EP0470333B1 - Flexible tube for volume displacement machine - Google Patents
Flexible tube for volume displacement machine Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP0470333B1 EP0470333B1 EP91106814A EP91106814A EP0470333B1 EP 0470333 B1 EP0470333 B1 EP 0470333B1 EP 91106814 A EP91106814 A EP 91106814A EP 91106814 A EP91106814 A EP 91106814A EP 0470333 B1 EP0470333 B1 EP 0470333B1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- tube
- flexible tube
- chamber
- displacement machine
- volume displacement
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Lifetime
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Classifications
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
- F04B—POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS
- F04B43/00—Machines, pumps, or pumping installations having flexible working members
- F04B43/12—Machines, pumps, or pumping installations having flexible working members having peristaltic action
- F04B43/1253—Machines, pumps, or pumping installations having flexible working members having peristaltic action by using two or more rollers as squeezing elements, the rollers moving on an arc of a circle during squeezing
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F01—MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; ENGINE PLANTS IN GENERAL; STEAM ENGINES
- F01B—MACHINES OR ENGINES, IN GENERAL OR OF POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT TYPE, e.g. STEAM ENGINES
- F01B19/00—Positive-displacement machines or engines of flexible-wall type
- F01B19/04—Positive-displacement machines or engines of flexible-wall type with tubular flexible members
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
- F04B—POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS
- F04B43/00—Machines, pumps, or pumping installations having flexible working members
- F04B43/0009—Special features
- F04B43/0054—Special features particularities of the flexible members
- F04B43/0072—Special features particularities of the flexible members of tubular flexible members
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
- F02B—INTERNAL-COMBUSTION PISTON ENGINES; COMBUSTION ENGINES IN GENERAL
- F02B1/00—Engines characterised by fuel-air mixture compression
- F02B1/02—Engines characterised by fuel-air mixture compression with positive ignition
- F02B1/04—Engines characterised by fuel-air mixture compression with positive ignition with fuel-air mixture admission into cylinder
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
- F02B—INTERNAL-COMBUSTION PISTON ENGINES; COMBUSTION ENGINES IN GENERAL
- F02B75/00—Other engines
- F02B75/02—Engines characterised by their cycles, e.g. six-stroke
- F02B2075/022—Engines characterised by their cycles, e.g. six-stroke having less than six strokes per cycle
- F02B2075/027—Engines characterised by their cycles, e.g. six-stroke having less than six strokes per cycle four
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a flexible tube means for a volume displacement machine which can be widely used as, for example, a motor, a compressor, a pump and the like.
- a volume displacement machine of the type described above is exemplified by a prime mover.
- the inventor of the present invention has developed a volume displacement machine which uses a flexible tube.
- the above-described volume displacement machine is arranged in such a manner that a cylindrical flexible tube, which is connected to a supply port, is disposed along the inner surface of a cylindrical case.
- a rotor is concentrically disposed in the cylindrical case and rollers for abutting the tube against the above-described inner surface are provided at the end portions of the rotor.
- the thus arranged volume displacement machine acts in such a manner that, when compressed air is supplied into the tube through the above-described supply port, the tube abuts the rollers in the circumferential direction while being expanded. As a result, the rotor can be rotated.
- a conventional flexible tube If a conventional flexible tube is used, it will be bent at its bent portion to be a flat shape when it is abutted against the inner surface of the cylindrical case by the rollers. Therefore, the bent portion will be destructed due to fatigue if the flexible tube is repeatedly subjected to the bending operation and the restoring operation. As a result, a problem of unsatisfactory durability of the flexible tube arises. What is even worse, a gas leaks and thereby an energy loss takes place because the confronting surfaces of the inner bent portion of the flexible tube cannot be brought into hermetic contact with each other, that is, a gap is created.
- US-A-3,508,587 discloses a tubular structural member which is adapted to withstand repeated flattening and returning into a tubular form. Even though it is not described for use in a peristaltic pump, certain embodiments disclosed therein may be capable of this use.
- a tubular member has a spring steel inner elastic member.
- the inner elastic member does not comprise two end portions having hollow portions and/or having a hollow portion at a central portion thereof.
- tubular members are disclosed in US-A-4 705 464 and EP-A-0 094 580 as well as EP-A-0 325 470 and GB-1 464 894 (corresponding to NL-A-7 301 380).
- the bent portion of a flexible tube is prone to be destructed due to fatigue if the flexible tube is repeatedly subjected to the bending operation and the restoring operation. Further, the confronting surfaces of the inner bent portion of the flexible tube can not be brought into hermetical contact with each other such that, when used in a pump, the pumped fluid will leak and thereby energy loss will occur.
- the above-described flexible tube When the above-described flexible tube is abutted against the inner surface of the cylindrical case by the rollers, it is bent at its bent portion so that it has a flat cross sectional shape. At this time, the confronting surfaces of the inner bent portion are brought into hermetically contact with each other via the elastic reinforcing member. Furthermore, the angular degree of the bent portion is restricted by the elastic reinforcing member.
- Figs. 1 to 10 illustrate embodiments of a volume displacement machine utilizing the flexible tube means of the present invention, where
- a volume displacement machine will now be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 10, where the same reference numerals represent the same elements.
- a supply port 3 is formed in a cylindrical case 2 secured to a base 1.
