrusion 531 extending outside the proximal mounting groove 503. A spherical surface 501 on the outer protrusion 531 abuts against a mating wall 502.

[0078] It is understandable that the proximal ball 530 is a sphere. The entire outer circumferential surface of the proximal ball 530 is spherical. Therefore, no matter which direction the proximal ball 530 rolls or to which position it rolls, the proximal ball 530 will have an outward protrusion 531 located outside the proximal mounting groove 503, so that the spherical surface 501 on the outward protrusion 531 can abut against the mating wall 502.

[0079] Specifically, the proximal bushing 510 is provided with multiple proximal mounting slots 503, which are spaced apart around the central axis of the rotating assembly 200 (specifically, they can be arranged around the rotating column 522 or the rotating shaft 210). At least one proximal ball bearing 530 is installed in each proximal mounting slot 503. Because the multiple proximal balls 530 are installed in different proximal mounting slots 503, the proximal balls 530 in each slot do not interfere with each other. When the rotating assembly 200 rotates, the multiple proximal balls 530 are driven by the rotating assembly 200 to roll within their respective proximal mounting slots 503. The proximal balls 530 in any two adjacent proximal mounting slots 503 will not squeeze or pile up against each other, allowing each proximal ball 530 to roll freely. Therefore, the proximal balls 530 in different positions can adapt their movement according to the magnitude and direction of the force they receive. Furthermore, it can reduce the power required to start the drive unit 10, allowing the rotating component 200 to start smoothly.

[0080] Of course, in other embodiments, the proximal bushing 510 may also have only one proximal mounting groove 503, which is annularly arranged around the central axis of the rotating assembly 200. A plurality of proximal balls 530 are installed in the proximal mounting groove 503, and the plurality of proximal balls 530 surround the central axis of the rotating assembly 200.

[0081] Referring to Figures 8 and 13-A to 13-B, the protruding portion 531 of the proximal ball 530 has an abutment point N1 for the mating wall 502 to abut. The axial distance between the abutment point N1 and the groove 503c is also the axial height H of the proximal ball 530 protruding outward from the groove 503c of the proximal mounting groove 503. n1 If the axial height H n1 If the distance is too small, the gap between the second end face 511 and the mating wall 502 will be small, and the two are prone to interference, affecting the smoothness of the rotation of the shaft 210.

[0082] Therefore, optionally, the axial height H n1 Set to be greater than or equal to 1 / 3 of the radius of the proximal ball 530. Therefore, H n1 ≥1 / 3R; where R=1 / 2D n R represents the radius of the proximal ball bearing 530, D n This indicates the diameter of the proximal ball 530. This ensures that after the protrusion 531 abuts against the mating wall 502, there is a sufficient gap between the second end face 511 and the mating wall 502, making it less likely for them to interfere with each other and improving the rotational stability of the shaft 210.

[0083] Of course, the axial height H n1It should not be designed to be too large, otherwise it will occupy a large amount of axial space in the housing 100; and when the proximal ball 530 moves, the proximal ball 530 is also prone to falling out of the proximal mounting groove 503. Therefore, optionally, the axial height H n1 The radius of the proximal ball bearing is smaller than 530, i.e., H. n1 <R. This ensures that the volume of the inner portion 532 of the proximal ball 530 is at least half the volume of the proximal ball 530, so that the center of the proximal ball 530 will fall inside the proximal mounting groove 503, thereby reducing the risk of the proximal ball 530 falling out of the proximal mounting groove 503.

[0084] Referring to Figures 13-A and 13-B, the proximal mounting groove 503 has a groove bottom wall 503a and a groove side wall 503b arranged circumferentially along the groove bottom wall 503a; the built-in portion 532 of the proximal ball 530 abuts against the groove bottom wall 503a, and the built-in portion 532 of the proximal ball 530 is also tangent to the groove side wall 503b.

[0085] The bottom wall 503a of the groove is a planar wall perpendicular to the central axis of the proximal bushing 510. The proximal ball 530 is tangent to the bottom wall 503a, and the tangent position is the abutment position. In other embodiments, the bottom wall 503a may be a spherical wall.

[0086] The groove sidewall 503b is perpendicular to the groove bottom wall 503a. The groove sidewall 503b can be a cylindrical surface, in which case the contact between the proximal ball 530 and the groove sidewall 503b is a line contact. The groove sidewall 503b can also be composed of multiple planes, in which case the contact between the proximal ball 530 and the groove sidewall 503b is a point contact. In other embodiments, the groove sidewall 503b can form an inclined angle with the groove bottom wall 503a.

[0087] The position where the inner portion 532 of the proximal ball 530 is tangent to the groove sidewall 503b is defined as the cutting position N2, and the cutting position N2 has a cutting depth H from the groove opening 503c of the proximal mounting groove 503. n2 Obviously, the cutting depth H n2 The radius R (i.e., H) needs to be smaller than that of the proximal ball bearing 530. n2 <R, R = 1 / 2D n D n The diameter of the proximal ball 530 is required to allow a portion of the proximal ball 530 to protrude outward from the groove 503c of the proximal mounting groove 503, forming an outward protrusion 531. However, the cutting depth H... n2 It should not be too small, otherwise the proximal ball bearing 530 may easily fall out of the proximal mounting groove 503.

[0088] Therefore, optionally, the cutting depth H n2 Greater than or equal to 1 / 2 times the radius of the proximal ball bearing 530, i.e., 1 / 2R≤Hn2 <R. This allows the volume of the inner portion 532 of the proximal ball 530 to be greater than or equal to half the volume of the proximal ball 530. With this configuration, the center of the proximal ball 530 will fall inside the proximal mounting groove 503, thereby reducing the risk of the proximal ball 530 falling out of the proximal mounting groove 503. It is understood that the cutting depth H... n2 and axial height H n1 The sum equals the radius R of the proximal ball bearing 530, i.e., H. n1 +H n2 =R.

[0089] Referring to Figures 13-A and 13-B, multiple proximal balls 530 are arranged around the central axis of the rotating assembly 200, and can be arranged at equal or unequal intervals. Specifically, the multiple proximal balls 530 are arranged at equal intervals around the central axis of the rotating assembly 200 to form multiple uniformly distributed fulcrums in the circumference of the rotating assembly 200, making the shaft 210 more stable to install.

[0090] Optionally, a plurality of proximal balls 530 are arranged at intervals around the rotating column 522. An annular region is present around the rotating column 522; the plurality of proximal balls 530 are all disposed within the annular region.

[0091] Optionally, at least two of the proximal balls 530 are located on opposite sides of the central axis of the rotating assembly 200. Specifically, two of the proximal balls 530 may be located on opposite sides of the rotating column 522. This allows for at least one fulcrum on each opposite side of the rotating shaft 210 (e.g., the left and right sides or the front and rear sides), which reduces radial sway of the rotating shaft 210 along the left and right sides.

[0092] The number of proximal ball bearings 530 can be 2 to 10. For example, but not limited to 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, etc.

[0093] When the number of proximal balls 530 is set to 3, these 3 proximal balls 530 are arranged at equal intervals around the central axis of the rotating assembly 200, and the vertical connection line between the center of the 3 proximal balls 530 and the central axis of the rotating assembly 200 is Y-shaped.

[0094] When the number of proximal balls 530 is set to 4, these 4 proximal balls 530 are arranged at equal intervals around the central axis of the rotating assembly 200, and the vertical connection line between the center of the 4 proximal balls 530 and the central axis of the rotating assembly 200 forms a cross shape.

[0095] The diameter D of the proximal ball bearing 530 n The thickness can be selected from 0.4mm to 0.7mm, that is, 0.4mm ≤ D. n ≤0.7mm. For example, diameter D nThe values ​​can be, but are not limited to, 0.45mm, 0.5mm, 0.55mm, 0.6mm, 0.65mm, and 0.7mm.

[0096] The spherical surface 501 of the proximal ball 530 can be configured as a ceramic surface. Specifically, the entire proximal ball 530 is made of ceramic material, thus making the spherical surface 501 of the proximal ball 530 a ceramic surface. Alternatively, in other embodiments, the proximal ball 530 can be made of a hard metal material, with an additional layer of ceramic material added to the spherical surface 501, thereby forming the ceramic surface. Ceramic materials offer high processing precision, high biocompatibility, high mechanical strength, and good wear and corrosion resistance.

[0097] Referring to Figures 7 and 12-A to 12-C, an annular groove 504 is provided on the mating wall 502 that abuts against the proximal ball 530. The annular groove 504 surrounds the central axis of the rotating assembly 200. Since the rotating column 522 and the rotating assembly 200 are coaxial, the annular groove 504 specifically surrounds the rotating column 522. The portions of the proximal balls 530 that protrude from the proximal bushing 510 (i.e., the outward protrusions 531) are received within the annular groove 504.

