GB2524155A

GB2524155A - Multiple diaphragm pump

Info

Publication number: GB2524155A
Application number: GB1501528.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Robert E Gledhill Iii; John T Nguyen
Original assignee: Blue White Industries Ltd
Current assignee: Blue White Industries Ltd
Priority date: 2014-01-30
Filing date: 2015-01-30
Publication date: 2015-09-16
Also published as: GB201501528D0

Abstract

A multiple diaphragm pump 100 having a single drive and controller is disclosed. An electric motor drives a shaft 106 to which a cam 108 is attached. Each diaphragm 128, 130 of the multiple diaphragm pump is connected to a piston 124, 126 which is driven by the cam 108 eg via respective levers 112, 114. A fluid manifold 160 has an inlet 156 and an outlet 158, the two diaphragms 128, 130 sealing respective pumping chambers 140, 142 connected to the inlet and outlet 156, 158 via one-way valves 144, 146, 152, 154. The pistons 124, 126 move in the same direction such that when one diaphragm is in a forward stroke the other diaphragm is in a backward stroke, movement of the pistons 124, 126 in a given direction thus causing one of the pumping chambers 140, 142 to increase in volume while the other decreases. A spring ring (5170, fig.7) may coordinate the movement of the levers (5112, 5114) and the pistons (5124, 5126) so that the pistons do not have to overcome return spring force.

Description

MULTIPLE DIAPHRAGM PUMP

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE TO ANY PRIORITY APPLICATIONS

[0001] Any and all applications for which a foreign or domestic priority claim is identified in the Application Data Sheet as filed with the present application are hereby incorporated by reference herein and made a part of the present disclosure,

Field of the Invention

100021 The present inventions relate to diaphragm pumps, and more specifically to a multi-diaphragm pump.

Description of the Related Art

[0003] Diaphragm pumps are a type of positive displacement pump used to pump accurate amounts of chemical into water treatment plants. Diaphragm pumps can handle much higher system pressures than other positive displacement pump technologies, such as peristaltic pumps, Diaphragm pumps are common in the water treatment industry with one or more diaphragms. Multi-diaphragm pump designs are typically marketed in industry with separate inlets and outlets for each diaphragm. One benefit of multi-diaphragm pump designs is the capability to pump multiple chemicals with a single drive and controller.

SUMMARY

[0004] Certain embodiments have particularly advantageous applicability in connection with multi-diaphragm pumps that are configured with a single direct drive and controller. For example, the multi-diaphragm pump can be configured with two diaphragms.

Each diaphragm may be connected to a lever via a piston. The levers are desirably in operative engagement with a cam that rotates with a rotating motor shaft. As the shaft rotates, the cam acts on the levers which in turn cause the diaphragms to move such that the volume of a fluid chamber associated with each diaphragm is enlarged or reduced. The lever provides mechanical advantage to controlling the diaphrans of the pump. In some embodiments, a ring or other connecting member may connect both levers such that movement of one lever causes movement of the other lever. Therefore, in some aspects, the multiple diaphragm pump described below has reduced wattage and power requirements while still providing high pressure flow. Additionally, in some aspects, the multiple diaphragm pump is easy to assemble. Additionally, some embodiments of the multiple diaphragm pump do not include a return spring and therefore pistons connected to the diaphragms do not have to work to overcome the spring force during their backward and forward strokes. Additionally, this reduces the wear and tear on the pump.

