EP2805771B1 - Unité de préparation de fluide avec dispositif de soupape et procédé de fonctionnement d'une unité de préparation de fluide avec un dispositif de soupape - Google Patents

Unité de préparation de fluide avec dispositif de soupape et procédé de fonctionnement d'une unité de préparation de fluide avec un dispositif de soupape Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2805771B1
EP2805771B1 EP14164950.9A EP14164950A EP2805771B1 EP 2805771 B1 EP2805771 B1 EP 2805771B1 EP 14164950 A EP14164950 A EP 14164950A EP 2805771 B1 EP2805771 B1 EP 2805771B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
fluid
substrate layer
diaphragm
closure
fluid container
Prior art date
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Application number
EP14164950.9A
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German (de)
English (en)
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EP2805771A2 (fr
EP2805771A3 (fr
Inventor
Juergen Steigert
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Robert Bosch GmbH
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Robert Bosch GmbH
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Publication of EP2805771A3 publication Critical patent/EP2805771A3/fr
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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
    • B01L3/00—Containers or dishes for laboratory use, e.g. laboratory glassware; Droppers
    • B01L3/50—Containers for the purpose of retaining a material to be analysed, e.g. test tubes
    • B01L3/502—Containers for the purpose of retaining a material to be analysed, e.g. test tubes with fluid transport, e.g. in multi-compartment structures
    • B01L3/5027—Containers for the purpose of retaining a material to be analysed, e.g. test tubes with fluid transport, e.g. in multi-compartment structures by integrated microfluidic structures, i.e. dimensions of channels and chambers are such that surface tension forces are important, e.g. lab-on-a-chip
    • B01L3/502738—Containers for the purpose of retaining a material to be analysed, e.g. test tubes with fluid transport, e.g. in multi-compartment structures by integrated microfluidic structures, i.e. dimensions of channels and chambers are such that surface tension forces are important, e.g. lab-on-a-chip characterised by integrated valves
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
    • B01L2200/00—Solutions for specific problems relating to chemical or physical laboratory apparatus
    • B01L2200/16—Reagents, handling or storing thereof
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
    • B01L2300/00—Additional constructional details
    • B01L2300/08—Geometry, shape and general structure
    • B01L2300/0809—Geometry, shape and general structure rectangular shaped
    • B01L2300/0816—Cards, e.g. flat sample carriers usually with flow in two horizontal directions
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
    • B01L2300/00—Additional constructional details
    • B01L2300/08—Geometry, shape and general structure
    • B01L2300/0861—Configuration of multiple channels and/or chambers in a single devices
    • B01L2300/0867—Multiple inlets and one sample wells, e.g. mixing, dilution
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
    • B01L2300/00—Additional constructional details
    • B01L2300/08—Geometry, shape and general structure
    • B01L2300/0861—Configuration of multiple channels and/or chambers in a single devices
    • B01L2300/0874—Three dimensional network
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
    • B01L2300/00—Additional constructional details
    • B01L2300/08—Geometry, shape and general structure
    • B01L2300/0887—Laminated structure
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
    • B01L2400/00—Moving or stopping fluids
    • B01L2400/04—Moving fluids with specific forces or mechanical means
    • B01L2400/0475—Moving fluids with specific forces or mechanical means specific mechanical means and fluid pressure
    • B01L2400/0487—Moving fluids with specific forces or mechanical means specific mechanical means and fluid pressure fluid pressure, pneumatics
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
    • B01L2400/00—Moving or stopping fluids
    • B01L2400/06—Valves, specific forms thereof
    • B01L2400/0677—Valves, specific forms thereof phase change valves; Meltable, freezing, dissolvable plugs; Destructible barriers
    • B01L2400/0683—Valves, specific forms thereof phase change valves; Meltable, freezing, dissolvable plugs; Destructible barriers mechanically breaking a wall or membrane within a channel or chamber

Definitions

  • 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.
  • test carrier or a disposable cartridge contains structures and mechanisms for the implementation of the basic fluidic operations (e.g. mixer). 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.
