EP3879102B1 - Pompe à diaphragme et appareil de régulation de pression - Google Patents

Pompe à diaphragme et appareil de régulation de pression Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP3879102B1
EP3879102B1 EP21156792.0A EP21156792A EP3879102B1 EP 3879102 B1 EP3879102 B1 EP 3879102B1 EP 21156792 A EP21156792 A EP 21156792A EP 3879102 B1 EP3879102 B1 EP 3879102B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
fluid
pressure
pump
passage
discharge
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.)
Active
Application number
EP21156792.0A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Other versions
EP3879102A1 (fr
Inventor
Tadashi Fukami
Kazuki Itahara
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Oken Seiko Co Ltd
Original Assignee
Oken Seiko Co Ltd
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from JP2020043931A external-priority patent/JP7523228B2/ja
Priority claimed from JP2020043930A external-priority patent/JP2021143646A/ja
Application filed by Oken Seiko Co Ltd filed Critical Oken Seiko Co Ltd
Priority to EP23209763.4A priority Critical patent/EP4296513A3/fr
Publication of EP3879102A1 publication Critical patent/EP3879102A1/fr
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP3879102B1 publication Critical patent/EP3879102B1/fr
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Images

Classifications

    • 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
    • F04B43/02—Machines, pumps, or pumping installations having flexible working members having plate-like flexible members, e.g. diaphragms
    • F04B43/025—Machines, pumps, or pumping installations having flexible working members having plate-like flexible members, e.g. diaphragms two or more plate-like pumping members in parallel
    • F04B43/026—Machines, pumps, or pumping installations having flexible working members having plate-like flexible members, e.g. diaphragms two or more plate-like pumping members in parallel each plate-like pumping flexible member working in its own pumping chamber
    • 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
    • F04B45/00—Pumps or pumping installations having flexible working members and specially adapted for elastic fluids
    • F04B45/04—Pumps or pumping installations having flexible working members and specially adapted for elastic fluids having plate-like flexible members, e.g. diaphragms
    • F04B45/047—Pumps having electric drive
    • 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
    • F04B39/00—Component parts, details, or accessories, of pumps or pumping systems specially adapted for elastic fluids, not otherwise provided for in, or of interest apart from, groups F04B25/00 - F04B37/00
    • F04B39/10—Adaptations or arrangements of distribution members
    • 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
    • F04B43/0045—Special features with a number of independent working chambers which are actuated successively by one mechanism
    • 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
    • F04B45/00—Pumps or pumping installations having flexible working members and specially adapted for elastic fluids
    • F04B45/04—Pumps or pumping installations having flexible working members and specially adapted for elastic fluids having plate-like flexible members, e.g. diaphragms
    • 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
    • F04B45/00—Pumps or pumping installations having flexible working members and specially adapted for elastic fluids
    • F04B45/04—Pumps or pumping installations having flexible working members and specially adapted for elastic fluids having plate-like flexible members, e.g. diaphragms
    • F04B45/043—Pumps or pumping installations having flexible working members and specially adapted for elastic fluids having plate-like flexible members, e.g. diaphragms two or more plate-like pumping flexible members in parallel
    • 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
    • F04B49/00—Control, e.g. of pump delivery, or pump pressure of, or safety measures for, machines, pumps, or pumping installations, not otherwise provided for, or of interest apart from, groups F04B1/00 - F04B47/00
    • F04B49/06—Control using electricity
    • 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
    • F04B49/00—Control, e.g. of pump delivery, or pump pressure of, or safety measures for, machines, pumps, or pumping installations, not otherwise provided for, or of interest apart from, groups F04B1/00 - F04B47/00
    • F04B49/08—Regulating by delivery pressure
    • 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
    • F04B49/00—Control, e.g. of pump delivery, or pump pressure of, or safety measures for, machines, pumps, or pumping installations, not otherwise provided for, or of interest apart from, groups F04B1/00 - F04B47/00
    • F04B49/20—Control, e.g. of pump delivery, or pump pressure of, or safety measures for, machines, pumps, or pumping installations, not otherwise provided for, or of interest apart from, groups F04B1/00 - F04B47/00 by changing the driving speed
    • 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
    • F04B49/00—Control, e.g. of pump delivery, or pump pressure of, or safety measures for, machines, pumps, or pumping installations, not otherwise provided for, or of interest apart from, groups F04B1/00 - F04B47/00
    • F04B49/22—Control, e.g. of pump delivery, or pump pressure of, or safety measures for, machines, pumps, or pumping installations, not otherwise provided for, or of interest apart from, groups F04B1/00 - F04B47/00 by means of valves

