US20190040856A1

US20190040856A1 - Diaphragm pump and method for contactless actuation thereof

Info

Publication number: US20190040856A1
Application number: US16/051,133
Authority: US
Inventors: Marcus Schwarzer; Heiko Hoffmann; Jan Westerwick
Original assignee: Schwarzer Precision GmbH and Co KG
Current assignee: Schwarzer Precision GmbH and Co KG
Priority date: 2017-08-01
Filing date: 2018-07-31
Publication date: 2019-02-07
Also published as: DE102017128271A1

Abstract

Depicted and described herein is a diaphragm pump (1) for conveying a gaseous and/or liquid medium, having at least one deformable membrane (2) for changing the size of a work chamber (3) of the diaphragm pump (1), and having at least one actuating unit (4) for deforming the membrane (2) by means of applying contact-free force to the membrane (2) using a magnetic field, wherein the membrane (2) comprises and/or consists of a material which is magnetic and/or magnetizable, and the actuating unit (4) features at least one magnetic and/or magnetizable actuating means (7). According to the invention, the actuating unit (4) is rotatably mounted and the membrane (2) is arranged circumferentially with respect to the actuating unit (4), wherein, in a dead point position of the membrane (2), the polarization direction of the magnetic field generated between the material of the membrane (2) and the actuating means (7) is oriented in a direction radial to the axis of rotation of the actuating unit (4).