  • Pneumatic platforms are a conventional approach for implementing lab-on-chip systems. Active control of fluids on lab-on-chip cartridges requires valves that are in a fluidic network are integrated. A membrane can be deflected by applying an overpressure in a pneumatic structure. The membrane thereby presses off a fluidic channel, whereby a fluid flow comes to a standstill. This valve shape is also referred to as a "normally open” valve. However, "normally closed” valves are also required, ie valves which close the fluidic channel in the inactivated state and only release it in the actuated state. Typically, predetermined breaking points or reversible blockages such as materials with highly thermally dependent volumes or phase transitions between "solid” and "liquid” are used.
  • a direction of a liquid can be controlled during the operation of a LoC system.
  • the elastomeric membrane materials used in conventional membrane valves have a high gas and liquid permeability, so that a direct pre-storage of liquids such as buffers (e.g. 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.
  • a leakage rate also occurs in the case of liquid media, which means that liquids cannot be retained for a longer period of time (e.g. longer than a day). Furthermore, this conventional valve principle is not suitable for realizing "normally closed" valves.
  • a microvalve which has a titanium membrane suspended from a frame with a central opening and a polyimide membrane arranged on the titanium membrane opposite the central opening.
  • the present invention provides an improved valve device in a fluid supply unit and a method for Operate such a valve device presented.
  • Advantageous configurations result from the respective subclaims and the following description.
  • 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 can be derived from such a fluid container.
  • a fluid supply unit can be understood to mean, for example, a microfluidic system, in particular a lab-on-chip system. Using such a valve device, fluids, in particular upstream reagents, can be separated from one another with high reliability.
  • a sealing membrane can be understood to mean, for example, a film.
  • a film can be compatible with the fluids used, in particular biological liquids. Suitable materials are, for example, polymers, metal foils (in particular aluminum foils) or Multi-layer or composite films, through which the desired properties can be combined. Using such a film, fluids can be sealed in a fluid-tight manner for a particularly long time in a fluid container.
  • such a film can have mechanical properties which cause the film to tear or break from a threshold value of, for example, 100 mbar.
  • the film can be provided with a predetermined breaking point.
  • a predetermined breaking point can be realized, for example, by weakening in the form of thickness fluctuations, or by post-treatment such as laser ablation, (thermo) pressing or punching. Such a film can thus be destroyed by means of a defined pressure.
  • a sealing point can be understood to mean, for example, a joint or joint through which the sealing membrane is connected to the fluid container in a fluid-tight manner.
  • a joint or joint can, for example, be an adhesive or comprise an adhesive material.
  • Such a joint or joint can also be applied to the sealing membrane as an adhesion promoter, for example made of polymer material.
  • Such a joint or joint can advantageously be produced, for example, by means of laser welding processes, ultrasound bonding or other thermal processes.
  • the joint or joint can be designed to be reversible, so that the joint breaks, for example, when pressure is exerted on the sealing membrane and can subsequently be closed again.
  • a reversible joining can be realized, for example, by peel seams, as are used in particular in stickpacks, but also by joining, which become unstable under thermal stress (for example at temperatures between 45 and 150 degrees), or by joining, in particular from foils, which have a thickness of up to 150 ⁇ m and break from a pressure of 100 mbar.
  • Such a reversible joining can ensure that the film is less than an opening pressure when the pressure exerted on the closure unit Opening the joint or joint remains intact or is closed again in a fluid-tight manner.
  • the joint or joint can be made irreversible, so that the joint or joint is opened, for example, to a pressure exerted on the closure membrane and cannot be closed again.
  • Such a very simple and inexpensive irreversible joining or joining point can ensure that the film is destroyed when a pressure is exerted on the closure unit and that a fluid located in the fluid container 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.
  • a means can be designed to destroy the sealing membrane or the sealing point.
  • the fluid can be switched or released with high reliability, in particular within a microfluidic system.
  • the present approach creates a (for example "normally closed") valve device which, on the one hand, enables the long-term stable storage of fluids and, on the other hand, enables controlled switching of a fluid by means of a fluid pressure.
  • a fluid-tight sealing membrane is arranged on a fluid container, for example by means of a joint, in such a way that the fluid over a longer period, in particular longer than half a year, is sealed fluid-tight in the fluid container.
