MXPA99003824A - Compact scroll fluid device - Google Patents

Abstract

A compact scroll fluid device (2) includes a pair of wrap support elements (32, 61) with one of the wrap support elements (61) having an inner axial surface (65) formed with an involute spiral recess (79) and the other of the wrap support elements (32) having an involute spiral wrap member (44) projecting from an inner axial surface (36) thereof. The spiral wrap member (44) is received within the spiral recess (79) while being relatively movable about an orbital path therein. A synchronizer assembly (51) is provided axially between the wrap support elements (32, 61), radially inwardly of both inlet and outlet zones (81, 83) associated with the scroll fluid device (2) and radially outwardly of an orbit center (125) of the device (2). The entire scroll fluid device (2) is preferably made of plastic. With this arrangement, an extremely compact and inexpensive device (2) is provided.

Description

COMPACT SPIRAL FLUID DEVICE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention pertains to the technique of spiral fluid devices and, more specifically, to a compact spiral fluid device that is particularly designed for use in environments "requiring low speeds". of flow and that can be handled cheaply for use in a single application. 2. Discussion of the Prior Art The term "spiral fluid device" is applied to an array of intermeshing spiral coils in which at least one of the coils is rotated along a circular path relative to the other coil. This orbital movement develops one or more fluid transport chambers between the curls that move radially and between the entry and exit areas of the device. The spiral windings are typically coupled by a synchronizer assembly which prevents relative rotation between the windings and accommodates the relative orbital movement of the windings at the same time. Such spiral fluid devices can function as pumps, compressors, motors or REF .: 29944 expanders, depending on their configuration, the drive system used, and the nature of the energy transferred between the spiral windings and the fluid that moves through the device. A significant advantage in the operation of a spiral fluid device can be achieved by minimizing its total size for a given fluid flow rate. Obviously, minimizing the size of a spiral fluid device can also reduce the associated manufacturing costs. In the past, many significant improvements have been made in this field to achieve a total reduction in the size of spiral fluid devices. These improvements have focused mainly on the reconfiguration and relocation of the synchronizer assembly to reduce any of the radial or axial dimensions of the device. In general, these designs tend to reduce the axial dimensions of the spiral device at the expense of the radial dimensions, or vice versa. Of additional concern is the fact that the synchronizing assembly by itself can create a problem with respect to the flow of fluid entering or leaving the spiral device. For example, if the synchronizer assembly is placed between the spiral windings and any of the entry and exit zones, the fluid flowing through the device will actually require passing through the synchronizer assembly, which can result in system losses. . In some environments, pumping devices are required that need to produce not only low flow rates but can not be reused without being perfectly cleaned between uses. For example, during a surgical or other medical procedure, it may be necessary to release and remove various body fluids from a patient. A pump used for this purpose will obviously be exposed to these fluids. After the procedure The pump and other exposed system components will have to be discarded, or somehow, sanitized before subsequent use. Although the associated pumping rates for these systems are more than low so that the pumps can be made very small, the cost associated with the manufacture of those pumping devices is still very high and therefore discarding such a device after a single use It is very expensive. Of course, cleaning and sterilizing such a device for later use can also be costly as well as time consuming. Therefore, there is a need in the art for a state spiral fluid device in a compact nature, efficient in operation and economically advantageous to produce, particularly when used to develop fluid flow velocities rather than low in an application of single use.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a compact spiral fluid device particularly adapted for use in the production of a low volumetric flow rate. The spiral fluid device has minimum radial axial dimensions and incorporates a synchronizing assembly positioned so as not to adversely affect the flow of fluid through the spiral device. The spiral fluid device can be economically manufactured to allow the device to be discarded after a single use. To achieve these functions, the spiral fluid device of the invention is preferably entirely made of plastic and includes a pair of interlocking spiral wound wraps which are connected to the external rolled-up support elements in the form of plates. One of the windings is defined by a spiral wound member projecting axially from an inner surface of one of the respective support plates. The other winding is actually defined by the walls of the spiral cavities formed on the inner surface of the other support plate.