WO2012016962A2

WO2012016962A2 - Pump

Info

Publication number: WO2012016962A2
Application number: PCT/EP2011/063246
Authority: WO
Inventors: Gunther Erich Schmid; Simon Spear; Philip Owain Lloyd Davies; Thomas Herrmann
Original assignee: Gardner Denver Thomas Gmbh
Priority date: 2010-08-04
Filing date: 2011-08-01
Publication date: 2012-02-09
Also published as: WO2012016962A3; DE102010038873A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a pump for conveying a fluid. The pump comprises a pump housing (1) with at least one fluid inlet (35) for the fluid to be conveyed, with at least one pumping chamber (4), which has a flow connection to the fluid inlet (35), and with at least one fluid outlet (34), which has a flow connection to the at least one pumping chamber (4). It also has at least one diaphragm (2) for conveying the fluid, which at least partially limits the at least one pumping chamber (4), and at least one diaphragm actuating mechanism (3) connected to the at least one diaphragm (2) to actuate the at least one diaphragm (2). Furthermore, the pump comprises at least one coupling mechanism, which releasably connects the at least one diaphragm (2) and the at least one diaphragm actuating mechanism (3) to one another.

Description

Pump

The invention relates to a pump, in particular a diaphragm pump, for conveying a fluid. The fluid to be conveyed is taken to mean a medium to be conveyed, such as a liquid, a gas, a gas mixture or a liquid/gas mixture. The pump is preferably used in continuous operation in small sewage plants. Small sewage plants of this type are often used to purify waste water in buildings which do not have their own sewage system connection. The pump is preferably used to introduce air into the waste water. The waste water is thus enriched with oxygen. Bacteria are thus activated for the biological or bacterial purification of the waste water. The pump is therefore preferably an aeration pump.

A large number of pumps are known from the prior art which are used in small sewage plants, for example. The disadvantage in these known pumps is that their wearing parts - such as their diaphragm - often have to be exchanged after a few years. The exchange of the wearing parts is relatively time-consuming. Technical skill is generally necessary to exchange the wearing parts.

The invention is therefore based on the object of providing a pump, the wearing parts of which can be exchanged particularly easily and quickly.

This object is achieved according to the invention by the features disclosed in claim 1. The core of the invention is that the at least one diaphragm and the at least one diaphragm actuating mechanism are releasably coupled to one another by means of at least one coupling mechanism. For example, the at least one diaphragm can thus be exchanged without the diaphragm actuating mechanism having to be disassembled or changed. One or more diaphragms may be provided.

Further preferred embodiments are disclosed in the sub-claims.

The configuration according to claim 2 leads to a coupling mechanism, which supplies an extremely reliable and preferably also play-free connection between the diaphragm and the diaphragm actuating mechanism.

The configuration according to claim 3 allows a connection or separation of the coupling elements via a lateral access. No engagement is preferably necessary by means of a pump head of the pump. The lateral access takes place from sides of the pump on which no pump head is provided or which are free of a pump head. The diaphragm can be exchanged together with the pump head.

Alternatively or in addition, the first and the second coupling element can be connectable to one another and/or releasable from one another in the direction of the centre axis.

The configuration according to claim 4 leads to an extremely simple connection between the coupling elements. A tool or auxiliary aid is not necessary for this. The connection of the coupling elements can be carried out extremely easily. The same applies to the configuration according to claim 5.

According to claim 6, a magnetic connection is provided between the first coupling element and the second coupling element. The two coupling elements are accordingly releasably held on one another by magnetic forces. The first coupling element or the second coupling element for this purpose comprises at least one coupling magnet, while the other coupling element comprises a ferromagnetic body for interaction with the at least one coupling magnet. The ferromagnetic body is preferably configured as a disc or plate. It is advantageous if the ferromagnetic body forms a ring closure body. For this purpose, at least one guide plate rests on the poles of the coupling magnet for connection to the ferromagnetic body. The ferromagnetic body and the at least one guide plate and the coupling magnet then, in the coupled state, ensure a magnetic ring closure.

The configuration according to claim 7 leads to an extremely reliable connection between the first coupling element and the second coupling element. One coupling element, in at least one direction, blocks the other coupling element. The connection is advantageously play-free. The positive connection is advantageously a swallowtail connection. However, as an alternative, a tooth-connection, a tongue and groove connection or a connection by means of at least one bolt, a screw or a pin or the like may be used.