[0098] Specifically, the annular groove 504 extends around the outer circumference of the rotating column 522. The protruding portions 531 of a plurality of proximal balls 530 are spaced apart along the annular groove 504. When the rotating assembly 200 rotates, the plurality of proximal balls 530 are confined within the annular groove 504, thus preventing the rotating assembly 200 from radially wobbling.

[0099] Referring to Figures 7 and 8, the annular groove 504 has an annular bottom wall 504a and annular side walls 504b located on both sides of the annular bottom wall 504a. Optionally, the annular bottom wall 504a is perpendicular to the central axis of the rotating shaft 210 and tangent to the outward protrusion 531 of the proximal ball 530. This reduces the contact area between the proximal ball 530 and the annular bottom wall 504a, thereby reducing frictional resistance.

[0100] Optionally, the depth of the annular groove 504 gradually decreases in the direction from the proximal bushing 510 to the proximal fitting 520. The annular sidewall 504b is concave. The annular sidewall 504b is recessed away from the outward protrusion 531. This reduces the contact area between the spherical surface 501 of the proximal ball 530 and the annular sidewall 504b, thereby reducing the resistance of the proximal ball 530 moving within the annular groove 504.

[0101] Alternatively, the annular groove 504 is provided with a rounded wall 504c at the opening to avoid the formation of sharp corners at the opening of the annular groove 504, and to prevent excessive wear when the near-end ball 530 contacts this position.

[0102] Of course, in other embodiments, the mating wall 502 can also be configured as a flat wall without any concave or convex structures (such as an annular groove 504). This mating wall 502 is perpendicular to the central axis of the rotating shaft 210, such that the mating wall 502 and the proximal balls 530 are tangent. Thus, the contact between the multiple proximal balls 530 and the mating wall 502 is a series of scattered point contacts, resulting in a small contact area and low frictional resistance. Furthermore, if the rotating shaft 210 experiences radial wobbling, the proximal balls 530 can roll radially on the mating wall 502, reducing the resistance encountered by the movement of the proximal balls 530, preventing the rotating shaft 210 from jamming, and making it easier for the rotating shaft 210 to return to its original stable state.

[0103] The mating wall 502 can also be a ceramic surface. For example, the entire proximal accessory 520 is made of ceramic material, so the mating wall 502 of the proximal accessory 520 becomes a ceramic surface accordingly. As another example, the proximal accessory 520 can be made of hard metal material, and a layer of ceramic material can be added to the mating wall 502 to form the ceramic surface.

[0104] Referring to Figures 7 and 9, the rotating column 522 rotatably passes through the proximal shaft hole 512 of the proximal bushing 510; the proximal end of the rotating column 522 is located on the side of the proximal bushing 510 opposite to the proximal fitting 520; the proximal bearing 500 also includes a limiting member 523, which is disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the rotating column 522 and can abut against the proximal bushing 510.

[0105] Specifically, the limiting member 523 has a limiting surface 523a, which can abut against the proximal bushing 510. During assembly, the proximal ball 530 can be first installed into the proximal mounting groove 503 of the proximal bushing 510; the rotating column 522 of the proximal accessory 520 can be inserted into the proximal shaft hole 512 of the proximal bushing 510; then the limiting member 523 and the rotating column 522 can be connected and fixed, so that the proximal accessory 520, the proximal bushing 510, the proximal ball 530 and the limiting member 523 are assembled into a whole proximal bearing 500. This allows the proximal bushing 510 to be clamped between the proximal end face of the proximal accessory 520 and the limiting surface 523a of the limiting member 523. During the installation of the proximal bearing 500, the proximal ball 530 is less likely to fall out of the proximal mounting groove 503 of the proximal bushing 510, thereby reducing the difficulty of installing the proximal bearing 500 and improving assembly efficiency.

[0106] Furthermore, when the shaft 210 is offset along the Y+ direction, the limiting surface 5231 of the limiting member 523 abuts against the proximal bushing 510 to limit the shaft 210 from continuing to offset along the Y+ direction, so that the offset of the shaft 210 is smaller and the operation of the shaft 210 is more stable; and it can prevent the gap between the proximal accessory 520 and the proximal bushing 510 from increasing, effectively preventing the proximal ball 530 from falling out of the proximal mounting groove 503.

[0107] The limiting member 523 is preferably made of a rigid material. The rigid material can be a metal or a ceramic material. The limiting member 523 can be annular. In other embodiments, the limiting member 523 can also be a C-shaped open ring, such as an E-ring. Alternatively, the limiting member 523 can also be a baffle protruding radially from the circumferential surface of the rotating column 522.

[0108] Referring to Figures 3 and 7, a settling tank 142 is provided at the bottom of the fixed tank 141, and the settling tank 142 can be connected to the flushing pipeline of the conduit 40. A fluid channel is provided on the side wall of the fixed tank 141, which connects the settling tank 142 and the flushing flow channel inside the housing 100. The limiting member 523 is received in the settling tank 142.

[0109] Preferably, at least one of the proximal ends of the limiting member 523 and the rotating column 522 abuts against the bottom of the settling tank 142, thereby restricting the movement of the rotating column 522 in the Y-direction and reducing axial displacement of the rotating shaft 210. The outer diameter of the limiting member 523 can be smaller than the inner diameter of the settling tank 142, so that a space for the flushing fluid to flow is created between the outer peripheral surface of the limiting member 523 and the inner wall surface of the settling tank 142. The bottom of the settling tank 142 is provided with a liquid inlet (not shown in the figure), which is connected to the flushing pipeline. The limiting member 523 does not obstruct the liquid inlet.

[0110] Figures 14 to 17-B illustrate a second embodiment of the drive device 10 of this application. The drive device 10 in this second embodiment differs from the drive device 10 in the first embodiment described above in that the proximal ball 530 is movably mounted on the proximal fitting 520; the proximal bushing 510 has a mating wall 502, which abuts against the spherical surface 501 of the proximal ball 530.

[0111] The proximal accessory 520 is also housed inside the housing 100. Since the proximal ball 530 is movably mounted in the proximal accessory 520, the proximal accessory 520 is correspondingly provided with a plurality of proximal mounting slots 503, which surround the outer circumference of the rotating column 522. Each proximal mounting slot 503 contains one proximal ball 530, a portion of which extends from the opening of the proximal mounting slot 503 to abut against the abutment wall 402 on the proximal bushing 510. The shape and structure of the proximal mounting slot 503 can be implemented with reference to the first embodiment described above, and essentially the same technical effects can be obtained; therefore, they will not be described in detail here.

[0112] The proximal bushing 510 is fixed in the fixing groove 141 of the housing 100. The distal wall of the proximal bushing 510 faces the proximal fitting 520, thereby forming a mating wall 502. The mating wall 502 may have an annular groove 504, so that a portion of the proximal ball 530 extending from the proximal mounting groove 503 can be received within the annular groove 504. Of course, in other embodiments, the mating wall 502 may also be a flat wall without a concave-convex structure (such as an annular groove).

[0113] The structure, position and fixing method of the aforementioned proximal bushing 510 and proximal accessory 520 can all be implemented with reference to the first embodiment described above, and can also achieve basically the same technical effect, which will not be described in detail here.

[0114] For example, the proximal fitting 520 is provided with a rotating post 522 and a socket 521 as in the first embodiment described above; the proximal end (i.e., the mounting end 212) of the rotating shaft 210 is fixed in the socket 521; the rotating post 522 is rotatably engaged with the proximal shaft hole 512 provided on the proximal bushing 510. The structure, position, and engagement method of the rotating post 522, the socket 521, and the proximal shaft hole 512 can be implemented with reference to the first embodiment described above, and will not be repeated here.

[0115] Figures 18 to 20-B illustrate a third embodiment of the drive device 10 of this application. The drive device 10 includes a housing 100, a rotating assembly 200, a stator 300, and a proximal bearing 500. The proximal bearing 500 includes a proximal bushing 510, a proximal fitting 520, and a proximal spherical protrusion 540. The proximal bushing 510 is fixedly connected to the proximal end of the housing 100. The proximal fitting 520 is located between the proximal bushing 510 and the stator 300. The proximal fitting 520 is axially opposite to the proximal bushing 510 and is rotatable relative to the proximal bushing 510. The rotating assembly 200 is fixedly connected to the proximal fitting 520 to drive the proximal fitting 520 to rotate. A proximal spherical protrusion 540 is fixed to one of a proximal bushing 510 and a proximal fitting 520; the other of the proximal bushing 510 and the proximal fitting 520 has a mating wall 502, which axially abuts against the spherical surface 501 of the proximal spherical protrusion 540. The axial abutment means that the mating wall 502 and the spherical surface 501 of the proximal spherical protrusion 540 are opposite each other along the axial direction of the rotating assembly 200 and abut against each other. That is, in the third embodiment, the drive device 10 uses a proximal spherical protrusion 540 instead of the proximal ball bearing 530 in the first to third embodiments.

