Pump system and fluid supply device

Abstract

The present application provides a pump easily mounted on a fluid supply device having a concave curved shape designed in a manner along the surface (skin) of a human body, such as a smart watch, a sphygmomanometer, and the like, and a fluid supply device provided with the pump. The pump (5) has a closed chamber (91), a movable wall (92) that changes the volume of the closed chamber (91), and a vibration actuator (8) that is electromagnetically driven and displaces the movable wall (92) to discharge the fluid in the closed chamber (91) outside the closed chamber (91). Furthermore, three axes orthogonal to each other are set as an X-axis, a Y-axis, and a Z-axis, in which the direction along the X-axis is set as an X-axis direction, the direction along the Y-axis is set as a Y-axis direction, and the direction along the Z-axis is set as a Z-axis direction, and in a top view from the Y-axis direction, the outer shape is a concave shape.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to pump systems and fluid supply devices. Background Technology

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 describes a cylindrical pump.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-041469 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] However, as Figure 1 As shown, for example, if a cylindrical pump 50 is to be mounted within a device 10, such as a smartwatch or blood pressure monitor, which has a concave, flat, curved shape designed to follow the surface (skin) of the human body, the pump 50 will interfere with the device 10, and it may be impossible to mount it even if there is sufficient space within the device 10. In such cases, to mount it, it is necessary, for example, to reduce the size of the pump 50 as shown by the double-dotted line or to increase the size of the device 10 as shown by the single-dotted line. In the former case, miniaturization is sometimes difficult to achieve due to technical issues, while in the latter case, the device 10 becomes larger.

[0008] The present invention was made in view of the above aspects, and in particular, its object is to provide a pump having a shape that is easily mounted in a device having a concave curved shape, and a fluid supply device mounted on the pump.

[0009] Solution for solving the problem

[0010] Such an objective is achieved by the present invention as described in (1) to (10) below.

[0011] (1) A pump, characterized in that it comprises:

[0012] Enclosed room;

[0013] Movable walls, which cause changes in the volume of the aforementioned sealed chamber; and

[0014] A vibration actuator, driven electromagnetically, displaces the movable wall to expel fluid from the sealed chamber outside the sealed chamber.

[0015] Define the three mutually orthogonal axes as the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis.

[0016] When the direction along the X-axis is defined as the X-axis direction, the direction along the Y-axis is defined as the Y-axis direction, and the direction along the Z-axis is defined as the Z-axis direction...

[0017] When viewed from above along the Y-axis, the shape is concave.

[0018] (2) According to the pump described in (1) above, when viewed from the Y-axis direction, the above-mentioned shape is an arc shape.

[0019] (3) According to the pump described in (1) above, when viewed from the Y-axis direction, the above shape is a stepped shape with a step between the central part and the ends located on both sides.

[0020] (4) The pump according to any one of (1) to (3) above has a flat shape in which the length in the Z-axis direction is shorter than the length in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction.

[0021] (5) According to any one of (1) to (4) above, the vibration actuator has a movable body that reciprocates in the Y-axis direction to displace the movable wall.

[0022] (6) According to any one of (1) to (4) above, the vibration actuator has a movable body that reciprocates in the X-axis direction to displace the movable wall.

[0023] (7) According to any one of (1) to (4) above, the vibration actuator has a movable body that reciprocates about the Z-axis to displace the movable wall.

[0024] (8) The pump described in any one of (1) to (7) above has a concave shape when viewed from the X-axis direction.

[0025] (9) A fluid supply device, characterized in that it comprises a pump as described in any one of (1) to (8) above.

[0026] (10) The fluid supply device according to (9) above,

[0027] The aforementioned fluid supply device is worn on the human body for use.

[0028] The pump is mounted on a portion of the body that has a curved shape that follows the curve of the human body.

[0029] The effects of the invention are as follows.

[0030] In the pump of the present invention, the housing is concavely curved or bent when viewed from above along the Y-axis. Therefore, it is easy to mount, for example, a fluid supply device having a concave, curved shape designed to follow the surface (skin) of the human body, such as a wearable device like a smartwatch or blood pressure monitor. Attached Figure Description

[0031] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram used to illustrate the problems of existing technology.

[0032] Figure 2 This is a perspective view showing the electronic blood pressure monitor according to the first embodiment.

[0033] Figure 3 This is a perspective view showing a pump mounted on an electronic blood pressure monitor.

[0034] Figure 4 This is a top view of the pump viewed from the Y-axis direction.

[0035] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view showing the pump mounted on an electronic blood pressure monitor.

[0036] Figure 6 This is an exploded 3D view of the pump.

[0037] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view showing the pump's driving state.

[0038] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view showing the pump's driving state.

[0039] Figure 9 This is a perspective view showing the pump according to the second embodiment.

[0040] Figure 10 This is a top view of the pump viewed from the Y-axis direction.

[0041] Figure 11 This is an exploded 3D view of the pump.

[0042] Figure 12 This is a cross-sectional view showing the pump's driving state.

[0043] Figure 13 This is a cross-sectional view showing the pump's driving state.

[0044] Figure 14 This is a perspective view showing the pump according to the third embodiment.

[0045] Figure 15 This is a top view of the pump viewed from the Y-axis direction.

[0046] Figure 16 This is a cross-sectional view showing the pump mounted on an electronic blood pressure monitor.

[0047] Figure 17 This is an exploded 3D view of the pump.

[0048] Figure 18 This is a cross-sectional view showing the pump's driving state.

[0049] Figure 19 This is a cross-sectional view showing the pump's driving state.

[0050] Figure 20 This is a perspective view showing the helmet according to the fourth embodiment.

[0051] Figure 21 This is a perspective view showing a pump mounted on a helmet.