[0005] Tn one aspect, a diaphragm pump includes a housing. The housing includes an electric motor, a motor shaft driven by the electric motor for rotation about an electric motor shaft axis, a cam connected to the motor shaft for rotation about the motor shaft axis, at least one lever having a first end and a second end, the first end of the at least one lever attached to the housing and the second end of the at least one lever in operative engagement with the cam such that the cam acts on the second end of the at least one lever to move the lever, a first piston and a second piston coupled to the at least one lever such that movement of the lever in a first direction causes the first piston and the second piston to move in a first piston direction and movement of the lever in a second direction causes the first piston and the second piston to move in a second piston direction, a first diaphragm and a second diaphragm and a fluid manifold having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. Each of the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet niay be connected to a first pumping chaniber and a second pumping chamber, the first diaphragm sealing the first pumping chamber and the second diaphragm sealing the second pumping chamber, the first diaphragm coupled to the first piston and the second diaphragm coupled to the second piston such that movement of the first piston in the first piston direction causes the first pumping chamber to increase in volume, movement of the second piston in the first piston direction causes the second pumping chamber to decrease in volume, Movement of the first piston in the second piston direction causes the first pumping chamber to decrease in volume and movement of the second piston in the second piston direction causes the second pumping chamber to increase in volume such that fluid passes from the fluid inlet and alternatively through the first pumping chamber and the second puniping chaniber to the fluid outlet In sonic embodiments, the pump may also include [0006] a first lever and a second lever, the first lever coupled to the first piston and the second lever coupled to the second piston. In sonic embodiments, a ring connects the first lever and the second lever such that movement of first lever causes movement of the second lever. In some embodiments, movement of the first diaphragm and the second diaphragm causes fluid to be drawn into and out of the manifold, the manifold being detachably secured to a front surface of the housing. In some embodiments, the pump further includes a shaft support member having an opening to receive the motor shaft and configured to support the motor shaft. In some embodiments, the shaft support member comprises a bearing mounted within a bearing mounting detachably secured to the housing. in some embodiments, the motor shaft axis defines a motor shaft plane. in some embodiments, the lever moves in a plane perpendicular to the motor shaft plane.

[0007] Tn another aspect, a diaphragm pump includes a housing, The housing includes an electric motor, a motor shaft driven by the electric motor for rotation about an electric motor shaft axis, the motor shaft axis defining a motor shaft plane, a cam connected to the motor shaft for rotation about the motor shaft axis, a first lever configured such that movement of the cam causes movement of the first lever, a second lever configured such that movement of the cam causes movement of the second lever, a coupling member coupling the first lever and the second lever such that movement of the first kver causes movement of the second lever, a first piston coupled to the first lever, a second piston coupled to the second lever, a first diaphragm coupled to the first piston, a second diaphragm coupled to the second piston, and a fluid manifold, The fluid manifold has a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, each of the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet connected to a first pumping chamber and a second pumping chamber, the first diaphragm sealing the first pumping chamber fluidly connected to the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet and the second diaphragm sealing the second pumping chamber fluidly connected to the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet, Movement of the first piston in a first piston direction causes the first pumping chamber to increase in volume, movement of the second piston in the first piston direction causes the second pumping chamber to decrease in volume, movement of the first piston in a second piston direction causes the first pumping chamber to decrease in volume and movement of the second piston in the second piston direction causes the second pumping chamber to increase in volume, Tn some embodiments, movement of the first diaphragm and the second diaphragm causes fluid to be drawn into and out of the manifold, the manifold being detachably secured to a front surface of the housing. In some embodiments, the pump further includes a shaft support member having an opening to receive the motor shaft and configured to support the motor shaft. In some embodiments, the shaft support member comprises a bearing mounted within a bearing mounting detachably secured to the housing. Tn some embodiments, the motor shaft axis defines a motor shaft plane. In some embodiments, the first and second levers move in a plane perpendicular to the motor shaft plane.