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a diaphragm pump capable of regulating the pressure of a discharged fluid, and a pressure regulating apparatus using the diaphragm pump.
  • a pressure regulating apparatus that pressurizes a pressurization target object using air as a medium and decreases the pressure of the pressurization target object is used to supply air to, for example, the cuff of an electronic sphygmomanometer.
  • Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2015-70969 discloses a pressure regulating apparatus of this type.
  • the pressure regulating apparatus includes a pump that supplies air to the cuff of an electronic sphygmomanometer, and a slow exhaust valve that exhausts air filled in the cuff gradually at a constant speed during blood pressure measurement.
  • Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2018-112127 discloses a diaphragm pump as an example of the pump capable of supplying air to the cuff of an electronic sphygmomanometer.
  • the diaphragm pump is configured to convert the rotation of a motor into a reciprocating motion, transmit the reciprocating motion to the pump portion of the diaphragm, suck air into the pump portion in a process in which the pump portion expands, and discharge the air in a process in which the pump portion contracts.
  • EP 3 006 738 A1 discloses a diaphragm pump with features according to the preamble of claim 1.
  • EP 2 985 465 A1 discloses an example of a diaphragm pump integrally including q quick discharge valve unit.
  • a diaphragm pump comprising a diaphragm including a cup-shaped pump portion, a pump chamber including a wall including the pump portion, a driving device connected to a bottom of the pump portion and configured to convert a rotation into a reciprocating motion and increase/decrease a capacity of the pump chamber, a fluid inlet, a fluid discharge port, and a fluid exhaust port that are open to outside of the diaphragm pump, a suction passage configured to make the pump chamber communicate with the fluid inlet, a suction valve configured to open/close the suction passage to make a fluid flow from the fluid inlet toward the pump chamber in a process in which the capacity of the pump chamber increases, a discharge passage configured to make the pump chamber communicate with the fluid discharge port, a discharge valve configured to open/close the discharge passage to make the fluid flow from the pump chamber toward the fluid discharge port in a process in which the capacity of the pump chamber decreases, and an exhaust passage configured to make the discharge passage
  • the exhaust passage may be connected to an area on a downstream side of the discharge valve in the discharge passage.
  • a width of the fluid exhaust port may be smaller than a width of the fluid discharge port.
  • the diaphragm pump may further comprise a diaphragm housing forming the pump chamber together with the diaphragm, and a cover attached to the diaphragm housing, and the exhaust passage may include a through hole formed in the cover.
  • the diaphragm pump may further comprise a diaphragm housing forming the pump chamber together with the diaphragm, and a cover attached to the diaphragm housing.
  • the cover may include a discharge pipe.
  • the fluid inlet, the fluid discharge port, and the fluid exhaust port may be formed in an outer surface of the cover.
  • the suction passage may include a suction fluid chamber formed between the diaphragm housing and the cover, a first through hole formed in the diaphragm housing and configured to make the suction fluid chamber communicate with the pump chamber, and a second through hole formed in the cover and configured to make the fluid inlet communicate with the suction fluid chamber.
  • the discharge passage may include a discharge fluid chamber formed between the diaphragm housing and the cover, a third through hole formed in the diaphragm housing and configured to make the discharge fluid chamber communicate with the pump chamber, and a hollow portion of the discharge pipe configured to make the fluid discharge port communicate with the discharge fluid chamber.
  • the discharge passage may include a fourth through hole formed in the cover and configured to make the fluid discharge port communicate with the discharge fluid chamber.
  • a pressure regulating apparatus comprising the above-described diaphragm pump, a motor configured to apply a rotational force to the driving device, and a control device configured to control an operation of the motor, wherein the control device is configured to control a rotational speed of the motor and regulate a pressure of the fluid discharged from the fluid discharge port.
  • the pressure regulating apparatus may further comprise a fluid passage configured to make the discharge passage communicate with a pressurization target object, and an exhaust valve configured to selectively exhaust the fluid in the fluid passage.
  • the pressure regulating apparatus may further comprise a pressure sensor configured to detect a pressure in the fluid passage, and the control device may be configured to control the rotational speed based on the pressure detected by the pressure sensor.
  • the control device may be configured to control the rotational speed and regulate the pressure not only when the pressure is increased, but also when the pressure is decreased.
  • a pressure regulating apparatus comprising a diaphragm including a cup-shaped pump portion, a pump chamber including a wall including the pump portion, a driving device connected to a bottom of the pump portion and configured to convert a rotation into a reciprocating motion and increase/decrease a capacity of the pump chamber, a motor configured to apply a rotational force to the driving device, a fluid inlet, a fluid discharge port, and a first exhaust port that are open to outside of the diaphragm pump, a suction passage configured to make the pump chamber communicate with the fluid inlet, a suction valve configured to open/close the suction passage to make a fluid flow from the fluid inlet toward the pump chamber in a process in which the capacity of the pump chamber increases, a discharge passage configured to make the pump chamber communicate with the fluid discharge port, a discharge valve configured to open/close the discharge passage to make the fluid flow from the pump chamber toward the fluid discharge port in a process in which the capacity of the pump chamber decreases, a first suction passage configured to make the pump
  • the pressure regulating apparatus may further comprise a second exhaust port that is open to the outside of the diaphragm pump, and a second exhaust passage configured to make the second exhaust port communicate with the area in the discharge passage between the fluid outlet of the discharge valve and the fluid discharge port.
  • the second exhaust passage may always be open.
  • a width of the second exhaust port may be smaller than a width of the fluid discharge port.
  • the pressure regulating apparatus may further comprise a third exhaust port that is open to the outside of the diaphragm pump, and a third exhaust passage configured to make the third exhaust port communicate with an area on the upstream side from the fluid outlet of the discharge valve in the discharge passage.
  • the pressure regulating apparatus may further comprise a fluid passage configured to make the discharge passage communicate with a pressurization target object, and a pressure sensor configured to detect a pressure in the fluid passage, and the control device may be configured to control the rotational speed based on the pressure detected by the pressure sensor.
  • the control device may be configured to control the rotational speed and regulate the pressure not only when the pressure is increased, but also when the pressure is decreased.
  • the discharge passage may include an input-side space arranged on the upstream side from the fluid outlet of the discharge valve, and an output-side space may be interposed between the first exhaust passage, and the area in the discharge passage between the fluid outlet of the discharge valve and the fluid discharge port.
  • the input-side space may be separated from the output-side space by a partition including the differential pressure regulating valve.
  • the diaphragm pump may further comprise a diaphragm housing forming the pump chamber together with the pump portion of the diaphragm, a cover attached to the diaphragm housing, and a partition sandwiched between the diaphragm housing and the cover.
  • An input-side space is formed between the diaphragm housing and the partition, and an output-side space is formed between the cover and the partition.
  • the input-side space is part of the discharge passage and is arranged on the upstream side from the fluid outlet of the discharge valve.
  • the output-side space is interposed between the first exhaust passage, and the area in the discharge passage between the fluid outlet of the discharge valve and the fluid discharge port.
  • the partition includes the differential pressure regulating valve.
  • the fluid inlet, the fluid discharge port, the first exhaust port, the suction passage, the discharge passage, and the first exhaust passage may be formed in the cover.
  • the second exhaust port and the second exhaust passage may be formed in the cover.
  • the third exhaust port and the third exhaust passage may be formed in the cover.
  • the partition may include a through hole configured to make the input-side space communicate with the third exhaust passage.
  • the third exhaust passage/the through hole may always be open.
  • a diaphragm pump and a pressure regulating apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to Figs. 1 to 4 .
  • a pressure regulating apparatus 1 shown in Fig. 1 can be used as an apparatus that supplies air to, for example, a cuff A (pressurization target object) of an electronic sphygmomanometer.
  • the pressure regulating apparatus 1 includes a pump driving motor 2, a control device 3 that controls the operation of the pump driving motor 2, an operation switch 4 connected to the control device 3, a pressure sensor 5, and an exhaust valve 6.
  • the control device 3 includes a pump control unit 7 and an exhaust valve control unit 8.
  • the pump driving motor 2 receives power from the pump control unit 7 of the control device 3 to rotate and drive a diaphragm pump 11 (to be described later).
