EP0703364A1 - Method and device for driving a micropump - Google Patents

Method and device for driving a micropump Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0703364A1
EP0703364A1 EP95112161A EP95112161A EP0703364A1 EP 0703364 A1 EP0703364 A1 EP 0703364A1 EP 95112161 A EP95112161 A EP 95112161A EP 95112161 A EP95112161 A EP 95112161A EP 0703364 A1 EP0703364 A1 EP 0703364A1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
driver signal
valve structure
micropump
pump
resonance
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EP95112161A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0703364B1 (en
Inventor
Roland Zengerle
Axel Richter
Stefan Kluge
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Fraunhofer Gesellschaft zur Forderung der Angewandten Forschung eV
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Fraunhofer Gesellschaft zur Forderung der Angewandten Forschung eV
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    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F04POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
    • F04BPOSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS
    • F04B43/00Machines, pumps, or pumping installations having flexible working members
    • F04B43/02Machines, pumps, or pumping installations having flexible working members having plate-like flexible members, e.g. diaphragms
    • F04B43/04Pumps having electric drive
    • F04B43/043Micropumps
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F04POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
    • F04BPOSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS
    • F04B19/00Machines or pumps having pertinent characteristics not provided for in, or of interest apart from, groups F04B1/00 - F04B17/00
    • F04B19/006Micropumps
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F04POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
    • F04BPOSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS
    • F04B2203/00Motor parameters
    • F04B2203/04Motor parameters of linear electric motors
    • F04B2203/0404Frequency of the electric current