[0116] Specifically, in this third embodiment, the proximal spherical protrusion 540 of the proximal bearing 500 is fixed to the proximal bushing 510; the proximal fitting 520 has an abutment wall 402, which abuts against the proximal spherical protrusion 540 on the proximal bushing 510. Specifically, the housing 100 also includes a retaining pin 140; the retaining pin 140 is fixed to the proximal end of the housing 100. The retaining pin 140 has a retaining groove 141, in which the proximal bushing 510 is installed. It is understood that the proximal spherical protrusion 540 is spherical, therefore the proximal spherical protrusion 540 has a spherical surface 501.

[0117] Understandably, the proximal spherical protrusion 540 can be a complete sphere or a part of a sphere. It is sufficient that a spherical surface 501 with an appropriate area can be formed on the proximal spherical protrusion 540.

[0118] The aforementioned drive device 10 has a proximal bearing 500 disposed at the distal end of the housing 100. The proximal bearing 500 includes a proximal bushing 510, a proximal fitting 520, and a proximal spherical protrusion 540. The proximal bushing 510 is fixedly connected to the proximal end of the housing 100. The proximal fitting 520 is located between the proximal bushing 510 and the stator 300 and is fixedly connected to the rotating assembly 200. The proximal spherical protrusion 540 is fixed to one of the proximal bushing 510 and the proximal fitting 520. The other of the proximal bushing 510 and the proximal fitting 520 has a mating wall 502, which abuts axially against the spherical surface 501 of the proximal spherical protrusion 540. Thus, the proximal bushing 510, the proximal fitting 520, and the proximal spherical protrusion 540 together form an axial bearing. During the operation of the drive device 10, the spherical surface 501 of the proximal spherical protrusion 540 and the mating wall 502 remain axially abutted, making it difficult for the rotating assembly 200 to undergo axial displacement. This prevents collisions between the rotating assembly 200 and the fixed components at the proximal end of the housing 100, ensuring smooth operation of the rotating assembly 200, reducing the risk of drive device 10 failure, and extending its service life. Furthermore, the small contact area between the spherical surface 501 of the proximal spherical protrusion 540 and the mating wall 502 means that when the rotating assembly 200 rotates smoothly, the friction between the spherical surface 501 of the proximal spherical protrusion 540 and the mating wall 502 is sliding friction, and the small contact area results in low frictional resistance, reducing power loss of the drive device 10 and thus improving its efficiency.

[0119] Furthermore, if the rotating assembly 200 experiences radial yaw, the spherical surface 501 of the proximal spherical protrusion 540 and the mating wall 502 will roll relative to each other. At this time, the friction between the proximal spherical protrusion 540 and the mating wall 502 is approximately rolling friction, with low frictional resistance, which can reduce the power loss of the drive device 10 and thus improve the efficiency of the drive device 10.

[0120] The number of proximal spherical protrusions 540 can be multiple. In this application, "multiple" means two or more. Multiple proximal spherical protrusions 540 are arranged around the central axis of the rotating assembly 200. The multiple proximal spherical protrusions 540 of the axial ball bearing jointly support the rotating assembly 200 from different positions around the central axis of the rotating assembly 200, effectively preventing radial runout of the shaft 210 and enabling the rotating assembly 200 to operate smoothly.

[0121] Optionally, multiple proximal spherical protrusions 540 are arranged at intervals around the central axis of the rotating assembly 200. This allows the use of a smaller number of proximal spherical protrusions 540. In this way, not only can the weight of the drive device 10 be reduced, making the blood pump 1 lighter, but the power required to start the drive device 10 can also be reduced, allowing the rotating assembly 200 to start smoothly.

[0122] Understandably, the distal end of the housing 100 (specifically, the distal bushing 410) is provided with a distal shaft hole 411. The rotating shaft 210 of the rotating assembly 200 passes through the distal shaft hole 411, and a gap is reserved between the rotating shaft 210 and the inner circumferential surface of the distal shaft hole 411. This gap is used to allow the flushing fluid inside the housing 100 to drain into the cannulation assembly 20 of the blood pump 1, thereby preventing blood from flowing back into the housing 100. Due to the presence of the gap, the rotating shaft 210 may have a tendency to radially wobble when rotating. However, since multiple proximal spherical protrusions 540 support the rotating assembly 200 from different directions, the risk of radial wobble of the rotating assembly 200 can be reduced, thereby reducing the occurrence of radial wobble.

[0123] Even if the rotating assembly 200 experiences a slight radial wobble, the distal bearing 400 will deflect around one of its proximal spherical protrusions 540 as a fulcrum, while the other proximal spherical protrusion 540 on the opposite side will briefly loosen slightly from the mating wall 502. This reduces the number of proximal spherical protrusions 540 in contact with the mating wall 502, thus reducing the contact points between the proximal fitting 520 and the proximal bushing 800. Consequently, this reduces the resistance experienced by the rotating shaft 210 during wobble, preventing the shaft 210 from jamming and making it easier for the shaft 210 to return to its original stable state. It is worth noting that because the proximal spherical protrusion 540 has a spherical surface 501, the rotating assembly 200 can use the proximal spherical protrusion 540 as a support point when wobbleing in any direction along its circumference.

[0124] It is understood that the number of proximal spherical protrusions 540 may also be one. For example, in some other embodiments, the proximal bearing 500 includes only one proximal spherical protrusion 540, which is movably mounted on the proximal bushing 510; the proximal bearing 500 also includes at least one proximal ball 530 (refer to Figures 3 to 6), which is fixed to the proximal bushing 510. The proximal ball 530 and the proximal spherical protrusion 540 are arranged together around the central axis of the rotating assembly 200. Both the proximal ball 530 and the proximal spherical protrusion 540 have a spherical surface 501, and both of their spherical surfaces 501 abut against the abutment wall 402 axially.

[0125] Similar to the drive device 10 in the first embodiment, the proximal accessory 520 also includes structures such as the rotating column 522, insertion hole 521, and limiting member 523 as in the first embodiment. During assembly, the multiple proximal spherical protrusions 540 between the proximal accessory 520 and the proximal bushing 510 slide relative to the mating wall 502, allowing for fine adjustment of the position of the proximal accessory 520 (i.e., the position of the rotating column 522) to make the rotating column 522 and the proximal bushing 510 more coaxial. This reduces the difficulty of assembling the proximal accessory 520 and the proximal bushing 510. Therefore, by sliding the proximal spherical protrusions 540 of the proximal bushing 510, the proximal bearing 500 can reduce the coaxiality requirement between the rotating shaft 210 and the proximal bearing 500 when installing the rotating shaft 210, thereby reducing the assembly difficulty of the rotating shaft 210 and improving assembly efficiency. The structure, position, and fixing method of the near-end accessory 520 can be implemented with reference to the first embodiment described above, and the same technical effect can be obtained. They will not be described in detail here.

[0126] Since the proximal spherical protrusion 540 is fixed to the proximal bushing 510, it is unnecessary to provide a proximal mounting groove 503 as in the first embodiment on the proximal bushing 510. Specifically, the proximal bushing 510 has a second end face 511; the proximal spherical protrusion 540 is fixed to the second end face 511. The proximal spherical protrusion 540 can be integrally formed with the proximal bushing 510. Alternatively, the proximal spherical protrusion 540 can be fixed to the proximal bushing 510 by welding or bonding. The proximal end face of the proximal fitting 520 facing the proximal bushing 510 is a mating wall 502, which is located distal to the proximal spherical protrusion 540 and abuts against the proximal spherical protrusion 540. Other structures, positions and fixing methods of the remote accessory 420, as well as the structure, position and fixing method of the remote bushing 410, can be implemented with reference to the first to third embodiments described above, and can also achieve basically the same technical effects, which will not be elaborated here.

[0127] For example, the housing 100 also has a fixing groove 141 arranged axially with the receiving cavity 101. The proximal bushing 510 is fixed in the fixing groove 141. The housing 100 also has a proximal limiting groove 143 located distal to the fixing groove 141, and the proximal accessory 520 is at least partially received in the proximal limiting groove 143. There is a gap between the outer peripheral surface of the proximal accessory 520 and the inner wall surface of the proximal limiting groove 143. This gap allows the proximal accessory 520 to rotate smoothly without contacting or colliding with the inner wall surface of the proximal limiting groove 143.

[0128] It is understood that the proximal spherical protrusion 540 has at least a portion of a sphere. For example, the proximal spherical protrusion 540 may be a hemisphere, i.e., 1 / 2 of a sphere. Furthermore, the proximal spherical protrusion 540 may also be 1 / 3 or 1 / 4 of a sphere. The connection between the spherical surface 501 and the second end face 511 of the proximal spherical protrusion 540 is an arc-shaped transition.

