EP2805771A2 - Valve device for a fluid provision unit and method for operating a valve device for a fluid provision unit - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a valve device (114, 119, 123) for a fluid supply unit (100), wherein the valve device (100) has a fluid container (114). Furthermore, the valve device (114, 119, 123) comprises a closure unit (119) with a closure membrane (120) and a sealing point (121) between the closure membrane (120) and the fluid container (114), wherein the sealing point (121) the fluid container (114) closes fluid-tight. Furthermore, the valve device (114, 119, 123) is provided with a means (123) for exerting a fluid pressure on at least one side of the closure membrane (120), wherein the closure membrane (120) and / or the sealing point (121) is designed to at least partially damaged by the fluid pressure.

Description

State of the art

The present invention relates to a valve device for a fluid supply unit and to a method for operating a valve device for a fluid supply unit.

The implementation of biochemical processes is based on the handling of liquids. Typically, this manipulation is done manually with tools such as pipettes, reaction vessels, active probe surfaces or laboratory equipment. By pipetting robots or special equipment, these processes are already partially automated. So-called lab-on-chip (LoC) systems are microfluidic systems that accommodate all the functionality of a macroscopic laboratory on a plastic plastic-sized plastic substrate. Lab-on-chip systems typically consist of two major components. A test carrier or disposable cartridge includes structures and mechanisms for the implementation of fluidic operations (e.g., mixers). These structures and mechanisms consist for example of passive components such as channels, reaction chambers and upstream reagents or also of active components such as valves and pumps. A second main component consists for example of actuation, detection and control units. Such a system makes it possible to carry out biochemical processes fully automatically.

A conventional approach for the realization of lab-on-chip systems are, for example, pneumatic platforms. Active control of fluids on lab-on-chip cartridges requires valves operating in a fluidic network are integrated. By applying an overpressure in a pneumatic structure, a membrane can be deflected. As a result, the membrane pushes off a fluidic channel, with a fluid flow coming to a standstill. This valve shape is also referred to as a "normally open" valve. However, "normally closed" valves are needed, ie valves that close the fluidic channel in the inactivated state and release it only in the actuated state. Here, typically predetermined breaking points or reversible blockages such as materials with highly thermally dependent volume or phase transitions between "solid" and "liquid" are used.

By means of conventional diaphragm valves, for example, a direction of a fluid can be controlled during the operation of a LoC system. However, the elastomeric membrane materials used in conventional membrane valves have high gas and liquid permeability, allowing direct pre-storage of liquids such as buffers (eg, wash buffer, hybridization buffer, lysis buffer), ethanol solutions, PCR master mix with DNA solutions, enzyme solutions, Protein solutions and nucleotide solutions over a period of more than half a year is not possible.

Liquid media also has a leak rate, which makes it impossible to retain fluids for longer periods of time (for example, longer than one day). Furthermore, this conventional valve principle is not suitable for the realization of "normally closed" valves.

Other concepts for "normally closed" valves typically use a longer, blocked channel piece. Thus, there is a high dead volume between two communicating chambers, in particular, for example, in the case of valves for the long-term storage of reagents in a storage chamber with a connected reaction chamber into which the reagents are to be transferred.

Disclosure of the invention

Against this background, the present invention provides an improved valve device for a fluid supply unit and a method for the Operating such a valve device presented. Advantageous embodiments emerge from the respective subclaims and the following description.

• einen Fluidbehälter;
• eine Verschlusseinheit mit einer Verschlussmembran und einer Dichtstelle zwischen der Verschlussmembran und dem Fluidbehälter, wobei die Dichtstelle den Fluidbehälter fluiddicht verschließt; und
• ein Mittel zum Ausüben eines Fluiddrucks auf zumindest eine Seite der Verschlussmembran, wobei die Verschlussmembran und/oder die Dichtstelle ausgebildet ist, um durch den Fluiddruck zumindest teilweise beschädigt zu werden.

In the present case, a valve device for a fluid supply unit is presented, wherein the valve device comprises the following features:

• a fluid container;
• a closure unit having a closure membrane and a sealing point between the closure membrane and the fluid container, wherein the sealing point fluid-tightly closes the fluid container; and
• a means for applying a fluid pressure to at least one side of the closure membrane, wherein the closure membrane and / or the sealing point is designed to be at least partially damaged by the fluid pressure.