- a flexible tube 4 is connected to the above-described supply port 3.
- the supply port 3 is connected to an injection pipe 5 which extends in the tangential direction of the cylindrical case 2.
- the flexible tube 4 is made of a flexible material such as rubber and arranged to be in the form of a tapered shape, that is, a so-called expanding type.
- the above-described flexible tube 4 is arranged on an inner surface 2a of the cylindrical case 2, the length L of the flexible tube 4 being determined properly to meet a requirement.
- the cylindrical case 2 includes a rotor 6 disposed concentrically.
- Four rollers 7, 8, 9 and 10 are disposed in the front portion of the rotor 6 at the same interval.
- Each of the above-described rollers 7 to 10 is arranged to be longer than the maximum width W of the tube 4.
- each of the rollers 7 to 10 presses the tube 4 toward the inner surface 2a in such a manner that the above-described tube 4 is divided into a first chamber a, a second chamber b, a third chamber c and a fourth chamber d.
- the first chamber a Since the first chamber a is hermetically sealed up by the roller 7 which is being urged by the pre-loading spring 12, there is no outlet through which air G can be discharged. Therefore, the first chamber a is expanded, causing its surface to abut against the roller 7 in circumferential direction R. As a result, the above-described roller 7 moves in the circumferential direction R while hermetically sealing the first chamber a. Since the roller 7 moves while rotating, the frictional resistance of the tube 4 can be reduced. As a result, the tube 4 can be prevented from damage. When the roller 7 is rotated as described above, also the rollers 8 to 10 are rotated simultaneously.
- the tube 4 Since the tube 4 is arranged to be in the form of the tapered shaped, volumes V of the chambers a to d are enlarged in a sequential order of the first chamber a, the second chamber b, the third chamber c and the fourth chamber d. Therefore, the pressures P1 to P4 of the chambers a to d are reduced in the sequential order of the pressure P1 of the first chamber a, the pressure P2 of the second chamber b, the pressure P3 of the third chamber c and the pressure P4 of the fourth chamber d.
- pressure difference P1 - P2 is generated between the first chamber a and the second chamber b
- pressure difference P2 - P3 is generated between the second chamber b and the third chamber c
- pressure difference P3 - P4 is generated between the third chamber c and the fourth chamber d.
- the roller 7 rotates by an angular degree of 90° in the circumferential direction as described above and thereby it is positioned on a radial line B, the roller 10 is moved to a position on a radial line A so as to hermetically seal up the first chamber a. Since the roller 8 is moved to a position on a radial line C and the roller 9 is removed from the tube 4 at this time, the third chamber c is opened so that compressed air G in the third chamber c is discharged through a discharge port 13 into the case 2.
- the roller 7 is rotated by an angular degree of 180° as described above and thereby it is moved to a position on the radial line C, the roller 8 is removed from the tube 4, causing the second chamber b to be opened.
- compressed air G in the second chamber b is discharged through the discharge port 13 into the case 2.
- the roller 7 is further rotated by an angular degree of 90°C and thereby it is moved to a position on a radial line D, the roller 7 is removed from the tube 4, causing the first chamber a to be opened.
- compressed air G in the second chamber a is discharged through the discharge port 13 into the case 2.
- volume displacement pump is not limited to the above-made description.
- compressed air serving as the fluid to be supplied to the supply port under pressure may be replaced by steam, water or alcohol.
- the embodiment is not limited to this.
- the rollers 7 to 10 may be secured to a roller supporting plate 34 by a position adjusting device 30 as shown in Fig. 9.
- the position adjusting device 30 comprises an eccentric shaft 33 with a nut (omitted from illustration) disposed at the end portion of the eccentric shaft 33.
- the center 37a of the shaft 37 of the roller is moved to 37b adjacent to a peripheral end 34a of the roller support plate 34 so that the roller is brought to a state 35 designated by a chain line.
- the center 37b of the shaft 37 of the roller is moved to 37a adjacent to the center 34b of the roller support plate 34 so that the roller is returned to the original state.
- the roller 37 is positioned at the predetermined position before the eccentric shaft 33 is secured to the roller support plate 34 by a fixing screw 39 so that the position of the roller 37 is maintained at the predetermined position.
- Another structure may be employed which is arranged in such a manner that compressed air G is discharged outside as an alternative to the structure arranged in such a manner that the same is discharged into the case 2.
- a discharge passage which is connected to outside, is formed in the above-described case so as to be connected to the discharge port of the tube.
- the above-described expanding type flexible tube 4 may be replaced by a straight cylindrical tube as shown in Fig. 7 or by a so-called combined type tube arranged in such a manner that the portion adjacent to the inlet port 43a of a flexible tube 43 is in the form of a straight cylindrical shape and the portion adjacent to the outlet port 43b is in the form of an expanding type.
- the number of the rollers, the shape, the length and the number of the tubes and the number of the supply ports to be connected to the tube may, of course, be properly determined depending upon the type of the fluid which is employed.
- the tube is expanded when the fluid is, under pressure, introduced into the flexible tube through the supply port.
- the rollers are rotated in the circumferential direction, causing the rotor to be rotated. Consequently, the machine connected to the rotor is rotated.
- volume displacement machine does not require electric power, it can be used effectively not only in the regions in which electric power can be obtained but also in the regions in which the same cannot easily be obtained.