  • the diaphragm pump 11 is driven by the pump driving motor 2 to supply air to the cuff A of the electronic sphygmomanometer, details of which will be described later.
  • the pressure sensor 5 detects a pressure in an air passage B (fluid passage) between the diaphragm pump 11 and the cuff A, and sends the detected pressure as a signal to the control device 3.
  • the exhaust valve 6 is formed from an electromagnetic valve and selectively exhausts air in the air passage B into the atmosphere. The operation of the exhaust valve 6 is controlled by the exhaust valve control unit 8 of the control device 3.
  • the pump control unit 7 of the control device 3 controls the rotational speed of the pump driving motor 2 based on the pressure detected by the pressure sensor 5.
  • the exhaust valve control unit 8 of the control device 3 controls the exhaust valve 6 to open the exhaust valve 6 when exhausting a residual pressure in the cuff A, and close it in other times. The operation of the control device 3 will be described later.
  • the operation switch 4 is a switch that is manually operated to switch the control device 3 between ON and OFF.
  • the diaphragm pump 11 is attached to the pump driving motor 2 located at the lowermost position in Fig. 2 .
  • the diaphragm pump 11 includes a driving unit 12 fixed to the pump driving motor 2, and a valve unit 13 attached to the driving unit 12.
  • the driving unit 12 includes a driving unit housing 14 fixed to the pump driving motor 2, and a driving mechanism 15 (driving device) stored in the housing 14.
  • the housing 14 is formed into a bottomed cylindrical shape and fixed to the pump driving motor 2 by a fixing bolt (not shown).
  • the driving mechanism 15 includes a crank body 17 attached to a rotating shaft 16 of the pump driving motor 2, and a driving body 19 connected to the crank body 17 via a driving shaft 18.
  • the driving shaft 18 is attached to the crank body 17 in a state in which it tilts in a predetermined direction with respect to the rotating shaft 16.
  • the driving body 19 includes a columnar shaft portion 20 and a plurality of arm portions 21 projecting outward from the shaft portion 20 in the radial direction.
  • the shaft portion 20 has a center hole in which the driving shaft 18 is inserted, and is rotatably supported by the driving shaft 18.
  • the arm portions 21 are provided for respective pump portions 32 of a diaphragm 31 (to be described later) and radially extend outward from the shaft portion 20 in the radial direction.
  • a through hole 21a is formed in each arm portion 21.
  • a connecting piece 33 of the diaphragm 31 is inserted in the through hole 21a. The connecting piece 33 extends through the arm portion 21 and is fixed to the arm portion 21 in this state.
  • the driving mechanism 15 a rotational force is applied from the rotating shaft 16 of the pump driving motor 2 to rotate the crank body 17 and the driving shaft 18.
  • the driving body 19 swings, and each pump portion 32 of the diaphragm 31 repetitively contracts and expands. That is, the driving mechanism 15 converts the rotation of the crank body 17 into a reciprocating motion to increase/decrease the capacity of a pump chamber 34 in the pump portion 32.
  • the valve unit 13 includes the diaphragm 31 connected to the driving body 19, a diaphragm holder 35 attached to the opening portion of the driving unit housing 14, a diaphragm housing 36 attached to the diaphragm holder 35 via the diaphragm 31, and a cover 37 attached to the diaphragm housing 36.
  • the diaphragm 31 is sandwiched between the diaphragm holder 35 and the diaphragm housing 36.
  • the diaphragm holder 35, the diaphragm housing 36, and the cover 37 are each formed into a circular shape when viewed from the axial direction of the pump driving motor 2.
  • the diaphragm holder 35 is formed into a cylindrical shape connectable to the driving unit housing 14, and includes a plurality of cylinder holes 38 in which the pump portions 32 of the diaphragm 31 (to be described later) are inserted.
  • the diaphragm 31 includes the plurality of cup-shaped pump portions 32 that are open toward the diaphragm housing 36.
  • the pump portions 32 are provided at positions at which the diaphragm 31 is divided into a plurality of parts in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical diaphragm holder 35.
  • Each pump portion 32 is inserted into the cylinder hole 38 formed in the diaphragm holder 35.
  • the opening portion of the pump portion 32 is closed by the diaphragm housing 36.
  • the pump chamber 34 using the pump portion 32 as part of the wall is formed between the pump portion 32 and the diaphragm housing 36.
  • a piston 39 is provided on the bottom of the cup-shaped pump portion 32.
  • the connecting piece 33 projects from the piston 39 in a direction opposite to the pump chamber 34. As described above, the connecting piece 33 is connected to the driving body 19 of the driving mechanism 15.
  • the driving mechanism 15 is connected to the bottom of the pump portion 32. When the driving body 19 of the driving mechanism 15 swings, the bottom (piston 39) of the pump portion 32 comes into contact with or moves apart from the diaphragm housing 36 to increase/decrease the capacity of the pump chamber 34.
  • the diaphragm housing 36 is formed into a disk shape.
  • An annular suction fluid chamber 43 is formed at an outer peripheral portion between the diaphragm housing 36 and the cover 37.
  • a discharge fluid chamber 45 is formed on the center side between the diaphragm housing 36 and the cover 37. The suction fluid chamber 43 and the discharge fluid chamber 45 are separated by a cylindrical wall 44.
  • a plurality of first through holes 46 are formed on the outer peripheral side of the diaphragm housing 36 and provided for the respective pump chambers 34.
  • the first through holes 46 make the suction fluid chamber 43 communicate with the pump chambers 34.
  • a fluid inlet 48 is formed in the outer surface of the cover 37 and open to the outside of the diaphragm pump 11.
  • a second through hole 47 is further formed in the cover 37 and makes the fluid inlet 48 communicate with the suction fluid chamber 43.
  • the suction fluid chamber 43 communicates with the atmosphere via the second through hole 47.
  • the first through holes 46 provided for the respective pump chambers 34, the suction fluid chamber 43, the second through hole 47, and the like form a suction passage 49 that makes the pump chambers 34 communicate with the fluid inlet 48 outside the pump. That is, one end of the suction passage 49 is connected to the pump chamber 34, and the other end of the suction passage 49 is connected to the fluid inlet 48.
  • the diaphragm housing 36 supports on its outer peripheral side a plurality of suction valves 41 provided for the respective pump chambers 34.
  • Each suction valve 41 opens/closes the suction passage 49 and is formed into a predetermined shape by a rubber material.
  • the suction valve 41 includes a shaft portion 41a that extends through the diaphragm housing 36 and is fixed to the diaphragm housing 36, and a valve element 41b formed into a disk shape at the distal end of the shaft portion 41a.
  • the valve element 41b is arranged at a position where it overlaps the opening portion of the first through hole 46 in the pump chamber 34.
  • the valve element 41b opens the opening portion of the first through hole 46 in a process in which the pump portion 32 of the diaphragm 31 expands to increase the capacity of the pump chamber 34, and closes the opening portion of the first through hole 46 in a process in which the pump portion 32 contracts to decrease the capacity of the pump chamber 34. That is, the suction valve 41 opens/closes the suction passage 49 so that a fluid flows from the fluid inlet 48 toward the pump chamber 34 in a process in which the capacity of the pump chamber 34 increases.
  • a plurality of third through holes 51 are formed on the center side of the diaphragm housing 36 and provided for the respective pump chambers 34.
  • the third through holes 51 make the discharge fluid chambers 45 communicate with pump chambers 34.
  • a discharge pipe 52 projects from the center portion of the cover 37.
  • a fluid discharge port 53 is formed at the distal end (outer surface of the cover 37) of the discharge pipe 52 and open to the outside of the diaphragm pump 11.
  • a hollow portion 52a of the discharge pipe 52 extends from the fluid discharge port 53 to the discharge fluid chamber 45. The discharge fluid chamber 45 therefore communicates with the atmosphere via the discharge pipe 52.
  • the third through holes 51 provided for the respective pump chambers 34, the discharge fluid chamber 45, the hollow portion 52a of the discharge pipe 52, and the like constitute a discharge passage 54 that makes the pump chambers 34 communicate with the fluid discharge port 53. That is, one end of the discharge passage 54 is connected to the pump chamber 34, and the other end of the discharge passage 54 is connected to the fluid discharge port 53 outside the pump.
  • the discharge pipe 52 is connected to, for example, the cuff A of the electronic sphygmomanometer via an air hose constituting the air passage B.
  • the above-described pressure sensor 5 is arranged in the air passage B that makes the discharge passage 54 communicate with the cuff A, and detects a pressure in the air passage B.
  • the above-described exhaust valve 6 is also provided in the air passage B.
  • the diaphragm housing 36 supports a discharge valve 42 at the center portion.
  • the discharge valve 42 is formed from a rubber material and includes a valve element 42a in tight contact with a wall surface of the diaphragm housing 36 on the discharge fluid chamber 45 side.
  • the valve element 42a is arranged at a position where it overlaps the opening portions of the third through holes 51.
  • the valve element 42a closes the opening portion of the third through hole 51 in a process in which the pump portion 32 of the diaphragm 31 expands to increase the capacity of the pump chamber 34, and opens the opening portion of the third through hole 51 in a process in which the pump portion 32 contracts to decrease the capacity of the pump chamber 34. That is, the discharge valve 42 opens/closes the discharge passage 54 so that a fluid flows from the pump chamber 34 toward the fluid discharge port 53 in a process in which the capacity of the pump chamber 34 decreases.
