Pumps and Fluid Supply Devices

JP7632971B2Active Publication Date: 2025-02-19MINEBEAMITSUMI INC
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2021058522
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2021-03-30
Publication Date
2025-02-19
Estimated Expiration
2041-03-30

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

【0017】 本発明のポンプでは、筐体がY軸方向の平面視で凹状に湾曲または屈曲している。そのため、例えば、スマートウォッチ、血圧計等のウェアラブル端末のように人体の表面(皮膚)に沿うように設計された凹状の湾曲形状を有する流体供給装置に搭載し易くなる。

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Abstract

To provide a pump that is easy to be installed on a fluid supply device having a concave curved surface designed so as to conform to the surface (skin) of a human body, such as a wearable device such as a smart watch or a blood pressure monitor, and a fluid supply device comprising the pump.SOLUTION: A pump 5 has a sealed chamber 91, a movable wall 92 that changes the volume of the sealed chamber 91, and a vibration actuator 8 that electromagnetically drives and displaces the movable wall 92 to discharge fluid in the sealed chamber 91 to the outside of the sealed chamber 91. When the three mutually orthogonal axes are the X-axis, the Y-axis, and the Z-axis, a direction along the X-axis is an X-axis direction, a direction along the Y-axis is a Y-axis direction, and a direction along the Z-axis is a Z-axis direction, a contour has a concave shape when viewed in plan from the Y-axis direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6
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Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention is Puo and a fluid supply device. [Background technology]

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

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-041469 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, as shown in Fig. 1, when attempting to mount a cylindrical pump 50 in a device 10 having a concave flattened curved shape designed to fit the surface (skin) of the human body, such as a wearable device such as a smart watch or blood pressure monitor, the pump 50 may interfere with the device 10 and may not be mountable even if there is sufficient space within the device 10. In such a case, in order to mount the pump 50, it is necessary to make the pump 50 smaller, as shown by the two-dot chain line, or to make the device 10 larger, as shown by the one-dot chain line, but the former may make it difficult to reduce the size due to technical issues, and the latter will result in the device 10 becoming larger.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of these points, and in particular has an object to provide a pump having a shape that is easy to mount within an apparatus having a concave curved shape, and a fluid supply device in which such a pump is mounted. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] Such objectives are as follows: 6 This is achieved by the present invention.

[0007] (1) A sealed chamber; A movable wall that changes the volume of the sealed chamber; a vibration actuator that is electromagnetically driven to displace the movable wall and discharge the fluid in the sealed chamber to the outside of the sealed chamber; a case for housing the vibration actuator; having the vibration actuator comprises a movable body that is movable relative to the case and has a magnet, and a coil core portion that is fixed to the case, The three mutually orthogonal axes are the X-axis, the Y-axis, and the Z-axis. When the direction along the X-axis is the X-axis direction, the direction along the Y-axis is the Y-axis direction, and the direction along the Z-axis is the Z-axis direction, When viewed in a plane from the Y-axis direction, In the above case The shape arc The shape the law of nature, the movable body has an arc shape following the outer shape of the case, The coil core portion includes a core and a pair of coils wound around the core, The core is a flat plate curved in an arc shape following the outer shape of the case. A pump characterized by:

[0012] ( 2 ) The vibration actuator The movable body The movable wall is displaced by reciprocating vibration in the X-axis direction. On top of that Note(1 ) The pump as described.

[0014] ( 3 ) above Y In plan view in the axial direction, In the above case The outer shape is An arc shape curved in a substantially arc shape around the Y axis The above (1) or ( 2) The pump as described. (4) The core includes a flat body curved in an arc shape following the outer shape of the case, and a pair of protrusions protruding from the body in the Z-axis direction and around which the pair of coils are wound, The case has an arc-shaped upper plate and an arc-shaped bottom plate facing the upper plate, the main body portion of the core has an arc-shaped upper surface facing the top plate of the case and an arc-shaped lower surface fixed onto an inner surface of the bottom plate of the case, The pump according to (1) above, wherein the pair of protrusions are provided on the upper surface of the main body portion of the core so as to be spaced apart from each other.

[0015] ( 5 ) (1) or ( 4 2. A fluid supply device comprising the pump according to claim 1.

[0016] ( 6) worn on the human body, The pump is mounted on a part having a curved shape that fits the human body. 5 ) The fluid supply device according to claim 1 . Effect of the Invention