- the structure can be simplified, the overall cost can be reduced and the machine maintenance can easily be completed in comparison to the conventional structure.
- a work volume (energy) which corresponds to the area defined by a line passing through a, b, c, d, d' and 0 can be obtained in the case of the expanding type tube.
- the volume V is changed. Since both the pressure P and the volume V are not changed from the second chamber b to the fourth chamber d via the third chamber c, a work volume (energy) which corresponds to the area defined by a line passing through a, b, b' and 0 can be obtained in the case of the straight type tube.
- the straight type tube does not need the third chamber c and the fourth chamber d. Furthermore, no effect can be obtained from the structure as shown in Fig. 7 in which the tube is lengthened.
- the volume displacement machine serves as a means for converting expanding energy of the fluid into mechanical energy, the volume displacement machine being used in a prime mover.
- the volume displacement machine can be specified as, for example, A: motor utilizing a gas, B: compressor utilizing a gas, C: hydraulic power motor, D: pump.
- A Motor utilizing a gas
- the volume displacement machine can be used as the output of a rankine cycle which converts steam pressure into mechanical energy.
- the motor of this type exhibits the following advantages in comparison to the conventional systems:
- the present volume displacement machine can be employed as a gas compressor in place of a motor which utilizes a gas or steam. It can also be employed as the compressor of a refrigeration system. The following advantages can be obtained in comparison to the other compressors:
- the present volume displacement machine can be employed as a fluid pump. Schematically, it can be applied to a similar applicable range as that of the conventional pumps. It can be considered that a limit is present in a pressure level of 40 bars or less.
- the applicable structures are exemplified by a structure for use in a factory, a measuring motor, a water pumping up operation in a construction work, agricultural irrigation work, a circulating pump in a central heating system and the like.
- the flexible tube 4 is made of a flexible material such as rubber and arranged to have a cylindrical cross sectional shape, the flexible tube 4 having a wall portion 14a which has a constant thickness.
- the wall portion 14a of the tube 4 has reinforcing fibers 15 which cannot be expanded/contracted, the reinforcing fibers 15 being embedded in the wall portion 14a. However, it may be omitted from the structure.
- the tube 4 is arranged to be in the form of a tapered shape, that is, a so-called expanding type which is expanded from the supply port 3 toward the discharge port 13.
- the flexible tube 4 has an elastic reinforcing member 26 on its inner surface 4a.
- the elastic reinforcing member 26 is, as shown in Fig. 11, arranged to have a circular arc cross sectional shape having a constant wall thickness.
- Two end portions 26a of the elastic reinforcing member 26 are positioned to confront bent portions 17 of the tube inner surface 4a, while each of the terminative end portions 26b is arranged to be in the form of a circular arc shape.
- the flexible tube 4 is, as shown in Fig. 1, abutted against the inner surface 2a of the cylindrical case 2 by the rollers 7, 8 and 9.
- the bent portions 17 of the inner surface 4a of the tube 4 are bent along the terminative end portions 26b of the elastic reinforcing member 26 to form a circular arc shape while its deformation being restricted by the elastic reinforcing member 26.
- the above-described end portions 26a are brought into hermetically contact with the confronting inner surface 4a of the tube 4. Therefore, destruction of the bent portion 17 due to fatigue can be prevented and as well as the leakage through seal can be prevented.
- Figs. 11 and 12 illustrate a first embodiment of the present invention arranged in such a manner that circular hollow portions 27 are formed at two end portions 26a of said elastic reinforcing member 26 having a circular arc cross sectional shape. Furthermore, each of terminative end portions 26b of the elastic reinforcing member 26 is arranged to have a semicircular cross sectional shape.
- FIG. 13 and 14 illustrate a second embodiment of the present invention.
- a structure may be employed which is arranged in such a manner that a hollow portion 37 is formed in the central portion of the elastic reinforcing member 36 which has a circular arc cross sectional shape.
- each of front portions 36b of the two end portions 36a of the elastic reinforcing member 36 is arranged to be in the form of a semicircular shape.
- the cross sectional shape of the elastic reinforcing member 36 is caused to be a flat shape as shown in Fig. 14.
- the hollow portion 37 which is being compressed, is positioned at the central portion of the elastic reinforcing member 36.
- the reinforcing material may be made of a material such as synthetic resin which has a small elastic force as an alternative to the rubber or the like having a large elastic force.
- the invention is arranged as described above. Therefore, when the flexible tube is bent at the bent portion by the abutting force of the rollers, the angular degree of the abutment is restricted by the elastic reinforcing member. Furthermore, the elastic reinforcing member is abutted so as to be deformed while being expanded on the inner surface of. the tube. Therefore, a problem, which will taken in the conventional structures, in that the bent portion of the inner surface of the tube is bent while making an acute angle can be overcome. Furthermore, the leakage of gas or the like through the bent portion can be prevented. Consequently, the durability of the tube can be improved and energy loss can be prevented.
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Description
- The present invention relates to a flexible tube means for a volume displacement machine which can be widely used as, for example, a motor, a compressor, a pump and the like.
- A volume displacement machine of the type described above is exemplified by a prime mover.
