Parallel inlet valve group based on bubble sensing and diaphragm pump using same

Abstract

In order to improve the integration level and reliability of a microfluidic system, the invention provides a parallel inlet valve group based on bubble sensing and a diaphragm pump using the valve group. The parallel inlet valve group comprises a valve body, the valve body is provided with a plurality of inlet valves connected in parallel, outlet valves are arranged in the center, each inlet valve is connected with an inlet branch, and each inlet branch is provided with a partition device; a sensing area is arranged between the inlet valve and the outlet valve, and the sensing area is configured to generate a sensing signal of bubble passing based on a triboelectrification effect; according to the diaphragm pump using the valve group, a flow gathering cavity is formed in the center position in a cavity, and the parallel inlet valve group is installed in the flow gathering cavity. By arranging the parallel inlet valve group and the corresponding sensing area, the integration level and the stability of the system can be effectively improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of "microfluidics technology", and specifically relates to "fluid control in microfluidics". Background Technology

[0002] Microfluidics has broad application prospects in fields such as biomedicine, fine chemicals, and medicine. In microfluidic systems, the pump and valve system plays a crucial role in fluid transport control. Currently, fluid pumping and control in microfluidic systems are mainly achieved through external syringe pumps, which are bulky and cannot be integrated, making it difficult to meet the portable application requirements of microfluidic systems.

[0003] Meanwhile, in many microfluidic systems, the presence of air bubbles can have a significant impact on the system. For example, in cell culture, the entry of air bubbles can lead to cell death. Therefore, preventing air bubbles from entering the microfluidic system is crucial. For instance, Chinese patent CN120866057A provides a multifunctional integrated organoid culture device, including a main body and a liquid input module, a temperature control module, and an organoid module fixed to the main body. It achieves multi-cell fusion through a cell anchoring array. The entry of air bubbles directly affects its functionality. Currently, bubble detection mainly uses external sensors, which often lack high integration. Therefore, an easily integrated, simple, and highly stable pump-valve structure and bubble sensing system are urgently needed for microfluidic systems. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To improve the integration and reliability of microfluidic systems, this invention proposes a parallel inlet valve assembly based on bubble sensing. The valve assembly includes a valve body, a base, and a chamber. The valve body is connected from top to bottom to a support layer, a core layer, and a friction layer.

[0005] Furthermore, the friction layer is provided with a fourth through hole, a fifth through hole, and a sixth through hole; the fourth through hole and the fifth through hole are symmetrical structures, and their symmetrical central axis is the vertical central axis of the friction layer; the sixth through hole is located at the center of the friction layer.

[0006] Furthermore, the friction layer is flat and is a triboelectric material, such as polytetrafluoroethylene.

[0007] Furthermore, the core layer is provided with a first wheel valve, a second wheel valve, a third wheel valve, a first mounting hole, and a second mounting hole; the first mounting hole is located between the first wheel valve and the third wheel valve; the second mounting hole is located between the second wheel valve and the third wheel valve; the first wheel valve and the second wheel valve are symmetrical structures, and their symmetrical central axis is the vertical central axis of the core layer, and the third wheel valve is located at the center of the core layer.

[0008] Furthermore, the core layer is flat, for example, made of resin material.

[0009] Furthermore, the first mounting hole and the second mounting hole are symmetrical structures, and their symmetrical central axis is the vertical central axis of the core layer.

[0010] Furthermore, a first electrode is disposed in the first mounting hole; a second electrode is disposed in the second mounting hole; the first electrode fills the first mounting hole; and the second electrode fills the second mounting hole.

[0011] Furthermore, the support layer is provided with a first through hole, a second through hole, and a third through hole; the first through hole and the second through hole are symmetrical structures, and their symmetrical central axis is the vertical central axis of the support layer; the third through hole is located at the center of the support layer.

[0012] Furthermore, the first through hole, the first wheel valve, and the fourth through hole are coaxially mounted to form a first inlet valve, which enables unidirectional fluid flow from top to bottom; the second through hole, the second wheel valve, and the fifth through hole are coaxially mounted to form a second inlet valve, which enables unidirectional fluid flow from top to bottom; the third through hole, the third wheel valve, and the sixth through hole are coaxially mounted to form an outlet valve, which enables unidirectional fluid flow from bottom to top.

