JP2005511936A - Pump with axial conduit - Google Patents

Abstract

One embodiment of a pump (10) for use with an inflatable device includes an outer housing (20) and a fluid conduit (40) disposed within and between the outer housing. An inner housing (30). The pump includes a motor (50) disposed within the inner housing, a vane (70) occupying a majority of the fluid conduit, an impeller (60) disposed within the fluid conduit and connected to the motor; Is provided. One example inflatable device includes a substantially fluid-impermeable bladder (120), a valve assembly (110), and a hand-holdable pump (10) removably connected to the valve assembly. . Most of the pump and valve assembly is located in the bladder. In this embodiment, the average distance between the inner surface of the outer housing and the outer surface of the inner housing is less than about 25% of the average diameter of the outer housing.

Description

  The present invention relates to a pump, and more particularly to a pump for use in an inflatable device.

  Various methods have been proposed to provide air or other fluid to the inflatable device. Typically, a pump is used to supply air to an orifice in the inflatable device. Such pumps include a motor that drives the impeller, thereby introducing air into the inflatable device. The motor driven pump is powered by electricity. Typically, such electricity is provided by a battery, where portability is desired, by connection to a standard household power source.

  According to one embodiment of the present invention, a pump is provided. The pump includes an outer housing and an inner housing disposed within the outer housing and defining a fluid conduit between the outer housing. The pump includes a motor disposed within the inner housing, a vane that occupies a majority of the fluid conduit, and an impeller disposed within the fluid conduit and connected to the motor.

  In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, an inflatable device is provided. The inflatable device includes a substantially fluid impermeable bladder, a valve assembly, and a hand-holdable pump removably connected to the valve assembly. In this embodiment, the majority of the hand-holdable pump and valve assembly is located in the bladder.

  According to one embodiment of the present invention, a pump is provided. The pump includes an outer housing, an inner housing disposed within the outer housing, and defining a fluid conduit between the outer housing and a motor disposed within the inner housing. In this embodiment, the average distance between the inner surface of the outer housing and the outer surface of the inner housing is less than about 25% of the average diameter of the outer housing.

  The foregoing and other advantages of the present invention will be more fully understood with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  The present invention relates to a pump with an axial fluid conduit. In one embodiment, the pump of the present invention may include an outer housing and an inner housing disposed within the outer housing. An axial fluid conduit may be defined between the inner housing and the outer housing. The motor may be disposed within the inner housing and the impeller may be disposed within the fluid conduit and connected to the motor.

  An embodiment will now be described with reference to the drawings, particularly FIGS. 1, 2, 5 and 6. FIG. In the present embodiment, the pump 10 includes an outer housing 20 and an inner housing 30 disposed in the outer housing 20. A fluid conduit 40 may be defined between the outer housing 20 and the inner housing 30. The motor 50 is disposed within the inner housing 30 and the impeller 60 may be disposed within the fluid conduit 40 and connected to the motor 50. The connecting means can be any attachment means known to those skilled in the art.

  The outer housing 20 may be configured in any manner and provides a pump 10 that is sufficiently durable for its intended use and provides a suitable outer wall for the fluid conduit 40. Can be made from any material. For example, the outer housing 20 can be constructed from a material that is lightweight, inexpensive, highly durable, and fluid tight. The outer housing 20 may be shaped so that it is not bulky. For example, the outer housing 20 can be ergonomically designed. The material of the outer housing 20 includes a wide variety of thermoplastic materials that are relatively rigid such as, for example, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or acrylonitrile-butadiene-sytrene (ABS). However, the outer housing 20 may be made of other materials such as metal and metal alloy.

  The outer housing 20 may be configured in an arbitrary shape that can accommodate the inner housing 30. For example, the outer housing 20 may be generally configured in a cylindrical shape. In some embodiments, the outer housing 20 is larger (eg, has a larger diameter) where it accommodates the inner housing and is smaller (eg, at the inlet 22 and outlet 24 of the outer housing 20). Having a smaller diameter). It should be understood that the inlet 22 and outlet 24 are arbitrarily labeled, and it should be understood that fluid can travel through the pump 10 in either direction. For example, the pump 10 may be operated in a first direction to push air from the inlet 22 to the outlet 24, or may be operated in a second direction to suck air from the outlet 24 to the inlet 22. Also good.