[0017] In the pump of the present invention, the housing is curved or bent in a concave shape when viewed in a plan view in the Y-axis direction, which makes it easy to mount the pump in a fluid supplying device having a concave curved shape designed to fit the surface (skin) of the human body, such as a wearable device such as a smart watch or a blood pressure monitor. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram for explaining problems with the conventional technology. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an electronic blood pressure monitor according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a pump mounted on the electronic blood pressure monitor. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a plan view of the pump as seen from the Y-axis direction. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the pump is mounted on the electronic blood pressure monitor. [Figure 6] FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a driving state of the pump. [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a driving state of the pump. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a pump according to a second embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 4 is a plan view of the pump as seen from the Y-axis direction. [Figure 11] FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a driving state of the pump. [Figure 13] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a driving state of the pump. [Figure 14] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a pump according to a third embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 4 is a plan view of the pump as seen from the Y-axis direction. [Figure 16] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the pump is mounted on the electronic blood pressure monitor. [Figure 17] FIG. [Figure 18] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a driving state of the pump. [Figure 19] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a driving state of the pump. [Figure 20] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a helmet according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 21] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a pump mounted on a helmet. [Figure 22] FIG. 4 is a plan view of the pump as seen from the Y-axis direction. [Diagram 23] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the pump as seen from the X-axis direction. [Figure 24] FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0019] The pump system and the fluid supply device of the present invention will be described in detail below based on the preferred embodiment shown in the attached drawings. For convenience of explanation, the three mutually orthogonal axes are referred to as the X-axis, the Y-axis, and the Z-axis. The direction along the X-axis is also referred to as the "X-axis direction", the direction along the Y-axis is also referred to as the "Y-axis direction", and the direction along the Z-axis is also referred to as the "Z-axis direction". The arrow side of each axis is also referred to as the "plus side", and the opposite side is also referred to as the "minus side". The plus side of the Z-axis direction is also referred to as the "upper side", and the minus side is also referred to as the "lower side".

[0020] First Embodiment Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing the electronic blood pressure monitor according to the first embodiment. Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing a pump mounted on the electronic blood pressure monitor. Fig. 4 is a plan view of the pump as viewed from the Y-axis direction. Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the pump mounted on the electronic blood pressure monitor. Fig. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the pump. Figs. 7 and 8 are cross-sectional views showing the pump in a driven state.

[0021] FIG. 2 shows an electronic blood pressure monitor 1 as a fluid supplying device. 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 attached to a measurement site H (for example, an arm) of a subject, and a bag (not shown) inside the cuff 3 is inflated by fluid supply from the main body 2 to press the measurement site H. The main body 2 measures the pressure inside the cuff 3 and calculates the blood pressure of the subject based on the measurement result. In the electronic blood pressure monitor 1, the main body 2 and the cuff 3 are integrally provided, and the main body 2 is attached to the measurement site H together with the cuff 3. The fluid supplied from the main body 2 to the cuff 3 is not particularly limited and may be a liquid or a gas, but is preferably a gas. In the following, for convenience of explanation, the fluid is described as air.

[0022] When blood pressure is measured according to a general oscillometric method, the procedure is as follows. First, the cuff 3 is wrapped around the subject's measurement site H. Then, when measuring blood pressure, air is supplied from the main body 2 into the cuff 3 to make the pressure in the cuff 3 (cuff pressure) higher than the systolic blood pressure. The pressure is then gradually reduced, and during this process the pressure in the cuff 3 is detected by the main body 2, and the fluctuation in the arterial volume occurring in the artery at the measurement site H is extracted as a pulse wave signal. The systolic blood pressure (systolic blood pressure) and diastolic blood pressure (diastolic blood pressure) are calculated based on the change in the amplitude of the pulse wave signal accompanying the change in cuff pressure, mainly the rise and fall. However, the blood pressure measurement method is not particularly limited. For example, the Libarocchi-Korotkoff method, which is commonly used together with the oscillometric method, may be used.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 2, the main body 2 has a concave curved shape that fits the surface of the measurement site H. Specifically, the main body 2 has an arc shape that is curved in an approximately arc shape around the Y axis when viewed in a plan view from the Y axis direction. Such a main body 2 (the part that fits along the human body) has built-in pump 5 that supplies air into cuff 3, pressure sensor 4 that detects the pressure in cuff 3, and control device 6 that controls the operation of each part. In addition, a button 21 for starting blood pressure measurement, a display 22 for displaying the measurement result, and the like are provided on the surface of the main body 2. However, the configuration of the electronic blood pressure monitor 1 is not particularly limited.

[0024] <Pump 5> 3 and 4, the pump 5 has an outer shape (contour shape) that is flat with the thickness direction being in the Z-axis direction and the length in the Z-axis direction being shorter than the lengths in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction. This results in a thin pump 5. The pump 5 also has an outer shape (contour shape) that is concave in accordance with the shape of the main body 2. Specifically, the pump 5 has an outer shape that is flat and concave in plan view from the Y-axis direction, and is an arc shape that is curved in an approximately arc shape around the Y-axis.

[0025] That is, the pump 5 has a pair of main surfaces 5a, 5b arranged in the Z-axis direction, and these main surfaces 5a, 5b are each configured as a curved surface in a circular arc shape concentrically curved around the Y-axis when viewed in a plan view from the Y-axis direction. The radius of curvature of the pump 5 is approximately equal to the radius of curvature of the main body 2. As a result, the pump 5 has a curved shape that follows the curvature of the main body 2, and as shown in FIG. 5, the pump 5 can be mounted by fitting it into the circular arc-shaped space S in the main body 2. Therefore, the pump 5 can be mounted on the main body 2 without having to reduce the size of the pump 5 or increase the size of the main body 2 as in the conventional case. In particular, by making the outer shape circular arc-shaped, corners are eliminated from the main surfaces 5a, 5b, and the pump 5 can be reduced in size.

