U.S. patent application number 17/611022 was filed with the patent office on 2022-08-04 for fluid circulation pump.
The applicant listed for this patent is AMS R&D SAS. Invention is credited to Guy DELAISSE, Erik GUILLEMIN.
Application Number | 20220243716 17/611022 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | |
Filed Date | 2022-08-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220243716 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
DELAISSE; Guy ; et
al. |
August 4, 2022 |
FLUID CIRCULATION PUMP
Abstract
A fluid flow pump comprising a suction inlet, a discharge
outlet, and a movable part inside the chamber. The pump includes
circular first upstream and downstream lips such that: over a first
portion of the movement of said movable part in the chamber, the
circular first upstream lip then allowing free passage for fluid
between the first space and the suction inlet; and that over a
second portion of said movement, the circular first upstream lip
provides sealing preventing fluid from passing to the suction
inlet, the circular first downstream lip allowing fluid to pass
from the first space to said discharge outlet and preventing fluid
from passing to said first space.
Inventors: |
DELAISSE; Guy;
(CHAMPFORGEUIL, FR) ; GUILLEMIN; Erik; (SEINE
PORT, FR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
AMS R&D SAS |
SEINE PORT |
|
FR |
|
|
Appl. No.: |
17/611022 |
Filed: |
May 13, 2020 |
PCT Filed: |
May 13, 2020 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP2020/063388 |
371 Date: |
November 12, 2021 |
International
Class: |
F04B 43/09 20060101
F04B043/09 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
May 14, 2019 |
FR |
1905029 |
Claims
1. A fluid flow pump comprising a suction inlet, a discharge
outlet, a chamber in fluid flow connection with the suction inlet
and with the discharge outlet, a movable part arranged inside the
chamber, and at least one motor mechanically connected to the
movable part to move it inside the chamber, the pump being wherein
it includes a first upstream lip placed closer to the suction inlet
than to the discharge outlet and a first downstream lip placed
closer to the discharge outlet than to the suction inlet, these
first upstream and downstream lips being placed between one of the
sides of said movable part and a first wall of the chamber to
define a first space between the first upstream and downstream
lips, these first upstream and downstream lips being such that:
over a first portion of said movement of said movable part relative
to the chamber, the first downstream lip provides sealing
preventing fluid from passing from said discharge outlet to said
first space, the first upstream lip being always spaced apart from
the first wall then allowing free passage for fluid between said
first space and said suction inlet; and that over a second portion
of said reciprocating motion of said movable part relative to the
chamber, different from the first portion of the movement, the
first upstream lip provides sealing preventing fluid from passing
from said first space to said suction inlet, the first downstream
lip being arranged so that throughout said movement of said movable
part relative to the chamber: it allows fluid to pass from the
first space to said discharge outlet; and it prevents fluid from
passing from said discharge outlet to said first space.
2. The pump according to claim 1, wherein at least one of said lips
is carried by a support, at least one fluid passage being formed
between this at least one given lip and its support, the at least
one fluid passage being such that when said at least one given lip
bears against its support, fluid can flow via said at least one
fluid passage between the at least one given lip and its
support.
3. The pump according to claim 2, wherein said at least one fluid
passage formed between said at least one given lip and its support
is formed along a projection carried by the support.
4. The pump according to claim 2, wherein said at least one fluid
passage formed between said at least one given lip and its support
is formed along a projection carried by said at least one given
lip.
5. The pump according to claim 2, wherein said at least one fluid
passage formed between said at least one given lip and its support
is a channel carried by the support.
6. The pump according to claim 2, wherein said at least one fluid
passage formed between said at least one given lip and its support
is a channel carried by said at least one given lip.
7. The pump according to claim 2, wherein said at least one fluid
passage formed between said at least one given lip and its support
extends radially relative to a central axis of symmetry of said at
least one given lip.
8. The pump according to claim 1, wherein when observed in a
section plane containing a central axis of symmetry that is common
to said lips, each of said lips has a specific section extending
over a major portion of the length of the given lip, this specific
section of the lip being of constant thickness in the section
plane.
9. The pump according to claim 1, wherein said first upstream lip
is a circular lip that presents a conical inside surface facing
towards a central axis of symmetry of the first upstream lip, the
conical inside surface extending between a circular base of the
first upstream lip and a circular end of the first upstream
lip.
10. The pump according to claim 9, wherein said conical inside
surface of said first upstream lip presents a cone angle that is
less than or equal to 40.degree. relative to a plane in which the
circular base of the first upstream lip extends.
11. The pump according to claim 1, wherein each of said lips is
made of a material that presents a Young's modulus lying in the
range 1 MPa to 220 MPa.
12. The pump according to claim 1, wherein the first upstream and
downstream lips are carried by a base that is common to those lips,
which base is releasably assembled on the first wall of the
chamber.