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a method and a device for controlling a micropump by means of a driver signal such that a conveying direction defined by a valve structure is reversed.
  • Micro diaphragm pumps are known for example from WO-93/05295. One of the pumps described there is shown in Fig. 1.
  • This micro-diaphragm pump 100 comprises a two-part displacement unit 102 and also a two-part valve unit 104.
  • the two parts of the displacement unit 102 comprise a flexible pump diaphragm 106 and a rigid counter electrode 108.
  • a so-called drive chamber 110 is formed between the pump diaphragm 106 and a counter chamber 108.
  • the pump membrane 106 is attracted by the counter electrode 108.
  • the volume of the pump chamber 112 increases and a fluid to be pumped is sucked in via an inlet.
  • the pump membrane 106 relaxes in its output region and displaces the fluid to be pumped into the outlet 116.
  • Two passive check valves 118, 120 which define a preferred direction for the fluid flow, result in a directional pumping action when the displacement unit 102 is periodically activated from inlet 114 to outlet 116 of the pump.
  • the behavior of the valves 118, 120 is quasi static, ie the position of the movable valve part results at all times from the hydrostatic pressure difference applied across the valve.
  • Known methods for controlling such a micro diaphragm pump enable a fluid to be pumped in the preferred direction defined by the valves 118, 120.
  • micromembrane pump In technical applications of the micromembrane pump, the situation often arises in which fluids, for example, both have to be transported to a sensor element and have to be removed again. This occurs, for example, in chemical analysis, in which liquids both have to be transported to a sensor element and have to be removed again. So far, a micro-diaphragm pump has to be used both for the forward transport and for the removal, these micro-diaphragm pumps being arranged in opposite directions. The need for the two micro diaphragm pumps increases the complexity of such analytical systems and their manufacturing costs and makes it difficult to fill them with a fluid when operating these systems.
  • the present invention is based on the object of creating a method and a device for controlling a micropump which make it possible to reverse the conveying direction defined by a valve structure.
  • the present invention provides a method for controlling a micro-diaphragm pump by means of a driver signal, the micro-diaphragm pump having a delivery direction defined by a valve structure, with the method step of applying the driver signal to the excitation frequency Micro diaphragm pump, the excitation frequency being in the range above a resonance of a system formed from the moving parts of the micro diaphragm pump and the fluid to be pumped, as a result of which the delivery direction defined by a valve structure is reversed.
  • the present invention provides a device for controlling a micro-diaphragm pump by means of a driver signal, the micro-diaphragm pump having a delivery direction defined by a valve structure, with a device for generating the driver signal with an excitation frequency which is in the range above a resonance of one of the movable ones Parts of the micro-diaphragm pump and the system to be pumped fluid is located, whereby the delivery direction defined by a valve structure is reversed.
  • An advantage of the present invention is that for practical applications in which both a transport and a transport of fluids to an element is required, only a micro-diaphragm pump has to be used, whereby the required space is reduced.
  • Another advantage is that the filling of such systems with a fluid is made easier.
  • Yet another advantage is that the manufacturing cost of such systems can be significantly reduced.
  • the method according to the invention and the device according to the invention make it possible to reverse the pumping direction in micro-diaphragm pumps (see FIG. 1) with so-called passive check valves 118, 120.
  • the displacement unit 102 is acted upon by a driver signal which has an operating frequency in the region of a resonance, which is essentially defined by the movable valve parts, which lies above this resonance.
  • this resonance is a resonance of a system which is formed from the moving parts of the micro diaphragm pump (106, 118, 120) and from the fluid to be pumped.
  • This behavior corresponds to that of an oscillatory, mechanical system, which is stimulated to a forced oscillation by an external force.
  • the amplitude of the vibration has the known resonance behavior.
  • the curves 200 and 202 shown in FIG. 2 represent the course of the deflection and the phase shift with different damping or quality factors.
  • the course of the curve 200 is assigned a quality factor of 3 and the course of the curve 202 is assigned a quality factor of 1 .
  • the deflection and phase shift of a movable valve part shown in FIG. 2 applies to a resonance of this part of 3000 Hz.
  • the curves in the first line indicate the so-called exciting pressure
  • the signal curves in the middle line indicate the opening state of the movable valve
  • the signal curves in the lower row show the time-dependent flow
  • the respective y-scales in any Units are shown.
  • the second effect is that the valve can only be opened in the positive direction (see second line of Fig. 3), i.e. the valve is completely closed for half a period.
  • the micro diaphragm pump In the frequency range from 1 Hz to 1 kHz, the micro diaphragm pump is in its so-called standard operating range, which is shown by arrow 400. In this standard operating range 400, the micro diaphragm pump has a positive pumping rate ( ⁇ > 0), which corresponds to a forward pumping effect.
  • the micro diaphragm pump In the frequency range from 2 kHz to 6 kHz, which is represented by the arrow 410, the micro diaphragm pump has a negative pumping rate ( ⁇ ⁇ 0), which corresponds to a backward pumping effect.
  • the resonance frequency of the movable valve parts used in a micro diaphragm pump can be varied by a suitable change in the shape of the valves used. This makes it possible to influence the frequency range 410 in which the negative pumping rate occurs.
  • the frequency range 410 where a negative pumping rate occurs is the frequency range where there is a phase difference of about 90 degrees to about 180 degrees between the drive signal and the deflection of the valves.
  • the frequency range in which a positive pumping rate occurs is that frequency range in which a phase difference of approximately 0 degrees to 90 degrees occurs between the driver signal and the deflection of the valve structure.
  • FIG. 5 shows a block diagram of the arrangement of a device for generating a driver signal and a micro diaphragm pump.
  • the device according to the invention for controlling a micro-diaphragm pump 510 by means of a driver signal comprises a device 500 for generating the driver signal with an excitation frequency which lies in the range above a resonance of the system formed from the moving parts of the micro-diaphragm pump 510 and the fluid to be pumped.
  • the driver signal is over one or more Signal lines 520 applied to the micro diaphragm pump 510.
  • the driver signal generating device generates a second driver signal with a second excitation frequency, which is in a range in which a phase difference of approximately 0 degrees to 90 degrees occurs between the driver signal and the deflection of the valve structure, in order to fluid to be pumped into that defined by the valve structure Pump direction of pumping.
  • the method according to the invention and the device according to the invention are not limited to micro-diaphragm pumps that use check valves.
  • the application of the invention to micro diaphragm pumps which use passive valves of a different design is readily possible.
  • the application of the present invention is not limited to a micro diaphragm pump that uses two valves.
  • the use of micro diaphragm pumps that use one valve or more than two valves is easily possible.
  • piezoelectric and pneumatic or thermopneumatic drive mechanisms for the micro diaphragm pump are also possible.
  • a two-phase thermal drive is also contemplated, in which a liquid is heated in a drive chamber, whereby a vapor bubble is formed, through which a pump membrane is actuated by displacement.
  • the thermal two-phase drive enables higher pressures to be generated than a purely thermopneumatic drive.
  • a piston displacer can also be considered in addition to a membrane displacer.

Abstract

The control system is used for a micro-membrane pump(100) which has a feed direction defined by its valve structure(118,120), with selective reversal of the feed direction when a driver signal with a given energising frequency is supplied to the pump. The energising frequency is in a frequency range above the resonance frequency of the resonating system provided by the moving parts (106,118,120) of the pump and the pumped fluid, with a phase difference of between 90 and 180 degrees between the driver signal and the deflection of the valve structure.

Description

Die vorliegende Erfindung bezieht sich auf ein Verfahren und eine Vorrichtung zur Ansteuerung einer Mikropumpe mittels eines Treibersignals, derart daß sich eine durch eine Ventilstruktur definierte Förderrichtung umkehrt.The present invention relates to a method and a device for controlling a micropump by means of a driver signal such that a conveying direction defined by a valve structure is reversed.

Mikro-Membranpumpen sind beispielsweise aus der WO-93/05295 bekannt. Eine der dort beschriebenen Pumpen ist in Fig. 1 dargestellt.Micro diaphragm pumps are known for example from WO-93/05295. One of the pumps described there is shown in Fig. 1.