[0013] Furthermore, the base body is provided with a first inlet branch, a second inlet branch, an outlet flow channel, and a chamber; the first inlet valve and the second inlet valve are parallel inlet valves; on the upper side of the valve body, the first inlet valve and the second inlet valve are each independently connected to an inlet branch, the first inlet valve is connected to the first inlet branch, the second inlet valve is connected to the second inlet branch, the first inlet branch and the second inlet branch are connected together to the inlet manifold, the working fluid of the system is input from the inlet manifold, and the outlet valve is connected to the outlet manifold through the outlet flow channel, the working fluid of the system is output from the outlet manifold; on the lower side of the valve body, the first inlet valve, the second inlet valve and the outlet valve are connected through the chamber; the first inlet valve controls the unidirectional flow from the first inlet branch to the chamber; the second inlet valve controls the unidirectional flow from the second inlet branch to the chamber; the outlet valve controls the unidirectional flow from the chamber to the outlet flow channel.

[0014] Furthermore, the first inlet branch is equipped with a first isolation device; the first isolation device can be externally controlled to isolate and connect the first inlet branch with the main inlet pipe.

[0015] Furthermore, the second inlet branch is equipped with a second isolation device; the second isolation device can be externally controlled to isolate and connect the second inlet branch with the main inlet pipe.

[0016] Furthermore, the first isolation device and the second isolation device are solenoid valves or piezoelectric valves.

[0017] Furthermore, the first electrode is disposed within the core layer; the first electrode, together with the friction layer and the support layer, constitutes the first sensing area; the first sensing area is located between the first inlet valve and the outlet valve; the first electrode and the friction layer area it contacts constitute a sensing area as a pair of triboelectric mechanisms. Based on the triboelectric effect, the first sensing area can generate a sensing signal when bubbles pass through the surface of the friction layer in a liquid environment.

[0018] Furthermore, the second electrode is disposed within the core layer; the second electrode, together with the friction layer and the support layer, constitutes the second sensing area; the second sensing area is located between the second inlet valve and the outlet valve; the second electrode and the friction layer area it contacts constitute a sensing area as a pair of triboelectric mechanisms. Based on the triboelectric effect, the second sensing area can generate a sensing signal when bubbles pass through the surface of the friction layer in a liquid environment.

[0019] Furthermore, the first electrode, the second electrode, the first isolation device, and the second isolation device are electrically connected to the control unit; the control unit determines whether there are air bubbles in the first inlet branch based on the sensing signal of the first sensing area, independently controls the first isolation device, and then controls the opening and closing of the first inlet branch and the inlet main pipe; the control unit determines whether there are air bubbles in the second inlet branch based on the sensing signal of the second sensing area, independently controls the second isolation device, and then controls the opening and closing of the second inlet branch and the inlet main pipe; when one inlet branch is isolated, the fluid is configured to flow in through the inlet valve in the remaining inlet branch.

[0020] Furthermore, when the control unit detects air bubbles in the inlet branch, it controls the isolation device of that branch to close, thus isolating the inlet branch. Once one inlet branch is isolated, fluid flows into the chamber and out through the remaining inlet branches. This redundant inlet branch system allows for automatic flow path switching by closing the inlet branches in the event of an air bubble intrusion fault. Although the flow resistance of the inlet channel increases somewhat, this ensures the system remains operational and maintains stable performance.

[0021] Furthermore, the first wheel valve, the second wheel valve, and the third wheel valve are all wheel valve structures. The wheel valve structure is provided with a support beam and a valve plate. The two ends of the support beam are respectively connected to the body of the core layer and the valve plate. The support beam is distributed in a circumferential array for elastic support of the valve plate.

[0022] Furthermore, the valve body is shaped as an ellipse with the outlet valve as the center and the major axis as the direction, and the ellipses overlap each other, with the overlapping part located at the center of the figure; each ellipse part includes an inlet valve (a first inlet valve and a second inlet valve), and the outlet valve is located at the overlapping part (center position); there may be more than two ellipses. In the figure, the ellipses are distributed in a circular array, and each ellipse has an inlet valve on its outer periphery, with the outlet valve located at the overlapping part of the central ellipse.

[0023] Furthermore, the length 'a' of the major semi-axis of the ellipse is not less than 1.5 times the length 'b' of the minor semi-axis.