13. The pump according to claim 1, wherein the first upstream and
downstream lips are carried by said movable part.
14. The pump according to claim 1, wherein the motor being
connected to the movable part via a coupling mechanism in such a
manner that actuating the motor gives rise to reciprocating motion
of the movable part relative to the chamber in order to move a
fluid from the suction inlet to the discharge outlet.
15. The pump according to claim 14, wherein the reciprocating
motion of the movable part is axial motion along a central axis of
symmetry of the movable part, which is in the shape of a body of
revolution.
16. The pump according to claim 14, wherein the reciprocating
motion of the movable part is radial motion about a central axis of
symmetry of the movable part, which is tubular in shape.
17. The pump according to claim 1, wherein said motor is an
electric motor located outside the chamber.
18. The pump according to claim 1, wherein said motor is an
electric motor located inside the chamber.
19. The pump according to claim 1, wherein the motor is connected
to a control unit, the control unit being arranged to regulate the
operation of the motor as a function of at least one value
previously estimated by the control unit.
20. The pump according to claim 1, wherein the pump includes a
second wall of the chamber, the part being movable between the
first and second walls of the chamber under the effect of said at
least one motor, the pump also including a second upstream lip
placed closer to the suction inlet than to the discharge outlet and
a second downstream placed closer to the discharge outlet than to
the suction inlet, the second upstream and downstream lips being
placed between one of the sides of said movable part and said
second wall of the chamber so as to define a second space between
the second upstream and downstream lips, the second upstream and
downstream lips being such that: over a third portion of said
movement of said movable part relative to the chamber, the second
downstream lip provides sealing preventing fluid from passing from
said discharge outlet to said first space, the second upstream lip
then allowing a free passage for fluid between said second space
and said suction inlet; and that over a fourth portion of said
reciprocating motion of said movable part relative to the chamber,
different from the third portion of the movement, the second
upstream lip provides sealing preventing fluid from passing from
said second space to said suction inlet, the second downstream lip
being arranged so that throughout said movement of said movable
part relative to the chamber: it allows fluid to pass from the
second space to said discharge outlet; and it prevents fluid from
passing from said discharge outlet to said second space.
21. The pump according to claim 1, said pump being self-priming
when dry.
22. The pump according to claim 1 wherein each of said lips is a
circular lip.
Description
[0001] The present invention relates to the field of fluid flow
pumps.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Pumps are known that are provided with a chamber of volume
that varies as a function of the movement of a part that is movable
inside the chamber, the chamber being fitted with a checkvalve
upstream from the chamber and with a checkvalve downstream from the
chamber.
[0003] When the volume of the chamber increases, the chamber is
then in the suction, so the upstream checkvalve opens and the
downstream checkvalve closes, with the fluid then being sucked into
the chamber.
[0004] When the volume of the chamber decreases, the chamber is
then in compression, so the upstream checkvalve closes and the
downstream checkvalve opens, with the fluid then being discharged
from the chamber to a discharge outlet.
[0005] Such checkvalves are parts that are subject to wear and that
give rise to head loss.
OBJECT OF THE INVENTION
[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a fluid
flow pump that causes fluid to flow and that minimizes head
loss.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] To this end, the invention provides a fluid flow pump
comprising a suction inlet, a discharge outlet, a chamber in fluid
flow connection with the suction inlet and with the discharge
outlet, a movable part arranged inside the chamber, and at least
one motor mechanically connected to the movable part to move it
inside the chamber.
[0008] The pump of the invention is essentially characterized in
that it includes a circular first upstream lip placed closer to the
suction inlet than to the discharge outlet and a circular first
downstream lip placed closer to the discharge outlet than to the
suction inlet, these circular first upstream and downstream lips
being placed between one of the sides of said movable part and a
first wall of the chamber to define a first space between the
circular first upstream and downstream lips, these circular first
upstream and downstream lips being such that: [0009] over a first
portion of said movement of said movable part relative to the
chamber, the circular first downstream lip provides sealing
preventing fluid from passing from said discharge outlet to said
first space, the circular first upstream lip then allowing free
passage for fluid between said first space and said suction inlet;
and that [0010] over a second portion of said reciprocating motion
of said movable part relative to the chamber, different from the
first portion of the movement, the circular first upstream lip
provides sealing preventing fluid from passing from said first
space to said suction inlet, the circular first downstream lip
being arranged so that throughout said movement of said movable
part relative to the chamber: [0011] it allows fluid to pass from
the first space to said discharge outlet; and [0012] it prevents
fluid from passing from said discharge outlet to said first
space.
