US20060280633A1 - Tube pummp - Google Patents
Tube pummp Download PDFInfo
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- US20060280633A1 US20060280633A1 US10/568,571 US56857106A US2006280633A1 US 20060280633 A1 US20060280633 A1 US 20060280633A1 US 56857106 A US56857106 A US 56857106A US 2006280633 A1 US2006280633 A1 US 2006280633A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- opening
- closing
- tube
- portions
- tube pump
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- 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.)
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- 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
- F04B43/08—Machines, pumps, or pumping installations having flexible working members having tubular flexible members
- F04B43/084—Machines, pumps, or pumping installations having flexible working members having tubular flexible members the tubular member being deformed by stretching or distortion
Definitions
- the present invention is related to a tube pump that transfers a fluid by deforming a tube elastically.
- a tube pump for transferring a fluid by deforming a tube elastically
- a tube pump which includes a casing of which a part of an inner wall surface is formed like a circular arc surface, an elastic tube provided along the circular arc surface of the casing, and a roller pivotably provided on a circular orbit along the circular arc surface in the casing for pressure-feeding the fluid in the elastic tube by pushing the elastic tube toward the circular arc surface on the circular orbit corresponding to the circular arc surface, is known (for example, see Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application No. Hei. 8-28453).
- a tube pump for transferring a fluid in which a tube is linearly arranged on an inner surface of a door member attached to a case body so as to be capable of opening and closing, and the fluid is transferred by squashing the tube at three portions along a longitudinal direction thereof with pushing means sequentially is known (for example, see Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application No. Hei. 8-170590).
- a tube pump for pressure-feeding a fluid in a tube in which a motor and support side connecting means are provided on a support so that a rotational shaft of the motor corresponds with a central axis of the support side connecting means, one end and the other end of the tube are respectively connected to the support side connecting means and motor side connecting means provided on the rotational axis of the motor, and the fluid is transferred by giving the tube torsion and untorsion by normal and reverse rotations of the motor (for example, see Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application No. 2002-70748).
- the present invention is made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems. It is an object of the present invention to provide a tube pump capable of effectively transferring the fluid at a small amount of energy without requiring a large amount of energy, whereby it is possible to reduce a running cost of the tube pump and the energy loss does not occur.
- the present invention is directed to a tube pump for transferring a fluid.
- the tube pump includes:
- a tube defining a flow path therein through which the fluid is transferred, the tube being capable of being deformed elastically, the tube having two opening/closing portions provided at two spaced portions of the tube for opening and closing the flow path;
- two opening/closing mechanisms which are provided so as to correspond to the two opening/closing portions respectively for closing the flow path at the two spaced portions of the tube by folding the corresponding opening/closing portion of the tube and opening the flow path by unfolding the fold of the opening/closing portion;
- the degree of the fold of the tube at the one opening/closing portion is different from that at the other opening/closing portion to generate the increased internal pressure.
- the tube has two spaced curved portions, and each of the two opening/closing portions is provided at a part of each of the two curved portions; and that the tube pump is constructed so that each of the two opening/closing portions is folded by pushing the part of each of the two curved-portions with the corresponding opening/closing mechanism.
- each of the opening/closing mechanisms includes a cam rotatably provided at a position where the cam faces to the corresponding curved portion, in which each of the two opening/closing portions is folded or unfolded by rotationally driving the corresponding cam so as to push the corresponding curved portion or to release the pushing state by the cam.
- the opening/closing portion when the cam is rotatively driven, the opening/closing portion is folded by pushing a part of the curved portion by the rotative driving of the cam to close the flow path corresponding to the opening/closing portion, and the opening/closing portion is restored to the-original shape thereof from the folded state by releasing the pushing state to open the flow path corresponding to the opening/closing portion.
- the degree of fold of the tube at the one opening/closing portion is differentiated from that at the other opening/closing portion by differentiating sizes of the two cams each other.
- the sizes of the cams are different from each other, it is possible to surely generate a difference in size of the degrees of fold of the opening/closing portions when the opening/closing portions are folded by rotatively driving the cam.
- each of the two cams has a substantially semicircular shape.
- each of the opening/closing mechanisms further includes a protective frame reciprocatively provided so as to push the part of the corresponding curved portion or release the pushing state of the part, the protective frame being reciprocatively movable by rotationally driving the cam provided inside the frame; and that the tube pump is constructed so that, while each of the two cams is rotatively driven, the corresponding opening/closing portion is folded by pushing the part of the curved portion by movement of the protective frame toward the tube, and the opening/closing portion is restored to an initial state thereof by elastic force of the tube itself when the pushing state by the protective frame is released so as to move the protective frame toward the opposite direction.
- the opening/closing portion is folded by pushing the part of the curved portion by movement of the protective frame toward the tube when the cam is rotatively driven, and the opening/closing portion is restored to the initial shape (original shape) thereof by elastic force of the tube itself when the pushing state by the protective frame is released so as to move the protective frame toward the opposite direction.
- each of the opening/closing mechanisms further includes a connector for connecting the protective frame to the opening/closing portion.
- the opening/closing portion is not worn down due to slipping between the opening/closing portion and the protective frame. Therefore, it is possible to obtain a stable performance for a long time.
- the tube pump of the invention further includes a base for supporting the tube so that each of the two curved portions can be deformed elastically, and for supporting the two protective frames so that each of the two protective frames is reciprocatively moved in the base.
- the opening/closing portion can be always folded at a predetermined position. Hence, it is possible to transfer the fluid at a predetermined constant amount, and this makes it possible to improve transmission efficiency of the tube pump.
- each of the opening/closing mechanisms further includes biasing means arranged between the protective frame and the base for biasing the protective frame in the opposite direction, wherein the protective frame moves in the opposite direction by combination of restoring force of the opening/closing portion and biasing force of the biasing means when the pushing state by the protective frame is released.
- the elastic force of the tube weakens due to aged deterioration, it is possible to restore the folded portion of the tube to the original shape using the biasing force of the biasing means, and this makes it possible to obtain a sufficient performance of the tube pump for a long time.
- the tube pump of the invention further includes a fixing jig for fixing a predetermined portion of the tube to the base, wherein the tube pump is constructed so that the degree of fold of each opening/closing portion can be controlled by adjusting a mounting position of the fixing jig with respect to the base.
- the adjusting means since it is possible to adjust the degree of fold of the opening/closing portion of each of the curved portions of the tube using the adjusting means, it is possible to adjust a flow rate of the fluid (traffic volume) without changing the driving speed of the tube pump, and this makes it possible to enhance versatility of the tube pump.
- the tube pump of the invention further includes adjusting means for adjusting the degree of fold of each of the two opening/closing portions.
- the flow path is always closed at any one of the two opening/closing portions.
- a tube pump for transferring a fluid includes:
- a tube defining a flow path therein through which the fluid is transferred, the tube being capable of being deformed elastically, the tube having two opening/closing portions provided at two spaced portions of the tube for opening and closing the flow path, and the two opening/closing portions being arranged so as to face to each other through a predetermined space therebetween;
- an opening/closing mechanism provided in the space between the two opening/closing portions for closing the flow path at the portion corresponding to each of the two opening/closing portions by folding the tube at the opening/closing portion and for opening the flow path by unfolding the fold of the opening/closing portion;
- the tube has two spaced curved portions, and each of the two opening/closing portions is provided at a part of each of the two curved portions; and that the tube pump is constructed so that each of the two opening/closing portions is folded by pushing the part of each of the two curved portions with the opening/closing mechanism.
- the entire tube pump since it is sufficient to provide only one opening/closing mechanism between the two opening/closing portions of the tube, it is possible to make the entire tube pump smaller and lighter, and this makes it possible to utilize the tube pump effectively even at a space required so as to make the tube pump smaller and lighter.
- the opening/closing mechanism comprises a stepped cam in which two cam portions having different sizes are provided in a stepwise manner so that they are rotatable together, an actuator and two arms, and the cam portions respectively have cam surfaces on outer peripheral surfaces thereof; and that the tube pump is constructed so that the two opening/closing portions are respectively brought into contact with the cam surfaces of the stepped cam via the two arms, so that each of the two opening/closing portions is folded or unfolded by each of the two arms while the stepped cam is rotatively driven.
- the two cam portions having different sizes are provided in the stepped cam in a stepwise manner and the opening/closing portions respectively abut on the cam surfaces of the cam portions, it is possible to make the entire tube pump smaller and lighter, and this makes it possible to utilize the tube pump effectively even at a space required so as to make the tube pump smaller and lighter.
- each of the two cam portions of the stepped cam has a substantially semicircular shape.
- the opening/closing mechanism further includes biasing means for biasing each of the arms in a direction that the fold of the opening/closing portions is released.
- the elastic force of the tube weakens due to aged deterioration, it is possible to restore the folded portion of the tube to the original shape using the biasing force of the biasing means, and this makes it possible to obtain a sufficient performance of the tube pump for a long time.
- the tube pump of the invention further includes adjusting means for adjusting the degree of fold of each of the two opening/closing portions.
- the degree of fold of the opening/closing portion of the tube can be adjusted by the adjusting means, it is possible to adjust a flow rate of the fluid (traffic volume) without changing the driving speed of the tube pump, and this makes it possible to enhance versatility of the tube pump.
- the flow path is always closed at any one of the two opening/closing portions.
- a tube pump for transferring a fluid includes:
- a tube defining a flow path therein through which the fluid is transferred, the tube being capable of being deformed elastically, the tube having two opening/closing portions provided at two spaced portions of the tube for opening and closing the flow path;
- two opening/closing mechanisms which are respectively provided so as to correspond to the two opening/closing portions, one of the opening/closing mechanisms closing the flow path at one of the two spaced portions of the tube by folding the corresponding opening/closing portion of the tube and opening the flow path by unfolding the fold of the opening/closing portion, and the other opening/closing mechanism closing and opening the flow path at the other portion of the tube without folding and unfolding the corresponding opening/closing portion of the tube;
- the other opening/closing mechanism includes a shut-off valve.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a tube pump in a first embodiment according to the present invention.
- FIG. 2 is a front view of the tube pump shown in FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 3 is a partially enlarged cross sectional view showing a modified example of the first embodiment.
- FIG. 4 is a schematic view showing the operation of the tube pump of the present invention.
- FIG. 5 is an explanatory drawing showing an internal pressure between two folded portions of the tube pump according to the present invention.
- FIG. 6 is a plan view showing the tube pump in a second embodiment according to the present invention.
- FIG. 7 is a plan view showing a tube pump in a third embodiment according to the present invention.
- FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a cam of the tube pump of the third embodiment.
- FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing an arm of the tube pump of the third embodiment.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a tube pump in a first embodiment according to the present invention.
- FIG. 2 is a front view of the tube pump shown in FIG. 1 .
- a tube pump 1 of the invention includes: a elastically deformable tube 2 made from elastic element which defines a flow path (not shown) therein through which a fluid (such as various types of gases, various types of liquid or the like) is transferred; two opening/closing mechanisms 11 which close a part of the flow path by folding a part of the tube 2 and open the part of the flow path by releasing (unfolding) the fold of the part of the tube 2 ; and a base 31 that supports the tube 2 and the opening/closing mechanisms 11 .
- a fluid such as various types of gases, various types of liquid or the like
- the tube 2 has a feature that the tube 2 can be bent (or folded) easily by receiving outer force (load) in a direction substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the tube 2 , and be restored to an initial state (initial shape) thereof from a folded (bent) state by removing the outer force (load).
- the part of the flow path is closed or opened by folding the tube 2 or restoring the folded state of the tube 2 .
- the construction material of the elastic element constituting the tube 2 there is no particular limitation to the construction material of the elastic element constituting the tube 2 , and various rubber materials such as silicone rubber, various thermoplastic elastomers, various synthetic resins, various resin materials and the like may be used, for example.