Diese Mikro-Membranpumpe 100 umfaßt eine aus zwei Teilen bestehende Verdrängereinheit 102 und eine ebenfalls aus zwei Teilen bestehende Ventileinheit 104. Bei dieser Mikro-Membranpumpe umfassen die zwei Teile der Verdrängereinheit 102 eine flexible Pumpmembran 106 und eine starre Gegenelektrode 108. Zwischen der Pumpmembran 106 und der Gegenelektrode 108 ist eine sogenannte Antriebskammer 110 gebildet. Beim Anlegen einer Betriebsspannung wird die Pumpmembran 106 von der Gegenelektrode 108 angezogen. Das Volumen der Pumpkammer 112 vergrößert sich und ein zu pumpendes Fluid wird über einen Einlaß angesaugt. Beim Abschalten der Betriebsspannung relaxiert die Pumpmembran 106 in ihren Ausgangsbereich und verdrängt das zu pumpende Fluid in den Auslaß 116. Durch zwei passive Rückschlagventile 118, 120, die für die Fluidströmung eine Vorzugsrichtung definieren, ergibt sich bei einer periodischen Ansteuerung der Verdrängereinheit 102 eine gerichtete Pumpwirkung vom Einlaß 114 zum Auslaß 116 der Pumpe. Bei Betriebsfrequenzen, die weit unterhalb der Eigenfrequenz der beweglichen Ventilteile liegen, ist das Verhalten der Ventile 118, 120 quasi statisch, d.h. die Stellung des beweglichen Ventilteils ergibt sich zu jedem Zeitpunkt aus der über das Ventil anliegenden hydrostatischen Druckdifferenz.This micro-diaphragm pump 100 comprises a two-part displacement unit 102 and also a two-part valve unit 104. In this micro-diaphragm pump, the two parts of the displacement unit 102 comprise a flexible pump diaphragm 106 and a rigid counter electrode 108. Between the pump diaphragm 106 and a counter chamber 108, a so-called drive chamber 110 is formed. When an operating voltage is applied, the pump membrane 106 is attracted by the counter electrode 108. The volume of the pump chamber 112 increases and a fluid to be pumped is sucked in via an inlet. When the operating voltage is switched off, the pump membrane 106 relaxes in its output region and displaces the fluid to be pumped into the outlet 116. Two passive check valves 118, 120, which define a preferred direction for the fluid flow, result in a directional pumping action when the displacement unit 102 is periodically activated from inlet 114 to outlet 116 of the pump. At operating frequencies that are far below the natural frequency of the movable valve parts, the behavior of the valves 118, 120 is quasi static, ie the position of the movable valve part results at all times from the hydrostatic pressure difference applied across the valve.

Bekannte Verfahren zur Ansteuerung einer solchen Mikro-Membranpumpe ermöglichen das Pumpen eines Fluids in die durch die Ventile 118, 120 definierte Vorzugsrichtung.Known methods for controlling such a micro diaphragm pump enable a fluid to be pumped in the preferred direction defined by the valves 118, 120.

Bei technischen Anwendungen der Mikromembranpumpe tritt oft die Situation ein, in der Fluide beispielsweise sowohl zu einem Sensorelement hintransportiert als auch wieder abtransportiert werden müssen. Dies tritt beispielsweise bei der chemischen Analytik auf, bei der Flüssigkeiten sowohl zu einem Sensorelement hintransportiert als auch wieder abtransportiert werden müssen. Sowohl für den Hintransport als auch für den Abtransport muß bislang jeweils eine Mikro-Membranpumpe eingesetzt werden, wobei diese Mikro-Membranpumpen entgegengesetzt angeordnet sind. Die Notwendigkeit der zwei Mikro-Membranpumpen erhöht die Komplexität solcher analytischer Systeme und deren Herstellungskosten und erschwert beim Betrieb dieser Systeme deren Befüllung mit einem Fluid erheblich.In technical applications of the micromembrane pump, the situation often arises in which fluids, for example, both have to be transported to a sensor element and have to be removed again. This occurs, for example, in chemical analysis, in which liquids both have to be transported to a sensor element and have to be removed again. So far, a micro-diaphragm pump has to be used both for the forward transport and for the removal, these micro-diaphragm pumps being arranged in opposite directions. The need for the two micro diaphragm pumps increases the complexity of such analytical systems and their manufacturing costs and makes it difficult to fill them with a fluid when operating these systems.

Ausgehend von diesem Stand der Technik liegt der vorliegenden Erfindung die Aufgabe zugrunde, ein Verfahren und eine Vorrichtung zur Ansteuerung einer Mikropumpe zu schaffen, die eine Umkehr der durch eine Ventilstruktur definierten Förderrichtung ermöglichen.Proceeding from this prior art, the present invention is based on the object of creating a method and a device for controlling a micropump which make it possible to reverse the conveying direction defined by a valve structure.

Diese Aufgabe wird durch ein Verfahren und eine Vorrichtung zur Ansteuerung einer Mikropumpe nach Anspruch 1 und nach Anspruch 6 gelöst.This object is achieved by a method and a device for controlling a micropump according to claim 1 and according to claim 6.