[0013] In order to understand the invention, the first and second
portions of the movement of said movable part relative to the
chamber are distinct from each other, i.e. the positions
respectively adopted by the movable part over the first portion of
the movement are all different from the positions respectively
adopted by the movable part over the second portion of the
movement.
[0014] By means of this arrangement of the pump of the invention,
the movable part causes the volume of the first space to vary in
such a manner that the first space is: [0015] either in suction and
open towards the fluid suction inlet for sucking fluid into the
space (the discharge outlet then being closed by the first
downstream lip); [0016] or else in compression and open only
towards the discharge outlet in order to discharge the fluid from
the first space to the discharge outlet (the suction inlet then
being closed by the first upstream lip).
[0017] Since over the first portion of said movement of said
movable part relative to the chamber, the circular first upstream
lip allows free passage for fluid between said first space and said
suction inlet, it gives rise to limited head loss while admitting
fluid into the chamber.
[0018] Thus, unlike prior art pumps that require an admission
checkvalve, the pump of the invention can operate without such an
admission checkvalve. The efficiency of the pump is thus improved
during its stage of admitting fluid into the chamber.
[0019] The pump of the invention is thus particularly effective in
transferring a fluid, which fluid may be a gas or a liquid.
[0020] By limiting head loss during admission, the dry self-priming
ability of the pump is thus improved.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention appear
clearly from the following description that is given by way of
nonlimiting indication and with reference to the accompanying
drawings, in which:
[0022] FIG. 1a is a cross-section view of a pump 100 of the
invention that includes an electric motor 46 driving a movable part
45 with reciprocating motion between first and second walls 44a and
44b of the chamber 44 in order to cause the pump to suck in fluid;
a portion of FIG. 1a is an enlargement of the movable part 45 in
which there can be seen circular first upstream and downstream lips
120a and 121a on a first side of the part 45, and circular second
upstream and downstream lips 120b and 121b on another side of the
part 45;
[0023] FIG. 1b is a detail view of the lips in a section plane in
which there extends an axis of symmetry X-X of the lips, it can be
seen that each of the first upstream and downstream lips presents a
thickness E that is constant over a major fraction of the length of
the lip, with each of these lips being chamfered at its terminal
end (the chamfer increases the contact area of the lip and improves
its sealing and its lifetime);
[0024] FIG. 2 is a view of a pump of the invention in which the
movable part 45 is a tube that is radially expandable relative to
an axis of symmetry X-X of the lips, FIG. 2 being observed in a
section plane in which said axis of symmetry X-X of the lips
extends;
[0025] FIG. 3 is a view of the pump of the invention as shown in
FIG. 2, while it is being put into operation under drive from the
electric motor 46;
[0026] FIG. 4 is a section view of a pump similar to the pump in
FIGS. 2 and 3, but in which the lips are not carried by the walls
44a and 44b of the chamber 44, but are carried by the movable part
45, which is tubular and radially deformable about the axis of
symmetry X-X;
[0027] FIG. 5 is a detail view of the lips and of the movable part
45 of the pump of the invention as shown in FIG. 1a, this view
showing the movable part 45 in a first portion P1 of its movement,
the pump then being in suction with a free fluid passage created by
the upstream lip 120a;
[0028] FIG. 6 is a detail view similar to FIG. 5, but in which the
pump is discharging, with an open fluid passage going past the
downstream lip 121a;
[0029] FIG. 7 is a section view of the movable part 45 in the
chamber 44, the first lips 120a and 121a being shown attached to a
first side of the movable part 45 so as to bear against a first
wall 44a of the chamber 44 and the second lips 120b and 121b being
shown attached to a second side of the movable part 45 so as to
bear against a second wall 44b of the chamber 44;
[0030] FIG. 8 is a section view of the second wall 44b of the
chamber 40 of the pump, and in this embodiment the second lips 120b
and 121b are not attached to the movable part 45 as they are in
FIG. 7, but they are attached exclusively to the second wall 44b of
the chamber 44 (this embodiment is like the embodiment shown in
FIG. 1a in which the second wall 44b carries the second lips 120b
and 121b and in which the first wall 44a carries the first lips
120a and 121a); and
[0031] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a portion of the pump of the
invention in an embodiment in which the movable part is in the form
of a strip and in which the first upstream and downstream lips 120a
and 121a and the second upstream and downstream lips 120b and 121b
are rectilinear.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0032] As mentioned above, the pump 100 of the invention includes a
suction inlet 41 and a discharge outlet 42.
[0033] The pump includes a motor 46 that may be located either
outside the chamber 44, as shown in FIG. 1a, or else inside the
chamber, as shown in FIGS. 2 to 4.
[0034] In all embodiments, the motor 46 is mechanically connected
to the movable part in order to be able to move it inside the
chamber 44.