  • a fluid exhaust port 63 is formed in the outer surface of the cover 37 at a portion where the cover 37 covers the discharge fluid chamber 45, and is open to the outside of the diaphragm pump 11.
  • a fourth through hole 61 is further formed at this portion and makes the fluid exhaust port 63 communicate with the discharge fluid chamber 45.
  • the fourth through hole 61 is always open.
  • the discharge fluid chamber 45 is part of the discharge passage 54.
  • the fourth through hole 61 constitutes an exhaust passage 62 that makes the discharge passage 54 communicate with the fluid exhaust port 63.
  • one end of the exhaust passage 62 is connected to the discharge passage 54 (more specifically, connected to an area on the downstream side of the discharge valve 42 in the discharge passage 54), and the other end of the exhaust passage 62 is connected to the fluid exhaust port 63 outside the pump.
  • a plurality of fluid exhaust ports 63 and a plurality of fourth through holes 61 may be formed in the cover 37.
  • the width of the fluid exhaust port 63 is smaller than that of the fluid discharge port 53, and the width of the fourth through hole 61 is smaller than that of the hollow portion 52a of the discharge pipe 52. In other words, the width of the exhaust passage 62 is smaller than that of the narrowest portion of the discharge passage 54.
  • the suction valve 41 opens to suck the atmosphere into the pump chamber 34 via the suction passage 49.
  • the discharge valve 42 opens to supply air in the pump chamber 34 to the discharge fluid chamber 45 via the third through hole 51. Most of the air flowing into the discharge fluid chamber 45 is discharged from the fluid discharge port 53 via the hollow portion 52a (discharge passage 54) of the discharge pipe 52 and sent to the cuff A via the air hose (air passage B).
  • the discharge pressure of air discharged from the fluid discharge port 53 can be easily regulated by controlling the rotational speed of the motor 2 to adjust the balance between the discharge amount and the exhaust amount.
  • the pressure in the discharge fluid chamber 45 and the exhaust amount of air exhausted from the fluid exhaust port 63 via the exhaust passage 62 are uniquely determined by determining the rotational speed of the pump driving motor 2. If the rotational speed of the pump driving motor 2 changes, the pressure in the discharge fluid chamber 45 and the exhaust amount also change in correspondence with the change of the rotational speed.
  • the pressure in the discharge fluid chamber 45 almost coincides with the discharge pressure of air discharged from the fluid discharge port 53, that is, the discharge pressure of the diaphragm pump 11.
  • the discharge pressure of the diaphragm pump 11 changes in correspondence with the rotational speed of the pump driving motor 2, as shown in, for example, the graph of Fig. 3 .
  • the discharge pressure can be regulated to a desired value by controlling the rotational speed of the pump driving motor 2 by the pump control unit 7 of the control device 3.
  • the correspondence between the rotational speed of the pump driving motor 2 and the discharge pressure of the diaphragm pump 11 is established not only when the discharge pressure is increased, but also when it is decreased.
  • the discharge pressure can be regulated to a desired value by only controlling the rotational speed of the pump driving motor 2 not only when the discharge pressure is increased, but also when it is decreased.
  • the pump control unit 7 of the control device 3 controls the rotational speed of the pump driving motor 2 based on a pressure in the air passage B detected by the pressure sensor 5. More specifically, the pump control unit 7 obtains a difference between a target pressure and a detected pressure, when the target pressure is higher, increases the rotational speed, and when it is lower, decreases the rotational speed, thereby adjusting the detected pressure close to the target pressure.
  • the pump control unit 7 may hold in advance data representing the correspondence between the rotational speed of the pump driving motor 2 and the discharge pressure of the diaphragm pump 11, as shown in Fig. 3 , and control the rotational speed of the pump driving motor 2 based on the data without using a pressure detected by the pressure sensor 5.
  • the pump control unit 7 of the control device 3 controls the rotational speed of the pump driving motor 2 so that the discharge pressure of the diaphragm pump 11 changes in a pattern suited to blood pressure measurement. That is, as shown in Fig. 4 , the pump control unit 7 increases the rotational speed of the pump driving motor 2 so that the pressure of the cuff A reaches a predetermined initial pressure P1, and then gradually decreases the rotational speed of the pump driving motor 2. When the rotational speed of the pump driving motor 2 decreases, the discharge pressure gradually lowers because air is always exhausted from the discharge fluid chamber 45 via the exhaust passage 62.
  • the electronic sphygmomanometer starts blood pressure measurement when the discharge pressure lowers to P2 in a process in which the discharge pressure gradually lowers.
  • the pump control unit 7 stops the pump driving motor 2. Even after the pump driving motor 2 stops, the air in the discharge fluid chamber 45 keeps exhausted into the atmosphere from the exhaust passage 62.
  • the exhaust valve control unit 8 controls the exhaust valve 6 to open. When the exhaust valve 6 opens, the air in the air passage B is exhausted into the atmosphere and the cuff A contracts to an initial shape.
  • the pressure in the discharge passage 54 can be regulated by changing the rotational speed of the driving mechanism 15 (driving device) of the diaphragm pump 11 without using a slow exhaust valve in the discharge passage 54 of the diaphragm pump 11. Since a slow exhaust valve is unnecessary, the manufacturing costs of the diaphragm pump and pressure regulating apparatus can be reduced. There can be provided a low-cost diaphragm pump and pressure regulating apparatus capable of regulating the pressure without using a slow exhaust valve.
  • a pressure regulating apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to Figs. 5 to 10 .
  • a pressure regulating apparatus 101 shown in Fig. 5 can be used as an apparatus that supplies air to, for example, a cuff A (pressurization target object) of an electronic sphygmomanometer.
  • the pressure regulating apparatus 101 includes a pump driving motor 102, a control device 103 that controls the operation of the pump driving motor 102, an operation switch 104 connected to the control device 103, and a pressure sensor 105.
  • the control device 103 includes a pump control unit 106.
  • the pump driving motor 102 receives power from the pump control unit 106 of the control device 103 to rotate and drive a diaphragm pump 111 (to be described later).
  • the diaphragm pump 111 is driven by the pump driving motor 102 to supply air to the cuff A of the electronic sphygmomanometer, details of which will be described later.
  • the pressure sensor 105 detects a pressure in an air passage B (fluid passage) between the diaphragm pump 111 and the cuff A, and sends the detected pressure as a signal to the control device 103.
  • the pump control unit 106 of the control device 103 controls the rotational speed of the pump driving motor 102 based on the pressure detected by the pressure sensor 105.
  • the operation of the control device 103 will be described later.
  • the operation switch 104 is a switch that is manually operated to switch the control device 103 between ON and OFF.
  • the diaphragm pump 111 is attached to the pump driving motor 102 located at the lowermost position in Fig. 6 .
  • the diaphragm pump 111 includes a driving unit 112 fixed to the pump driving motor 102, and a valve unit 113 attached to the driving unit 112.
  • the driving unit 112 includes a driving unit housing 114 fixed to the pump driving motor 102, and a driving mechanism 115 (driving device) stored in the housing 114.
  • the housing 114 is formed into a bottomed cylindrical shape and fixed to the pump driving motor 102 by a fixing bolt (not shown).
  • the driving mechanism 115 includes a crank body 117 attached to a rotating shaft 116 of the pump driving motor 102, and a driving body 118 connected to the crank body 117.
  • the driving body 118 includes a shaft portion 118a that tilts in a predetermined direction with respect to the rotating shaft 116, and a plurality of arm portions 118b projecting outward from the middle portion of the shaft portion 118a in the radial direction.
  • One end of the shaft portion 118a is engaged with the crank body 117 rotatably and swingably so that the shaft portion 118a can rotate about the rotating shaft 116 together with the crank body 117.
  • the other end of the shaft portion 118a is swingably supported by a diaphragm holder 121 attached to the opening portion of the housing 114.
  • the arm portions 118b are provided for respective pump portions 132 of a diaphragm 131 (to be described later) and radially extend outward from the shaft portion 118a in the radial direction.
  • Fig. 6 shows only one arm portion 118b, but the arm portions 118b equal in number to the pump portions 132 are provided actually.
  • a through hole 122 is formed in each arm portion 118b.
  • a connecting piece 133 of the diaphragm 131 is inserted in the through hole 122. The connecting piece 133 extends through the arm portion 118b and is fixed to the arm portion 118b in this state.
  • the driving mechanism 115 a rotational force is applied from the rotating shaft 116 of the pump driving motor 102 to rotate the crank body 117.
  • the driving body 118 swings, and each pump portion 132 of the diaphragm 131 repetitively contracts and expands. That is, the driving mechanism 115 converts the rotation of the crank body 117 into a reciprocating motion to increase/decrease the capacity of a pump chamber 134 in the pump portion 132.
  • the valve unit 113 includes the diaphragm 131 connected to the driving body 118, the diaphragm holder 121 attached to the opening portion of the driving unit housing 114, a diaphragm housing 135 attached to the diaphragm holder 121 via the diaphragm 131, and a cover 137 attached to the diaphragm housing 135 via a partition 136.
  • the diaphragm 131 is sandwiched between the diaphragm holder 121 and the diaphragm housing 135.
  • the diaphragm holder 121, the diaphragm housing 135, the partition 136, and the cover 137 are each formed into a circular shape when viewed from the axial direction of the pump driving motor 102.