  • the valve device also comprises a means for applying such pressure to the sealing membrane or the joint that the sealing membrane or the joint breaks and thus releases the fluid.
  • the valve device is arranged in a housing for receiving the valve device, the housing having a multilayer structure comprising a first substrate layer, a second substrate layer and a deformable membrane.
  • the deformable membrane is arranged between the first and the second substrate layer, the deformable membrane at least partially forming the means for exerting the fluid pressure.
  • the sealing membrane is designed as a metal foil, in particular aluminum foil, or a multilayer or as a composite foil.
  • a housing can be understood to mean, for example, a multi-layer lab-on-chip cartridge.
  • a cartridge can consist, for example, of two thermoplastic substrates as the first and second substrate layers, which are joined together as a deformable membrane, in particular by laser welding of an elastomeric membrane in between.
  • Such a housing can be manufactured particularly inexpensively.
  • a partial volume of the fluid container and a further fluid container can be formed as a recess in the second substrate layer, the closure unit being able to fluidly separate the fluid container and the further fluid container from one another.
  • a fluid can thus advantageously be stored in the fluid container over a particularly long period of time without the fluid passing into the further fluid container.
  • Part of the fluid container can be arranged as a connecting channel in the first substrate layer.
  • a connecting channel By means of such a connecting channel, a fluid can be conveyed from the fluid container into the further fluid container if necessary, in particular for carrying out biochemical processes.
  • Such a connecting channel can advantageously be designed with a small cross section, for example less than 500 ⁇ m, so that a dead volume of the connecting channel is as small as possible.
  • Such Connection channel be provided with a gas bubble as a "run-up section" in order to better transmit the fluid pressure.
  • the deformable membrane can have a recess for receiving the closure membrane in a region of an opening of the further fluid container, wherein the connection channel can open into the recess and wherein the closure membrane can close the connection channel in a fluid-tight manner.
  • a recess offers the advantage that the sealing membrane can be arranged in the housing of the valve device in a space-saving manner.
  • the recess can be designed as a clamping fit.
  • the clamping fit can be designed to clamp the sealing membrane between the deformable membrane and the first and / or the second substrate layer.
  • an edge region of the closure membrane can rest on two opposite projections of the deformable membrane.
  • the closure membrane can be arranged between the connection channel and a further connection channel, wherein the further connection channel can be formed in the second substrate layer and connected to the further fluid container.
  • the sealing membrane can have essentially the same thickness as the deformable membrane. Because the fluid container in which the fluid is located and the further fluid container are separated only by the sealing membrane, in particular, for example, a thin film, the connecting channel can be reduced to a minimum.
  • the connection channel and the further connection channel can thus be designed with a dead volume of less than 500 ⁇ L, in particular less than 10 ⁇ L, a cross section the connecting channel and the further connecting channel is less than 500 ⁇ m.
  • a deflection chamber can be formed in the valve device 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 can face the second substrate layer, the deformable membrane having an evasion region in a region of the deflection chamber opening which is designed to be deformed by the fluid pressure in the direction of the deflection chamber.
  • a deflection chamber can generally be understood to mean 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.
  • the escape area can be pressed onto a sealing seat, for example.
  • an additional connecting channel can be dispensed with by means of such a deflection chamber.
  • the avoidance area can be reversibly connected or connectable to the second substrate layer.
  • a (for example, reversible) joint 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 certain threshold value in the process.
  • the sealing membrane can be formed as an integral part of the deformable membrane.
  • a sealing film can be understood to mean, for example, a composite film in which an elastomeric material of the deformable membrane is combined with a fluid-tight material of the sealing membrane. Because such a composite film can also be used as a diffusion barrier, an additional sealing membrane can be dispensed with.
  • the deformable membrane can have an opening in which the closure membrane can be arranged, wherein the opening can be designed to act together with the first and / or second sub-latching layer as a fluid pressure change chamber.
  • a fluid pressure change chamber can be understood to mean an opening of the deformable membrane connected to the fluid container, through which opening the fluid pressure can be directed to a side of the closure membrane opposite a joining side of the closure membrane in such a way that the closure membrane breaks. Since the sealing 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 membrane can have a deflection region which is designed to be deformed by an actuation pressure in the direction of the fluid container in order to provide the fluid pressure.