[0035] The pump 100 also has a first upstream lip 120a that is
placed closer to the suction inlet 41 than it is to the discharge
outlet 42, and a first downstream lip 121a that is placed closer to
the discharge outlet 42 that it is to the suction inlet 41.
[0036] These first upstream and downstream lips 120a and 121a are
placed between one of the sides of said movable part 45 and a first
wall 44a of the chamber 44 so as to define a first space 123a
between these first upstream and downstream lips 120a and 121a.
[0037] The arrangement of the lips defining the first passage 123a
gives the pump the ability to be self-priming when dry.
[0038] A pump is said to be "self-priming when dry" when the pump
can suck in dry air and can create sufficient suction to suck in
liquid and move the liquid into the chamber in order to discharge
it via a discharge outlet 42 of the pump.
[0039] These first upstream and downstream lips 120a and 121a are
preferably circular, with the movable part 45 then being in the
shape of a disk, as shown in FIGS. 1a, 1b, 5, 6, 7, and 8, or else
in the shape of a tube (as shown in FIGS. 2, 3, and 4).
[0040] Nevertheless, these first upstream and downstream lips 120a
and 121a could also be rectilinear, as shown in FIG. 9, with the
movable part 45 then being in the shape of a strip (as in FIG. 9),
which part 45 may be rigid or elastically deformable depending on
the length of the strip.
[0041] As can be seen in FIG. 1a, the pump 100 is connected to a
control unit UC of the pump 100, which is adapted to control the
supply of electrical power to the motor 46 of the pump 100.
[0042] Preferably, the control unit UC is arranged to regulate the
operation of the motor 46 as a function of at least one value that
has previously been estimated by the control unit.
[0043] This at least one value that has previously been estimated
by the control unit UC may be a value estimated by at least one
sensor and/or probe 50.
[0044] This at least one previously-estimated value may be a value
for the pressure of the fluid driven by the pump, a value for the
flow rate of the fluid driven by the pump, a value for the speed of
movement of the motor, a value for the frequency of movement of the
motor, a value representative of a movement amplitude of the
movable part 5, and/or a value representative of a position of the
movable part 5.
[0045] The motor 46, in this example an electric motor, and the
control unit UC are powered via an electric power cable 60.
[0046] The control unit UC may itself be connected to a probe 50
that is adapted to detect when a liquid level is reached relative
to the pump 100. Under such circumstances, the control unit UC is
arranged to control the supply of electric power to the motor in
response to the probe 50 detecting said liquid level.
[0047] The probe 50 may be fastened to the pump, or alternatively
it may be fastened to an element other than the pump.
[0048] The probe 50 may be adjustable so as to adjust the detection
level from which the probe detects the presence of liquid on a
floor on which the pump is arranged.
[0049] As shown in FIG. 1a, the probe 50 may comprise at least two
electrodes 51 that are spaced apart from each other so as to be
able to detect when a liquid level is reached as a function of
these electrodes measuring at least one electrical
characteristic.
[0050] This electrical characteristic must vary depending on the
nature of the fluid that is to be found between the electrodes.
[0051] For example, the electrical characteristic measured by means
of the electrodes may be an electric resistance between electrodes,
an electric current between the electrodes, or an electric voltage
between the electrodes.
[0052] Thus, as soon as the liquid comes into contact with the
electrodes, there is a change in the measured electrical
characteristic, and it is thus possible to detect that the liquid
level has been reached.
[0053] As a function of this detection, the control unit UC causes
the electric motor 46 to operate.
[0054] This serves to avoid causing the motor to operate for liquid
levels that are too shallow, with the pump being actuated only when
it can begin to suck in the liquid on the floor.
[0055] A timeout may also be used in order to allow the pump to
continue to operate after the probe detects that the fluid is
absent. This serves to avoid repeated stopping and starting of the
pump. This improves the lifetime of the pump.
[0056] As can be understood from FIGS. 1a, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6, the
electric motor 46 is connected to the movable part 45 by a coupling
mechanism 52 is such a manner that the control unit UC actuating
the electric motor 46 causes the movable part 45 to perform
reciprocating motion relative to the chamber in order to move a
fluid (a gas or a liquid) from the suction inlet 41 to the
discharge outlet 42.
[0057] In FIGS. 1a, 1b, 5, and 6, the movable part 45 is in the
shape of a disk that is hollow in its center and that is connected
to the electric motor in such a manner as to be moved with
rectilinear reciprocating motion in a direction perpendicular to
the plane in which the disk extends.
[0058] The first space 123a defined between the lips 120a and 121a
forms an angular space extending between a first wall 44a of the
chamber 44 and a first side of the movable part 45 that faces this
first wall 44a.
[0059] The hollow in the center of the disk enables a pumping
effect to be obtained on both sides of the movable part with only
one discharge outlet facing the hollow.