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the spiral fluid device is used to produce an output flow rate rather than low through a suction effect, generally in the range of one milliliter per minute (1 ml / min) to 60 milliliters per minute (60 ml / min) and with a maximum vacuum pressure of the order of 550 mm Hg. Given this capacity, the axially projecting winding needs only to be rolled through 360 degrees and the winding defined by the cavity extends through more than 360 degrees to accommodate the entry and exit zones. More specifically, the inlet and outlet zones of the spiral fluid device are formed in the spiral cavity at separate locations from the inner and outer end portions of the axially projecting winding and those areas have associated gates which extend through of the plate in which the cavity is formed. The synchronizer assembly for the spiral fluid device of the invention is located axially between the support plates wound and radially inward of each of the spiral windings, as well as both of the entry and exit areas. In the preferred embodiment, the synchronizer assembly is defined by a plurality of circumferentially spaced teeth which are formed on one of the support plates received within the respective grooves formed in the other of the support plates. With this arrangement, the synchronizer assembly is radially spaced inward from the fluid flow path established within the device and therefore does not adversely affect the flow of fluid through the device. Each of the spiral cavities and the synchronizer slots have associated depths that allow them to completely accommodate the axially projecting winding and the synchronizer teeth, respectively. Therefore, the spiral fluid device has a total axial dimension essentially defined by the combined thickness of the support plates. Since the windings extend only radially inwardly in a limited amount, thereby allowing the synchronizer assembly to be located radially inward thereof, the spiral fluid device further has a minimum radial dimension. Given these dimensional qualities, a total compact spiral fluid device is presented which, when made of plastic, can be economically manufactured to be used as a disposable, disposable pump or motor product. Additional features and advantages of the invention will be more readily apparent from the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment thereof when taken in conjunction with the drawings in which similar references refer to corresponding parts in the different views.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a perspective view of a spiral fluid device constructed in accordance with the invention; Figure 2 is an exploded view taken in a first direction of the spiral fluid device of Figure 1; Figure 3 is an exploded view of the spiral fluid device of Figure 1 taken in a direction opposite to that of Figure 2; and Figure 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of the spiral fluid device of Figure 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED MODE With initial reference to Figure 1, the spiral fluid device constructed in accordance with the present invention is preferably made of plastic and is generally indicated at 2. The spiral fluid device 2 includes a first spiral element 5. and a second spiral member 7. In the preferred embodiment, the first spiral member 5 is driven by means of an eccentric drive shaft (not shown) extending within a hole 11 formed in a central straight tapered portion 12 of the first element spiral 5 and "a second spiral element 7 is preferably fixed in a desired position." The manner in which spiral fluid devices are generally driven to allow relative orbital movement between the interlocking spiral elements is well known in the art, this operation It will not be duplicated here, however, it should be understood that, although the second element Iral 7 was set against rotation in the preferred embodiment, the spiral fluid device 2 could constitute a co-rotating spiral arrangement without departing from the spirit of the invention. For reasons which will be discussed below, an O-shaped ring 14 was adapted to be arranged within the hole 11. Particular reference will now be made to Figures 2 and 3 in the description of the preferred embodiment of a first and second elements. spirals 5 and 7. The first spiral member 5 includes a first coiled support member 32 which takes the form of a plate having an external axial side 34 and an internal axial side 36. The external axial side 34 is provided with a flange annular, external vertical, 38 and an annular, internal vertical ridge 40. Between the inner and outer straight rims 40 and 38 a recessed area 42 is defined which is adapted to receive a sealing ring (not shown) when the device is mounted of spiral fluid 2 for use. The second axial side 36 of the first rolled support plate 32 is best shown in Figure 3 and has an axially extending involuble spiral wound member 44 projecting therefrom. The rolled member 44 has a first end portion 46 and a second end portion 48. Located radially inwardly of spiral wound member 44 is a plurality of circumferentially spaced teeth 50 that are part of a synchronizer assembly 51 of spiral fluid device 2. As shown in both Figures 3 and 4, each of the teeth 50 has an outer radial section 52 that is wider than an internal radial section 53 thereof, so that each of the teeth 50 tapers radially inwardly. Located inwardly of the teeth 50 on the second axial side 36 is an annular depression zone 56 and a raised central body 58, which are collectively defined in the central straight tapered portion 12. The second spiral element 7 likewise includes a second rolled-up support element 61 in the form of a plate having an external axial side 63 and an internal axial side 65. As best shown in Figures 2 and 4, the second rolled-up support plate 61 includes a second spiral wound member 69 formed by a straight outer wall portion 72 and a straight inner wall portion 74 which are interconnected by end walls 76 and 77. The straight wall portions 72 and 74, as well as the end walls 76"and 77, collectively define a spiral cavity 79. Separated from the end wall 76, the spiral cavity 79 is provided with a first gate 81 and, the adjacent end wall 70, the spiral cavity 79 is formed with a second