U.S. patent application number 11/239998 was filed with the patent office on 2007-04-05 for rechargeable ac/dc pump.
Invention is credited to Timothy F. Austen, Wen Ta Sen.
Application Number | 20070077153 11/239998 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36954465 |
Filed Date | 2007-04-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070077153 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Austen; Timothy F. ; et
al. |
April 5, 2007 |
Rechargeable AC/DC pump
Abstract
A pump uses a power source to deliver power to a second power
source while driving a fluid displacement device. The pump includes
a fluid displacement device and a circuit coupled to a first power
source and a second power source. The first power source may draw a
first current from the second power source. The second power source
supplies power to the fluid displacement device
Inventors: |
Austen; Timothy F.;
(Glencoe, IL) ; Sen; Wen Ta; (Taipei City,
TW) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BRINKS HOFER GILSON & LIONE
P.O. BOX 10395
CHICAGO
IL
60610
US
|
Family ID: |
36954465 |
Appl. No.: |
11/239998 |
Filed: |
September 30, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
417/53 ; 318/441;
417/411 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F04B 35/04 20130101;
H01M 10/46 20130101; F04D 25/0673 20130101; F04D 25/08 20130101;
Y02E 60/10 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
417/053 ;
417/411; 318/441 |
International
Class: |
F04B 35/04 20060101
F04B035/04 |
Claims
1. A pump, comprising: a fluid displacement device; and a circuit
coupled to the fluid displacement device that drives the fluid
displacement device; where the circuit routes a first current to a
first power source, while a second current from the second power
source is routed to drive the fluid displacement device.
2. The pump of claim 1, where the fluid displacement device is
driven at a substantially synchronous rate.
3. The pump of claim 2, where the first current comprises a portion
of current from the second power source.
4. The pump of claim 3, where the circuit is configured to be
coupled to an alternating current and a direct current source.
5. The pump of claim 4, further comprising a converter that
transforms the alternating current source into a direct
current.
6. The pump of claim 5, where the second power source comprises an
alternating current source.
7. The pump of claim 5, where the second power source comprises a
direct current source.
8. The pump of claim 5, where the first power source and the second
power source comprise a direct current source.
9. The pump of claim 5, further comprising a controller to break a
current path.
10. The pump of claim 9, further comprising a device coupled to the
first power source that substantially restricts a third current
flow in one direction.
11. The pump of claim 10, where the pump inflates an inflatable
object.
12. A pump, comprising: a fluid displacement device; and a circuit
coupled to the fluid displacement device that drives the fluid
displacement device; where the circuit is configured to receive a
first power source or a second power source to route a first
current to a third power source, while routing a second current to
drive the fluid displacement device.
13. The pump of claim 12, where the third power source comprises a
direct current source.
14. The pump of claim 13, where the first power source comprises an
alternating current source.
15. The pump of claim 14, where the first current comprise a
portion of current from the first power source.
16. The pump of claim 15, where the second power source comprises a
direct current source.
17. The pump of claim 16, where the first current comprises a
portion of current from the second power source.
18. A method of driving a pump, comprising providing a fluid
displacement device; providing a circuit coupled to the fluid
displacement device, the circuit comprising a first power source;
coupling a second power source to the circuit; routing a first
current to the first power source while routing a second current to
the fluid displacement device.
19. The method of claim 18, where the first current comprises a
portion of current from the second power source.
20. The method of claim 19, where second power source comprises an
alternating current source.
21. The method of claim 19, where the second power source comprises
a direct current source.
22. The method of claim 19, where the first power source and the
second power source comprise a direct current source.
23. The method of claim 19, further comprising the step of coupling
a controller to the pump to break a current path.
24. A pump, comprising: means for displacing a fluid; and means for
routing a first current to a first power source while routing a
second current from a second power source to the fluid displacement
means.
25. A pump, comprising: means for displacing a fluid; and means for
routing a first current to a third power source while routing a
second current from a first or second power source to the fluid
displacement means.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Technical Field
[0002] This application relates to pumps, and more particularly to
a portable pump that may be controlled by multiple power
sources.