  • the diaphragm holder 121 is formed into a cylindrical shape connectable to the driving unit housing 114, and includes a plurality of cylinder holes 138 in which the pump portions 132 of the diaphragm 131 (to be described later) are inserted, and a concave portion 139 that is open toward the diaphragm 131.
  • the diaphragm 131 includes the cup-shaped pump portions 132 that are open toward the diaphragm housing 135, plate-shaped suction valves 141 each projecting inward from the peripheral portion of the opening portion of the corresponding pump portion 132, and a cylindrical valve element 142 inserted in the concave portion 139 of the diaphragm holder 121.
  • the pump portions 132, the suction valves 141, and the cylindrical valve element 142 are provided at positions at which the diaphragm 131 is divided into a plurality of parts in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical diaphragm holder 121.
  • Each pump portion 132 is inserted into the cylinder hole 138 formed in the diaphragm holder 121.
  • the opening portion of the pump portion 132 is closed by the diaphragm housing 135.
  • the pump chamber 134 using the corresponding pump portion 132 as part of the wall is formed between the pump portion 132 and the diaphragm housing 135.
  • a piston 143 is formed on the bottom of the cup-shaped pump portion 132.
  • the connecting piece 133 projects from the piston 143 in a direction opposite to the pump chamber 134.
  • the connecting piece 133 is connected to the driving body 118 of the driving mechanism 115.
  • the driving mechanism 115 is connected to the bottom of the pump portion 132.
  • the suction valve 141 opens/closes a suction passage 144 formed in the diaphragm housing 135.
  • the suction passage 144 is constituted by a first groove 145 formed in a mating surface between the diaphragm 131 and the diaphragm holder 121 in the diaphragm housing 135.
  • One end of the suction passage 144 is connected to the pump chamber 134 via the suction valve 141, and the other end of the suction passage 144 is connected to a fluid inlet 146 that is open in the outer surface (outside the diaphragm pump 111) of the diaphragm housing 135. That is, the suction passage 144 makes the pump chamber 134 communicate with the fluid inlet 146 via the suction valve 141.
  • the suction valve 141 opens the opening portion of one end of the suction passage 144 in a process in which the pump portion 132 of the diaphragm 131 expands to increase the capacity of the pump chamber 134, and closes the opening portion in a process in which the pump portion 132 contracts to decrease the capacity of the pump chamber 134. That is, the suction valve 141 opens/closes the suction passage 144 so that a fluid flows from the fluid inlet 146 toward the pump chamber 134 in a process in which the capacity of the pump chamber 134 increases.
  • the cylindrical valve element 142 constitutes a first check valve 148 together with a column 147 of the diaphragm housing 135.
  • the column 147 constitutes the valve seat of the first check valve 148.
  • the cylindrical valve element 142 is formed into a cylindrical shape covering the outer peripheral surface of the column 147.
  • the first check valve 148 is interposed between a second groove 149 and the concave portion 139 of the diaphragm holder 121.
  • the second groove 149 is formed in a surface mating with the diaphragm 131 in the diaphragm housing 135.
  • One end of the second groove 149 is open to the pump chamber 134.
  • the first check valve 148 is constituted so that air flows from the second groove 149 toward the concave portion 139.
  • the inside of the concave portion 139 is connected to an input-side space 153 (to be described later) via an upstream-side space 150 formed between the diaphragm holder 121 and the diaphragm 131, a first through hole 151 formed in the diaphragm 131, and a second through hole 152 formed in the diaphragm housing 135.
  • the input-side space 153 is formed between the diaphragm housing 135 and the partition 136 (to be described later), and communicates with the pump chamber 134 via a continuous space from the second groove 149 to the second through hole 152. Note that the input-side space 153 communicates with each of the pump chambers 134.
  • the diaphragm housing 135 is formed into a plate shape, overlaps the diaphragm 131 to cover the opening portion of each pump portion 132, and forms the pump chamber 134 together with the pump portion 132.
  • the partition 136 is formed into a plate shape by an elastic member such as a rubber material including synthetic rubber.
  • the partition 136 is sandwiched and held between the diaphragm housing 135 and the cover 137, and separates the diaphragm housing 135 and the cover 137.
  • the above-described input-side space 153 is formed between the partition 136 and the diaphragm housing 135, and an output-side space 154 is formed between the partition 136 and the cover 137.
  • the output-side space 154 is separated from the input-side space 153 by the partition 136.
  • the output-side space 154 is connected to an outlet passage 162 in a discharge pipe 161 projecting from the center portion of the cover 137, a first exhaust passage 163 formed in one side portion (left side portion in Fig. 6 ) of the cover 137, and a second exhaust passage 165 that is open in a concave portion 164 formed inside the center portion of the cover 137.
  • a third exhaust passage 166 is formed in the cover 137 so as to be adjacent to the output-side space 154.
  • the outlet passage 162 in the discharge pipe 161 makes the inside of the concave portion 164 of the cover 137 communicate with a fluid discharge port 162a formed at the distal end of the discharge pipe 161.
  • the fluid discharge port 162a is open to the outer surface (outside the diaphragm pump 111) of the discharge pipe 161.
  • the discharge pipe 161 is connected to, for example, the cuff A of the electronic sphygmomanometer via an air hose constituting the air passage B.
  • first exhaust passage 163 One end of the first exhaust passage 163 is connected to the output-side space 154, and the other end of the first exhaust passage 163 is connected to a first exhaust port 163a that is open to the outer surface (outside the diaphragm pump 111) of the cover 137. That is, the first exhaust passage 163 makes the first exhaust port 163a communicate with an area between the fluid discharge port 162a and a fluid outlet 191a of a discharge valve 191 (to be described later) in a discharge passage 174 (to be described later).
  • the second exhaust passage 165 is connected to the concave portion 164 (output-side space 154) of the cover 137, and the other end of the second exhaust passage 165 is connected to a second exhaust port 165a that is open to the outer surface (outside the diaphragm pump 111) of the cover 137. That is, the second exhaust passage 165 makes the second exhaust port 165a communicate with an area between the fluid discharge port 162a and the fluid outlet 191a of the discharge valve 191 (to be described later) in the discharge passage 174 (to be described later).
  • the second exhaust passage 165 is always open.
  • the hole diameter (width) of the second exhaust port 165a is smaller than that of the first exhaust port 163a.
  • the width of the second exhaust port 165a is smaller than that of the fluid discharge port 162a, and the width of the second exhaust passage 165 is smaller than that of the outlet passage 162 in the discharge pipe 161.
  • One end of the third exhaust passage 166 is open to a surface mating with the partition 136 in the cover 137, and the other end of the third exhaust passage 166 is connected to a third exhaust port 166a that is open to the outer surface (outside the diaphragm pump 111) of the cover 137.
  • a cylindrical valve element 171 is formed in the partition 136 and projects toward the concave portion 164 of the cover 137.
  • the cylindrical valve element 171 constitutes a second check valve 173 together with a column 172 of the diaphragm housing 135.
  • the second check valve 173 makes air in the input-side space 153 flow into the concave portion 164 (output-side space 154) of the cover 137.
  • the column 172 constitutes the valve seat of the second check valve 173.
  • the cylindrical valve element 171 is formed into a cylindrical shape covering the outer peripheral surface of the column 172.
  • the projecting end of the cylindrical valve element 171 is in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the column 172 all over the circumferential direction.
  • the inner diameter of the base end portion of the cylindrical valve element 171 is larger than the outer diameter of the column 172.
  • the space between the base end portion of the cylindrical valve element 171 and the column 172 is part of the input-side space 153, and constitutes part of the discharge passage 174 of the diaphragm pump 111.
  • the discharge passage 174 is a passage that makes the pump chamber 134 communicate with the fluid discharge port 162a of the discharge pipe 161.
  • the discharge passage 174 is constituted by the second groove 149 communicating with the pump chamber 134, the space in the concave portion 139 of the diaphragm holder 121, the upstream-side space 150, the first and second through holes 151 and 152, the input-side space 153, the space in the concave portion 164 of the cover 137, the outlet passage 162 in the discharge pipe 161, and the like.
  • the above-described first check valve 148 and second check valve 173 are provided in the discharge passage 174, and air flows from the pump chamber 134 toward the outlet passage 162.
  • the first check valve 148 and the second check valve 173 constitute the discharge valve 191 of the diaphragm pump 111.
  • the discharge valve 191 closes the discharge passage 174 in a process in which the pump portion 132 of the diaphragm 131 expands to increase the capacity of the pump chamber 134, and opens the discharge passage 174 in a process in which the pump portion 132 contracts to decrease the capacity of the pump chamber 134. That is, the discharge valve 191 opens/closes the discharge passage 174 so that a fluid flows from the pump chamber 134 toward the fluid discharge port 162a in a process in which the capacity of the pump chamber 134 decreases.
  • the projecting end of the cylindrical valve element 171 and the outer peripheral surface of the column 172 constitute the fluid outlet 191a of the discharge valve 191.