- the tube 2 has two U-shaped (substantially U-shaped) curved portions 3 , 6 formed so that a linear tubular member is curved at two points, and therefore the entire tube 2 becomes a substantially M-shaped structure. Further, the entire tube 2 is supported by the base 31 (described later) so that each of the curved portions 3 , 6 becomes elastically deformable (i.e., foldable and restorable (unfoldable)).
- Two opening/closing portions 4 , 7 for opening and closing the flow path are respectively provided at parts of the curved portions 3 , 6 of the tube 2 .
- Each of the two opening/closing portions 4 , 7 is folded to a predetermined angle (so as to become a predetermined degree of fold) by pushing (applying outer force to) a part of each of the curved portions 3 , 6 with each of the opening/closing mechanisms 11 (described later), and restores to an original U shape of each of the curved portions 4 , 7 from the folded state by elastic force (self-restoring force) of the tube 2 by releasing the pushing force (outer force).
- Each of the two opening/closing portions 4 , 7 closes a portion of the flow path corresponding to each opening/closing portion 4 , 7 by folding it to prevent the fluid from flowing in the flow path, and opens the portion of the flow path corresponding to each opening/closing portion 4 , 7 by releasing the fold thereof (restoring it from the folded state to the original state (original shape)) to allow the fluid to flow in the flow path.
- the two curved portions 3 , 6 are provided at both end portions of the tube 2 in the tube pump 1 , and each of the two opening/closing portions 4 , 7 is provided at a part of each of the curved portions 3 , 6 .
- three or more curved portions may be provided at three or more portions of the tube 2 , and the opening/closing portions may be respectively provided at parts of the curved portions.
- the base 31 has a rectangular shape, and a series of engagement groove 32 for engaging the tube 2 is arranged on a front surface side of the base 31 .
- a series of engagement groove 32 for engaging the tube 2 is arranged on a front surface side of the base 31 .
- Concave portions 33 , 34 for the curved portions each having a rectangular shape, of which a dimension is larger than a dimension of each of the curved portions 3 , 6 , are respectively formed in portions of the engagement groove 32 corresponding to the curved portions 3 , 6 of the tube 2 .
- One end portion 9 of the tube 2 protrudes outside the base 31 from one end of the engagement groove 32 , while the other end portion of the tube 2 protrudes outside the base 31 from the other end of the engagement groove 32 .
- These protruding one end portion 9 and the other end portion 10 of the tube 2 are connected to either a supply side (not shown) or discharge side (not shown) of the tube pump 1 .
- FIG. 3 is a partially enlarged cross sectional view showing a modified example of the first embodiment.
- the adjusting means 37 is provided with a tubular fixing jig 38 having a flange portion 39 at one end, a fixing jig side female screw portion 40 provided at a state where the fixing jig side female screw portion 40 passes through the flange portion 39 of the fixing jig 38 , a base side female screw portion 41 provided at a portion of the base 31 side corresponding to the fixing jig side female screw portion 40 , and an adjusting screw 42 threadably engaged in the fixing jig side female screw portion 40 and the base side female screw portion 41 .
- the end portion 9 and/or the other end portion 10 of the tube 2 is fixed to the base 31 .
- the adjusting means 37 is not limited to the above structure.
- any structure may be used as long as the tube 2 can be fixed to the base 31 and the degree of fold of each of the opening/closing portions 4 , 7 of the curved portions 3 , 6 of the tube 2 can be adjusted.
- Rectangular guide grooves 35 , 36 each extending obliquely upward from downward corner portions are respectively provided on portions corresponding to corner portions (internally upward) of the concave portions 33 , 34 for the curved portion 3 , 6 of the base 31 .
- Each of the opening/closing mechanisms 11 (described later) is provided in each of the guide grooves 35 , 36 .
- the guide grooves 35 , 36 are provided so that tip portions of the protective frames 12 , 12 (described later) respectively abut on the curved portions 3 , 6 of the tube 2 from the directions perpendicular to the longitudinal directions of the tube 2 at the curved portions 3 , 6 .
- the guide grooves 35 , 36 are provided so that the centerlines thereof are respectively positioned on diagonal lines of the concave portions 33 , 34 for the curved portion 3 , 6 .
- the opening/closing mechanisms 11 are respectively provided with two protective frames 12 , 12 reciprocatively provided to push the parts of the curved portions 3 , 6 (i.e., the opening/closing portions 4 , 7 ) in longitudinal directions of the guide grooves 35 , 36 , two cams 16 , 23 positioned in the protective frames 12 , 12 and rotatably supported to the base 31 via bearings or the like (not shown in the drawings), two actuators 21 , 28 , and two power transmission mechanisms 22 , 29 for respectively transmitting driving forces of the actuators 21 , 28 to the cams 16 , 23 .
- Each protective frame 12 has a frame-shaped structure and is provided with a front frame portion 13 positioned at the tube 2 side, a back frame portion 14 positioned at the back of the front frame portion 13 by a predetermined distance, and two side frame portions 15 , 15 that connects the front frame portion 13 to the back frame portion 14 .
- the protective frames 12 , 12 are arranged so that the outer surfaces of the front frame portions 13 respectively abut on the outer surfaces of the curved portions 3 , 6 of the tube 2 .
- each protective frame 12 and each of the curved portions 3 , 6 of the tube 2 are connected to each other via a connector 30 such as a band.
- Relative slip occurs between the front frame portion 13 of each of the protective frames 12 and each of the curved portions 3 , 6 of the tube 2 (that is, the front frame portion 13 of each of the protective frames 12 and each of the curved portions 3 , 6 of the tube 2 slip together within the concave portion 33 or 34 for the curved portion 3 or 6 ) while the protective frames 12 reciprocate, thereby preventing the curved portions 3 , 6 from being rubbed with the protective frames 12 .
- the relative slip does not occur between the front frame portion 13 of each of the protective frames 12 and each of the curved portions 3 , 6 of the tube 2 , it is no need to provide the connector 30 in the tube pump 1 .
- Each of the cams 16 , 23 is a planer cam having a substantially semicircular-shaped structure, and outer peripheral surfaces of the cams 16 , 23 are formed on cam surfaces 17 , 24 , respectively.
- the cam surfaces 17 , 24 are provided with curved surface portions 18 , 25 that respectively have semicircular arc shapes so that the centers of rotation 20 , 27 of the cams 16 , 23 become the centers of the cams 16 , 23 , and linear flat surface portions 19 , 26 each of which connects both ends of each of the curved surface portions 18 , 25 .
- Boundary portions between the curved surface portions 18 , 25 and the flat surface portions 19 , 26 are formed as curved surfaces each having a predetermined curvature (smaller than the curvature of each of the curved surface portions 18 , 25 ).
- Material of the cams 16 , 23 is not particularly limited, but various synthetic resins are preferable to save weight of the tube pump 1 .
- the actuators 21 , 28 are, for example, motors and they are attached to the back face of the base 31 .
- the power transmission mechanisms 22 , 29 are respectively provided between driving shafts (not shown) of the motors 21 , 28 and the cams 16 , 23 .
- Each of the power transmission mechanisms 22 , 29 makes the driving force of each of the motors 21 , 28 be transmitted to each of the cams 16 , 23 , whereby each of the cams 16 , 23 is rotatively driven.
- a motor with a decelerator is effective as the motors 21 , 28 .
- the motor with the decelerator can be rotated at a low speed, it is possible to obtain high torque; it is no need to provide an additional decelerator to the motor; and the curved portions 3 , 6 of the tube 2 can follow the movement of the protective frames 12 when the curved portions 3 , 6 are restored to the original shape thereof.
- the actuators 21 , 28 are not limited to the motors, and an actuator using electromagnetic force, an actuator using fluid pressure, or the like may be used.
- the power transmission mechanisms 22 , 29 respectively transmit the driving force of the motors 21 , 28 to the cams 16 , 23 .
- the power transmission mechanisms 22 , 29 have a function to adjust phases of the cams 16 , 23 so that the cams 16 , 23 when the flat surface portions 19 , 26 of the cam surfaces 17 , 24 face to the tube 2 side are out of phase with each other by 180°.
- a gear, a belt, a crank or the like may be mentioned as the power transmission mechanisms 22 , 29 .
- the cams 16 , 23 may be rotated in sync with each other using a stepping motor, an encoder or the like as the motors 21 , 28 . Further, by using a single motor, the cams 16 , 23 may be rotated in sync with each other via the power transmission mechanisms 22 , 29 .
- Positional relationship between the curved portions 3 , 6 of the tube 2 , the cams 16 , 23 , and the protective frames 12 , 12 is set (established) so that the cam surfaces 17 , 24 (the flat surface portions 19 , 26 ) of the cams 16 , 23 respectively abut on the front frame portions 13 , 13 of the protective frames 12 , 12 with the opening/closing portions 4 , 7 of the curved portions 3 , 6 of the tube 2 unfolded (i.e., when the opening/closing portions 4 , 7 are in the U-shaped state (initial state)).
- the opening/closing portions 4 , 7 of the curved portions 3 , 6 of the tube 2 alternately repeat the folded state and the original state (restored state), thereby alternately repeating close and open of the flow path corresponding to each of the opening/closing portions 4 , 7 .
- each of the curved surface portions 18 , 25 of the cam surfaces 17 , 24 is positioned at the front frame portion 13 of the protective frame 12 , the protective frame 12 is moved to the direction of the tube 2 in each of the guide grooves 35 , 36 , and each of the curved portions 3 , 6 of the tube 2 is pushed inward by the front frame portion 13 of the protective frame 12 , whereby each of the opening/closing portions 4 , 7 of the curved portions 3 , 6 is folded into a substantial V shape to close the flow path corresponding to each of the opening/closing portions 4 , 7 .
- the protective frame 12 follows the restoration of each of the curved portions 3 , 6 and is moved in each of the guide grooves 35 , 36 in a direction that the protective frame 12 is moved away from the tube 2 (in a direction opposite to the direction in which each of the opening/closing portions 4 , 7 is pushed), thereby opening the flow path corresponding to each of the opening/closing portions 4 , 7 .
- the flow path is always closed at any one of (at least one of) the opening/closing portions 4 , 7 .
- Both the cams 16 and 23 are formed so that the sizes of the cams 16 , 23 are different from each other, which results in the difference between the degree of fold of the opening/closing portion 4 of the curved portion 3 when the curved portion 3 is pushed by the rotational drive of the large cam 16 and the degree of fold of the opening/closing portion 7 of the curved portion 6 when the curved portion 6 is pushed by the rotational drive of the small cam 23 .
- By generating the difference between the degrees of fold of the opening/closing portions 4 , 7 it is possible to generate a volume difference between the pushed portions positioned at both sides of each of the folded portions 5 , 8 when the flow path is closed by folding the opening/closing portions 4 , 7 .
- the degree of fold of the opening/closing portion 4 when the curved portion 3 is pushed by the rotational drive of the large cam 16 is larger than the degree of fold of the opening/closing portion 7 when the curved portion 6 is pushed by the rotational drive of the small cam 23 .
- the volume of the pushed portion positioned at both sides of the folded portion 5 when the flow path is closed by folding the opening/closing portion 4 is larger than the volume of the pushed portion positioned at both sides of the folded portion 8 when the flow path is closed by folding the opening/closing portion 7 .
- a cover (not shown) having a same shape and size as those of the base 31 is attached to the front face side of the base 31 .
- the cover prevents the components of the tube 2 and the opening/closing mechanisms 11 from dropping out from the insides of the engagement groove 32 and the guide grooves 35 , 36 .
- One end portion 9 of the tube 2 of the tube pump 1 in this embodiment constructed as described above is connected to a supply side (not shown) for the fluid, while the other end portion 10 of the tube 2 of the tube pump 1 is connected to a discharge side (not shown) for the fluid.