Die vorliegende Erfindung schafft ein Verfahren zur Ansteuerung einer Mikro-Membranpumpe mittels eines Treibersignals, wobei die Mikro-Membranpumpe eine durch eine Ventilstruktur definierte Förderrichtung hat, mit dem Verfahrensschritt des Anlegens des Treibersignals mit einer Erregerfrequenz an die Mikro-Membranpumpe, wobei die Erregerfrequenz im Bereich oberhalb einer Resonanz eines aus den beweglichen Teilen der Mikro-Membranpumpe und dem zu pumpenden Fluid gebildeten Systems liegt, wodurch sich die durch eine Ventilstruktur definierte Förderrichtung umkehrt.The present invention provides a method for controlling a micro-diaphragm pump by means of a driver signal, the micro-diaphragm pump having a delivery direction defined by a valve structure, with the method step of applying the driver signal to the excitation frequency Micro diaphragm pump, the excitation frequency being in the range above a resonance of a system formed from the moving parts of the micro diaphragm pump and the fluid to be pumped, as a result of which the delivery direction defined by a valve structure is reversed.

Die vorliegende Erfindung schafft eine Vorrichtung zum Ansteuern einer Mikro-Membranpumpe mittels eines Treibersignals, wobei die Mikro-Membranpumpe eine durch eine Ventilstruktur definierte Förderrichtung hat, mit einer Einrichtung zum Erzeugen des Treibersignals mit einer Erregerfrequenz, die im Bereich oberhalb einer Resonanz eines aus den beweglichen Teilen der Mikro-Membranpumpe und dem zu pumpenden Fluid gebildeten Systems liegt, wodurch sich die durch eine Ventilstruktur definierte Förderrichtung umkehrt.The present invention provides a device for controlling a micro-diaphragm pump by means of a driver signal, the micro-diaphragm pump having a delivery direction defined by a valve structure, with a device for generating the driver signal with an excitation frequency which is in the range above a resonance of one of the movable ones Parts of the micro-diaphragm pump and the system to be pumped fluid is located, whereby the delivery direction defined by a valve structure is reversed.

Ein Vorteil der vorliegenden Erfindung besteht darin, daß für praktische Anwendungen, bei denen sowohl ein Hintransport als auch ein Abtransport von Fluiden zu einem Element erforderlich ist, lediglich eine Mikro-Membranpumpe eingesetzt werden muß, wodurch sich der erforderliche Platzaufwand erniedrigt.An advantage of the present invention is that for practical applications in which both a transport and a transport of fluids to an element is required, only a micro-diaphragm pump has to be used, whereby the required space is reduced.

Ein weiterer Vorteil besteht darin, daß die Befüllung solcher Systeme mit einem Fluid erleichtert wird.Another advantage is that the filling of such systems with a fluid is made easier.

Wiederum ein weiterer Vorteil besteht darin, daß die Herstellungskosten solcher Systeme erheblich gesenkt werden können.Yet another advantage is that the manufacturing cost of such systems can be significantly reduced.

Bevorzugte Weiterbildungen der vorliegenden Erfindung sind in den Unteransprüchen definiert.Preferred developments of the present invention are defined in the subclaims.

Anhand der beiliegenden Zeichnungen wird nachfolgend ein bevorzugtes Ausführungsbeispiel der vorliegenden Erfindung naher beschrieben. Es zeigen:

Fig. 1
eine Querschnittsdarstellung einer Mikro-Membranpumpe;
Fig. 2
eine maximale Auslenkung und eine Phasenverschiebung eines beweglichen Ventilteils bei verschiedenen Dämpfungen bzw. Gütefaktoren;
Fig. 3
einen zeitabhängigen Durchfluß durch ein Ventil abhängig von einer Betriebsfrequenz, einer Amplitude der Druckoszillationen und unterschiedlichen Phasenverschiebungen;
Fig. 4
eine graphische Darstellung der Pumprate einer Mikro-Membranpumpe, die gemäß der vorliegenden Erfindung angesteuert ist; und
Fig. 5
ein Blockdiagramm, das die Anordnung der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung zur Ansteuerung einer Mikro-Membranpumpe darstellt.
A preferred exemplary embodiment of the present invention is described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Show it:
Fig. 1
a cross-sectional view of a micro diaphragm pump;
Fig. 2
a maximum deflection and a phase shift of a movable valve part with different damping or quality factors;
Fig. 3
a time-dependent flow through a valve depending on an operating frequency, an amplitude of the pressure oscillations and different phase shifts;
Fig. 4
a graphical representation of the pumping rate of a micro diaphragm pump, which is driven according to the present invention; and
Fig. 5
a block diagram illustrating the arrangement of the device according to the invention for controlling a micro-diaphragm pump.