[0052] Figure 22 This is a top view of the pump viewed from the Y-axis direction.

[0053] Figure 23 This is a 3D view of the pump viewed from the X-axis direction.

[0054] Figure 24 This is an exploded 3D view of the pump.

[0055] Symbol Explanation

[0056] 1—Electronic blood pressure monitor, 10—Device, 100—Helmet, 110—Outer shell, 120—Inner liner, 2—Main body, 21—Button, 22—Display, 3—Cuff, 4—Pressure sensor, 5, 50—Pump, 5a, 5b—Main surface, 5a1, 5b1—Stepped surface, 51A, 51B—Spring, 51A1, 51B1—Fixing part, 51A2, 51B2—Activating part, 51A3, 51B3—Spring part, 6 —Control device, 61—Drive control unit, 62—Pressure detection unit, 7—House, 71—Base, 711—Opening, 72—Cover, 79—Protrusion, 8—Vibration actuator, 81—Shaft, 82—Movable body, 821—Magnet, 822—Magnetic yoke, 822a—Pressing element, 823—Magnetic yoke, 823a—Pressing element, 824—Magnetic yoke, 824a, 824b—Pressing elements, 824c—Groove, 825, 825a, 825b, 825c—Magnet; 827—Yoke; 827a—Base; 827b—Insertion part; 827c—Magnetic pole part; 827d—Magnetic pole surface; 827f, 827g—Pressing part; 828—Coil; 829—Spool; 83—Guide part; 831—Guide rail; 832—Ball; 833—Bracket; 85—Coil core part; 851—Spool; 851a, 851b—Recessed strip; 852, 853—Wire 854—iron core, 854a, 854b—protrusions, 855, 856—coil, 86—magnet part, 861—iron core part, 862, 863—magnet, 9A, 9B—pump part, 91—sealed chamber, 92—movable wall, 93, 94—valve, 98—inlet, 99—outlet, C—arc, Fx1, Fx2, Fy1, Fy2, Fθ1, Fθ2—thrust, H—measured part, S—space. Detailed Implementation

[0057] Hereinafter, the pump system and fluid supply device of the present invention will be described in detail based on the preferred embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. For ease of explanation, the three mutually orthogonal axes will be designated as the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis. The direction along the X-axis will be referred to as the "X-axis direction," the direction along the Y-axis as the "Y-axis direction," and the direction along the Z-axis as the "Z-axis direction." The arrow side of each axis will be referred to as the "positive side," and the opposite side as the "negative side." The positive side of the Z-axis direction will be referred to as "up," and the negative side as "down."

[0058] <First Implementation>

[0059] Figure 2 This is a perspective view showing the electronic blood pressure monitor according to the first embodiment. Figure 3 This is a perspective view showing a pump mounted on an electronic blood pressure monitor. Figure 4 This is a top view of the pump viewed from the Y-axis direction. Figure 5This is a cross-sectional view showing the pump mounted on an electronic blood pressure monitor. Figure 6 This is an exploded 3D view of the pump. Figure 7 and Figure 8 These are cross-sectional views showing the pump's driving state.

[0060] Figure 2 An electronic blood pressure monitor 1, serving as a fluid supply device, is shown. The electronic blood pressure monitor 1 has a main body 2 and a cuff 3 connected to the main body 2. The cuff 3 is worn on the measurement site H (e.g., the arm) of the subject. Due to the fluid supply from the main body 2, a bag (not shown) located inside expands and compresses the measurement site H. The main body 2 measures the pressure within the cuff 3 and calculates the subject's blood pressure based on the measurement result. In the electronic blood pressure monitor 1, the main body 2 and the cuff 3 are integrated, and the main body 2 is also worn on the measurement site H together with the cuff 3. Furthermore, the fluid supplied from the main body 2 to the cuff 3 is not particularly limited; it can be a liquid or a gas, but a gas is preferred. Hereinafter, for ease of explanation, air will be used as the fluid.

[0061] When measuring blood pressure using the conventional oscillometric method, the procedure is as follows: First, a cuff 3 is wrapped around the test site H of the subject. Then, during blood pressure measurement, air is supplied from the main body 2 into the cuff 3, causing the pressure inside the cuff 3 (cuff pressure) to be higher than the highest blood pressure. The pressure is then gradually reduced, and during this process, the main body 2 detects the pressure inside the cuff 3, acquiring the change in arterial volume generated at the test site H as a pulse wave signal. Based on the change in the amplitude of the pulse wave signal accompanying the change in cuff pressure, the highest blood pressure (systolic blood pressure) and the lowest blood pressure (diastolic blood pressure) are calculated, primarily based on the rising and falling sides. There are no particular limitations on the method used for blood pressure measurement. For example, the Rivaroge-Köch method, which is commonly used with the oscillometric method, can also be used.

[0062] like Figure 2 As shown, the main body 2 has a concave shape that curves along the surface of the measurement site H so as to fit snugly against the measurement site H. Specifically, when viewed from above in the Y-axis direction, the main body 2 has an arc shape that curves approximately in an arc around the Y-axis. Within this main body 2 (the part along the body), there is a pump 5 for supplying air to the cuff 3, a pressure sensor 4 for detecting the pressure within the cuff 3, and a control device 6 for controlling the drive of each part. Furthermore, the surface of the main body 2 is provided with a button 21 for starting blood pressure measurement, a display 22 for displaying measurement results, etc. The structure of the electronic blood pressure monitor 1 is not particularly limited.

[0063] Pump 5

[0064] like Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown, the pump 5 has a flat shape with the Z-axis as its thickness direction and its length in the Z-axis direction being shorter than its length in the X-axis and Y-axis directions. This results in a thin pump 5. Furthermore, the pump 5 has a concave shape that follows the shape of the main body 2. Specifically, the pump 5 has a flat surface, and when viewed from above in the Y-axis direction, it has a concave shape and is an arc shape that curves approximately in an arc around the Y-axis.