  Inlet 22 may be configured to facilitate air flow to fluid conduit 40. For example, the inlet 22 may be configured to prevent the inlet 22 from being shielded. In one embodiment, the inlet 22 includes a protrusion 26 to inhibit shielding of the inlet 22. The inlet 22 may be configured to prevent external objects from coming into contact with the impeller 60. For example, the inlet 22 may be configured to have a large number of small openings that make it relatively difficult to insert an external object such as a finger. In the preferred embodiment, the protrusions 26 of the inlet 22 are configured as slats and prohibit external objects from contacting the impeller 60.

  The outlet 24 may be configured to provide fluid to a desired location. For example, the outlet 24 can be configured to provide fluid to the inflatable device. In one embodiment, the outlet 24 is secured to the inlet of the inflatable device and includes a configuration that biases the inlet valve to the open position when the pump moves fluid to the inflatable device. In another embodiment, the pump may include a solenoid for biasing the valve to an open state when the pump adds fluid to or draws fluid from the device.

  Inner housing 30 functions as the inner wall of fluid conduit 40 and may be constructed of any material suitable for the contents in outer housing 20 in any manner to accommodate motor 50. Good. For example, the inner housing 30 may be configured to fit within the outer housing 20 to provide a fluid conduit 40. In one embodiment, the inner housing 30 is configured such that it is equally spaced from the inner surface of the outer housing 20. The shape of the inner housing 30 is selected to be compatible with the shape of the outer housing 20. For example, when the outer housing 20 is a substantially cylinder, the inner housing can also be a substantially cylinder.

  The inner housing 30 can also be configured to safely house the motor 50. For example, the inner housing 30 may include an internal structure to maintain the motor 50 in a desired position. The inner housing 30 can be provided with a structure for holding the motor 50 in a desired position without allowing unwanted vibration and noise to be generated. In one embodiment, the inner housing 30 may be configured to contain one or more batteries to provide power to the motor 50. Inner housing 30 is constructed of any material that is sufficiently durable to cover motor 50 and that is suitable for using the fluid to be pumped. For example, the inner housing 30 may be made of the same arbitrary material as the outer housing 20 described above.

  The fluid conduit 40 may be defined by the configuration of the outer housing 20 and the inner housing 30. The fluid conduit 40 can provide sufficient space for fluid flow so as not to cause a significant pressure drop. The fluid conduit 40 is in a uniform shape and there is virtually no inhomogeneity that can interfere with efficient fluid flow and cause turbulence, noise and pressure loss.

  The fluid conduit 40 may comprise a structure that improves fluid flow through the fluid conduit 40 to enhance pressurization. Improving the flow through the fluid conduit 40 can reduce turbulence and generally provide a quieter and more efficient pump flow. The flow is preferably directed so that the fluid does not make a sudden change in that direction. The fluid conduit 40 extends generally axially and the impeller 60 generally imparts rotational force to the fluid relative to the axis of the fluid conduit 40. Thus, any structure provided to improve fluid flow through the fluid conduit 40 is configured not to inhibit substantially axial movement of the fluid through the fluid conduit 40 and to allow rotation of the fluid within the fluid conduit 40. Preferably it is possible.

  Inefficient fluid flow is preferably avoided through the length of the fluid conduit 40. Thus, in a preferred embodiment, the pump is provided with a structure that improves flow and enhances pressurization of the fluid through the fluid conduit 40, which structure occupies the majority of the fluid conduit 40. The structure for improving fluid flow preferably occupies at least 70% of the length of the fluid conduit 40. Furthermore, it is more preferred to occupy 90% of the length of the fluid conduit 40, and most preferably to occupy substantially all of the length of the fluid conduit 40 to improve flow through the fluid conduit 40. In the illustrated example, what is meant by the structure occupying most of the fluid conduit 40 is that the structure extends at least half of the conduit through the length of the fluid conduit 40. It does not mean that it fills more than half of the cavity space of the fluid conduit 40. The structure that occupies most of the fluid conduit 40 is substantially different from a configuration that simply directs fluid from the impeller to the open fluid conduit. This is because the flow of fluid through more parts of the fluid conduit 40 can be controlled, thus improving the flow of the fluid better.