[0060] Nevertheless, it is possible to envisage the movable part 45
being a solid disk (without a hollow in its center), in which case
the movable part 45 is capable of: [0061] either producing a
pumping effect on only one of its two sides (in which case there
needs to be only one discharge outlet); [0062] or else of producing
a pumping effect on both of its sides (in which case it is
necessary to provide respective discharge outlets for each of the
sides of the movable part).
[0063] In this example, the movable part 45 is rigid, however it
could be deformable in such a manner that actuating the electric
motor 46 gives rise to a wave that propagates radially across the
movable part 45 in order to move the fluid.
[0064] Under such circumstances, the movable part 45 may comprise
an elastically deformable diaphragm so as to permit propagation of
a wave supported by the diaphragm, with the diaphragm being
referred to as an undulating diaphragm.
[0065] In particular embodiments, the diaphragm may be in the shape
of a disk (the wave propagating radially relative to the disk) or
in the shape of a strip (the wave propagating along the length of
the strip) or, as shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, in the shape of an
elongate flexible tube that is peripherally stretchable (in which
case the wave is a circular wave formed in the periphery of the
tube and propagating along the length of the tube).
[0066] In all the embodiments of the pump of the invention, the
first upstream lip 120a (which is circular when the diaphragm is in
the shape of a disk or of a tube, and which is rectilinear when the
diaphragm is in the shape of a strip) and the first downstream lip
121a (which is circular when the diaphragm is the shape of a disk
or of tube, and which is rectilinear when the diaphragm is the
shape of a strip) are designed to deform as a function of the
motion of the movable part 45 in such a manner as to create a first
space 123a between the lips 120a and 121a and the wall 44a of the
chamber 44, which first space 123a alternates between: [0067]
expanding when the movable part 45 is moving away from the first
wall 44a the chamber; and [0068] compressing when the movable part
45 is moving towards the first wall 44a.
[0069] The part 45 is moved by the motor 46 so as to alternate
between moving away from the first wall 44a and moving towards
it.
[0070] Over a first portion P1 of the reciprocating motion of said
movable part 45 relative to the chamber 44, the circular upstream
lip 120a is always spaced apart from the first wall 44a, thereby
providing a free passage between the first space 123a and the
suction inlet 41.
[0071] Over this first portion P1 of said reciprocating motion of
said movable part 45 relative to the chamber 44, the circular
upstream lip 120a allows fluid to pass freely between the suction
inlet 41 and the space 123a, regardless of the fluid pressure
difference between the space 123a and the suction inlet 41.
[0072] Over a second portion P2 of said reciprocating motion of
said movable part 45, which is different from the first portion P1
of the motion, the circular upstream lip 120a: [0073] firstly
allows fluid to pass from the suction inlet to the space 123a only
if the pressure of the fluid upstream from the upstream lip 120a
exceeds the pressure of the fluid in the space 123a by some
predetermined minimum difference value; and [0074] a secondly
prevents fluid from passing from the first space 123a to the
suction inlet.
[0075] Furthermore, throughout the motion of said movable part 45
relative to the chamber 44, the downstream lip 121a is adapted:
[0076] firstly to create sealing contact against the first wall 44a
so long as the pressure of the fluid in the space 123a is lower
than the pressure of the fluid downstream from the downstream lip
121a; and [0077] secondly to move away from the first wall 44a when
the pressure of the fluid in the space 123a is higher than the
pressure of the fluid downstream from the downstream lip 121a.
[0078] In other words, throughout the motion of said movable part
45 relative to the chamber 44, the circular first downstream lip
121a: [0079] allows fluid to pass from the first space 123a to said
discharge outlet 42; and [0080] prevents fluid from passing from
said discharge outlet 42 to said first space 123a.
[0081] Thus, the space 123a alternates between being in suction and
open to the suction inlet 41 in order to suck in the fluid (gas or
liquid) therefrom, and being in compression and open to the
discharge outlet 42 in order to expel the fluid therethrough.
[0082] These circular upstream and downstream lips 120a and 121a
enable the pump or to be self-priming.
[0083] The reciprocating motion of the movable part 45 causes fluid
to be sucked from the suction inlet 41 into the first space 123a
during the first portion P1 of the motion, and then causes the
fluid to be expelled from the first space 123a to the discharge
outlet 42 over the second portion P2 of said reciprocating
motion.
[0084] In order to double this suction/expulsion effect on the
fluid/liquid, and as shown in the embodiments of FIGS. 1a, 2, 3, 4,
5, 6, and 7, provision can be made for the pump to include a second
upstream lip 120b and a second downstream lip 121b that are
designed to deform as a function of the motion of the movable part
45 in such a manner as to create second space 123b between these
lips 120b and 121b and a second wall 44b of the chamber 44, which
second space 123b: [0085] expands when the movable part 45 is
moving away from the second wall 44b the chamber; and [0086]
compresses when the movable part 45 is moving towards the second
wall 44b.