Das erfindungsgemäße Verfahren und die erfindungsgemäße Vorrichtung ermöglichen es, die Pumprichtung bei Mikro-Membranpumpen (siehe Fig. 1) mit sogenannten passiven Rückschlagventilen 118, 120 umzukehren. Hierzu wird die Verdrängereinheit 102 mit einem Treibersignal beaufschlagt, das eine Betriebsfrequenz im Bereich einer Resonanz, die im wesentlichen durch die beweglichen Ventilteile definiert ist, aufweist, die oberhalb dieser Resonanz liegt.The method according to the invention and the device according to the invention make it possible to reverse the pumping direction in micro-diaphragm pumps (see FIG. 1) with so-called passive check valves 118, 120. For this purpose, the displacement unit 102 is acted upon by a driver signal which has an operating frequency in the region of a resonance, which is essentially defined by the movable valve parts, which lies above this resonance.

Es ist offensichtlich, daß es sich bei dieser Resonanz um eine Resonanz eines Systems handelt, das aus den beweglichen Teilen der Mikro-Membranpumpe (106, 118, 120) und aus dem zu pumpenden Fluid gebildet ist.It is obvious that this resonance is a resonance of a system which is formed from the moving parts of the micro diaphragm pump (106, 118, 120) and from the fluid to be pumped.

Durch die Ansteuerung entstehen in der Pumpkammer 112 Druckoszillationen, die von der äußeren Erregerfrequenz abhängen. Durch das Fluidsystem werden diese Druckschwingungen auf die beweglichen Ventilteile übertragen, wodurch sich das betreffende Ventil öffnet bzw. schließt.As a result of the control, pressure oscillations occur in the pump chamber 112, which depend on the external excitation frequency. These pressure vibrations are transmitted to the movable valve parts by the fluid system, whereby the valve in question opens or closes.

Im Bereich der Resonanz ergibt sich jedoch eine Phasendifferenz zwischen der durch das Fluid übertragenen Kraft auf die beweglichen Ventilteile und der aktuellen Auslenkung des beweglichen Ventilteils.In the area of the resonance, however, there is a phase difference between the force transmitted by the fluid on the movable valve parts and the current deflection of the movable valve part.

Dieses Verhalten entspricht dem eines schwingungsfähigen, mechanischen Systems, welches durch eine externe Kraft zu einer erzwungenen Schwingung angeregt wird. Wie es in Fig. 2a dargestellt ist, weist die Amplitude der Schwingung das bekannte Resonanzverhalten auf. Ferner ergibt sich eine Phasenverschiebung zwischen der erregenden Kraft und der Auslenkung des Schwingers, wie es in Fig. 2b dargestellt ist.This behavior corresponds to that of an oscillatory, mechanical system, which is stimulated to a forced oscillation by an external force. As shown in Fig. 2a, the amplitude of the vibration has the known resonance behavior. There is also a phase shift between the exciting force and the deflection of the vibrator, as shown in FIG. 2b.

Die in Fig. 2 dargestellten Kurven 200 und 202 stellen den Verlauf der Auslenkung und der Phasenverschiebung bei verschiedenen Dämpfungen bzw. Gütefaktoren dar. Hierbei ist dem Verlauf der Kurve 200 ein Gütefaktor von 3 zugeordnet und dem Verlauf der Kurve 202 ist ein Gütefaktor von 1 zugeordnet.The curves 200 and 202 shown in FIG. 2 represent the course of the deflection and the phase shift with different damping or quality factors. Here, the course of the curve 200 is assigned a quality factor of 3 and the course of the curve 202 is assigned a quality factor of 1 .

Die in Fig. 2 dargestellte Auslenkung und Phasenverschiebung eines beweglichen Ventilteils gilt für eine Resonanz dieses Teils von 3000 Hz.The deflection and phase shift of a movable valve part shown in FIG. 2 applies to a resonance of this part of 3000 Hz.

In Fig. 3 geben die Verläufe in der ersten Zeile den sogenannten erregenden Druck an, die Signalverläufe in der mittleren Zeile geben den Öffnungszustand des beweglichen Ventils an und die Signalverläufe in der unteren Reihe zeigen den zeitabhängigen Durchfluß, wobei die jeweiligen y-Skalen in beliebigen Einheiten dargestellt sind.In Fig. 3, the curves in the first line indicate the so-called exciting pressure, the signal curves in the middle line indicate the opening state of the movable valve and the signal curves in the lower row show the time-dependent flow, the respective y-scales in any Units are shown.

Die Umkehrung der Pumprichtung wird durch das Zusammenwirken zweier Effekte ermöglicht.The reversal of the pump direction is made possible by the interaction of two effects.

Einerseits hinkt der Öffnungszustand des Ventils der durch die Flüssigkeit übertragene Kraft um die Phase Θ hinterher, wie es in Fig. 3 deutlich zu erkennen ist.On the one hand, the opening state of the valve lags behind the force transmitted by the liquid by phase Θ, as can be clearly seen in Fig. 3.

Hieraus resultiert eine Verzögerung des Öffnungs- und Schließvorgangs des Ventils gegenüber der Fluidbewegung.This results in a delay in the opening and closing process of the valve with respect to the fluid movement.

Der zweite Effekt besteht darin, daß eine Öffnung des Ventils lediglich in positiver Richtung möglich ist (siehe zweite Zeile der Fig. 3), d.h. während einer halben Periodendauer ist das Ventil vollständig geschlossen.The second effect is that the valve can only be opened in the positive direction (see second line of Fig. 3), i.e. the valve is completely closed for half a period.