[0026] Furthermore, the outer shape (contour shape) of the pump 5 is approximately rectangular with its longitudinal direction in the Y-axis direction when viewed in a plan view from the X-axis direction, and is approximately rectangular with its longitudinal direction in the Y-axis direction when viewed in a plan view from the Z-axis direction.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 3, the pump 5 has a case 7 and pump sections 9A and 9B provided on both sides of the case 7 in the Y axis direction. The pump section 9A is located on the positive side of the case 7 in the Y axis direction, and the pump section 9B is located on the negative side of the case 7 in the Y axis direction. The outer shape (contour shape) of the pump 5 is formed by the case 7 and the pump sections 9A and 9B. However, the members that form the outer shape of the pump 5 are not particularly limited. For example, the pump sections 9A and 9B may be housed in the case 7, and the outer shape of the pump 5 may essentially be formed by the case 7 alone.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 6, the case 7 has a box-shaped base 71 that opens on the positive side in the Z-axis direction, and a lid 72 that closes the opening of the base 71. This configuration makes it easier to accommodate various components inside the case 7. In particular, by forming an opening on the positive side in the Z-axis direction, the opening can be made larger, making the above-mentioned effects more pronounced. In addition, openings 711 are formed on both side surfaces of the base 71 in the Y-axis direction for inserting the pressers 822a and 823a, which will be described later. Such a case 7 not only protects the various internal components, but also functions as an electromagnetic shield.

[0029] The case 7 contains a vibration actuator 8 and a pair of springs 51A, 51B. The vibration actuator 8 has a movable body 82 that is movable in the Y-axis direction relative to the case 7, and a coil core portion 85 fixed to the case 7. In the vibration actuator 8, the movable body 82 can be vibrated back and forth in the Y-axis direction by supplying power to the coil core portion 85. By configuring the movable body 82 to vibrate back and forth in the Y-axis direction in this manner, the length of the pump 5 in the X-axis direction can be reduced.

[0030] The coil core portion 85 has a bobbin 851 and a pair of coils 852, 853 wound around the bobbin 851. The bobbin 851 is tubular extending in the Y-axis direction and has an arc shape following the outer shape of the case 7. The pair of coils 852, 853 are arranged side by side in the Y-axis direction. The coil 852 is located on the positive side of the center of the bobbin 851 in the Y-axis direction, and the coil 853 is located on the negative side of the center of the bobbin 851 in the Y-axis direction. In this embodiment, annular grooves 851a, 851b are formed on the outer periphery of the bobbin 851. The coil 852 is wound around the groove 851a, and the coil 853 is wound around the groove 851b. With this configuration, the grooves 851a, 851b function as positioning portions for the coils 852, 853, making it easy to position and wind the coils 852, 853.

[0031] The movable body 82 is inserted into a tubular bobbin 851. The movable body 82 is plate-shaped and has an arc shape following the outer shape of the case 7. The movable body 82 is supported via a guide (not shown) so as to be capable of reciprocating vibration in the Y-axis direction relative to the case 7. The 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 embodiment, the yoke 822 side is the N pole and the yoke 823 side is the S pole.

[0032] The yoke 822 has a pressing element 822a that protrudes toward the positive side in the Y axis direction (toward the pump unit 9A). Similarly, the yoke 823 has a pressing element 823a that protrudes toward the negative side in the Y axis direction (toward the pump unit 9B). The pressing element 822a protrudes outside the case 7 through one opening 711 and is connected to the pump unit 9A. Similarly, the pressing element 823a protrudes outside the case 7 through the other opening 711 and is connected to the pump unit 9B. When the movable body 82 is displaced toward the positive side in the Y axis direction, the pressing element 822a presses the pump unit 9A, and air is discharged from the pump unit 9A. Conversely, when the movable body 82 is displaced toward the negative side in the Y axis direction, the pressing element 823a presses the pump unit 9B, and air is discharged from the pump unit 9B.

[0033] The spring 51A is located between the movable body 82 and the pump section 9A. The spring 51A has a fixed portion 51A1 fixed to the case 7, an engagement portion 51A2 engaged with the yoke 822, and a spring portion 51A3 connecting the fixed portion 51A1 and the engagement portion 51A2. On the other hand, the spring 51B is located between the movable body 82 and the pump section 9B. The spring 51B has a fixed portion 51B1 fixed to the case 7, an engagement portion 51B2 engaged with the yoke 823, and a spring portion 51B3 connecting the fixed portion 51B1 and the engagement portion 51B2.

[0034] 7 and 8, in a state where no power is supplied to coil core portion 85 (hereinafter also referred to as the "natural state"), movable body 82 is held approximately in the center of bobbin 851 by the elasticity of springs 51A, 51B located on both sides thereof. In the natural state, in a plan view from the Z axis direction, the end of magnet 821 on the positive side in the Y axis direction overlaps with coil 852, and the end of magnet 821 on the negative side in the Y axis direction overlaps with coil 853.