[0024] Furthermore, the outlet valve is located at the center of the chamber, and the first inlet valve and the second inlet valve are distributed around the outlet valve on the periphery of the chamber. By having the outlet valve located at the center and the inlet valves distributed around it, a centripetal converging flow field can be obtained. The fluid flows from the periphery of the chamber (where the inlet valves are located) to the outlet valve at the center. This makes the flow field in the chamber stable and symmetrical, which reduces dead zones (areas where the fluid does not flow) and eddies in the chamber, thereby reducing fluid pressure pulsation and the generation of bubbles.

[0025] A diaphragm pump employing the parallel inlet valve group of the present invention includes a base, a chamber, a valve body, and a vibrating diaphragm. The vibration of the vibrating diaphragm directly acts on the chamber, and the fluid transport of the diaphragm pump is achieved by alternating the volume of the chamber and the one-way valve effect of the valve body.

[0026] Furthermore, a flow-gathering cavity is provided at the center of the chamber; the flow-gathering cavity is connected to the chamber.

[0027] Furthermore, a valve body is installed inside the flow-gathering cavity.

[0028] Furthermore, the height H of the flow-gathering cavity after the valve body is installed is not less than the height H of the chamber.

[0029] Furthermore, a hydrophobic film is provided on the surface of the chamber; the hydrophobic film is made of the same material as the friction layer, maintaining the same hydrophilic and hydrophobic wettability characteristics.

[0030] Furthermore, the vibrating diaphragm is concentrically connected to a piezoelectric crystal; an insulating membrane is concentrically connected to one side of the cavity of the vibrating diaphragm; the insulating membrane can effectively shield the influence of the electrical signal of the piezoelectric crystal on the sensing area.

[0031] With the outlet valve located in the center and the radial structure of the surrounding inlet valves (first inlet valve and second inlet valve), the flow field in the chamber is stable and the bubbles converge towards the center. Combined with the bubble sensing settings of the first and second sensing areas, this invention can both detect bubbles and improve the bubble removal effect, fundamentally improving the reliability and stability of the diaphragm pump.

[0032] The sensing zone, based on the triboelectric effect, obtains the sensing signal of a bubble passing through, and can be divided into four working states: a first working state, a second working state, a third working state, and a fourth working state. Taking the second sensing zone as an example: In the first working state, due to the setting of the flow-gathering cavity (the fluid mainly flows within the flow-gathering cavity), the bubble will move along the friction layer. Based on the principle of triboelectricity, where the friction layer is a triboelectric negative electrode material, before the bubble enters the sensing area of ​​the second electrode, the friction layer carries a negative charge, and the liquid on the surface of the friction layer carries a positive charge. In the second working state, when the bubble begins to enter the sensing area of ​​the second electrode, based on the triboelectric effect, the positive charge of the liquid is transferred to the second electrode. The second electrode is connected to the control unit through a wire, and the control unit can detect the presence of the bubble by sensing the change in the electrostatic voltage of the second electrode. In the third working state, when the bubble is completely in the sensing area of ​​the second electrode, the charge of the second electrode does not change. In the fourth working state, when the bubble begins to leave the sensing area of ​​the second electrode, the positive charge of the second electrode begins to transfer to the liquid. The control unit can detect the detachment state of the bubble by monitoring the change in the electrostatic voltage of the second electrode. Based on the above, when the bubble enters the chamber, the control unit can detect the entry and detachment states of the bubble by monitoring the change in the electrostatic voltage of the first and second electrodes.

[0033] Features and advantages: 1. The arrangement of outlet valve center and peripheral inlet valves makes the chamber flow field more stable and bubbles easier to remove; 2. The arrangement of flow convergence chamber and sensing areas (first sensing area and second sensing area) can accurately sense the state and presence of bubbles; 3. The parallel inlet arrangement combined with a separate isolation device can effectively improve the microfluidic system's isolation of bubbles, resulting in higher system stability and reliability; 4. The diaphragm pump using parallel inlet valve group has a simple structure, strong bubble removal capacity, and is easy to integrate, making it very suitable for microfluidic systems with portability requirements. Attached Figure Description