  • One end of the first exhaust passage 163 is connected via the output-side space 154 to an area in the discharge passage 174 between the fluid outlet 191a of the discharge valve 191 and the fluid discharge port 162a of the discharge pipe 161, and one end of the second exhaust passage 165 is also connected.
  • the input-side space 153 is arranged on the upstream side from the fluid outlet 191a of the discharge valve 191.
  • the pressure on the downstream side from the fluid outlet 191a of the discharge valve 191 is almost equal to the pressure in the output-side space 154, and the pressure on the upstream side from the fluid outlet 191a is almost equal to the pressure in the input-side space 153.
  • a valve element 182 of a differential pressure regulating valve 181 (to be described later) and a third through hole 184 that receives a columnar projection 183 of the diaphragm housing 135 are formed in the partition 136.
  • the third through hole 184 is connected to the third exhaust passage 166.
  • the third exhaust passage 166 makes the third exhaust port 166a communicate with an area (input-side space 153) on the upstream side from the fluid outlet 191a of the discharge valve 191 in the discharge passage 174.
  • the differential pressure regulating valve 181 is constituted by the valve element 182 and a valve seat 185 in which the first exhaust passage 163 is open.
  • the valve element 182 moves by a pressure difference between the input-side space 153 and the output-side space 154 to open/close the first exhaust passage 163.
  • the valve element 182 comes into contact with the diaphragm housing 135, as shown in Fig. 6 .
  • valve element 182 moves apart from the diaphragm housing 135 and is seated on the valve seat 185 of the cover 137.
  • the valve element 182 is seated on the valve seat 185, the first exhaust passage 163 is closed.
  • the differential pressure regulating valve 181 closes the first exhaust passage 163 when the pressure on the upstream side from the fluid outlet 191a of the discharge valve 191 in the discharge passage 174 is higher than that in the first exhaust passage 163, and opens the discharge passage 174 when the pressure on the upstream side from the fluid outlet 191a of the discharge valve 191 in the discharge passage 174 is equal to or lower than that in the first exhaust passage 163.
  • the inner diameter of the third through hole 184 of the partition 136 is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the columnar projection 183.
  • a small gap is formed between the hole wall surface of the third through hole 184 and the peripheral surface of the columnar projection 183.
  • the input-side space 153 is open to the atmosphere via the small gap between the columnar projection 183 and the third through hole 184 and the third exhaust passage 166 of the cover 137.
  • the suction valve 141 opens to suck the atmosphere into the pump chamber 134 via the suction passage 144.
  • the air in the pump chamber 134 is sent to the input-side space 153 via the second groove 149, the first check valve 148, the concave portion 139, the upstream-side space 150, and the first and second through holes 151 and 152.
  • the capacity of the pump chamber 134 decreases to pressurize the input-side space 153 and generate a pressure difference between the input-side space 153 and the output-side space 154.
  • the differential pressure regulating valve 181 operates. The operation of the differential pressure regulating valve 181 will be described in detail with reference to Figs. 7 and 8 .
  • Figs. 7 and 8 are sectional views for explaining the operation of the differential pressure regulating valve.
  • the same reference numerals denote the same or similar members as or to those described with reference to Fig. 6 , and a detailed description thereof will be omitted appropriately.
  • the air in the input-side space 153 is exhausted into the atmosphere via the third exhaust passage 166.
  • the pressure Pin in the input-side space 153 becomes equal to or lower than the pressure Pout in the output-side space 154, opening the differential pressure regulating valve 181.
  • the differential pressure regulating valve 181 opens, the air in the output-side space 154 is exhausted into the atmosphere via the first exhaust passage 163.
  • the air in the discharge passage 174 between the fluid outlet 191a of the discharge valve 191 and the fluid discharge port 162a is exhausted into the atmosphere via the second exhaust passage 165.
  • part of air having passed through the second check valve 173 is exhausted into the atmosphere via the second exhaust passage 165.
  • Part of air in the input-side space 153 is exhausted into the atmosphere via the third through hole 184 and the third exhaust passage 166.
  • the discharge pressure of air discharged from the fluid discharge port 162a can be easily regulated by controlling the rotational speed of the motor 102 to adjust the balance between the discharge amount and the exhaust amount.
  • the pressure in the discharge passage 174, the exhaust amount of air exhausted from the second exhaust port 165a via the second exhaust passage 165, and the exhaust amount of air exhausted from the third exhaust port 166a via the third exhaust passage 166 are uniquely determined by determining the rotational speed of the pump driving motor 102. If the rotational speed of the pump driving motor 102 changes, the pressure in the discharge passage 174 and the two exhaust amounts also change in correspondence with the change of the rotational speed. The pressure in the discharge passage 174 almost coincides with the discharge pressure of air discharged from the fluid discharge port 162a, that is, the discharge pressure of the diaphragm pump 111.
  • the discharge pressure of the diaphragm pump 111 changes in correspondence with the rotational speed of the pump driving motor 102, as shown in, for example, the graph of Fig. 9 .
  • the discharge pressure can be regulated to a desired value by controlling the rotational speed of the pump driving motor 102 by the pump control unit 106 of the control device 103.
  • the correspondence between the rotational speed of the pump driving motor 102 and the discharge pressure of the diaphragm pump 111 is established not only when the discharge pressure is increased, but also when it is decreased.
  • the discharge pressure can be regulated to a desired value by only controlling the rotational speed of the pump driving motor 102 not only when the discharge pressure is increased, but also when it is decreased.
  • the pump control unit 106 of the control device 103 controls the rotational speed of the pump driving motor 102 based on a pressure in the air passage B detected by the pressure sensor 105. More specifically, the pump control unit 107 obtains a difference between a target pressure and a detected pressure, when the target pressure is higher, increases the rotational speed, and when it is lower, decreases the rotational speed, thereby adjusting the detected pressure close to the target pressure.
  • the pump control unit 106 may hold in advance data representing the correspondence between the rotational speed of the pump driving motor 102 and the discharge pressure of the diaphragm pump 111, as shown in Fig. 9 , and control the rotational speed of the pump driving motor 102 based on the data without using a pressure detected by the pressure sensor 105.
  • the pump control unit 106 of the control device 103 controls the rotational speed of the pump driving motor 102 so that the discharge pressure of the diaphragm pump 111 changes in a pattern suited to blood pressure measurement. That is, as shown in Fig. 10 , the pump control unit 106 increases the rotational speed of the pump driving motor 102 so that the pressure of the cuff A reaches a predetermined initial pressure P1, and then gradually decreases the rotational speed of the pump driving motor 102. When the rotational speed of the pump driving motor 102 decreases, the discharge pressure gradually lowers because air is always exhausted from the output-side space 154 via the second exhaust passage 165.
  • the electronic sphygmomanometer starts blood pressure measurement when the discharge pressure lowers to a pressure P2 in a process in which the discharge pressure gradually lowers.
  • the pump control unit 106 stops the pump driving motor 102.
  • the differential pressure regulating valve 181 opens to exhaust the air in the output-side space 154 from the first exhaust passage 163 into the atmosphere.
  • the air in the output-side space 154 is exhausted from the second exhaust passage 165 into the atmosphere, and the air in the input-side space 153 is exhausted from the third exhaust passage 166 into the atmosphere. Accordingly, the cuff A contracts to an initial shape.
  • the pressure in the discharge passage 174 can be regulated by changing the rotational speed of the driving mechanism 115 (driving device) of the diaphragm pump 111 without using a slow exhaust valve in the air passage B (exhaust system of the diaphragm pump 111) between the diaphragm pump 111 and the cuff A. Since a slow exhaust valve is unnecessary, the manufacturing cost of the pressure regulating apparatus can be reduced. There can be provided a low-cost pressure regulating apparatus capable of regulating the pressure without using a slow exhaust valve in the exhaust system.
  • the differential pressure regulating valve 181 When the differential pressure regulating valve 181 is opened/closed by controlling the rotational speed of the pump driving motor 102, the differential pressure regulating valve 181 may vibrate to generate a ripple of air.
  • air is always exhausted from the second exhaust passage 165, the pressure is smoothened on the downstream side from the fluid outlet 191a of the discharge valve 191, and thus the generation of a ripple can be suppressed.
  • the diaphragm pump 111 does not include the second exhaust passage 165, it includes the third exhaust passage 166, and the discharge pressure can be regulated by controlling the rotational speed of the pump driving motor 102 by the pump control unit 106 of the control device 103.
  • the present invention is not limited to this, and can be applied to any apparatus as long as the apparatus regulates the pressure by supplying and exhausting a gas or a liquid.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Reciprocating Pumps (AREA)
  • Measuring Pulse, Heart Rate, Blood Pressure Or Blood Flow (AREA)