A valve device can be understood to mean a device by means of which a fluid, for example a liquid or a gas, can be closed in a fluid-tight manner in a fluid container or be discharged from such a fluid container. A fluid supply unit can be understood, for example, as a microfluidic system, in particular a lab-on-chip system. By means of such a valve device, fluids, in particular upstream reagents, can be separated from one another with high reliability.

Under a closure membrane, for example, a film can be understood. Such a film may have a low gas and liquid permeability or diffusion, in particular, for example, an ethanol permeability of less than 500 ml / (m ² · dbar), a water vapor permeability of less than 20 g / (m ² · d), an oxygen permeability of less than 500 ml / (m ² · dbar) at d = 100 μm. Furthermore, such a film may be compatible with fluids used, in particular biological fluids. Suitable materials are, for example, polymers, metal foils (in particular aluminum foils) or Multilayer or composite films by which the desired properties can be combined. By means of such a film, fluids can be closed in a fluid-tight manner for a particularly long time in a fluid container.

Furthermore, such a film may have mechanical properties which cause the film to tear or break at a threshold value of, for example, 100 mbar. For this purpose, the film may be provided with a predetermined breaking point. Such a predetermined breaking point can be realized, for example, by weakening in the form of thickness variations induced during the manufacturing process or by a post-treatment such as laser ablation, (thermal) pressing or punching. Thus, the destruction of such a film can be done by means of a defined pressure.

A sealing point may, for example, be understood as a joint or joint through which the sealing membrane is connected in a fluid-tight manner to the fluid container. Such a joint or joint may for example be an adhesive or comprise an adhesive material. Furthermore, such a joint or joint may be applied to the closure membrane as a bonding agent, for example of polymeric material. Advantageously, the production of such a joint or joint can be done for example by means of laser welding, ultrasonic bonding or other thermal processes.

Furthermore, the joint or joint may be reversibly designed, so that the joint breaks, for example, at a pressure exerted on the sealing membrane pressure and subsequently resealable. Such a reversible joining can be realized, for example, by peel seams, as are used in particular in stickpacks, but also by joints which become unstable under thermal stress (for example at temperatures between 45 and 150 degrees) or by joints, in particular from films, which have a thickness of up to 150 microns and break from a pressure of 100 mbar. After a rupture of the joint or joint leakage of at least a portion of the fluid can be prevented in the fluid container, when the joint is again sealed fluid-tight. By means of such a reversible joining, it can be ensured that the film, at a pressure exerted on the closing unit, is lower than an opening pressure for

Opening the joint or joint remains intact or again fluid-tight.

Alternatively, the joint or joint may be irreversible, so that the joint or joint is opened, for example, a pressure exerted on the sealing membrane and is not resealable. By means of such a very simple and inexpensive irreversible joint or joint can be ensured that in a pressure exerted on the closure unit pressure, the film is destroyed and located in the fluid container fluid can escape from the fluid container.

A means for exerting a fluid pressure can be understood to mean a receiving unit or surface for pressure which applies the fluid pressure to the closure membrane, for example by means of a liquid. Such means may be designed to destroy the sealing membrane or the sealing site. By such a means, the fluid, in particular within a microfluidic system, can be switched or released with high reliability.

The approach presented here is based on the finding that conventional diaphragm valves, especially in the context of microfluidic systems, do not ensure sufficient tightness in order to store or pre-store fluids such as reagents for a long time, in particular over periods of more than half a year. In addition, conventional devices for switching fluids in which in the inactivated state a fluid container is closed by a valve (also called "normally closed" valve), designed so that a release of the fluid container in particular by means of a predetermined breaking point, by means of thermal deformation or by means of phase transitions between "solid" and "liquid".

The present approach provides a ("normally closed") valve device, for example, which allows for a long-term stable storage of fluids and secondly a controlled switching of a fluid by means of a fluid pressure. In this case, a fluid-tight closure membrane is arranged, for example by means of a joint, on a fluid container in such a way that the fluid over a relatively long period of time, in particular more than half a year, is sealed fluid-tight in the fluid container. The valve device also includes means for applying pressure to the closure membrane or joint such that the closure membrane or filling breaks and thus releases the fluid.

According to one embodiment of the present approach, the valve device may be arranged in a housing for receiving the valve device, wherein the housing may have a multilayer structure of a first substrate layer, a second substrate layer and a deformable membrane. The deformable membrane may be disposed between the first and second substrate layers, wherein the deformable membrane may at least partially form the means for applying the fluid pressure.