[0035] The pump units 9A and 9B are arranged on either side in the Y-axis direction of the case 7 that houses the vibration actuator 8. Specifically, the pump unit 9A is arranged on the positive side in the Y-axis direction of the case 7, and the pump unit 9B is arranged on the negative side in the Y-axis direction. As shown in Figures 7 and 8, these pump units 9A and 9B have the same configuration, and each has a sealed chamber 91 and a movable wall 92.

[0036] The sealed chamber 91 is connected to an intake port 98 for drawing in air from the outside and an exhaust port 99 for discharging air inside the sealed chamber 91. A valve 93 is provided between the sealed chamber 91 and the intake port 98. The valve 93 allows air to be drawn into the sealed chamber 91 from the intake port 98 and regulates the discharge of air from the sealed chamber 91 to the intake port 98. A valve 94 is provided between the sealed chamber 91 and the exhaust port 99. The valve 94 allows air to be discharged from the sealed chamber 91 to the exhaust port 99 and regulates the intake of air from the exhaust port 99 to the sealed chamber 91. This allows the intake and discharge of air to be performed more reliably and efficiently.

[0037] The movable wall 92 faces the inside of the sealed chamber 91 and constitutes a part of the sealed chamber 91. The movable wall 92 is, for example, a diaphragm, and is made of an elastically deformable material.

[0038] In the pump section 9A, the movable wall 92 constitutes the wall surface on the negative side of the Y-axis direction of the sealed chamber 91, and is connected to a pressing element 822a of a yoke 822. When the movable body 82 is displaced to the positive side in the Y-axis direction, the movable wall 92 is pressed by the pressing element 822a and displaced, and the volume inside the sealed chamber 91 decreases. When 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. On the other hand, when the movable body 82 is displaced to the negative side in the 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. When 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.

[0039] On the other hand, in the pump section 9B, the movable wall 92 constitutes the wall surface of the sealed chamber 91 on the positive side in the Y-axis direction, and is connected to a pressing element 823a of a yoke 823. When the movable body 82 is displaced to the negative side in the Y-axis direction, the movable wall 92 is pressed by the pressing element 823a and displaced, and the volume inside the sealed chamber 91 decreases. When 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. On the other hand, when 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. When 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.

[0040] <Control device 6> 2, the control device 6 has a drive control unit 61 that controls the drive of the vibration actuator 8, and a pressure detection unit 62 that detects the pressure inside the cuff 3. The control device 6 is, for example, configured as a computer, and has a processor (CPU) that processes information, a memory communicatively connected to the processor, and an external interface. In addition, various programs that can be executed by the processor are stored in the memory, and the processor reads and executes the various programs stored in the memory.

[0041] The above describes the configuration of electronic blood pressure monitor 1. Next, the driving of pump 5 will be described.

[0042] The drive control unit 61 applies an AC voltage to the coils 852, 853 so that the first state shown in Fig. 7 and the second state shown in Fig. 8 are alternately repeated. This causes the movable body 82 to vibrate back and forth in the Y-axis direction.

[0043] 7, a thrust force Fy1 is generated in the positive Y-axis direction, displacing the movable body 82 in the positive Y-axis direction. As a result, in pump section 9A, the movable wall 92 is pressed by the pressing element 822a, the volume of the sealed chamber 91 decreases, and air in the sealed chamber 91 is 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 suction port 98.

[0044] 8, thrust Fy2 is generated in the negative Y-axis direction, displacing movable body 82 in the negative Y-axis direction. As a result, in pump section 9B, movable wall 92 is pressed by pressing element 823a, the volume of sealed chamber 91 decreases, and air in sealed chamber 91 is discharged from discharge port 99. Conversely, in pump section 9A, the volume of sealed chamber 91 increases, and air flows into sealed chamber 91 from suction port 98.

[0045] By alternately repeating the first state and the second state, a state in which air is discharged from pump unit 9A and a state in which air is discharged from pump unit 9B are alternately repeated, and air is continuously discharged from pump 5. Then, the air discharged from pump 5 is supplied to cuff 3, and cuff 3 is inflated. The pressure inside cuff 3 is detected by pressure detection unit 62 based on the output of pressure sensor 4.

[0046] The above describes the driving of the pump 5. Next, a description will be given of the driving principle of the pump 5. The vibration actuator 8 is driven based on the equation of motion shown in the following equation (1) and the circuit equation shown in the following equation (2).

[0047]

number

[0048]

number

[0049] Thus, the moment of inertia J [Kg*m 2], displacement angle (rotation angle) θ(t) [rad], thrust constant Kf [Nm / A], current i(t) [A], spring constant Ksp [Nm / rad], damping coefficient D [Nm / (rad / s)], etc. can be set appropriately within a range that satisfies formula (1). Also, voltage e(t) [V], resistance R [Ω], inductance L [H], and back electromotive force constant Ke [V / (rad / s)] can be set appropriately within a range that satisfies formula (2).