[0065] In other words, pump 5 has a pair of main surfaces 5a and 5b arranged in a mutually inner-outer relationship along the Z-axis. These main surfaces 5a and 5b are each composed of arc-shaped curved surfaces that are concentrically curved around the Y-axis when viewed from above. Furthermore, the radius of curvature of pump 5 is approximately equal to the radius of curvature of the main body 2. Thus, pump 5 becomes a curved shape that mimics the curvature of the main body 2, such as... Figure 5 As shown, the pump 5 is mounted in an arc-shaped space S within the main body 2. Therefore, the pump 5 can be mounted on the main body 2 even without miniaturizing the pump 5 or enlarging the main body 2 as in the prior art. In particular, by making the shape arc-shaped and eliminating corners on the main surfaces 5a and 5b, miniaturization of the pump 5 can be achieved.

[0066] Furthermore, the pump 5 has an approximate rectangular shape with the Y-axis as its long side when viewed from the X-axis direction, and an approximate rectangular shape with the Y-axis as its long side when viewed from the Z-axis direction.

[0067] like Figure 3 As shown, the pump 5 has a housing 7 and pump sections 9A and 9B located on both sides of the housing 7 in the Y-axis direction. Pump section 9A is located on the positive side of the housing 7 in the Y-axis direction, and pump section 9B is located on the negative side of the housing 7 in the Y-axis direction. In the pump 5, the outer shape (outline shape) is formed by the housing 7 and the pump sections 9A and 9B. The components constituting the outer shape of the pump 5 are not particularly limited. For example, the pump sections 9A and 9B may be housed within the housing 7, and the outer shape of the pump 5 may be substantially formed solely by the housing 7.

[0068] like Figure 6 As shown, the housing 7 has a box-shaped base 71 with an opening on the positive side in the Z-axis direction and a cover 72 that seals the opening of the base 71. This structure facilitates the storage of various components within the housing 7. In particular, by forming the opening on the positive side in the Z-axis direction, the opening can be made larger, making the aforementioned effect even more pronounced. Furthermore, openings 711 are formed on the sides of the base 71 in the Y-axis direction for inserting the pressing members 822a and 823a described below. This housing 7 protects the internal components and also functions as an electromagnetic shield.

[0069] Furthermore, the housing 7 houses a vibration actuator 8 and a pair of springs 51A and 51B. The vibration actuator 8 has a movable body 82 that is freely movable relative to the housing 7 in the Y-axis direction and a coil core portion 85 fixed to the housing 7. In the vibration actuator 8, by supplying power to the coil core portion 85, the movable body 82 can be made to reciprocate in the Y-axis direction. Thus, by having a structure in which the movable body 82 reciprocates in the Y-axis direction, the length of the pump 5 in the X-axis direction can be suppressed.

[0070] The coil core portion 85 includes a bobbin 851 and a pair of coils 852 and 853 wound around the bobbin 851. The bobbin 851 is a tubular shape extending in the Y-axis direction and has an arcuate shape that mimics the shape of the housing 7. The pair of coils 852 and 853 are arranged in a Y-axis direction. The center of coil 852 is located on the positive side of the Y-axis relative to the center of bobbin 851, and the center of coil 853 is located on the negative side of the Y-axis relative to the center of bobbin 851. Furthermore, in this embodiment, annular grooves 851a and 851b are formed on the outer periphery of the bobbin 851. Coil 852 is wound around groove 851a, and coil 853 is wound around groove 851b. With this structure, since the grooves 851a and 851b function as positioning portions for coils 852 and 853, the positioning and winding of coils 852 and 853 become easier.

[0071] A movable body 82 is inserted into a tubular spool 851. The movable body 82 is plate-shaped and has an arcuate shape mimicking the outline of the housing 7. The movable body 82 is supported by a guide (not shown) in a manner that allows it to reciprocate relative to the housing 7 in the Y-axis direction. This movable body 82 has a magnet 821 and a pair of yokes 822 and 823 connected to both sides of the magnet 821 in the Y-axis direction. The yoke 822 is located on the positive side of the magnet 821 in the Y-axis direction, and the yoke 823 is located on the negative side of the magnet 821 in the Y-axis direction. The magnet 821 is a permanent magnet and is magnetized in the Y-axis direction. In the illustrated configuration, the yoke 822 side is the N pole, and the yoke 823 side is the S pole.

[0072] The magnetic yoke 822 has a pressing member 822a protruding towards the positive side (pump section 9A side) in the Y-axis direction. Similarly, the magnetic yoke 823 has a pressing member 823a protruding towards the negative side (pump section 9B side) in the Y-axis direction. The pressing member 822a protrudes out of the housing 7 through one opening 711 and is connected to the pump section 9A. Similarly, the pressing member 823a protrudes out of the housing 7 through the other opening 711 and is connected to the pump section 9B. If the movable body 82 is displaced towards the positive side in the Y-axis direction, the pressing member 822a presses the pump section 9A, and air is expelled from the pump section 9A. Conversely, if the movable body 82 is displaced towards the negative side in the Y-axis direction, the pressing member 823a presses the pump section 9B, and air is expelled from the pump section 9B.

[0073] Spring 51A is located between movable body 82 and pump part 9A. Spring 51A has a fixing part 51A1 fixed to housing 7, a engaging part 51A2 engaging with magnetic yoke 822, and a spring part 51A3 connecting fixing part 51A1 and engaging part 51A2. On the other hand, spring 51B is located between movable body 82 and pump part 9B. Spring 51B has a fixing part 51B1 fixed to housing 7, a engaging part 51B2 engaging with magnetic yoke 823, and a spring part 51B3 connecting fixing part 51B1 and engaging part 51B2.