For example, a housing can be understood to mean a multi-layer lab-on-chip cartridge. Such a cartridge may for example consist of two thermoplastic substrates as the first and second substrate layer, which are joined together in particular by laser welding an intermediate elastomeric membrane as a deformable membrane. Such a housing can be made particularly inexpensive.

Furthermore, a partial volume of the fluid container and a further fluid container can be formed as a recess in the second substrate layer, wherein the closure unit can fluidly separate the fluid container and the further fluid container from each other. Thus, a fluid can advantageously be stored in the fluid container over a particularly long period of time without the fluid passing into the further fluid container.

A part of the fluid container may be arranged as a connecting channel in the first substrate layer. If required, in particular for carrying out biochemical processes, a fluid can be conveyed from the fluid container into the further fluid container by means of such a connecting channel. Such a connecting channel can advantageously be designed with a small cross section, for example less than 500 μm, so that a dead volume of the connecting channel is as small as possible. Furthermore, such Connecting channel with a gas bubble as "start-up" be provided to better transfer the fluid pressure.

Furthermore, in a region of an opening of the further fluid container, the deformable membrane can have a recess for receiving the closure membrane, wherein the connection channel can open into the recess and wherein the closure membrane can close the connection channel in a fluid-tight manner. Such a recess has the advantage that the closure membrane can be arranged as space-saving as possible in the housing of the valve device.

According to a further embodiment of the present approach, the recess may be designed as a clamped fit. The interference fit may be configured to clamp the closure membrane between the deformable membrane and the first and / or the second substrate layer. By means of such a clamping fit, by means of which the closure membrane is mechanically supported, an additional join between the closure membrane and the first and / or second substrate layer can be dispensed with.

In addition, an edge region of the sealing membrane can rest on two opposing protrusions of the deformable membrane. By arranging two such projections, a supportive effect achievable by the interference fit can be further improved.

The closure membrane may be arranged between the connection channel and a further connection channel, wherein the further connection channel may be formed in the second substrate layer and connected to the further fluid container. The closure membrane may in this case have substantially the same thickness as the deformable membrane. By virtue of the fact that the fluid container in which the fluid is located and the further fluid container are separated only by the closure membrane, in particular for example a thin foil, the connection channel can be reduced to a minimum. Thus, the connection channel and the further connection channel with a dead volume of less than 500 .mu.L, in particular less than 10 .mu.L can be performed, wherein a cross section of the connecting channel and the further connecting channel is less than 500 microns.

In the valve device, a deflection chamber may be formed as a recess of the first substrate layer arranged between the fluid container and the further fluid container. A deflection chamber opening of the deflection chamber may face the second substrate layer, the deformable membrane having in a region of the deflection chamber opening a deflection region which is designed to be deformed by the fluid pressure in the direction of the deflection chamber. A deflection chamber can generally be understood as meaning a recess similar to the fluid container and the further fluid container, in the direction of which the deformable membrane can be deflected, in particular if a fluid pressure acts on the deformable membrane. Such a deflection chamber can advantageously fulfill the function of a valve arranged between the fluid container and the further fluid container. For this purpose, the escape area can for example be pressed onto a sealing seat. In addition, can be dispensed with by such a deflection on an additional connection channel.

According to another embodiment of the present approach, the escape region may be reversibly connected or connectable to the second substrate layer. Such a joint (formed as a reversible, for example) can be implemented, for example, by a peel seam or a thermally or mechanically unstable bond, so that the reversible joint can break, in particular if the fluid pressure is exerted on the joint and the fluid pressure exceeds a specific threshold value.

The closure membrane may be formed as an integral part of the deformable membrane. Such a sealing film may, for example, be understood as meaning a composite film in which an elastomeric material of the deformable membrane is combined with a fluid-tight material of the closure membrane. The fact that such a composite film can be used simultaneously as a diffusion barrier, can be dispensed with an additional sealing membrane.

Further, the deformable membrane may have an opening in which the closure membrane may be disposed, wherein the opening may be formed to act as a fluid pressure change chamber together with the first and / or second sub-rast layer. A fluid pressure change chamber can be understood as meaning an opening of the deformable membrane connected to the fluid container, by means of which the fluid pressure can be directed onto a side of the closure membrane opposite a joining side of the closure membrane such that the closure membrane breaks. By the closure membrane can be arranged in the immediate vicinity of the fluid container, the dead volume between the fluid container and the further fluid container can be kept particularly low.