[0034] Figure 1 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a preferred embodiment of the valve body (800); Figure 2 This is a preferred embodiment of a parallel inlet valve assembly based on bubble sensing; Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A bottom view; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the friction layer (3); Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the core layer (2); Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure after the core layer (2) is fitted with the first electrode (41) and the second electrode (42); Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the support layer (1); Figure 8 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a preferred embodiment of a diaphragm pump using the valve assembly of the present invention; Figure 9 yes Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the AA-direction cross-section; Figure 10 yes Figure 9 A magnified view of a portion of region C; Figure 11 , Figure 12 , Figure 13 , Figure 14 The diagram shows the working principle of the second sensing area (121) sensing bubbles in a liquid environment, which are the first working state, the second working state, the third working state and the fourth working state of sensing bubbles respectively. Figure 15 yes Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of another preferred embodiment; Wherein: 1-Support layer; 2-Core layer; 3-Friction layer; 11-First through hole; 12-Second through hole; 13-Third through hole; 21-First wheel valve; 22-Second wheel valve; 23-Third wheel valve; 31-Fourth through hole; 32-Fifth through hole; 33-Sixth through hole; 110-First inlet valve; 120-Second inlet valve; 130-Outlet valve; 111-First sensing area; 121-Second sensing area; 201-Valve plate; 202-Support beam; 2 00-Body; 210-First mounting hole; 211-Second mounting hole; 41-First electrode; 42-Second electrode; 400-Epipolar portion; 5-Substrate; 51-First inlet branch; 52-Second inlet branch; 53-Outlet channel; 6-Cavity; 61-Colour convergence cavity; 7-Vibrating membrane; 71-Piezoelectric wafer; 72-Insulating membrane; 8-Hydrophobic membrane; 510-First isolation device; 520-Second isolation device; 600-Control unit; 800-Valve body. Detailed Implementation

[0035] The technical solution of the present invention will now be clearly and completely described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the terms "middle," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship, are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings and are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the present invention. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0036] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0037] The specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are for illustration and explanation only and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0038] The technical solution of the present invention will now be clearly and completely described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments.

[0039] Please see Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 , Figure 9 , Figure 11 , Figure 12 , Figure 13 , Figure 14 , Figure 15 This invention proposes a parallel inlet valve assembly based on bubble sensing. The valve assembly includes a valve body 800, a base 5, and a chamber 6. The valve body 800 is connected from top to bottom to a support layer 1, a core layer 2, and a friction layer 3.

[0040] Furthermore, the friction layer 3 is provided with a fourth through hole 31, a fifth through hole 32, and a sixth through hole 33; the fourth through hole 31 and the fifth through hole 32 are symmetrical structures, and their symmetrical central axis is the vertical central axis of the friction layer 3; the sixth through hole 33 is located at the center of the friction layer 3.

[0041] Furthermore, the friction layer 3 is flat and is a triboelectric material, such as polytetrafluoroethylene.

[0042] Further, the core layer 2 is provided with a first wheel valve 21, a second wheel valve 22, a third wheel valve 23, a first mounting hole 210, and a second mounting hole 211; the first mounting hole 210 is located between the first wheel valve 21 and the third wheel valve 23; the second mounting hole 211 is located between the second wheel valve 22 and the third wheel valve 23; in this embodiment, the first wheel valve 21 and the second wheel valve 23 are symmetric structures, and their symmetric central axis is the vertical central axis of the core layer 2, and the third wheel valve 23 is located at the center of the core layer 2.

[0043] Further, the core layer 2 is in the shape of a flat plate, for example, made of a resin material.

[0044] Further, the first mounting hole 210 and the second mounting hole ② are symmetric structures, and their symmetric central axis is the vertical central axis of the core layer 2.

[0045] [[ID=⑨]]Further, a first electrode 41 is provided in the first mounting hole 210; a second electrode 42 is provided in the second mounting hole 211; the first electrode 41 fills the first mounting hole 210; the second electrode 42 fills the second mounting hole 211.

[0046] Further, the support layer 1 is provided with a first through hole 11, a second through hole 12, and a third through hole 13; the first through hole 11 and the second through hole 12 are symmetric structures, and their symmetric central axis is the vertical central axis of the support layer 1; the third through hole 13 is located at the center of the support layer 1.

[0047] Further, the first through hole 11, the first wheel valve 21, and the fourth through hole 31 are coaxially installed to form a first inlet valve 110, and the first inlet valve 110 realizes the one-way flow of fluid from top to bottom; the inner diameter D11 of the first through hole 11 is smaller than the diameter D210 of the valve plate 201 of the first wheel valve 21, and 1.1×D11 < D210 < 1.2×D11; the inner diameter D31 of the fourth through hole 31 is not less than the inner diameter D21 of the first wheel valve 21.