gate 83. As will be discussed below, each of the gates 81 and 83 can define entry or exit zones depending on the method of operation of the spiral fluid device 2. Due to the formation of the spiral of the second wound member 69, the second axial side 65 of the second rolled support plate 61 is formed with a radially thickened, external wall portion 86 and a radially thickened inner wall portion 88. To minimize the amount of material needed to forming the spiral fluid device 2 and thereby reducing the associated manufacturing costs, arcuate cavities 90 and 91 are preferably provided in the torque portions ed thickened internal and external 88 and 86 respectively. The axial side 65 is also formed with a central depression area 94 and a plurality of radial grooved projections 96 which constitute another portion of the synchronizing assembly 51 as will be discussed more fully below. The first axial side 63 of the second rolled support plate 61 is formed by a pair of separate gate connections 103 and 104. Each of the gate connections 103 and 104 has a central tubular cylindrical portion 107 having an annular space 109. around it. Each tubular cylindrical portion 107 is in fluid communication with a respective gate 81 and 83 through the second coiled support plate 61. With this construction, the conduits or flow passages (not shown) can be easily placed in communication with each other. fluid with each tubular cylindrical portion 107 of the spiral fluid device 2. As clearly shown in those Figures, the second rolled support plate 61 includes an outer periphery 113 which is formed with a radially projecting edge 116 having a central groove. 118. This structure is provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention and constitutes an alignment and mounting aid of the second coiled support plate 61 of the spiral fluid device 2. When assembled, the axially extending coiled spiral member 44 of the first spiral element 5 meshes with the second spiral wound member 69 of the second spiral element 7. More specifically, the spiral wound member 44 is received within the spiral cavity 79 as is clearly shown in Figure 4. To assist proper placement of the spiral member 44 in the spiral cavity 79, the first spiral member 5 is provided with a projection 120 on the tapered portion 112 which must be aligned with the groove 118. With the spiral cavity 79 completely accommodating the spiral wound member 44, the total axial dimension of the spiral fluid device 2 is essentially equal to the combined thickness of the first and second coiled support plates 32 and 61, i.e., less than 1 cm in the compact embodiment shown, even though the walls 72 and 74 are slightly raised from the internal axial side 65 as shown in Figure 2. Furthermore, this Compact spiral fluid device 2 has an outer diameter which is less than about 7.5 cm. In the preferred embodiment, wherein the second spiral element 7 is fixed, the first spiral element 5 is driven to rotate about the geometric center 125 in relation to the second spiral element 7. In this embodiment, the actuation of the first spiral element 5. * it is carried out by inserting an eccentric motor shaft (not shown) into the hole 11 with a 0-shaped ring 14 being cranked between the motor shaft and the central straight tapered portion 12. With this arrangement, the O-ring is formed. 14, which can be mounted on the anussaid portion or carried by the motor, provides a certain degree of radiality to the spiral fluid device 2. Through this orbital movement, at least one fluid chamber develops. which moves "radially, and in addition, tangentially between the first and second rolled members 44 and 69. When they rotate in orbit in a first direction, the fluid will be pulled towards the first gate 81 and discharged through the second gate 83. When they turn in orbit in an opposite direction, the fluid will be pulled to the second gate 83, and discharged through the first gate 81. As indicated above, the described spiral fluid device 2 is specifically designed to operate at a slower volumetric rate , preferably creating a vacuum to produce a flow rate in the range of 1 ml / min to 60 ml / min, and at a maximum vacuum pressure of approx. 550 mm Hg. The limited degree of the spiral of the wound members 44 and 69 allows the synchronizer assembly 51 to be arranged radially inward of the gates 81 and 83, but still sufficiently outward from the geometric center 125 for the member Rolled 44 provide operational stability. Since the particular operation of the synchronizer assembly 51 is widely known in the art, together with "the other different" potential modes of operation of the spiral fluid device 2, those aspects of the device will not be further detailed here. Since the spiral fluid device 2, at least according to; with the preferred embodiment "shown and" described herein, is formed of plastic and is extremely compact, the spiral fluid device 2 can be manufactured at a minimal cost and therefore has a disposable, economically viable unit, which can be used in several fields. In addition, given the presence of the external gate connections 103 and 104, the spiral fluid device 2 can be easily connected and disconnected to a total fluid flow control system. Although described with respect to a preferred embodiment of the invention, it should be recognized that various changes and / or modifications may be made to the invention without departing from the spirit thereof. For example, although an extremely compact spiral fluid device has been shown and described, it should be readily apparent that various features of the invention could be advantageously incorporated into spiral fluid devices that have greater capacity but could become more compact and economically attractive In general, it is intended that the invention be limited only by the scope of the following claims.

