EP3707381A1

EP3707381A1 - Undulating-membrane fluid circulator

Info

Publication number: EP3707381A1
Application number: EP18810891.4A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Jean-Baptiste Drevet; Harold GUILLEMIN
Original assignee: CorWave SA
Current assignee: CorWave SA
Priority date: 2017-11-10
Filing date: 2018-11-09
Publication date: 2020-09-16
Anticipated expiration: 2038-11-09
Also published as: JP7158061B2; EP3707381B1; FR3073578A1; WO2019092175A1; EP3707381B8; US20210172429A1; CN111433460A; AU2018365313A1; US11512689B2; CN111433460B; FR3073578B1; JP2021502513A

Abstract

The present invention relates to an undulating-membrane fluid circulator having an intake port (3), a pump housing (4) delimiting a propulsion chamber (5), a discharge port (6), and an undulating membrane (2) paired with a drive means permitting an undulating movement of the membrane (2) between the upstream (8) and downstream (9) edges thereof, the undulating membrane (2) being capable of moving a fluid towards the discharge port (6). According to the invention, the circulator further comprises at least one means (7) for guiding the fluid, said means being disposed in the fluid propulsion chamber (5) near one of the edges (8, 9) of the undulating membrane (2) and making it possible to channel the fluid flow in a direction substantially parallel to the displacement of the wave along the membrane (2).

Description

C I FLUID FLOW RAMPOR WITH INJURING MEMBRANE

The present invention relates to an undulating diaphragm fluid circulator.

The invention will advantageously be applicable in the fields of the transport of fragile fluids, such as for example medical or food, however, although particularly intended for such applications the circulator may be used in other industrial or domestic applications.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Patent FR 2,744,769 already discloses the principle of an undulating diaphragm fluid circulator, which can take the form, for example, of a pump, a fan, a compressor, or a propellant.

This type of circulator comprises a membrane corrugated in a pump body. The pump body defines a propulsion chamber for the fluid to be conveyed between an intake port and a discharge port. The actuation of the membrane is performed by drive means such as an actuator, connected to the membrane. The activation of the membrane causes undulations of the latter which transmit mechanical energy to the fluid so as to ensure its propulsion.

This type of circulator has many advantages over other pump technologies for example volumetric reciprocating or volumetric peristaltic type. In particular, this type of circulator is suitable for the transport of fragile fluids and has a small footprint.

However, it has been found by the applicant that the structure in application FR 2 744 769 is not optimized and that, in view of the movements of the fluid downstream and upstream of the membrane, the efficiency of the propulsion at the upstream and downstream edges of the membrane is reduced and therefore limits the hydraulic power of the circulator.

More specifically the Applicant has noted the existence of movements of the fluid in a direction transverse to the movement of the wave on the membrane. These transverse movements, at the edges of the membrane, reduce the differential pressure existing in the propulsion chamber between the space above the membrane and that below and therefore reduce the propulsion force of the upstream edges and downstream of the membrane.

The object of the present invention is to propose an improvement to the undulating diaphragm fluid circulators described in the state of the art.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

The object of the present invention is therefore to propose a circulator whose structure makes it possible to maintain a large pressure differential at the edges of the diaphragm, which provides the circulator with increased hydraulic power for the same size.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

For this purpose, the present invention relates to an undulating diaphragm fluid circulator comprising at least one inlet orifice, a pump body defining a propulsion chamber, at least one discharge orifice and a deformable membrane associated with a drive means. to generate a ripple movement of the membrane between its upstream and downstream edges (in this case this ripple movement propagates from the upstream edge to the downstream edge), the undulating membrane being able to move a fluid in the direction of the discharge port.

According to the invention, the circulator comprises a first means for orienting the fluid arranged in the fluid propulsion chamber, close to one of the edges of the undulating membrane, for channeling the flow of fluid in a direction substantially parallel to the movement of the wave on the membrane.

For the understanding of the invention, the expression "near one of the edges of the undulating membrane" means "in greater proximity to one of the upstream or downstream edges of the membrane than on the other of the upstream or downstream edges. downstream of the membrane ".