100081 In yet another aspect, a diaphragm pump includes a housing. The housing includes an electric motor, a motor shaft driven by the electric motor for rotation about an electric motor shaft axis, a cam connected to the motor shaft for rotation about the motor shaft axis, a first diaphragm coupled to a first piston, a second diaphragm coupled to a second piston, a coupling member operatively connected to the cam, the coupling member coupling the first piston and the second piston such that rotation of the cam moves the first piston and the second piston simultaneously, and a fluid manifold. The fluid manifold has a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, the first diaphragm sealing a first pumping chamber fluidly connected to the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet arid the second diaphragm sealing a second pumping chamber fluidly connected to the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet, Movement of the first piston in a first piston direction causes the first pumping chamber to increase in volume, movement of the second piston in the first piston direction causes the second pumping chamber to decrease in volume, movement of the first piston in a second piston direction causes the first pumping chamber to decrease in volume and movement of the second piston in the second piston direction causes the second pumping chamber to increase in volume. In some embodiments, the pump further includes a first lever and a second lever, the first lever coupled to the first piston and the second lever coupled to the second piston. In some embodiments, a ring connects the first lever and the second lever such that movement of first lever causes movement of the second lever, In some embodiments, movement of the first diaphragm and the second diaphragm causes fluid to be drawn into and out of the manifold, the manifold being detachably secured to a front surface of the housing. In some embodiments, the pump further includes a shaft support member having an opening to receive the motor shaft and configured to support the motor shaft. In some embodiments, the shaft support member comprises a bearing mounted within a bearing mounting detachably secured to the housing. In some embodiments, the motor shaft axis defines a motor shaft plane. In some embodiments, the first and second levers move in a plane perpendicular to the motor shaft plane.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

100091 Various features of illustrative embodiments of the inventions are described below with reference to the drawings. The illustrated embodiments are intended to illustrate, but not to limit, the inventions. The drawings contain the following figures: 100101 Figure 1 is a front cross-sectional view of a multiple diaphragm pump, according to an embodiment.

[00111 Figure 2 is a second cross-sectional view of a multiple diaphragm pump, according to an embodiment.

[0012] Figure 3 is a schematic illustration of a shaft support member that may be attached to the housing of a multiple diaphragm pump, according to an embodiment.

100131 Figures 4A-D are front cross-sectional views of a multiple diaphragm pump illustrating the flow of fluid through the pump, according to an embodiment.

[0014] Figure 5 illustrates a front cross-sectional view of a multiple diaphragm pump, according to another embodiment, [0015] Figure 6 illustrates another cross-sectional view of a multiple diaphragm pump, according to another embodiment.

[0016] Figure 7 illustrates another cross-sectional view of a multiple diaphragm pump, according to another embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] While the present description sets forth specific details of various embodiments, it will be appreciated that the description is illustrative only and should not be construed in any way as limiting. Furthermore, various applications of such embodiments and modifications thereto, which may occur to those who are skilled in the art, are also encompassed by the general concepts described herein.

100181 As noted above, embodiments of the present inventions can overcome several prior art deficiencies and provide advantageous results. Some embodiments provide for a multiple diaphragm pump that can operate at high pressures while maintaining a high flow rate. Some embodiments allow the multiple diaphragm pump to operate effectively at higher pressures and flow rates without requiring that the pump have a larger motor. Further, some embodiments can comprise a single direct drive system comprising at least one lever.

Some embodiments that include lever designs may have advantages over prior multiple diaphragm pumps, including less wear and tear on the drive due to reduced force requirements, increased pump life, reduced power requirements when injecting against high pressures, ease of installation of encapsulated piston during assembly, reduced energy, and full stroke operation with every rotation of the motor shaft, Some embodiments of diaphragms that may be used with multiple diaphragm pumps according to the present invention are discussed in U.S. Patent Application No. 61/91 9,556, entitled "A SEALING DIAPFIRAGM AND METHODS OF MANUFACTURING SAID DIAPHRAGM," filed December 20, 2013, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety [0019] Figures 1 and 2 illustrate a multiple diaphragm pump 100 having a single inlet 156 and a single outlet 158. Preferably, this design results in a smooth output flow of liquid, as will be discussed in greater detail below.