- Conventional prime movers exemplified by gasoline engines and diesel engines are arranged to use gasoline or heavy oil. Therefore, an advantage can be obtained in that they can be used in the regions to which no electric power is supplied. However, a problem of noise arises since explosive noise is made at the time of inflammations. In order to overcome the above-described problem, motors are used. However, although the operative noise can be satisfactorily reduced with the conventional motors, they cannot be used in the regions in which electric power cannot easily be obtained.
- Furthermore, the motors are structured too complicatedly and the overall cost cannot be reduced. Therefore, the inventor of the present invention has developed a volume displacement machine which uses a flexible tube. The above-described volume displacement machine is arranged in such a manner that a cylindrical flexible tube, which is connected to a supply port, is disposed along the inner surface of a cylindrical case. Furthermore, a rotor is concentrically disposed in the cylindrical case and rollers for abutting the tube against the above-described inner surface are provided at the end portions of the rotor. The thus arranged volume displacement machine acts in such a manner that, when compressed air is supplied into the tube through the above-described supply port, the tube abuts the rollers in the circumferential direction while being expanded. As a result, the rotor can be rotated.
- If a conventional flexible tube is used, it will be bent at its bent portion to be a flat shape when it is abutted against the inner surface of the cylindrical case by the rollers. Therefore, the bent portion will be destructed due to fatigue if the flexible tube is repeatedly subjected to the bending operation and the restoring operation. As a result, a problem of unsatisfactory durability of the flexible tube arises. What is even worse, a gas leaks and thereby an energy loss takes place because the confronting surfaces of the inner bent portion of the flexible tube cannot be brought into hermetic contact with each other, that is, a gap is created.
- US-A-3,508,587 discloses a tubular structural member which is adapted to withstand repeated flattening and returning into a tubular form. Even though it is not described for use in a peristaltic pump, certain embodiments disclosed therein may be capable of this use. According to one embodiment disclosed, a tubular member has a spring steel inner elastic member. However, the inner elastic member does not comprise two end portions having hollow portions and/or having a hollow portion at a central portion thereof.
- Other tubular members are disclosed in US-A-4 705 464 and EP-A-0 094 580 as well as EP-A-0 325 470 and GB-1 464 894 (corresponding to NL-A-7 301 380).
- With the tube members according the above prior art, the bent portion of a flexible tube is prone to be destructed due to fatigue if the flexible tube is repeatedly subjected to the bending operation and the restoring operation. Further, the confronting surfaces of the inner bent portion of the flexible tube can not be brought into hermetical contact with each other such that, when used in a pump, the pumped fluid will leak and thereby energy loss will occur.
- In order to overcome the problems outlined above, it is the object of the present invention to improve the durability of a flexible tube and to prevent energy loss.
- This object is achieved by the features of claim 1. Preferred embodiment of the invention are disclosed in the dependent claims.
- When the above-described flexible tube is abutted against the inner surface of the cylindrical case by the rollers, it is bent at its bent portion so that it has a flat cross sectional shape. At this time, the confronting surfaces of the inner bent portion are brought into hermetically contact with each other via the elastic reinforcing member. Furthermore, the angular degree of the bent portion is restricted by the elastic reinforcing member.
- Other and further objects, features and advantages of the invention will be appear more fully from the following description.
- Figs. 1 to 10 illustrate embodiments of a volume displacement machine utilizing the flexible tube means of the present invention, where
- Fig. 1 is a front elevational vertical cross sectional view;
- Fig. 2 is a side elevational vertical cross sectional view;
- Fig. 3 is a plan view of an expanding tube;
- Fig. 4 is a cross sectional view taken along line IV-IV of Fig. 3;
- Fig. 5 is a cross sectional view taken along line V-V of Fig. 3;
- Fig. 6 is a cross sectional view taken along line VI-VI of Fig. 3;
- Fig. 7 is a plan view of a tube according to another embodiment of the volume displacement machine;
- Fig. 8 illustrates the work performed in the structure according to the first embodiment;
- Fig. 9 is a front elevational view which illustrates an embodiment of a position adjustment device;
- Fig. 10 is a plan view which illustrates another embodiment of the flexible tube and which corresponds to Fig. 3;
- Figs. 11 to 14 illustrate the invention, where
- Fig. 11 is a vertical cross sectional view which illustrates a first embodiment;
- Fig. 12 is a cross sectional view which illustrates another state of Fig. 11;
- Fig. 13 is a vertical cross sectional view which illustrates a second embodiment and which corresponds to Fig. 11;
- Fig. 14 is a cross sectional view which illustrates another state of Fig. 13.