- the cams 16 , 23 are rotatively driven by operating the motors 21 , 28 , respectively, the operation (1) through (4) described below is sequentially repeated.
- the flat surface portion 19 of the cam surface 17 of the large cam 16 is positioned at the front frame portion 13 side of the corresponding protective frame 12
- the curved surface portion 25 of the cam surface 24 of the small cam 23 is positioned at the front frame portion 13 side of the corresponding protective frame 12 .
- the curved portion 3 of the tube 2 keeps in the U shape (initial shape) with non-pushed state, and the flow path corresponding to the opening/closing portion 4 of the curved portion 3 is in the open state.
- the curved portion 6 is pushed by the corresponding protective frame 12 to fold into the V shape, and the flow path corresponding to the opening/closing portion 7 of the curved portion 6 is in the close state.
- the opening/closing portion 7 of the curved portion 6 since the opening/closing portion 7 of the curved portion 6 is in the folded state, the volume at both sides of the folded portion 8 is decreased in comparison with the volume before the opening/closing portion 7 is folded.
- each of the large and small cams 16 , 23 is rotated by 90° from the initial state of the state (1) described above, the curved surface portion 18 of the cam surface 17 of the large cam 16 is positioned at the front frame portion 13 side of the protective frame 12 .
- the curved portion 3 is pushed by the corresponding protective frame 12 , and the opening/closing portion 4 is folded into the V shape to close the flow path corresponding to the opening/closing portion 4 .
- the small cam 23 (opening/closing portion 7 ) keeps in the above state (1) described above (the close state).
- each of the large and small cams 16 , 23 is further rotated by 90° from the state ( 2 ) described above, the flat surface portion 26 of the cam surface 24 of the small cam 23 is positioned at the front frame portion 13 side of the corresponding protective frame 12 .
- the folded state of the curved portion 6 is released, and the opening/closing portion 7 is restored from the V shape to the original U shape to open the flow path corresponding to the opening/closing portion 7 of the curved portion 6 .
- the large cam 16 keeps in the state (2) described above (i.e., the close state).
- the opening/closing portion 4 of the curved portion 3 is in the folded state, the volume at both ends of the folded portion 5 is decreased in comparison with the volume before the opening/closing portion 4 is folded.
- each of the large and small cams 16 , 23 is further rotated by 90° from the state (3) described above, the curved surface portion 25 of the cam surface 24 of the small cam 23 is positioned at the front frame portion 13 of the corresponding protective frame 12 .
- the curved portion 6 is pushed by the corresponding protective frame 12 , and the opening/closing portion 7 is folded into the V shape to close the flow path corresponding to the opening/closing portion 7 .
- the large cam 16 keeps in the state (2) described above (i.e., the close state).
- both the opening/closing portions 4 , 7 of the curved portions 3 , 6 are in the folded state, the volume at both sides of each of the folded portions 5 , 8 is decreased in comparison with the volume before they are folded (that is, before the opening/closing portion 7 of the curved portion 6 is folded after closing the flow path at the folded portion 5 of the tube 2 by folding the curved portion 3 ). For this reason, the pressure (internal pressure) between the folded portions 5 and 8 rises more than that before the fold of the opening/closing portion 7 , and becomes higher than the pressure at left side of the folded portion 8 in FIG. 2 .
- the fluid is sequentially (and continuously) transferred from one end of the tube 2 (the left side in FIG. 2 ) toward the other end of the tube 2 (the right side in FIG. 2 ).
- Both the internal pressure and external pressure of the tube 2 at the initial state are atmospheric pressure (i.e., latm).
- the tube 2 corresponding to the portion between the folded portions 5 , 8 at the moment that the tube 2 is closed (sealed) at both the folded portions 5 , 8 is shown as a cylindrical shape (columnar shape) in FIG. 4 .
- the volume of the tube 2 that is decreased while the protective frame 12 corresponding to the large cam 16 further folds the tube 2 to a final state (a further folded state) after the tube 2 is folded from the open state (the initial state) to the sealed (closed) state (that is, after the flow path is closed at the folded portion 5 by folding the opening/closing portion 4 of the tube 2 ) (see FIG. 4 ) is assumed to be a volume 2 ⁇ a. In this case, the substantially same volume a is decreased at both sides of the sealed portion (folded portion 5 ).
- the volume of the tube 2 that is decreased while the protective frame 12 corresponding to the small cam 23 further folds the tube 2 to a final state (a further folded state) after the tube 2 is folded from the open state (the initial state) to the sealed (closed) state (that is, after the flow path is closed at the folded portion 8 by folding the opening/closing portion 7 of the tube 2 ) (see FIG. 4 ) is assumed to be a volume 2 ⁇ b. In this case, the substantially same volume b is decreased at both sides of the sealed portion (folded portion 8 ).
- the folded portion 5 corresponding to the large cam 16 is in the open state, and the volume (internal volume) between the folded portions 5 , 8 corresponding to the cams 16 , 23 becomes c ⁇ b.
- the volume between the folded portion 5 corresponding to the large cam 16 and the water is assumed to be d as the precondition described above.
- the pressure inside the tube 2 is assumed to be latm (initial value).
- the folded portion 5 corresponding to the large cam 16 becomes in the close state.
- the volume between the folded portions 5 , 8 corresponding to the cams 16 , 23 is decreased by the volume a, and it thereby becomes c ⁇ a ⁇ b.
- the pressure between the folded portions 5 , 8 becomes (c ⁇ a)/(c ⁇ a ⁇ b) obtained by dividing the volume before change by the volume after change. Since the denominator is smaller than the numerator in the above formula for the pressure, this pressure becomes more than latm.
- the volume between the water and the folded portion 5 corresponding to the large cam 16 becomes d ⁇ a. The pressure corresponding to this portion becomes d/(d ⁇ a) temporarily, and this pressure also becomes more than latm.
- the folded portion 8 corresponding to the small cam 23 becomes in the close state again.
- the volume between the folded portions 5 , 8 corresponding to the cams 16 , 23 becomes c ⁇ a ⁇ b again, and the pressure thereof becomes (c ⁇ a)/(c ⁇ a ⁇ b) by dividing the volume before change by the volume after change.
- the folded portion 5 corresponding to the large cam 16 becomes in the open state again.
- the space between the folded portions 5 , 8 corresponding to the cams 16 , 23 is connected to the space between the water and the folded portion 5 corresponding to the large cam 16 , and the pressure in these spaces becomes common (the pressures in the spaces are the same).
- the volumes thereof are respectively increased by a, a at both ends of the folded portion 5 .
- the pressure after change becomes a value obtained by dividing the total of the respective (pressures x volumes) before change at the state (4) by the volume after change.
- a computational formula thereof is as follows.
- the pressure after change becomes less than latm.
- the tube pump 1 forms a pump that can transfer (deliver) a liquid by a difference between the volume changes in the folded portions 5 , 8 each cycle toward the side where volume change in one of the folded portions 5 , 8 is smaller than that in the other.
- the liquid in the case where liquid is filled in the tube 2 , the liquid is not compressed like the gas in the above operation, but is sucked due to elastic power or restoring power of the tube 2 as the tube 2 is swollen (restored) by the elastic power of the tube 2 itself (self-restoring power of the tube 2 ).
- the curved portions 3 , 6 of the tube 2 are respectively pushed via the protective frames 12 by the rotational drive of the large and small cams 16 , 23 , and the opening/closing portions 4 , 7 of the curved portions 3 , 6 are thereby folded.
- the opening/closing portions 4 , 7 are restored into the original shape by the restoring force thereof (the elastic force thereof), whereby it is possible to open the flow path corresponding to the opening/closing portions 4 , 7 . Therefore, it is possible to construct the tube pump 1 without the need for a large amount of energy to open and close the opening/closing portions 4 , 7 , and this makes it possible to reduce a running cost of the tube pump 1 .
- the tube pump 1 merely requires rotating the cams 16 , 23 in a same direction, energy loss does not occur as opposed to the case of rotating the cams in both normal and reverse directions, respectively. Therefore, it is possible to provide a high-efficiency tube pump.
- a shut-off valve may be provided at the opening/closing portion 7 side, and the tube pump I of the invention may be constructed so as to open and close the flow path with the shut-off valve.
- FIG. 6 is a plan view showing the tube pump 1 in the second embodiment according to the present invention.
- the tube pump 1 of the second embodiment is provided with two biasing means 45 respectively provided between the back frame portions 14 , 14 of the two protective frames 12 , 12 and inner surfaces of the guide grooves 35 , 36 opposing to the back frame portions 14 , 14 which biases the protective frames 12 , 12 toward the direction that each protective frame 12 is moved away from the tube 2 (that is, which biases the tube 2 in the direction that the fold of each of the opening/closing portions 4 , 7 is released).
- the other components (parts) of the tube pump 1 of the second embodiment are similar to those of the tube pump 1 shown in the first embodiment described above.
- the protective frames 12 are respectively moved to the direction so as to be away from the tube 2 (that is, in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of each of the protective frames 12 ) forcibly by the biasing force of the two biasing means 45 .
- biasing means 45 for example, a tensional spring (extension spring), a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder, or the like may be mentioned.
- tensional spring extension spring
- hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder or the like
- an installing location of the spring may be changed.
- the curved portions 3 , 6 of the tube 2 are pushed via the protective frames 12 by the rotational drive of the large and small cams 16 , 23 , and the opening/closing portions 4 , 7 of the curved portions 3 , 6 are folded, whereby it is possible to close (seal) the flow path corresponding to the opening/closing portions 4 , 7 .
- the opening/closing portions 4 , 7 are restored to the original shape by the elastic force of the opening/closing portions 4 , 7 themselves (the elastic force of the tube 2 ), whereby it is possible to open the flow path corresponding to the opening/closing portions 4 , 7 .
- the tube pump 1 it is possible to construct the tube pump 1 without the need for a large amount of energy to open and close the opening/closing portions 4 , 7 , and this makes it possible to reduce a running cost of the tube pump 1 .
- the tube pump 1 merely requires rotating the cams 16 , 23 in a same direction, energy loss does not occur as opposed to the case of rotating cams in both normal and reverse directions. Therefore, it is possible to provide a high-efficiency tube pump.
- the protective frames 12 are respectively moved to the direction so as to be away from the tube 2 (that is, in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of each of the protective frames 12 ) forcibly by the biasing force of the two biasing means 45 .
- the elastic force of the tube 2 weakens due to aged deterioration, it is possible to repeat the fold and restoration of the opening/closing portions 4 , 7 of the curved portions 3 , 6 of the tube 2 stably, and this makes it possible to obtain a sufficient performance of the tube pump 1 for a long time.
- the connector 30 has a function that the opening/closing portions 4 , 7 respectively interlock (is linked to) the protective frames 12 so that the tube 2 can shift from the close state to the open state in the case where the elastic force of the tube 2 weakens due to aged deterioration.
- FIG. 7 is a plan view showing a tube pump 1 in the third embodiment according to the present invention.
- FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a cam 50 of the tube pump 1 of the third embodiment.
- FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing an arm 59 or 61 of the tube pump 1 of the third embodiment.
- the tube pump 1 is provided with the curved portions 3 , 6 (including the opening/closing portions 4 , 7 ) so that the curved portions 3 , 6 face to each other with a predetermined space.
- the tube pump 1 is provided with a cam 50 rotatably provided between the curved portions 3 , 6 (that is, within the space), and arms 59 , 61 respectively provided between the cam 50 and the curved portions 3 , 6 which convert the rotational motion of the cam 50 into the linear motion of each of the arms 59 , 61 .