[0003] 2. Related Art
[0004] Portable pumps may be used to inflate objects. Some pumps
may be powered by rechargeable batteries. After the batteries
discharge, the pump may be connected to an external power source to
recharge the batteries. The charging period may last for an
extended period of time, during which the pump is inoperable.
[0005] Some pumps resolve this problem by providing a connection to
an external power source that recharges the batteries in a shorter
time period. While these pumps reduce charging time, the pump
remains inoperable during the recharging period.
[0006] Therefore, there is a need for a portable pump that operates
during a recharging process.
SUMMARY
[0007] A pump uses a power source to deliver power to a second
power source while driving a fluid displacement device. The pump
includes a fluid displacement device and a circuit coupled to a
first power source and a second power source. The first power
source may draw a first current from the second power source. The
second power source supplies power to the fluid displacement
device.
[0008] An alternate pump includes a fluid displacement device and a
circuit coupled to a first or a second power source while coupled
to a third power source. The first or second power source provides
a charging current to the third power source while delivering
current to the fluid displacement device.
[0009] Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the
invention will be, or will become, apparent to one with skill in
the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed
description. It is intended that all such additional systems,
methods, features and advantages be included within this
description, be within the scope of the invention, and be protected
by the following claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] The invention can be better understood with reference to the
following drawings and description. The components in the figures
are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon
illustrating the principles of the invention. Moreover, in the
figures, like referenced numerals designate corresponding parts
throughout the different views.
[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an inflatable object.
[0012] FIG. 2 is a partial block diagram of a pump coupled to a
power source.
[0013] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of a pump.
[0014] FIG. 4 is a partial schematic of circuitry interfacing the
pump.
[0015] FIG. 5 is an alternative schematic of alternative circuitry
interfacing the pump.
[0016] FIG. 6 is a flow diagram of logic that may control the
pump.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0017] A pump may fill inflatable objects with air or gas. The
pump, which may include one or more electromechanical pumps, may
interface circuits that route a portion of a current to a power
source while delivering another portion of the current to a fluid
displacement device. By sharing current with the fluid displacement
device, the pump may compress or transfer fluids during a
recharging process.
[0018] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an inflatable object 100.
The inflatable object 100 may comprise an inflatable mattress 102.
Any inflatable object may be used, including objects and devices
designed to be filled with air, gas, or fluids before use. The
inflatable mattress 102 may include a top wall 104, a bottom wall
103, and a side gusset 106. A portable pump may be coupled to the
inflatable mattress 102 at a valve 108 to receive a fluid or
gas.
[0019] FIG. 2 is a diagram of a pump 200 coupled to charging
circuitry. The pump 200 may interface a circuit 202 that includes a
first power source 204 in series or parallel with a second power
source 206. The pump 200 may also include modules that displace a
fluid 208, (e.g., a continuous substance such as air) from one
chamber to another. Alternatively, modules that convert electrical
energy into mechanical energy may be used.
[0020] An exemplary pump 200 may comprise a motor that has a metal
frame, an armature, a commutator, and brushes. A magnetic device
may be mounted on an interior surface of the frame that generates a
natural or induced attraction. The armature may comprise one or
more ferromagnetic cores wrapped in a coil that produces a magnetic
field when current passes through it. Armature coils may be
electrically coupled to a power source and mechanically coupled to
a shaft. A commutator may be coupled to the shaft. The commutator
may vary the poles of the armature as the armature rotates. As a
current passes through the armature coils, the attraction of
opposite poles and repulsion of like poles between the armature and
the magnetic device (such as one or more field magnets) may create
a torque that rotates the armature.
[0021] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of an exemplary pump 200. A
housing may include upper portion 300 and lower portion 302. The
housing may have a generally cylindrical shape comprising an open
end to receive a pump and/or circuitry. The periphery of upper
portion 300, along the open end, may include a lip slightly
recessed from the outer surface of upper portion 300. The lip may
be inserted into a corresponding grove of lower portion 302 to
permit the mating pieces to fit together. The periphery of upper
portion 300 may be notched to receive receptacle 314. The side of
upper portion 300 opposite the open end may include a circular
inlet port 304 that may protrude from the upper portion 300 with a
smaller diameter than that of upper portion 300. A fluid may be
drawn through inlet port 304 and propelled by a fluid displacement
device, such as a motor 306 and/or an impeller 308, through an
outlet port 318.