  In one embodiment, the structure that improves fluid flow through the fluid conduit 40 to enhance pressurization comprises one or more structures that direct the fluid flow. For example, referring to FIGS. 3-4 and 6, the fluid conduit 40 may comprise a vane 70 that is configured to improve fluid flow through the fluid conduit 40. The vane 70 may be configured to direct fluid flow within the fluid conduit 40 and bridge the fluid conduit 40 from the inner surface of the outer housing 20 to the outer surface of the inner housing 30, thereby allowing fluid to flow through the vane. Flow through the defined channel. However, in all embodiments, the vanes 70 need not extend between the inner surface of the outer housing 20 and the outer surface of the inner housing 30, and in embodiments where they extend as such. There is no need to extend through the entire conduit.

  The vane 70 can be configured to minimize any sudden changes in fluid flow associated with inefficient flow and increased pressure drop. For example, the vane 70 may be formed to curve in the direction of rotation dispensed by the impeller 60 and direct the flow along the fluid conduit 40 in a substantially axial direction. As shown, in one embodiment, the vane 70 extends linearly along the length of the fluid conduit 40 and gradually directs air from a state of predominant rotational motion to a state of predominant axial motion. Makes it possible to attach. Vane 70 preferably has no rough edges or closed end pockets that may increase fluid resistance.

  It should be understood that structures for improving flow through fluid conduit 40 and enhancing pressurization can be particularly useful when fluid conduit 40 is relatively narrow. For example, if it is desired to make the pump 10 more portable and powerful, the inner housing 30 is relatively large to accommodate a larger motor and the outer housing is reduced to reduce the overall size of the device. It is desirable to make 20 relatively small. In such embodiments, the fluid conduit 40 can be relatively narrow. For example, the average distance from the inner surface of the outer housing 20 to the outer surface of the inner housing 30 can be preferably about 25%, more preferably about 10%, even more preferably about 5%, or The average diameter of the outer housing 20 can be further reduced. In the illustrated embodiment, the average distance from the inner surface of the outer housing 20 to the outer surface of the inner housing 30 is about 8% of the average diameter of the outer housing 20. The narrowness of the fluid conduit 40 itself can act as a structure that improves fluid flow, and axially along the fluid conduit rather than allowing the fluid to enter a relatively open area. Direct the fluid. Thus, in some embodiments, a narrow fluid conduit can sufficiently reduce inefficient flow.

  The fluid conduit 40 may include a structure for maintaining the shape of the fluid conduit 40. For example, the fluid conduit 40 can comprise a structure for securing the inner housing 30 relative to the outer housing 20. In one embodiment, the structure may comprise one or more struts that connect the inner surface of the outer housing 20 to the outer surface of the inner housing 30. In another embodiment, one or more vanes 70 direct fluid flow and help maintain the relationship between the inner and outer housings.

  The motor 50 can be any device that can rotate the impeller 60 to create a fluid flow through the pump 10. For example, the motor 50 may be a conventional electric motor. In one embodiment, motor 50 is preferably an efficient and lightweight motor. The motor 50 can be relatively small to reduce the overall size of the pump 10. However, it is understood that if it is desired that the motor provide more pump power, the motor can be larger than the overall size of the pump, even in the case of an overall small size pump. Should be.

  The impeller 60 may be composed of any material in any manner that allows the impeller 60 to move fluid when rotated by the motor 50. For example, the impeller 60 can include fins that can direct fluid into or discharge fluid from the pump 10 depending on the direction of rotation of the impeller 60. The impeller 60 can be made from any material that can maintain the desired shape of the impeller 60. For example, the impeller 60 can be constructed from a durable, lightweight material that is compatible with the fluid to be used in the pump 10. For example, the impeller 60 can be constructed from a thermoplastic material as mentioned for use in the construction of the outer housing 20.

  In accordance with the present invention, the pump 10 can be used in a variety of ways, as illustrated in FIGS. For example, the pump 10 may be an independent device, such as a hand holdable pump, and when it is desired to inflate the device, typically at the valve 110 to contact or expand the inflatable device. They may be connected and arranged. In other embodiments, the pump 10 may be detachable or permanently incorporated into the inflatable device. An embodiment as an example of the pump 10 according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