- the tube pump I is constructed so that the opening/closing portions 4 , 7 of the curved portions 3 , 6 are folded-via the arms 59 , 61 by the rotational drive of the cam 50 , and that the opening/closing portions 4 , 7 are restored from the folded state to the original U shape (original state) by the elastic force of the tube 2 .
- the other components of the tube pump 1 of the third embodiment are same as the tube pump 1 shown in the first embodiment described above.
- the cam 50 is a stepped cam in which a large cam portion 51 and a small cam portion 55 having different sizes (radii) are provided in a stepwise manner so that they are rotatable together.
- the cam 50 is constructed so that a tip portion of one arm 59 abuts on a cam surface 52 that is an outer peripheral surface of the large cam portion 51 , and a tip portion of the other arm 61 abuts on a cam surface 56 that is an outer peripheral surface of the small cam portion 55 . Further, as shown in FIG.
- through-holes 60 , 62 passing through the arms 59 , 61 in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of each of the arms 59 , 61 (axis line thereof) are respectively provided at the tip portions of the arms 59 , 61 , and the curved portions 3 , 6 of the tube 2 are inserted into the through-holes 60 , 62 of the arms 59 , 61 .
- the arms 59 , 61 are placed in guide grooves 66 , 67 provided in a base 65 so that the longitudinal direction of each of the arms 59 , 61 is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the base 65 (see FIG. 7 ), whereby they can reciprocate in horizontal directions of the arms 59 , 61 (i.e., in a horizontal direction of the base 65 ).
- the curved portions 3 , 6 of the tube 2 are pushed via the arms 59 , 61 by the rotational drive of the cam 50 .
- the opening/closing portions 4 , 7 of the curved portions 3 , 6 it is possible to close (seal) the flow path corresponding to each of the opening/closing portions 4 , 7 .
- the opening/closing portions 4 , 7 are restored to the original shape by the elastic force of the opening/closing portions 4 , 7 themselves (the elastic force of the tube 2 ), whereby it is possible to open the flow path corresponding to the opening/closing portions 4 , 7 .
- the tube pump 1 it is possible to construct the tube pump 1 without the need for a large amount of energy to open and close the opening/closing portions 4 , 7 , and this makes it possible to reduce a running cost of the tube pump 1 .
- the tube pump 1 merely requires rotating the cam 50 in one direction, energy loss does not occur as opposed to the case of rotating a cam in both normal and reverse directions. Therefore, it is possible to provide a high-efficiency tube pump.
- the biasing means 45 may be provided in the tube pump 1 of this embodiment.
- present invention may combine any two or more structures (features) from the embodiments described above.
- three or more opening/closing portions may be provided in the tube pump of the present invention.
Abstract
In a tube pump 1, two curved portions 3, 6 are respectively provided at both ends of a tube 2, and two opening/closing mechanisms 11 are provided at the portions corresponding to opening/closing portions 4, 7. The opening/closing mechanisms 11 includes cams 16, 23 protective frames 12 for converting the rotational motions into linear motions, and an actuator for rotatively driving the cams 16, 23. When the cams 16, 23 are rotatively driven with the operation of the actuator, the curved portions 3, 6 are pushed via the protective frames 12, and the flow path is closed and opened by folding the opening/closing portions 4,7 and releasing the pushing state of the opening/closing portions 4, 7 to be restore to the original shape. By carrying out fold and unfold of the tube it is possible to effectively transfer the fluid at a small amount of energy.
Description
- The present invention is related to a tube pump that transfers a fluid by deforming a tube elastically.
- As one example of a tube pump for transferring a fluid by deforming a tube elastically, a tube pump, which includes a casing of which a part of an inner wall surface is formed like a circular arc surface, an elastic tube provided along the circular arc surface of the casing, and a roller pivotably provided on a circular orbit along the circular arc surface in the casing for pressure-feeding the fluid in the elastic tube by pushing the elastic tube toward the circular arc surface on the circular orbit corresponding to the circular arc surface, is known (for example, see Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application No. Hei. 8-28453).
- However, there is a problem that the tube pump having such a structure requires a large amount of energy when the elastic tube is squashed by the roller.
- Further, as another example of the tube pump, a tube pump for transferring a fluid in which a tube is linearly arranged on an inner surface of a door member attached to a case body so as to be capable of opening and closing, and the fluid is transferred by squashing the tube at three portions along a longitudinal direction thereof with pushing means sequentially is known (for example, see Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application No. Hei. 8-170590).
- However, there is still a problem that the tube pump having such a structure also requires a large amount of energy when the elastic tube is squashed.
- Moreover, as still another example of the tube pump, a tube pump for pressure-feeding a fluid in a tube in which a motor and support side connecting means are provided on a support so that a rotational shaft of the motor corresponds with a central axis of the support side connecting means, one end and the other end of the tube are respectively connected to the support side connecting means and motor side connecting means provided on the rotational axis of the motor, and the fluid is transferred by giving the tube torsion and untorsion by normal and reverse rotations of the motor (for example, see Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application No. 2002-70748).
- However, in the tube pump having such a structure, since it is necessary to rotate the rotational shaft of the motor in normal and reverse directions, this requires an operation to negate inertia of the motor every time the rotational direction of the motor is changed. Thus, there is a problem that energy loss occurs in the operation.
- The present invention is made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems. It is an object of the present invention to provide a tube pump capable of effectively transferring the fluid at a small amount of energy without requiring a large amount of energy, whereby it is possible to reduce a running cost of the tube pump and the energy loss does not occur.
- In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention is directed to a tube pump for transferring a fluid. In one embodiment of the invention, the tube pump includes:
- a tube defining a flow path therein through which the fluid is transferred, the tube being capable of being deformed elastically, the tube having two opening/closing portions provided at two spaced portions of the tube for opening and closing the flow path; and
- two opening/closing mechanisms which are provided so as to correspond to the two opening/closing portions respectively for closing the flow path at the two spaced portions of the tube by folding the corresponding opening/closing portion of the tube and opening the flow path by unfolding the fold of the opening/closing portion;
- wherein, when one of the two opening/closing portions is further folded after closing the flow path at the corresponding portion of the tube by operating the corresponding opening/closing mechanism in a state where the other opening/closing portion is folded, an internal pressure in the tube between the two opening/closing portions is increased due to the further fold of the opening/closing portion, and the tube pump transfers the fluid using the increased internal pressure in the tube.
- According to the invention, it is sufficient to merely carry out the fold and unfold of each of the opening/closing portions by the opening/closing mechanisms when the fluid is transferred. Hence, it is possible to effectively transfer the fluid at a small amount of energy, and therefore to save the energy, whereby it is possible to reduce a running cost thereof.
- In the tube pump of the invention, it is preferable that the degree of the fold of the tube at the one opening/closing portion is different from that at the other opening/closing portion to generate the increased internal pressure.
- In the tube pump of the invention, it is preferable that the tube has two spaced curved portions, and each of the two opening/closing portions is provided at a part of each of the two curved portions; and that the tube pump is constructed so that each of the two opening/closing portions is folded by pushing the part of each of the two curved-portions with the corresponding opening/closing mechanism.
- According to the invention, it is sufficient to merely carry out pushing each of the curved portions and releasing the pushing state of the curved portion when the fluid is transferred. Hence, it is possible to effectively transfer the fluid at a small amount of energy, and therefore to save the energy, whereby it is possible to reduce a running cost thereof.
- In the tube pump of the invention, it is preferable that each of the opening/closing mechanisms includes a cam rotatably provided at a position where the cam faces to the corresponding curved portion, in which each of the two opening/closing portions is folded or unfolded by rotationally driving the corresponding cam so as to push the corresponding curved portion or to release the pushing state by the cam.
- According to the invention, when the cam is rotatively driven, the opening/closing portion is folded by pushing a part of the curved portion by the rotative driving of the cam to close the flow path corresponding to the opening/closing portion, and the opening/closing portion is restored to the-original shape thereof from the folded state by releasing the pushing state to open the flow path corresponding to the opening/closing portion.
- Therefore, it is sufficient to merely carry out pushing each of the curved portions with the cam and releasing the pushing state of the curved portion when the fluid is transferred. Hence, it is possible to effectively transfer the fluid at a small amount of energy, and therefore to save the energy, whereby it is possible to reduce a running cost thereof dramatically. Further, it is sufficient to rotatively drive the cam in one direction, the energy loss does not occur, whereby it is possible to transfer the fluid effectively.
- In the tube pump of the invention, it is preferable that the degree of fold of the tube at the one opening/closing portion is differentiated from that at the other opening/closing portion by differentiating sizes of the two cams each other.
- According to the invention, since the sizes of the cams are different from each other, it is possible to surely generate a difference in size of the degrees of fold of the opening/closing portions when the opening/closing portions are folded by rotatively driving the cam.
- Further, it is sufficient to merely carry out pushing each of the curved portions with the two cams (large and small cams) and releasing the pushing state of the curved portion when the fluid is transferred. Hence, it is possible to effectively transfer the fluid at a small amount of energy, and therefore to save the energy, whereby it is possible to reduce a running cost thereof dramatically. Moreover, it is sufficient to rotatively drive the cam in one direction, the energy loss does not occur, whereby it is possible to transfer the fluid effectively.
- In the tube pump of the invention, it is preferable that each of the two cams has a substantially semicircular shape.
- Further, in the tube pump of the invention, it is preferable that each of the opening/closing mechanisms further includes a protective frame reciprocatively provided so as to push the part of the corresponding curved portion or release the pushing state of the part, the protective frame being reciprocatively movable by rotationally driving the cam provided inside the frame; and that the tube pump is constructed so that, while each of the two cams is rotatively driven, the corresponding opening/closing portion is folded by pushing the part of the curved portion by movement of the protective frame toward the tube, and the opening/closing portion is restored to an initial state thereof by elastic force of the tube itself when the pushing state by the protective frame is released so as to move the protective frame toward the opposite direction.
- According to the invention, the opening/closing portion is folded by pushing the part of the curved portion by movement of the protective frame toward the tube when the cam is rotatively driven, and the opening/closing portion is restored to the initial shape (original shape) thereof by elastic force of the tube itself when the pushing state by the protective frame is released so as to move the protective frame toward the opposite direction.
- Therefore, since the driving force of the cam can be transmitted to the curved portion without transmission loss, it is possible to carry out the fold of the opening/closing portion of the curved portion and the restoration of the fold effectively.
- In the tube pump of the invention, it is preferable that each of the opening/closing mechanisms further includes a connector for connecting the protective frame to the opening/closing portion.
- According to the invention, since the protective frame is connected to the opening/closing portion with the connector, the opening/closing portion is not worn down due to slipping between the opening/closing portion and the protective frame. Therefore, it is possible to obtain a stable performance for a long time.
- It is preferable that the tube pump of the invention further includes a base for supporting the tube so that each of the two curved portions can be deformed elastically, and for supporting the two protective frames so that each of the two protective frames is reciprocatively moved in the base.
- According to the invention, since the tube and the protective frame are supported to the base, the opening/closing portion can be always folded at a predetermined position. Hence, it is possible to transfer the fluid at a predetermined constant amount, and this makes it possible to improve transmission efficiency of the tube pump.
- In the tube pump of the invention, it is preferable that each of the opening/closing mechanisms further includes biasing means arranged between the protective frame and the base for biasing the protective frame in the opposite direction, wherein the protective frame moves in the opposite direction by combination of restoring force of the opening/closing portion and biasing force of the biasing means when the pushing state by the protective frame is released.
- According to the invention, even in the case where the elastic force of the tube weakens due to aged deterioration, it is possible to restore the folded portion of the tube to the original shape using the biasing force of the biasing means, and this makes it possible to obtain a sufficient performance of the tube pump for a long time.
- It is preferable that the tube pump of the invention further includes a fixing jig for fixing a predetermined portion of the tube to the base, wherein the tube pump is constructed so that the degree of fold of each opening/closing portion can be controlled by adjusting a mounting position of the fixing jig with respect to the base.