[0050] In addition, in the pump 5, the flow rate is set by the following formula (3), and the pressure is set by the following formula (4).

[0051]

number

[0052]

number

[0053] In this way, the flow rate Q [L / min] and the piston area A [m 2 ], piston displacement x [m], drive frequency f [Hz], etc. can be appropriately set within the range that satisfies formula (3). 3 ], fluctuating volume ΔV [m 3 ] etc. can be appropriately set within a range that satisfies formula (4).

[0054] Next, the resonance frequency of the vibration actuator 8 will be described. The vibration actuator 8 has a spring mass system structure that supports the movable body 82 with a magnetic spring formed by the magnetic force acting between the coil core portion 85 and the magnet 821, a physical spring formed by the elasticity of the 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 resonance frequency fr shown in the following formula (5). Therefore, by applying an AC voltage approximately equal to the resonance frequency fr to the coils 852 and 853, the movable body 82 can be resonantly driven, and the pump 5 can be driven efficiently.

[0055]

number

[0056] <Second embodiment> Fig. 9 is a perspective view showing a pump according to a second embodiment. Fig. 10 is a plan view of the pump as viewed from the Y-axis direction. Fig. 11 is an exploded perspective view of the pump. Figs. 12 and 13 are cross-sectional views showing the pump in a driven state.

[0057] The pump 5 of this embodiment is similar to the pump 5 of the first embodiment described above, except that the vibration direction of the movable body 82 is different. Therefore, in the following description, the differences between this embodiment and the previously described embodiment will be mainly described, and the description of the similarities will be omitted. In addition, in Figures 9 to 13, the same reference numerals are used for the same configurations as the previously described embodiment.

[0058] <Pump 5> 9 and 10, the pump 5 has an outer shape (contour shape) that is flat and curved in an approximately arc shape around the Y axis in a plan view from the Y axis direction. The pump 5 has a case 7 and a pair of pump sections 9A and 9B located on both sides of the case 7 in the X axis direction. The pump section 9A is located on the positive side of the case 7 in the X axis direction, and the pump section 9B is located on the negative side of the case 7 in the X axis direction. The case 7 and the pump sections 9A and 9B form the outer shape (contour shape) of the pump 5. However, there are no particular limitations on the members that form the outer shape (contour shape) of the pump 5.

[0059] 11, the case 7 accommodates a vibration actuator 8. The vibration actuator 8 has a movable body 82 that is movable in the X-axis direction relative to the case 7, a guide 83 that guides the movable body 82, and a coil core portion 85 fixed to the case 7. In the vibration actuator 8, by supplying power to the coil core portion 85, the movable body 82 rotates around the Y-axis along the arc of the case (drawing an arc) and vibrates back and forth in the X-axis direction. By configuring the movable body 82 to vibrate back and forth in the X-axis direction in this way, the length of the pump 5 in the Y-axis direction can be reduced.

[0060] The coil core portion 85 has a core 854 and a pair of coils 855, 856 wound around the core 854. The core 854 is flat and curved in an arc shape following the shape of the case 7. The core 854 is fixed to the inner bottom surface of the case 7. The core 854 has a pair of protrusions 854a, 854b protruding on the positive side in the Z-axis direction. The protrusions 854a, 854b each have an elongated shape extending in the Y-axis direction and are arranged side by side in the X-axis direction. The coil 855 is wound around one of the protrusions 854a, and the coil 856 is wound around the other protrusion 854b.

[0061] The movable body 82 is disposed above the coil core part 85 so as to cover the coil core part 85. The movable body 82 is flat and has an arc shape following the case 7. The movable body 82 has a yoke 824 and a magnet 825 fixed to the yoke 824. The magnet 825 has three magnets 825a, 825b, and 825c arranged side by side in the X-axis direction. The magnets 825a, 825b, and 825c are each permanent magnets and are magnetized in the Z-axis direction. In the illustrated embodiment, the magnet 825b located in the center has an S pole on the positive side in the Z-axis direction and an N pole on the negative side in the Z-axis direction. On the other hand, the magnets 825a and 825c located at both ends have an N pole on the positive side in the Z-axis direction and an S pole on the negative side in the Z-axis direction. That is, the S poles and N poles are alternately arranged along the X-axis direction on the lower surface of the magnet 825 (the magnetic pole surface facing the coil core part 85). In the initial state, the boundary between magnets 825a and 825b is located on protruding portion 854a, and the boundary between magnets 825b and 825c is located on protruding portion 854b.

[0062] The yoke 824 covers the magnet 825 from above. As shown in Figs. 12 and 13, the yoke 824 has a recess that opens to the lower surface, and the magnet 825 is housed in this recess. The yoke 824 also has a pressing element 824a that protrudes to the positive side of the X-axis direction of the magnet 821, and a pressing element 824b that protrudes to the negative side of the X-axis direction. When the movable body 82 is displaced to the positive side of the X-axis direction, the pressing element 824a presses the pump section 9A and air is discharged from the pump section 9A, and conversely, when the movable body 82 is displaced to the negative side of the X-axis direction, the pressing element 824b presses the pump section 9B and air is discharged from the pump section 9B.