Wie aus Fig. 3 zu sehen ist, fließt mit zunehmender Phasendifferenz ein immer größerer Anteil des Fluids innerhalb eines Pumpzykluses in die Sperrichtung durch das Ventil. Dies bedeutet eine Umkehr der Förderrichtung (Φ<0). Bei einer Phase von -180 Grad wird eine vollständige Umkehr der Förderrichtung erreicht, wie es in der fünften Spalte in Fig. 3 dargestellt ist.As can be seen from FIG. 3, as the phase difference increases, an ever larger proportion of the fluid flows through the valve in the blocking direction within one pump cycle. This means a reversal of the conveying direction (Φ <0). With a phase of -180 degrees, a complete reversal of the conveying direction is achieved, as shown in the fifth column in FIG. 3.

In Fig. 4 ist die Frequenzabhängigkeit der Pumprate bei einer elektrostatisch angetriebenen Mikro-Membranpumpe unter Verwendung von sogenannten Klappenventilen in einem halblogarithmischen Maßstab dargestellt.4 shows the frequency dependence of the pumping rate in an electrostatically driven micro diaphragm pump using so-called flap valves on a semi-logarithmic scale.

Im Frequenzbereich von 1 Hz bis 1 kHz befindet sich die Mikro-Membranpumpe in ihrem sogenannten Standard-Betriebsbereich, der durch den Pfeil 400 dargestellt ist. In diesem Standard-Betriebsbereich 400 weist die Mikro-Membranpumpe eine positive Pumprate (Φ>0) auf, was einer vorwärtsgerichteten Pumpwirkung entspricht.In the frequency range from 1 Hz to 1 kHz, the micro diaphragm pump is in its so-called standard operating range, which is shown by arrow 400. In this standard operating range 400, the micro diaphragm pump has a positive pumping rate (Φ> 0), which corresponds to a forward pumping effect.

Im Frequenzbereich von 2 kHz bis 6 kHz, der durch den Pfeil 410 dargestellt ist, weist die Mikro-Membranpumpe eine negative Pumprate (Φ<0) auf, was einer rückwärts gerichteten Pumpwirkung entspricht.In the frequency range from 2 kHz to 6 kHz, which is represented by the arrow 410, the micro diaphragm pump has a negative pumping rate (Φ <0), which corresponds to a backward pumping effect.

Es wird darauf hingewiesen, daß nicht nur die Phase, sondern auch die maximale Öffnung des beweglichen Ventilteils sowie die Amplitude der erregenden Druckoszillationen von der anliegenden Erregerfrequenz abhängen. Neben dem Effekt der Phasenverschiebung zwischen dem Öffnungszustand des beweglichen Ventils und der erregenden Druckoszillation besteht auch eine Auswirkung der Frequenzabhängigkeit der maximalen Amplitude des beweglichen Ventils und die Frequenzabhängigkeit der Amplitude der erregenden Druckoszillationen.It should be noted that not only the phase, but also the maximum opening of the movable valve part and the amplitude of the exciting pressure oscillations from the adjacent one Depend on excitation frequency. In addition to the effect of the phase shift between the opening state of the movable valve and the exciting pressure oscillation, there is also an effect of the frequency dependence of the maximum amplitude of the movable valve and the frequency dependence of the amplitude of the exciting pressure oscillations.

Durch eine geeignete Veränderung der Form der verwendeten Ventile kann die Resonanzfrequenz der in einer Mikro- Membranpumpe verwendeten, beweglichen Ventilteile variiert werden. Hierdurch ist es möglich, den Frequenzbereich 410 zu beeinflussen, in dem die negative Pumprate auftritt.The resonance frequency of the movable valve parts used in a micro diaphragm pump can be varied by a suitable change in the shape of the valves used. This makes it possible to influence the frequency range 410 in which the negative pumping rate occurs.

Neben der oben beschriebenen sogenannten ersten Resonanz der beweglichen Ventilteile treten auch Resonanzen höherer Ordnung auf. Mit jeder neuen Resonanz läßt sich die Förderrichtung erneut umkehren.In addition to the so-called first resonance of the movable valve parts described above, resonances of a higher order also occur. With each new resonance, the direction of funding can be reversed again.

Es wird darauf hingewiesen, daß sich der Frequenzbereich 410, bei dem eine negative Pumprate auftritt, derjenige Frequenzbereich ist, bei dem eine Phasendifferenz von etwa 90 Grad bis etwa 180 Grad zwischen dem Treibersignal und der Auslenkung der Ventile auftritt. Der Frequenzbereich, bei dem eine positive Pumprate auftritt, ist derjenige Frequenzbereich, bei dem eine Phasendifferenz von etwa 0 Grad bis 90 Grad zwischen dem Treibersignal und der Auslenkung der Ventilstruktur auftritt.It is noted that the frequency range 410 where a negative pumping rate occurs is the frequency range where there is a phase difference of about 90 degrees to about 180 degrees between the drive signal and the deflection of the valves. The frequency range in which a positive pumping rate occurs is that frequency range in which a phase difference of approximately 0 degrees to 90 degrees occurs between the driver signal and the deflection of the valve structure.