[0048] Further, the second through hole 12, the second wheel valve 22, and the fifth through hole 32 are coaxially installed to form a second inlet valve 120, and the second inlet valve 120 realizes the one-way flow of fluid from top to bottom; the inner diameter D12 of the second through hole 12 is smaller than the diameter D220 of the valve plate 201 of the second wheel valve 22, and +1.1×D12 < D220 < 1.2×D12; the aperture D32 of the fifth through hole 32 is not less than the inner diameter D22 of the second wheel valve 22.

[0049] It should be noted that there is a small error in the original text. In the translation of , "第二安装孔211" was translated as "第二安装孔②", which should be corrected to "第二安装孔211". Also, in the translation of , "填充满" was translated as "填充满", which should be corrected to "fill". These corrections have been made in the above translation.Further, the third through-hole 13, the third wheel valve 23 and the sixth through-hole 33 are coaxially installed to form an outlet valve 130, and the outlet valve 130 realizes the one-way flow of fluid from bottom to top; the inner diameter D33 of the sixth through-hole 33 is smaller than the diameter D230 of the valve disc 201 of the third wheel valve 23, and 1.1×D33 < D230 < 1.2×D33; the aperture D13 of the third through-hole 13 is not less than the inner diameter D23 of the third wheel valve 23.

[0050] Further, the base body 5 is provided with a first inlet branch 51, a second inlet branch 52, an outlet flow channel 53 and a chamber 6; the first inlet valve 110 and the second inlet valve 120 are parallel inlet valves; on the upper side of the valve body 800, the first inlet valve 110 and the second inlet valve 120 are both independently connected to an inlet branch. The first inlet valve 110 is connected to the first inlet branch 51, the second inlet valve 120 is connected to the second inlet branch 52, the first inlet branch 51 and the second inlet branch 52 are jointly connected to the inlet main pipe, and the outlet valve 130 is connected to the outlet main pipe through the outlet flow channel 53; on the lower side of the valve body 800, the first inlet valve 110, the second inlet valve 120 and the outlet valve130 are communicated through the chamber 6; the first inlet valve 110 controls the one-way flow from the first inlet branch 51 to the chamber 6; the second inlet valve 120 controls the one-way flow from the second inlet branch 52 to the chamber 6; the outlet valve 130 controls the one-way flow from the chamber 6 to the outlet flow channel 53.

[0051] Further, the first inlet branch 51 is provided with a first partition device 510; the first partition device 510 can realize the partition and connection between the first inlet branch 51 and the inlet main pipe through external control.

[0052] Further, the second inlet branch 52 is provided with a second partition device 520; the second partition device 520 can realize the partition and connection between the second inlet branch 52 and the inlet main pipe through external control.

[0053] Further, the first partition device 510 and the second partition device 520 are solenoid valves or piezoelectric valves.

[0054] Further, the first electrode 41 is arranged in the core layer 2; the first electrode 41 cooperates with the friction layer 3 and the support layer 1 to form a first sensing area 111; the first sensing area 111 is located between the first inlet valve 110 and the outlet valve 130; the first electrode 41 and the area of the friction layer 1 contacted by it form a pair of triboelectric mechanisms to form a sensing area. Based on the triboelectric effect, the first sensing area 111 can generate a sensing signal when a bubble passes through the surface of the friction layer in a liquid environment.

[0055] Furthermore, the second electrode 42 is disposed within the core layer 2; the second electrode 42, together with the friction layer 3 and the support layer 1, constitutes the second sensing area 121; the second sensing area 121 is located between the second inlet valve 120 and the outlet valve 130; the second electrode 42 and the area of ​​the friction layer 1 it contacts constitute a sensing area as a pair of triboelectric mechanisms. Based on the triboelectric effect, the second sensing area 121 can generate a sensing signal when a bubble passes through the surface of the friction layer in a liquid environment.

[0056] Furthermore, the first electrode 41, the second electrode 42, the first isolation device 510, and the second isolation device 520 are electrically connected to the control unit 600; the control unit 600 determines whether there are air bubbles in the first inlet branch 51 based on the sensing signal of the first sensing area 111, independently controls the first isolation device 510, and then controls the connection and disconnection between the first inlet branch 51 and the inlet main pipe; the control unit 600 determines whether there are air bubbles in the second inlet branch 52 based on the sensing signal of the second sensing area 121, independently controls the second isolation device 520, and then controls the connection and disconnection between the second inlet branch 52 and the inlet main pipe; when one inlet branch is isolated, the fluid is configured to flow in through the inlet valve in the remaining inlet branch.