The deformable diaphragm may include, in an area of an opening of the fluid container, a deflection portion configured to be deformed by an actuation pressure toward the fluid container to provide the fluid pressure. A deflection region can be understood as meaning a region of the deformable membrane which is not firmly connected to a substrate layer and can thus be deflected in the direction of the fluid container. Actuating pressure may, in particular, be understood as meaning a pneumatic pressure which can be transmitted to the fluid contained in the fluid container by means of the deformable membrane. Such a deflection range enables a reliable switching of the fluid with only a few inexpensive components.

Furthermore, a pneumatic connection can be provided in order to pneumatically guide the actuation pressure to the deflection region. A pneumatic connection may be understood to mean a device for generating a pneumatic pressure, wherein the device is designed to direct the pneumatic pressure into the valve device. By means of such a pneumatic connection, the actuation pressure required for generating the fluid pressure can be permanently provided. Furthermore, such a pneumatic connection, in particular if it is designed as a channel, may be provided with a gas bubble as a "start-up path" in order to transmit the actuation pressure better to the deflection region. Finally, such a pneumatic connection can for example also serve to fluid weiterzutransportieren, especially when the pneumatic connection is connected to the other fluid container.

Finally, the approach presented herein provides a method of operating a valve device for a fluid delivery unit, the method comprising a step of providing a fluid container, a closure unit having a closure membrane and a sealing site, and means for applying a fluid pressure to at least one side of the closure membrane. In this case, the closure unit is arranged between the closure membrane and the fluid container, as a result of which the fluid container is closed in a fluid-tight manner. Furthermore, the sealing membrane and / or the sealing point is designed to be at least partially damaged by the fluid pressure. Further, the method comprises a step of pressurizing the sealing membrane with the fluid pressure.

Fig. 1

eine Querschnittsdarstellung einer Ventilvorrichtung für eine Fluidbereitstellungseinheit gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel der vorliegenden Erfindung;

Fig. 2

eine Querschnittsdarstellung einer Ventilvorrichtung für eine Fluidbereitstellungseinheit gemäß einem weiteren Ausführungsbeispiel der vorliegenden Erfindung;

Fig. 3

eine Querschnittsdarstellung einer Ventilvorrichtung für eine Fluidbereitstellungseinheit gemäß einem weiteren Ausführungsbeispiel der vorliegenden Erfindung;

Fig. 4

eine Querschnittsdarstellung einer Ventilvorrichtung für eine Fluidbereitstellungseinheit gemäß einem weiteren Ausführungsbeispiel der vorliegenden Erfindung;

Fig. 5

eine Querschnittsdarstellung einer Ventilvorrichtung für eine Fluidbereitstellungseinheit gemäß einem weiteren Ausführungsbeispiel der vorliegenden Erfindung; und

Fig. 6

ein Ablaufdiagramm eines Verfahrens zum Betreiben einer Ventilvorrichtung für eine Fluidbereitstellungseinheit gemäß einem weiteren Ausführungsbeispiel der vorliegenden Erfindung.

The invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings. Show it:

Fig. 1

a cross-sectional view of a valve device for a fluid supply unit according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 2

a cross-sectional view of a valve device for a fluid supply unit according to another embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 3

a cross-sectional view of a valve device for a fluid supply unit according to another embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 4

a cross-sectional view of a valve device for a fluid supply unit according to another embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 5

a cross-sectional view of a valve device for a fluid supply unit according to another embodiment of the present invention; and

Fig. 6

a flowchart of a method for operating a valve device for a fluid supply unit according to another embodiment of the present invention.

In the following description of favorable embodiments of the present invention, the same or similar reference numerals are used for the elements shown in the various figures and similar acting, with a repeated description of these elements is omitted.

Fig. 1 shows a valve device for a fluid supply unit 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The valve device is arranged in a rectangular housing 102. The housing 102 comprises a cover 104, a first substrate layer 106, also called layer 1, a second substrate layer 108, also called layer 3, and a deformable membrane 110, also called layer 2, arranged between the first substrate layer 106 and the second substrate layer 108. The cover 104 is arranged on a side of the first substrate layer 106 facing away from the second substrate layer 108. The second substrate layer 108 forms an underside of the housing 102 opposite the cover 104.

The first substrate layer 106 has a rectangular, U-shaped connecting channel 112 which comprises a first and a second channel section extending perpendicular to the first substrate layer 106 and a channel section extending horizontally to the first substrate layer 106. The horizontal channel portion extends below the lid 104, wherein one of the first substrate layer 106 facing side of the lid 104 forms a wall surface of the horizontal channel portion.