[0129] Of course, in some other embodiments, the proximal spherical protrusion 540 is fixed to the proximal fitting 520 via a cylindrical section. Specifically, the cylinder is vertical, with its bottom end fixed to the end face (i.e., the second end face 521) of the proximal fitting 520, and its top end connected to the proximal spherical protrusion 540. The diameter of the cylinder is equal to the diameter of the sphere containing the proximal spherical protrusion 540.

[0130] As for the size, position, and arrangement of the multiple proximal spherical protrusions 540, they can be implemented with reference to the outer protrusion 532 of the proximal ball 530 in the first and second embodiments described above, and can achieve essentially the same technical effect. For example:

[0131] The spherical surface 501 of the proximal spherical protrusion 540 is a ceramic surface.

[0132] The diameter of the sphere containing the proximal spherical protrusion 540 is 0.4 mm to 0.7 mm.

[0133] The proximal spherical protrusion 540 and the central axis of the rotating assembly 200 (specifically the rotating column 522) are radially spaced by a distance.

[0134] The proximal spherical protrusion 540 protrudes from the end face (i.e., the second end face 511) of the proximal bushing 510 at a height of 0.1 mm to 0.2 mm.

[0135] Multiple proximal spherical protrusions 540 are arranged at equal intervals or at non-equal intervals around the central axis of the rotating assembly 200 (specifically, the rotating column 522).

[0136] At least two proximal spherical protrusions 540 are located on opposite sides of the central axis of the rotating assembly 200 (specifically, the rotating column 522). This allows for at least one fulcrum on each opposite side of the central axis of the rotating assembly 200 (such as the left and right sides or the front and rear sides), thereby reducing radial sway of the rotating shaft 210 between the opposite sides.

[0137] The number of proximal spherical protrusions 540 can be 2 to 10. For example, but not limited to 3, 4, 5, 6, or 8.

[0138] When there are 3 proximal spherical protrusions 540, the central axis of the rotating assembly 200 of the 3 proximal spherical protrusions 540 (specifically, the rotating column 522 or the rotating shaft 210) is arranged at equal intervals, and the vertical connection line between the center of the 3 proximal spherical protrusions 540 and the central axis of the rotating assembly 200 is Y-shaped.

[0139] When there are 4 proximal spherical protrusions 540, the central axis of the rotating assembly 200 of the 4 proximal spherical protrusions 540 (specifically, the rotating column 522 or the rotating shaft 210) is arranged at equal intervals, and the vertical connection line between the center of the 4 proximal spherical protrusions 540 and the central axis of the rotating assembly 200 forms a cross shape.

[0140] Figures 21 and 22 illustrate a fourth embodiment of the drive device 10 of this application. The drive device 10 in this fourth embodiment differs from the drive device 10 in the third embodiment described above in that the proximal spherical protrusion 540 is fixed to the proximal fitting 520; and the proximal bushing 510 has a mating wall 502, the mating wall 502 and the spherical surface 501 of the proximal spherical protrusion 540 abut against each other axially.

[0141] As for the size, position and arrangement of the multiple proximal spherical protrusions 540, they can be implemented with reference to the proximal spherical protrusions 540 in the aforementioned third embodiment, and will not be described in detail here.

[0142] The drive device 10 of this application also has a fifth embodiment, as shown in Figures 3 to 13-B. The drive device 10 may further include a distal bearing 400 disposed at the distal end of the housing 100; a rotating shaft 210 passes through the distal bearing 400 and has a connecting end 211 extending outside the housing 100. The distal bearing 400 is located between the connecting end 211 and the stator 300.

[0143] Referring to Figures 3 to 5, the distal bearing 400 includes a distal bushing 410, a distal fitting 420, and a plurality of distal spherical members 430. The distal bushing 410 is fixed to the distal end of the housing 100. The distal fitting 420 is housed inside the housing 100, and the distal fitting 420 and the distal bushing 410 are axially opposite each other. A rotating shaft 210 rotatably passes through the distal bushing 410 and is fixedly connected to the distal fitting 420. A plurality of distal spherical members 430 are disposed on one of the distal bushing 410 and the distal fitting 420 and arranged around the rotating shaft 210. The other of the distal bushing 410 and the distal fitting 420 has an abutment wall 402, which abuts axially against the spherical surfaces 401 of the plurality of distal spherical members 430. The axial abutment means that the abutment wall 402 and the spherical surfaces 401 are axially opposite each other and abut against each other. In this application, "multiple" means two or more.

[0144] Specifically, in this embodiment, a plurality of distal spherical members 430 of the distal bearing 400 are disposed on the distal fitting 420; the distal bushing 410 has an abutment wall 402, which abuts against the distal spherical members 430 on the distal fitting 420. In other embodiments, the distal spherical members 430 may also be disposed on the distal bushing 410, while the distal fitting 420 has the abutment wall 402.

[0145] When the rotating assembly 200 tends to move in the Y+ direction, the distal spherical member 430 of the distal bearing 400 and the abutment wall 402 remain abutted, thereby preventing the rotating assembly 200 from moving in the Y+ direction and reducing the risk of axial displacement of the rotating assembly 200. It is understood that the distal spherical member 430 can be a complete sphere or a part containing a sphere. It is sufficient that a spherical surface 401 with an appropriate area can be formed on the distal spherical member 430.

[0146] The aforementioned drive device 10 has a distal bearing 400 disposed at the distal end of the housing 100. The distal bearing 400 includes a distal fitting 420, a distal bushing 410, and a plurality of distal spherical members 430. The distal bushing 410 is fixed to the distal end of the housing 100 and is rotatably engaged with the rotating shaft 210. The distal fitting 420 is housed inside the housing 100 and is fixedly connected to the rotating assembly 200. The plurality of distal spherical members 430 are movably mounted on one of the distal fitting 420 and the distal bushing 410. The other of the distal fitting 420 and the distal bushing 410 has an abutment wall 402, and the abutment wall 402 and the spherical surfaces 401 of the plurality of distal spherical members 430 abut against each other axially. During the start-up or operation of the drive unit 10, the distal spherical component 430 of the distal bearing 400 remains axially abutting against the abutment wall 402, making it difficult for the rotating assembly 200 to undergo axial displacement. This reduces the risk of drive unit wobbling and improves the stability of drive unit operation. This not only improves the operating efficiency of the drive unit but also prevents collisions between the rotating assembly and the fixed components at the distal end of the housing, reducing the occurrence of malfunctions. Furthermore, since multiple distal spherical components 430 of the distal bearing 400 are arranged around the rotating shaft 210, they collectively support the rotating assembly 200 from different circumferential directions around the rotating shaft 210, reducing radial sway of the rotating assembly 200 and improving its operational stability. The small contact area between the distal spherical component 430 and the abutment wall 402 results in low frictional resistance, which improves the efficiency of the drive unit 10.

[0147] Furthermore, in conjunction with the aforementioned proximal bearing 500, the multiple proximal balls 530 (or proximal spherical protrusions 540) of the proximal bearing 500 form multiple support points for the proximal end of the rotating shaft 210, while the multiple distal spherical members 430 of the distal bearing 400 form multiple support points for the distal end of the rotating shaft 210. This ensures that both ends of the rotating shaft 210 are supported by multiple support points, making the rotating assembly 200 less prone to radial wobble. Theoretically, even if the rotating assembly 200 exhibits a tendency for radial wobble, the multiple proximal balls 530 and the multiple distal spherical members 430 roll (or slide) in the same direction relative to each other, allowing both ends of the rotating shaft 210 to simultaneously make slight radial movements (i.e., the central axis of the rotating shaft 210 translates radially) without wobble, reducing the likelihood of the rotating shaft 210 jamming or seizing.

[0148] Understandably, a gap is typically provided between the outer circumferential surface of the rotating shaft 210 and the inner circumferential surface of the distal shaft hole 411. This gap is used to allow flushing fluid inside the housing 100 to drain into the cannulation assembly 20 of the blood pump 1, preventing blood from flowing back into the housing 100. Due to the presence of this gap, the rotating shaft 210 may have a tendency to radially wobble during rotation. However, since multiple distal spherical members 430 jointly support the rotating assembly 200 from different orientations, the risk of radial wobble in the rotating assembly 200 can be reduced, thereby minimizing the occurrence of radial wobble. Understandably, even if the rotating assembly 200 experiences a slight radial yaw, the distal bearing 400 will contact the abutment wall 402 with one of its distal spherical parts 430 as the fulcrum, while the other distal spherical part 430 on the opposite side will briefly and slightly loosen from the abutment wall 402. This reduces the number of distal spherical parts 430 in contact with the abutment wall 402, thereby reducing the contact points between the distal fitting 420 and the distal bushing 410. Consequently, the resistance experienced by the rotating shaft 210 during yaw can be reduced, preventing the rotating shaft 210 from jamming and making it easier for the rotating shaft 210 to return to its original stable state.

[0149] All of the distal spherical members 430 may be movable balls. Alternatively, in other embodiments, all of the distal spherical members 430 may be fixed spherical protrusions. Of course, in still other embodiments, some of the distal spherical members 430 may be movable balls, while others may be fixed spherical protrusions. In this embodiment, all of the distal spherical members 430 are balls.