[0087] Specifically, the part 45 is movable between the first and
second walls 44a and 44b of the chamber 44.
[0088] While it is being moved by the motor, the part 45 alternates
between being moved away from and towards the second wall 44b.
[0089] These second upstream and downstream lips 120b and 121b are
preferably circular, with the movable part 45 then being in the
shape of a disk, (as shown in FIGS. 1a, 1b, 5, 6, 7, and 8), or
else tubular (as shown in FIGS. 2, 3, and 4).
[0090] Nevertheless, these second upstream and downstream lips 120b
and 121b could be rectilinear, as shown in FIG. 9, with the movable
part 45 then being in the shape of a strip (as in FIG. 9), which
part 45 may be rigid or elastically deformable along the length of
the strip.
[0091] The second upstream lip 120b is placed closer to the suction
inlet 41 than it is to the discharge outlet 42, and a second
downstream lip 121b is placed closer to the discharge outlet 42
that it is to the suction inlet 41.
[0092] These second upstream and downstream lips 120b and 121b are
placed between one of the sides of said movable part 45 and a
second wall 44b of the chamber 44 so as to define a second space
123b between these second upstream and downstream lips 120b and
121b.
[0093] The second upstream lip 120b is adapted so that over a third
portion of said reciprocating motion of said movable part 45
relative to the chamber 44, the second upstream lip 120b allows
free passage for the fluid between said second space 123b and said
suction inlet 41.
[0094] In other words, this second upstream lip 120b is of
dimensions such that over the entire third portion of said
reciprocating motion of said movable part 45 relative to the
chamber 44, the second upstream lip 120b is spaced apart from the
second wall 44b.
[0095] Preferably, this third portion of the motion corresponds to
said second portion of the motion.
[0096] The second upstream lip 120b is also adapted so that
throughout a fourth portion of said motion of said movable part 45
relative to the chamber 44, the second upstream lip 120b: [0097]
creates sealing contact against the second wall 44b so long as the
pressure of fluid in the second space 123b is higher than the
pressure of fluid upstream from the second upstream lip 120b; and
[0098] allows fluid to pass from the suction inlet 41 to the second
space 123b when the pressure of fluid upstream from the second
upstream lip 120b is higher than the pressure of fluid in the
second space 123b.
[0099] Preferably, this fourth portion of the motion corresponds to
said first portion of the motion of the part 45.
[0100] Throughout said motion of said movable part 45 relative to
the chamber 44, the second downstream lip 121b is adapted: [0101]
to create sealing contact against the second wall 44b so long as
the pressure of fluid in the second space 123b is lower than the
pressure of fluid downstream from the second downstream lip 121b;
and [0102] to move away from the second wall 44b when the pressure
of the fluid in the space 123b is higher than the pressure of the
fluid downstream from the downstream lip 121b.
[0103] Thus, the second space 123b alternates between being in
suction and open to the suction inlet 41 in order to suck in the
fluid (gas or liquid) therefrom, and being in compression and open
to the discharge outlet 42 in order to expel the fluid
therethrough.
[0104] In the example of FIGS. 1a, 5, 6, and 7, since the movable
part 45 is in the shape of a disk that is hollow in its center, the
second space 123b forms an annular space extending between the
second wall 44b and the second side of the movable part 45 that is
facing the second wall 44b. In these embodiments of FIGS. 1a, 5, 6,
and 7, the second upstream and downstream lips 120a and 121b are
circular.
[0105] As can be understood in particular from FIG. 1a, these
second upstream and downstream lips 120b and 121b are such that
over the third portion of said reciprocating motion of said movable
part 45 relative to the chamber 44, the second downstream lip 121b
provides sealing that prevents fluid from passing from said
discharge outlet 42 to said second space 123b, with the second
upstream lip 120b then allowing free passage for fluid between said
second space 123b and said suction inlet 41.
[0106] Over this third portion of said reciprocating motion of said
movable part 45, the second upstream lip 120b is spaced apart from
one of said second wall 44b and movable part 45 in order to
generate a free fluid passage, i.e. a free space between said
second space 123b and said suction inlet 41.
[0107] Thus, over this third portion of said reciprocating motion,
since the second space 123b is closed downstream and open upstream,
a fluid suction effect is obtained from the suction inlet 41
towards the second space 123b by spacing the movable part 45 away
from the second wall 44b.