- A volume displacement machine will now be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 10, where the same reference numerals represent the same elements. A
supply port 3 is formed in acylindrical case 2 secured to a base 1. Aflexible tube 4 is connected to the above-describedsupply port 3. Thesupply port 3 is connected to aninjection pipe 5 which extends in the tangential direction of thecylindrical case 2. - As shown in Figs. 3 to 6, the
flexible tube 4 is made of a flexible material such as rubber and arranged to be in the form of a tapered shape, that is, a so-called expanding type. The above-describedflexible tube 4 is arranged on aninner surface 2a of thecylindrical case 2, the length L of theflexible tube 4 being determined properly to meet a requirement. Thecylindrical case 2 includes arotor 6 disposed concentrically. Fourrollers rotor 6 at the same interval. Each of the above-describedrollers 7 to 10 is arranged to be longer than the maximum width W of thetube 4. Furthermore, a shaft 11 of each of therollers 7 to 10 is urged by apre-loading spring 12 toward the above-describedinner surface 2a. As a result, each of therollers 7 to 10 presses thetube 4 toward theinner surface 2a in such a manner that the above-describedtube 4 is divided into a first chamber a, a second chamber b, a third chamber c and a fourth chamber d. - Then, the operation of the above-described embodiment will now be described. When a fluid, for example, compressed air G, is supplied to the
injection pipe 5, air G passes from thesupply port 3 in the tangential direction so that it is introduced into the first chamber a of thetube 4. - Since the first chamber a is hermetically sealed up by the
roller 7 which is being urged by thepre-loading spring 12, there is no outlet through which air G can be discharged. Therefore, the first chamber a is expanded, causing its surface to abut against theroller 7 in circumferential direction R. As a result, the above-describedroller 7 moves in the circumferential direction R while hermetically sealing the first chamber a. Since theroller 7 moves while rotating, the frictional resistance of thetube 4 can be reduced. As a result, thetube 4 can be prevented from damage. When theroller 7 is rotated as described above, also therollers 8 to 10 are rotated simultaneously. - Since the
tube 4 is arranged to be in the form of the tapered shaped, volumes V of the chambers a to d are enlarged in a sequential order of the first chamber a, the second chamber b, the third chamber c and the fourth chamber d. Therefore, the pressures P1 to P4 of the chambers a to d are reduced in the sequential order of the pressure P1 of the first chamber a, the pressure P2 of the second chamber b, the pressure P3 of the third chamber c and the pressure P4 of the fourth chamber d. - Therefore, pressure difference P1 - P2 is generated between the first chamber a and the second chamber b, pressure difference P2 - P3 is generated between the second chamber b and the third chamber c, pressure difference P3 - P4 is generated between the third chamber c and the fourth chamber d. As a result, abutting force in the circumferential direction R acts on each of the
rollers 7 to 10 by a level which corresponds to the pressure difference. Therefore, each of therollers 7 to 10 rotates while sectioning thetube 4 so that therotor 6 rotates smoothly. - When the
roller 7 rotates by an angular degree of 90° in the circumferential direction as described above and thereby it is positioned on a radial line B, the roller 10 is moved to a position on a radial line A so as to hermetically seal up the first chamber a. Since theroller 8 is moved to a position on a radial line C and the roller 9 is removed from thetube 4 at this time, the third chamber c is opened so that compressed air G in the third chamber c is discharged through a discharge port 13 into thecase 2. When theroller 7 is rotated by an angular degree of 180° as described above and thereby it is moved to a position on the radial line C, theroller 8 is removed from thetube 4, causing the second chamber b to be opened. Therefore, compressed air G in the second chamber b is discharged through the discharge port 13 into thecase 2. When theroller 7 is further rotated by an angular degree of 90°C and thereby it is moved to a position on a radial line D, theroller 7 is removed from thetube 4, causing the first chamber a to be opened. As a result, compressed air G in the second chamber a is discharged through the discharge port 13 into thecase 2. - When the above-described process is repeated, the
rotor 6 rotates smoothly. - It is possible to adjust the revolving speed of the
rotor 6 in a step-less manner by regulating the quantity of compressed air G to be supplied to thetube 4. - The above-described volume displacement pump is not limited to the above-made description. For example, compressed air serving as the fluid to be supplied to the supply port under pressure may be replaced by steam, water or alcohol.
- Although the above-described embodiment is arranged in such a manner that the
rollers 7 to 10 are abutted against theinner surface 2a of thecylindrical case 2 by the pre-loadingspring 12, the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, therollers 7 to 10 may be secured to aroller supporting plate 34 by aposition adjusting device 30 as shown in Fig. 9. Theposition adjusting device 30 comprises aneccentric shaft 33 with a nut (omitted from illustration) disposed at the end portion of theeccentric shaft 33. Therefore, when the above-described nut is rotated in a direction designated by an arrow A, thecenter 37a of theshaft 37 of the roller is moved to 37b adjacent to a peripheral end 34a of theroller support plate 34 so that the roller is brought to astate 35 designated by a chain line. When the nut is rotated in the reverse direction to that in the above-described case, thecenter 37b of theshaft 37 of the roller is moved to 37a adjacent to the center 34b of theroller support plate 34 so that the roller is returned to the original state. As described above, theroller 37 is positioned at the predetermined position before theeccentric shaft 33 is secured to theroller support plate 34 by a fixingscrew 39 so that the position of theroller 37 is maintained at the predetermined position. - Another structure may be employed which is arranged in such a manner that compressed air G is discharged outside as an alternative to the structure arranged in such a manner that the same is discharged into the
case 2. In the case where the same is discharged outside, a discharge passage, which is connected to outside, is formed in the above-described case so as to be connected to the discharge port of the tube. - Furthermore, the above-described expanding type
flexible tube 4 may be replaced by a straight cylindrical tube as shown in Fig. 7 or by a so-called combined type tube arranged in such a manner that the portion adjacent to theinlet port 43a of aflexible tube 43 is in the form of a straight cylindrical shape and the portion adjacent to theoutlet port 43b is in the form of an expanding type. - The number of the rollers, the shape, the length and the number of the tubes and the number of the supply ports to be connected to the tube may, of course, be properly determined depending upon the type of the fluid which is employed.