100201 Figure 1 illustrates a cross section of a multiple diaphragm pump, according to one embodiment. The multiple diaphragm pump 100 includes a pump housing 102 and an adapter/drive housing 104 configured to fit within the pump housing 102, The adapter/drive housing 1 04 further comprises an electric motor to which an electric motor shaft 106 is connected. A cam 108 is attached to the motor shaft 106 such that rotation of the shaft 106 causes rotation of the cam 108. Additionally, rotation of the cam 108 causes rotation of a ball bearing lID. The ball bearing 110 is operatively engaged with two levers 112, 114. Rotation of the cam 108 causes the levers 112, 114 to rotate, inducing movement in the diaphragms of the pump assembly, as will be discussed in more detail below, [0021] In some embodiments, including the illustrated embodiment, the pump also includes a fluid manifold 160. The fluid manifold 160 may be mounted directly onto the adapter housing 104. In some embodiments, including the illustrated embodiment, the manifold can be secured to the adapter housing 104 using screws such that the manifold can be easily serviced or replaced. The fluid manifold 160 includes a fluid inlet 156 and a fluid outlet 158. Two fluid pumping chambers 140 and 142 are connected to the fluid inlet 156. Diaphragms 128 and 130 forni one sealed wall of the fluid pumping chanibers 140, 142. The fluid pumping chambers 140 and 142 are connected to the fluid inlet 156 such that fluid can pass through the fluid inlet 156 and into the fluid pumping chambers 140, 142 via one-way valves 144, 146. Similarly, the fluid pumping chambers 140, 142 are connected to the fluid outlet 158 such that fluid can pass from the fluid pumping chambers 140, 142 to the fluid outlet 158 via one-way valves 152, 154. One-way valves 144, 146, 152, and 154 may be any type of one-way valve, including ball valves. As shown in Figure 1, the pump 100 includes a single fluid inlet 156 and a single fluid outlet 158 to reduce plumbing complications due to multiple diaphragm channels.

[0022] With further reference to Figure 1, in sonic embodiments, including the illustrated embodiment, the diaphragms 128, 130 are connected to pistons 124, 126. In particular, the piston 124 acts on the diaphragm 128 and the piston 126 acts on the diaphragm 130. The pistons 124, 126 act on the diaphragms 128, 130 such that the diaphragms flex in response to movement of the pistons. Because the diaphragms 128, 130 form a seal with the fluid pumping chambers 140, 142, the volume of the pumping chambers 140, 142 changes in response to the flexing movement of the diaphragms 128, 130. The volume of the pumping chambers 140, 142 either increases or decreases depending on the direction of movement or flexure of the diaphragms 128, 130.

[0023] In some embodiments, including the illustrated embodiment, the movement of the diaphragms 128, 130 is controlled by levers 112 and 114. Preferably, lever 112 and lever 114 are mounted within the adapter/drive housing 104 of the pump body 102.

The levers 112 and 114 are connected to the housing 104 at attachment points 116 and 118.

In some embodiments, including the illustrated embodiment, lever 112 is allowed to rotate within the adapter/drive housing 104 about the attachment point 116, Similarly, in sonic embodiments, including the illustrated embodiment, lever 114 is allowed to rotate within the adapter/drive housing 104 about the attachment point 118.

100241 As also shown in Figure 1, piston extension members 120 and 122 are attached to the levers 112 and 114 such that rotation of the levers 112, 114 causes movement of the piston extension members 120, 122. The piston extension members 120, 122 act as connecting members between the levers 114, 116 and the pistons 124, 126 that act on the diaphragms I 28, 1 30. As illustrated, preferably levers 112 and 114 are acted on by the bearing 110 at a point of contact between the bearing 110 and the lever 112 that forms an angle A that is approximately 45 degrees from a line defined by the piston extension members 120, 122. In other embodiments, the angle A between the point of contact between the bearing 110 and the lever 112 and the line defined by the piston extension members 120, 122 is at least 25 degrees, at least 30 degrees, at least 40 degrees, at least 50 degrees, or at least 55 degrees. The benefits of the angle A between the point of contact of the levers 112, 114 and the bearing 110 and the line defined by the piston extension members 120, 122 will be shown with reference to the force calculations discussed in greater detail below. The angle A is also defined as the angle at which the force from the cam 108 is applied to the levers 112, 114. In some embodiments, including the illustrated embodiment, the levers 112, 114 may be built as sub-assemblies to improve the ease of assembly.