  In an exemplary embodiment, the pump 10 may be connected to a substantially fluid impermeable bladder 120 within the inflatable device. When the pump 10 is connected to the bladder 120, the pump 10 can be configured so as not to interfere with the use of the inflatable device. For example, the inflatable device can be configured with the pump 10 retracted into the bladder 120 as shown in FIGS. It is an advantage of this embodiment that when pump 10 is retracted into bladder 120, pump 10 does not interfere with the use of the inflatable device. For example, the outer profile (total volume and shape) of the pump 10 and associated expansion device can be approximately the same as the outer profile of the expansion device without this combination, thus allowing the pump 10 to expand. Reduce the chance of impacting or interfering with the use of the device. For example, if the pump 10 is placed in a bladder 120 for mattress applications, an inflatable standard size mattress can be fitted into a standard size bed frame. When the pump 10 is disposed in the bladder 120, the size can be determined so that when the bladder 120 is inflated, it does not come into contact with the bladder 120 except for the connection point. Accordingly, the pump of the present invention, which can be configured to be small and holdable by hand, can be useful in such applications. See U.S. Serial No. 09 / 859,706 for additional information regarding incorporating a pump at least partially within a bladder. This is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

  Power can be supplied to the implantable pump 10 by conventional household current or battery power. The pump 10 can be a hand-holdable pump that is removable from the inflatable device and configured to fit into the inflatable device and be substantially embedded within the bladder. It should also be understood.

  The outer housing 20 can contain other components in addition to the inner housing 30 and the motor 50. For example, the outer housing can include fluid control components such as valves. The valve can be actuated manually by using a solenoid and by using other conventional techniques. Configuration means for actuating the valve may also be provided in the outer housing.

  While several embodiments of the present invention have been described, various modifications, changes and improvements will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such variations, modifications, and improvements are within the spirit and scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the foregoing description is by way of example only and is not intended as a limitation of the present invention. The invention is limited only as defined in the following claims and equivalents thereto.

FIG. 1 is a sectional front view of a pump according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a front view of the pump of FIG. 1 in the axial direction. FIG. 3 is a sectional front view of a pump according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a side view of a pump according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the pump. FIG. 7 is an exploded view of one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a cutaway view of the embodiment of FIG. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of FIG.

Claims (17)

A pump,
An outer housing;
An inner housing disposed within the outer housing and defining a fluid conduit therewith;
A motor disposed within the inner housing;
A vane occupying most of the fluid conduit;
An impeller disposed within the fluid conduit and connected to the motor;
Comprising a pump. The pump of claim 1, wherein the vane extends between an inner surface of the outer housing and an outer surface of the inner housing. The pump according to claim 1, wherein the vane is a plurality of vanes. The pump according to claim 1, wherein the vane has a curved shape. The pump of claim 4, wherein the curved shape of the vane is configured to gradually direct the fluid flowing through the fluid conduit from a predominantly rotational motion state to a predominant axial motion state. . The pump of claim 1, wherein an average distance between an inner surface of the outer housing and an outer surface of the inner housing is less than about 25% of an average diameter of the outer housing. The pump of claim 6, wherein an average distance between an inner surface of the outer housing and an outer surface of the inner housing is less than about 10% of an average diameter of the outer housing. The pump of claim 7, wherein an average distance between an inner surface of the outer housing and an outer surface of the inner housing is less than about 5% of an average diameter of the outer housing. The pump of claim 1, wherein the fluid conduit is free of closed end pockets. The pump of claim 1, wherein the pump is configured to be connected to an inflatable device and is connected to the inflatable device with a valve assembly. 11. A pump according to claim 10, wherein the means for connection is a permanent connection. The pump of claim 10, wherein a majority of the pump and the valve assembly are disposed within a bladder of the inflatable device. An inflatable device,
A substantially fluid-impermeable bladder,
A valve assembly;
A hand holdable pump detachably connected to the valve assembly;
With
An inflatable device in which most of the hand holdable pump and the valve assembly are located within the bladder. The pump that can be held by hand is
An outer housing;
An inner housing disposed within the outer housing and defining a fluid conduit therewith;
A motor disposed within the inner housing;
A vane occupying most of the fluid conduit;
An impeller disposed within the fluid conduit and connected to the motor;
14. The inflatable device of claim 13, comprising: A pump,
An outer housing;
An inner housing disposed within the outer housing and defining a fluid conduit therewith;
A motor disposed within the inner housing;
The pump, wherein the average distance between the inner surface of the outer housing and the outer surface of the inner housing is less than about 25% of the average diameter of the outer housing. The pump of claim 15, wherein the average distance between the inner surface of the outer housing and the outer surface of the inner housing is less than about 10% of the average diameter of the outer housing. The pump of claim 16, wherein the average distance between the inner surface of the outer housing and the outer surface of the inner housing is less than about 5% of the average diameter of the outer housing.

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