In Fig. 5 ist ein Blockdiagramm der Anordnung einer Vorrichtung zur Erzeugung eines Treibersignals und einer Mikro-Membranpumpe dargestellt. Die erfindungsgemäße Vorrichtung zum Ansteuern einer Mikro-Membranpumpe 510 mittels eines Treibersignals umfaßt eine Einrichtung 500 zum Erzeugen des Treibersignals mit einer Erregerfrequenz, die im Bereich oberhalb einer Resonanz der aus den beweglichen Teilen der Mikro-Membranpumpe 510 und dem zu pumpenden Fluid gebildeten Systems liegt. Das Treibersignal wird über eine oder mehrere Signalleitungen 520 an die Mikro-Membranpumpe 510 angelegt.FIG. 5 shows a block diagram of the arrangement of a device for generating a driver signal and a micro diaphragm pump. The device according to the invention for controlling a micro-diaphragm pump 510 by means of a driver signal comprises a device 500 for generating the driver signal with an excitation frequency which lies in the range above a resonance of the system formed from the moving parts of the micro-diaphragm pump 510 and the fluid to be pumped. The driver signal is over one or more Signal lines 520 applied to the micro diaphragm pump 510.

Ferner erzeugt die Treibersignalerzeugungseinrichtung ein zweites Treibersignal mit einer zweiten Erregerfrequenz, die in einem Bereich liegt, bei dem eine Phasendifferenz von etwa 0 Grad bis 90 Grad zwischen dem Treibersignal und der Auslenkung der Ventilstruktur auftritt, um das zu pumpende Fluid in die durch die Ventilstruktur definierte Förderrichtung zu pumpen.Furthermore, the driver signal generating device generates a second driver signal with a second excitation frequency, which is in a range in which a phase difference of approximately 0 degrees to 90 degrees occurs between the driver signal and the deflection of the valve structure, in order to fluid to be pumped into that defined by the valve structure Pump direction of pumping.

Das erfindungsgemäße Verfahren und die erfindungsgemäße Vorrichtung sind nicht auf Mikro-Membranpumpen beschränkt, die Rückschlagventile verwenden. Die Anwendung der Erfindung auf Mikro-Membranpumpen, die anders ausgebildete passive Ventile verwenden, ist ohne weiteres möglich.The method according to the invention and the device according to the invention are not limited to micro-diaphragm pumps that use check valves. The application of the invention to micro diaphragm pumps which use passive valves of a different design is readily possible.

Weiterhin beschränkt sich die Anwendung der vorliegenden Erfindung nicht auf eine Mikro-Membranpumpe, die zwei Ventile verwendet. Die Verwendung von Mikro-Membranpumpen, die ein Ventil oder mehr als zwei Ventile verwenden, ist ohne weiteres möglich.Furthermore, the application of the present invention is not limited to a micro diaphragm pump that uses two valves. The use of micro diaphragm pumps that use one valve or more than two valves is easily possible.

Neben der oben beschriebenen elektrostatischen Erregung der Pumpmembran der Mikro-Membranpumpe sind auch piezoelektrische und pneumatische bzw. thermopneumatische Antriebsmechanismen für die Mikro-Membranpumpe möglich.In addition to the electrostatic excitation of the pump diaphragm of the micro diaphragm pump described above, piezoelectric and pneumatic or thermopneumatic drive mechanisms for the micro diaphragm pump are also possible.

In Betracht kommt auch ein thermischer Zweiphasenantrieb, bei dem eine Flüssigkeit in einer Antriebskammer erhitzt wird, wodurch sich eine Dampfblase bildet, durch die eine Pumpmembran durch Verdrängung betätigt wird. Der thermische Zweiphasenantrieb ermöglicht gegenüber einem rein thermopneumatischen Antrieb die Erzeugung höherer Drücke.A two-phase thermal drive is also contemplated, in which a liquid is heated in a drive chamber, whereby a vapor bubble is formed, through which a pump membrane is actuated by displacement. The thermal two-phase drive enables higher pressures to be generated than a purely thermopneumatic drive.

In Abweichung von den gezeigten Ausführungsformen der Antriebe kommt neben einem Membranverdränger auch ein Kolbenverdränger in Betracht.In deviation from the embodiments of the drives shown, a piston displacer can also be considered in addition to a membrane displacer.