[0074] like Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, in the state where no power is supplied to the coil core 85 (hereinafter also referred to as the "natural state"), the movable body 82 is held approximately in the center of the wire shaft 851 by the elasticity of the springs 51A and 51B located on both sides of it. In the natural state, when viewed from above in the Z-axis direction, the end of the magnet 821 on the positive side in the Y-axis direction overlaps with the coil 852, and the end of the magnet 821 on the negative side in the Y-axis direction overlaps with the coil 853.

[0075] Pump sections 9A and 9B are positioned separately on opposite sides of the housing 7, which houses the vibration actuator 8, along the Y-axis. Specifically, pump section 9A is located on the positive side of the housing 7 along the Y-axis, and pump section 9B is located on the negative side along the Y-axis. Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the pump units 9A and 9B have the same structure, each having a sealed chamber 91 and a movable wall 92.

[0076] The sealed chamber 91 is connected to an intake port 98 for drawing in air from the outside and an outlet port 99 for expelling air from inside the sealed chamber 91. A valve 93 is provided between the sealed chamber 91 and the intake port 98. Valve 93 allows air to be drawn into the sealed chamber 91 from the intake port 98, while restricting air from being expelled from the sealed chamber 91 to the intake port 98. A valve 94 is provided between the sealed chamber 91 and the outlet port 99. Valve 94 allows air to be expelled from the sealed chamber 91 to the outlet port 99, while restricting air from being drawn into the sealed chamber 91 from the outlet port 99. This allows for more reliable and efficient air intake and exhaust.

[0077] The movable wall 92 faces into the sealed chamber 91 and forms part of the sealed chamber 91. The movable wall 92 is, for example, a diaphragm, formed of a material capable of elastic deformation.

[0078] In the pump section 9A, the movable wall 92 forms the negative wall surface of the sealed chamber 91 in the Y-axis direction and is connected to the pressing member 822a of the magnetic yoke 822. If the movable body 82 is displaced in the positive Y-axis direction, the movable wall 92 is pressed and displaced by the pressing member 822a, and the volume inside the sealed chamber 91 decreases. If the volume inside the sealed chamber 91 decreases, the pressure inside the sealed chamber 91 increases, and the air inside the sealed chamber 91 is discharged from the discharge port 99. Conversely, if the movable body 82 is displaced in the negative Y-axis direction, the movable wall 92 is displaced by its own restoring force (elasticity) and the elasticity of the spring 51A, and the volume inside the sealed chamber 91 increases. If the volume inside the sealed chamber 91 increases, the pressure inside the sealed chamber 91 decreases, and air flows into the sealed chamber 91 from the suction port 98.

[0079] On the other hand, in the pump section 9B, the movable wall 92 forms the wall surface of the sealed chamber 91 on the positive side in the Y-axis direction and is connected to the pressing member 823a of the magnetic yoke 823. If the movable body 82 is displaced to the negative side in the Y-axis direction, the movable wall 92 is pressed and displaced by the pressing member 823a, and the volume inside the sealed chamber 91 decreases. If the volume inside the sealed chamber 91 decreases, the pressure inside the sealed chamber 91 increases, and the air inside the sealed chamber 91 is discharged from the discharge port 99. Conversely, if the movable body 82 is displaced to the positive side in the Y-axis direction, the movable wall 92 is displaced by its own restoring force (elasticity) and the elasticity of the spring 51B, and the volume inside the sealed chamber 91 increases. If the volume inside the sealed chamber 91 increases, the pressure inside the sealed chamber 91 decreases, and air flows into the sealed chamber 91 from the suction port 98.

[0080] Control Device 6

[0081] like Figure 2 The control device 6 includes a drive control unit 61 for controlling the drive of the vibration actuator 8 and a pressure detection unit 62 for detecting the pressure within the cuff 3. The control device 6 is, for example, a computer, and includes a processor (CPU) for processing information, a memory that is communicatively connected to the processor, and an external interface. Furthermore, the memory stores various programs that can be executed by the processor, and the processor reads and executes these programs.

[0082] The structure of the electronic blood pressure monitor 1 has been described above. Next, the operation of the pump 5 will be explained.

[0083] Drive control unit 61 alternately repeats Figure 7 The first state shown and Figure 8 An AC voltage is applied to coils 852 and 853 in the second state shown. As a result, the movable body 82 reciprocates in the Y-axis direction.

[0084] exist Figure 7In the first state shown, a thrust Fy1 is generated in the positive direction of the Y-axis, causing the movable body 82 to displace in the positive direction of the Y-axis. As a result, the movable wall 92 in the pump section 9A is pressed by the pressing member 822a, reducing the volume of the sealed chamber 91, and the air in the sealed chamber 91 is discharged from the discharge port 99. Conversely, in the pump section 9B, the volume of the sealed chamber 91 increases, and air flows into the sealed chamber 91 from the suction port 98.

[0085] exist Figure 8 In the second state shown, a thrust Fy2 is generated on the negative side of the Y-axis, causing the movable body 82 to displace on the negative side of the Y-axis. As a result, the movable wall 92 in the pump section 9B is pressed by the pressing member 823a, reducing the volume of the sealed chamber 91, and the air in the sealed chamber 91 is discharged from the discharge port 99. Conversely, in the pump section 9A, the volume of the sealed chamber 91 increases, and air flows into the sealed chamber 91 from the suction port 98.