  • a deflection area can be understood to mean an area of the deformable membrane that is not firmly connected to a substrate layer and can thus be deflected in the direction of the fluid container.
  • An actuation pressure can in particular be understood to mean 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 reliable switching of the fluid with only a few inexpensive components.
  • a pneumatic connection can be provided in order to pneumatically guide the actuation pressure to the deflection area.
  • a pneumatic connection can be understood to mean a device for generating a pneumatic pressure, the device being designed to guide the pneumatic pressure into the valve device.
  • the actuation pressure required to generate the fluid pressure can be permanently provided by means of such a pneumatic connection.
  • such a pneumatic connection in particular if it is designed as a channel, can be provided with a gas bubble as a “run-up section” in order to better transmit the actuation pressure to the deflection area.
  • such a pneumatic connection can also serve, for example, the fluid to be transported further, in particular if the pneumatic connection is connected to the further fluid container.
  • the approach presented here creates a method for operating a valve device in a fluid supply unit, the method comprising a step of providing a fluid container, a closure unit with a closure membrane and a sealing point, and a means for exerting a fluid pressure on at least one side of the closure membrane.
  • 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.
  • the closure membrane and / or the sealing point is designed to be at least partially damaged by the fluid pressure.
  • the method comprises a step of applying the fluid pressure to the closure membrane.
  • Fig. 1 shows a valve device in a fluid supply unit 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 right-angled, U-shaped connecting channel 112, which comprises a first and a second channel section running perpendicular to the first substrate layer 106 and a channel section running horizontally to the first substrate layer 106.
  • the horizontal channel section runs below the cover 104, a side of the cover 104 facing the first substrate layer 106 forming a wall surface of the horizontal channel section.
  • 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 in the second substrate layer 108.
  • the fluid container 114 and the connecting 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 connecting 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.
  • 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 connecting channel 112.
  • the second vertical channel section of the connecting channel 112 opens into the cutout 118.
  • the closure unit 119 consists of a film as the closure membrane 120 and one side of the closure membrane 120 facing the first substrate layer 106, also called the sealing point 121 or the joining surface of the film, the closure membrane 120 being such is connected to the first substrate layer 106 by means of a joint that one end of the second vertical channel section is closed in a fluid-tight manner against the further fluid container 116.
  • the recess 118 is arranged offset from the further fluid container 116, so that the edge region of the further fluid container 116 facing the connecting channel 112 forms a projection opposite the closure membrane 120.
  • a width of the closure membrane 120 is somewhat smaller (for example by 5 or 10 percent) than a width of the recess 118.
  • the deformable membrane 110 forms a deflection region 122 as a means 123 for exerting a fluid pressure on the closure membrane, the deflection region 122 being loosely joined to the first substrate layer 106.
  • the deflection region 122 can thus be deformed in the direction of the fluid container 114 by an actuation pressure.
  • the deflection area 122 is provided with a pneumatic connection 124, which is designed to pneumatically guide the actuation pressure onto the deflection area 122.
  • the pneumatic connection 124 runs through the cover 104 and the first substrate layer 106 and is arranged perpendicularly thereto.
  • the deflection area 122 If the actuation pressure is exerted on the deflection area 122 by means of the pneumatic connection 124, the deflection area 122 is bulged out in the direction of the fluid container 114. The liquid contained in the fluid container 114 is compressed since the liquid is enclosed in the fluid container 114 and in the connecting channel 112 due to the sealing membrane 120. The resulting fluid pressure acts on the sealing membrane 120. If the fluid pressure is strong enough, either the sealing membrane 120 breaks or the joint between the sealing membrane 120 and the first substrate layer 106, so that the liquid flows into the further fluid container 116.
  • the 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), which are joined by laser welding of an elastomeric membrane 110 (layer 2) located in between.
  • Two chambers 114 and 116 are connected to one another via a connecting channel 112.
  • the connecting channel 112 or the transition from the connecting channel to the chamber 116 is interrupted by means of a film 120.
  • the film 120 has a low gas and liquid permeability.
  • the embodiment shown is designed to be irreversible, so that the joining can withstand the applied actuation pressure.