[0057] Furthermore, the first electrode 41 and the second electrode 42 are provided with an epitaxial portion 400, which is connected to an external wire and electrically connected to the control unit 600 through the wire.

[0058] Furthermore, when the control unit 600 detects air bubbles in the inlet branch, it controls the isolation device of that branch to close, thus isolating the inlet branch. Once one inlet branch is isolated, fluid flows into the chamber and out through the remaining inlet branches. This redundant inlet branch system allows for automatic flow path switching by closing the inlet branches in the event of an air bubble intrusion fault. Although the flow resistance of the inlet channel increases somewhat, this ensures the system remains operational and maintains stable performance.

[0059] Furthermore, the first wheel valve 21, the second wheel valve 22, and the third wheel valve 23 are all wheel valve structures. The wheel valve structure is provided with a support beam 202 and a valve plate 201. The two ends of the support beam 202 are respectively connected to the body 200 of the core layer 2 and the valve plate 210. The support beam 202 is distributed in a circumferential array for elastic support of the valve plate 201.

[0060] Furthermore, the valve body 800 is shaped as an ellipse with multiple circular arrays distributed around the outlet valve 130 as the center and along the major axis, and these arrays overlap, with the overlapping portion located at the center of the shape; each elliptical portion includes an inlet valve (a first inlet valve 110 and a second inlet valve 120), and the outlet valve 130 is located in the overlapping portion (at the center); as Figure 8 and 15 As shown, there can be more than two ellipses. Figure 15 In the middle, four ellipses are distributed in a circular array. Each ellipse is provided with an inlet valve on the periphery, and the outlet valve 130 is located at the intersection of the central ellipse.

[0061] Furthermore, the length 'a' of the major semi-axis of the ellipse is not less than 1.5 times the length 'b' of the minor semi-axis.

[0062] Furthermore, the outlet valve 120 is located at the center of the chamber 6, and the first inlet valve 110 and the second inlet valve 120 are distributed around the outlet valve 120 around the periphery of the chamber 6. By having the outlet valve 120 located at the center and the inlet valves distributed around it, a centripetal converging flow field can be obtained. The fluid flows from the periphery of the chamber 6 (where the inlet valves are located) to the outlet valve 120 at the center. This makes the flow field in the chamber 6 stable and symmetrical, which reduces dead zones (areas where the fluid does not flow) and eddies in the chamber 6, thereby reducing fluid pressure pulsation and bubble generation.

[0063] A diaphragm pump employing the parallel inlet valve assembly of the present invention, such as Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, the diaphragm pump includes a base 5, a chamber 6, a valve body 800, and a vibrating diaphragm 7. The vibration of the vibrating diaphragm 7 directly acts on the chamber 6. The fluid transport of the diaphragm pump is achieved by alternating the volume of the chamber 6 and the one-way valve effect of the valve body 800.

[0064] Furthermore, a flow-gathering cavity 61 is provided at the center of the chamber 6; the flow-gathering cavity 61 is connected to the chamber 6.

[0065] Furthermore, a valve body 800 is installed inside the flow-gathering cavity 61.

[0066] Furthermore, the height H1 of the flow-gathering cavity 61 after the valve body 800 is installed is not less than the height H2 of the chamber 6.

[0067] Furthermore, a hydrophobic film 8 is provided on the surface of the chamber 6; the hydrophobic film 8 is made of the same material as the friction layer 3, and maintains the same hydrophilic and hydrophobic wettability characteristics.

[0068] Furthermore, the vibrating diaphragm 7 is concentrically connected to a piezoelectric wafer 71; and the vibrating diaphragm 7 is concentrically connected to an insulating membrane 72 on one side of the chamber 6.

[0069] Furthermore, the surface of the chamber 6 is a spherical cap, and the center of the chamber 6 is the highest point of the spherical cap. The spherical cap design reduces the dead volume of the chamber 6. At the same time, if bubbles are trapped in the chamber 6, the buoyancy and vibration of the bubbles will cause them to flow towards the center of the chamber 6. Since the outlet valve 120 is located in the center, this will help to remove the bubbles.

[0070] With the outlet valve 120 located in the center and the radial structure of the surrounding inlet valves (first inlet valve 110 and second inlet valve 120), the flow field in the chamber is stable and the bubbles converge toward the center. Combined with the bubble sensing settings of the first sensing area 111 and the second sensing area 121, the present invention can both detect bubbles and improve the bubble removal effect, fundamentally improving the reliability and stability of the diaphragm pump.