- Since the volume displacement machine is structured as described above, the tube is expanded when the fluid is, under pressure, introduced into the flexible tube through the supply port. As a result, the rollers are rotated in the circumferential direction, causing the rotor to be rotated. Consequently, the machine connected to the rotor is rotated.
- Since the above-described volume displacement machine does not require electric power, it can be used effectively not only in the regions in which electric power can be obtained but also in the regions in which the same cannot easily be obtained.
- Furthermore, since noise which will be generated during the operation of the volume displacement machine can be reduced satisfactorily in comparison to the gasoline engines and the diesel engines, the problem of the noise can be overcome.
- In addition, the structure can be simplified, the overall cost can be reduced and the machine maintenance can easily be completed in comparison to the conventional structure.
- Then, the work performed in the flexible tube will be described with reference to a graph about the work shown in Fig. 8. In a case of the expanding type tube (gas), although the pressure P is not changed in the first chamber a as designated by a horizontal line, the volume V increases from 0 to b'. When the second chamber b has been formed, the pressure P commences a reduction. When the third chamber c is formed, the pressure P is lowered from b to c and the volume V is enlarged from 0 to c'. When the fourth chamber d is formed, the pressure P is lowered to d and the volume V increases from 0 to d'. As a result, a work volume (energy) which corresponds to the area defined by a line passing through a, b, c, d, d' and 0 can be obtained in the case of the expanding type tube. In a case of a straight type tube (liquid), although the pressure P is not changed as designated by the horizontal line in the first chamber a because isobaric expansion takes place, the volume V is changed. Since both the pressure P and the volume V are not changed from the second chamber b to the fourth chamber d via the third chamber c, a work volume (energy) which corresponds to the area defined by a line passing through a, b, b' and 0 can be obtained in the case of the straight type tube.
- Therefore, the straight type tube does not need the third chamber c and the fourth chamber d. Furthermore, no effect can be obtained from the structure as shown in Fig. 7 in which the tube is lengthened.
- The volume displacement machine serves as a means for converting expanding energy of the fluid into mechanical energy, the volume displacement machine being used in a prime mover.
- The volume displacement machine can be specified as, for example, A: motor utilizing a gas, B: compressor utilizing a gas, C: hydraulic power motor, D: pump.
- Then, the specific examples A to D will now be described.
- The volume displacement machine can be used as the output of a rankine cycle which converts steam pressure into mechanical energy. The motor of this type exhibits the following advantages in comparison to the conventional systems:
- a: Energy loss due to condensation can be reduced because of the following reasons:
- a1. Each tube is made of a material having a low thermal conductivity.
- a2. The steam flows continuously in one way.
- a3. The steam does not expand at the same position as the inlet port through which the steam is introduced as in a multi-step expansion type steam engine.
- a4. A flexible adjustment can be performed in a low revolving speed range. That is, a transmission device, which is necessary for 4-cycle engines, can be eliminated from the structure.
- b. An excellent volume efficiency can be obtained even if the gas fluid pressure is low because of an excellent airtightness and reduced fluid loss.
- c. Excellent mechanical energy is obtainable due to a reduced resistance loss.
- d. An excellent expansion efficiency can be obtainable in a structure in which an expanding type tube is employed which enables steam to discharge its expansion energy when it is transmitted from the engine.
- e. Since the flexible tube exhibits an extremely simple structure and thereby its manufacturing cost can be reduced, the overall cost of the motor can be reduced.
- When a gas motor is employed in a motor in which compressed air moves, for example, in a tool (drill, a nut clamping tool, a grinder, a crasher) operated by compressed air, the following advantages can be obtained in comparison to the conventional air motors:
- a. A high volume efficiency can be obtained. An ordinary air motor undesirably leaks its output by 50 % since 50 % of the input passes through without relating to the mechanical power. However, the efficiency can be raised to a 90 % of the volume efficiency according to the volume displacement machine according to the present embodiment.
- b. An excellent expansion efficiency can be obtained. The conventional air motor has not been designed so as to obtain the expansion energy from air. An ordinary level of 6 atmosphere possesses about 50 % of expansion energy. The fact that the above-described expansion energy is not utilized means an efficiency reduction by 50 %. The volume displacement machine according to the present embodiment is designed in such a manner that the main portion of the expansion energy can be utilized by employing the expanding type tube which enables the volume of air to be expanded two times or more. According to this structure, the expansion loss can be reduced to about 10 %.
- c. In comparison to an ordinary air motor, the necessity of performing the internal lubrication can be eliminated from the volume displacement machine. This means a fact that mixture of oil into compressed air can be prevented and oil does not fly outside when air discharges. This fact has been considered important recently. In other words, the ordinary air motors are the causes of the environmental pollution, while the present volume displacement machine does not relate to the environmental pollution.
- d. No expansion takes place in an oridinary air motor, causing noise to be inevitably generated when air discharges from the motor (at 6 bars). However, since air is expanded in the present volume displacement machine before air is discharged outside, noise can, of course, be eliminated. In other words, the ordinary air motors are noisy, while the present volume displacement machine is quiet.
- The present volume displacement machine can be employed as a gas compressor in place of a motor which utilizes a gas or steam. It can also be employed as the compressor of a refrigeration system. The following advantages can be obtained in comparison to the other compressors:
- a. A high volume efficiency can be obtained even if the capacity is not sufficiently large.