Claims (12)

  1. Pompe à diaphragme (11) comprenant :
    un diaphragme (31) comportant une partie de pompe cupuliforme (32) ;
    une chambre de pompe (34) comportant une paroi comportant la partie de pompe ;
    un dispositif d'entraînement (15) relié à un fond de la partie de pompe et configuré pour convertir une rotation en un mouvement de va-et-vient et augmenter/diminuer une capacité de la chambre de pompe (34) ;
    une entrée de fluide (48), un orifice de refoulement de fluide (53), et un orifice d'évacuation de fluide (63) qui sont ouverts sur l'extérieur de la pompe à diaphragme ;
    un passage d'aspiration (49) configuré pour amener la chambre de pompe à communiquer avec l'entrée de fluide ;
    une soupape d'aspiration (41) configurée pour ouvrir/fermer le passage d'aspiration pour amener un fluide à s'écouler à partir de l'entrée de fluide vers la chambre de pompe dans un procédé dans lequel la capacité de la chambre de pompe augmente ;
    un passage de refoulement (54) configuré pour amener la chambre de pompe à communiquer avec l'orifice de refoulement de fluide ;
    une soupape de refoulement (42) configurée pour ouvrir/fermer le passage de refoulement pour amener le fluide à s'écouler à partir de la chambre de pompe vers l'orifice de refoulement de fluide dans un procédé dans lequel la capacité de la chambre de pompe diminue ; et
    un passage d'évacuation (62) configuré pour amener le passage de refoulement à communiquer avec l'orifice d'évacuation de fluide,
    caractérisée en ce que le passage d'évacuation est toujours ouvert.
  2. Pompe à diaphragme selon la revendication 1, dans laquelle le passage d'évacuation est relié à une zone sur un côté aval de la soupape de refoulement dans le passage de refoulement.
  3. Pompe à diaphragme selon la revendication 1 ou 2, dans laquelle une largeur de l'orifice d'évacuation de fluide est plus petite qu'une largeur de l'orifice de refoulement de fluide.
  4. Appareil de régulation de pression (1) comprenant :
    une pompe à diaphragme selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 3 ;
    un moteur (2) configuré pour appliquer une force de rotation sur le dispositif d'entraînement ; et
    un dispositif de commande (3) configuré pour commander un fonctionnement du moteur,
    dans lequel le dispositif de commande est configuré pour commander une vitesse de rotation du moteur et réguler une pression du fluide refoulé à partir de l'orifice de refoulement de fluide.
  5. Appareil de régulation de pression selon la revendication 4, comprenant en outre :
    un passage de fluide (B) configuré pour amener le passage de refoulement à communiquer avec un objet cible de mise sous pression (A) ; et
    une soupape d'évacuation (6) configurée pour évacuer de manière sélective le fluide dans le passage de fluide.
  6. Appareil de régulation de pression selon la revendication 5, comprenant en outre un capteur de pression (5) configuré pour détecter une pression dans le passage de fluide,
    dans lequel le dispositif de commande est configuré pour commander la vitesse de rotation sur la base de la pression détectée par le capteur de pression.
  7. Appareil de régulation de pression selon l'une quelconque des revendications 4 à 6, dans lequel le dispositif de commande est configuré pour commander la vitesse de rotation et réguler la pression non seulement lorsque la pression augmente, mais aussi lorsque la pression diminue.
  8. Appareil de régulation de pression (101) comprenant :
    la pompe à diaphragme selon la revendication 1 ;
    un moteur (102) configuré pour appliquer une force de rotation sur le dispositif d'entraînement de la pompe à diaphragme ; et
    un dispositif de commande (103) configuré pour commander un fonctionnement du moteur,
    dans lequel le dispositif de commande est configuré pour commander une vitesse de rotation du moteur et réguler une pression du fluide refoulé à partir de l'orifice de refoulement de fluide,
    l'orifice d'évacuation de fluide de la pompe à diaphragme est un deuxième orifice d'évacuation (165a),
    le passage d'évacuation de la pompe à diaphragme est un deuxième passage d'évacuation (165) configuré pour amener le deuxième orifice d'évacuation à communiquer avec une zone dans le passage de refoulement entre une sortie de fluide (191a) de la soupape de refoulement et l'orifice de refoulement de fluide, et
    la pompe à diaphragme comprend en outre :
    un premier orifice d'évacuation (163a) qui est ouvert sur l'extérieur de la pompe à diaphragme ;
    un premier passage d'évacuation (163) configuré pour amener le premier orifice d'évacuation à communiquer avec la zone dans le passage de refoulement entre la sortie de fluide (191a) de la soupape de refoulement et l'orifice de refoulement de fluide ; et
    une soupape de régulation de pression différentielle (181) configurée pour fermer le premier passage d'évacuation lorsqu'une pression sur un côté amont dans le passage de refoulement, à partir de la sortie de fluide de la soupape de refoulement, est plus élevée qu'une pression dans le premier passage d'évacuation, et ouvrir le premier passage d'évacuation lorsque la pression sur le côté amont dans le passage de refoulement, à partir de la sortie de fluide de la soupape de refoulement, n'est pas plus élevée que la pression dans le premier passage d'évacuation.
  9. Appareil de régulation de pression selon la revendication 8, dans lequel une largeur du deuxième orifice d'évacuation est plus petite qu'une largeur de l'orifice de refoulement de fluide.
  10. Appareil de régulation de pression selon la revendication 8 ou 9, comprenant en outre :
    un troisième orifice d'évacuation (166a) qui est ouvert sur l'extérieur de la pompe à diaphragme ; et
    un troisième passage d'évacuation (166) configuré pour amener le troisième orifice d'évacuation à communiquer avec une zone sur le côté amont dans le passage de refoulement à partir de la sortie de fluide de la soupape de refoulement.
  11. Appareil de régulation de pression selon l'une quelconque des revendications 8 à 10, comprenant en outre :
    un passage de fluide (B) configuré pour amener le passage de refoulement à communiquer avec un objet cible de mise sous pression (A) ; et
    un capteur de pression (105) configuré pour détecter une pression dans le passage de fluide,
    dans lequel le dispositif de commande est configuré pour commander la vitesse de rotation sur la base de la pression détectée par le capteur de pression.
  12. Appareil de régulation de pression selon l'une quelconque des revendications 8 à 11, dans lequel le dispositif de commande est configuré pour commander la vitesse de rotation et réguler la pression non seulement lorsque la pression augmente, mais aussi lorsque la pression diminue.
EP21156792.0A 2020-03-13 2021-02-12 Pompe à diaphragme et appareil de régulation de pression Active EP3879102B1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP23209763.4A EP4296513A3 (fr) 2020-03-13 2021-02-12 Pompe à membrane et appareil de régulation de pression