[0108] As can be understood in particular from FIGS. 1 to 7, these
circular second upstream and downstream lips 120b and 121b are such
that over the fourth portion of said reciprocating motion of said
movable part 45 relative to the chamber 44, the second upstream lip
120b provides sealing that prevents fluid from passing from said
second space 123b to said suction inlet 41, with the second
downstream lip 121b then being arranged: [0109] firstly to allow
fluid to pass between said second space 123b and said discharge
outlet 42 when the fluid pressure inside said second space 123b is
higher than the fluid pressure at the discharge outlet 42; and
[0110] secondly to prevent fluid from passing from said discharge
outlet 42 to said second space 123b.
[0111] Thus, over this fourth portion of said reciprocating motion,
since the second space 123b is closed upstream and open downstream
only when the fluid pressure in the second space 123b is higher
than the fluid pressure at the discharge outlet 42, fluid is
discharged from the second space 123b to the discharge outlet 42 by
moving the movable part 45 towards the second wall 44b.
[0112] The reciprocating motion of the movable part 45 causes fluid
to be sucked from the suction inlet 41 into the second space 123a
and then causes the fluid to be expelled from the second space 123b
to the discharge outlet 42.
[0113] Thus, by means of the pairs of lips placed on either side of
the part 45, two suctions and two discharges occur over one cycle
of the motion of the part 45, thereby enabling a fluid flow to be
obtained that is more uniform over time.
[0114] It should be observed that the number of lips facing each
face of the movable part 45 could be different.
[0115] Thus, if one of the faces of the movable part does not have
any facing lip, then that is either because that face is not used
for pumping (as applies to a movable part in the form of a disk
without a hollow center), or else because it is the movable part 45
that is deformable in order to establish sealing against the
corresponding wall of the chamber.
[0116] Using only one lip on a side of the movable part serves only
to oppose fluid return.
[0117] Using two lips on a side of the movable part 45 serves to
create the space between an upstream lip and a downstream lip in
order to obtain a pump presenting a self-priming effect when
dry.
[0118] With more than two lips on the same side of the movable part
45, a greater pressure difference is generated between the
discharge outlet and the suction inlet of the pump.
[0119] Thus, depending on the desired pressure difference, it is
possible to have three lips on each side of the movable part, or
even more.
[0120] Under certain conditions, it has been observed that a given
lip can become pressed against a support of the lip (the chamber
wall or the movable part) and act as a suction cup.
[0121] The behavior of the pump 100 is then degraded, since that
given lip no longer performs its sealing function.
[0122] In order to avoid that, and as shown in FIGS. 1, 5, 6, 7,
and 8, it is ensured that at least one fluid passage 48, 49 is
created between the given lip and its support 124.
[0123] Each at least one fluid passage 48, 49 between a given lip
and its support 124 is such that when the lip comes to pressed
against its support, fluid can continue to flow between the lip and
its support. This avoids the suction cup effect.
[0124] To do this, it is possible either to create shape
irregularities between the given lip and its support, such as:
[0125] projections 48 carried by the given lip and extending
towards its support; and/or [0126] projections carried by the
support 124 and extending towards the given lip that it supports;
and/or [0127] channels (hollow zones) carried by the given lip and
extending towards its support 124; and/or [0128] channels 49
(hollow zones) carried by the support 124 and extending towards the
given lip that it supports.
[0129] Preferably, each projection 48 or channel 49 extends
longitudinally from one end of the given lip towards a junction
point between that lip and its support.
[0130] It is generally preferable for the projections and/or
channels to be formed/carried solely by the support 124 of the lip
rather than by the lip itself, since the lip is then deformable in
uniform manner.
[0131] Having a projection or a channel carried by a given lip
gives rise to preferred deformation zones over the lip, which can
then give rise to losses of sealing that are detrimental to the
operation of the pump 100.
[0132] When the given lip is annular and/or circular, it is
preferable for the projections or channels to be formed on the
support of the lip so as to form radii centered around an axis of
symmetry of the given lip.
[0133] Under such circumstances, said at least one fluid passage
48, 49 formed between the given lip and its support 124 extends
radially relative to a central axis of symmetry X-X of the at least
one given lip.
[0134] When the given lip is rectilinear, as in FIG. 9, it is
preferred to form rectilinear projections or channels on the
support of the lip, these projections or channels being
perpendicular to the lip.
[0135] As can be seen in FIGS. 1b to 8, when observed in a section
plane containing a central axis of symmetry (X-X) that is common to
said lips, each of said lips has a specific section extending over
a major portion of the length of the given lip, this specific
section of the lip being of constant thickness E in the section
plane.
[0136] Thus, the specific section of constant thickness E of a
given lip extends over a major portion of the length of the given
lip when seen in said section plane containing the axes of symmetry
X-X of the lip.
[0137] The thickness of a specific section of a given lip is
considered to be constant providing the minimum thickness of the
lip as measured in the specific section is greater than 70% of the
maximum thickness of the lip measured in the specific section.