10025] Tn operation, an electric motor preferably rotates the motor shaft I 06 of the pump 100. The rotation of the motor shaft 106 also causes the cam 108 to rotate. Rotation of the cam 108 induces rotation of the bearing 110. Rotation of the bearing 110 induces a rotation of the lever 112 away from an axis defined by the motor shaft 106. Rotation of the lever I 12 away from the motor shaft axis causes the piston extension member 120 to move in a direction away from the motor shaft axis. This motion in turn causes the piston 124 to act on the diaphragm 128. In other words, rotation of the lever 112 is transferred into a stroke rate of the piston 124. The diaphragm 128 responds to the force applied by the piston 124 by flexing and reducing the volume of the pumping chamber 140. Due to the reduced volume of the pumping chamber 140, fluid is forced out of the pumping chamber 140 and into the fluid outlet 158 via valve 152.

[0026] Preferably, while lever 112 is rotating away from the motor shaft axis, the lever 114 simultaneously rotates toward the axis defined by the motor shaft 106. Rotation of the lever 114 toward the motor shaft axis causes the piston extension member 122 to move in a direction toward the motor shaft axis. This motion in turn causes the piston 126 to act on the diaphragm 130. Tn other words, rotation of the lever I 14 is transferred into a stroke rate of the piston 126. The diaphragm 130 responds to the force applied by the piston 126 by flexing and increasing the volume of the pumping chamber 142. Due to the increased volume of the pumping chamber 142, fluid is drawn into the pumping chamber 142 from the fluid inlet 156 through valve 146. Thus, during operation, preferably one diaphragm of the multiple diaphragm pump is drawing fluid into the pump and at the same time the other diaphragm of the multiple diaphragm pump is pushing fluid out of the pump. This method of operation preferably results in a pump that provides minimal pulse or delay between output flows and also results in pump having a higher flow rate.

[00271 Figure 2 illustrates a second view of a multiple diaphragm pump 100. Tn some embodiments, including the illustrated embodiment, a connecting member 170, shown in Figure 2 as a circular ring, may connect the lever 112 and the lever 114. The connecting member 170 may be formed by extrusion or other means. As discussed above with reference to Figure 1, the bearing 110 acts on the levers 112 and 114, causing rotation of the levers about their points of attachment with the housing. Tn this embodiment, due to the connection between lever 112 and lever 114, movement of lever 112 will also cause movement of lever 114. In some embodiments incorporating the connection member 170, when the levers 112 and 114 are acted upon by the bearing I 00, rotation of one of the levers will result in rotation of the other lever, Preferably, the connection between the levers 112 and 114 will result in smooth and connected movement of the levers and a steady output flow from the pump.

[0028] Additionally, the pump 100 illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 does not include a return spring that is often incorporated in diaphragm pumps. Instead, Figures 1 and 2 illustrate a connecting member 170 that acts to coordinate the movement of the levers I 12 and 114 and, via the mechanical linkages described above, pistons 124 and 126. As a result, the pump 100 illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 does not have to overcome a spring force when flexing the diaphragms 128 and 130, [0029] As illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, the levers and diaphragms are configured such that when one diaphragm is moving in a forward stroke, the other diaphragm is moving in a back stroke such that a continuous stream of fluid is pumped in and out of the fluid manifold of the diaphragm pump. Additionally some embodiments of a multiple diaphragm pump may not require stroke adjustment due to the dual diaphragms working in opposite directions of one another. In some embodiments, including the illustrated embodiment, a cam/piston/lever drive configuration results in a pump that is approximately 36% more efficient than other multiple diaphragm pump designs.

[0030] Tn sonic embodiments, including the illustrated embodiment, a front shaft support member 180, as shown in Figure 3, may be attached to the front of the pump housing 102. The front shaft support member 180 provides support for the motor shaft 106 to prevent the motor shaft 106 from wobbling which can cause unnecessary wear and tear on the gearbox of the motor. The front shaft support member 180 includes a bearing 182 that is configured to support the motor shaft 106 and prevent unnecessary movement of the motor shaft 106. Tn addition to supporting the motor shaft 106, the front load support member 180 also allows better control of the feed flow rate, due to minimizing any eccentric motion of the motor shaft 106.