- b. The energy loss of the gas, which will take place when the heated gas is introduced into the compressor, can be prevented because the flexible tube has the low thermal conductivity.
- c. It can easily be machined and thereby the manufacturing cost can be reduced.
- d. In comparison to the other compressors, the present volume displacement machine does not need a lubricating operation. This fact means that the refrigerator is not contaminated by the oil deposit. Furthermore, the thermal conduction between the high temperature portions and the low temperature portions in the apparatus due to the lubricating oil can be prevented. In addition, a necessity of examining the possibility of mixture with the lubricating oil can be eliminated when a refrigerant is selected.
- e. Since the present volume displacement machine does not involve a predetermined compression ratio which is established for an ordinary screw or scroll type compressors, the refrigerant system exhibits an excellent efficiency in a wide temperature range. This advantage is also exhibited with respect to piston type compressors.
- The present volume displacement machine can be employed as a fluid pump. Schematically, it can be applied to a similar applicable range as that of the conventional pumps. It can be considered that a limit is present in a pressure level of 40 bars or less. The applicable structures are exemplified by a structure for use in a factory, a measuring motor, a water pumping up operation in a construction work, agricultural irrigation work, a circulating pump in a central heating system and the like.
- The following advantages can be obtainable from the present volume displacement machine:
- a. A high efficiency can be obtained.
- b. The overall cost can be reduced.
- c. It can be used to pump up contaminated liquid such as water with sand in a construction field.
- d. A sealing means for the shaft can be eliminated from the structure. The above-described sealing means causes a jam in the conventional pumps.
- e. The necessity of using valves can be eliminated.
- The present invention will now be described with reference to Figs. 11 to 14. Since the operation of the volume displacement machine is the same as that according to the above-described embodiments, the description about it is omitted here. Then, only the
flexible tube 4 according to the invention will be described. - As shown in Figs. 11 and 14, the
flexible tube 4 is made of a flexible material such as rubber and arranged to have a cylindrical cross sectional shape, theflexible tube 4 having awall portion 14a which has a constant thickness. - The
wall portion 14a of thetube 4 has reinforcingfibers 15 which cannot be expanded/contracted, the reinforcingfibers 15 being embedded in thewall portion 14a. However, it may be omitted from the structure. - As shown in Fig. 3, the
tube 4 is arranged to be in the form of a tapered shape, that is, a so-called expanding type which is expanded from thesupply port 3 toward the discharge port 13. Theflexible tube 4 has an elastic reinforcingmember 26 on its inner surface 4a. The elastic reinforcingmember 26 is, as shown in Fig. 11, arranged to have a circular arc cross sectional shape having a constant wall thickness. Twoend portions 26a of the elastic reinforcingmember 26 are positioned to confrontbent portions 17 of the tube inner surface 4a, while each of theterminative end portions 26b is arranged to be in the form of a circular arc shape. When the process according to the above-described first embodiment is repeated, therotor 6 smoothly rotates. During this process, theflexible tube 4 is, as shown in Fig. 1, abutted against theinner surface 2a of thecylindrical case 2 by therollers bent portions 17 of the inner surface 4a of thetube 4 are bent along theterminative end portions 26b of the elastic reinforcingmember 26 to form a circular arc shape while its deformation being restricted by the elastic reinforcingmember 26. Furthermore, the above-describedend portions 26a are brought into hermetically contact with the confronting inner surface 4a of thetube 4. Therefore, destruction of thebent portion 17 due to fatigue can be prevented and as well as the leakage through seal can be prevented. - Figs. 11 and 12 illustrate a first embodiment of the present invention arranged in such a manner that circular
hollow portions 27 are formed at twoend portions 26a of said elastic reinforcingmember 26 having a circular arc cross sectional shape. Furthermore, each ofterminative end portions 26b of the elastic reinforcingmember 26 is arranged to have a semicircular cross sectional shape. As a result of the above-described arrangement of the structure of the elastic reinforcingmember 26, spaces through which a gas or liquid leaks and which can easily be formed in thebent portions 17 positioned on the inner surface of theflexible tube 4 can be sealed up further perfectly since the twoend portions 26a are soft and thereby they can easily be deformed when thetube 4 is folded to have a flat cross sectional shape. Figs. 13 and 14 illustrate a second embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figs. 13 and 14, a structure may be employed which is arranged in such a manner that ahollow portion 37 is formed in the central portion of the elastic reinforcingmember 36 which has a circular arc cross sectional shape. Furthermore, each offront portions 36b of the twoend portions 36a of the elastic reinforcingmember 36 is arranged to be in the form of a semicircular shape. When theflexible tube 4 is folded down, the cross sectional shape of the elastic reinforcingmember 36 is caused to be a flat shape as shown in Fig. 14. Furthermore, thehollow portion 37, which is being compressed, is positioned at the central portion of the elastic reinforcingmember 36. - The reinforcing material may be made of a material such as synthetic resin which has a small elastic force as an alternative to the rubber or the like having a large elastic force.