It is noted that in relation to this date, the best method known by the applicant to carry out the aforementioned invention, is the conventional one for the manufacture of the objects to which it refers.

Claims (20)

CLAIMS Having described the invention as above, the content of the following claims is claimed as property:

1. A compact spiral fluid device, characterized in that it comprises: first and second convoluted coiled spiral members, each of the first and second coiled members have first and second respective end portions, the first and second coiled members are meshed and define at least one chamber of fluid therebetween moving radially from an entry zone to an exit zone when one of the first and second coiled members rotates along a circular path relative to another of the first and second coiled members; first and second coiled support elements, each of the first and second coiled support elements support a respective one of the first and second coiled members, at least one of the first and second coiled support elements is adapted to be driven to create an orbital movement relative between the first and second rolled members; and a synchronizer assembly interconnecting the wrapped support elements and preventing relative rotation between the wound members while accommodating their relative orbital motion, the synchronizer assembly is axially arranged between the first and second support elements rolled and radially between a central portion of the spiral fluid device and the inlet and outlet zones, so that the synchronizer assembly is radially spaced from the central portion.

The compact spiral fluid device according to claim 1, characterized in that one of the first and second coiled members defined by means of a spiral cavity formed in a respective one of the first and second coiled support elements.

3. The compact spiral fluid device according to claim 2, characterized in that the entrance and exit areas are located in the radial inner and outer end portions of the spiral cavity.

The compact spiral fluid device according to claim 3, characterized in that the entry and exit zones include a respective gate extending through a respective one of the first and second coiled support elements.

The compact spiral fluid device according to claim 4, characterized in that it further comprises gate connections formed in an external axial portion of a respective one of the first and second coiled support elements, each of the gate connections being in fluid communication with a respective gate.

The compact spiral fluid device according to claim 2, characterized in that v further comprises at least one arcuate cavity formed in a respective one of the first and second coiled support elements.

The compact spiral fluid device according to claim 2, characterized in that _the synchronizer assembly _ comprises a plurality of annularly spaced teeth attached to an internal axial surface of one of the first and second coiled support elements and a plurality of separate slots. annularly formed in the other of the first and second coiled support elements, each of the plurality of teeth is received, for relative orbital movement, within one of the plurality of respective slots.

The compact spiral fluid device according to claim 1, characterized in that the second wound support member is provided with a position indicator to assist in aligning the second wound support member for mounting in a fixed position.

9. The compact spiral fluid device according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one of the "rolled members describes a spiral of less than 450 degrees."

10. The compact spiral fluid device according to claim 1, characterized in that the spiral fluid device is formed of plastic.

11. A compact spiral fluid device, characterized in that it comprises: first and second coiled support elements, each of the first and second coiled support elements includes internal and external surfaces; an involute spiral winding extending axially from the inner surface of the first rolled support element; an involute spiral cavity formed in the inner surface of the second wound support member, the spiral cavity receives the coiled spiral member therein; radially separated inlet and outlet gates in fluid communication with the spiral cavity; a synchronizer assembly interconnecting the first and second coiled support members, the synchronizer assembly prevents relative rotation, while accommodating relative orbital motion, between the first and second support members wound with relative orbital motion making "the camera of fluid moving radially, within the spiral cavity, from a first position in fluid communication with the input gate to a second fluid communication position with the exit gate, the synchronizer assembly includes a plurality of annularly spaced apart teeth to an internal axial surface of one of the first and second support elements and a plurality of spaced grooves formed in the other of the first and second coiled support elements, each of the plurality of teeth is received, for relative orbital movement, within from one of the plurality of respective slots; and first and second position indicators provided on the first and second support elements rolled, respectively, to assist in the proper positioning of the plurality of teeth within the plurality of respective slots.

12. The compact spiral fluid device according to claim 11, characterized in that the inlet and outlet gates are located at the radially inner and outer end portions of the spiral cavity.

The compact spiral fluid device according to claim 11, characterized in that it further comprises at least one arcuate cavity formed in the internal surface of the second wound support element.

14. The compact spiral fluid device according to claim 11, characterized in that the second position indicator comprises assisting the alignment of the second rolled-up support element for mounting in a fixed position.

15. The compact spiral fluid device according to claim 11, characterized in that the synchronizer assembly is arranged axially between the first and second support elements rolled up and radially inward of each of the entry and exit gates _

16. The compact spiral fluid device according to claim 11, characterized in that the spiral fluid device is formed of plastic.

17. A compact spiral fluid device, characterized in that it comprises: first and second intermeshing coiled members which are supported by first and second plates, respectively, the first coiled member is adapted to rotate in orbit along a circular path in relation to the second wound member to cause at least one fluid chamber defined between the first and second rolled members to move radially from an inlet area to an exit zone, each of the first and second rolled members is formed of plastic; and a plastic synchronizer assembly that interconnects the wound members and prevents relative rotation between the wound members while accommodating orbital movement, the compact spiral fluid device has a pumping capacity ranging from about 1 ml / min to about 60 ml / min.

18. The compact spiral fluid device according to claim 17, characterized in that the compact spiral fluid device operates at a maximum vacuum pressure of approximately 550 mm Hg.

19. The compact spiral fluid device according to claim 17, characterized in that the spiral fluid device has an outer diameter which is less than about 7.5 cm.

20. The compact spiral fluid device according to claim 17, characterized in that the spiral fluid device has an axial dimension of the order of 1.0 cm.