[0063] The pump units 9A and 9B are arranged on either side in the X-axis direction of the case 7 that houses the vibration actuator 8. Specifically, the pump unit 9A is arranged on the positive side in the X-axis direction of the case 7, and the pump unit 9B is arranged on the negative side in the X-axis direction. These pump units 9A and 9B have the same configuration.

[0064] Guides 83 are arranged on both sides in the Y-axis direction of movable body 82. Each guide 83 has a rail 831 fixed to case 7, a plurality of balls 832 arranged side by side in the X-axis direction between rail 831 and movable body 82 (yoke 824), and a holder 833 that holds each ball 832 so that it can roll freely relative to rail 831. Grooves 824c are formed on both side surfaces in the Y-axis direction of yoke 824, and balls 832 engage with these grooves 824c.

[0065] The drive control unit 61 applies an AC voltage to the coils 852, 853 so that the first state shown in Fig. 12 and the second state shown in Fig. 13 are alternately repeated. This causes the movable body 82 to oscillate back and forth in the X-axis direction.

[0066] 12, thrust Fx1 is generated in the positive direction of the X axis, displacing movable body 82 in the positive direction of the X axis. As a result, in pump section 9A, movable wall 92 is pressed by pressing element 824a, the volume inside sealed chamber 91 decreases, and air inside sealed chamber 91 is discharged from discharge port 99. Conversely, in pump section 9B, the volume inside sealed chamber 91 increases, and air flows into sealed chamber 91 from suction port 98.

[0067] 13, thrust Fx2 is generated in the negative X-axis direction, displacing movable body 82 in the negative X-axis direction. As a result, in pump section 9B, movable wall 92 is pressed by pressing element 824b, the volume of sealed chamber 91 decreases, and air in sealed chamber 91 is discharged from discharge port 99. Conversely, in pump section 9A, the volume of sealed chamber 91 increases, and air flows into sealed chamber 91 from suction port 98.

[0068] By alternately repeating such first state and second state, a state in which air is discharged from pump section 9A and a state in which air is discharged from pump section 9B are alternately repeated, and air is continuously discharged from pump 5.

[0069] <Third embodiment> Fig. 14 is a perspective view showing a pump according to a third embodiment. Fig. 15 is a plan view of the pump as viewed from the Y-axis direction. Fig. 16 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the pump is mounted on an electronic blood pressure monitor. Fig. 17 is an exploded perspective view of the pump. Figs. 18 and 19 are cross-sectional views showing the pump in a driven state.

[0070] The pump 5 of this embodiment is similar to the pump 5 of the first embodiment described above, except for the difference in external shape (contour shape). Therefore, in the following description, the present embodiment will be described mainly with respect to the differences from the above-mentioned embodiment, and the description of the similarities will be omitted. In addition, in Figs. 14 to 19, the same reference numerals are used for the same configurations as the above-mentioned embodiment.

[0071] <Pump 5> As shown in Fig. 14 and Fig. 15, the pump 5 has an outer shape of a flat plate, and has a stepped shape having a step between a central portion in the X-axis direction and ends located on both sides of the central portion in the X-axis direction when viewed from the Y-axis direction. The pump 5 has a case 7 and a pair of pump parts 9A and 9B located on both sides of the case 7 in the X-axis direction. The pump part 9A is located on the positive side of the case 7 in the X-axis direction, and the pump part 9B is located on the negative side of the case 7 in the X-axis direction. The case 7 and the pump parts 9A and 9B form the outer shape (contour shape) of the pump 5. However, the members forming the outer shape (contour shape) of the pump 5 are not particularly limited.

[0072] The case 7 is a flat plate extending in the XY plane with a thickness in the Z-axis direction, and is disposed offset in the Z-axis direction positive side with respect to the pump sections 9A and 9B. This forms a step surface between the case 7 constituting the central section and the pump sections 9A and 9B constituting the end sections. Specifically, a step surface 5a1 facing the X-axis direction is formed between the case 7 and the pump sections 9A and 9B on the main surface 5a of the pump 5, and a step surface 5b1 facing the X-axis direction is formed between the case 7 and the pump sections 9A and 9B on the main surface 5b.

[0073] As shown in FIG. 15, such a case 7 is formed along an arc C having a radius of curvature substantially equal to that of the main body 2. As a result, the pump 5 has a stepped shape that follows the curvature of the main body 2, and as shown in FIG. 16, the pump 5 can be mounted by fitting it into the arc-shaped space S in the main body 2. Therefore, the pump 5 can be mounted on the main body 2 without having to downsize the pump 5 or enlarge the main body 2 as in the conventional case. In particular, by forming the outer shape into a stepped shape, for example, by engaging the step with a protrusion 79 formed on the case 7 as shown in FIG. 16, the pump 5 can be easily positioned relative to the case 7. In addition, since the effort of curving each part is eliminated, the cost of the pump 5 can be reduced.