- According to the invention, since it is possible to adjust the degree of fold of the opening/closing portion of each of the curved portions of the tube using the adjusting means, it is possible to adjust a flow rate of the fluid (traffic volume) without changing the driving speed of the tube pump, and this makes it possible to enhance versatility of the tube pump.
- Moreover, it is preferable that the tube pump of the invention further includes adjusting means for adjusting the degree of fold of each of the two opening/closing portions.
- Further, in the tube pump of the invention, it is preferable that the flow path is always closed at any one of the two opening/closing portions.
- In another embodiment of the invention, a tube pump for transferring a fluid includes:
- a tube defining a flow path therein through which the fluid is transferred, the tube being capable of being deformed elastically, the tube having two opening/closing portions provided at two spaced portions of the tube for opening and closing the flow path, and the two opening/closing portions being arranged so as to face to each other through a predetermined space therebetween; and
- an opening/closing mechanism provided in the space between the two opening/closing portions for closing the flow path at the portion corresponding to each of the two opening/closing portions by folding the tube at the opening/closing portion and for opening the flow path by unfolding the fold of the opening/closing portion;
- wherein, when one of the two opening/closing portions is further folded after closing the flow path at the corresponding portion of the tube by operating the opening/closing mechanism in a state where the other opening/closing portion is folded, the degree of fold of one opening/closing portion becomes differentiated from that of the other opening/closing portion so that an internal pressure of the tube between the two opening/closing portions is increased due to the further fold of the opening/closing portion, and the tube pump transfers the fluid using the increased internal pressure of the tube.
- According to the invention, it is sufficient to merely carry out the fold and unfold of each of the opening/closing portions by the opening/closing mechanisms when the fluid is transferred. Hence, it is possible to effectively transfer the fluid at a small amount of energy, and therefore to save the energy, whereby it is possible to reduce a running cost thereof.
- Further, since it is sufficient to provide only one opening/closing mechanism between the two opening/closing portions, it is possible to make the entire tube pump smaller and lighter, and this makes it possible to utilize the tube pump effectively even at a space required so as to make the tube pump smaller and lighter.
- In the tube pump of the invention, it is preferable that the tube has two spaced curved portions, and each of the two opening/closing portions is provided at a part of each of the two curved portions; and that the tube pump is constructed so that each of the two opening/closing portions is folded by pushing the part of each of the two curved portions with the opening/closing mechanism.
- According to the invention, since it is sufficient to provide only one opening/closing mechanism between the two opening/closing portions of the tube, it is possible to make the entire tube pump smaller and lighter, and this makes it possible to utilize the tube pump effectively even at a space required so as to make the tube pump smaller and lighter.
- In the tube pump of the invention, it is preferable that the opening/closing mechanism comprises a stepped cam in which two cam portions having different sizes are provided in a stepwise manner so that they are rotatable together, an actuator and two arms, and the cam portions respectively have cam surfaces on outer peripheral surfaces thereof; and that the tube pump is constructed so that the two opening/closing portions are respectively brought into contact with the cam surfaces of the stepped cam via the two arms, so that each of the two opening/closing portions is folded or unfolded by each of the two arms while the stepped cam is rotatively driven.
- According to the invention, since the two cam portions having different sizes are provided in the stepped cam in a stepwise manner and the opening/closing portions respectively abut on the cam surfaces of the cam portions, it is possible to make the entire tube pump smaller and lighter, and this makes it possible to utilize the tube pump effectively even at a space required so as to make the tube pump smaller and lighter.
- In the tube pump of the invention, it is preferable that each of the two cam portions of the stepped cam has a substantially semicircular shape.
- Further, in the tube pump of the invention, it is preferable that the opening/closing mechanism further includes biasing means for biasing each of the arms in a direction that the fold of the opening/closing portions is released.
- According to the invention, even in the case where the elastic force of the tube weakens due to aged deterioration, it is possible to restore the folded portion of the tube to the original shape using the biasing force of the biasing means, and this makes it possible to obtain a sufficient performance of the tube pump for a long time.
- It is preferable that the tube pump of the invention further includes adjusting means for adjusting the degree of fold of each of the two opening/closing portions.
- According to the invention, since the degree of fold of the opening/closing portion of the tube can be adjusted by the adjusting means, it is possible to adjust a flow rate of the fluid (traffic volume) without changing the driving speed of the tube pump, and this makes it possible to enhance versatility of the tube pump.
- In the tube pump of the invention, it is preferable that the flow path is always closed at any one of the two opening/closing portions.
- In still another embodiment of the invention, a tube pump for transferring a fluid includes:
- a tube defining a flow path therein through which the fluid is transferred, the tube being capable of being deformed elastically, the tube having two opening/closing portions provided at two spaced portions of the tube for opening and closing the flow path; and
- two opening/closing mechanisms which are respectively provided so as to correspond to the two opening/closing portions, one of the opening/closing mechanisms closing the flow path at one of the two spaced portions of the tube by folding the corresponding opening/closing portion of the tube and opening the flow path by unfolding the fold of the opening/closing portion, and the other opening/closing mechanism closing and opening the flow path at the other portion of the tube without folding and unfolding the corresponding opening/closing portion of the tube;
- wherein, when the opening/closing portion is further folded after closing the flow path at the corresponding portion of the tube by operating the corresponding opening/closing mechanism in a state where the other opening/closing portion is closed, an internal pressure in the tube between the two opening/closing portions is increased due to the further fold of the opening/closing portion, and the tube pump transfers the fluid using the increased internal pressure in the tube.
- In the tube pump of the invention, it is preferable that the other opening/closing mechanism includes a shut-off valve.
- The above and other objects, features, and the advantages of the invention will readily become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings.
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a tube pump in a first embodiment according to the present invention. -
FIG. 2 is a front view of the tube pump shown inFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 3 is a partially enlarged cross sectional view showing a modified example of the first embodiment. -
FIG. 4 is a schematic view showing the operation of the tube pump of the present invention. -
FIG. 5 is an explanatory drawing showing an internal pressure between two folded portions of the tube pump according to the present invention. -
FIG. 6 is a plan view showing the tube pump in a second embodiment according to the present invention. -
FIG. 7 is a plan view showing a tube pump in a third embodiment according to the present invention. -
FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a cam of the tube pump of the third embodiment. -
FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing an arm of the tube pump of the third embodiment. - The preferred embodiments of a tube pump of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the appended drawings.
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a tube pump in a first embodiment according to the present invention.FIG. 2 is a front view of the tube pump shown inFIG. 1 . - As shown in these drawings, a
tube pump 1 of the invention includes: a elasticallydeformable tube 2 made from elastic element which defines a flow path (not shown) therein through which a fluid (such as various types of gases, various types of liquid or the like) is transferred; two opening/closing mechanisms 11 which close a part of the flow path by folding a part of thetube 2 and open the part of the flow path by releasing (unfolding) the fold of the part of thetube 2; and a base 31 that supports thetube 2 and the opening/closing mechanisms 11. - The
tube 2 has a feature that thetube 2 can be bent (or folded) easily by receiving outer force (load) in a direction substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of thetube 2, and be restored to an initial state (initial shape) thereof from a folded (bent) state by removing the outer force (load). The part of the flow path is closed or opened by folding thetube 2 or restoring the folded state of thetube 2. - There is no particular limitation to the construction material of the elastic element constituting the
tube 2, and various rubber materials such as silicone rubber, various thermoplastic elastomers, various synthetic resins, various resin materials and the like may be used, for example. - The
tube 2 has two U-shaped (substantially U-shaped)curved portions entire tube 2 becomes a substantially M-shaped structure. Further, theentire tube 2 is supported by the base 31 (described later) so that each of thecurved portions - Two opening/
closing portions curved portions tube 2. Each of the two opening/closing portions curved portions curved portions tube 2 by releasing the pushing force (outer force). - Each of the two opening/
closing portions closing portion closing portion - In this embodiment, the two
curved portions tube 2 in thetube pump 1, and each of the two opening/closing portions curved portions tube 2, and the opening/closing portions may be respectively provided at parts of the curved portions. - The
base 31 has a rectangular shape, and a series ofengagement groove 32 for engaging thetube 2 is arranged on a front surface side of thebase 31. By engaging almostentire tube 2 except for the both end portions thereof in theengagement groove 32, thetube 2 is supported in the base 31 in combination with the elastic force of thetube 2 itself and frictional force between thetube 2 and theengagement groove 32. Material of thebase 31 is not particularly limited, but various synthetic resins are preferable to save weight of thetube pump 1. -
Concave portions curved portions engagement groove 32 corresponding to thecurved portions tube 2. By respectively placing thecurved portions tube 2 in theconcave portions closing portions curved portions - One
end portion 9 of thetube 2 protrudes outside the base 31 from one end of theengagement groove 32, while the other end portion of thetube 2 protrudes outside the base 31 from the other end of theengagement groove 32. These protruding oneend portion 9 and theother end portion 10 of thetube 2 are connected to either a supply side (not shown) or discharge side (not shown) of thetube pump 1. - As mentioned above, the
tube 2 is fixed in theengagement groove 32 of the base 31 in combination with the elastic force of thetube 2 itself and the frictional force between thetube 2 and theengagement groove 32. However, one or two adjusting means 37 as shown inFIG. 3 may be provided at the oneend portion 9 and/or theother end portion 10 of thetube 2 that protrude from the engagement groove 32 (in the case where one adjusting means 37 is provided, it is preferable that the adjusting means 37 is provided at the oneend portion 9 side), and thetube 2 may be thereby fixed in thebase 31 by the adjusting means 37.FIG. 3 is a partially enlarged cross sectional view showing a modified example of the first embodiment. - The adjusting means 37 is provided with a
tubular fixing jig 38 having aflange portion 39 at one end, a fixing jig sidefemale screw portion 40 provided at a state where the fixing jig sidefemale screw portion 40 passes through theflange portion 39 of the fixingjig 38, a base sidefemale screw portion 41 provided at a portion of the base 31 side corresponding to the fixing jig sidefemale screw portion 40, and an adjustingscrew 42 threadably engaged in the fixing jig sidefemale screw portion 40 and the base sidefemale screw portion 41. By mating (engaging) the oneend portion 9 or theother end portion 10 of thetube 2 with a central portion of the fixingjig 38, theend portion 9 and/or theother end portion 10 of thetube 2 is fixed to thebase 31. - In this case, by turning the
adjustment screw 42 of the adjusting means 37, it is possible to adjust a distance between theflange portion 39 of the fixingjig 38 and thebase 31. Thus, by tightening or loosening theadjustment screw 42 to push or pull the oneend portion 9 or theother end portion 10 of thetube 2 into or from theengagement groove 32 together with a tubular portion of the fixingjig 38, it is possible to adjust the degree of fold (an angle of fold) of each of the opening/closing portions curved portions tube 2. - This makes it possible to adjust a flow rate of the fluid (traffic volume) without changing the driving speed of the
tube pump 1, whereby it is possible to enhance versatility of thetube pump 1. - In this regard, the adjusting means 37 is not limited to the above structure. For example, any structure may be used as long as the
tube 2 can be fixed to thebase 31 and the degree of fold of each of the opening/closing portions curved portions tube 2 can be adjusted. -
Rectangular guide grooves concave portions curved portion base 31. Each of the opening/closing mechanisms 11 (described later) is provided in each of theguide grooves - The
guide grooves protective frames 12, 12 (described later) respectively abut on thecurved portions tube 2 from the directions perpendicular to the longitudinal directions of thetube 2 at thecurved portions guide grooves concave portions curved portion - The opening/
closing mechanisms 11 are respectively provided with twoprotective frames curved portions 3, 6 (i.e., the opening/closing portions 4, 7) in longitudinal directions of theguide grooves cams protective frames base 31 via bearings or the like (not shown in the drawings), twoactuators power transmission mechanisms actuators cams - Each