  • the channel 112 is released in that the film 120 breaks or tears. Due to its mechanical properties, the film 120 can tear from a threshold pressure (for example greater than 100 mbar). This can be done by the actuation pressure itself, in that the liquid "shoots through" the film 120. In another embodiment (not shown) remains the film 120 is stable under pressure, but the bond with the substrate material 106 breaks.
  • an overpressure builds up in the chamber 114 due to the incompressibility of the liquid or after compression of the stored fluid.
  • the excess pressure leads to the film 120 opening the channel 112 and the liquid being 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.
  • the actuation pressure acts tangentially on the joining side, which leads to the film 120 rolling off.
  • Fig. 2 shows the valve device for a fluid supply unit according to a further embodiment of the present invention.
  • the deformable membrane 110 forms an additional deflection area 126 in the area of the opening of the further fluid container 116 with the same properties as the deflection area 112.
  • the additional deflection area 126 which is provided with an additional pneumatic connection 128 for pneumatically guiding the actuation pressure to the additional deflection area 126 passes through the cover 104 and the first substrate layer 106 and is arranged perpendicularly thereto.
  • the in Fig. 2 shown deformable membrane 110 in the region of the opening of the fluid container 114 an opening 130 in which the sealing membrane 120 is arranged.
  • the closure membrane 120 closes the first vertical channel section in a fluid-tight manner.
  • the opening 130 is designed to act together with the first substrate layer 106 and the second sub-latching layer 108 as a fluid pressure change chamber.
  • the opening 130 is arranged offset to the fluid container 114, so that a width of the projection opposite the closure membrane 120 is slightly larger (for example by 5 or 10 percent) than the width of the closure membrane 120.
  • a height of the opening 130 corresponds to a thickness of the deformable membrane 110.
  • the in Fig. 2 Shown deformable membrane 110 in a peripheral area of the further fluid container 116 facing the connecting channel 112 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.
  • the fluid pressure change chamber is used to apply the fluid pressure to a side of the sealing membrane 120 opposite the joining surface 121, so that the sealing membrane 120 breaks and the liquid flows into the further fluid container 116 via the connecting channel 112.
  • Fig. 3 shows the valve device 100 for a fluid supply unit according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
  • the closure membrane 120 is arranged in a first half facing the first substrate layer 106.
  • a width of the first half is such that there is a clamping fit 132 between the deformable membrane 110 and the closure membrane 120.
  • a width of a second half, which faces the further fluid container 116, also called a drain 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 mutually opposite projections 138 of the deformable membrane 110 rests and is supported by it.
  • FIG. 3 The embodiment shown shows a narrowed area 140 of the further fluid container 116, the narrowed area 140 between the drain channel 134 and the further one Fluid container 116 is formed.
  • a width of the narrowed area 140 corresponds to approximately half (for example 45 to 55 percent) of a width of the further fluid container 116.
  • a height of the narrowed area 140 essentially corresponds to the diameter of the connecting channel 112.
  • the film 120 is additionally supported by the layer 2 110, which is clamped and squeezed between layer 1 106 and layer 3 108 and presses and seals the film 120.
  • an additional joining between film 120 and substrate 106 can be dispensed with.
  • a drainage channel 134 is used, so that the film 120 does not experience any counterforce only in the channel 134, but is supported at the remaining solid angle (the solid angle of FIG Fig. 1 shown is 360 degrees).
  • Fig. 4 shows the valve device 100 in a fluid supply unit according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
  • a deflection chamber 142 which is designed as a recess in the first substrate layer 106 and is arranged 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 an escape region 146 which is designed to be deformed in the direction of the deflection chamber 142 by the fluid pressure.
  • Fig. 4 illustrated embodiment in contrast to Fig. 1 no lid 104 on.
  • a region of the second substrate layer 108 opposite the deflection chamber 142 is designed as a sealing seat 148, in particular as a weakened joining surface of the deformable membrane 110, on which the evasive region 146 rests and which is designed to fluidly separate the fluid container 114 from the further fluid container 116.
  • closure membrane 120 fluid-tight on the fluid container 114.