[0074] 17, the case 7 accommodates a vibration actuator 8. The vibration actuator 8 has an axis portion 81, a movable body 82 supported via the axis portion 81 so as to be freely movable around the Z axis relative to the case 7, and a magnet portion 86 fixed to the case 7. In the vibration actuator 8, the movable body 82 vibrates back and forth around the Z axis when power is supplied to the movable body 82. By configuring the movable body 82 to vibrate back and forth around the Z axis in this way, for example, a guide for guiding the movable body 82 as in the first and second embodiments described above is not required, and therefore the pump 5 can be made smaller and less expensive.

[0075] Movable body 82 has yoke 827 connected to shaft portion 81, and coil 828 wound around yoke 827. Coil 828 is provided on yoke 827 in a state where it is wound around tubular bobbin 829. However, this is not limited to this, and bobbin 829 may be omitted and coil 828 may be wound directly around yoke 827.

[0076] The yoke 827 is connected to the shaft 81 at its end on the negative side in the Y-axis direction. The yoke 827 also has a base 827a connected to the shaft 81, a rod-shaped insertion portion 827b that protrudes from the base 827a to the positive side in the Y-axis direction and into which a bobbin 829 is inserted, and a magnetic pole portion 827c that is connected to the tip of the insertion portion 827b and is wider than the insertion portion 827b. The magnetic pole portion 827c has a magnetic pole surface 827d that is arc-shaped in a plan view from the Z-axis direction, and when power is supplied to the coil 828, the magnetic pole surface 827d is excited.

[0077] Furthermore, yoke 827 has a pressing element 827f that protrudes to the positive side in the X-axis direction and a pressing element 827g that protrudes to the negative side in the X-axis direction. When movable body 82 is displaced around the Z-axis to the positive side in the X-axis direction, pump section 9A is pressed by pressing element 827f and air is discharged from pump section 9A, and conversely, when movable body 82 is displaced around the Z-axis to the negative side in the X-axis direction, pump section 9B is pressed by pressing element 827g and air is discharged from pump section 9B.

[0078] The magnet section 86 is located on the positive side of the Y axis direction of the yoke 827, and is arranged to face the magnetic pole surface 827d of the yoke 827. Such a magnet section 86 has a core section 861 and a pair of magnets 862, 863 provided in the core section 861. The core section 861 is flat and fixed to the inner surface of the case 7 on the positive side of the Y axis direction. The magnets 862, 863 are provided in the core section 861 and arranged side by side in the X axis direction. The magnets 862, 863 are magnetized in opposite directions to each other in the Y axis direction. In the illustrated embodiment, the magnet 862 has an S pole on the magnetic pole surface 827d side and an N pole on the opposite side. On the other hand, the magnet 863 has an N pole on the magnetic pole surface 827d side and an S pole on the opposite side.

[0079] The pump units 9A and 9B are arranged on either side in the X-axis direction of the case 7 that houses the vibration actuator 8. Specifically, the pump unit 9A is arranged on the positive side in the X-axis direction of the case 7, and the pump unit 9B is arranged on the negative side in the X-axis direction. These two pump units 9A and 9B have the same configuration.

[0080] Drive control unit 61 applies an AC voltage to coil 828 so that the first state shown in Fig. 18 and the second state shown in Fig. 19 are alternately repeated. This causes movable body 82 to oscillate back and forth around the Z axis.

[0081] 18, a thrust Fθ1 is generated around the Z axis in the positive direction of the X axis, displacing the movable body 82 in the positive direction of the X axis. As a result, in the pump section 9A, the movable wall 92 is pressed by the pressing element 827f, the volume of the sealed chamber 91 decreases, 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.

[0082] 19, a thrust Fθ2 is generated around the Z axis in the negative X-axis direction, displacing the movable body 82 in the negative X-axis direction. As a result, in pump section 9B, the movable wall 92 is pressed by the pressing element 827g, the volume of the sealed chamber 91 decreases, and the air in the sealed chamber 91 is discharged from the discharge port 99. Conversely, in pump section 9A, the volume of the sealed chamber 91 increases, and air flows into the sealed chamber 91 from the suction port 98.

[0083] By alternately repeating the first state and the second state, a state in which air is discharged from pump unit 9A and a state in which air is discharged from pump unit 9B are alternately repeated, and air is continuously discharged from pump 5. Then, the air discharged from pump 5 is supplied to cuff 3, causing cuff 3 to inflate.

[0084] <Fourth embodiment> Fig. 20 is a perspective view showing a helmet according to a fourth embodiment. Fig. 21 is a perspective view showing a pump mounted on the helmet. Fig. 22 is a plan view of the pump as viewed from the Y-axis direction. Fig. 23 is a plan view of the pump as viewed from the X-axis direction. Fig. 24 is an exploded perspective view of the pump.

[0085] The pump 5 of this embodiment is similar to the pump 5 of the second embodiment described above, except for its external shape. In the following description, the present embodiment will be described with a focus on the differences from the previous embodiment, and the description of the similarities will be omitted. In addition, in Figs. 20 to 24, the same reference numerals are used for the same components as those in the previous embodiment.