The second substrate layer 108 comprises a fluid container 114, also called chamber 1, and a further fluid container 116, also called chamber 2, which are formed as rectangular recesses of the second substrate layer 108. The fluid container 114 and the connection channel 112 are filled with a fluid, for example a liquid. The connection channel 112 is arranged between the fluid container 114 and the further fluid container 106.

The deformable membrane 110 has a channel opening in an edge region of the fluid container 114 facing the connection channel 112. A diameter of the channel opening corresponds to the diameter of the connecting channel 112. The channel opening is connected to the first vertical channel section.

In a region of an opening of the further fluid container 116 facing the first substrate layer 106, the deformable membrane 110 has a recess 118 for receiving a closure unit 119. The recess 118 is arranged in the edge region of the further fluid container 116 facing the connection channel 112. Furthermore, the second vertical channel section of the connection channel 112 opens into the recess 118. The closure unit 119 consists of a film as a closure membrane 120 and a side of the closure membrane 120 facing the first substrate layer 106, also called sealing point 121 or joining surface of the film, the closure membrane 120 being such is connected by means of a joint with the first substrate layer 106, that one end of the second vertical channel portion is fluid-tightly sealed against the further fluid container 116.

The recess 118 is arranged offset to the further fluid container 116, so that the edge region of the further fluid container 116 facing the connection channel 112 forms a projection opposite the closure membrane 120. A width of the sealing membrane 120 is slightly smaller (for example, by 5 or 10 percent) than a width of the recess 118.

The deformable membrane 110 forms a deflection region 122 in a region of an opening of the fluid container 114 facing the first substrate layer 106 as a means 123 for exerting a fluid pressure on the closure membrane, wherein the deflection region 122 is loosely joined to the first substrate layer 106. Thus, the deflection region 122 is deformable by an actuation pressure in the direction of the fluid container 114.

Furthermore, the deflection region 122 is provided with a pneumatic port 124, which is designed to pneumatically guide the actuation pressure to the deflection region 122. The pneumatic port 124 passes through the lid 104 and the first substrate layer 106 and is disposed perpendicular thereto.

If the actuation pressure is exerted on the deflection region 122 by means of the pneumatic connection 124, the deflection region 122 is bulged in the direction of the fluid container 114. The liquid contained in the fluid container 114 is compressed because the liquid due to the sealing membrane 120 is enclosed in the fluid container 114 and in the connection channel 112. The resulting fluid pressure acts on the closure membrane 120. If the fluid pressure is strong enough, either the closure membrane 120 or the joint breaks between the closure membrane 120 and the first substrate layer 106, so that the liquid flows into the further fluid container 116.

The following is the structure of an in Fig. 1 shown embodiment of a valve device again described in other words.

That in the Fig.1 illustrated embodiment is based on a multilayer structure of a lab-on-chip cartridge. The cartridge typically consists of two thermoplastic substrates 106 and 108 (Layer 1 and Layer 3) joined by laser welding an intermediate elastomeric membrane 110 (Layer 2). Two chambers 114 and 116 are connected to each other via a connection channel 112. The connecting channel 112 or the transition of the connecting channel to the chamber 116 is interrupted by means of a foil 120. The film 120 has a low gas and liquid permeability.

In the in Fig. 1 In the embodiment shown, the joining is irreversibly designed so that the joint withstands the applied actuation pressure. The channel 112 is released by the foil 120 breaking or tearing. Due to its mechanical properties, the film 120 can crack from a threshold pressure (for example, greater than 100 mbar). This can be done by the Aktuationsdruck itself by the liquid "shoots through" the film 120. In a further embodiment (not shown) remains the film 120 is stable under compressive loading, but the bond with the substrate material 106 breaks.

By applying pressure to the pneumatic port 124, an overpressure builds up in the chamber 114 due to the incompressibility of the fluid or after compression of the stored fluid. The overpressure causes the film 120 releases the channel 112 and the liquid is displaced from the first chamber 114 into the second chamber 116 by deflecting the layer 2 110. The actuation pressure of the liquid acts on the joining side. In a further embodiment (not shown), the actuation pressure acts tangentially on the joining side, which leads to the unrolling of the film 120.