[0138] The constant specific thicknesses E of the upstream lips
120a and 120b are preferably identical to each other.
[0139] Likewise, the constant specific thicknesses E of the
downstream lips 121a and 121b are preferably identical to each
other.
[0140] It should be observed that the constant specific thicknesses
E of the upstream lips 120a and 120b are preferably greater than
the constant specific thicknesses E of the downstream lips 121a and
121b.
[0141] The length of a given lip is the distance measured between
an attachment point where the given lip is attached to its support
124 and an end point of the given lip, these attachment and end
points being observed in the section plane containing the central
axis of symmetry X-X.
[0142] Preferably, when observed in said section plane, each of the
lips has a chamfered end, the chamfer constituting a sealing
surface for alternately pressing to provide sealing and being
spaced apart to allow the fluid to pass.
[0143] The chamfered end increases the sealing surface area of the
lip and improves its strength (even if the chamfered portion should
present a damaged zone, it would continue to be capable of
providing sealing selectively all around the damaged zone).
[0144] Preferably, in said circular first upstream lip 120a
presents a conical inside surface facing towards a central axis of
symmetry X-X of the circular first upstream lip 120a, the conical
inside surface extending between a circular base of the circular
first upstream lip 120a and a circular end of the circular first
upstream lip 120a.
[0145] The conical inside surface of a given lip that extends
between a circular base of the given lip and a circular end of the
given lip serves to minimize the inside surface area of the lip
that is exposed to the fluid under pressure.
[0146] By reducing this surface area that is exposed to the fluid
under pressure, any risk of the given lip bulging outwards under
the effect of the fluid is limited.
[0147] Such a conical inside surface makes it possible to increase
the maximum pressure that can be generated by the pump.
[0148] To do this, it is preferable for said circular second
upstream lip 120b also to present a conical inside surface facing
towards a central axis of symmetry X-X of the circular second
upstream lip 120b. This conical inside surface of the circular
second upstream lip 120b extends between a circular base of the
upstream second circular lip 120b and a circular end of the
circular second upstream lip 120b.
[0149] For the same reason, it is preferable for each circular
downstream lip 121a, 121b to present a conical inside surface
facing towards a central axis of symmetry X-X of the circular
downstream lip 121a, 121b.
[0150] This conical inside surface of the circular downstream lip
121a, 121b extends between a circular base of the circular
downstream lip 121a, 121b and a circular end of the circular
downstream lip 121a, 121b.
[0151] Preferably, each conical inside surface of any given one of
the circular lips 120a, 121a, 120b, or 121b presents a cone angle
that is less than or equal to 40.degree. relative to a plane in
which the circular base of the given circular lip extends.
[0152] Having a cone angle that is less than or equal to 40.degree.
serves, during the movement of the movable part 45 relative to the
wall of the chamber, to maximize radial deformation of the lip
while minimizing its axial deformation along the axis X-X. Thus,
the force from the lip opposing movement of the movable part is
minimized and wear of the lip is reduced.
[0153] Preferably, each of said lips 120a, 120b, 121a, and 121b is
made of a material that presents a Young's modulus lying in the
range 1 mega pascal (MPa) to 220 MPa.
[0154] Thus, the lip presents a compromise that accommodates the
bending needed for the movable part 45 to move, while also limiting
its radial deformation under the effect of the fluid pressure.
[0155] In each of the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1, 1b, 2, 3, 5, 6,
8, and 12 the circular first upstream and downstream lips 120a and
121a are carried by a base that is common to those lips, which base
is releasably assembled on the first wall 44a of the chamber
44.
[0156] In similar manner, the circular first upstream and
downstream lips 120b and 121b are carried by a base that is common
to those lips, which base is releasably assembled on the second
wall 44b of the chamber 44.
[0157] Thus, the lips can be replaced together by removing the
bases that carry them.
[0158] Alternatively, and as shown in FIGS. 4 and 7, the first
upstream and downstream lips 120a and 121a may be carried by said
movable part 45.
[0159] In the same manner as described above, a common base for
those lips may be releasably assembled on the movable part 45.
[0160] This embodiment enables the lips 120a and 121a to be
replaced independently of the movable part 45.
[0161] As shown in figures a, 1b, 5, 6, and 7, the reciprocating
motion of the movable part 45 may be axial motion along a central
axis of symmetry X-X of the movable part 45, which is in the shape
of a body of revolution.
[0162] Alternatively, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the reciprocating
motion of the movable part (45) may be radial motion about a
central axis of symmetry X-X of the movable part 45, which is in
the shape of a body of revolution.
[0163] The motor 46 may be located inside the chamber, as in FIGS.
2, 3, and 4, or it may be located outside the chamber, as in FIGS.
1a, 5, and 6.
* * * * *