100311 Figures 4A-D illustrate a sequence of valve and diaphragm positions of one embodiment of a multiple diaphragm pump, In some embodiments, including the illustrated embodiment, as the cam rotates due to rotation of the drive shaft, the valves open and close to allow fluid to flow in the fluid inlet and out the fluid outlet, preferably at a steady rate (i.e., without pulsing).

[0032] Tn Figure 4A, the cam has rotated clockwise such that the lever 1 T2 is being pushed to the left, causing the piston 124 to act on the diaphragm 128 to reduce the volume of the fluid chamber 140. This in turn opens the valves 152 to allow fluid to exit the pump via the fluid outlet. Simultaneously, the rotation of the cam also causes the lever 114 to move to the left, causing the piston 126 to act on the diaphragm 130 to increase the volume of the fluid chamber 142. This decrease in pressure within the chamber 142 causes the valves 146 to open, allowing fluid from the fluid inlet to enter the chamber 142.

[0033] In Figure 4B, the cam has rotated clockwise such that the lever 112 is being pushed to the left, causing the piston 124 to act on the diaphragm 128 to reduce the volume of the fluid chamber 140. In this figure, the chamber 140 has reached a minimum volume, due to the position of the diaphragm 128 at the end of the stroke of the piston 124.

This in turn opens the valves 152 to allow fluid to exit the pump via the fluid outlet.

Simultaneously, the rotation of the cam also causes the lever 114 to move to the left, causing the piston 126 to act on the diaphragm 130 to increase the volume of the fluid chamber 142.

In this figure, the chamber 142 has reached a maximum volume due to the position of the diaphragm 130 at the end of the stroke of the piston 126. This decrease in pressure within the chamber 142 causes the valves 146 to open, allowing fluid from the fluid inlet to enter the chamber 142.

[0034] Tn Figure 4C, the cam has rotated clockwise such that the lever I I 2 moves to the right, causing the piston 124 to act on the diaphragm 128 to increase the volume of the fluid chamber 140. This in turn opens the valves 144 to allow fluid to enter the fluid chamber 140 via the fluid inlet. Simultaneously, the rotation of the cam also causes the lever 114 to move to the right, causing the piston 126 to act on the diaphragm 130 to decrease the volume of the fluid chamber 142. This increase in pressure within the chamber 142 causes the valves 154 to open, allowing fluid to exit the chamber 142 and flow through the fluid outlet.

[0035] Tn Figure 4D, the cam has rotated clockwise such that the lever 112 is moved to the right, causing the piston 124 to act on the diaphragm 128 to increase the volume of the fluid chamber 140. In this figure, the chamber 140 has reached a maximum volume, due to the position of the diaphragm 128 at the end of the stroke of the piston 124. This in turn opens the valves 144 to allow fluid to enter the fluid chamber 140 via the fluid inlet, Simultaneously, the rotation of the cam also causes the lever 114 to move to the right, causing the piston 126 to act on the diaphragm 130 to decrease the volume of the fluid chamber 142. In this figure, the chamber 142 has reached a minimum volume due to the position of the diaphragm 130 at the end of the stroke of the piston 126. This increase in pressure within the chamber 142 causes the valves 154 to open, allowing fluid to exit the fluid chamber 142 and flow out the fluid outlet.

[0036] Another embodiment of a multiple diaphragm pump is illustrated in Figures 5 and 6. As in the embodiment discussed above with respect to Figures 1 and 2, the pump shown in Figures 5 and 6 includes a pump housing 5102 and an adapter/drive housing 5104 configured to fit within the pump housing 5102. The adapter/drive housing 5104 further comprises an electric motor to which an electric motor shaft 5106 is connected. A cam 5108 is attached to the motor shaft 5106 such that rotation of the shaft 5106 causes rotation of the cam 5108. Additionally, rotation of the cam 5108 causes rotation of a ball bearing 5110. The ball bearing 5110 is operatively engaged with two levers 5112, 5114.