[0022] Impeller 308 may comprise a generally circular shaped base
with raised arc shaped fins that may draw in and/or propel the
fluid drawn in through inlet port 304. The raised arc shaped fins
may have proximate and distal ends. The proximate ends of adjacent
fins may be separated by a varying distance or varying gauge. The
separation may increase from the proximal to distal ends. In some
pumps, the separation between the distal ends of the fins is
greater than the separation between the proximate ends.
[0023] A first generally star shaped bracket 305 may include a hole
or opening passing through a raised cylindrical area having beveled
edges through which the shaft of motor 306 may be received. The
first bracket 305 may be positioned between impeller 308 and motor
306 and act to maintain motor 306 (cylindrical in shape)
concentrically within upper portion 300. The first bracket 305 may
be configured to permit fluid propelled by impeller 308 to flow
along the periphery that separate the arms of the first bracket 305
and through an annular shaped cavity. Guides or flanges extending
up from the arms may support the impeller 308, while the guides or
flanges extending down may help support the motor 306.
[0024] An internal power source 310 may be configured in a
semi-circular shape to fit within the annular shaped area formed
around the concentricity of motor 306 within upper portion 300. An
inner and outer peripheral area around the internal power source
310 permits fluid to flow around the internal power source (e.g.,
two channels). In some pumps, an inner annulus bounded by the motor
306 and internal power source 310 is substantially wider than an
outer annulus bounded by the inner surface of the upper portion 300
and the internal power source 310. Additionally, a circuit device
312 that burns out or breaks when current passing through it
exceeds a certain level may be coupled to and located proximate the
internal power source 310. In other pumps, a circuit breaker may
perform the same function as the circuit device 312.
[0025] Upper portion 300 may be configured to partially receive a
second generally star shaped bracket 307. The second bracket 307
may have a first and a second side. The first side may comprise a
plurality of guides or flanges that hold motor 306 and internal
power source 310 in place. The second bracket 307 may be configured
to permit fluid to flow along the periphery that separate the arms
of the second bracket 307 after being positioned in the pump. The
second bracket 307 may also comprise a rectangular shaped opening
configured to receive a control device, such as a switch 316. The
switch 316 may protrude away from the second side of the second
bracket 307 into the lower portion 302.
[0026] Lower portion 302 may have a general disk shape (e.g., its
height is substantially less that the height of upper portion 300)
with a diameter about the same as upper portion 300. Lower portion
302 has a first and a second side. A plurality of rigid protrusions
may extend from the first side of lower portion 302. These
protrusions may abut the second side of the second bracket 307 when
lower portion 302 is positioned on upper portion 300 and receives
the lip of upper portion 300. Additionally, lower portion 302 may
include a flange extending from the second side of lower portion
302. This flange may be circular shaped and may have a diameter
about the same size as inlet port 304. Two inclined protrusions
following the curvature of the flange may extend in a radial
direction on opposite sides of the flange. A stop may extend
downward in a vertical direction on one end of one of the inclined
protrusions. A similar stop may be position on the opposite end of
the other inclined protrusion. Together, the inclined protrusions
and stops may be used to attach pump 200 to an inflatable object.
In some pumps 200, the flange may form a substantially airtight
seal with a receiving inlet. Alternatively, the flange may be
configured to attach to the inflatable object through clips,
stitching, adhesive, or mechanical structures.
[0027] In FIG. 3, the switch 316 may be used to control the fluid
displacement device, and is located within the flange, under one of
the inclined protrusions, so that the fluid displacement device
operates when the pump 200 couples an inflatable object. A cover
309 may be provided to cover outlet port 318. This cover 309 may be
completely removable or may be attached by a retaining arm 311 to
the upper portion 300, lower portion 302, or both to ensure it is
not lost during operation of the pump. The retaining arm 311 may
also include a nubbin that may be inserted into receptacle 314 to
protect the receptacle when it is not in use.