[0150] It is understood that the distal spherical component 430 can be a movable ball or a fixed spherical protrusion. When the distal spherical component 430 is a movable ball, its entire outer circumferential surface is a spherical surface 601. When the distal spherical component 430 is a fixed spherical protrusion, the distal spherical component 430 is at least part of a sphere, such that at least a portion of its outer surface is a spherical surface 601.

[0151] In this embodiment, all of the distal spherical components 430 are ball bearings. Thus, the distal bearing 400 formed by the combination of the distal bushing 410, the distal fitting 420, and the distal spherical components 430 is an axial ball bearing. The friction between the distal spherical components 430 and the abutment wall 402 in the axial ball bearing is rolling friction, which has low frictional resistance and can improve the efficiency of the drive device 10.

[0152] Since the shaft 210 rotatably passes through the distal bushing 410, the distal bushing 410 should have a shaft hole through which the shaft 210 passes. Specifically, the distal bushing 410 has a distal shaft hole 411, and the distal shaft hole 411 is rotatably inserted into the distal shaft hole 411. Furthermore, the shaft 210 passes through the distal shaft hole 411 and has a connecting end 211 extending to the outside of the housing 210. The distal bushing 410 slides with the outer circumferential surface of the shaft 210 through the inner circumferential surface of the distal shaft hole 411, so the distal bushing 410 and the outer circumferential surface of the shaft 210 combine to form a radial sliding bearing. The radial sliding bearing can restrict the radial movement of the shaft 210 and reduce the radial runout of the shaft 210. In other words, the distal bearing, through the combination of the distal bushing 410, the distal fitting 420, and the distal spherical component 430, can form an axial ball bearing to restrict the axial movement of the shaft 210; furthermore, the inner circumferential surface of the distal bushing 410 and the outer circumferential surface of the shaft 210 can form a radial sliding bearing to restrict the radial movement of the shaft 210. The cooperation between the axial ball bearing and the radial sliding bearing allows the shaft 210 to rotate smoothly, improving the coaxiality of the central axis of the shaft 210 and the central axis 11 of the housing 100 during operation, thereby reducing collisions between the shaft 210 and the housing 100 and other components, effectively reducing the risk of drive device 10 failure.

[0153] It should be noted that when the rotating shaft 210 rotates smoothly, the central axis of the rotating shaft 210 coincides with the central axis 11 of the housing 100. If the rotating shaft 210 experiences a small radial sway, the central axis of the rotating shaft 210 intersects with the central axis 11 of the housing 100.

[0154] The distal bearing 400 is located between the connecting end 211 and the stator 300 or the rotor 220. In other words, the distal bearing 400 is disposed between the connecting end 211 and the stator 300; or, the distal bearing 400 is disposed between the connecting end 211 and the rotor 220. The distal fitting 420 of the distal bearing 400 can be fixedly connected to the shaft 210 or to the rotor 220.

[0155] Specifically, the distal bearing 400 is disposed between the connecting end 211 and the first rotor 221. The distal accessory 420 of the distal bearing 400 is fixedly connected to both the rotating shaft 210 and the first rotor 221. When the stator 300 drives the rotor 220 to rotate, the rotor 220 drives the rotating shaft 210 to rotate, and the distal accessory 420 rotates together with the rotating shaft 210, thereby rotating the distal accessory 420 relative to the distal bushing 410. During this process, the distal spherical member 430 can roll relative to the abutment wall 402.

[0156] Referring to Figures 3 to 5, the distal bushing 410 is an independent component that can be connected and fixed to the housing 100 by means of bonding, welding, or other methods. For example, the distal end of the housing 100 is provided with a mounting hole 103, and the mounting hole 103 and the receiving cavity 101 are arranged axially; the mounting hole 103 is located on the distal side of the receiving cavity 101, and the distal bushing 410 is installed in the mounting hole 103. Of course, in some other embodiments, the distal bushing 410 can be a component integrally formed with the housing 100.

[0157] The distal bushing 410 is cylindrical. Of course, in other embodiments, the distal bushing 410 may also have other shapes. The proximal end face of the distal bushing 410 faces the receiving cavity 101, and the proximal end face of the distal bushing 410 serves as an abutment wall 402.

[0158] The distal accessory 420 is housed in the receiving cavity 101 of the housing 100. The distal wall of the distal accessory 420 is a first end face 421, and the distal spherical part 430 of the distal accessory 420 protrudes toward the distal bushing 410 relative to the first end face 421 to abut against the abutment wall 402. The distal accessory 420 is connected and fixed to at least one of the rotating shaft 210 and the rotor 220.

[0159] The remote accessory 420 is configured as a disc-shaped structure. The remote accessory 420 is integrally formed with the rotating shaft 210. This integral forming improves the connection strength between the remote accessory 420 and the rotating shaft 210 and reduces processing steps. Alternatively, in other embodiments, the remote accessory 420 can be a separate component, meaning it can be formed separately from the rotating shaft 210, and can be connected and fixed to the rotating shaft 210 by welding or bonding.

[0160] Since the first rotor 221 is adjacent to the distal end fitting 420 and has a distal end face facing the distal end fitting 420, the distal end fitting 420 can also be connected and fixed to the distal end face of the first rotor 221.

[0161] Referring to Figures 3 and 4, optionally, the outer diameter of the remote accessory 420 is smaller than the outer diameter of the first rotor 221. Let the outer diameter of the remote accessory 420 be the first outer diameter D1, and the outer diameter of the first rotor 221 be the second outer diameter D2. Then, the first outer diameter D1 is smaller than the second outer diameter D2, i.e., D1 < D2. The larger the outer diameter of the rotor 220, the larger the volume of magnets that the rotor 220 can accommodate, and the greater the magnetic force of the rotor 220. Therefore, the outer diameter of the first rotor 221 (i.e., the second outer diameter D2) is designed to be larger to increase the magnetic force of the first rotor 221, thereby improving the efficiency of the drive device 10. Conversely, a smaller outer diameter of the remote accessory 420 allows for a smaller volume of the remote accessory 420, effectively reducing its weight and space occupation.

[0162] Furthermore, since the outer diameter of the first rotor 221 is larger than the outer diameter of the distal accessory 420, the area of ​​the distal end face of the first rotor 221 is larger than the area of ​​the proximal end face of the distal accessory 420, which allows the distal end face of the first rotor 221 to stably support the distal accessory 420 and enhance the stability of the distal accessory 420 installation.

[0163] Referring to Figures 3, 4, and 6, a distal limiting groove 102 is also provided inside the housing 100, located between the receiving cavity 101 and the mounting hole 103. The diameter of the distal limiting groove 102 is smaller than the diameter of the receiving cavity 101, and the diameter of the distal limiting groove 102 is larger than the diameter of the mounting hole 103. The distal portion of the distal accessory 420 extends into the distal limiting groove 102 to limit the rotation of the distal accessory 420 within the distal limiting groove 102.

[0164] Understandably, since the distal component 420 is fixedly connected to the rotating shaft 210, the distal component 420 can rotate together with the rotating shaft 210. Therefore, the diameter of the distal limiting groove 102 should be larger than the outer diameter of the distal component 420 (i.e., the first outer diameter) to ensure that there is a gap between the inner peripheral wall of the distal limiting groove 102 and the outer peripheral surface of the distal component 420, allowing the distal component 420 to rotate. When the rotating shaft 210 has a tendency to undergo a large radial wobble, the distal limiting groove 102 can limit the distal component 420, that is, limit the wobble amplitude of the rotating shaft 210, to prevent the two from undergoing a large radial wobble.

[0165] The distal end of the distal accessory 420 extends into the distal limiting groove 102, that is, the first end face 421 of the distal accessory 420 extends into the distal limiting groove 102. Since the diameter of the distal limiting groove 102 is larger than the diameter of the mounting hole 103, a stepped surface is formed between the distal limiting groove 102 and the mounting hole 103. During assembly, if the distal accessory 420 (specifically the first end face 421) contacts the stepped surface before the distal spherical part 430 contacts the abutment wall 402, then the stepped surface will prevent the distal spherical part 430 from contacting the abutment wall 402, making it difficult for the distal spherical part 430 to subsequently abut against the abutment wall 402.

[0166] In view of the above, in this embodiment, when the distal spherical part 430 on the distal fitting 420 abuts against the abutment wall 402 of the distal bushing 410, the distal fitting 420 and the stepped surface are axially spaced by a first distance L1. Specifically, the first end face 421 of a fitting 500 is spaced by a first distance L1 from the stepped surface. The first distance L1 is greater than zero. This design prevents the distal fitting 420 from contacting the stepped surface before the distal spherical part 430 contacts the abutment wall 402, ensuring that the distal spherical part 430 can accurately contact the abutment wall 402.