The configuration according to claim 9 prevents the first coupling element and the second coupling element being able to be released from one another unintentionally. An additional latching connection is therefore provided between the first coupling element and the second coupling element and this ensures increased operating reliability.

The at least one actuating mechanism according to claim 10 allows an actuation of the latching element. The actuating mechanism is preferably pivotably mounted for this purpose. However, it may also be displaceably mounted as an alternative. The actuating mechanism is advantageously mounted on the pump housing. It is advantageous if the actuating mechanism has at least one actuating means for its actuation. The actuating means may be an actuating lever or a handle trough. It can have been produced by knurling.

The at least one displacement face according to claim 11 is used for the easy displacement of the latching element. An actuation of the actuating mechanism thus leads to a displacement of the latching element. The displacement face in this case preferably rests on the latching element. The latching element is preferably displaced from its latching position into its release position by the displacement face. The latching element is preferably pressed, in this case. The displacement face may be provided on a web on the actuating mechanism, which projects in the direction of the latching element.

The at least one holding face according to claim 12, in the holding position of the actuating mechanism, holds the latching element in its release position. The holding face then rests on the latching element.

The holding face is preferably provided on the web on the actuating mechanism. It is advantageous if the holding face adjoins the displacement face. The displacement face preferably runs obliquely to the holding face. Advantageously, the actuating mechanism, in its holding position, at least axially secures the diaphragm actuating mechanism.

According to an alternative configuration, no actuating mechanism is provided. The latching elements can then be actuated manually. According to the configurations according to claims 14 and 15, the first coupling element and the second coupling element are coupled to one another by at least one threaded bolt. It is advantageous if the coupling is positive. The receivers preferably extend in the coupling elements transverse to the centre axis of the diaphragm actuating mechanism. The at least one threaded bolt or the head thereof can thus be acted upon transverse to the centre axis for screwing in or unscrewing. The head of the threaded bolt preferably has a torque transmission means. The torque transmission means can be formed by a non-round receiver, such as a slot or a cross-slot or by a special non-round outer shaping of the head, for example as a polygon. A bracing is achieved by means of the radial offset or by the non-coaxial arrangement of the centre axes of the bore of the first coupling element and the second coupling element. The offset is preferably present in a transverse direction of the centre axes.

The configuration according to claim 16 leads to an extremely simple separation of the coupling elements from one another. The magnetic connection between the coupling elements can be released by the at least one actuating mechanism, which is preferably pivotably mounted on the pump housing. The actuating mechanism may comprise at least one actuating means for the simple actuation thereof. By actuating the actuating mechanism, the magnetic connection can be cancelled in that the coupling elements are preferably separated or spaced apart from one another. The actuating mechanism for this purpose preferably has at least one actuating web for displacing the first and/or the second coupling element. The actuating web is preferably associated with the first and/or the second coupling elements and can accordingly act on the first and/or second coupling element - preferably in a pressing manner. It preferably extends in a rising manner, so that on actuation of the actuating mechanism, an increasing spacing of the coupling elements takes place with respect to one another. The actuating mechanism can furthermore axially secure the diaphragm actuating mechanism if the magnetic connection is released. Preferred embodiments of the invention are described by way of example below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a pump according to the invention in accordance with a first embodiment,

Fig. 2 shows a section through the pump shown in Fig. 1,

Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of a diaphragm actuating mechanism and two diaphragms connected thereto of the pump shown in Fig. 1 and 2,

Fig. 4 shows an exploded view of Fig. 3,

Fig. 5 shows a perspective view of a pump according to the invention in accordance with a second embodiment,

Fig. 6 shows a side view of the pump shown in Fig. 5,

Fig. 7 shows a section through the pump shown in Fig. 6 along the

section line VII- VII,

Fig. 8 shows a section through the pump shown in Fig. 6 along the

section line VIII- VIIL Fig. 9 shows a section through the pump shown in Fig. 5 to 7, which shows the diaphragm actuating mechanism thereof and diaphragms in an assembled state, Fig. 10 shows a view similar to Fig. 9, the diaphragm actuating

mechanism and the diaphragms being in a state in which they are separated from one another here,

Fig. 11a shows an exploded view of Fig. 9 or 10,

Fig. 1 lb shows a perspective view of an actuating mechanism of the pump shown in Fig. 5 to 7,

Fig. 12 shows a perspective view of a pump according to the invention in accordance with a third embodiment,

Fig. 13 shows a section through the pump shown in Fig. 12,

Fig. 14 shows a detailed view, which shows the coupling mechanism, enlarged and in regions, of the pump shown in Fig. 12 and 13,

Fig. 15 shows an exploded view of the diaphragm actuating mechanism and the diaphragms of the pump shown in Fig. 12 and 13,

Fig. 16 shows a perspective view of a pump according to the invention in accordance with a fourth embodiment,

Fig. 17 shows a section through the pump shown in Fig. 16, shows a perspective view of an actuating mechanism of the pump shown in Fig. 16 and 17,

Fig. 19 shows a section, which shows the diaphragm actuating

mechanism, the diaphragms and the actuating mechanisms of the pump shown in Fig. 16 and 17, in an assembled state, and

Fig. 20 shows an exploded view of fig. 19, the actuating mechanisms not being shown.

A first embodiment of the invention is described below with reference to Fig. 1 to 4. A pump according to Fig. 1 and 2 comprises a pump housing 1, diaphragms 2 and a diaphragm actuating mechanism 3 for actuating the diaphragms 2. The diaphragms 2 and the diaphragm actuating mechanism 3 are housed in the pump housing 1. The diaphragms 2 and the pump housing 1 together limit pumping chambers 4, which can be changed with regard to their volume. The diaphragms 2 are flexible and impermeable to fluid. By actuating the diaphragms 2 by the diaphragm actuating

mechanism 3, a fluid is conveyed by changing the volume of the pumping chambers 4.

The pump housing 1 comprises a panel 5, which is U-shaped in design. The panel 5 therefore has a U-base 6 and two U-legs 7 projecting

perpendicularly from the U-base 6. The open sides of the panel 5 are in each case closed when the pump is assembled. Opposing the U-base 6, a first panel cover (not shown) is provided for this. Furthermore, two second panel covers (not shown) are provided, which then oppose one another and rest laterally on the U-base 6 and the U-legs 7. The panel covers are preferably screwed to the panel 5 by screws. They together form a U- shape, the first panel cover forming the U-base. The U-base 6, the U-legs 7 and the panel covers are plate-shaped in each case. They together limit a cuboid receiving space 8 and together form the pump housing 1. Provided in the receiving space 8 are two yokes 9, which are arranged spaced apart from one another and are preferably formed from a

ferromagnetic material, such as iron. The yokes 9 are fastened to the panel 5. They are preferably fixed to the U-base 6. Each yoke 9 is E-shaped and therefore has a central, finger-like projection 10. Wound around each projection 10 is a coil 11, by which electrical current can be carried. The projections 10 in each case form a core for the coils 11 and run toward one another. The yokes 9 and the coils 11 form electromagnets.

Arranged between the yokes 9 and the associated coils 11 is an armature or shuttle, which is moveable and forms the diaphragm actuating mechanism 3. The armature 3 is plate-shaped. It has a rectangular, elongate shape and therefore also a longitudinal centre axis 13. The armature 3 can be axially displaced along its longitudinal centre axis 13. It comprises a frame 14 with two window-like openings 15, which are arranged next to one another in the direction of the longitudinal centre axis 13. A permanent magnet 16 is inserted in each opening 15. Opposite poles of the permanent magnets 16 are arranged next to one another.

The permanent magnets 16 of the armature 3 are located in a magnetic field, which is produced by the electromagnets when the coils 11 are provided with current. Owing to the provision of the coils 11 with current, the armature 3 is moved axially between the yokes 9. The armature 3 then oscillates along its longitudinal centre axis 13. It, in this case, moves alternately in the direction of the mutually opposing U-legs 7. Two coupling elements 17 are also attached to the armature 3. The coupling elements 17 are located at the longitudinal ends 18 of the frame 14, which are spaced apart from one another in the direction of the longitudinal centre axis 13. They oppose one another. The frame 14, for this purpose, has two coupling element receivers 19, which are spaced apart from one another in the direction of the longitudinal centre axis 13 and are at least partially limited in each case by a frame part 20. Each frame part 20 is U-shaped. The frame parts 20 thus in each case have a U- base 21 and two U-legs 22 extending parallel to one another. The U-legs 22 in each case extend in the direction of the longitudinal centre axis 13 and are directly connected to the longitudinal ends 18 of the frame 14. They extend parallel to the U-base 6. The U-bases 21, on the other hand, extend perpendicular to the longitudinal centre axis 13. They extend parallel, but spaced apart from, the longitudinal ends 18.

A coupling element 17 is located in each receiver. Each coupling element 17 comprises a coupling magnet 23 and preferably also two guide plates 24. The coupling magnets 23 are cuboid and take up the entire space of the respective receiver 19. They are permanent magnets. Opposite poles face the U-bases 21. The guide plates 24 have a plate-like, rectangular form. Each guide plate 24 is arranged on a pole of a coupling magnet 23. The coupling magnets 23 are arranged between the guide plates 24. The guide plates 24 cover the narrow sides or outer edges of the respective frame part 20.

An opening 25, which completely passes through the U-leg 7, is configured in each U-leg 7. The openings 25 are circular and oppose one another. Their centre point, when the pump is assembled, is located on the longitudinal centre axis 13 of the armature 3.

A pump head 26, which is a component of the pump housing 1, is associated with each opening 25. Each pump head 26 comprises a chamber part 27, which is configured in the manner of a shell and is held on the outside of the respective U-legs 7 by means of screws 30. The pump heads 27 oppose one another, when the pump is assembled. The chamber part 27 in turn has a diaphragm clamping region 28, which runs round the respective opening 25 and rests closely on the outside of the respective U- leg 7. Furthermore, each chamber part 27 has a valve receiving region 29, which is arranged spaced apart from the respective U-leg 7 with the formation of the respective pumping chamber 4. Each chamber part 27 furthermore has a peripheral wall 31, which connects the diaphragm clamping region 28 and the valve receiving region 29 to one another. The chamber part 27 tapers from the clamping region 28 in the direction of the valve receiving region 29.

Arranged in the valve receiving region 29 are a pressure valve receiver 32 and a suction valve receiver 33. The pressure valve receiver 32 is arranged adjacent to a pressure opening 34, while the suction valve receiver 33 is provided adjacent to a suction opening 35. The pressure opening 34 and the suction opening 35 are in each case arranged in the valve receiving region 29 and penetrate it completely.

Furthermore, each pump head 26 comprises a valve cover 36, which is placed tightly on the respective chamber part 27 on the outside, and adjoins the valve receiving region 29. The valve cover 36 is screwed to the respective chamber part 27. In this case, the valve cover 36 holds a suction valve plate 39 in the suction valve receiver 33. The suction valve plate 39 can close the suction opening 35. Moreover, the valve cover 36 holds a pressure valve plate 40 in the pressure valve receiver 32. The pressure valve plate 40 can close the pressure opening 34. The valve plates 39, 40 are moveable between a closing position, in which the opening 34 or 35 is closed, and a release position, in which the opening 34 or 35 is released. They are pressure-controlled. Each valve cover 36 also has a pressure line 37 and a suction line 38. The pressure lines 37 have a flow connection to the pressure openings 34, while the suction lines 38 have a flow connection to the suction openings 35.

Each chamber part 27 secures a diaphragm 2 to the respective U-leg 7 on the outside. The diaphragms 2 close the openings 25 and are circular, in each case. The respective clamping region 28 presses an end region of the respective diaphragm 2 in a fluid-tight manner onto the respective U-leg 7.

A counter-coupling element 41 is fastened in the centres of the diaphragms 2, in each case, to said diaphragms. The coupling elements 41 are in each case formed from a ferromagnetic material and preferably have a rectangular, plate-like shape. Each coupling element 41 is received in a compression disc 42, which is fastened to the inside of the adjacent diaphragm 2. On the outside, a fixing disc 43 is arranged on the

diaphragms 2, in each case. The coupling elements 41, the compression discs 42, the diaphragms 2 and the fixing discs 43 are combined into two separate diaphragm units by two screws 44.

When the pump is assembled, each coupling element 41 rests on a U-base 21 and on the narrow sides of two guide plates 24. The two guide plates 24 at a longitudinal end 18 and the coupling element 41 arranged adjacent then together have the shape of a U. The coupling elements 41 act as ring closure elements. The magnetic flux starts, for example, from a first pole of the coupling magnet 23 and then flows via the adjacent guide plate 24 into the coupling element 41. It then flows from there via the other guide plate 24 into the second pole of the coupling magnet 23, so a magnetic ring closure is produced.

Alternatively, only one pump head 26 and only one diaphragm 2 may be provided. Only one coupling mechanism is then necessary.

The functioning of the pump will be described below. By providing the coils 11 with current, these produce a magnetic field. The armature 3, which comprises the permanent magnets 16 is located in the magnetic field. The permanent magnets 16 also produce a magnetic field. The armature 3 is provided with an oscillating movement thereby along its longitudinal centre axis 13.

The diaphragms 2 are releasably connected to the armature 3 by the coupling mechanisms. The coupling elements 41 are releasably coupled to the coupling elements 17. A magnetic connection is present between them. The diaphragms 2 are also alternately actuated, therefore, by the oscillating movement of the armature 3. The centres of the diaphragms 2 are alternately pressed into the chamber parts 27 and then drawn into the receiving space 8, so a fluid to be conveyed is conveyed.

The fluid to be conveyed is sucked via at least one panel cover into the pump housing 1 by the diaphragms 2. In the pump housing 1, the fluid flows over at least one part region along the yokes 9. It is then drawn into the suction lines 38. The fluid arrives via the suction openings 35, which form fluid inlets, into the respective pumping chamber 4. In the process, the fluid passes the respective suction valve plate 39, which is located in its release position. The pressure openings 34 are, in this case, closed by the pressure valve plates 40. The fluid then leaves the pumping chambers 4 via the pressure openings 34, which form fluid outlets. The suction valve plates 39 prevent an unintended return of the fluid into the suction lines 38. The fluid passes the respective pressure valve plate 40, which is then in its release position. It then arrives in the pressure lines 37. The fluid can then be removed via a collecting pressure connecting piece (not shown). The pump can then be housed completely in an outer housing.

When a diaphragm 2 or a diaphragm unit is exchanged, the respective pump head 26 has to be removed from the corresponding U-leg 7. For this purpose, the screws 30 have to be released. When removing the diaphragm 2, with the fixed armature 3, the coupling elements 17, 41 are separated from one another by pulling. The separation preferably takes place in the direction of the longitudinal centre axis 13. The magnetic holding forces are selected such that, on the one hand, disruption-free operation of the pump is ensured and, on the other hand, a manual separation of the coupling elements 17, 41 is possible. A tool is not necessary for this separation. The connection of the coupling elements 17, 41 takes place in an analogous manner.

The electromagnets and the diaphragm actuating mechanism 3 together form a diaphragm actuating device.

A second embodiment of the invention will be described below with reference to Fig. 5 to 11. Structurally identical components receive the same reference numerals below as in the first embodiment, to which reference is hereby made. Structurally different, but functionally similar components receive below the reference numerals used in the first embodiment with an "a" thereafter. The essential difference between the second embodiment and the first embodiment is the configuration of the coupling mechanisms. In the pump according to the second embodiment, a positive connection is provided in each case between the coupling elements 17a and the coupling elements 41a.

The coupling elements 17a substantially have the shape of a swallowtail. They are again arranged on the longitudinal ends of the frame 14 and widen in the direction of the longitudinal centre axis substantially uniformly from a base piece 45, which is directly connected to the corresponding longitudinal end 18 of the frame 14. A groove 46 is configured in each case in the side of coupling element 17a remote from the corresponding longitudinal end 18 and is open to the adjacent U-legs 7. The grooves 46 extend perpendicular to the longitudinal centre axis 13. In each case they have a first and a second end. The first end faces the first panel cover, while the second end faces the U-base 6. The two ends are open.

The coupling elements 41a in each case have a corresponding swallowtail receiver 47. The swallowtail receivers 47 are provided on the compression discs 42. They are substantially limited by U-shaped profile pieces 48, which in each case have a U-base 49 and two U-legs 50 proceeding from the U-base 49. The U-bases 49 face the first panel cover, while the U-legs 50 extend from the U-bases 49 in the direction of the U-base 6. The swallowtail receivers 47 are open toward the U-base 6. Furthermore, a latching element 51 is provided on each compression disc 42. The latching element 51 comprises a latching arm 52, which is connected in the corresponding swallowtail receiver 47 to the U-base 49 and extends therefrom in the direction of the U-base 6. Each latching arm 52 has a laterally projecting latching head 53. The latching heads 53 are located approximately at the level of the free ends of the U-legs 50 and project from the latching arms 52 in the direction of the armature 3. The latching arms 52 extend over the latching heads 53 with the formation of handle regions 54. The latching arms 52 are pivotable. They are resilient.

Furthermore, the pump according to the second embodiment has two actuating discs 55, which oppose one another and are configured in a substantially shell-like manner. The actuating discs 55 are pivotably mounted on the U-legs 7 and preferably have a circular basic shape. They can be mounted to the inside or the outside of the U-legs 7. Each actuating disc 55 has, at the end, an elongate, window-like opening 56, which extends through the centre point thereof. Furthermore, each actuating disc 55 comprises a radially projecting actuating lever 57 for the actuation thereof.

Each actuating disc 55 also has a latching element web 58, which extends in an arcuate manner and faces the adjacent latching element 51 and extends adjacent to the opening 56. The latching element web 58 projects at the end from the actuating disc 55 in the direction of the adjacent latching element 51. It has a bevel face 59 and a holding face 60 adjoining the bevel face 59. The axial height of the latching element web 58 increases uniformly in the region of the bevel face 59, while the axial height thereof remains constant in the region of the holding face 60. The latching element web 58 extends concentrically around the centre point of the actuating disc 55.

The compression discs 42 are fastened to the diaphragms 2. For this purpose, the bolts 45 pass through the corresponding compression discs 42, the diaphragms 2 and the fixing discs 43. The coupling elements 41a are therefore rigidly connected to the diaphragms 2, while the mutually opposing coupling elements 17a are rigidly connected to the armature 3. When the pump is assembled, the chamber parts 27 press the diaphragms 2 against a free edge region of the actuating discs 55. In this case, the longitudinal ends 18 project into the openings 56. The positive connections are present, in this case, in the actuating discs 55. The swallowtail receivers 47 and the coupling elements 17a engage with one another or have a positive connection. The latching heads 53 ensure a latching connection between the coupling elements 17a, 41a, so this connection is additionally secured. They engage underneath the base pieces 45. Their latching faces are thus arranged adjacent to the corresponding walls of the base pieces 45. The latching faces can rest on the walls of the base pieces 45.

A connection takes place between the coupling elements 41a and the swallowtail receivers 47 in that the swallowtail receivers are substantially pushed from the first panel cover onto the coupling elements 17a, the free ends of the U-legs 50 being ahead. When the final position has been reached, the latching arms 52 spring into their latching position and thus ensure the latching connection.

To release a latching connection, the respective actuating disc 55 has to be pivoted. The actuating discs 55 can be actuated independently of one another. The respective actuating disc 55 has to be pivoted for this purpose about its longitudinal centre axis or the longitudinal centre axis 13. The required force for pivoting can be applied by the respective actuating lever 57 to the corresponding actuating disc 55. On pivoting, the oblique face 59 presses against the respective handle region 54, so the latching arm 52 and therefore also the latching head 53 is moved away from the armature 3. In this case, the latching head 53 is also moved away from the base piece 45. The further the actuating disc 55 is pivoted, the further the latching head 53 is displaced. This is to be attributed to the oblique course of the bevel face 59. The latching head 53 is thus moved from its locking position into its release position by pivoting the actuating disc 55. In the release position of the latching head 53, the latter rests on the holding face 60, which holds the latching head 53 in this position. The actuating disc 55 is then in its holding or release position. The diaphragm 2 or the diaphragm unit can then be exchanged.

In the release position of the actuating disc 55, the armature 3 rests on the inside of the actuating disc 55, so the armature 3 is axially fixed. In the other position of the actuating disc 55, the armature 3 is released. It can pass through the openings 56.

As an alternative, the coupling elements 41a can also be pushed from another direction, preferably from below, onto the coupling elements 17a. For this purpose, the swallowtail receivers 47 are to be rotated accordingly. The actuating discs 55 should be rotated through 180° for pushing on from below.

A third embodiment of the invention will be described below with reference to Fig. 12 to 15. Structurally identical components receive the same reference numerals as in the two previous embodiments, to which reference is hereby made. Structurally different but functionally similar components receive the same reference numerals with a "b" thereafter. In contrast to the first embodiment, the coupling element 17b is configured as a bore or as an opening having a circular cross section. The bores 17b are arranged in projections 61, which project from the longitudinal ends 18 in the direction of the longitudinal centre axis 13 in mutually opposing directions. They extend perpendicular to the longitudinal centre axis 13 and parallel to the U-base 6. Each bore 17b is conical.

Two webs 62, 63 arranged pair-wise, which extend parallel and spaced apart with respect to one another, are provided on each compression disc 42. The webs 62, 63 project, when the pump is assembled, from the respective compression disc 42 in the direction of the adjacent projection 61. The projection 61 is then located between the webs 62, 63. A conical bore 64 is configured in adjacent webs 62, 63. The bore 64 tapers uniformly. The bore 64 has a corresponding conical bore portion 65 in each web 62. In each web 63, the bore 64 has a conical bore portion 66 and a threaded portion 67 adjoining it with a constant diameter. The bore portion 66 is provided closer to the web 62 than the threaded portion 67.

The projection 61 and the webs 62, 63, when the pump is assembled, are connected to one another by a bolt 68. Each bolt 68 has a cone portion 69 and an end threaded portion 70. An axially extending receiver 71 for a socket wrench or the like is located in the cone portion 69 opposing the threaded portion 70. When the pump is assembled, the compression discs 42 are rigidly connected to the armature 3 by means of the bolts 68. The bolts 68 pass through the bores 64 on the compression discs 44 and the bores 17b in the projections 61 of the armature 3. The bolt 68 rests there on the web 62, the projection 61 and the web 63. The threaded portion 70 is screwed into the threaded portion 67. The screwing and unscrewing of the bolts 68 takes place via the receiver 71. A corresponding socket wrench can be placed there. In this state, the projections 61 and the webs 62, 63 are braced with respect to one another. This produces a play-free connection. An offset in a radial or transverse direction of the centre axes is present between the centre axes of the bores 17b, 64. This offset ensures the bracing.

A fourth embodiment of the invention will be described below with reference to Fig. 16 to 20. The structurally identical components receive the same reference numerals as in the previous embodiments, to which reference is hereby made. Structurally different, but functionally similar components receive the same reference numerals with a "c" thereafter. In contrast to the first embodiment, two actuating discs 55c are also provided here, which in general are similar to the actuating discs 55 of the pump according to the second embodiment.

The actuating discs 55c, when the pump is assembled, oppose one another and are substantially configured in a shell-like manner. They are pivotably mounted on the U-legs 7 and preferably have a circular basic shape. The actuating discs 55c can be mounted on the inside or outside of the U-legs 7.

Each actuating disc 55c has an elongate, window-like opening 56, which extends through the centre point thereof. The window-like opening 56 furthermore goes through a circular opening 72 configured in the actuating disc 55 c, the diameter of which opening is slightly larger than the diameter of the compression disc 42c and the centre point of which is located in the centre of the actuating disc 55c. Furthermore, each actuating disc 55c comprises a radially projecting actuating lever 57 for the actuation thereof.

Each actuating disc 55c also has an actuating web 58c which extends in an arcuate manner and projects at the end face from the actuating disc 55c in the direction of the adjacent compression disc 42c. The actuating web 58c proceeds from the opening 56 and then runs adjacent to the opening 72 and along it. The height of the actuating web 58c increases in the process. The increase may be regular or irregular. The actuating web 58c extends concentrically around the centre point of the actuating disc 55c.

A rigid separating attachment 73, which projects radially from the compression disc 42c and is a component of the compression disc 42c, is provided on each compression disc 42c. The separating attachment 73 furthermore projects in the direction of the adjacent actuating disc 55c. It preferably extends obliquely.

During operation of the pump, the separating attachments 73 and the actuating webs 58c are spaced apart from one another (Fig. 17). The coupling elements 41 are connected to the coupling elements 17. A magnetic connection is present between the latter. The armature 3 can pass through the openings 56. The openings 56 are correspondingly oriented for this. To release the respective magnetic connection, the corresponding actuating disc 55c has to be pivoted about its longitudinal centre axis or about the longitudinal centre axis 13. The required force for pivoting can be applied by the respective actuating lever 57 on the corresponding actuating disc 55c. During pivoting, the actuating web 58c arrives on the separating attachment 73. The actuating web 58c laterally approaches the separating attachment 73. The separating attachment 73 then slides on the actuating web 58c. It is then pressed away by the actuating web 58c upon a further pivoting from the coupling element 17 because of the increasing height thereof, which leads to a spacing of the compression disc 42c and therefore also of the coupling element 41 from the coupling element 17. The coupling element 41 is pressed away from the armature 3. A separation then takes place between the coupling elements 17, 41. With an increasing spacing, the magnetic force acting between the coupling elements 17, 41 decreases. The coupling elements 17, 41 can then easily be separated from one another. In the fixing position of the actuating disc 55c, the armature 3 can no longer pass through the associated opening 56, as the latter is no longer oriented following the armature 3. The armature 3 is thus fixed. Combinations of the described coupling mechanisms are alternatively possible. Bores do not have to have been produced by drilling. They may, for example, have also been produced, for example, during a casting process.

Claims

1. Pump for conveying a fluid, comprising

a) a pump housing (1)

b) with at least one fluid inlet (35) for the fluid to be conveyed, c) with at least one pumping chamber (4), which has a flow

connection to the fluid inlet (35), and

d) with at least one fluid outlet (34), which has a flow

connection to the at least one pumping chamber (4), e) at least one actuable diaphragm (2) for conveying the fluid, which at least partially limits the at least one pumping chamber (4), f) at least one diaphragm actuating device (3) connected to the at least one diaphragm (2) to actuate the at least one diaphragm (2), and

g) at least one coupling mechanism,

h) which releasably connects the at least one diaphragm (2) and the at least one diaphragm actuating device (3) to one another.

2. Pump according to claim 1, characterised in that the coupling

mechanism comprises at least one first coupling element (41; 41a; 41b) connected to the diaphragm (2) and at least one second coupling element (17; 17a; 17b) provided on the diaphragm actuating

mechanism (3).

3. Pump according to claim 2, characterised in that the diaphragm

actuating mechanism (3) has a centre axis (13) extending in its movement direction, the first coupling element (41; 41a; 41b) and the second coupling element (17; 17a; 17b) being connectable to one another and/or releasable from one another from a direction extending transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to the centre axis (13).

4. Pump according to claim 2 or 3, characterised in that the first

coupling element (41; 41a) and the second coupling element (17; 17a) can be connected to one another without tools.

5. Pump according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterised in that the first coupling element (41; 41a) and the second coupling element (17; 17a) can be separated from one another without tools.

6. Pump according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterised in that the first coupling element (41) and the second coupling element (17) are connected to one another magnetically, the first coupling element (41) or the second coupling element (17) comprising at least one coupling magnet (23) for detachable connection to the other coupling element (41, 17).

7. Pump according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterised in that the first coupling element (41a; 41b) and the second coupling element

(17a; 17b) are positively connected to one another, the positive connection preferably being a swallowtail connection or a bolt connection.

8. Pump according to claim 7, characterised in that the first coupling element (41a) is configured as a first positive connection element and the second coupling element (17a) is configured as a counter-positive connection element.

9. Pump according to claim 7 or 8, characterised by at least one latching element (51) for the additional latching of the first coupling element (41a) and the second coupling element (17a) to one another, the at least one latching element (51) preferably comprising at last one latching head (53).

10. Pump according to claim 9, characterised by at least one actuable actuating mechanism (55) for the latching element (51), the at least one actuating mechanism (55) preferably being pivotably mounted.

11. Pump according to claim 10, characterised in that the actuating

mechanism (55) has at least one displacement face (59) for displacing the latching element (51) from its latching position into its release position, the at least one displacement face (59) preferably being configured to displace the latching element (51) in an upward manner.

12. Pump according to claim 11, characterised in that the actuating

mechanism (55) furthermore has at least one holding face (60) to hold the latching element (51) in its release position, the at least one holding face (61) preferably adjoining the displacement face (59).

13. Pump according to any one of claims 10 to 12, characterised in that the actuating mechanism (55) comprises at least one fixing face for the axial fixing of the diaphragm actuating mechanism (3).

14. Pump according to any one of claims 2, 3 or 7, characterised in that the coupling mechanism comprises at least one threaded bolt (68), which couples the first coupling element (41b) and the second coupling element (17b) to one another, the at least one threaded bolt (68) preferably having at least one cone portion (69) and at least one threaded portion (70).

15. Pump according to claim 14, characterised in that the first coupling element (41b) has a conical bore (64) and the second coupling element

(17b) is configured as a conical bore, the centre axes of the bores (64, 17b) preferably being offset with respect to one another in a radial direction.

16. Pump according to claim 6, characterised in that the coupling

elements (17, 41) can be separated from one another by at least one actuating mechanism (55c), the at least one actuating mechanism (55c) preferably having at least one actuating web (58c) to displace at least one of the coupling elements (17, 41).