Claims (9)

Verfahren zur Ansteuerung einer Mikropumpe (100) mittels eines Treibersignals, wobei die Mikropumpe (100) eine durch eine Ventilstruktur (118, 120) definierte Förderrichtung hat,
gekennzeichnet durch folgenden Verfahrensschritt:
Anlegen des Treibersignals mit einer Erregerfrequenz an die Mikropumpe (100), wobei die Erregerfrequenz im Bereich oberhalb einer Resonanz eines aus den beweglichen Teilen (106, 118, 120) der Mikropumpe (100) und dem zu pumpenden Fluid gebildeten Systems liegt, wodurch sich die durch die Ventilstruktur (118, 120) definierte Förderrichtung umkehrt.
Method for controlling a micropump (100) by means of a driver signal, the micropump (100) having a delivery direction defined by a valve structure (118, 120),
characterized by the following process step:
Applying the driver signal with an excitation frequency to the micropump (100), the excitation frequency being in the range above a resonance of a system formed from the moving parts (106, 118, 120) of the micropump (100) and the fluid to be pumped, as a result of which the reversed conveying direction defined by the valve structure (118, 120).
Verfahren nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet,
daß die Mikropumpe als eine Mikro-Membranpumpe (100) ausgebildet ist.
A method according to claim 1, characterized in
that the micropump is designed as a micro diaphragm pump (100).
Verfahren nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, dadurch gekennzeichnet,
daß der Bereich, in dem die Erregerfrequenz liegt, derjenige Frequenzbereich ist, bei dem eine Phasendifferenz von etwa 90 Grad bis etwa 180 Grad zwischen dem Treibersignal und der Auslenkung der Ventilstruktur (118, 120) auftritt.
A method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that
that the range in which the excitation frequency lies is that frequency range in which a phase difference of approximately 90 degrees to approximately 180 degrees occurs between the driver signal and the deflection of the valve structure (118, 120).
Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 3, dadurch gekennzeichnet,
daß die Resonanz im wesentlichen durch die Ventilstruktur (118, 120) bestimmt ist.
Method according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that
that the resonance is essentially determined by the valve structure (118, 120).
Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 4, dadurch gekennzeichnet,
daß die Resonanz eine Resonanz erster Ordnung oder eine Resonanz höherer Ordnung ist.
Method according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that
that the resonance is a first order resonance or a higher order resonance.
Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 5, ferner gekennzeichnet durch folgenden Verfahrensschritt:
Anlegen eines zweiten Treibersignals mit einer zweiten Erregerfrequenz an die Mikropumpe (100), wobei die zweite Erregerfrequenz in einem Bereich liegt, bei dem eine Phasendifferenz von etwa 0 Grad bis 90 Grad zwischen dem Treibersignal und der Auslenkung der Ventilstruktur (118, 120) auftritt, um das zu pumpende Fluid in die durch die Ventilstruktur (118, 120) definierte Förderrichtung zu pumpen.
Method according to one of claims 1 to 5, further characterized by the following method step:
Applying a second driver signal with a second excitation frequency to the micropump (100), the second excitation frequency being in a range in which a phase difference of approximately 0 degrees to 90 degrees occurs between the driver signal and the deflection of the valve structure (118, 120), to pump the fluid to be pumped in the delivery direction defined by the valve structure (118, 120).
Vorrichtung zum Ansteuern einer Mikropumpe (510) mittels eines Treibersignals, wobei die Mikropumpe (100) eine durch eine Ventilstruktur (118, 120) definierte Förderrichtung hat,
gekennzeichnet durch
eine Einrichtung (500) zum Erzeugen des Treibersignals mit einer Erregerfrequenz, die im Bereich oberhalb einer Resonanz eines aus den beweglichen Teilen der Mikropumpe und dem zu pumpenden Fluid gebildeten Systems liegt, wodurch sich die durch die Ventilstruktur (118, 120) definierte Förderrichtung umkehrt.
Device for controlling a micropump (510) by means of a driver signal, the micropump (100) having a delivery direction defined by a valve structure (118, 120),
marked by
a device (500) for generating the driver signal with an excitation frequency which lies in the range above a resonance of a system formed from the moving parts of the micropump and the fluid to be pumped, whereby the delivery direction defined by the valve structure (118, 120) is reversed.
Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 7, dadurch gekennzeichnet,
daß die Mikropumpe als eine Mikro-Membranpumpe (100) ausgebildet ist.
Device according to claim 7, characterized in
that the micropump is designed as a micro diaphragm pump (100).
Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 7 oder 8, dadurch gekennzeichnet,
daß die Treibersignalerzeugungseinrichtung (500) ferner ein zweites Treibersignal mit einer zweiten Erregerfrequenz erzeugt, die in einem Bereich liegt, bei dem eine Phasendifferenz von etwa 0 Grad bis 90 Grad zwischen dem Treibersignal und der Auslenkung der Ventilstruktur auftritt, um das zu pumpende Fluid in die durch die Ventilstruktur definierte Förderrichtung zu pumpen.
Device according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that
that the driver signal generating device (500) further generates a second driver signal with a second excitation frequency which lies in a range in which a phase difference of approximately 0 degrees to 90 degrees occurs between the driver signal and the deflection of the valve structure in order to pump the fluid to be pumped into the pumping the delivery direction defined by the valve structure.
EP95112161A 1994-09-22 1995-08-02 Method and device for driving a micropump Expired - Lifetime EP0703364B1 (en)

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