[0086] By alternately repeating this first and second state, the states of air being discharged from pump 9A and pump 9B are repeated alternately, and air is continuously discharged from pump 5. Then, the air discharged from pump 5 is supplied to cuff 3, and cuff 3 inflates. Pressure detection unit 62 detects the pressure inside cuff 3 based on the output of pressure sensor 4.

[0087] The driving mechanism of pump 5 has been explained above. Next, the driving principle of pump 5 will be explained. The vibration actuator 8 is driven based on the motion equation shown in equation (1) and the circuit equation shown in equation (2).

[0088] Formula 1

[0089]

[0090] J: Torque of inertia [kg·m] 2 ]

[0091] θ(t): Displacement angle [rad]

[0092] K f Thrust constant [Nm / A]

[0093] i(t): Current [A]

[0094] K sp Spring constant [Nm / rad]

[0095] D: Attenuation coefficient [Nm / (rad / s)]

[0096] Formula 2

[0097]

[0098] e(t): Voltage [V]

[0099] R: Resistance [Ω]

[0100] L: Inductance [H]

[0101] K e Back electromotive force constant [V / (rad / s)]

[0102] Thus, the inertial torque J[Kg·m] of the movable body 82 2 Displacement angle (rotation angle) θ(t) [rad], thrust constant Kf [Nm / A], current i(t) [A], spring constant Ks p The values ​​of [Nm / rad] and attenuation coefficient D [Nm / (rad / s)] can be appropriately set within the range satisfying equation (1). Furthermore, the voltage e(t) [V], resistance R [Ω], inductance L [H], and back electromotive force constant K... e [V / (rad / s)] can be appropriately set within the range that satisfies equation (2).

[0103] Furthermore, in pump 5, the flow rate is set according to the following formula (3), and the pressure is set according to the following formula (4).

[0104] Formula 3

[0105] Q = Axf * 60 - (3)

[0106] Q: Flow rate [L / min]

[0107] A: Piston area [m] 2 ]

[0108] x: Piston displacement [m]

[0109] f: Drive frequency [Hz]

[0110] Formula 4

[0111]

[0112] P: Increased pressure [kPa]

[0113] P0: Atmospheric pressure [kPa]

[0114] V: Volume of the sealed chamber [m] 3 ]

[0115] ΔV: Change in volume [m] 3 ]

[0116] ΔV=Ax

[0117] A: Piston area [m] 2 ]

[0118] x: Piston displacement [m]

[0119] Thus, the flow rate Q [L / min] and piston area A [m²] of pump 5 are... 2 The piston displacement x [m], driving frequency f [Hz], etc., can be appropriately set within the range that satisfies equation (3). Furthermore, the pressure [kPa], atmospheric pressure P0 [kPa], and sealed chamber volume V [m] can be increased. 3 ]、Volume variation ΔV[m 3 Each of them can be appropriately set within the range of satisfying equation (4).

[0120] Next, the resonant frequency of the vibration actuator 8 will be explained. The vibration actuator 8 has a spring-mass system structure that supports the movable body 82 using a magnetic spring formed by the magnetic force acting between the coil core 85 and the magnet 821, a physical spring formed by the elasticity of springs 51A and 51B, and an air spring (fluid spring) formed by the elasticity of the air in the sealed chamber 91. Therefore, the movable body 82 has a resonant frequency f as shown in the following formula (5). r Therefore, by applying a resonant frequency f to coils 852 and 853... r Approximately equal AC voltages enable the movable body 82 to resonate and drive the pump 5 efficiently.

[0121] Formula 5

[0122]

[0123] f r Resonant frequency [Hz]

[0124] K sp Spring constant [Nm / rad]

[0125] J: Torque of inertia [kg·m] 2 ]

[0126] <Second Implementation>

[0127] Figure 9 This is a perspective view showing the pump according to the second embodiment. Figure 10 This is a top view of the pump viewed from the Y-axis direction. Figure 11 This is an exploded 3D view of the pump. Figure 12 and Figure 13 These are cross-sectional views showing the pump's driving state.

[0128] The pump 5 in this embodiment differs mainly in the vibration direction of the movable body 82; otherwise, it is the same as the pump 5 in the first embodiment described above. Therefore, in the following description, this embodiment will be described primarily in terms of its differences from the embodiments described above, omitting descriptions of identical items. Figures 9 to 13 In the text, the same symbols are used to mark the structures that are the same as those in the above-described embodiments.

[0129] Pump 5

[0130] like Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, the pump 5 has a flat, plate-like shape, and when viewed from above along the Y-axis, it is an arc-shaped section that curves approximately around the Y-axis. The pump 5 has a housing 7 and a pair of pump sections 9A and 9B located on opposite sides of the housing 7 along the X-axis. Pump section 9A is located on the positive side of the housing 7 along the X-axis, and pump section 9B is located on the negative side of the housing 7 along the X-axis. The pump 5's shape is formed by the housing 7 and the pump sections 9A and 9B. The components constituting the pump 5's shape are not particularly limited.

[0131] And, as Figure 11 As shown, a vibration actuator 8 is housed in the housing 7. The vibration actuator 8 has a movable body 82 that is movable relative to the housing 7 in the X-axis direction, a guide member 83 that guides the movable body 82, and a coil core portion 85 fixed to the housing 7. In the vibration actuator 8, by supplying power to the coil core portion 85, the movable body 82 reciprocates in the X-axis direction by rotating about the Y-axis along the arc of the housing (in the manner of depicting an arc). In this way, by having a structure in which the movable body 82 reciprocates in the X-axis direction, the length of the pump 5 in the Y-axis direction can be suppressed.