[0086] 20 shows a helmet 100 as a fluid supply device. Helmet 100 has a hard shell portion 110 having a curved shape that fits the head, and a soft inner 120 provided inside shell portion 110. Pump 5 is mounted on shell portion 110. In addition, inner 120 is provided with a bag body (not shown), and inner 120 can be fitted to the head by inflating the bag body with air supplied from pump 5.

[0087] <Pump 5> As shown in FIG. 21, the pump 5 has a dome-like concave shape. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 22 and FIG. 23, the pump 5 has a concave shape in plan view from the Y-axis direction, and an arc shape curved in an arc shape around the Y-axis, and further has a concave shape in plan view from the X-axis direction, and an arc shape curved in an arc shape around the X-axis. As a result, the pump 5 has a curved shape that follows the curvature of the shell part 110, and the pump 5 can be mounted by fitting it to the shape of the shell part 110. Therefore, the pump 5 can be mounted on the shell part 110 without having to reduce the size of the pump 5 or increase the size of the main body 2 as in the conventional case.

[0088] 24, the configurations of the pump sections 9A, 9B and the vibration actuator 8 are the same as those of the second embodiment described above, except that they are curved around the X-axis as well, so a description of these will be omitted.

[0089] Although the pump system and the fluid supply device of the present invention have been described above based on the illustrated embodiment, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the configuration of each part can be replaced with any configuration having a similar function. Any other configuration may be added to the present invention. For example, in the above-mentioned embodiment, an electronic blood pressure monitor and a helmet are given as examples of the fluid supply device, but the fluid supply device may be any wearable terminal or any other machine or instrument as long as it is a fluid supply device that needs to supply fluid. [Explanation of symbols]

[0090] 1...Electronic blood pressure monitor 10...Device 100...Helmet 110...Shell part 120...Inner 2...Main body 21...Button 22...Display 3...Cuff 4...Pressure sensor 5, 50...Pump 5a, 5b...Main surface 5a1, 5b1...Step surface 51A, 51B...Spring 51A1, 51B1...Fixed part 51A2, 51B2...Engagement part 51A3, 51B3...Spring part 6...Control device 61...Drive control part 62...Pressure detection part 7...Case 71...Base 711...Opening 72...Lid 79...Protrusion 8...Vibration actuator 81...Axis part 82...Movable body 821...Magnet 822...Yoke 822a...Pressing element 823...Yoke 823a...Pressing element 824...Yoke 824a, 824b...pressure element 824c...groove 825, 825a, 825b, 825c...magnet 827...yoke 827a...base 827b...insertion portion 827c...magnetic pole portion 827d...magnetic pole surface 827f, 827g...pressure element 828...coil 829...bobbin 83...guide 831...rail 832...ball 833...holder 85...coil core portion 851...bobbin 851a, 851b...concave 852, 853...coil 854...core 854a, 854b...projection portion 855, 856...coil 86...magnet portion 861...core portion 862, 863...magnet 9A, 9B...pump portion 91...sealed chamber 92...movable wall 93, 94... Valve 98... Intake port 99... Discharge port C... Arc Fx1, Fx2, Fy1, Fy2, Fθ1, Fθ2... Thrust H... Measurement area S... Space

Claims

1. A sealed chamber; A movable wall that changes the volume of the sealed chamber; a vibration actuator that is electromagnetically driven to displace the movable wall and discharge the fluid in the sealed chamber to the outside of the sealed chamber; a case for housing the vibration actuator; the vibration actuator comprises a movable body having a magnet and movable relative to the case, and a coil core portion fixed to the case, The three mutually orthogonal axes are the X-axis, the Y-axis, and the 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 in a plan view from the Y-axis direction, the outer shape of the case is an arc shape, the movable body has an arc shape following the outer shape of the case, The coil core portion includes a core and a pair of coils wound around the core, The pump according to claim 1, wherein the core is a flat plate curved in an arc shape following the outer shape of the case.

2. The pump according to claim 1 , wherein the movable body of the vibration actuator vibrates back and forth in the X-axis direction to displace the movable wall.

3. The pump according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, in a plan view in the Y-axis direction, the outer shape of the case is an arc shape that is curved in a substantially arc shape around the Y-axis.

4. The core comprises a flat body portion curved in an arc shape following the outer shape of the case, and a pair of protrusions protruding from the body portion in the Z-axis direction and around which the pair of coils are wound, The case has an arc-shaped upper plate and an arc-shaped bottom plate facing the upper plate, the main body portion of the core has an arc-shaped upper surface facing the top plate of the case and an arc-shaped lower surface fixed onto an inner surface of the bottom plate of the case, The pump according to claim 1 , wherein the pair of protrusions are provided on the upper surface of the body portion of the core so as to be spaced apart from each other.

5. A fluid supply device comprising the pump according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. It is worn on the human body and used 6. The fluid supplying device according to claim 5, wherein the pump is mounted on a portion having a curved shape that fits the human body.

Citation Information

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