- The invention is arranged as described above. Therefore, when the flexible tube is bent at the bent portion by the abutting force of the rollers, the angular degree of the abutment is restricted by the elastic reinforcing member. Furthermore, the elastic reinforcing member is abutted so as to be deformed while being expanded on the inner surface of. the tube. Therefore, a problem, which will taken in the conventional structures, in that the bent portion of the inner surface of the tube is bent while making an acute angle can be overcome. Furthermore, the leakage of gas or the like through the bent portion can be prevented. Consequently, the durability of the tube can be improved and energy loss can be prevented.
- Although the invention has been described in its preferred form with a certain degree of particularly, it is understood that the present disclosure of the preferred form has been changed in the details of construction and the combination and arrangement of parts may be resorted to without departing from the scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed.
Claims (3)
- A flexible tube means for a volume displacement machine having a flexible tube (4) disposed along an inner surface (2a) of a cylindrical case (2) in such a manner that its end portion is connected to a supply port (3) and another end portion of the same is opened, a rotor (6) concentrically disposed in said cylindrical case (2), and rollers (7, 8, 9, 10) disposed at the front portions of said rotor (6) and act to abut said tube (4) against said inner surface (2a),said tube means comprising:said flexible tube (4); andan elastic member (26, 36) disposed in at least an inner bent portion (17) of said tube (4),wherein said two end portions (26a, 26b) of said elastic member (26) have hollow portions (27), and/orwherein said elastic member (36) has a hollow portion (37) at the central portion thereof.
- The flexible tube means according to claim 1,wherein said flexible tube (4) comprises reinforcing fiber (15) embedded in a wall portion (14a) of said flexible tube (4); andwherein said elastic member (26, 36, 46) disposed in at least an inner bent portion (17) of said tube (4) is an elastic reinforcing member.
- The flexible tube means according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said elastic member (26, 36, 46) is arranged along the inner surface (4a) of said flexible tube (4) to have a circular arc cross sectional shape and the two end portions (26b, 36b, 46b) of said elastic member (26, 36, 46) are positioned at said inner bent portions (17).
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
JP208891/90 | 1990-08-07 | ||
JP2208891A JP2525688B2 (en) | 1990-08-07 | 1990-08-07 | Expandable flexible tube motor |
JP33635190A JPH04203485A (en) | 1990-11-30 | 1990-11-30 | Flexible tube of volume displacement machine |
JP336351/90 | 1990-11-30 |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP0470333A1 EP0470333A1 (en) | 1992-02-12 |
EP0470333B1 true EP0470333B1 (en) | 1997-07-09 |
Family
ID=26517107
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP91106814A Expired - Lifetime EP0470333B1 (en) | 1990-08-07 | 1991-04-26 | Flexible tube for volume displacement machine |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP0470333B1 (en) |
DE (1) | DE69126746T2 (en) |
Families Citing this family (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5336051A (en) * | 1989-09-22 | 1994-08-09 | Yehuda Tamari | Inline non-invasive pressure monitoring system for pumps |
US5468129A (en) * | 1994-08-05 | 1995-11-21 | Cole Parmer Instrument Company | Peristaltic pump |
AUPM891494A0 (en) * | 1994-10-20 | 1994-11-10 | Thermal Energy Accumulator Products Pty Ltd | A thermo-volumetric motor |
GB9507311D0 (en) * | 1995-04-07 | 1995-05-31 | Hoare David A | Sewage sludge separation apparatus |
GB2328982B (en) * | 1997-09-04 | 2002-05-08 | Baxter Int | Improved accuracy peristaltic pump |
KR100637197B1 (en) * | 2004-11-25 | 2006-10-23 | 삼성에스디아이 주식회사 | Flat display device and manufacturing method thereof |
KR100637198B1 (en) * | 2004-11-25 | 2006-10-23 | 삼성에스디아이 주식회사 | Flat display device and manufacturing method thereof |
Citations (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3508587A (en) * | 1966-09-29 | 1970-04-28 | Hans A Mauch | Tubular structural member |
NL7301380A (en) * | 1973-01-31 | 1974-08-02 | ||
GB1464984A (en) * | 1973-07-18 | 1977-02-16 | ||
EP0325470A2 (en) * | 1988-01-22 | 1989-07-26 | Avon Polymer Products Limited | Tubes for peristaltic pumps and methods of making them |
Family Cites Families (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
FR2158642A5 (en) * | 1971-10-26 | 1973-06-15 | Malbec Edouard | |
EP0094580A1 (en) * | 1982-05-17 | 1983-11-23 | Max Gutknecht | Device for conveying or pressing flowable materials through a flexible tubular conduit |
US4705464A (en) * | 1986-05-09 | 1987-11-10 | Surgidev Corporation | Medicine pump |
-
1991
- 1991-04-26 EP EP91106814A patent/EP0470333B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1991-04-26 DE DE1991626746 patent/DE69126746T2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Patent Citations (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3508587A (en) * | 1966-09-29 | 1970-04-28 | Hans A Mauch | Tubular structural member |
NL7301380A (en) * | 1973-01-31 | 1974-08-02 | ||
GB1464984A (en) * | 1973-07-18 | 1977-02-16 | ||
EP0325470A2 (en) * | 1988-01-22 | 1989-07-26 | Avon Polymer Products Limited | Tubes for peristaltic pumps and methods of making them |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
DE69126746T2 (en) | 1998-02-12 |
EP0470333A1 (en) | 1992-02-12 |
DE69126746D1 (en) | 1997-08-14 |
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