[0071] like Figure 11 , Figure 12 , Figure 13 , Figure 14 As shown, the first, second, third, and fourth operating states of the second sensing zone 121, based on the triboelectric effect, are illustrated in a liquid environment, respectively. Figure 11 As shown, in the first working state, due to the configuration of the flow-gathering cavity 61 (where the fluid mainly flows), the bubbles will move along the friction layer 3. Based on the principle of triboelectricity, where the friction layer 3 is a negative electrode material, before the bubbles enter the sensing area of ​​the second electrode 42, the friction layer 3 carries a negative charge, and the liquid on the surface of the friction layer 3 carries a positive charge; as shown... Figure 12 As shown, in the second operating state, when a bubble begins to enter the sensing area of ​​the second electrode 42, based on the triboelectric effect, the positive charge of the liquid is transferred to the second electrode 42. The second electrode 42 is connected to the control unit 600 via a wire. The control unit 600 can detect the presence of the bubble by sensing the change in the electrostatic voltage of the second electrode 42. Figure 13 As shown, in the third operating state, when the bubble is completely within the sensing area of ​​the second electrode 42, the charge on the second electrode 42 does not change; Figure 14 As shown, in the fourth working state, when the bubble begins to detach from the sensing area of ​​the second electrode 42, the positive charge of the second electrode 42 begins to transfer to the liquid. The control unit can sense the detachment state of the bubble by monitoring the electrostatic voltage change of the second electrode 42. Based on the above, when the bubble enters the chamber 6, the control unit 600 can detect the entry and detachment state of the bubble by the electrostatic voltage change of the first electrode 41 and the second electrode 42.

Claims

1. A parallel inlet valve assembly, characterized in that, include: Valve body; At least two parallel inlet valves are installed on the valve body, each inlet valve is connected to an inlet branch, and the inlet branches are connected to the main inlet pipe. An outlet valve is installed on the valve body and located at the center of the valve body, and the outlet valve is connected to the outlet manifold. At least two of the inlet valves are distributed circumferentially around the outlet valve; Multiple sensing zones are disposed on the valve body and located between the inlet valve and the outlet valve, and one of the sensing zones is configured to generate a sensing signal for a bubble passing between the inlet valve and the outlet valve based on the triboelectric effect. A blocking device is provided on each of the said inlet branches, the blocking device being configured to selectively block one of the said inlet branches; A control unit, which is electrically connected to the sensing area and the isolation device, is configured to determine the bubble state or presence or absence of a certain inlet branch based on the sensing signal of the sensing area, and independently control the on / off state of the inlet branch through the isolation device. When one inlet branch is disconnected, the fluid is configured to flow in through the inlet valve in at least one of the remaining parallel inlet branches.

2. A parallel inlet valve assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The valve body is composed of a support layer, a core layer, and a friction layer connected in sequence; an electrode is provided in the core layer; one electrode and the area of ​​the friction layer it contacts constitute one sensing area.

3. A parallel inlet valve assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The valve body is shaped like an ellipse with the outlet valve as the center and the major axis as the direction, and the ellipses overlap each other, with the overlapping part located at the center of the shape; each elliptical part contains an inlet valve, and the outlet valve is located at the center of the overlapping part.

4. A parallel inlet valve assembly based on claim 3, characterized in that: The length 'a' of the major semi-axis of the ellipse is not less than 1.5 times the length 'b' of the minor semi-axis.

5. A diaphragm pump, characterized in that: Includes the parallel inlet valve assembly as described in claim 1; and a vibrating diaphragm; a flow-gathering chamber is provided at the center of the chamber; the flow-gathering chamber is connected to the chamber; the parallel inlet valve assembly is installed in the flow-gathering chamber; the outlet valve is located at the center of the chamber; the inlet valves are arranged in a circular array around the outlet valve, distributed around the periphery of the chamber.

6. A diaphragm pump as described in claim 5, characterized in that: The height H1 of the flow-gathering cavity after the parallel inlet valve group is installed is not less than the height H2 of the cavity.

7. A diaphragm pump as described in claim 5, characterized in that: The surface of the chamber is provided with a hydrophobic film; the hydrophobic film is made of the same material as the friction layer.

8. A diaphragm pump as described in claim 5, characterized in that: The chamber is spherical.

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