  • the closure membrane 120 is designed as an integral part of the deformable membrane 110, in particular the deflection area 122, the width of the closure membrane 120 being greater (for example by 5 percent) than a width of the fluid container 114, so that the edge region of the closure membrane 120 extends over the Fluid container 114 extends and is supported by the first substrate layer 108.
  • Part of the border area (in Fig. 4 arranged to the right of the fluid container 114) forms the sealing point 121 adjoining the sealing seat 148, as a result of which the fluid container 114 is closed in a fluid-tight manner against the sealing seat 148.
  • the deflection area 122 If the actuation pressure is exerted on the deflection area 122 with the integrated sealing membrane 120 by means of the pneumatic connection 124, the deflection area 122 is bulged out in the direction of the fluid container 114. The resulting fluid pressure acts on the sealing membrane 120, in particular on the sealing point 121. If the pressure is strong enough, on the one hand the sealing point 121 breaks, and on the other hand the escape area 146 is arched in the direction of the deflection chamber 142 in such a way that the sealing seat 148 is released. The liquid thus 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 layer 2 110, which is pressed onto the sealing seat 148.
  • layer 2 110 can be joined onto the sealing seat 148 using a (for example reversible) joining method (peel seam, thermally unstable bond, mechanically unstable bond), so that the joining breaks as soon as the actuation pressure exceeds a threshold value.
  • a (for example reversible) joining method peel seam, thermally unstable bond, mechanically unstable bond
  • Fig. 5 shows the valve device 100 in a fluid supply unit according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
  • This exemplary embodiment has a five-layer structure consisting of the cover 104, the first substrate layer 106, the deformable membrane 110, the second substrate layer 108 and a base plate 152.
  • the Base plate 152 is arranged on the underside of the housing 102 opposite the cover 104.
  • connection channel 154 which is formed between the sealing membrane 120 and the further fluid container 116 in the second substrate layer 108.
  • the further connection channel 154 comprises a further channel section running perpendicular to the second substrate layer 108 and a further channel section running horizontally to the second substrate layer 108.
  • the further horizontal channel section runs above the base plate 152, a side of the base plate 152 facing the second substrate layer 108 forming 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, the sealing membrane 120 being 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 fluidly separated from one another are.
  • the diameter of the connecting channel 112 is essentially identical to a diameter of the further connecting channel 154.
  • the closure membrane 120 is fitted into the deformable membrane 110 by means of the clamping fit 132.
  • the thickness of the deformable membrane 110 essentially corresponds to a thickness of the sealing membrane 120, so that the sealing membrane 120 is clamped between the deformable membrane 110, the first substrate layer 106 and the second substrate layer 108.
  • the side of the base plate 152 facing the second substrate layer 108 each forms a wall surface of the fluid container 114 and of the further fluid container 116.
  • the deflection area 122 If the actuation pressure is exerted on the deflection area 122 by means of the pneumatic connection 124, the deflection area 122 is bulged out in the direction of the fluid container 114. The resulting fluid pressure acts on the pinched closure membrane 120. If the pressure is strong enough, the closure membrane 120 tears, so that the liquid flows from the fluid container 114 into the further fluid container 116.
  • Fig. 6 10 shows a method 600 for manufacturing the valve device 100 in a fluid supply unit according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
  • This step 602 also provides the means 123 for exerting a fluid pressure on at least one side of the closure membrane 120, the closure membrane 120 and / or the sealing point 121 being designed to be at least partially damaged by the fluid pressure.
  • the sealing membrane 120 is acted upon by the fluid pressure.
  • an embodiment includes a "and / or" link between a first feature and a second feature, it should be read in such a way that the embodiment according to one embodiment includes both the first feature and the second feature and according to a further embodiment either only that has the first feature or only the second feature.

Landscapes

  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Dispersion Chemistry (AREA)
  • Analytical Chemistry (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Hematology (AREA)
  • Clinical Laboratory Science (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • Containers And Packaging Bodies Having A Special Means To Remove Contents (AREA)
  • Devices For Dispensing Beverages (AREA)
  • Micromachines (AREA)
  • Fluid-Driven Valves (AREA)

Claims (14)

  1. Unité de fourniture de fluide (100) comportant un dispositif de soupape, le dispositif de soupape (100) présentant les caractéristiques suivantes :
    un récipient de fluide (114) ;
    une unité de fermeture (119) dotée d'une membrane de fermeture (120) et d'une zone d'étanchéité (121) entre la membrane de fermeture (120) et le récipient de fluide (114), la zone d'étanchéité (121) fermant le récipient de fluide (114) de manière étanche aux fluides ; et
    un moyen (123) permettant d'exercer une pression de fluide sur au moins un côté de la membrane de fermeture (120), la membrane de fermeture (120) et/ou la zone d'étanchéité (121) étant réalisées pour être endommagées au moins partiellement par la pression de fluide,
    l'unité de fourniture de fluide (100) comportant en outre un boîtier (102) destiné à recevoir le dispositif de soupape, le boîtier (102) présentant une structure en plusieurs couches constituée d'une première couche de substrat (106), d'une deuxième couche de substrat (108) et d'une membrane déformable (110), la membrane déformable (110) étant disposée entre la première (106) et la deuxième couche de substrat (108), la membrane déformable (110) formant au moins partiellement le moyen (123) permettant d'exercer la pression de fluide,
    caractérisée en ce que
    la membrane de fermeture (120) est configurée en tant que feuille métallique, en particulier en tant que feuille d'aluminium, ou en tant que feuille à plusieurs couches ou composite.
  2. Unité de fourniture de fluide (100) selon la revendication 1, caractérisée en ce qu'un volume partiel du récipient de fluide (114) et un autre récipient de fluide (116) sont réalisés en tant que cavité dans la deuxième couche de substrat (108) et/ou l'unité de fermeture (119) séparant fluidiquement l'un de l'autre le récipient de fluide (114) et l'autre récipient de fluide (116).
  3. Unité de fourniture de fluide (100) selon la revendication 2, caractérisée en ce qu'un canal de liaison (112) est disposé en tant que partie du récipient de fluide (114) dans la première couche de substrat (106).
  4. Unité de fourniture de fluide (100) selon la revendication 3, caractérisée en ce que la membrane déformable (110) comprend, dans une région d'une ouverture de l'autre récipient de fluide (116), un évidement (118) destiné à recevoir la membrane de fermeture (120), le canal de liaison (112) débouchant dans l'évidement (118), la membrane de fermeture (120) fermant le canal de liaison (112) de manière étanche aux fluides.
  5. Unité de fourniture de fluide (100) selon la revendication 4, caractérisée en ce que l'évidement (118) est configuré en tant qu'ajustement serré (132) qui est réalisé pour serrer la membrane de fermeture (120) entre la membrane déformable (110) et la première (106) et/ou la deuxième couche de substrat (108).
  6. Unité de fourniture de fluide (100) selon la revendication 5, caractérisée en ce qu'une région de bord (136) de la membrane de fermeture (120) repose sur deux saillies (138) en regard de la membrane déformable (110).
  7. Unité de fourniture de fluide (100) selon l'une des revendications 2 à 6, caractérisée en ce que la membrane de fermeture (120) est disposée entre le canal de liaison (112) et un autre canal de liaison (154), l'autre canal de liaison (154) étant réalisé dans la deuxième couche de substrat (108) et étant relié à l'autre récipient de fluide (116), la membrane de fermeture (120) présentant en particulier sensiblement la même épaisseur que la membrane déformable (110).
  8. Unité de fourniture de fluide (100) selon l'une des revendications 2 à 7, caractérisée en ce qu'une chambre de déviation (142) est réalisée en tant que cavité de la première couche de substrat (106) disposée entre le récipient de fluide (114) et l'autre récipient de fluide (116), une ouverture (144) de la chambre de déviation (142) étant tournée vers la deuxième couche de substrat (108), la membrane déformable (110) comprenant, dans une région de l'ouverture de chambre de déviation (144), une région d'échappement (146) qui est réalisée pour être déformée par la pression de fluide en direction de la chambre de déviation (142).
  9. Unité de fourniture de fluide (100) selon la revendication 8, caractérisée en ce que la région d'échappement (146) est reliée ou peut être reliée de manière réversible à la deuxième couche de substrat (108).