[0167] Referring to Figures 4 to 6, for the distal spherical member 430, the distal spherical member 430 is movably mounted on the distal fitting 420, and a portion of the distal spherical member 430 protrudes from the first end face 421, that is, a portion of the distal spherical member 430 is located between the first end face 421 and the abutment wall 402 to abut against the abutment wall 402.

[0168] Specifically, the distal accessory 420 is provided with a distal mounting groove 403, which has an opening 403c. A distal spherical member 430 is correspondingly mounted in the distal mounting groove 403. A portion of the distal spherical member 430 extends outward from the opening 403c of the distal mounting groove 403, such that the distal spherical member 430 has an inner portion 432 received inside the distal mounting groove 403 and an outer protrusion 431 extending outside the distal mounting groove 403. The spherical surface 401 located on the outer protrusion 431 abuts against the abutment wall 402.

[0169] In this embodiment, since the distal spherical member 430 is a movable ball, the entire outer peripheral surface of the distal spherical member 430 is spherical. Therefore, no matter which direction the distal spherical member 430 rolls or which position it rolls to, the distal spherical member 430 will always have an outward protrusion 431 located outside the distal mounting groove 403, so that the spherical surface 601 on the outward protrusion 431 can abut against the abutment wall 401.

[0170] Optionally, in one mounting method of the distal ball joint 430, the distal accessory 420 is provided with a plurality of distal mounting slots 403, each distal mounting slot 403 housing at least one distal ball joint 430. Specifically, only one distal ball joint 430 is mounted in each distal mounting slot 403. In other embodiments, each distal mounting slot 403 may house at least two distal balls 430.

[0171] Because multiple distal spherical components 430 are respectively installed in different distal mounting slots 403, the distal spherical components 430 in the distal mounting slots 403 do not interfere with each other. When the rotating assembly 200 rotates, the multiple distal spherical components 430 are driven by the rotating assembly 200 to roll in their respective distal mounting slots 403. The distal spherical components 430 in any adjacent distal mounting slots 403 will not push against each other, allowing each distal spherical component 430 to roll freely. Therefore, the distal spherical components 430 in different positions can adapt their movements according to the magnitude and direction of the force they receive. When the drive device 10 starts, the starting power of the drive device 10 is relatively small, and the rotation assembly 200 starts and runs more smoothly.

[0172] In another installation method of the distal spherical component 430, the distal accessory 420 may have only one distal mounting groove 403, which is annular and surrounds the rotating shaft 210. Multiple distal spherical components 430 are disposed within the distal mounting groove 403, arranged around the rotating shaft 210 and sequentially adjacent to each other. Two adjacent distal spherical components 430 are in contact. The spherical surface 401 of the distal spherical component 430 also contacts the circumferential surface of the rotating shaft 210. Specifically, the distal mounting groove 403 has a bottom wall 403a and a side wall 403b disposed along the outer periphery of the bottom wall 403a; that is, the distal mounting groove 403 has only one side wall 403b. The side wall 403b and the circumferential surface of the rotating shaft 210 are radially spaced, and the distal spherical component 430, the side wall 403b, and the circumferential surface of the rotating shaft 210 are all tangent.

[0173] Referring to Figures 4 to 6, regardless of the mounting method described above, the protrusion 431 of the distal spherical member 430 has an abutment point F1 for abutting against the abutment wall 402. Here, the abutment point F1 of the distal spherical member 430 is tangent to the abutment wall 402. The distal spherical member 430 has an axial height H protruding outward from the slot 403c of the distal mounting groove 403. f1 The axial height H f1 It is the axial distance between the contact point F1 and the slot 403c, and also the axial distance between the first end face 421 and the contact wall 402.

[0174] If the axial height H f1If the distance is too small, the gap between the first end face 421 and the abutment wall 402 will be small, making them prone to contact. When the shaft 210 rotates, wear or collision may occur between the first end face 421 and the abutment wall 402. Therefore, optionally, the axial height H... f1 Set to be greater than or equal to 1 / 3 of the radius of the distal spherical part 430. Therefore, H f1 ≥1 / 3R; where R represents the radius of the distal spherical part 430. This ensures that after the protrusion 431 abuts against the abutment wall 402, there is a sufficient gap between the first end face 421 and the abutment wall 402, making it less likely for them to interfere with each other, avoiding wear or collision, and improving the stability of the rotation of the shaft 210.

[0175] Of course, the axial height H f1 It should not be designed to be too large, otherwise it will occupy a large amount of axial space in the housing 100, and easily increase the risk that the distal spherical part 430 will fall out of the distal mounting groove 403. Therefore, optionally, the axial height H f1 The radius of the distal spherical component 430 is smaller than H. f1 <R. This ensures that the volume of the built-in portion 432 of the distal spherical member 430 is at least half the volume of the distal spherical member 430, so that the center of the distal spherical member 430 will fall inside the distal mounting groove 403, thereby reducing the risk of the distal spherical member 430 falling out of the distal mounting groove 403.

[0176] Referring to Figures 4 to 6, the distal mounting groove 403 has a groove bottom wall 403a and a groove side wall 403b arranged circumferentially along the groove bottom wall 403a; the built-in portion 432 of the distal spherical member 430 abuts against the groove bottom wall 403a, and the built-in portion 432 of the distal spherical member 430 is also tangent to the groove side wall 403b.

[0177] The bottom wall 403a is a planar wall perpendicular to the central axis of the distal fitting 420. At this time, the distal spherical member 430 is tangent to the bottom wall 403a, and the tangent position is the abutment position. In other embodiments, the bottom wall 403a may be a spherical wall.

[0178] The sidewall 403b of the groove is perpendicular to the bottom wall 403a of the groove. The sidewall 403b can be a cylindrical surface, in which case the contact between the distal spherical member 430 and the sidewall 403b is a line contact. Alternatively, the sidewall 403b can be composed of multiple planes, in which case the contact between the distal spherical member 430 and the sidewall 403b is a point contact. In other embodiments, the sidewall 403b can form an inclined angle with the bottom wall 403a of the groove.

[0179] The position where the inner portion 432 of the distal spherical member 430 is tangent to the sidewall 403b of the groove is defined as the cutting position F2, and the cutting position F2 has a cutting depth H from the groove opening 403c of the distal mounting groove 403.f2 Obviously, the cutting depth H f2 The radius R (i.e., H) needs to be smaller than that of the distal spherical part 430. f2 <R, R = 1 / 2D f This allows a portion of the distal spherical member 430 to protrude outward from the slot 403c of the distal mounting groove 403, forming an outward protrusion 431. However, the cutting depth H... f2 It should not be too small, otherwise the distal spherical part 430 may easily fall out of the distal mounting groove 403.

[0180] Therefore, optionally, the cutting depth H f2 Greater than or equal to half the radius of the distal spherical component 430, i.e., 1 / 2R≤H f2 <R. This allows the volume of the built-in portion 432 of the distal spherical member 430 to be greater than or equal to half the volume of the distal spherical member 430. With this configuration, the center of the distal spherical member 430 will fall inside the distal mounting groove 403, thereby reducing the risk of the distal spherical member 430 falling out of the distal mounting groove 403.

[0181] Understandably, the cutting depth H f2 and axial height H f1 The sum equals the radius R of the distal spherical component 430, i.e., H. f1 +H f2 =R. Furthermore, the cutting depth H f2 It is also greater than the axial height H f1 Therefore, 1 / 3R≤H f1 <H f2 <R. This configuration ensures that the distal spherical component 430 is not easily dislodged from the distal mounting groove 403, and also ensures that the protrusion 431 of the distal spherical component 430 has sufficient height to abut against the abutment wall 402.

[0182] Referring to Figures 3, 9, and 10, multiple distal spherical components 430 are arranged at intervals around the rotating shaft 210, which can be equally spaced or unequally spaced. A ring-shaped region 102 is formed around the circumference of the rotating shaft 210, defined by an inner and an outer ring. It should be noted that the inner and outer rings are virtual boundaries defining the ring-shaped region 102, with the inner ring located between the outer ring and the outer circumferential surface of the rotating shaft 210. The centers of the inner and outer rings are located on the central axis of the rotating shaft 210. The inner ring and the outer circumferential surface of the rotating shaft 210 are radially spaced apart. Multiple distal spherical components 430 are all disposed within the ring-shaped region 102.

[0183] Multiple distal spherical components 430 may be arranged at equal intervals or at non-equal intervals in the annular region 102. At least two of the distal spherical components 430 are located on opposite sides of the rotating shaft 210. This allows for at least one fulcrum on each opposite side of the rotating shaft 210 (such as the left and right sides or the front and back sides), thereby reducing radial sway of the rotating shaft 210 along the left and right sides.