[0132] The coil core portion 85 includes a core 854 and a pair of coils 855 and 856 wound around the core 854. The core 854 is flat and curved in an arc shape, mimicking the shape of the housing 7. The core 854 is fixed to the inner bottom surface of the housing 7. The core 854 has a pair of protrusions 854a and 854b protruding towards the positive side in the Z-axis direction. The protrusions 854a and 854b are elongated strips extending along the Y-axis direction and are arranged in a symmetrical configuration in the X-axis direction. One protrusion 854a is wound with a coil 855, and the other protrusion 854b is wound with a coil 856.

[0133] A movable body 82 is positioned above the coil core 85, covering it. The movable body 82 is flat and has an arc shape similar to the housing 7. It includes a yoke 824 and a magnet 825 fixed to the yoke 824. The magnet 825 has three magnets 825a, 825b, and 825c arranged in the X-axis direction. Magnets 825a, 825b, and 825c are permanent magnets, magnetized in the Z-axis direction. Furthermore, in the illustrated configuration, the central magnet 825b has an S pole on the positive Z-axis side and an N pole on the negative Z-axis side. Conversely, the magnets 825a and 825c at both ends have an N pole on the positive Z-axis side and an S pole on the negative Z-axis side. In other words, on the lower surface of magnet 825 (the magnetic pole surface opposite to the coil core portion 85), S poles and N poles are alternately arranged along the X-axis direction. Furthermore, in the initial state, the boundaries of magnets 825a and 825b are located on protrusion 854a, and the boundaries of magnets 825b and 825c are located on protrusion 854b.

[0134] The yoke 824 covers the magnet 825 from above. For example... Figure 12 and Figure 13 As shown, the magnetic yoke 824 has a recess with an opening on its lower surface, and a magnet 825 is housed in this recess. Furthermore, the magnetic yoke 824 has a pressing member 824a protruding towards the positive side in the X-axis direction of the magnet 821 and a pressing member 824b protruding towards the negative side in the X-axis direction. If the movable body 82 is displaced towards the positive side in the X-axis direction, the pressing member 824a presses the pump section 9A, causing air to be expelled from the pump section 9A. Conversely, if the movable body 82 is displaced towards the negative side in the X-axis direction, the pressing member 824b presses the pump section 9B, causing air to be expelled from the pump section 9B.

[0135] Pump units 9A and 9B are disposed on opposite sides of the housing 7, which houses the vibration actuator 8, in the X-axis direction. Specifically, pump unit 9A is disposed on the positive side of the housing 7 in the X-axis direction, and pump unit 9B is disposed on the negative side in the X-axis direction. The pump units 9A and 9B have the same structure.

[0136] Guide members 83 are disposed on both sides of the movable body 82 in the Y-axis direction. Each guide member 83 has a guide rail 831 fixed to the housing 7, a plurality of balls 832 arranged in the X-axis direction between the guide rail 831 and the movable body 82 (magnetic yoke 824), and a bracket 833 that holds each ball 832 in a rolling manner relative to the guide rail 831. In addition, grooves 824c are formed on both sides of the magnetic yoke 824 in the Y-axis direction, and the balls 832 are engaged in the grooves 824c.

[0137] Drive control unit 61 alternately repeats Figure 12 The first state shown and Figure 13An alternating voltage is applied to coils 852 and 853 in the second state shown. As a result, the movable body 82 reciprocates in the X-axis direction.

[0138] exist Figure 12 In the first state shown, a thrust Fx1 is generated in the positive X-axis direction, causing the movable body 82 to displace in the positive X-axis direction. As a result, the movable wall 92 in pump section 9A is pressed by the pressing member 824a, reducing the volume of the sealed chamber 91, and causing air in the sealed chamber 91 to be discharged from the discharge port 99. Conversely, in pump section 9B, the volume of the sealed chamber 91 increases, and air flows into the sealed chamber 91 from the intake port 98.

[0139] exist Figure 13 In the second state shown, a thrust Fx2 is generated in the negative X-axis direction, causing the movable body 82 to displace in the negative X-axis direction. As a result, the movable wall 92 in the pump section 9B is pressed by the pressing member 824b, reducing the volume of the sealed chamber 91, and causing air in the sealed chamber 91 to be discharged from the discharge port 99. Conversely, in the pump section 9A, the volume of the sealed chamber 91 increases, and air flows into the sealed chamber 91 from the suction port 98.

[0140] By alternately repeating the first and second states, the states of air being discharged from pump section 9A and air being discharged from pump section 9B are repeated alternately, and air is continuously discharged from pump 5.

[0141] <Third Implementation>

[0142] Figure 14 This is a perspective view showing the pump according to the third embodiment. Figure 15 This is a top view of the pump viewed from the Y-axis direction. Figure 16 This is a cross-sectional view showing the pump mounted on an electronic blood pressure monitor. Figure 17 This is an exploded 3D view of the pump. Figure 18 and Figure 19 These are cross-sectional views showing the pump's driving state.

[0143] The pump 5 in this embodiment differs mainly in its external shape (outline shape); otherwise, it is identical to the pump 5 in the first embodiment described above. Therefore, in the following description, this embodiment will be explained primarily in terms of its differences from the embodiments described above, omitting descriptions of identical items. Figures 14 to 19 In the text, the same symbols are used to mark the structures that are the same as those in the above-described embodiments.

[0144] Pump 5

[0145] like Figure 14 and Figure 15As shown, the pump 5 has a flat, plate-like shape, and when viewed from the Y-axis, it has a stepped shape with a stepped section between its central portion and its two ends in the X-axis direction. The pump 5 has a housing 7 and a pair of pump sections 9A and 9B located on either side of the housing 7 in the X-axis direction. Pump section 9A is located on the positive side of the housing 7 in the X-axis direction, and pump section 9B is located on the negative side of the housing 7 in the X-axis direction. The outer shape (outline shape) of the pump 5 is constituted by the housing 7 and the pump sections 9A and 9B. The components constituting the outer shape (outline shape) of the pump 5 are not particularly limited.