protective frame 12 has a frame-shaped structure and is provided with afront frame portion 13 positioned at thetube 2 side, aback frame portion 14 positioned at the back of thefront frame portion 13 by a predetermined distance, and twoside frame portions front frame portion 13 to theback frame portion 14. The protective frames 12, 12 are arranged so that the outer surfaces of thefront frame portions 13 respectively abut on the outer surfaces of thecurved portions tube 2. - The
front frame portion 13 of eachprotective frame 12 and each of thecurved portions tube 2 are connected to each other via aconnector 30 such as a band. Relative slip occurs between thefront frame portion 13 of each of theprotective frames 12 and each of thecurved portions front frame portion 13 of each of theprotective frames 12 and each of thecurved portions tube 2 slip together within theconcave portion curved portion 3 or 6) while theprotective frames 12 reciprocate, thereby preventing thecurved portions front frame portion 13 of each of theprotective frames 12 and each of thecurved portions tube 2, it is no need to provide theconnector 30 in thetube pump 1. - Each of the
cams cams curved surface portions rotation cams cams flat surface portions curved surface portions curved surface portions flat surface portions curved surface portions 18, 25). Material of thecams tube pump 1. - The
actuators base 31. Thepower transmission mechanisms motors cams power transmission mechanisms motors cams cams motors curved portions tube 2 can follow the movement of theprotective frames 12 when thecurved portions actuators - The
power transmission mechanisms motors cams cams power transmission mechanisms cams cams flat surface portions tube 2 side are out of phase with each other by 180°. A gear, a belt, a crank or the like may be mentioned as thepower transmission mechanisms cams motors cams power transmission mechanisms - Positional relationship between the
curved portions tube 2, thecams protective frames flat surface portions 19, 26) of thecams front frame portions protective frames closing portions curved portions tube 2 unfolded (i.e., when the opening/closing portions - By setting such a positional relationship, the opening/
closing portions curved portions tube 2 alternately repeat the folded state and the original state (restored state), thereby alternately repeating close and open of the flow path corresponding to each of the opening/closing portions - In other words, in the case where each of the
curved surface portions front frame portion 13 of theprotective frame 12, theprotective frame 12 is moved to the direction of thetube 2 in each of theguide grooves curved portions tube 2 is pushed inward by thefront frame portion 13 of theprotective frame 12, whereby each of the opening/closing portions curved portions closing portions flat surface portions front frame portion 13 of theprotective frame 12, the pushed state of each of thecurved portions protective frame 12 is released, whereby each of the opening/closing portions curved portions protective frame 12 follows the restoration of each of thecurved portions guide grooves protective frame 12 is moved away from the tube 2 (in a direction opposite to the direction in which each of the opening/closing portions closing portions closing portions - Both the
cams cams closing portion 4 of thecurved portion 3 when thecurved portion 3 is pushed by the rotational drive of thelarge cam 16 and the degree of fold of the opening/closing portion 7 of thecurved portion 6 when thecurved portion 6 is pushed by the rotational drive of thesmall cam 23. By generating the difference between the degrees of fold of the opening/closing portions portions closing portions closing portion 4 when thecurved portion 3 is pushed by the rotational drive of thelarge cam 16 is larger than the degree of fold of the opening/closing portion 7 when thecurved portion 6 is pushed by the rotational drive of thesmall cam 23. For this reason, the volume of the pushed portion positioned at both sides of the foldedportion 5 when the flow path is closed by folding the opening/closing portion 4 is larger than the volume of the pushed portion positioned at both sides of the foldedportion 8 when the flow path is closed by folding the opening/closing portion 7. - A cover (not shown) having a same shape and size as those of the
base 31 is attached to the front face side of thebase 31. The cover prevents the components of thetube 2 and the opening/closing mechanisms 11 from dropping out from the insides of theengagement groove 32 and theguide grooves - One
end portion 9 of thetube 2 of thetube pump 1 in this embodiment constructed as described above is connected to a supply side (not shown) for the fluid, while theother end portion 10 of thetube 2 of thetube pump 1 is connected to a discharge side (not shown) for the fluid. When thecams motors - (1) First, at an initial state, the
flat surface portion 19 of thecam surface 17 of thelarge cam 16 is positioned at thefront frame portion 13 side of the correspondingprotective frame 12, while thecurved surface portion 25 of thecam surface 24 of thesmall cam 23 is positioned at thefront frame portion 13 side of the correspondingprotective frame 12. Thus, thecurved portion 3 of thetube 2 keeps in the U shape (initial shape) with non-pushed state, and the flow path corresponding to the opening/closing portion 4 of thecurved portion 3 is in the open state. On the other hand, thecurved portion 6 is pushed by the correspondingprotective frame 12 to fold into the V shape, and the flow path corresponding to the opening/closing portion 7 of thecurved portion 6 is in the close state. - In this case, since the opening/
closing portion 7 of thecurved portion 6 is in the folded state, the volume at both sides of the foldedportion 8 is decreased in comparison with the volume before the opening/closing portion 7 is folded. - (2) Subsequently, each of the large and
small cams curved surface portion 18 of thecam surface 17 of thelarge cam 16 is positioned at thefront frame portion 13 side of theprotective frame 12. At this state, thecurved portion 3 is pushed by the correspondingprotective frame 12, and the opening/closing portion 4 is folded into the V shape to close the flow path corresponding to the opening/closing portion 4. In this case, the small cam 23 (opening/closing portion 7) keeps in the above state (1) described above (the close state). - Further, since both the opening/
closing portions curved portions portions closing portion 4 of thecurved portion 3 is folded after closing the flow path at the foldedportion 8 of thetube 2 by folding the curved portion 6). For this reason, the pressure (internal pressure) between the foldedportions tube 2 rises more than that before the fold of the opening/closing portion 4, and becomes higher than the pressure at right side of the foldedportion 8 inFIG. 2 . - (3) Subsequently, each of the large and
small cams flat surface portion 26 of thecam surface 24 of thesmall cam 23 is positioned at thefront frame portion 13 side of the correspondingprotective frame 12. At this state, the folded state of thecurved portion 6 is released, and the opening/closing portion 7 is restored from the V shape to the original U shape to open the flow path corresponding to the opening/closing portion 7 of thecurved portion 6. In this case, thelarge cam 16 keeps in the state (2) described above (i.e., the close state). - Further, since the opening/
closing portion 4 of thecurved portion 3 is in the folded state, the volume at both ends of the foldedportion 5 is decreased in comparison with the volume before the opening/closing portion 4 is folded. - (4) Subsequently, each of the large and
small cams curved surface portion 25 of thecam surface 24 of thesmall cam 23 is positioned at thefront frame portion 13 of the correspondingprotective frame 12. At this state, thecurved portion 6 is pushed by the correspondingprotective frame 12, and the opening/closing portion 7 is folded into the V shape to close the flow path corresponding to the opening/closing portion 7. In this case, thelarge cam 16 keeps in the state (2) described above (i.e., the close state). - Further, since both the opening/
closing portions curved portions portions closing portion 7 of thecurved portion 6 is folded after closing the flow path at the foldedportion 5 of thetube 2 by folding the curved portion 3). For this reason, the pressure (internal pressure) between the foldedportions closing portion 7, and becomes higher than the pressure at left side of the foldedportion 8 inFIG. 2 . - Subsequently, when each of the large and
small cams small cams small cams - In this regard, at the state (2), the pressure between the folded
portions portion 8 inFIG. 2 . Hence, when the large andsmall cams closing portion 7 of thecurved portion 6 is opened, the fluid flows toward right side inFIG. 2 . - Further, at the state (4), the pressure between the folded
portions portion 5 inFIG. 2 . Hence, when the large andsmall cams closing portion 4 of thecurved portion 3 is opened, the fluid flows toward left side inFIG. 2 . - In this case, since the degree of fold of the folded
portion 5 of the opening/closing portion 4 is larger than the degree of fold of the foldedportion 8 of the opening/closing portion 7, the pressure between the foldedportions closing portion 7 of thecurved portion 6 is opened is higher than the pressure between the foldedportions closing portion 4 of thecurved portion 3 is opened. For this reason, in one cycle of each of thecams FIG. 2 is more than the flow rate of fluid that flows toward left side inFIG. 2 . This makes it possible to transfer the fluid from one end of the tube 2 (the left side inFIG. 2 ) toward the other end of the tube 2 (the right side inFIG. 2 ). - By repeating the operation (1) through (4) described above, that is, by repeating open/close of the opening/
closing portion 4 of thecurved portion 3 and open/close of the opening/closing portion 7 of thecurved portion 6, the fluid is sequentially (and continuously) transferred from one end of the tube 2 (the left side inFIG. 2 ) toward the other end of the tube 2 (the right side inFIG. 2 ). - Next, the operation of the
tube pump 1 in the present embodiment will be described with reference toFIG. 4 and the table inFIG. 5 . - (Precondition)
- (a) Both the internal pressure and external pressure of the
tube 2 at the initial state are atmospheric pressure (i.e., latm). - (b) Water is filled in a left end of the tube 2 (see
FIG. 4 ), and the left end is thereby sealed by the water. In this regard, both the left side and the right side of the water at the left end inFIG. 4 are opened to atmospheric pressure. - (c) When the opening/
closing portions 4, 7 (foldedportions 5, 8) of thetube 2 are folded, right and left sides of each of the foldedportions closing portions portions 5, 8) is further decreased. - (d) The fold of the folded
portion 5 by theprotective frame 12 corresponding to thelarge cam 16 makes thetube 2 be decreased more volume than in the case of the fold of the foldedportion 8 by theprotective frame 12 corresponding to thesmall cam 23. - (e) Internal volume of the
tube 2 between the foldedportions portions tube 2 is not changed by further folding them (i.e., internal volume of thetube 2 between the foldedportions tube 2 is closed (sealed) at both the foldedportions 5, 8) is assumed to be a volume c. In this regard, inFIG. 4 , it is ignored that a change in the internal volume of thetube 2 from the open state to the state at the moment that thetube 2 is sealed (closed) at both the foldedportions tube 2 corresponding to the portion between the foldedportions tube 2 is closed (sealed) at both the foldedportions FIG. 4 . - (f) The volume of the
tube 2 that is decreased while theprotective frame 12 corresponding to thelarge cam 16 further folds thetube 2 to a final state (a further folded state) after thetube 2 is folded from the open state (the initial state) to the sealed (closed) state (that is, after the flow path is closed at the foldedportion 5 by folding the opening/closing portion 4 of the tube 2) (seeFIG. 4 ) is assumed to be avolume 2×a. In this case, the substantially same volume a is decreased at both sides of the sealed portion (folded portion 5). - (g) Similarly, the volume of the
tube 2 that is decreased while theprotective frame 12 corresponding to thesmall cam 23 further folds thetube 2 to a final state (a further folded state) after thetube 2 is folded from the open state (the initial state) to the sealed (closed) state (that is, after the flow path is closed at the foldedportion 8 by folding the opening/closing portion 7 of the tube 2) (seeFIG. 4 ) is assumed to be avolume 2×b. In this case, the substantially same volume b is decreased at both sides of the sealed portion (folded portion 8). - (h) The internal volume of the
tube 2 between the opening/closing portion 4 and the water at the state where the.protective frame 12 corresponding to thelarge cam 16 folds thetube 2 at the folded portion 5 (that is, the opening/closing portion 4 is in the further folded state) is assumed to be a volume d. - (i) It is ideally assumed that the pressure within the
tube 2 is inversely proportional to the volume (isothermal compression: P×V=constant, where P is a pressure, and V is a volume.). - In this regard, the operation (1) through (9′) described below corresponds to rows (1) through (9′) in the table of
FIG. 5 , respectively. - (1) At the initial state, the folded
portion 5 corresponding to thelarge cam 16 is in the open state, and the volume (internal volume) between the foldedportions cams portion 5 corresponding to thelarge cam 16 and the water is assumed to be d as the precondition described above. The pressure inside thetube 2 is assumed to be latm (initial value). - (2) First, the folded
portion 5 corresponding to thelarge cam 16 becomes in the close state. The volume between the foldedportions cams portions portions portion 5 corresponding to thelarge cam 16 becomes d−a. The pressure corresponding to this portion becomes d/(d−a) temporarily, and this pressure also becomes more than latm. - (2′) Since the
tube 2 between the foldedportions cams portion 5 corresponding to thelarge cam 16 becomes higher than the pressure at the left side of the water inFIG. 2 , and imbalance occurs between the pressures at both sides of the water. Hence, the water is pushed toward the left side inFIG. 2 temporarily. If it is assumed that the surface tension of the water can be neglected and the water is pushed until the internal pressure becomes latm same as the external pressure of thetube 2, this volume becomes d again. - (3) The folded
portion 8 corresponding to thesmall cam 23 becomes in the open state, and the volume between the foldedportions cams tube 2 inFIG. 2 becomes in the open state to the atmosphere, the pressure thereof returns to latm. - (4) The folded
portion 8 corresponding to thesmall cam 23 becomes in the close state again. The volume between the foldedportions cams - (5) The folded
portion 5 corresponding to thelarge cam 16 becomes in the open state again. The space between the foldedportions cams portion 5 corresponding to thelarge cam 16, and the pressure in these spaces becomes common (the pressures in the spaces are the same). The volumes thereof are respectively increased by a, a at both ends of the foldedportion 5. As the precondition described above, the pressure after change becomes a value obtained by dividing the total of the respective (pressures x volumes) before change at the state (4) by the volume after change. A computational formula thereof is as follows.