Thus, the first fluid orientation means is closer to one of the edges of the membrane, in this case the upstream edge, than it is to the downstream edge.

The structure of the circulator according to the invention therefore makes it possible to eliminate or at least limit, at the level of at least one edge of the membrane, the transverse flows of fluid at the displacement of the wave on the membrane.

Ideally, the deflector is a separate part of the membrane that may be in contact with the membrane or is preferentially remote from the membrane. Moreover, this deflector is preferably attached to the pump body.

In a preferred embodiment, the first orientation means is disposed near the upstream edge of the undulating membrane and a second orientation means is disposed near the downstream edge of the undulating membrane.

In this way the pressure difference between the space above and below the membrane is maintained at a high level over the entire surface of the membrane ensuring the latter an increased hydraulic power compared to the devices. previous.

We note that preferentially, the first means orientation extends along the upstream edge while being vis-à-vis and remote from the upstream edge.

Note that preferably, the second orientation means extends along the downstream edge while being in facing relation and at a distance from this downstream edge.

It should be noted that the first orientation means is rigid and relatively indeformable with respect to the membrane which is flexible and deformable.

By its rigidity, the first orientation means favors laminar flows on either side of the orientation means to the proximity of the upstream edge of the membrane, this reduces turbulence at the upstream edge and allows better efficiency of fluid propulsion by the undulating membrane.

Similarly, the second orientation means is rigid and relatively undeformable facing the membrane which is flexible and deformable.

Because of its rigidity, the second orientation means favors laminar flows on either side of the orientation means, this laminar flow being thus favored near the downstream edge of the membrane. This reduces turbulence at the downstream edge and allows better fluid propulsion efficiency by the undulating membrane.

It is also possible that the first orientation means is connected by a flexible connection to the upstream edge of the membrane, this first orientation means forming with the membrane and with the flexible connection a tight separation between two distinct spaces of the chamber of propulsion separated from each other by the membrane.

This flexible connection opposes the passage of fluid between the first orientation means and the upstream edge of the membrane, which limits all the sources of turbulence in the flow. This solution may, in certain cases, allow an improvement in the efficiency of the circulator.

Similarly, it is also possible for the second orientation means to be connected by a flexible connection to the downstream edge of the membrane, this second orientation means forming with the membrane and with this flexible connection, a tight separation between two spaces. separate from the propulsion chamber separated from each other by the membrane and the second orientation means.

This flexible connection opposes the passage of fluid between the second orientation means and the downstream edge of the membrane, thereby limiting the sources of turbulence in the flow. This solution may, in certain cases, allow an improvement in the efficiency of the circulator.

Preferably, the first orientation means comprises at least one deflector which extends preferentially along the upstream edge of the membrane and in the extension of the membrane when the membrane is observed in a direction of observation perpendicular to a direction of flow substantially parallel to the movement of the wave on the membrane.

Preferably, the second orientation means comprises at least one baffle which extends preferentially along the downstream edge of the membrane and in the extension of the membrane when the membrane is observed in a direction of observation perpendicular to a direction of flow substantially parallel to the movement of the wave on the membrane.

Thus, in cases where the chosen membrane tends to extend in a membrane plane, it will be ensured that the upstream deflector and / or the downstream deflector also extends in a plane parallel to the membrane plane (see FIGS. examples of Figures 1 to 3 and 5 to 8). In contrast, in cases where the chosen membrane forms a tube extending between its upstream and downstream edges which are annular, then there will be an annular upstream baffle and / or an annular downstream baffle (see the example of Figure 4).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be better understood on reading a detailed example of embodiment with reference to the accompanying drawings, provided by way of non-limiting example, among which:

- Figure 1 shows schematically, in side sectional view, an embodiment of a longitudinal type fluid circulator made according to a first example according to the invention;

- Figure 2 shows schematically and in partial diametral section, a second embodiment of a circular type of fluid circulator, made according to the invention;

- Figure 3 shows schematically, in a partial sectional view, a third embodiment of a fluid circulator, longitudinal type, made according to the invention;

FIG. 4 represents, in a partial sectional view, a fourth exemplary embodiment of a fluid circulator, of cylindrical type, produced according to the invention,

FIG. 5 represents, in perspective view, a first variant embodiment of an element of the invention;

FIG. 6 represents, in perspective view, a second variant embodiment of an element of the invention;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a fifth example of a fluid circulator.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Referring mainly to FIG. 1, a circulator 1 is shown partially with a deformable, longitudinal blade-shaped undulating membrane 2, a fluid inlet 3, a pump body 4 defining a propulsion chamber 5, and a discharge port 6.

The undulating membrane 2 is associated with a drive means allowing a corrugation movement of the membrane 2 between its upstream 8 and downstream edges 9, this drive means, as well as the membrane connection elements are included in the application. FR 2 744 769, and are not shown in Figures 1 to 6 attached to simplify their reading. The drive means is advantageously constituted by an actuator connected directly or by a connecting element to the upstream edge of the membrane 2.

The actuation of the membrane 2 makes it possible to create a ripple propagating from the upstream edge 8 towards the downstream edge 9 of the membrane 2. The fluid is introduced through the inlet orifice 3 into the propulsion chamber 5. then moved towards the delivery port 6 by the undulations of the membrane 2.

To improve this transfer towards the discharge port 6 it is expected that the circulator 1 is, according to the invention, equipped with fluid orientation means 7. FIG. 1 shows orientation means 7 arranged in the propulsion chamber 5 upstream of the undulating membrane 2.

These orientation means 7 make it possible to channel the flow of fluid in a direction substantially parallel to the displacement of the wave on the membrane 2.

The fluid, arriving upstream of the membrane 2, is prevented by the orientation means 7 from moving transversely to the displacement of the wave and by Therefore the fluid can not flow above or below the membrane 2 according to the corrugations of the latter. In this way the pressure differential created by the corrugation is no longer compensated by a transverse fluid transfer as in the circulator described in document FR 2,744,769.

The pressure differential, thus preserved, ensures good propulsion of the fluid by the portion of the membrane near the upstream edge 8 which therefore becomes effective. The hydraulic power generated by the circulator 1 is therefore increased.

According to an advantageous characteristic of the invention, orientation means 7 are also provided downstream of the membrane 2 near the downstream edge 9 of the membrane 2.

The operation of the orientation means 7 arranged downstream is the same as that of those located upstream of the membrane 2, namely to be able to direct the flow of fluid at the membrane outlet 2 to maintain a differential pressure ensuring good propulsion of the fluid by the downstream edge 9. In this way the entire membrane 2 is used effectively and the hydraulic power of the circulator 1 is increased.

In the preferred embodiment illustrated in the accompanying figures, the orientation means 7 comprise at least one deflector 10.

The deflector 10 is advantageously made from a flexible material, so as not only to orient the fluid but also to promote its propulsion. Advantageously, means for exciting the flexible deflector are provided so that the excitation of the deflector 10 and the membrane are in phase opposition.

This being the case in other embodiments, it will be possible to use a rigid baffle. In order to optimize the distribution of the fluid with respect to the membrane, it is expected that the baffle or baffles 10 are arranged parallel to the displacement of the wave on the membrane 2.

However, the deflector 10 may also have a slight inclination to distribute the fluid differently between the space above the membrane 2 and that located below or to take into account the position of the fluid inlet 3, or that of repression 6.

According to a feature of the invention the deflector 10 is fixed, directly or via connecting elements, to the pump body 4. Advantageously, the deflector 10 and the pump body are formed in one piece.

Referring now to FIG. 2, a fluid circulator 1 of circular type is shown, in this type of circulator there is a pump body 4 and an undulating membrane 2, this diaphragm being of disc shape. In this embodiment, we see a first baffle 10 in the form of ring surrounding the membrane 2 at its upstream edge 8 and a second deflector 10 disposed between the discharge port 6 and the downstream edge 9 of the membrane. The deflectors 10 act in the same manner as those provided for the membrane 2 in the form of longitudinal blade illustrated in FIG.

It should be noted that in other embodiments, at least two superposed deflectors 10 are provided upstream and / or downstream of the membrane 2. By way of example, this time referring to FIG. 3, three superposed deflectors are shown. The use of several superposed baffles 10 makes it possible to separate the main flow into several superposed streams of secondary fluid and allows better channel each of these flows in order to obtain laminar flows. This advantageous characteristic will be particularly suitable when the section of the propulsion chamber 5 at the baffles is important.

Referring now to FIG. 4, a third type of circulator 1 is shown, namely a cylindrical circulator in which the undulating membrane 2 is tubular in shape. In this type of circulator is also provided orientation means 7 in the form of cylindrical deflectors 10 arranged upstream and downstream of the membrane 2.

In order to avoid a transfer of the fluid between the upstream baffle 10 and the upstream edge 8 of the undulating membrane 2 and between the downstream baffle 10 and the downstream edge 9 of the undulating membrane 2, provision is made to arrange the deflectors 10 at a low distance from the edge of the undulating membrane 2, or from its support connecting it to one actuator, advantageously less than one-fiftieth of the length separating the upstream and downstream edges 9 of the undulating membrane 2. In other words, the first means 7a is disposed at a distance from the upstream edge 8 of the membrane 2 which is less than one fiftieth of the length separating the upstream 8 and downstream edges 9. Similarly, the second orientation means 7b can be arranged at a distance of distance from the downstream edge 9 of the membrane 2 which is less than one fiftieth of the length separating the upstream 8 and downstream edges 9.

However, in other embodiments it will be possible to use deflectors further from the edges of the undulating membrane 2.

Referring to FIG. 5, an alternative embodiment of a circulator 1 is shown. In this variant there are complementary orientation means 11, these orientation means complementary members 11 are arranged in a plane perpendicular to a plane in which the first orientation means 7a extends and make it possible to prevent a circular displacement of the fluid between the inlet orifice 3 and the undulating membrane 2.

In a mode that is not illustrated, it is also possible to make complementary orientation means 11 be arranged in a plane perpendicular to a plane in which the second orientation means 7b extend and make it possible to prevent a circular movement. fluid between the discharge port and the undulating membrane 2.

Like the orientation means 7a, 7b, the complementary orientation means 11 make it possible to increase the hydraulic power of the circulator 1.

According to a particular feature the complementary orientation means 11 are, as shown in Figure 5, subject to the first orientation means 7a; advantageously the first orientation means 7a and the complementary orientation means 11 are formed in one piece.

Other features of the invention could also have been envisaged without departing from the scope of the invention defined by the claims below.

Thus, by way of example, in the various examples mentioned in the description, the orientation means 7a, 7b are constituted respectively by baffles 10, however in other embodiments other devices may be used to orient the flow, in particular by providing two separate flow arrivals each directed towards the top or bottom of the membrane.

In another embodiment, the orientation means 7a and 7b are provided with heat transfer elements for varying the fluidity of the fluid to be pumped and / or its temperature. This embodiment of the or orientation means is shown in Figure 6 with heating elements 12 carried by the first orientation means. In this example also include complementary orientation means 11 which also fulfill the function of thermal diffusers since they extend from the orientation means carrying the heating elements 12. Of course the heat transfer elements carried by the means orientation 7a here comprise the heating means 12, but they could also include cooling means and / or a coolant transfer circuit.

In another embodiment shown in FIG. 7, it is expected that the orientation means 7 are not connected to the pump body 4 but are fixed between the drive means 13 of the membrane and the membrane 2 itself. . Thus, the first orientation means 7a is connected via a spring connection to a moving part 14 of the drive means 13 to form an elastically deformable guide of the first orientation means with respect to the movable part 14.

By connecting an orientation means 7a or 7b via a spring connection to the drive means 13 and more particularly to the movable portion 14 of the drive means 13, the movable portion 14 is both guided and damped by the orientation means 7a or 7b which is immersed in the fluid. To do this the first orientation means 7a is obtained by a deflector 10, which is in the form of a ring, having at the connection with the movable portion 14 perforations 15 giving a spring effect to the connection.

In another embodiment shown in FIG. 8, the first means can be 7a is connected by a flexible link 16a to the upstream edge 8 of the membrane 2, this first orientation means 7a forming with the membrane 2 and with the flexible connection 16, a tight separation between two distinct spaces of the chamber propulsion 5.

In another embodiment shown in FIG. 8, it is also possible for the second orientation means 7b to be connected by a second flexible connection 16b to the downstream edge 9 of the membrane 2, this second orientation means 7b forming with the membrane 2 and with the second flexible connection 16b, a sealed separation between two distinct spaces of the propulsion chamber 5 separated from each other by the membrane 2.

In other words, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, it is anticipated that the orientation means 7a, 7b and the upstream and downstream edges 8 of the membrane are respectively connected to each other by first and second links. flexible 16a, 16b for forming a seal between the portion of the propulsion chamber located above the membrane and that below. This avoids the transverse flows of fluid between these two parts / spaces of the chamber during the displacement of the wave on the membrane 2.

Claims

Fluid diaphragm fluid circulator comprising at least one inlet port (3), a pump body (4) defining a propulsion chamber (5), at least one discharge port (6) and an undulating membrane (2). ) associated with a drive means (13) for generating a corrugation movement of the membrane (2) between its upstream (8) and downstream (9) edges, the undulating membrane (2) being able to move a fluid in direction of the discharge orifice (6), characterized in that it comprises a first fluid orientation means (7a) disposed in the propulsion chamber (5) of the fluid, close to one of the edges (8). 9) of the undulating membrane (2), for channeling the flow of fluid in a direction substantially parallel to the movement of the wave on the membrane (2).

2 fluid circulator according to claim 1 wherein said first orientation means (7a) is disposed near the upstream edge (8) of the undulating membrane (2) and wherein a second orientation means (7b) is disposed near the downstream edge (9) of the undulating membrane (2).

3 fluid circulator according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the first orientation means (7a) comprises at least one deflector (10).

4 fluid circulator according to claim 2, wherein the second orientation means (7b) comprises at least one deflector (10).

A fluid circulator according to claim 3 or claim 4, wherein said baffle (10) is flexible to promote fluid propulsion.

The fluid circulator according to claim 3 or claim 4, wherein the baffle (10) is disposed substantially parallel to the movement of the wave on the membrane (2).

7 fluid circulator according to claim 3, comprising at least two baffles (10) superimposed for channeling the main fluid flow in several superimposed streams.

Fluid circulator according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first orientation means (7a) comprises heat transfer elements that can vary the temperature of the fluid.

The fluid circulator according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the first orientation means (7a) is disposed at a distance from an upstream (8) or downstream edge of the membrane (2) which is less than at the fiftieth of the length separating the upstream (8) and downstream (9) edges.

10 fluid circulator according to any one of claims 1 to 9 comprising complementary orientation means (11) arranged in a plane perpendicular to a plane in which extends the first orientation means (7a).

11 fluid circulator according to claim 10, wherein the complementary orientation means (11) are subject to the first orientation means (7a).

A fluid circulator according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the first orienting means (7a) is connected via a spring connection to a movable portion (14) of the drive means (13) for constitute an elastically deformable guide of the first orientation means relative to the movable part (14).

13 fluid circulator according to claim 1, wherein the first orientation means (7a) is connected by a flexible connection (16a) to the upstream edge (8) or the first downstream edge (9) of the membrane (2), this first orientation means (7a) forming with the membrane (2) and with the flexible connection (16) a sealed separation between two distinct spaces of the propulsion chamber (5) separated from each other by the membrane (2).

Fluid circulator according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the baffle (10) is attached to the pump body (4).