[0184] The number of distal spherical components 430 can be 2 to 10. For example, but not limited to, 3, 4, 5, 8, etc. As shown in Figure 12, the number of distal spherical components 430 can be selected as 3. These 3 distal spherical components 430a to 430c are arranged at equal intervals along the outer circumference of the rotating shaft 210, and the perpendicular connection line between the center of the 3 distal spherical components 430a to 430c and the central axis of the rotating shaft 210 forms a Y-shape. As shown in Figure 13, the number of distal spherical components 430 can also be selected as 4. These 4 distal spherical components 430a to 430d are arranged at equal intervals along the outer circumference of the rotating shaft 210, and the perpendicular connection line between the center of the 4 distal spherical components 430a to 430d and the central axis of the rotating shaft 210 forms a cross shape.

[0185] Referring to Figure 11, the diameter D of the distal spherical component 430 f The value is 0.4mm to 0.7mm, that is, 0.4mm ≤ D. f ≤0.7mm. The radius R of the distal spherical component 430 is D. f Half of. For example, diameter D f The values ​​can be, but are not limited to, 0.45mm, 0.5mm, 0.55mm, 0.6mm, 0.65mm, and 0.7mm.

[0186] The outer surface of the distal spherical component 430 can be a ceramic surface. Specifically, the distal spherical component 430 is entirely made of ceramic material, thus making its outer surface a ceramic surface. Alternatively, in other embodiments, the distal spherical component 430 can be made of a hard metal material, with an additional layer of ceramic material added to its outer surface to form the ceramic surface. Ceramic materials offer high processing precision, high biocompatibility, high mechanical strength, and good wear and corrosion resistance.

[0187] Referring to Figures 4 and 14, the abutment wall 402 that abuts against the distal spherical member 430 can be configured as a flat wall without any concave or convex structures. The abutment wall 402 is perpendicular to the central axis of the rotating shaft 210, such that the abutment wall 402 is tangent to the distal spherical member 430. This allows the distal spherical member 430 to maintain stable contact and relative rolling with the abutment wall 402 during the rotation of the rotating assembly 200. This ensures that each distal spherical member 430 is tangent to the abutment wall 402, resulting in multiple scattered point contacts between the distal spherical members 430 and the abutment wall 402, with a small contact area and low frictional resistance. Furthermore, if the shaft 210 wobbles radially, the distal spherical member 430 can roll radially on the abutment wall 402, reducing the resistance to the movement of the distal spherical member 430, preventing the shaft 210 from jamming, and making it easier for the shaft 210 to return to its original stable state.

[0188] In this embodiment, since the distal bushing 410 is provided with an abutment wall 402, the distal shaft hole 411 on the distal bushing 410 penetrates the abutment wall 402. The connection between the inner circumferential surface of the distal shaft hole 411 and the abutment wall 402 is the inner end edge of the distal shaft hole 411. The abutment point F1 of any distal spherical member 430 and the distal shaft hole 411 are radially spaced. The minimum radial distance between the abutment point F1 and the distal shaft hole 411 is defined as the second distance L2. When the shaft 210 undergoes a small radial sway, the second distance L2 of one of the distal spherical members 430 will decrease. When the second distance L2 of one side decreases, the distal spherical member 430 may contact the inner end edge of the distal shaft hole 411, and significant friction will occur when these two come into contact.

[0189] Therefore, in this embodiment, the second distance L2 is set to be greater than or equal to 0.2 mm, i.e., L2 ≥ 0.2 mm. This reduces the likelihood of the distal spherical component 430 contacting the inner edge of the distal shaft hole 411 when the rotating shaft 210 experiences a small radial wobble, thereby reducing wear on the distal spherical component 430. The maximum value of the second distance L2 is not limited and can be designed according to the diameter of the distal bushing 410.

[0190] The abutment wall 402 can also be a ceramic surface. Specifically, the entire distal bushing 410 is made of ceramic material, so the abutment wall 402 of the distal bushing 410 becomes a ceramic surface accordingly. In other embodiments, the distal bushing 410 can be made of hard metal material, and a layer of ceramic material is added to the surface of the distal bushing 410 to form the ceramic surface.

[0191] Of course, in other embodiments, the abutment wall 402 may also be provided with an annular groove (such as the aforementioned annular groove 504) so ​​that a portion of the distal spherical member 430 is received in the annular groove.

[0192] Figures 23 to 25-B illustrate a sixth embodiment of the drive device 10 of this application. This sixth embodiment differs from the fifth embodiment described above in that the plurality of distal spherical members 430 of the distal bearing 400 are not movable balls, but fixed spherical protrusions. Specifically, the distal spherical member 430 is a spherical protrusion fixed to one of the distal bushing 410 and the distal fitting 420, the other of which has an abutment wall 402 that abuts axially against the spherical surface 401 of the distal spherical member 430.

[0193] Specifically, the distal spherical component 430 is fixed to the distal accessory 420, and the spherical surface 401 of the distal spherical component 430 abuts against the abutment wall 402. Since the distal spherical component 430 is fixed to the distal accessory 420, it is not necessary to provide a distal mounting groove 403 as in the fifth embodiment on the distal accessory 420. The distal spherical component 430 can be integrally formed with the distal accessory 420. Alternatively, the distal spherical component 430 can be fixed to the distal accessory 420 by welding or bonding. The distal accessory 420 has a first end face 421, and the distal spherical component 430 is fixed to the first end face 421.

[0194] It is understood that the distal spherical component 430 can be a complete sphere or a part of a sphere, as long as the outer surface of the distal spherical component 430 at least partially has a spherical surface 401. The axial height H of the distal spherical component 430 protruding from the end face (i.e., the first end face 421) of the distal accessory 420 is... f1 The diameter can be 0.1mm to 0.2mm. The distal spherical component 430 can be a hemisphere, that is, 1 / 2 of a sphere. Of course, in other embodiments, the distal spherical component 430 can also be 1 / 3 or 1 / 4 of a sphere. The connection between the spherical surface 401 of the distal spherical component 430 and the first end face 421 is an arc-shaped transition.

[0195] The size, position, and arrangement of the distal spherical component 430 can be implemented with reference to the protruding portion 522 when the distal spherical component 430 is a ball bearing in the aforementioned fifth embodiment, and the same technical effect can be achieved. For example:

[0196] The outer circumferential surfaces of the distal spherical component 430 and the rotating shaft 210 are radially spaced.

[0197] The spherical surface 401 of the distal spherical component 430 is a ceramic surface.

[0198] The diameter of the sphere containing the distal spherical component 430 is 0.4mm to 0.7mm.

[0199] The height of the distal spherical part 430 protruding from the end face of the distal accessory 420 is 0.1mm to 0.2mm.

[0200] Multiple distal spherical components 430 are arranged at equal intervals along the outer circumference of the rotating shaft 210.

[0201] At least two of the distal spherical parts 430 are located on opposite sides of the pivot 210.

[0202] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0203] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementation methods of this application, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the patent application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this application, and these all fall within the protection scope of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of this patent application should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A driving device, characterized in that, The driving device includes: case; A rotating assembly, which is rotatably mounted on the housing; A stator, fixedly connected to the housing and capable of driving the rotating assembly to rotate; and The proximal bearing includes a proximal bushing, a proximal fitting, and proximal balls; wherein, The proximal bushing is fixed to the proximal end of the housing; The proximal fitting is located between the proximal bushing and the stator. The proximal fitting is axially opposite to the proximal bushing and can rotate relative to the proximal bushing. The proximal fitting is fixedly connected to the rotating assembly. The proximal ball is movably mounted on one of the proximal bushing and the proximal fitting, the other of which has a mating wall that abuts against the spherical surface of the proximal ball in the axial direction.

2. The driving device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The rotating assembly includes a rotating shaft and a rotor fixedly connected to the rotating shaft. The distal end of the proximal fitting is fixedly connected to the proximal end of the rotating shaft. The proximal end of the proximal fitting is provided with a rotating column, which is coaxial with the rotating shaft and rotatably passes through the proximal bushing.

3. The driving device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The drive device also has at least one of the following features: The distal end of the proximal accessory is provided with a socket, and the proximal end of the rotating shaft is fixed in the socket; The number of proximal balls is multiple, and the multiple proximal balls are arranged around the rotating column; The proximal bushing is provided with a proximal shaft hole, and the rotating column rotatably passes through the proximal shaft hole. A limiting member is provided on the circumferential surface of the proximal end of the rotating column. The limiting member is located on the side of the proximal bushing opposite to the proximal fitting and can abut against the proximal bushing axially.

4. The driving device according to claim 1, characterized in that, One of the proximal bushing and the proximal fitting is provided with a proximal mounting groove, and at least one proximal ball is installed in the proximal mounting groove. A portion of the proximal ball extends outward from the opening of the proximal mounting groove to abut against the mating wall.

5. The driving device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The number of proximal mounting slots is multiple, and the multiple proximal mounting slots are arranged at intervals around the rotating shaft. Each proximal mounting slot is provided with at least one proximal ball; or, the number of proximal mounting slots is one, and the proximal mounting slot is arranged in a ring around the rotating component. The proximal mounting slot is provided with multiple proximal balls, and the multiple proximal balls are arranged around the rotating component.