Fig. 2 shows the valve device for a fluid supply unit 100 according to another embodiment of the present invention. Unlike the in Fig. 1 In the exemplary embodiment illustrated, the deformable membrane 110 forms an additional deflection region 126 in the region of the opening of the further fluid container 116 with the same properties as the deflection region 112. The additional deflection region 126, which provides an additional pneumatic port 128 for pneumatically guiding the actuation pressure to the additional deflection region 126 is, passes through the lid 104 and the first substrate layer 106 and is arranged perpendicular thereto.

Instead of the channel opening, the in Fig. 2 shown deformable membrane 110 in the region of the opening of the fluid container 114 has an opening 130 in which the closure membrane 120 is arranged. The closure membrane 120 closes the first vertical channel section in a fluid-tight manner. The opening 130 is formed to act as a fluid pressure changing chamber together with the first substrate layer 106 and the second sub-ratchet layer 108. For this purpose, the opening 130 is arranged offset to the fluid container 114, so that a width of the protrusion opposite the closure membrane 120 is slightly larger (for example by 5 or 10 percent) than the width of the closure membrane 120.

Further, a height of the opening 130 corresponds to a thickness of the deformable diaphragm 110.

Instead of the recess 118, the in Fig. 2 shown deformable membrane 110 in a connecting channel 112 facing edge region of the further fluid container 116 has a further channel opening. A diameter of the further channel opening corresponds to the diameter of the connecting channel 112. The further channel opening is connected to the second vertical channel section.

If the actuation pressure is exerted on the deflection region 122 by means of the pneumatic connection 124, the deflection region 122 is bulged in the direction of the fluid container 114. By means of the fluid pressure change chamber, the fluid pressure is applied to a side of the closure membrane 120 opposite the joining surface 121, so that the closure membrane 120 breaks and the liquid flows via the connection channel 112 into the further fluid container 116.

Fig. 3 shows the valve device 100 for a fluid supply unit according to another embodiment of the present invention. In contrast to Fig. 1 has the in Fig. 3 shown recess 118 two superimposed halves of different diameters. In a first, the first substrate layer 106 facing half the closure membrane 120 is arranged. A width of the first half is such that a tight fit 132 exists between the deformable membrane 110 and the closure membrane 120. A width of a second half facing the further fluid container 116, also called outflow channel 134, corresponds approximately to half the width (for example 45 to 55 percent) of the closure membrane 120, so that an edge region 136 of the closure membrane 120 on two opposite projections 138 of the deformable membrane 110 is supported and thereby supported.

Furthermore, the in Fig. 3 shown embodiment, a narrowed portion 140 of the further fluid container 116, wherein the narrowed portion 140 between the drain channel 134 and the other Fluid container 116 is formed. A width of the constricted region 140 corresponds to approximately half (for example, 45 to 55 percent) of a width of the further fluid container 116. A height of the constricted region 140 substantially corresponds to the diameter of the connection channel 112.

Thus, the film 120 is additionally supported by the layer 2 110, which is sandwiched and crimped between layer 1 106 and layer 3 108 and presses and seals the film 120. In this exemplary embodiment, an additional join between film 120 and substrate 106 can be dispensed with. In order to better support the film 120, a drain channel 134 is used, so that the film 120 experiences no counterforce only in the channel 134, but is supported at the remaining solid angle (the solid angle of the in Fig. 1 shown addition is 360 degrees).

Fig. 4 shows the valve device 100 for a fluid supply unit according to another embodiment of the present invention. In contrast to Fig. 1 includes the in Fig. 4 illustrated embodiment instead of the connecting channel 112, a deflection chamber 142 which is formed as a recess of the first substrate layer 106 and is disposed between the fluid container 114 and the further fluid container 116. A deflection chamber opening 144 of the deflection chamber 142 faces the second substrate layer 108. The deformable membrane 110 has, in a region of the deflection chamber opening 144, an escape region 146, which is designed to be deformed by the fluid pressure in the direction of the deflection chamber 142.

Furthermore, the in Fig. 4 illustrated embodiment in contrast to Fig. 1 no lid 104.

A region of the second substrate layer 108 lying opposite the deflection chamber 142 is embodied as a sealing seat 148, in particular as a weakened joining surface of the deformable membrane 110, on which the deflection region 146 rests and which is designed to fluidically separate the fluid container 114 from the further fluid container 116.

In contrast to Fig. 1 is the in Fig. 4 shown closure membrane 120 fluid-tight on the fluid container 114. In this case, the closure membrane 120 is embodied as an integral part of the deformable membrane 110, in particular of the deflection region 122, wherein the width of the closure membrane 120 is greater (for example by 5 percent) than a width of the fluid container 114, so that the edge region 136 of the closure membrane 120 via extends beyond the fluid container 114 and is supported by the first substrate layer 108.

A part of the peripheral area 136 (in Fig. 4 arranged to the right of the fluid container 108) forms the adjacent to the sealing seat 148 sealing point 121, whereby the fluid container 114 is fluid-tight against the sealing seat 148 is closed.

If the actuation pressure is exerted on the deflection region 122 with the integrated closure membrane 120 by means of the pneumatic connection 124, the deflection region 122 is bulged in the direction of the fluid container 114. The resulting fluid pressure acts on the closure membrane 120, in particular on the sealing point 121. If the pressure is strong enough, on the one hand breaks the sealing point 121, on the other hand, the escape area 146 is arched in the direction of the deflection chamber 142 that the sealing seat 148 is released. Thus, the liquid flows from the fluid container 114 into the further fluid container 116.

The film 120 is used here only as a diffusion barrier that supports the properties of the layer 2 110. The valve action takes place via the layer 2 110, which is pressed onto the sealing seat 148. In a further exemplary embodiment (not shown), layer 2 110 can be joined to sealing seat 148 with a (for example reversible) joining method (peel seam, thermally unstable bond, mechanically unstable bond) so that the join breaks as soon as the actuation pressure exceeds a threshold value.

Fig. 5 shows the valve device 100 for a fluid supply unit according to another embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment has a five-layered structure consisting of the lid 104, the first substrate layer 106, the deformable membrane 110, the second substrate layer 108 and a bottom plate 152. The Base plate 152 is disposed on the underside of the housing 102 opposite the cover 104.

Furthermore, the in Fig. 5 shown embodiment, a further connection channel 154 which is formed between the closure membrane 120 and the further fluid container 116 in the second substrate layer 108. Similar to the connection channel 112, the further connection channel 154 comprises a further channel section extending perpendicular to the second substrate layer 108 and a further channel section extending horizontally to the second substrate layer 108. The further horizontal channel section extends above the bottom plate 152, wherein a side of the bottom plate 152 facing the second substrate layer 108 forms a wall surface of the further horizontal channel section. The further horizontal channel section opens into the further fluid container 116. The further vertical channel section is connected to the connecting channel 112, wherein the sealing membrane 120 is arranged between the connecting channel 112 and the further vertical channel section, so that the connecting channel 112 and the further connecting channel 154 are fluidically separated from one another are. The diameter of the connection channel 112 is substantially identical to a diameter of the further connection channel 154.

The sealing membrane 120 is fitted into the deformable membrane 110 by means of the interference fit 132. In this case, the thickness of the deformable membrane 110 substantially corresponds to a thickness of the closure membrane 120, so that the closure membrane 120 is clamped between the deformable membrane 110, the first substrate layer 106 and the second substrate layer 108.

Furthermore, the side of the bottom plate 152 facing the second substrate layer 108 in each case forms a wall surface of the fluid container 114 and the further fluid container 116.

If the actuation pressure is exerted on the deflection region 122 by means of the pneumatic connection 124, the deflection region 122 is bulged in the direction of the fluid container 114. The resulting fluid pressure acts on the clamped closure membrane 120. If the pressure is strong enough, the closure membrane 120 ruptures, so that the liquid flows from the fluid container 114 into the further fluid container 116.

Fig. 6 FIG. 12 shows a method 600 of manufacturing the valve device 100 for a fluid delivery unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. There is a step 602 of providing the fluid container 114 and the closure unit 119 with the closure membrane 120 and the sealing point 121 between the closure membrane 120 and the fluid container 114, through which the fluid container 114 is closed in a fluid-tight manner. In addition, with this step 602, provision is made of the means 123 for exerting a fluid pressure on at least one side of the closure membrane 120, wherein the closure membrane 120 and / or the sealing point 121 is formed so as to be at least partially damaged by the fluid pressure.

The embodiments described and shown in the figures are chosen only by way of example. Different embodiments may be combined together or in relation to individual features. Also, an embodiment can be supplemented by features of another embodiment.

Furthermore, method steps according to the invention can be repeated as well as carried out in a sequence other than that described.

If an exemplary embodiment comprises a "and / or" link between a first feature and a second feature, then this is to be read so that the embodiment according to one embodiment, both the first feature and the second feature and according to another embodiment either only first feature or only the second feature.