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP2020043931A JP7523228B2 (ja) 2020-03-13 2020-03-13 圧力調整装置
JP2020043930A JP2021143646A (ja) 2020-03-13 2020-03-13 ダイヤフラムポンプおよび圧力調整装置

Related Child Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP23209763.4A Division EP4296513A3 (fr) 2020-03-13 2021-02-12 Pompe à membrane et appareil de régulation de pression

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP3879102A1 EP3879102A1 (fr) 2021-09-15
EP3879102B1 true EP3879102B1 (fr) 2023-12-06

Family

ID=74595129

Family Applications (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP23209763.4A Pending EP4296513A3 (fr) 2020-03-13 2021-02-12 Pompe à membrane et appareil de régulation de pression
EP21156792.0A Active EP3879102B1 (fr) 2020-03-13 2021-02-12 Pompe à diaphragme et appareil de régulation de pression

Family Applications Before (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP23209763.4A Pending EP4296513A3 (fr) 2020-03-13 2021-02-12 Pompe à membrane et appareil de régulation de pression

Country Status (3)

Country Link
US (2) US20210285436A1 (fr)
EP (2) EP4296513A3 (fr)
CN (1) CN113389716B (fr)

Families Citing this family (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20220087545A1 (en) * 2020-09-22 2022-03-24 Apple Inc. Pressure Relief Valve for Blood Pressure Cuff
JP2023163366A (ja) * 2022-04-28 2023-11-10 マブチモーターオーケン株式会社 ダイヤフラムポンプ
WO2023240916A1 (fr) * 2022-06-14 2023-12-21 佛山市顺德区美的洗涤电器制造有限公司 Pompe à membrane et machine à laver la vaisselle

Family Cites Families (14)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4178918A (en) * 1977-09-15 1979-12-18 Cornwell Lionel B Automatic blood pressure measuring and recording system
US4690171A (en) * 1986-06-05 1987-09-01 Johnston Charles F Valve assembly for a sphygmomanometer
US5517999A (en) * 1994-05-26 1996-05-21 Siemens Medical Systems, Inc. Automatic blood pressure monitor with a dual-speed control circuit for the DC inflation pump motor
US7296594B1 (en) * 2005-03-22 2007-11-20 Hydro-Gear Limited Partnership Combination check valve and neutral valve assembly for use in a hydraulic component
US8974203B2 (en) * 2007-04-03 2015-03-10 Parker-Hannifin Corporation Hydraulic pump end cover
JP5353268B2 (ja) * 2009-01-28 2013-11-27 オムロンヘルスケア株式会社 ダイヤフラムポンプおよび血圧計
JP5775703B2 (ja) * 2011-02-21 2015-09-09 応研精工株式会社 ダイヤフラムポンプ
JP5731576B2 (ja) * 2013-06-06 2015-06-10 応研精工株式会社 急排弁構造体およびダイヤフラムポンプ
JP6234145B2 (ja) 2013-10-03 2017-11-22 シチズン時計株式会社 血圧計
JP5735690B1 (ja) * 2014-08-15 2015-06-17 応研精工株式会社 急排弁一体型ダイヤフラムポンプ
JP6564644B2 (ja) * 2015-08-06 2019-08-21 応研精工株式会社 急速排気弁ユニットおよびダイヤフラムポンプ
JP6858020B2 (ja) 2017-01-12 2021-04-14 応研精工株式会社 ダイヤフラムポンプ
CN108019341A (zh) * 2017-12-04 2018-05-11 苏州市海崴生物科技有限公司 一种基本型四元隔膜泵
JP7216367B2 (ja) * 2018-11-30 2023-02-01 応研精工株式会社 ダイヤフラムポンプ

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US20210285436A1 (en) 2021-09-16
US20240200549A1 (en) 2024-06-20
EP4296513A2 (fr) 2023-12-27
CN113389716B (zh) 2023-01-06
EP3879102A1 (fr) 2021-09-15
EP4296513A3 (fr) 2024-03-06
CN113389716A (zh) 2021-09-14

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP3879102B1 (fr) Pompe à diaphragme et appareil de régulation de pression
KR101746009B1 (ko) 급속 토출밸브 구조체 및 다이아프램 펌프
KR101718822B1 (ko) 급속 토출밸브 유닛을 일체로 구비한 다이어프램 펌프
JP3806859B2 (ja) ダイヤフラムポンプ
KR20060109959A (ko) 가변형 변위 압축기 제어용 마이크로밸브 장치
JP2008202572A (ja) 可変容量型圧縮機における容量制御弁
US20170356439A1 (en) Variable Capacity Compressor
KR101629359B1 (ko) 펌프 및 유체 분배 방법
JP7523228B2 (ja) 圧力調整装置
JP4130566B2 (ja) 可変容量圧縮機用容量制御弁
EP3660309B1 (fr) Pompe à diaphragme
JP4888803B2 (ja) 圧縮機
WO2005028865A1 (fr) Compresseur sans embrayage a deplacement variable
JP4521484B2 (ja) 可変容量圧縮機用制御弁
JP4389226B2 (ja) 搾乳器
JP2009103116A (ja) 可変容量圧縮機用制御弁
WO2002101237A1 (fr) Compresseur a deplacement variable
US7367785B2 (en) Reduced icing valves and gas-driven motor and reciprocating pump incorporating same
JP2021143646A (ja) ダイヤフラムポンプおよび圧力調整装置
WO2007086261A1 (fr) Compresseur sans embrayage du type a cylindree variable
JPH1113630A (ja) ダイヤフラムポンプ
JPH116482A (ja) 吸込み調整形ポンプ
JP4572272B2 (ja) 可変容量圧縮機用制御弁
JP7399950B2 (ja) 容量制御弁
JP4474697B2 (ja) 制御弁

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE APPLICATION HAS BEEN PUBLISHED

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: REQUEST FOR EXAMINATION WAS MADE

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20220315

RBV Designated contracting states (corrected)

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: GRANT OF PATENT IS INTENDED

RIC1 Information provided on ipc code assigned before grant

Ipc: F04B 45/04 20060101ALI20230602BHEP

Ipc: F04B 43/02 20060101ALI20230602BHEP

Ipc: F04B 43/00 20060101AFI20230602BHEP

INTG Intention to grant announced

Effective date: 20230626

GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE PATENT HAS BEEN GRANTED

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

P01 Opt-out of the competence of the unified patent court (upc) registered

Effective date: 20231027

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R096

Ref document number: 602021007376

Country of ref document: DE

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: LT

Ref legal event code: MG9D

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20240307

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: NL

Ref legal event code: MP

Effective date: 20231206

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20231206

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20231206

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20231206

Ref country code: GR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20240307

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20231206

Ref country code: BG

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20240306

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20240216

Year of fee payment: 4

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: MK05

Ref document number: 1638632

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20231206

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: NL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20231206

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20231206

Ref country code: RS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20231206

Ref country code: NO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20240306

Ref country code: NL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20231206

Ref country code: LV

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20231206

Ref country code: HR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20231206

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20240104

Year of fee payment: 4

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20240406

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CZ

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20231206

Ref country code: AT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20231206

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20231206

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SM

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20231206

Ref country code: SK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20231206

Ref country code: RO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20231206

Ref country code: IT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20231206

Ref country code: IS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20240406

Ref country code: EE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20231206

Ref country code: CZ

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20231206

Ref country code: AT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20231206

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: PL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20231206

Ref country code: PT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20240408

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: PT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20240408

Ref country code: PL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20231206

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MC

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20231206

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PL

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20231206

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20240212