(Pressure before change 1)×(Volume before change 1)+(Pressure before change 2)×(Volume before change 2)=(Pressure after change)×(Volume after change)
(Pressure after change)=((Pressure before change 1)×(Volume before change 1)+(Pressure before change 2)×(Volume before change 2)}/(Volume after change)
Therefore,
P={(c−a−b)×(c−a)/(c−a−b)+d×1}/{(c−b)+(d+a)}=(c−a+d)/(c−b+d+a) - Since the denominator is larger than the numerator in the formula for the pressure after change, the pressure after change becomes less than latm.
- (5′) Similar to the operation (2′) described above, a pressure difference between both ends of the water occurs. At this time, the pressure at the right side of the water in
FIG. 2 is smaller than the pressure at the left side of the water inFIG. 2 (i.e., atmospheric pressure: latm). Hence, the water is pushed toward the right side inFIG. 2 , whereby the internal pressure returns to latm. A computational formula of the volume after change is as follows.
(Pressure before change)×(Volume before change)=(Pressure after change)×(Volume after change)
(Volume after change)=(Pressure before change)×(Volume before change)/(Pressure after change)
Therefore,
V=(c−a+d)/(c−b+d+a)×(c−b+d+a)/1=c−a+d
The volume obtained by subtracting the volume between the foldedportions 5, 8 (this volume is constant) from the volume after change becomes as follows.
(c−a+d)−(c−b)=d−a+b=d−(a−b) - The operation after the state (6) shows the case where the operation (1) through (5′) described above is repeated in a similar manner.
- Here, when the states (1), (5′), and (9′) in which the
cams portion 5 corresponding to thelarge cam 16 is decreased by a−b each cycle. In other words, thetube pump 1 forms a pump that can transfer (deliver) a liquid by a difference between the volume changes in the foldedportions portions - In this regard, it seems that an actual compression state is not the isothermal compression used as the precondition described above, but polytropic compression (i.e., PVn=constant). However, since principle of operation in the polytropic compression differs little from that in the isothermal compression, it does not matter. Further, the above explanation is made on the condition that air or gas is filled in the
tube 2, but principle of operation in case of liquid is similar to that in case of gas except for the next point. Namely, in the case where liquid is filled in thetube 2, the liquid is not compressed like the gas in the above operation, but is sucked due to elastic power or restoring power of thetube 2 as thetube 2 is swollen (restored) by the elastic power of thetube 2 itself (self-restoring power of the tube 2). - In the
tube pump 1 in this embodiment constructed as described above, thecurved portions tube 2 are respectively pushed via theprotective frames 12 by the rotational drive of the large andsmall cams closing portions curved portions closing portions closing portions cams protective frames 12, the opening/closing portions closing portions tube pump 1 without the need for a large amount of energy to open and close the opening/closing portions tube pump 1. - Further, since the
tube pump 1 merely requires rotating thecams - In the present invention, in place of a mechanism (constitution) of the downstream opening/
closing portion 7 side in which the flow path is closed by folding the opening/closing portion 7 and is opened by releasing (unfolding) the fold of the opening/closing portion 7, for example, a shut-off valve may be provided at the opening/closing portion 7 side, and the tube pump I of the invention may be constructed so as to open and close the flow path with the shut-off valve. - Next, a tube pump in a second embodiment according to the present invention will now be described.
- In the description of the
tube pump 1 of the second embodiment given below, the focus of the description is on the different points between the first embodiment described above and the second embodiment, and a description of the same parts (components) is omitted. -
FIG. 6 is a plan view showing thetube pump 1 in the second embodiment according to the present invention. Thetube pump 1 of the second embodiment is provided with two biasing means 45 respectively provided between theback frame portions protective frames guide grooves back frame portions protective frames protective frame 12 is moved away from the tube 2 (that is, which biases thetube 2 in the direction that the fold of each of the opening/closing portions tube pump 1 of the second embodiment are similar to those of thetube pump 1 shown in the first embodiment described above. When the pushing states by thecams protective frames 12 are respectively moved to the direction so as to be away from the tube 2 (that is, in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of each of the protective frames 12) forcibly by the biasing force of the two biasing means 45. - As the biasing means 45, for example, a tensional spring (extension spring), a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder, or the like may be mentioned. For example, in the case where a contracted spring is used, an installing location of the spring may be changed.
- Similar to the
tube pump 1 shown in the first embodiment, in thetube pump 1 shown in this embodiment, thecurved portions tube 2 are pushed via theprotective frames 12 by the rotational drive of the large andsmall cams closing portions curved portions closing portions closing portions protective portions 12, the opening/closing portions closing portions closing portions tube pump 1 without the need for a large amount of energy to open and close the opening/closing portions tube pump 1. - Further, since the
tube pump 1 merely requires rotating thecams - Moreover, in this embodiment, the
protective frames 12 are respectively moved to the direction so as to be away from the tube 2 (that is, in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of each of the protective frames 12) forcibly by the biasing force of the two biasing means 45. Hence, even in the case where the elastic force of thetube 2 weakens due to aged deterioration, it is possible to repeat the fold and restoration of the opening/closing portions curved portions tube 2 stably, and this makes it possible to obtain a sufficient performance of thetube pump 1 for a long time. In this regard, theconnector 30 has a function that the opening/closing portions protective frames 12 so that thetube 2 can shift from the close state to the open state in the case where the elastic force of thetube 2 weakens due to aged deterioration. - Next, a tube pump in a third embodiment according to the present invention will now be described.
- In the description of the
tube pump 1 of the third embodiment given below, the focus of the description is on the different points between the first embodiment described above and the third embodiment, and a description of the same parts (components) is omitted. -
FIG. 7 is a plan view showing atube pump 1 in the third embodiment according to the present invention.FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing acam 50 of thetube pump 1 of the third embodiment.FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing anarm tube pump 1 of the third embodiment. As shown in these drawings, thetube pump 1 is provided with thecurved portions 3, 6 (including the opening/closing portions 4, 7) so that thecurved portions tube pump 1 is provided with acam 50 rotatably provided between thecurved portions 3, 6 (that is, within the space), andarms cam 50 and thecurved portions cam 50 into the linear motion of each of thearms closing portions curved portions arms cam 50, and that the opening/closing portions tube 2. The other components of thetube pump 1 of the third embodiment are same as thetube pump 1 shown in the first embodiment described above. - As shown in
FIG. 8 , thecam 50 is a stepped cam in which alarge cam portion 51 and asmall cam portion 55 having different sizes (radii) are provided in a stepwise manner so that they are rotatable together. Thecam 50 is constructed so that a tip portion of onearm 59 abuts on acam surface 52 that is an outer peripheral surface of thelarge cam portion 51, and a tip portion of theother arm 61 abuts on acam surface 56 that is an outer peripheral surface of thesmall cam portion 55. Further, as shown inFIG. 9 , through-holes 60, 62 passing through thearms arms 59,61 (axis line thereof) are respectively provided at the tip portions of thearms curved portions tube 2 are inserted into the through-holes 60, 62 of thearms arms guide grooves arms FIG. 7 ), whereby they can reciprocate in horizontal directions of thearms 59, 61 (i.e., in a horizontal direction of the base 65). - Similar to the
tube pump 1 shown in the first embodiment, in thetube pump 1 shown in this embodiment described above, thecurved portions tube 2 are pushed via thearms cam 50. By folding each of the opening/closing portions curved portions closing portions closing portions arms closing portions closing portions closing portions tube pump 1 without the need for a large amount of energy to open and close the opening/closing portions tube pump 1. - Further, since the
tube pump 1 merely requires rotating thecam 50 in one direction, energy loss does not occur as opposed to the case of rotating a cam in both normal and reverse directions. Therefore, it is possible to provide a high-efficiency tube pump. - Moreover, in this embodiment, since the fold and restoration of the opening/
closing portions curved portions single cam 50, it is possible to make thetube pump 1 small-footprint, and to make theentire tube pump 1 smaller and lighter. This makes it possible to utilize thetube pump 1 effectively even at a space required so as to make thetube pump 1 smaller and lighter. - In this regard, similar to the
tube pump 1 of the second embodiment described above, the biasing means 45 may be provided in thetube pump 1 of this embodiment. - The present invention was described above based on the embodiments shown in the drawings, but the present invention is not limited to those embodiments, and-the structure of each component (element) can be replaced by any structure capable of performing the same or a similar function. Further, any other components may be added to the present invention.
- Further, the present invention may combine any two or more structures (features) from the embodiments described above.
- Moreover, three or more opening/closing portions may be provided in the tube pump of the present invention.
- This application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2003-300038 filed Aug. 25, 2003, which is hereby expressly incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
Claims (22)
1. A tube pump for transferring a fluid, comprising:
a tube defining a flow path therein through which the fluid is transferred, the tube being capable of being deformed elastically, the tube having two opening/closing portions provided at two spaced portions of the tube for opening and closing the flow path; and
two opening/closing mechanisms which are provided so as to correspond to the two opening/closing portions respectively for closing the flow path at the two spaced portions of the tube by folding the corresponding opening/closing portion of the tube and opening the flow path by unfolding the fold of the opening/closing portion;
wherein, when one of the two opening/closing portions is further folded after closing the flow path at the corresponding portion of the tube by operating the corresponding opening/closing mechanism in a state where the other opening/closing portion is folded, an internal pressure in the tube between the two opening/closing portions is increased due to the further fold of the opening/closing portion, and the tube pump transfers the fluid using the increased internal pressure in the tube.
2. The tube pump as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the degree of the fold of the tube at the one opening/closing portion is different from that at the other opening/closing portion to generate the increased internal pressure.
3. The tube pump as claimed in claim 2 , wherein the tube has two spaced curved portions, and each of the two opening/closing portions is provided at a part of each of the two curved portions; and
wherein the tube pump is constructed so that each of the two opening/closing portions is folded by pushing the part of each of the two curved portions with the corresponding opening/closing mechanism.