[0146] Furthermore, the housing 7 is a flat plate with thickness along the Z-axis and extending in the XY plane, and is disposed offset to the positive side in the Z-axis direction relative to the pump parts 9A and 9B. Thus, a stepped surface is formed between the housing 7 constituting the central portion and the pump parts 9A and 9B constituting the ends. Specifically, a stepped surface 5a1 facing the X-axis is formed on the main surface 5a of the pump 5 and between the housing 7 and the pump parts 9A and 9B, and a stepped surface 5b1 facing the X-axis is formed on the main surface 5b and between the housing 7 and the pump parts 9A and 9B.

[0147] like Figure 15 As shown, the housing 7 is formed along an arc C with a radius of curvature approximately equal to that of the main body 2. Thus, the pump 5 has a stepped shape that mimics the curvature of the main body 2, such as... Figure 16 As shown, the pump 5 is mounted in an arc-shaped space S within the main body 2. Therefore, even without miniaturizing the pump 5 or enlarging the main body 2 as in the prior art, the pump 5 can still be mounted on the main body 2. In particular, by making the shape stepped, for example, by making the steps and... Figure 16 The protrusion 79 formed on the housing 7 shown engages, allowing for easy positioning of the pump 5 relative to the housing 7. Furthermore, by eliminating the labor and time required for bending the various parts, the pump 5 can be made cheaper.

[0148] And, as Figure 17 As shown, a vibration actuator 8 is housed in the housing 7. The vibration actuator 8 has a shaft portion 81, a movable body 82 that is movably supported relative to the housing 7 about the Z-axis via the shaft portion 81, and a magnet portion 86 fixed to the housing 7. In the vibration actuator 8, the movable body 82 reciprocates about the Z-axis by supplying power to it. Thus, by having a structure in which the movable body 82 reciprocates about the Z-axis, for example, the guide member for guiding the movable body 82 described in the first and second embodiments is not required, thereby enabling miniaturization and cost reduction of the pump 5.

[0149] The movable body 82 has a magnetic yoke 827 connected to the shaft portion 81 and a coil 828 wound around the magnetic yoke 827. Furthermore, the coil 828 is provided on the magnetic yoke 827 in the state of being wound on a tubular bobbin 829. However, it is not limited to this, and the bobbin 829 may be omitted and the coil 828 may be directly wound on the magnetic yoke 827.

[0150] The end of the magnetic yoke 827 on the negative side of the Y-axis direction is connected to the shaft portion 81. Furthermore, the magnetic yoke 827 has a base 827a connected to the shaft portion 81, a rod-shaped insertion portion 827b protruding from the base 827a towards the negative side of the Y-axis direction and into which a wire shaft 829 is inserted, and a magnetic pole portion 827c connected to the front end of the insertion portion 827b and extended relative to the insertion portion 827b. The magnetic pole portion 827c has a magnetic pole surface 827d that is arc-shaped when viewed from the Z-axis direction; when power is supplied to the coil 828, this magnetic pole surface 827d is energized.

[0151] Furthermore, the magnetic yoke 827 has a pressing member 827f protruding to the positive side in the X-axis direction and a pressing member 827g protruding to the negative side in the X-axis direction. If the movable body 82 is displaced to the positive side in the X-axis direction around the Z-axis, the pressing member 827f presses the pump part 9A and air is expelled from the pump part 9A. Conversely, if the movable body 82 is displaced to the negative side in the X-axis direction around the Z-axis, the pressing member 827g presses the pump part 9B and air is expelled from the pump part 9B.

[0152] The magnet portion 86 is located on the positive side of the yoke 84 in the Y-axis direction and is arranged opposite to the magnetic pole surface 827d of the yoke 84. This magnet portion 86 has an iron core portion 861 and a pair of magnets 862 and 863 disposed on the iron core portion 861. The iron core portion 861 is flat and fixed to the inner surface of the housing 7 on the positive side of the Y-axis direction. The magnets 862 and 863 are disposed on the iron core portion 861 and arranged in the X-axis direction. Furthermore, the magnets 862 and 863 are magnetized in opposite directions in the Y-axis direction. In the illustrated embodiment, the side with the magnetic pole surface 827d of the magnet 862 is the S pole, and the opposite side is the N pole. On the other hand, the side with the magnetic pole surface 827d of the magnet 863 is the N pole, and the opposite side is the S pole.

[0153] Pump units 9A and 9B are disposed on opposite sides of the housing 7, which houses the vibration actuator 8, in the X-axis direction. Specifically, pump unit 9A is disposed on the positive side of the housing 7 in the X-axis direction, and pump unit 9B is disposed on the negative side in the X-axis direction. The two pump units 9A and 9B have the same structure.

[0154] Drive control unit 61 alternately repeats Figure 18 The first state shown and Figure 19 An alternating voltage is applied to coil 828 in the second state shown. As a result, movable body 82 reciprocates about the Z-axis.

[0155] exist Figure 18In the first state shown, a thrust Fθ1 is generated about the Z-axis in the positive X-axis direction, causing the movable body 82 to displace in the positive X-axis direction. As a result, the movable wall 92 in pump section 9A is pressed by the pressing member 827f, reducing the volume of the sealed chamber 91, and causing air in sealed chamber 91 to be discharged from the discharge port 99. Conversely, in pump section 9B, the volume of sealed chamber 91 increases, and air flows into sealed chamber 91 from the intake port 98.