Claims (15)

Valve device (114, 119, 123) for a fluid supply unit (100), the valve device (100) having the following features: a fluid container (114, 112, 114, 130); a closure unit (119) having a closure membrane (120) and a sealing point (121) between the closure membrane (120) and the fluid container (114), wherein the sealing point (121) fluid-tightly closes the fluid container (114); and a means (123) for applying a fluid pressure to at least one side of the closure membrane (120), wherein the closure membrane (120) and / or the sealing point (121) is formed to be at least partially damaged by the fluid pressure. Valve device (114, 119, 123) according to claim 1, characterized by a housing (102) for receiving the valve device (114, 119, 123), wherein the housing (102) has a multilayer structure of a first substrate layer (106), a second Substrate layer (108) and a deformable membrane (110), wherein the deformable membrane (110) between the first (106) and the second substrate layer (108) is arranged, wherein the deformable membrane (110) at least partially the means (123) forms for exerting the fluid pressure. Valve device (114, 119, 123) according to claim 2, characterized in that a partial volume (114) of the fluid container (114, 112) and a further fluid container (116) are formed as a recess in the second substrate layer (108) and / or the Closing unit (119) the fluid container (114, 112) and the further fluid container (116) fluidly separated from each other. Valve device (114, 119, 123) according to claim 3, characterized in that a connecting channel (112) is arranged as part of the fluid container (114, 112) in the first substrate layer (106). Valve device (114, 119, 123) according to claim 4, characterized in that the deformable membrane (110) in a region of an opening of the further fluid container (116) has a recess (118) for receiving the closure membrane (120), wherein the connecting channel (112) opens into the recess (118), wherein the closure membrane (120) closes the connection channel (112) in a fluid-tight manner. Valve device (114, 119, 123) according to claim 5, characterized in that the recess (118) is designed as a clamping fitting (132) which is designed to hold the closure membrane (120) between the deformable membrane (110) and the first (110). 106) and / or the second substrate layer (108). Valve device (114, 119, 123) according to claim 6, characterized in that an edge region (136) of the closure membrane (120) rests on two opposite projections (138) of the deformable membrane (110). Valve device (114, 119, 123) according to one of claims 3 to 7, characterized in that the closure membrane (120) between the connecting channel (112) and a further connecting channel (154) is arranged, wherein the further connecting channel (154) in the second substrate layer (108) is formed and connected to the further fluid container (116), in particular wherein the closure membrane (120) has substantially the same thickness as the deformable membrane (110). Valve device (114, 119, 123) according to any one of claims 3 to 8, characterized in that a deflection chamber (142) between the fluid container (114) and the further fluid container (116) arranged recess of the first substrate layer (106) is formed, wherein a deflection chamber opening (144) faces the deflection chamber (142) of the second substrate layer (108), the deformable membrane (110) having an escape region (146) formed in a region of the deflection chamber opening (144) that is adapted to be fluidly pressurized to be deformed in the direction of the deflection chamber (142). A valve device (114, 119, 123) according to claim 9, characterized in that the escape region (146) is reversibly connected or connectable to the second substrate layer (108). Valve device (114, 119, 123) according to one of claims 2 to 10, characterized in that the closure membrane (120) is formed as an integral part of the deformable membrane (110). Valve device (114, 119, 123) according to claim 2, characterized in that the deformable membrane (110) has an opening (130) in which the closure membrane (120) is arranged, wherein the opening (130) is formed to together with the first (106) and / or second sub-rast layer acting as a fluid pressure change chamber. Valve device (114, 119, 123) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the deformable membrane (110) in a region of an opening of the fluid container (114) has a deflection region (122) which is formed by an actuation pressure in Direction of the fluid container (114) to be deformed to produce the fluid pressure. Valve device (114, 119, 123) according to claim 6, characterized in that further comprises a pneumatic connection (124) is provided to pneumatically guide the actuation pressure to the deflection region (122). A method (600) of operating a valve device (114, 119, 123) for a fluid delivery unit (100), the method (600) comprising the steps of: Providing (602) a fluid container (114), a closure unit (119) having a closure membrane (120) and a sealing point (121) between the closure membrane (120) and the fluid container (114), through which the fluid container (114) is fluid-tightly sealed and means (123) for applying a fluid pressure to at least one side of the closure membrane (120), the closure membrane (120) and / or the sealing site (121) being at least partially damaged by the fluid pressure; and Pressurizing (604) the closure membrane (120) with the fluid pressure.

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