[0028] The first power source 204 and the fluid displacement device
208, shown in FIG. 2, may be enclosed in the protective housing,
shown in FIG. 3, remote from the second power source 206. The first
power source 204 may drive the fluid displacement device 208 when
the second power source 206 is depleted or not used. The first
power source 204 may be positioned within the housing and may
comprise a rechargeable battery pack. The rechargeable battery pack
may comprise a plurality of rechargeable cells. Some cells may
include approximately 1.2V cells, connected in series and/or
parallel. The rechargeable batteries may include Nickel Cadmium
("Ni-Cad") cells and/or Nickel Metal Hydride ("Ni-MH") cells,
Lithium-Ion ("Li-Ion") cells, or other rechargeable power
sources.
[0029] When the second power source 206 is coupled to the pump 200
a portion of its current may be supplied to the first power source
204 and a portion may be supplied to the fluid displacement device
208. The portion of current supplied to the first power source 204
may be delivered at a continuous rate such that each cell is
brought to a re-charged level. Once the cells of the first power
source 204 are at a substantially re-charged level, some or all of
the current previously supplied to the first power source 204 may
be re-routed to the fluid displacement device 208. While the second
power source 206 is supplying current to the first power source
204, the second power source 206 may also supply current to the
fluid displacement device 208. The second power source 206 may be
an alternating current ("AC") source or a direct current ("DC")
source. A cable may couple pump 200 to second power source 206.
When second power source 206 is an AC source, the cable may
comprise a transformer and rectifier that transforms an AC input
into a DC output. The transforming device may transfer a constant
or variable electric energy from one current to another.
[0030] Alternatively, when the second power source 206 comprises a
DC source, a DC input may be coupled to a DC source such as a
vehicle battery. A current regulator may couple the vehicle battery
to the second power source. In some devices the current regulator
comprises a fuse or a circuit breaker.
[0031] FIG. 4 is a partial schematic of circuitry interfacing pump
200. The schematic includes a fluid displacement device 208, a
current regulator 312, a first power source 204, a receptacle 314,
a second power source 206, a plurality of diodes 400, and a control
device such as a switch 316. The fluid displacement device 208 may
comprise a motor 402, such as a direct current motor coupled to an
impeller (not shown) which may propel a fluid. The motor may be
rated at approximately 12V . If a fluid displacement device 208
includes a motor 402, a device that stores electrical energy, such
as a capacitor 404, or a free wheeling diode, may be coupled across
the motor's terminals to reduce radio interference or to suppress
electrical transients. If a capacitor is used, some pumps use about
a 0.01 microfarad capacitor. Other internal electrical storage
devices may be coupled between each motor terminal and the motor
case to further reduce interference. A current regulator 312 that
burns out or opens when current passing through it exceeds a
certain level may be coupled to the fluid displacement device 208.
In some pumps a fuse or circuit breaker may be used. The fuse or
circuit breaker may be rated to a predetermined current, such as
about 12 amps and about 250V.
[0032] The first power source 204 may drive the fluid displacement
device 208 or may receive a portion of the current from the second
power source 206. The second power source 206 may be coupled to the
pump 200 through receptacle 314. When the second power source 206
is coupled to the pump 200, node "a" may be coupled to node "c"
through a plug that completes the circuit.
[0033] Two terminal semiconductor devices that restrict current
flow chiefly in one direction couple the first power source 204.
The semiconductor devices may comprise diodes. The plurality of
diodes 400, shown in FIG. 4, restricts the current flow in one
channel of the circuit. The plurality of diodes 400 provide a
return path for the current supplied to the first power source 204.
The plurality of diodes 400 may include a first diode rated with an
average forward current of about 2.0 amps with a peak reverse
voltage of about 20-about 60V, and a second diode rated with an
average forward current of about 2.0 amps with a peak reverse
voltage of about 50-about 1000V.
[0034] A controller or switch 316 may be coupled to the fluid
displacement device 208. The switch 316 may be a solid state,
electromechanical, or mechanical device or an automated device. The
switch 316 may be located within the flange that couples the pump
200 to the inflatable object 100, and may be operated automatically
when the pump 200 is coupled to the inflatable object 100.
Alternatively, the switch 316 may be located in other paths of the
current and may be manually operated. When the second power source
206 is coupled to the pump 200, and switch 316 is open, some or all
of the current from the second power source 206 may be routed to
the first power source 204. Alternatively, when switch 316 is
closed, some or all of the current from the second power source 206
may be routed to the first power source 204, while some or all of
the current from the second power source 206 may be routed to the
fluid displacement device 208 at a substantially synchronous
rate.
[0035] FIG. 5 is a partial circuit diagram of an alternate
embodiment. The circuit may be configured to receive a first power
source 500 or a second power source 502. Additionally, the circuit
may include a fluid displacement device 208, a current regulator
312, a receptacle 314, a first plurality of diodes 400, a device
that restricts current flow 504, a third power source 506, and a
controller or switch 316. The pump 200 may be configured to receive
the first power source 500, the second power source 502, or drive
the fluid displacement device 208 with the third power source 506
if one of the first 500 or second 502 power sources is unavailable.
When the first 500 or second 502 power source is not present, the
receptacle 314 may couple node "a" to node "b" driving the fluid
displacement device 208 with current supplied from the third power
source 506. The third power source 506 may comprise a a plurality
of cells connected in series and/or parallel. The cells may
comprise Ni-Cad cells and/or Ni-MH cells, Li-Ion cells, or other
rechargeable power sources. The current driving the fluid
displacement device 208 may flow through switch 316 and a device
that restricts current flow 504.
[0036] The pump 200 may couple either the first power source 500 or
the second power source 502 through a cable. The first power source
500 may comprise an AC power source, and the second power source
502 may comprise a DC power source, such as a battery. When the
first 500 or second 502 power source is coupled to pump 200 the
receptacle 314 may couple node "a" to node "c" through a plug to
complete the circuit.
[0037] FIG. 6 is a flow diagram of a pump. At act 600, an exemplary
method of driving the pump begins when a second power source is
detected. In this method, a switch located within a receptacle may
couple the second power source to the fluid displacement device.
When the second power source is detected, the switch may couple the
second power source to the fluid displacement device. When the
second power source is not detected, the switch may couple the
first power source to the fluid displacement device. If a control
switch is open at act 602, the method returns to its starting
point. Alternatively, if the control switch is closed at act 602,
the first power source may drive the fluid displacement device at
act 604 until: (1) the first power source fails to produce a
current necessary to drive the fluid displacement device, (2) the
control switch opens, or (3) the pump automatically shuts-off. The
control switch may close upon actuation, such as when the pump is
coupled to an inflatable object and a substantially airtight seal
is formed.
[0038] If the second power source is present, and the control
switch is open, at act 606, the second power source may route some
current to the first power source at act 608. The current provided
to the first power source may be provided to the first power source
at a continuous rate. The first power source may include a
plurality of rechargeable cells that may be joined in parallel
and/or series. The current provided to the rechargeable cells may
bring the cells to a substantially re-charged level. After the
cells have reached a substantially re-charged level, some of the
current from the second power source may continue to be supplied to
the cells to keep them charged.
[0039] When the control switch is closed, at act 606, some of the
current from the second power source may be routed to the first
power source at act 610. Additionally, some of the current from the
second power source may be routed, at act 612, to the fluid
displacement device. The amount of current routed to the first
power source and to the fluid displacement device need not be
equal. If the pump is still operating when the first power source
has been substantially re-charged, some of the current routed to
the first power source may be re-routed to the fluid displacement
device. In some cases, current may be routed to the first power
source to keep the cells re-charged.
[0040] Alternatively, if the control switch is opened (e.g., the
pump is uncoupled from the inflatable device) and the first power
source have not yet reached a charged level, some of the current
previously routed to the fluid displacement device may be re-routed
to the first power source. Current may continue to flow until the
first power source reaches a charged level. After reaching a
charged level, some of the current from the second power source may
continue to be supplied to the first power source to minimize
parasitic loss.
[0041] While various embodiments of the invention have been
described, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the
art that many more embodiments and implementations are possible
within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is
not to be restricted except in light of the attached claims and
their equivalents.
* * * * *