4. The tube pump as claimed in claim 3 , wherein each of the opening/closing mechanisms includes a cam rotatably provided at a position where the cam faces to the corresponding curved portion, in which each of the two opening/closing portions is folded or unfolded by rotationally driving the corresponding cam so as to push the corresponding curved portion or to release the pushing state by the cam.
5. The tube pump as claimed in claim 4 , wherein the degree of fold of the tube at the one opening/closing portion is differentiated from that at the other opening/closing portion by differentiating sizes of the two cams each other.
6. The tube pump as claimed in claim 4 , wherein each of the two cams has a substantially semicircular shape.
7. The tube pump as claimed in claim 4 , wherein each of the opening/closing mechanisms further includes a protective frame reciprocatively provided so as to push the part of the corresponding curved portion or release the pushing state of the part, the protective frame being reciprocatively movable by rotationally driving the cam provided inside the frame; and
wherein the tube pump is constructed so that, while each of the two cams is rotatively driven, the corresponding opening/closing portion is folded by pushing the part of the curved portion by movement of the protective frame toward the tube, and the opening/closing portion is restored to an initial state thereof by elastic force of the tube itself when the pushing state by the protective frame is released so as to move the protective frame toward the opposite direction.
8. The tube pump as claimed in claim 7 , wherein each of the opening/closing mechanisms further includes a connector for connecting the protective frame to the opening/closing portion.
9. The tube pump as claimed in claim 7 , further comprising a base for supporting the tube so that each of the two curved portions can be deformed elastically, and for supporting the two protective frames so that each of the two protective frames is reciprocatively moved in the base.
10. The tube pump as claimed in claim 9 , wherein each of the opening/closing mechanisms further includes biasing means arranged between the protective frame and the base for biasing the protective frame in the opposite direction, wherein the protective frame moves in the opposite direction by combination of restoring force of the opening/closing portion and biasing force of the biasing means when the pushing state by the protective frame is released.
11. The tube pump as claimed in claim 9 , further comprising a fixing jig for fixing a predetermined portion of the tube to the base;
wherein the tube pump is constructed so that the degree of fold of each opening/closing portion can be controlled by adjusting a mounting position of the fixing jig with respect to the base.
12. The tube pump as claimed in claim 1 , further comprising adjusting means for adjusting the degree of fold of each of the two opening/closing portions.
13. The tube pump as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the flow path is always closed at any one of the two opening/closing portions.
14. A tube pump for transferring a fluid, comprising:
a tube defining a flow path therein through which the fluid is transferred, the tube being capable of being deformed elastically, the tube having two opening/closing portions provided at two spaced portions of the tube for opening and closing the flow path, and the two opening/closing portions being arranged so as to face to each other through a predetermined space therebetween; and
an opening/closing mechanism provided in the space between the two opening/closing portions for closing the flow path at the portion corresponding to each of the two opening/closing portions by folding the tube at the opening/closing portion and for opening the flow path by unfolding the fold of the opening/closing portion;
wherein, when one of the two opening/closing portions is further folded after closing the flow path at the corresponding portion of the tube by operating the opening/closing mechanism in a state where the other opening/closing portion is folded, the degree of fold of one opening/closing portion becomes differentiated from that of the other opening/closing portion so that an internal pressure of the tube between the two opening/closing portions is increased due to the further fold of the opening/closing portion, and the tube pump transfers the fluid using the increased internal pressure of the tube.
15. The tube pump as claimed in claim 14 , wherein the tube has two spaced curved portions, and each of the two opening/closing portions is provided at a part of each of the two curved portions; and
wherein the tube pump is constructed so that each of the two opening/closing portions is folded by pushing the part of each of the two curved portions with the opening/closing mechanism.
16. The tube pump as claimed in claim 14 , wherein the opening/closing mechanism comprises a stepped cam in which two cam portions having different sizes are provided in a stepwise manner so that they are rotatable together, an actuator and two arms, and the cam portions respectively have cam surfaces on outer peripheral surfaces thereof; and
wherein the tube pump is constructed so that the two opening/closing portions are respectively brought into contact with the cam surfaces of the stepped cam via the two arms, so that each of the two opening/closing portions is folded or unfolded by each of the two arms while the stepped cam is rotatively driven.
17. The tube pump as claimed in claim 16 , wherein each of the two cam portions of the stepped cam has a substantially semicircular shape.
18. The tube pump as claimed in claim 14 , wherein the opening/closing mechanism further includes biasing means for biasing each of the arms in a direction that the fold of the opening/closing portions is released.
19. The tube pump as claimed in claim 14 , further comprising adjusting means for adjusting the degree of fold of each of the two opening/closing portions.
20. The tube pump as claimed in claim 14 , wherein the flow path is always closed at any one of the two opening/closing portions.
21. A tube pump for transferring a fluid, comprising:
a tube defining a flow path therein through which the fluid is transferred, the tube being capable of being deformed elastically, the tube having two opening/closing portions provided at two spaced portions of the tube for opening and closing the flow path; and
two opening/closing mechanisms which are respectively provided so as to correspond to the two opening/closing portions, one of the opening/closing mechanisms closing the flow path at one of the two spaced portions of the tube by folding the corresponding opening/closing portion of the tube and opening the flow path by unfolding the fold of the opening/closing portion, and the other opening/closing mechanism closing and opening the flow path at the other portion of the tube without folding and unfolding the corresponding opening/closing portion of the tube;
wherein, when the opening/closing portion is further folded after closing the flow path at the corresponding portion of the tube by operating the corresponding opening/closing mechanism in a state where the other opening/closing portion is closed, an internal pressure in the tube between the two opening/closing portions is increased due to the further fold of the opening/closing portion, and the tube pump transfers the fluid using the increased internal pressure in the tube.
22. The tube pump as claimed in claim 20 , wherein the other opening/closing mechanism includes a valve.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
JP2003-300038 | 2003-08-24 | ||
JP2003300038 | 2003-08-25 | ||
PCT/JP2004/011954 WO2005019647A1 (en) | 2003-08-25 | 2004-08-13 | A tube pummp |
Related Child Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US13/787,436 Continuation US20130201944A1 (en) | 2004-05-20 | 2013-03-06 | Radio communication system, radio communication method, base station device, and terminal device |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20060280633A1 true US20060280633A1 (en) | 2006-12-14 |
Family
ID=34213798
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/568,571 Abandoned US20060280633A1 (en) | 2003-08-24 | 2004-08-13 | Tube pummp |
Country Status (6)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20060280633A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP1658436A1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP4400574B2 (en) |
CN (1) | CN100436819C (en) |
TW (1) | TW200508495A (en) |
WO (1) | WO2005019647A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN113390209A (en) * | 2021-07-07 | 2021-09-14 | 内蒙古大唐国际克什克腾煤制天然气有限责任公司 | Device and method for supplementing refrigerant to refrigerating system without pressurizing equipment in winter |
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US3182602A (en) * | 1963-09-16 | 1965-05-11 | William B Price | Method of and apparatus for pumping |
US3598288A (en) * | 1969-06-26 | 1971-08-10 | Edward S Posgate | Flexible tube-metering devices |
US4278085A (en) * | 1979-12-13 | 1981-07-14 | Baxter Travenol Laboratories, Inc. | Method and apparatus for metered infusion of fluids |
US4445826A (en) * | 1982-01-22 | 1984-05-01 | Polaroid Corporation | Peristaltic pump apparatus |
US4586882A (en) * | 1984-12-06 | 1986-05-06 | Baxter Travenol Laboratories, Inc. | Tubing occluder pump |
US4856972A (en) * | 1988-06-09 | 1989-08-15 | Fisher Scientific Co. | Dual roller peristaltic pump |
US4948350A (en) * | 1987-12-05 | 1990-08-14 | Suttner Gmbh & Co. Kg | Hose pump |
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US5217355A (en) * | 1991-08-05 | 1993-06-08 | Imed Corporation | Two-cycle peristaltic pump with occlusion detector |
US5468129A (en) * | 1994-08-05 | 1995-11-21 | Cole Parmer Instrument Company | Peristaltic pump |
US5964583A (en) * | 1997-10-15 | 1999-10-12 | Baxter International Inc. | Elastomerically assisted peristaltic pump |
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US6554589B2 (en) * | 1997-07-03 | 2003-04-29 | Precision Dispensing Systems Limited | Flexible tube pinch mechanism |
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2004
- 2004-08-13 US US10/568,571 patent/US20060280633A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2004-08-13 WO PCT/JP2004/011954 patent/WO2005019647A1/en active Application Filing
- 2004-08-13 CN CNB2004800243559A patent/CN100436819C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2004-08-13 EP EP04771915A patent/EP1658436A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2004-08-13 JP JP2005518548A patent/JP4400574B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2004-08-19 TW TW093125026A patent/TW200508495A/en unknown
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US3182602A (en) * | 1963-09-16 | 1965-05-11 | William B Price | Method of and apparatus for pumping |
US3598288A (en) * | 1969-06-26 | 1971-08-10 | Edward S Posgate | Flexible tube-metering devices |
US4278085A (en) * | 1979-12-13 | 1981-07-14 | Baxter Travenol Laboratories, Inc. | Method and apparatus for metered infusion of fluids |
US4445826A (en) * | 1982-01-22 | 1984-05-01 | Polaroid Corporation | Peristaltic pump apparatus |
US4586882A (en) * | 1984-12-06 | 1986-05-06 | Baxter Travenol Laboratories, Inc. | Tubing occluder pump |
US4948350A (en) * | 1987-12-05 | 1990-08-14 | Suttner Gmbh & Co. Kg | Hose pump |
US4856972A (en) * | 1988-06-09 | 1989-08-15 | Fisher Scientific Co. | Dual roller peristaltic pump |
US5057074A (en) * | 1989-05-26 | 1991-10-15 | Terumo Kabushiki Kaisha | Medical container replacing method |
US5165873A (en) * | 1989-10-10 | 1992-11-24 | Imed Corporation | Two-cycle peristaltic pump |
US5217355A (en) * | 1991-08-05 | 1993-06-08 | Imed Corporation | Two-cycle peristaltic pump with occlusion detector |
US5468129A (en) * | 1994-08-05 | 1995-11-21 | Cole Parmer Instrument Company | Peristaltic pump |
US5980490A (en) * | 1997-02-17 | 1999-11-09 | Micrel, Microelectronic Applications Center Ltd. | Linear peristaltic pump |
US6106249A (en) * | 1997-04-18 | 2000-08-22 | Nestec S.A. | Peristaltic pump |
US6554589B2 (en) * | 1997-07-03 | 2003-04-29 | Precision Dispensing Systems Limited | Flexible tube pinch mechanism |
US5964583A (en) * | 1997-10-15 | 1999-10-12 | Baxter International Inc. | Elastomerically assisted peristaltic pump |
US6382937B1 (en) * | 1999-10-07 | 2002-05-07 | Phil-chan Rha | Tube pump |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN113390209A (en) * | 2021-07-07 | 2021-09-14 | 内蒙古大唐国际克什克腾煤制天然气有限责任公司 | Device and method for supplementing refrigerant to refrigerating system without pressurizing equipment in winter |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
WO2005019647A1 (en) | 2005-03-03 |
EP1658436A1 (en) | 2006-05-24 |
JP2006514226A (en) | 2006-04-27 |
JP4400574B2 (en) | 2010-01-20 |
TW200508495A (en) | 2005-03-01 |
CN1842654A (en) | 2006-10-04 |
CN100436819C (en) | 2008-11-26 |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION, JAPAN Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:AKAHORI, YUTAKA;REEL/FRAME:017582/0883 Effective date: 20051020 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |