EP3707381B1 - Undulating-membrane fluid circulator - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an undulating membrane fluid circulator.

The invention will advantageously find application 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

The document FR 355 700 discloses a circulator according to the preamble of claim 1, characterized in that one or more elastic impermeable membranes undulate against rigid walls by operating either the transformation of a flow of liquids, vapors or gases, into electrical or mechanical energy, or the reciprocal transformation.

We already know from the document FR 2 744 769 the principle of a fluid circulator with an undulating membrane, which can for example take the form of a pump, a fan, a compressor, or a thruster.

This type of circulator comprises a membrane placed in undulation in a pump body. The pump body defines a propulsion chamber for the fluid to be conveyed between an inlet orifice and a discharge orifice. The actuation of the membrane is carried out by drive means such as an actuator, connected to the membrane. The actuation 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 compared to other pump technologies, for example volumetric reciprocating cycles or volumetric peristaltic type. In particular, this type circulator is suitable for the transport of fragile fluids and has a small footprint.

However, it appeared to the applicant that the structure in the application FR 2 744 769 is not optimized and that taking into account 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 observed the existence of movements of the fluid in a direction transverse to the displacement of the wave on the membrane. These transverse movements, at the edges of the membrane, reduce the pressure differential existing in the propulsion chamber between the space located above the membrane and that located below and consequently 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 membrane fluid circulators described in the state of the art.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

The object of the present invention is thus to provide a circulator whose structure makes it possible to maintain a significant pressure differential at the edges of the membrane, providing the circulator with increased hydraulic power for the same size.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

To this end, the present invention relates to a fluid circulator with an undulating membrane according to the independent claim.

For the understanding of the invention, the expression "close to one of the edges of the undulating membrane" means "closer to one of the upstream or downstream edges of the membrane than to the other of the upstream or 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 consequently makes it possible to eliminate or at least to limit, at the level of at least one edge of the membrane, the transverse flows of fluid to the displacement of the wave on the membrane.

Ideally, the deflector is a part separate from the membrane which can be in contact against the membrane or which is preferentially remote from this membrane. Furthermore, this deflector is preferably fixed to the pump body.

In a preferred embodiment, the first orientation means is arranged close to the upstream edge of the undulating membrane and a second orientation means is arranged close to the downstream edge of the undulating membrane.

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

It is noted that preferentially, the first means orientation extends along the upstream edge while being opposite and at a distance from this upstream edge.

It is noted that preferentially, the second orientation means extends along the downstream edge while being opposite and at a distance from this downstream edge.

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

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

Similarly, the second orientation means is rigid and relatively non-deformable opposite the membrane which is flexible and deformable.

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

It is also possible for the first orientation means to be 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 sealed separation between two distinct spaces of the 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 accordingly limits the sources of turbulence in the flow. This solution can, 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 sealed separation between two spaces distinct 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, which accordingly limits the sources of turbulence in the flow. This solution can, in certain cases, allow an improvement in the efficiency of the circulator.

Preferably, the first orientation means comprises at least one deflector which preferably extends 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 displacement of the wave on the membrane.

Preferably, the second orientation means comprises at least one deflector which preferably extends 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 displacement of the wave on the membrane.

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

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

• la figure 1 représente de manière schématique, en vue de coupe latérale, un exemple de réalisation d'un circulateur de fluide de type longitudinal réalisé selon un premier exemple ;
• la figure 2 représente de manière schématique et en coupe diamétrale partielle, un second exemple de réalisation d'un circulateur de fluide, de type circulaire ;
• la figure 3 représente de manière schématique, selon une vue en coupe partielle, un troisième exemple de réalisation d'un circulateur de fluide, de type longitudinal;
• la figure 4 représente, selon une vue en coupe partielle, un quatrième exemple de réalisation d'un circulateur de fluide, de type cylindrique;
• la figure 5 représente, en vue de perspective, une première variante de réalisation ;
• la figure 6 représente, en vue de perspective, une seconde variante de réalisation
• la ; figure 7 représente, en vue de perspective un cinquième exemple de circulateur de fluide.

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

• the figure 1 shows schematically, in side sectional view, an embodiment of a longitudinal type fluid circulator produced according to a first example;
• the figure 2 shows schematically and in partial diametrical section, a second embodiment of a fluid circulator, of the circular type;
• the picture 3 shows schematically, in a partial sectional view, a third embodiment of a fluid circulator, of the longitudinal type;
• the figure 4 represents, according to a view in partial section, a fourth embodiment of a fluid circulator, of the cylindrical type;
• the figure 5 shows, in perspective view, a first alternative embodiment;
• the figure 6 represents, in perspective view, a second alternative embodiment
• the ; figure 7 shows, in perspective view, a fifth example of a fluid circulator.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring mainly to the figure 1 partially shown is a circulator 1 with an undulating membrane 2, deformable, in the form of a longitudinal blade, a fluid inlet 3, a pump body 4 defining a propulsion chamber 5 and a discharge orifice 6.

The undulating membrane 2 is associated with a drive means allowing an undulating movement of the membrane 2 between its upstream 8 and downstream 9 edges, this drive means, as well as the elements for connecting to the membrane appear in the application FR 2 744 769 , and are not represented in the figures 1 to 6 appended for ease of reading. The drive means will advantageously consist of 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 wave propagating from the upstream edge 8 towards the downstream edge 9 of the membrane 2. The fluid is itself introduced through the inlet orifice 3 into the propulsion chamber 5 then moved in the direction of the discharge orifice 6 by the undulations of the membrane 2.

To improve this transfer in the direction of the discharge orifice 6 it is provided that the circulator 1 is, according to the invention, equipped with means 7 for orienting the fluid. We see at the figure 1 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 movement of the wave and by consequently the fluid cannot flow above or below the membrane 2 depending on the undulations of the latter. In this way the pressure differential created by the ripple is no longer compensated by a transverse fluid transfer as in the circulator described in the document FR 2 744 769 .

The pressure differential, thus preserved, ensures good propulsion of the fluid by the part of the membrane close to the upstream edge 8 which consequently 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 allowing by directing the flow of fluid at the outlet of the membrane 2 to maintain a pressure differential ensuring good propulsion of the fluid by the downstream edge 9. In this way the whole of the membrane 2 is used efficiently and the hydraulic power of the circulator 1 is increased.

In the preferred embodiment illustrated in the appended 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 are provided for exciting the flexible deflector so that the excitation of the deflector 10 and of the membrane are in phase opposition.

However, in other embodiments, a rigid deflector can be used.

In order to optimize the distribution of the fluid with respect to the membrane, provision is made for the deflector(s) 10 to be arranged parallel to the displacement of the wave on the membrane 2.

This being the case, the deflector 10 can also have a slight inclination to distribute the fluid differently between the space located above the membrane 2 and that located below or even to take account of the position of the fluid inlet orifice. 3, or that of discharge 6.

According to an example which does not form part of the invention, the deflector 10 is fixed, directly or via connecting elements, to the pump body 4. In this example, the deflector 10 and the pump body can be formed in one piece.

Referring this time to the figure 2 we see represented a fluid circulator 1 of the circular type, in this type of circulator we find a pump body 4 and an undulating membrane 2 this membrane being of discoidal shape. In this embodiment, a first deflector 10 in the form of a ring can be seen surrounding the membrane 2 at its upstream edge 8 as well as a second deflector 10 disposed between the discharge orifice 6 and the downstream edge 9 of the membrane. The deflectors 10 act in the same way as those provided for the membrane 2 in the form of a longitudinal blade illustrated in figure 1 .

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, referring this time to the picture 3 we see represented three superimposed deflectors. The use of several superimposed deflectors 10 makes it possible to separate the main flow into several superimposed flows of secondary fluid and makes it possible to better channeling 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 level of the deflectors is large.

Referring this time to the figure 4 a third type of circulator 1 is shown, namely a cylindrical circulator in which the undulating membrane 2 is of tubular shape. In this type of circulator, orientation means 7 are also provided 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 deflector 10 and the upstream edge 8 of the undulating membrane 2 and between the downstream deflector 10 and the downstream edge 9 of the undulating membrane 2, provision is made to place the deflectors 10 at a low distance from the edge of the undulating membrane 2, or from its support connecting it to the actuator, advantageously less than one fiftieth of the length separating the upstream 8 and downstream 9 edges of the undulating membrane 2. In other words, the first means orientation 7a is arranged 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 9 edges. Similarly, the second orientation means 7b can be arranged at a 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 9 edges.

This being so, in other embodiments it is possible to use deflectors further from the edges of the undulating membrane 2.

By referring to the figure 5 there is shown a variant embodiment of a circulator 1. In this variant there are complementary orientation means 11, these orientation means complementary 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 not illustrated, it is also possible to ensure that complementary orientation means 11 are arranged in a plane perpendicular to a plane in which extends the second orientation means 7b and make it possible to prevent a circular displacement fluid between the discharge port and the undulating diaphragm 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 characteristic, 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 characteristics of the invention could also have been envisaged without thereby departing from the scope of the invention defined by the claims below.

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

In another embodiment, provision is made for the orientation means 7a and or 7b to comprise heat transfer elements making it possible to vary the fluidity of the fluid to be pumped and/or its temperature. This embodiment of the orientation means or means is shown in figure 6 with heating elements 12 carried by the first orientation means. In this example also appear 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 orientation 7a here include the heating means 12, but they could also include cooling means and / or a coolant transfer circuit.

As shown in figure 7 , it is provided 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 effect connection to a movable part 14 of the drive means 13 to constitute 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-effect connection to the drive means 13 and more particularly to the movable part 14 of the drive means 13, the movable part 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 crown, comprising at the level of the connection with the movable part 14 openings 15 giving a spring effect to the connection.

In another embodiment shown in figure 8 , we can make the first way orientation 7a is connected by a flexible connection 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 sealed separation between two distinct spaces of the chamber of propulsion 5.

In another embodiment shown in figure 8 , it is also possible to ensure that the second orientation means 7b is 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 figure 8 , provision is made for the orientation means 7a, 7b and the upstream 8 and downstream 9 edges of the membrane to be respectively interconnected by first and second flexible connections 16a, 16b making it possible to form a seal between the part of the chamber of propulsion located above the membrane and that located 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 (12)

1. Undulating-membrane fluid circulator comprising at least one intake port (3), a pump body (4), a propulsion chamber (5), at least one discharge port (6), and an undulating membrane (2) associated with a drive means (13) for generating an undulating movement of the membrane (2) between the upstream (8) and downstream (9) edges thereof, the undulating membrane (2) being adapted to move a fluid in the direction of the discharge port (6), wherein said circulator further comprises a first orienting means (7a) for orienting fluid 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 on the membrane (2), characterized in that the first orienting means (7a) is connected to a movable portion (14) of the drive means (13) via a spring-loaded connection for providing an elastically deformable guiding of the first orienting means relative to the movable portion (14).
2. Fluid circulator according to claim 1, wherein said first orienting means (7a) is disposed near the upstream edge (8) of the undulating membrane (2) and wherein a second orienting means (7b) is disposed near the downstream edge (9) of the undulating membrane (2).
3. Fluid circulator according to any of claims 1 or 2, wherein the first orienting means (7a) comprises at least one baffle (10).
4. Fluid circulator according to claim 2, wherein the second orienting means (7b) comprises at least one baffle (10).
5. Fluid circulator according to claim 3 or claim 4, wherein said baffle (10) is flexible.
6. Fluid circulator according to claim 3 or claim 4, wherein the baffle (10) is disposed substantially parallel to the displacement of the wave on the membrane (2).
7. Fluid circulator according to claim 3, comprising at least two baffles (10) placed one above the other, making it possible to channel the main fluid flow into a plurality of flows that flow one above the other.
8. Fluid circulator according to any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first orienting means (7a) comprise heat transfer elements that are capable of varying the temperature of the fluid.
9. Fluid circulator according to any of claims 1 to 7, wherein the first orienting means (7a) is disposed at a distance from the upstream (8) or downstream edge of the membrane (2) of less than one fiftieth of the length separating the upstream (8) and downstream (9) edges.
10. Fluid circulator according to any of claims 1 to 9, comprising complementary orienting means (11) disposed in a plane perpendicular to a plane in which the first orienting means (7a) extends.
11. Fluid circulator according to claim 10, wherein the complementary orienting means (11) are fastened to the first orienting means (7a).
12. Fluid circulator according to claim 1, wherein the first orienting means (7a) is connected via a flexible connection (16) to the upstream edge (8) of the membrane (2), said first orienting means (7a), together with the membrane (2) and the flexible connection (16), forming a tight barrier between two different spaces of the propulsion chamber (5) separated from one another by the membrane (2).

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