Rotation of the cam 5108 causes the levers 5112, 5114 to rotate, inducing movement in the diaphragms 5128, 5130 of the pump assembly as discussed in detail above with respect to Figures I and 2.

[0037] Figure 7 illustrates a connecting member 5 I 70 that acts to coordinate the movement of the levers 5112 and 5114 and pistons 5124 and 5126. Additionally, some embodiments of the multiple diaphragm pump do not include a return spring and therefore pistons connected to the diaphragms do not have to work to overcome the spring force during their backward and forward strokes, This reduces the wear and tear on the pump. As a result, the pump 5100 illustrated in Figures 5-7 does not have to overcome a spring force when flexing the diaphragms 5128 and 5130. The connecting member or spring ring 5170 provides additional benefits such as improved ease of installation of the pump assembly and greater flexibility of the movement of the levers during pump operation.

100381 In some embodiments, including the illustrated embodiment, a multiple diaphragm pump as discussed above with respect to Figures 1-7 can result in a decrease in the required force operating on the pistons. In some embodiments, the required force acting on the piston for a prior art direct drive multiple diaphragm pump design is approximately 475.3 lbs. However, the required force acting on the piston for a cam/piston1ever drive as illustrated in Figures 1-7 is approximately 303,8 lbs.

[0039] Although embodiments of these inventions have been disclosed in the context of certain examples, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present inventions extend beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and/or uses of the inventions and obvious modifications and equivalents thereof. In addition, while several variations of the inventions have been shown and described in detail, other modifications, which are within the scope of these inventions, will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art based upon this disclosure. It is also contemplated that various combinations or sub-combinations of the specific features and aspects of the embodiments may be made and still fall within the scope of the inventions. it should be understood that various features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be combined with or substituted for one another in order to fonu varying modes of the disclosed inventions.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS: A diaphragm pump, comprising: a housing comprising: an electric motor; a motor shaft driven by the electric motor for rotation about an electric motor shaft axis; a cam connected to the motor shaft for rotation about the motor shaft axis; at least one kver having a first end and a second end, the first end of the at least one lever attached to the housing and the second end of the at least one lever in operative engagement with the cam such that the cam acts on the second end of the at least one lever to move the lever; a first piston and a second piston coupled to the at least one lever such that movement of the lever in a first direction causes the first piston and the second piston to move in a first piston direction and movement of the lever in a second direction causes the first piston and the second piston to move in a second piston direction; a first diaphragm and a second diaphragm; and a fluid manifold having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, each of the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet connected to a first pumping chamber and a second pumping chamber, the first diaphragm sealing the first pumping chamber and the second diaphragm sealing the second pumping chamber, the first diaphragm coupled to the first piston and the second diaphragm coupled to the second piston such that movement of the first piston in the first piston direction causes the first pumping chamber to increase in volume, movement of the second piston in the first piston direction causes the second pumping chamber to decrease in volume, movement of the first piston in the second piston direction causes the first pumping chamber to decrease in volume and movement of the second piston in the second piston direction causes the second pumping chamber to increase in volume such that fluid passes from the fluid inlet and alternatively through the first pumping chamber and the second pumping chamber to the fluid outlet.
2, The diaphragm pump of Claim I further comprising a first lever and a second lever, the first lever coupled to the first piston and the second lever coupled to the second piston.
3. The diaphragm pump of Claim 2, wherein a ring connects the first lever and the second lever such that movement of first lever causes movement of the second lever,
4. The diaphragm pump of Claim 1 wherein movement of the first diaphragm and the second diaphragm causes fluid to be drawn into and out of the manifold, the manifold being detachably secured to a front surface of the housing,
5. The diaphragm pump of Claim 1 further comprising a shaft support member having an opening to receive the motor shaft and configured to support the motor shaft.
6, The diaphragm pump of Claim 5, wherein the shaft support member comprises a bearing mounted within a bearing mounting detachably secured to the housing.
7. The diaphragm pump of Claim 1, wherein the motor shaft axis defines a motor shaft plane.
8. The diaphragm pump of Claim 1, wherein the lever moves in a plane perpendicular to the motor shaft plane.
9. A diaphragm pump, comprising: a housing comprising: an electric motor; a motor shaft driven by the electric motor for rotation about an electric motor shaft axis, the motor shaft axis defining a motor shaft plane; a cam connected to the motor shaft for rotation about the motor shaft axis; a first lever configured such that movement of the cam causes movement of the first lever; a second lever configured such that movement of the cam causes movement of the second lever; a coupling member coupling the first lever and the second lever such that movement of the first lever causes movement of the second lever; a first piston coupled to the first lever; a second piston coupled to the second lever; a first diaphragm coupled to the first piston; a second diaphragm coupled to the second piston; and a fluid manifold having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, each of the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet connected to a first pumping chamber and a second pumping chamber, the first diaphragm sealing the first pumping chamber fluidly connected to the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet and the second diaphragm sealing the second pumping chamber fluidly connected to the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet; wherein movement of the first piston in a first piston direction causes the first pumping chamber to increase in volume, movement of the second piston in the first piston direction causes the second pumping chamber to decrease in volume, movement of the first piston in a second piston direction causes the first pumping chamber to decrease in volume and movement of the second piston in the second piston direction causes the second pumping chamber to increase in volume.
10. The diaphragm pump of Claim 9 wherein movement of the first diaphragm and the second diaphragm causes fluid to be drawn into and out of the manifold, the manifold being detachably secured to a front surface of the housing.
11. The diaphragm pump of Claim 9 further comprising a shaft support member having an opening to receive the motor shaft and configured to support the motor shaft.
12. The diaphragm pump of Claim 11, wherein the shaft support member comprises a bearing mounted within a bearing mounting detachably secured to the housing.
13. The diaphragm pump of Claim 9, wherein the motor shaft axis defines a motor shaft plane.
14. The diaphragm pump of Claim 13, wherein the first and second levers move in a plane perpendicular to the motor shaft plane,
I 5. A diaphragm pump, comprising: a housing comprising: an electric motor; a motor shaft driven by the electric motor for rotation about an electric motor shaft axis; a cam connected to the motor shaft for rotation about the motor shaft axis; a first diaphragm coupled to a first piston; a second diaphragm coupled to a second piston; a coupling member operatively connected to the cam, the coupling member coupling the first piston and the second piston such that rotation of the cam moves the first piston and the second piston simultaneously; and a fluid manifold having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, the first diaphragm sealing a first pumping chamber fluidly connected to the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet and the second diaphragm sealing a second pumping chamber fluidly connected to the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet; wherein movement of the first piston in a first piston direction causes the first pumping chamber to increase in volume, movement of the second piston in the first piston direction causes the second pumping chamber to decrease in volume, movement of the first piston in a second piston direction causes the first pumping chamber to decrease in volume and movement of the second piston in the second piston direction causes the second pumping chamber to increase in volume.
16. The diaphragm pump of Claim 15 further comprising a flrst lever and a second lever, the first lever coupled to the first piston and the second lever coupled to the second piston.
17. The diaphragm pump of Claim 16, wherein a ring connects the first lever and the second lever such that movement of first lever causes movement of the second lever.
18. The diaphragm pump of Claim 17 wherein movement of the first diaphragm and the second diaphragm causes fluid to be drawn into and out of the manifold, the manifold being detachably secured to a front surface of the housing.
19. The diaphragm pump of Claim 15 further comprising a shaft support member having an opening to receive the motor shaft and configured to support the motor shaft.
20. The diaphragm pump of Claim 19, wherein the shaft support member comprises a bearing mounted within a bearing mounting detachably secured to the housing.
21. The diaphsagm pump of Claim 15, wherein the motor shaft axis defines a motor shaft plane.
22. The diaphsagm pump of Claim 21, wherein the first and second levers move in a plane perpendicular to the motor shaft plane,