[0156] exist Figure 19 In the second state shown, a thrust Fθ2 is generated around the Z-axis in the negative X-axis direction, causing the movable body 82 to displace in the negative X-axis direction. As a result, the movable wall 92 in the pump section 9B is pressed by the pressing member 827g, reducing the volume of the sealed chamber 91, and causing air in the sealed chamber 91 to be expelled from the discharge port 99. Conversely, in the pump section 9A, the volume of the sealed chamber 91 increases, and air flows into the sealed chamber 91 from the suction port 98.

[0157] By alternately repeating the first and second states, the states of air being discharged from pump 9A and pump 9B are repeated alternately, and air is continuously discharged from pump 5. Then, the air discharged from pump 5 is supplied to cuff 3, and cuff 3 expands.

[0158] <Fourth Implementation>

[0159] Figure 20 This is a perspective view showing the helmet according to the fourth embodiment. Figure 21 This is a perspective view showing a pump mounted on a helmet. Figure 22 This is a top view of the pump viewed from the Y-axis direction. Figure 23 This is a 3D view of the pump viewed from the X-axis direction. Figure 24 This is an exploded 3D view of the pump.

[0160] The pump 5 in this embodiment differs mainly in its external shape; otherwise, it is identical to the pump 5 in the second embodiment described above. In the following description, this embodiment will be explained primarily in terms of its differences from the aforementioned embodiments, omitting descriptions of identical items. Figures 20 to 24 In the text, the same symbols are used to mark the structures that are the same as those in the above-described embodiments.

[0161] Figure 20 A helmet 100 is shown as a fluid supply device. The helmet 100 includes a rigid outer shell 110 having a curved shape along the head; and a soft inner liner 120 provided inside the outer shell 110. A pump 5 is mounted on the outer shell 110. Furthermore, a bag (not shown) is provided in the inner liner 120, which is inflated by air supplied from the pump 5, allowing the inner liner 120 to conform to the head.

[0162] Pump 5

[0163] like Figure 21 As shown, pump 5 has a dome-shaped concave shape. Specifically, as... Figure 22 and Figure 23 As shown, the pump 5 has a concave shape when viewed from the Y-axis direction, and has an arc shape that bends around the Y-axis. Furthermore, when viewed from the X-axis direction, it also has a concave shape and an arc shape that bends around the X-axis. Therefore, the pump 5 has a curved shape that mimics the curvature of the outer casing 110, allowing it to be mounted in a shape that conforms to the outer casing 110. Thus, even without miniaturizing the pump 5 or enlarging the main body 2 as in the prior art, the pump 5 can still be mounted on the outer casing 110.

[0164] like Figure 24 As shown, the pump sections 9A and 9B, as well as the vibration actuator 8, also have a shape that is bent around the X-axis, and are otherwise the same as in the second embodiment described above. Therefore, their description is omitted.

[0165] The pump system and fluid supply device of the present invention have been described above based on the illustrated embodiments. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the structure of each part can be replaced with any structure having the same function. Furthermore, other arbitrary components can be added to the present invention. For example, in the above embodiments, electronic blood pressure monitors and helmets are used as examples of fluid supply devices, but any fluid supply device that requires fluid supply can be used, including any wearable terminal or any other machine or appliance, without particular limitation.

Claims

1. A pump, characterized in that, have: Enclosed room; Movable walls that allow for changes in the volume of the aforementioned sealed chamber; A vibration actuator, which is electromagnetically driven, displaces the movable wall to discharge fluid from the sealed chamber to the outside of the sealed chamber. The housing contains the aforementioned vibration actuator. The aforementioned vibration actuator comprises: a movable body that is freely movable relative to the aforementioned housing and has a magnet; and a coil core portion that is fixed to the aforementioned housing. Define the three mutually orthogonal axes as the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis. When the direction along the X-axis is defined as the X-axis direction, the direction along the Y-axis is defined as the Y-axis direction, and the direction along the Z-axis is defined as the Z-axis direction... When viewed from above along the Y-axis, the outer shape of the shell is an arc. The movable body described above has an arc shape that mimics the external shape of the shell described above. The aforementioned coil core portion includes an iron core and a pair of coils wound around the iron core. The aforementioned iron core is a flat plate that is curved in an arc shape, mimicking the aforementioned shape of the shell.

2. The pump according to claim 1, characterized in that, When viewed from above along the Y-axis, the outer shape of the housing is an arc shape that is generally curved around the Y-axis.

3. The pump according to claim 1, characterized in that, The aforementioned iron core comprises: a flat, plate-shaped main body portion that is curved in an arc shape, mimicking the aforementioned outer shape of the shell; and a pair of protrusions that protrude from the aforementioned main body portion in the Z-axis direction and are respectively wound around the aforementioned pair of coils. The aforementioned shell has an arc-shaped upper plate and an arc-shaped bottom plate opposite the upper plate. The main body of the aforementioned iron core has an arc-shaped upper surface opposite to the upper plate of the aforementioned housing and an arc-shaped lower surface fixed to the inner surface of the aforementioned bottom plate of the aforementioned housing. The aforementioned pair of protrusions are disposed separately on the upper surface of the aforementioned main body of the aforementioned iron core.

4. The pump according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The aforementioned housing has a flat shape in which the length in the Z-axis direction is shorter than the length in the X-axis direction and the length in the Y-axis direction.

5. The pump according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The movable body of the aforementioned vibration actuator reciprocates in the aforementioned Y-axis direction to displace the aforementioned movable wall.

6. The pump according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The movable body of the aforementioned vibration actuator reciprocates in the X-axis direction to displace the aforementioned movable wall.

7. The pump according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, When viewed from above along the X-axis, the outer shape of the housing is concave.

8. A fluid supply device, characterized in that, It has the pump described in any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The fluid supply device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The aforementioned fluid supply device is worn on the human body for use. The pump is mounted on a portion of the body that has a curved shape that follows the curve of the human body.

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