RU2798377C2 - Fluid regulator for a medical device - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: medicine.

SUBSTANCE: invention relates to means of controlling and regulating the flow of a fluid medium in the field of medicine. The fluid medium regulator for a medical device comprises a fluid medium regulation circuit, which has a system of fluid medium channels and at least one fluid medium control component, which are placed between the inlet connection and the outlet connection, a control circuit containing at least one electric and/or electronic component and configured to control at least one fluid control component of the fluid control loop, a first carrier that has a first mounting surface and a first attachment surface, and a second carrier that has a second mounting surface and a second attachment surface. In this case, at least one fluid control component of the fluid control circuit and at least one electrical and/or electronic component of the control circuit are placed on the mounting surfaces of the supporting parts. Also, at least one first fluid channel recess is provided in the first attachment surface, and/or at least one second fluid channel recess is provided in the second attachment surface, and both bearing parts are connected to each other by their attachment surfaces in such a way that at least one first fluid channel recess and/or at least one second fluid channel recess define(s) at least one main fluid channel of the fluid channel system.

EFFECT: compact design and the ability to control the flow of medical gas are achieved.

14 cl, 10 dwg

Description

The invention relates to a fluid regulator for a medical device. The fluid regulator provides the ability to control or regulate the volume flow or mass flow of a fluid, especially a gas for medical applications.

Fluid control devices are known from various fields of technology. US 5,888,390 A describes a miniature device of metal plates connected by folding, on the respective inner sides of which recesses of fluid channels are etched. By folding, a multilayer body for conducting fluids is created. Such a device, due to miniaturization, is suitable for analytical instruments such as chromatographs.

DE 19546535 A1 discloses a method and a device for extracting samples with an integrated analytical-chemical sensor meter, as well as a method for manufacturing such a device. The measuring cartridge is equipped with chemical or biological sensors and can be placed by means of a luer plug between the needle and the syringe. After the sample has been withdrawn by means of a syringe, the measuring cartridge can be inserted into the hand-held measuring device.

From US 5,020,373 a flow meter is known which has a flow sensor which is placed in a channel section of a flow channel with a reduced diameter. In the downstream direction of the flow, a swirler is placed, as well as a pressure measurement channel. The vortex frequencies produced are a function of the flow rate, which can be recorded by means of a pressure measuring channel.

WO 99/36747 A1 discloses an apparatus and method for registering a fluid as a function of the pressure difference between two connections in a flow channel.

Based on the prior art, it may be considered as an object of the present invention to provide an improved fluid regulator for a medical device. First of all, the fluid regulator must be designed to control the gas flow of medical gas and to be able to create a compact and low-cost structure.

This goal is achieved by means of a fluid regulator with the features of claim 1 of the claims.

The fluid regulator is designed primarily to control or regulate the flow of a gas such as, for example, argon, oxygen, carbon dioxide or another gas used in a medical device. Instead of a gas flow, in other medical applications the flow of a liquid may also be controlled or regulated. Under the medical device can be understood, first of all, the device for plasma coagulation.

The fluid regulator has a fluid control loop that has a system of fluid channels, as well as at least one fluid control component. The fluid channel system and the fluid control component are placed between the inlet connection and the outlet connection and together provide communication between the inlet connection and the outlet connection. Preferably, during operation of the fluid regulator, fluid flows through at least one fluid control component or through all of the fluid control components present. A fluid control component may be, for example, a directional valve, a proportional valve, a pressure control valve or a pressure control valve, a filter or other flow component that not only conducts the fluid, but further influences the fluid characteristic (e.g. pressure, volumetric flow, mass flow, purity) of the conductive fluid.

The control circuitry is configured to control at least one fluid control component of the fluid control loop. To do this, the control circuit has at least one electrical and/or electronic component, including here, for example, a control device that provides an electrical control signal to at least one fluid control component. Preferably, the control circuit has no components through which fluid flows. One or more components of the control circuit, such as pressure sensors, may be in contact with the fluid, but preferably not subject to fluid flow.

The fluid regulator has a first bearing part with a first mounting surface and a first connecting surface, as well as a second bearing part with a second mounting surface and a second connecting surface. The mounting surface and the attachment surface of the respective carrier part are preferably placed on opposite sides of the respective carrier piece. In one embodiment, the first mounting surface and/or the second mounting surface, respectively, extend in the same plane. The first mounting surface is configured to accommodate at least one fluid control component. The second mounting surface is configured to accommodate at least one electrical and/or electronic component of the control circuit. The fluid control component or several fluid control components of the fluid control loop are placed on the first mounting surface of the first bearing part and/or the component or several control circuit components are placed on the second mounting surface of the second bearing part. It is preferred that all fluid control components of the fluid control circuit and/or all control circuit components are placed, indirectly or directly, on a suitable mounting surface.

In one embodiment, some or many of the available fluid control components are placed directly on the first mounting surface and communicate with the fluid channel system. Attached to the second mounting surface is a circuit board assembly that carries at least one electrical and/or electronic component of the control circuit. Preferably, all electrical and/or electronic components of the control circuit are located on the circuit board assembly.

Furthermore, it is preferable that no components are attached to the first carrier and/or to the second carrier outside the respective mounting surface.

To form at least one main fluid channel of the fluid channel system, at least one first fluid channel recess is provided on the first attachment surface and/or one second fluid channel recess is provided on the second attachment surface. In the region of the first attachment surface and the second attachment surface, the first bearing part and the second bearing part are connected to each other. The attachment surfaces can respectively each have one, preferably even, surface area which directly abuts one another flatly or faces one another so as to form an intermediate space. These surface areas surround the recesses of the fluid channels of the supporting members. At least one first and second recess of the fluid channel is recessed with respect to the surrounding surface area of the first or second attachment surface. When both load-bearing parts are connected to each other in the area of their connecting surfaces, the first recess of the fluid channel together with the second support part and/or the second recess of the fluid channel together with the first support part defines the main fluid channel in the area of the separation point between both load-bearing parts . The bearing parts are connected to each other in the region of the connecting surfaces in such a way that at least one main fluid channel is sealed in the region of the separation point between the two bearing parts, optionally using a sealing assembly.

At least one main fluid channel is provided exclusively in the region of the separation point or the parting plane between the carriers, and is limited by both carriers. The other fluid channels of the fluid channel system may extend within the first carrier and/or the second carrier and form primarily branch channels from or to the recess of the fluid channel. Preferably, all fluid channels of the fluid channel system are delimited by channel walls that are either integral components of the first carrier or integral components of the second carrier. Within the fluid control loop between the inlet connection and the outlet connection, preferably no communication is formed by a separate line that extends completely outside the load-bearing parts, for example directly between two fluid control components.

It is preferred that each main fluid channel is formed by respectively one first fluid channel recess in the first carrier and one second fluid channel recess in the second carrier. Each first fluid channel recess and/or second fluid channel recess preferably has a semicircular cross section. Thus, when the connection between the bearing parts is made, each main fluid channel can have a circular cross section. At least some of the main fluid channels preferably have a substantially circular cross section.

The fluid channel system may have at least one branch channel branching from the main fluid channel. For example, the first support part may be provided with at least one first branch channel that extends between the first mounting surface and the first attachment surface. Correspondingly, at least one second branch channel can be provided in the second carrier part, which extends between the second mounting surface and the second attachment surface.

For the production of support parts, it is particularly advantageous if the first support part and the second support part are formed by means of an injection molded part, respectively. Preferably, the injection molded parts are made from a uniform material, in particular a plastic material or a composite material. As a result, the first bearing part and the second bearing part are made in the form of integrated bearing parts without seams and joints. First of all, after the manufacture of the supporting parts, no additional steps requiring the removal of material are required to form the fluid channels. All fluid channels of the fluid channel system are preferably formed during and by the manufacture of the supporting members.

When at least one first branch channel is provided in the first bearing part, at least one first branch channel is free from undercuts at least in the direction from the first mounting surface to the first connecting surface, and vice versa, from the first connecting surface to the first mounting surface. At least one first branch channel may be conical or cylindrical. When at least one second branch channel is provided in the second carrier part, at least one second branch channel is free from undercuts at least in the direction from the second mounting surface to the second attachment surface, and vice versa, from the second attachment surface to the second mounting surface. At least one second branch channel may be conical or cylindrical. This considerably simplifies the production of the load-bearing parts as injection molded parts.

Preferably, all recesses extending transversely to the mounting surfaces and attachment surfaces, at least extending in the direction from the respective attachment surface to the respective attachment surface, and vice versa, from the respective mounting surface to the respective attachment surface, are free from undercuts. At least one first branch channel and/or at least one second branch channel extends primarily in the direction of closing the injection mold for the manufacture of the first support part or the second support part in the form of an injection molded part.

The above-described manufacturing process for the injection-molded load-bearing parts and/or the undercut-free embodiment of at least one branch channel is an independent aspect of the invention, and can be provided primarily regardless of whether fluid control components are placed fluid control circuit and/or control circuit components on mounting surfaces.

Preferably, a seal assembly is provided between the first attachment surface and the second attachment surface to seal at least one main fluid channel. The seal assembly may have one O-ring for each existing main fluid channel, respectively. If several separate main fluid channels are provided in the area of the separation point or the parting plane between the bearing parts, each of the main fluid channels is preferably completely closed by an annular seal of the sealing assembly to seal the main fluid channel with respect to the environment. To this end, an annular groove can be provided in the first attachment surface and/or in the second attachment surface for receiving an O-ring. The annular groove may completely enclose the first recess of the fluid channel in the first attachment surface, or the annular groove may completely enclose the second recess of the fluid channel in the second attachment surface.

In addition, it is preferable when the first carrier part and/or the second carrier part is at least partially made of a transparent material, which, when the connection is made between the carrier parts, by visual inspection from the outside, makes it possible to detect the correct placement of the sealing assembly in the area of the seat. separation between both carriers. First of all, the correct placement of at least one O-ring in the annular groove can be identified.

Preferably, all fluid control flow components of the fluid control unit are placed on the first mounting surface and, first of all, directly placed. Additionally or alternatively, all electrical and/or electronic components of the control circuit are indirectly or directly placed on the second mounting surface, preferably indirectly via the circuit board assembly. Preferably, none of the components of the control circuit is fluid permeable.

It is preferred that the main fluid channel of the fluid channel system forms a flow measurement channel. The flow measurement channel is primarily an integral part of the flow measurement device of the fluid regulator. The flow measurement channel preferably has a substantially circular cross section throughout. At least one pair of pressure measurement channels with two pressure measurement channels is provided, the pressure measurement channels of which terminate in the flow measurement channel at a distance relative to each other in the flow direction. The pressure measuring channels of the pair of pressure measuring channels are preferably provided in one carrier part, but alternatively, they can also be provided in different bearing members. Preferably, the pressure measuring channels extend at least in sections in and through the second carrier. In a preferred embodiment, each of the pressure measurement channels is assigned a separate pressure sensor, which is designed to measure the pressure in the pressure measurement channel, and thus at the confluence between the respective pressure measurement channel and the flow measurement channel. Alternatively, a differential pressure sensor is connected to the pressure measuring channels of a pair of pressure measuring channels in such a way that a single differential pressure sensor is sufficient for each pair of pressure measuring channels. The pressure difference sensor is designed to generate a pressure difference signal and to transmit it to the control device.

At least one section of each pressure measurement channel can be formed by means of the branch channel described above. In a preferred embodiment, the other section of each pressure measurement channel may extend in a nozzle protruding above the mounting surface, which is made, first of all, integrated with the corresponding carrier part.

Furthermore, it is advantageous if a first pair of pressure measurement channels are provided, as well as a second pair of pressure measurement channels, the pressure measurement channels of which terminate in one flow measurement channel. The flow measurement channel preferably has a first channel section with a first flow cross section and a second channel section with a second flow cross section, both of which are different from each other and, above all, have different sizes. The pressure measurement channels of the first pair of pressure measurement channels terminate in the first section of the channel, and the pressure measurement channels of the second pair of pressure measurement channels terminate in the second section of the channel. In this one embodiment, it is possible to implement a flow measurement with each of the pair of pressure measurement channels, whereby different flow cross sections make it possible to form different measurement regions for determining the volume flow or mass flow of the fluid. As a whole, the entire measuring area which is thus available is enlarged.

In order to determine the volume flow or mass flow of the fluid through the flow measurement channel, an evaluation unit of the control circuit is preferably provided, to which the measured pressure values are transmitted from at least that pair of pressure measurement channels, which is correlated with a common pair of pressure measurement channels. Due to friction in the pipe in the flow measurement channel between the pressure measurement channels of the common pair of the pressure measurement channel, a pressure difference is formed, which is characteristic of the volume flow or mass flow of the fluid through the flow measurement channel, which can thus be installed in the evaluation unit.

The above-described embodiment of the flow measurement device, especially the flow measurement channel and/or pressure measurement channels and/or associated pressure sensors, can also be implemented in addition to or alternatively to other aspects of the invention.

In addition, it is preferred that the fluid control circuit has a series circuit of an actuator, primarily a proportional valve, as well as a flow measurement device. The flow measurement device can be made, first of all, as described above. In the flow direction, the flow measuring device is preferably located upstream of the actuator. Thus, the flow measurement is ensured irrespective of the load connected to the outlet connection, such as a surgical instrument.

In addition, it is advantageous when the flow measuring device is located in the direction of flow between the pressure limiting device or the pressure control or pressure control device and the actuator. Preferably, there are no additional fluid control components between the pressure limiting device or the pressure control or pressure control device and the actuator, in particular any fluid pressure-acting fluid control components that do not belong to the flow measurement device.

The construction of a fluid control circuit diagram in relation to a hydraulic system diagram, primarily to a flow measurement device diagram in series with other fluid control components, can be applied independently of or in addition to the features of the fluid regulator described above and, above all, regardless of whether whether components of the fluid control circuit and/or control circuitry are located on the mounting surfaces of the load-bearing parts.

Advantageous embodiments of the invention can be obtained from the dependent claims and the drawings. In the following, preferred embodiments of the invention are explained in detail by means of the attached drawings. Shown on:

Fig. 1 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a medical device in the form of a plasma coagulation device,

Fig. 2 is a hydraulic block diagram of an embodiment of the fluid control circuit for the instrument of FIG. 1,

Fig. 3 is a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a fluid regulator that has a fluid control loop and a control circuit that are placed on the bearing parts,

Fig. 4 is a schematic representation of an embodiment of the first carrier in a top view of the first attachment surface of the first carrier, as well as a schematic representation of an embodiment of the seal assembly,

Fig. 5 - the first bearing part according to FIG. 4 in section along the secant line V-V in FIG. 4,

Fig. 6 is a schematic representation of an embodiment of the second carrier in a top view of the second attachment surface of the second carrier,

Fig. 7 - the second bearing part according to FIG. 6 in a schematic side view along arrow VII in FIG. 6,

Fig. 8 is a schematic sectional view through the supporting parts connected to each other of the fluid regulator according to FIG. 3,

Fig. 9 is a general view of the construction of the pressure sensor of the control circuit and

Fig. 10 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a fluid regulator flow measurement device.

Fig. 1 shows a medical device 10 which is exemplified as a plasma coagulation device. The medical device 10 has a fluid source 11 to which a fluid regulator 12 is fluidly connected. Attached to the fluid regulator 12 is an instrument through which a fluid flow can be conducted, provided by the fluid regulator 12. In addition, in the one embodiment of the medical device 10 illustrated here, a high voltage source 14 is provided for providing a high voltage to the instrument 13. The instrument 13 may be electrically connected to the high voltage source 14.

In one embodiment, an argon gas flow provided by fluid regulator 12 to instrument 13 flows through the instrument and flows at the outlet end of instrument 13 and bathes electrode 15. High voltage may be applied to electrode 15 for plasma coagulation.

Illustrated in FIG. 1 medical device 10 is just an example. The fluid regulator 12 according to the invention can also be applied to other medical devices 10.

The fluid regulator 12 has a fluid control circuit 19 and a control circuit 20. The fluid control circuit 19 comprises at least one, and in one embodiment, several, fluid control components 21 that communicate with the fluid channel system 22 of the control circuit 19 fluid. The fluid channel system 22 and the fluid control components 21 communicate between the inlet connection 23 and the outlet connection 24 of the fluid regulator 12 or the fluid control circuit 19 . Fluid source 11 can be connected to inlet connection 23. Tool 13 can be connected to supply fluid to outlet connection 24.

The fluid control components 21 are fluid permeable. In one embodiment, the fluid control circuit 19 has a switching valve 26, a pressure control valve 27 and a proportional valve 28 as an actuator. Optionally, the fluid control circuit 19 may also have a filter 29. The filter 29 is preferably located downstream immediately after the inlet connection 23.

In one embodiment, the control circuit 20 has a control device 30 that provides at least one control signal S for at least one adjustable fluid control component 21. By way of example, it is possible to control at least a switching valve 26 and a proportional valve 28 by a control signal S from the control device 30, respectively. The control device 30 can transmit at least one input signal E, which can be at least one input signal E in the form of a sensor signal or a measurement signal. In the illustrated in FIG. 2, in one embodiment, several sensor nodes 31 are provided which supply different input signals E in the form of sensor signals. For example, the inlet pressure at the connection at the inlet connection 23 or at the filter 29 can be registered and transmitted to the control device 30 by means of one pressure sensor, and the outlet pressure at the outlet connection 24 by another pressure sensor.

In addition, in one embodiment, the fluid flow controller 12 has a flow detection device 32 that registers a volume flow or mass flow along the length of the flow measurement channel 33 of the fluid channel system 22, or registers volume flow or mass flow signals. According to the hydraulic diagram in Fig. 2, the fluid control circuit 19 has a switching device, with the flow recording device 32 located upstream of the proportional valve 28. The proportional valve 28, which is an actuator for controlling the mass or volume flow to the instrument 13, is preferably located upstream immediately upstream of outlet connection 24. As an example, provision is made for positioning a pressure control valve 27 upstream of the flow recorder 32 such that upstream of the flow recorder 32, the predetermined fluid pressure that is applied from the inlet side to the channel prevails. 33 flow measurements. Upstream of the pressure control valve 27 is a switching valve 26 with which the flow of fluid can be released or blocked.

In one embodiment, the flow recording device 32 has two sensor assemblies 31, which respectively register the pressure difference between two measuring points spaced apart in the flow measurement channel 33 and transmit it to the control device 30. By means of the pressure difference, the control device 30 has the ability to register the measured the value of the volumetric flow rate or the measured value of the mass flow rate flowing through the channel 33 measurement of the fluid. The measuring points of both sensor assemblies 31 are, by way of example, located in different sections of the channel with different flow cross sections. As a result, the entire measurement area can be enlarged to determine the mass or volume flow.

An embodiment for the flow recorder 32 is schematically illustrated in FIG. 10. The flow measurement channel 33 has a first channel section 33a, a second channel section 33b, as well as a channel connecting section 33c disposed therebetween. The first channel section 33a, the channel connection section 33c, and the second channel section 33b are arranged in series in the fluid flow direction F. The first channel section 33a has a larger flow cross section than the second channel section 33b. In the region of the connecting section 33 c of the channel, the flow cross section of the channel 33 for measuring the flow is narrowed. The transverse contour of the flow measurement channel 33 is preferably substantially circular.

In the first section 33A of the channel in the direction of flow F end placed at a distance from each other two channels 34 pressure measurement of the first pair 35 channels of pressure measurement. In the second channel portion 33b of the flow measurement channel 33 in the flow direction F, two pressure measurement channels 34 spaced apart from each other of the second pair 36 of the pressure measurement channels terminate. Within each channel section 33a, 33b, the flow cross section of the flow measurement channel 33 remains unchanged. Due to the friction of the fluid as it flows along the flow measurement channel 33, a pressure drop occurs between the pressure measurement channels 34 of the corresponding pair of pressure measurement channels 35 . A pressure sensor 37 is connected to each pressure measurement channel 34, each pressure sensor 37 producing and transmitting further to the control device 30 a pressure signal that corresponds to the pressure of the fluid at the location where the pressure measurement channel 34 terminates in the flow measurement channel 33. In this one embodiment, the respective measuring orifice 38 is formed by the channel wall of the respective channel section 33a between the confluences of the pressure measuring channels 34 of one pair 35 or 36 of the pressure measuring channels. In the control device 30, two pressure signals, in particular two pressure signals of pressure sensors 37 that belong to the same pair of pressure measurement channels 35 or 36, can be used to set the mass flow rate or the volume flow rate for the fluid flowing through the measurement channel 33 .

It is also possible to connect to the pressure measurement channels 34 one or each of the pairs 35 or 36 pressure measurement channels of a differential pressure transmitter.

The above-described hydraulic construction of the fluid control components 21 in the fluid control circuit 19 with respect to flow direction F represents an aspect of the invention that can be implemented independently of the other aspects described in the following. By placing the flow recording device 32 upstream of the actuator proportional valve 28, volume flow or mass flow can be measured independently of the load, which is generated, for example, by tool 13. The adjustment of proportional valve 28 is incorporated in the control device 30 , since the adjustment is predetermined by the control signal S from the control device 30. If necessary, the adjustment can take into account the set value of the volume or mass flow.

Other additional or alternative aspects of the fluid regulator 12 according to the invention relate to achieving a compact and simple construction and/or manufacture and/or installation of the fluid regulator 12. These aspects of the invention are explained in the following with reference to FIGS. 3-9.

In FIG. 3 schematically illustrates an embodiment of the mechanical construction of a fluid regulator 12. In this one embodiment, the fluid regulator 12 has a first carrier 45 with a first mounting surface 46 and a first attachment surface 47, and a second carrier 48 with a second mounting surface 49 and a second attachment surface 50. In one embodiment, the first mounting surface the surface 46 is made to accommodate at least one fluid control component 21 of the fluid control circuit 19. The fluid control components 21 may be attached primarily directly to the first mounting surface 46, as illustrated in FIG. 3. The first mounting surface 46 and the first attachment surface 47 are, by way of example, opposite sides of the first carrier 45. Similarly, the second mounting surface 49 and the second attachment surface 50 are opposite sides of the second carrier 48.

Preferably, the first mounting surface 46 and/or the second mounting surface 49 extend flat. The first attachment surface 47 has, by way of example, primarily a coherent flat surface portion 47a which extends in a plane that is preferably directed parallel to the plane in which the first attachment surface 46 extends. The second attachment surface 50 has, by way of example, first of all, a cohesive flat surface portion 50a which extends in a plane which is preferably directed parallel to the plane in which the second mounting surface 49 extends.

The connecting surfaces 47, 50 are designed to realize the connection between both bearing parts 45, 48, and the even surface areas 47a, 50a of the connecting surfaces 47, 50 can be adjacent to each other or can be placed facing each other with the formation of an intermediate space.

The second mounting surface 49 is exemplary designed to accommodate at least one electrical and/or electronic component of the control circuit 20. As illustrated in FIG. 3, some, and preferably all, of the electrical and/or electronic components 51 of the control circuit 20 are placed on a circuit board assembly 52 that is secured to a second mounting surface 49. The circuit board assembly 52 has a plurality of component-bearing circuit board portions 53 that are electrically and mechanically are connected to each other by means of flexible connection sections 54. The flexible connection sections 54 are integral parts of both component-bearing circuit board sections 53, which are connected to each other by means of respective flexible connection sections 54. Therefore, the circuit board assembly 52 is generally integrated, and the plug connectors and plug-in connections with connecting cables between the two circuit board sections 53 can be omitted.

Furthermore, it is preferable that the electrical and/or electronic components 51 of the control circuit 20 are placed on that side of the circuit board assembly 52 that faces the second mounting surface 49. Preferably, on the opposite second mounting surface 49, the underside of the circuit board assembly 52 is not provided any electrical and/or electronic components 51. Thereby, the components 51 are securely housed in the intermediate space between the circuit board assembly 52 and the second carrier 48, which facilitates handling during installation.

As also shown in FIG. 3, one or more electrical control lines 55 may be routed from the control circuit 20 to one or more fluid control components 21, by way of example a switching valve 26 and a proportional valve 28. Through these control lines 55, the respective component can be controlled. 21 fluid control with control circuit 20.

In one embodiment, at least one electrical and/or electronic component 51 of the control circuit 20 owns the device 30, as well as the pressure sensors 37 of the flow recording device 32 and, optionally, additional pressure sensors for recording inlet pressure and/or outlet pressure (cf. Fig. 2).

In one embodiment, the circuit board assembly 52 and, as an example, component-bearing circuit board portions 53 are connected to the mounting surface 49 via one or more mounting pins. The mounting pins 56 are, by way of example, an integral part of the second carrier 48 and protrude, for example, at right angles away from the second mounting surface 49. Each mounting pin 56 may preferably have a circular cross section and also have an internal thread on its free end. Mounting holes may be provided in the component-bearing sections of the circuit boards, which correspond to the pattern of the mounting pins 56. schematically illustrated in Fig. 3.

The first attachment surface 47 of the first carrier 45 has at least one first fluid channel recess and, in one embodiment, several first fluid channel recesses 60. The fluid channel recesses 60 are formed by grooved recesses which are recessed with respect to the flat surface portion 47a of the first attachment surface 47. In cross section along their extent, the first fluid channel recesses 60 are preferably semi-circular. In one embodiment, each first fluid channel recess 60 extends in a straight line. As an alternative to the preferred embodiment, one or more of the first fluid channel recesses 60 may also have an arcuate or curved course in the direction of their extension along the first attachment surface 47.

In addition, the first carrier part 45 is provided with a plurality of first branch channels 61 which extend from the first attachment surface 47 up to the first mounting surface 46. In one embodiment, the first branch channels 61 terminate respectively in one of the first fluid channel recesses 60 . Preferably, at least two first channel branches 61 terminate in each first recess 60 of the fluid channel. Through the first branch channels 61, communication can be realized between one or more of the fluid control components 21 and the first fluid channel recesses 60.

In the second attachment surface 50 of the second bearing part 48, by way of example, several second recesses 62 of the fluid channels are provided. The second recesses 62 of the fluid channels can be made corresponding to the first recesses 60 of the fluid channels, and in one embodiment form a grooved recess, preferably with a semicircular cross-section in their direction of extension. The second recesses 62 of the fluid channels are recessed with respect to the flat surface portion 50a of the second attachment surface 50.

The second carrier 48 may be provided with second branch channels 63 which, when assembled, extend between the second mounting surface 49 and the second attachment surface 50 and terminate in one or more of the second fluid channel recesses 62. In the one embodiment illustrated here, all second branch channels 63 terminate in a single second fluid channel recess 62, these second branch channels 63 respectively forming a pressure measurement channel 34 of the flow recording device 32 or being an integral part of the corresponding pressure measurement channel 34 . In the one embodiment illustrated here, each pressure measurement passage 34 has a section terminating in the second fluid passage recess 62, which is formed by a second branch passage 63, the second branch passage 63 adjoining another section of the pressure measurement passage 34, which is formed within the nozzle 64. The nozzle 64 extends, obliquely or at right angles, away from the second mounting surface 49 to the free end 65. At this free end 65, a pressure sensor 37 associated with the pressure measurement channel 34 is connected to the pressure measurement channel 34.

The placement of the pressure sensor in the nozzle 64 is schematically illustrated in FIG. 9. By way of example, the pressure sensor 37 has a measuring element 66 which protrudes into the pressure measuring channel 34 and is annularly closed by a radial sealing element 67. The radial sealing element 67 is seated in an annular recess 68 in the region of the free end 65 of the pipe 64. It rests on the peripheral wall of the annular recess 68 with its radially outer side, and on the measuring element 66 with its radially inner side, thus providing a radial sealing effect. As shown in FIG. 7, all the pressure sensors 37 of the flow recorder 32 are respectively located on one single nozzle 64, and are preferably mounted on a common component-bearing section 53 of the circuit board.

Both load-bearing parts 45, 48 are mechanically connected to each other by their connecting surfaces 47, 50 facing each other, and the even surface area 47a of the first attachment surface 47 can be adjacent to the even surface area 50a of the second attachment surface 50 or it can be placed with the formation of a gap or intermediate space. By way of example, the first fluid channel recesses 60 and the second fluid channel recesses 62 are selected such that respectively one first fluid channel recess 60 and one second fluid channel recess 62 form or otherwise delimit in the area of the parting plane or the separation point. between both bearing parts 45, 48 the main channel 72 of the fluid (Fig. 8). Since four first fluid channel recesses 60 and four second fluid channel recesses 62 are provided, by way of example, four main fluid channels 72 are obtained.

One of these second main fluid channels 72 forms the flow measurement channel 33 . As shown in FIG. 4 and 6, one of the first recesses 60 of the fluid channel and the second recess 62 of the fluid channel aligned with it have, respectively, one section with a large cross section, and also, respectively, one section with a smaller cross section, which are connected to each other by means of a tapering site. These fluid channel recesses may be referred to as the first measurement channel recess 73 or alternatively as the second measurement channel recess 74. In the second recess 74 of the measuring channel, two pressure measuring channels 34 of the first pair 35 of pressure measuring channels and two pressure measuring channels 34 of the second pair 36 of pressure measuring channels terminate. With regard to other embodiments of the flow measurement device 32, reference is made to the above comments, especially with reference to FIGS. 2 and 10.

Unlike the preferred embodiment shown here, it is also possible that the first fluid channel recess 60 defines the main fluid channel 72 together with the flat surface portion 50a of the second attachment surface 50 and/or that the second fluid channel recess 62 defines the main fluid passage 72 in conjunction with the flat surface portion 47a of the first attachment surface 47. Therefore, there is no need to provide matched first and second recesses 60 and 62 of the fluid passages to form the main fluid passage 72.

For sealing both bearing parts 45, 48, a sealing unit 78 is provided in the area of the connecting surfaces 47, 50, which is roughly illustrated in FIG. 4. In one embodiment, the seal assembly 78 has a plurality of separate O-rings 79. In one embodiment, each O-ring 79 is nested in a first annular groove 80 on the first attachment surface 47 of the first carrier 45. The first annular groove 80 suitably completely encloses the first recess 60 fluid channel. The first annular groove 80 is dimensioned such that the nested annular seal 79 protrudes from the first annular groove 80 and over the flat surface portion 47a of the first attachment surface 47.

In one embodiment, second annular grooves 81 are also provided in the second attachment surface 50, which respectively completely surround the second recess 62 of the fluid channel. The second annular grooves 81 can be made corresponding to the first annular grooves 80. When the first bearing part 45 and the second bearing part 48 are connected to each other with their facing connecting surfaces 47, 50, each annular seal 79 sits in the first annular groove 80 and in second annular groove 81, as schematically illustrated in FIG. 8. This ensures very good positioning of the O-ring 79 as well as a suitable sealing effect.

As a modification of the preferred embodiment, at least one annular groove 80 or 81 can also be provided in only one of the bearing parts 45, 48 to seal the main fluid channel 72 formed after the connection of the supporting parts 45, 48. As another modification, between the two bearing parts 45, 48 can be placed a lamellar sealing element, which in the area of the first recesses 60 of the fluid channels and the second recesses 62 of the fluid channels has corresponding recesses or openings, and fits around the first 60 recesses of the fluid channels and around the second recesses 62 fluid channels to flat surface areas 47a, 50a of attachment surfaces 47, 50.

In another one embodiment, the sealing assembly 78 may be connected to one of the load-bearing parts also by means of a permanent connection or an adhesive connection. For example, the sealing assembly 78 may be bonded to one of the attachment surfaces 47, 50 or may be attached to the carrier member 45, 48 when the carrier members 45, 48 are manufactured by two-component injection molding.

In a preferred embodiment, the carrier parts 45, 48 are made of a transparent material, at least in the area of their attachment surfaces 47, 50, or alternatively, completely. In this way, in the connected, assembled state, a visual check can be made to ensure that the O-rings 79 are correctly positioned in the annular grooves 80 or 81, and that the sealing effect is ensured.

Another independent aspect of the fluid regulator 12 according to the invention relates to the manufacture of the support members 45, 48. Preferably, the support members 45, 48 are made as injection molded parts. In this case, the mold closing direction is preferably chosen in such a way that the mold closing direction coincides with the extension direction of the branches 61, 63. The mold closing direction in an injection molding is the direction in which both parts of the injection mold move relative to each other. for closing the injection mold or for opening the injection mold.

Each channel-branch 61, 63 of the bearing part 45, 48 is made free from undercuts in the longitudinal direction from one end to the other end, respectively. In this longitudinal direction, the branch channel 61, 63 can be made conically tapered. Each first branch channel 61 extends free of undercuts, either from the first mounting surface 46 to the first mounting surface 47, or vice versa, from the first mounting surface 47 to the first mounting surface 46. Similarly, each second branch channel 63 extends free of undercuts. from the first attachment surface 50 to the first mounting surface 49 or to the free end of the nozzle 64, or vice versa, from the free end of the nozzle 64 or from the second mounting surface 49 to the second attachment surface 50. By means of such an undercut-free embodiment of the branch channels 61, 63 the carrier part 45, 48 can be made in a very simple way as an injection molded part.

The invention relates to a fluid regulator 12 for a medical device 10, especially a medical device for plasma coagulation. The fluid regulator 12 has a fluid control circuit 19 with at least one fluid control component 21 . To control at least one fluid control component 21, a control circuit 20 with at least one electrical and/or electronic component 51 is provided. the first attachment surface 47 is provided with at least one first recess 60 of the fluid channel and/or in the second attachment surface 47 at least one second recess 62 of the fluid channel. Thus, when connecting the bearing parts 45, 48 facing each other connecting surfaces 47, 50 form at least one main channel 72 of the fluid in the region of the separation point. Thus, each main fluid channel 72 is partially delimited by the first carrier 45 and partially by the second carrier 48. On the first carrier 45, a first mounting surface 46 for at least one fluid control component 21 may be provided. On the second carrier piece 48, a second mounting surface 49 may be provided for at least one electrical and/or electronic component 51 of the control circuit 20. In addition or alternatively to mounting the components on the mounting surfaces 46, 49, the carrier members 45, 48 may be configured as injection molded parts. Another independent aspect relates to the hydraulic circuit in the fluid control loop 19, wherein the flow recording device 32 is located upstream of the actuator, through which it is possible to control the flow of fluid through the control circuit 20 through the outlet connection 24 of the fluid regulator 12 or its adjustments.

Reference designation list:

10 Medical device

11 Fluid source

12 Fluid regulator

13 Tool

14 High voltage source

15 Electrode

19 Fluid control circuit

20 Control circuit

21 Fluid control component

22 Fluid channel system

23 Inlet connection

24 Outlet connection

26 Changeover valve

27 Pressure control valve

28 Proportional valve

29 Filter

30 Master

31 Sensor assemblies

32 Flow recorder

33 Flow measurement channel

33а The first section of the canal

33b Second channel section

33s Connecting section of the channel

34 Pressure measurement channel

35 First pair of pressure channels

36 Second pair of pressure channels

37 Pressure sensor

38 Measuring aperture

45 First load-bearing part

46 First mounting surface

47 First connection surface

47a Smooth surface area of the first attachment surface

48 Second load-bearing part

49 Second mounting surface

50 Second attachment surface

50a Smooth surface area of the second attachment surface

51 Electrical and/or electronic component

52 Circuit board assembly

53 Component-supporting section of the mounting plate

54 Flexible connector

55 Control line

56 Mounting pin

60 First Fluid Channel Removal

61 First branch channel

62 Second fluid channel recess

63 Second branch channel

64 Spigot

65 Free end of pipe

66 Measuring element

67 Radial seal

68 Annular recess

72 Main fluid channel

73 First notch of the measuring channel

74 Second notch of the measuring channel

78 Sealing assembly

79 O-ring

80 First annular groove

81 Second annular groove

E Input signal

F Flow direction

C control signal.

Claims (20)

1. A fluid regulator for a medical device, having: - a fluid control loop, which has a system of fluid channels and at least one fluid control component, which are placed between the inlet connection and the outlet connection, - a control circuit comprising at least one electrical and/or electronic component and configured to control at least one fluid control component of the fluid control circuit, - a first carrier piece which has a first mounting surface and a first attachment surface, and a second carrier member which has a second mounting surface and a second attachment surface, wherein at least one fluid control component of the fluid control circuit and at least one electrical and/or electronic component of the control circuit are placed on the mounting surfaces of the supporting parts, moreover, at least one first recess of the fluid channel is provided in the first connecting surface, and/or at least one second recess of the fluid channel is provided in the second connecting surface, and both bearing parts are connected to each other by their connecting surfaces in such a way that at least one first fluid channel recess and/or at least one second fluid channel recess define(s) at least one main fluid channel of the fluid channel system. 2. The fluid regulator according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one main fluid channel of the system of fluid channels is formed by the first recess of the fluid channel and the second recess of the fluid channel aligned with it. 3. The fluid regulator according to claim 2, characterized in that each first fluid channel recess and each second fluid channel recess have a semicircular cross section. 4. The fluid regulator according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first carrier piece and the second carrier piece are formed by an injection molded piece. 5. The fluid regulator according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first carrier part is provided with at least one first branch channel which extends between the first mounting surface and the first connection surface and is free from undercuts at least in the longitudinal direction from the first mounting surface to the first mounting surface, or from the first mounting surface to the first mounting surface. 6. Fluid regulator according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second carrier part is provided with at least one second branch channel which extends between the second mounting surface and the second attachment surface and is free from undercuts at least in the longitudinal direction from the second mounting surface to the second mounting surface or from the second mounting surface to the second mounting surface. 7. A fluid regulator according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a sealing assembly is placed between the first attachment surface and the second attachment surface. 8. A fluid regulator according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that one or more first fluid channel recesses and/or one or more second fluid channel recesses form main fluid channels which are separated from each other in the connection surfaces. 9. The fluid regulator according to paragraphs. 7 and 8, characterized in that the seal assembly has annular seals, each annular seal surrounding the main fluid channel of the fluid channel system. 10. A fluid regulator according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that all fluid control components are located on the first mounting surface. 11. A fluid regulator according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that all electrical and/or electronic components are located on the second mounting surface. 12. The fluid regulator according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the main fluid channel of the system of fluid channels forms a flow measurement channel, and at least one pair of pressure measurement channels with two measurement channels is provided in at least one of the supporting parts pressures that terminate in the flow measurement channel at a distance from each other in the direction of flow. 13. The fluid regulator according to claim 12, characterized in that a separate pressure sensor is connected to each of the pressure measurement channels, or a differential pressure sensor is connected to the pressure measurement channels of a pair of pressure measurement channels. 14. The fluid regulator according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that a first pair of pressure measurement channels is provided, the pressure measurement channels of which terminate in the first section of the flow measurement channel having a first cross-flow section, and a second pair of pressure measurement channels is provided, the measurement channels the pressure of which ends in the second section of the flow measurement channel having a second cross-flow section, the first and second cross-flow sections being of different sizes. 15. The fluid regulator according to claim 14, characterized in that at least two pressure values measured by pressure sensors are transmitted to the control device or to the evaluation unit of the control circuit, made to establish the value of the mass or volumetric flow rate of the fluid through the flow measurement channel.

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