  10. Unité de fourniture de fluide (100) selon l'une des revendications précédentes, caractérisée en ce que la membrane de fermeture (120) est réalisée comme partie intégrante de la membrane déformable (110).
  11. Unité de fourniture de fluide (100) selon l'une des revendications précédentes, caractérisée en ce que la membrane déformable (110) comprend une ouverture (130) dans laquelle la membrane de fermeture (120) est disposée, l'ouverture (130) étant réalisée pour, conjointement avec la première (106) et/ou la deuxième couche de substrat, agir comme chambre de modification de pression de fluide.
  12. Unité de fourniture de fluide (100) selon l'une des revendications précédentes, caractérisée en ce que la membrane déformable (110) comprend, dans une région d'une ouverture du récipient de fluide (114), une région de déviation (122) qui est réalisée pour être déformée par une pression d'actionnement en direction du récipient de fluide (114), afin de produire la pression de fluide.
  13. Unité de fourniture de fluide (100) selon la revendication 12, caractérisée en ce qu'un raccordement pneumatique (124) est en outre prévu pour guider la pression d'actionnement de manière pneumatique vers la région de déviation (122).
  14. Procédé (600) permettant de faire fonctionner une unité de fourniture de fluide (100) comportant un dispositif de soupape, le procédé (600) comportant les étapes suivantes :
    fourniture (602) d'un récipient de fluide (114), d'une unité de fermeture (119) dotée d'une membrane de fermeture (120) et d'une zone d'étanchéité (121) entre la membrane de fermeture (120) et le récipient de fluide (114), zone d'étanchéité par laquelle le récipient de fluide (114) est fermé de manière étanche aux fluides, ainsi qu'un moyen (123) permettant d'exercer une pression de fluide sur au moins un côté de la membrane de fermeture (120), la membrane de fermeture (120) et/ou la zone d'étanchéité (121) étant réalisées pour être endommagées au moins partiellement par la pression de fluide, et fourniture (602) d'un boîtier (102) destiné à recevoir le dispositif de soupape (100), le boîtier (102) présentant une structure en plusieurs couches constituée d'une première couche de substrat (106), d'une deuxième couche de substrat (108) et d'une membrane déformable (110), la membrane déformable (110) étant disposée entre la première (106) et la deuxième couche de substrat (108), la membrane déformable (110) formant au moins partiellement le moyen (123) permettant d'exercer la pression de fluide, la membrane de fermeture (120) étant configurée en tant que feuille métallique, en particulier en tant que feuille d'aluminium, en tant que feuille à plusieurs couches et/ou composite ; et
    soumettre (604) la membrane de fermeture (120) à la pression de fluide.
EP14164950.9A 2013-05-24 2014-04-16 Unité de préparation de fluide avec dispositif de soupape et procédé de fonctionnement d'une unité de préparation de fluide avec un dispositif de soupape Active EP2805771B1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

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DE102013209645.3A DE102013209645A1 (de) 2013-05-24 2013-05-24 Ventilvorrichtung für eine Fluidbereitstellungseinheit und Verfahren zum Betreiben einer Ventilvorrichtung für eine Fluidbereitstellungseinheit

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Cited By (1)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP4129481A1 (fr) 2021-08-06 2023-02-08 Microliquid SL Soupape monolithique normalement fermée pour applications microfluidiques

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US8852862B2 (en) * 2004-05-03 2014-10-07 Handylab, Inc. Method for processing polynucleotide-containing samples
US8007999B2 (en) * 2006-05-10 2011-08-30 Theranos, Inc. Real-time detection of influenza virus
KR101335920B1 (ko) * 2006-08-02 2013-12-03 삼성전자주식회사 박막화학분석장치 및 이를 이용한 분석방법
US8187541B2 (en) * 2006-09-18 2012-05-29 California Institute Of Technology Apparatus for detecting target molecules and related methods

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Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP4129481A1 (fr) 2021-08-06 2023-02-08 Microliquid SL Soupape monolithique normalement fermée pour applications microfluidiques
WO2023012024A1 (fr) 2021-08-06 2023-02-09 Microliquid, S.L. Vanne monolithique normalement fermée pour applications microfluidiques

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EP2805771A3 (fr) 2014-12-24
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