6. The driving device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The proximal mounting groove has a bottom wall and a side wall; the proximal ball abuts against the bottom wall and is tangent to the side wall, with a tangent depth between the tangent and the groove opening of the proximal mounting groove being greater than or equal to 1 / 2 times the radius of the proximal ball and less than the radius of the proximal ball. Alternatively, the proximal ball has an axial height protruding outward from the opening of the proximal mounting groove, the axial height being greater than or equal to 1 / 3 times the radius of the proximal ball and less than the radius of the proximal ball.

7. The driving device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The proximal bearing also has at least one of the following characteristics: The spherical surface of the proximal ball is a ceramic surface; The diameter of the proximal ball is 0.4 mm to 0.7 mm; The proximal ball and the rotating column provided on the proximal fitting are radially spaced by a distance; There are multiple proximal balls, and the multiple proximal balls are arranged at intervals around the central axis of the rotating assembly; At least two of the proximal balls are located on opposite sides of the central axis of the rotating assembly; The mating wall is perpendicular to the central axis of the rotating assembly and tangent to the proximal ball; The mating wall is a ceramic surface.

8. The driving device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mating wall is provided with an annular groove, which surrounds the central axis of the rotating assembly; a portion of the proximal ball is received within the annular groove; the annular groove has a bottom wall and side walls located on both sides of the bottom wall; the annular groove also has at least one of the following features: The bottom wall of the ring is perpendicular to the central axis of the rotating assembly and tangent to the spherical surface of the proximal ball; The ring sidewall is configured as a concave arc shape; The annular groove has a rounded wall at its opening; The radial width of the annular groove gradually decreases along the direction from the proximal bushing to the proximal fitting.

9. The driving device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The rotating assembly includes a rotating shaft; the driving device further includes a distal bearing, the distal bearing including a distal bushing, a distal fitting, and a plurality of distal spherical components; wherein, the distal bushing is fixed to the distal end of the housing, and the rotating shaft rotatably passes through the distal bushing; the distal fitting is housed inside the housing and fixedly connected to the rotating assembly; the plurality of distal spherical components are disposed on one of the distal bushing and the distal fitting, and arranged around the rotating shaft; the other of the distal bushing and the distal fitting has an abutment wall, the abutment wall abutting against the spherical surface of the distal spherical component axially.

10. A driving device, characterized in that, The driving device includes: case; A rotating assembly, which is rotatably mounted on the housing; A stator, fixedly connected to the housing and capable of driving the rotating assembly to rotate; and, The proximal bearing includes a proximal bushing, a proximal fitting, and a proximal spherical protrusion; wherein... The proximal bushing is fixed to the proximal end of the housing; The proximal fitting is located between the proximal bushing and the stator. The proximal fitting is axially opposite to the proximal bushing and can rotate relative to the proximal bushing. The proximal fitting is fixedly connected to the rotating assembly. The proximal spherical protrusion is fixed to one of the proximal bushing and the proximal fitting, the other of which has a mating wall that abuts against the spherical surface of the proximal spherical protrusion axially.

11. The driving device according to claim 10, characterized in that, The rotating assembly includes a rotating shaft and a rotor fixedly connected to the rotating shaft. The distal end of the proximal fitting is fixedly connected to the proximal end of the rotating shaft. The proximal end of the proximal fitting is provided with a rotating column, which is coaxial with the rotating shaft. The rotating column is rotatably inserted through the proximal bushing. The distal end of the proximal fitting is provided with a socket for fixing the proximal end of the rotating shaft. And / or, there are multiple proximal spherical protrusions, which are arranged around the rotating column.

12. The driving device according to claim 11, characterized in that, The proximal bushing is provided with a proximal shaft hole, through which the rotating column rotatably passes; the proximal end of the rotating column is located on the side of the proximal bushing opposite to the proximal fitting, and a limiting member is provided on the circumferential surface of the proximal end of the rotating column, which can abut against the proximal bushing along the axial direction.

13. The driving device according to claim 10, characterized in that, The mating wall is provided with an annular groove, which surrounds the outer periphery of the central axis of the rotating assembly; a portion of the proximal spherical protrusion is received within the annular groove; the annular groove has an annular bottom wall and annular side walls located on both sides of the annular bottom wall; the annular groove also has at least one of the following features: The bottom wall of the ring is perpendicular to the central axis of the rotating assembly and tangent to the outer convex portion of the proximal spherical protrusion; The ring sidewall is configured as a concave arc shape; The annular groove has a rounded wall at its opening; The radial width of the annular groove gradually decreases along the direction from the proximal bushing to the proximal fitting.

14. The driving device according to claim 10, characterized in that, The proximal bearing also has at least one of the following characteristics: The spherical surface of the proximal spherical protrusion is a ceramic surface; The diameter of the proximal spherical protrusion is 0.4 mm to 0.7 mm; The proximal spherical protrusion and the rotating column provided on the proximal fitting are radially spaced by a distance; The number of proximal spherical protrusions is multiple, and the multiple proximal spherical protrusions are arranged at intervals around the central axis of the rotating assembly; At least two of the proximal spherical protrusions are located on opposite sides of the central axis of the rotating assembly.

15. The driving device according to claim 10, characterized in that, The proximal bearing also has at least one of the following characteristics: The mating wall is perpendicular to the central axis of the rotating assembly and is tangent to the spherical surface of the proximal spherical protrusion; The mating wall is a flat surface without any concave or convex structure; The mating wall is a ceramic surface.

16. The driving device according to claim 10, characterized in that, The rotating assembly includes a rotating shaft; the driving device further includes a distal bearing, the distal bearing including a distal bushing, a distal fitting, and a plurality of distal spherical components; the distal bushing is fixed to the distal end of the housing, and the rotating shaft rotatably passes through the distal bushing; the distal fitting is housed inside the housing and fixedly connected to the rotating assembly; the plurality of distal spherical components are disposed on one of the distal bushing and the distal fitting, and arranged around the rotating shaft; the other of the distal bushing and the distal fitting has an abutment wall, the abutment wall abutting against the spherical surface of the distal spherical component axially.

17. A blood pump, characterized in that, The blood pump includes an impeller and a drive unit. The impeller is fixedly connected to the distal end of the shaft of the drive unit. The drive unit includes a housing, a rotating assembly, a stator, and a proximal bearing. The rotating assembly is rotatably mounted on the housing. The stator is fixedly connected to the housing and can drive the rotating assembly to rotate. The proximal bearing includes a proximal bushing and a proximal accessory. The proximal bushing is fixed to the proximal end of the housing. The proximal accessory is located between the proximal bushing and the stator. The proximal accessory is axially opposite to the proximal bushing and can rotate relative to the proximal bushing. The proximal accessory is fixedly connected to the rotating assembly. The proximal bearing also includes a proximal ball bearing movably mounted on one of the proximal bushing and the proximal accessory and having a spherical surface, or a proximal spherical protrusion fixed on one of the proximal bushing and the proximal accessory and having a spherical surface. The other of the proximal bushing and the proximal accessory has a mating wall that abuts against the spherical surface axially.

18. The blood pump according to claim 17, characterized in that, The rotating assembly includes a rotating shaft and a rotor fixedly connected to the rotating shaft. The distal end of the proximal fitting is fixedly connected to the proximal end of the rotating shaft. The proximal end of the proximal fitting is provided with a rotating column, which is coaxial with the rotating shaft. The rotating column is rotatably passed through the proximal bushing, and a plurality of proximal balls or a plurality of proximal spherical protrusions are arranged around the rotating column. Alternatively, the drive device may further include a distal bearing, which includes a distal bushing, a distal fitting, and a plurality of distal spherical components. The distal bushing is fixed to the distal end of the housing, and the rotating shaft rotatably passes through the distal bushing. The distal fitting is housed inside the housing and fixedly connected to the rotating assembly. The plurality of distal spherical components are disposed on one of the distal bushing and the distal fitting and arranged around the rotating shaft. The other of the distal bushing and the distal fitting has an abutment wall that abuts against the spherical surface of the distal spherical component axially.

19. The blood pump according to claim 17, characterized in that, The proximal bearing also has at least one of the following characteristics: The spherical surface is a ceramic surface; The diameter of the proximal ball or the proximal spherical protrusion is 0.4 mm to 0.7 mm; The mating wall is perpendicular to the central axis of the rotating assembly and is tangent to the spherical surface of the proximal spherical protrusion; The mating wall is a ceramic surface.

20. The blood pump according to claim 17, characterized in that, The blood pump also includes a cannula assembly, which is fixedly connected to the housing of the drive device; the proximal end of the cannula assembly has a proximal opening, and the distal end of the cannula assembly has a distal opening, one of which is a blood inlet and the other is a blood outlet; the impeller is disposed inside the cannula assembly.

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