Description

The present invention relates to a diaphragm pump for conveying a gaseous and/or liquid medium, having at least one deformable membrane for changing the size of a work chamber of the diaphragm pump, and having at least one actuating unit for deforming the membrane by means of applying contact-free force to the membrane using a magnetic field, wherein the membrane comprises and/or consists of a material which is magnetic and/or magnetizable, and the actuating unit features at least one magnetic and/or magnetizable actuating means. A magnetic field, which causes the membrane to deform, is generated between the material of the membrane and the actuating means.
The present invention furthermore relates to a method for the contact-free actuation of the membranes in multiple work spaces of a diaphragm pump in order to convey a gaseous and/or liquid medium.
Diaphragm pumps usually feature at least one work chamber, which is bordered by a deformable membrane (for changing the size of the work chamber) and a wall, in which is formed at least one inlet and at least one outlet for a medium, which is drawn into the expanding work chamber through the inlet during a suction phase and is discharged from the shrinking work chamber through the outlet during a compression phase. A controllable actuating unit or drive unit is provided for deforming the membrane.
It is proposed in DE 1 184 447 A1 to use a connecting rod as the actuating unit. The free end of the connecting rod is affixed to the membrane via an associated mounting disc. The other end of the connecting rod is eccentrically mounted on a crankshaft such that, during operation of a diaphragm pump of this kind, a stroke movement of the membrane results which is oriented in an approximately perpendicular direction. The disadvantage of this diaphragm pump is that the membrane is subjected to a permanent clamping load between the connecting rod and the mounting disc, which causes a high degree of wear on the membrane.
An alternative drive concept follows from EP 0 604 740 A1. Proposed in this case is the deformation of a single membrane by means of applying contact-free force using a magnetic field. For this purpose, the side of the membrane facing away from the work chamber is designed to be magnetically reactive. The membrane is deformed by means of a rotating disc, upon which permanent magnets are arranged. By rotating the disc, or rather the permanent magnets arranged thereupon, a cyclic magnetic field surrounding a central axis of the membrane acts on the membrane, thus conveying the fluid to be conveyed in a rotating movement from the inlet to the outlet. A cyclic work chamber is thus formed, which surrounds the central axis of the membrane and into which the fluid to be conveyed is drawn through an inlet, then conveyed around the central axis, and ultimately expelled through an outlet.
The disadvantage of this concept is that, due to the cyclically rotating magnetic field, the membrane is subjected to a wave-like movement that results in strong and widespread deformation, which is associated with significant material wear and/or costly maintenance. Moreover, this rotational conveying movement is relatively inefficient.
Among other areas, diaphragm pumps are used in the fields of medical and/or analytical and/or environmental technology, for example in anesthesiology devices or gas sensors. The use of diaphragm pumps as precision pumps normally requires a compact design, particularly when the diaphragm pumps being used are integrated as sub-assemblies into corresponding medical and/or analysis devices. Furthermore, a high degree of long-term stability is essential.
Moreover, it is in particular preferable for applications in medical technology and gas analysis to operate in a low-pulsation manner. In this context, the term “pulsation” is understood to mean a sinusoidal conveying curve which can be traced back to the periodic change in volume of the work chamber, or rather to the deformation of the membrane. The pressure pulses or pressure peaks associated with pulsation can cause damage to sensitive sensor instruments or distort measurement results.
Finally, it is desirable for diaphragm pumps used in a laboratory and/or a patient environment to operate quietly.
The object of the present invention is to provide a diaphragm pump, in particular for use in the field of gas analysis and/or medical technology, which is characterized by having a compact design and operating in a wear-resistant, quiet and/or low-pulsation manner, in particular a pulsation-free manner, while also conveying at a high volume. At the same time, the diaphragm pump according to the invention is intended to fulfill additional specific requirements such as a high degree of long-term stability, cost consciousness, and/or valve sealing. The object of the invention is to furthermore provide a method for contact-free actuation of the membranes in multiple work chambers of a diaphragm pump that allows for the construction of a diaphragm pump having the aforementioned advantages.
The present invention will be achieved by means of a diaphragm pump having the features of claims 1, 3, 8, 9, and 10 as well as by means of a method having the features of claim 11. Preferential embodiments are the subject-matter of the dependent claims.
The invention makes it possible to design the diaphragm pump to operate in a low-pulsation or even a largely pulsation-free manner and/or in a wear-resistant and/or quiet manner along with having a compact design and a small number of parts. It is possible for fewer wear points to be realized in comparison to vane cell pumps and eccentric diaphragm pumps, which leads to longer service life and/or reduced maintenance outlay. In particular, a high conveying capacity can be achieved in comparison to, for example, eccentric diaphragm pumps, and significantly higher end pressures and greater pressure stability can be achieved in comparison to, for example, vane cell pumps. Further advantages of the diaphragm pump according to the invention may in particular be reduced sensitivity to moisture and/or particulate matter in comparison to vane cell pumps as well as system and valve sealing that is comparable to conventional pumps, eccentric diaphragm pumps in particular. Using the diaphragm pump according to the invention, it is furthermore possible to achieve a specific conveying pressure or conveying volume at a lower rotational speed in comparison to vane cell pumps in particular, which may be associated with a longer motor lifespan and improved pump controllability. Finally, an internal pressure or vacuum restriction can be implemented by means of adjusting the magnetic forces, as a result of which motor or system protection is possible without additional electronic measures.
Consequently, as an alternative to or in relation to the prior art, the invention proposes refined (drive) concepts used to deform at least one membrane of a diaphragm pump by means of applying contact-free force to the membrane using a magnetic field, as a result of which the advantages described above in particular are able to be realized.
According to first embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that the actuating unit is rotatably mounted and the membrane is arranged circumferentially with respect to the actuating unit, whereby, in a dead point position of the membrane, the polarization direction of the magnetic field generated between the material of the membrane and the actuating means is oriented in a direction radial to the axis of rotation of the actuating unit. In a membrane dead point position, the distance between the actuating means and the membrane preferably reaches an extreme. Moreover, in this position, the greatest attractive or the greatest repulsive magnetic force between the actuating means and the membrane material is reached, in which case the (main) polarization direction of the magnetic field acting between the membrane and the actuating means is oriented in a direction essentially transverse or radial to the axis of rotation of the actuating unit.
In the context of the present invention, the term “(main) polarization direction of the magnetic field” is understood to mean the direction vector between magnetic poles of opposite polarity which are being generated by the membrane material on the one hand and the actuating means on the other.
The circumferential arrangement of the membrane with respect to the actuating unit enables the diaphragm pump according to the invention to have a very space-efficient design. In particular, a work chamber of the diaphragm pump can be arranged axially within the longitudinal dimension of the actuating unit, the result of which is a very compact design for the diaphragm pump according to the invention. According to the invention, rotation of the actuating unit generates a cyclically rotating magnetic field and a membrane pumping movement that is solely linear, which leads to significantly less material wear in contrast to the wave-like deformation of the membrane known from EP 0 604 740 A1, thus ensuring a high degree of long-term stability and valve sealing.
The term “membrane dead point position” may include both an “outer dead point position” and an “inner dead point position.” A membrane dead point position is then reached when the actuating unit reaches a specific rotational position where a magnetic pole of the actuating unit is preferably located directly opposite a magnetic pole of the membrane. In the outer dead point position, the distance between the magnetic material of the membrane on the one hand and the actuating means on the other is at a minimum. In this case, the attraction, or rather deformation, of the membrane in the direction of the actuating means is at a maximum. Correspondingly, the inner dead point position is understood to mean a condition in which the distance between the magnetic material of the membrane on the one hand and the actuating means on the other is at a maximum. In this case, the repulsion, or rather deformation, of the membrane away from the actuating means is at a maximum.
Between the two dead center positions, the membrane can assume a resting position where little or no magnetic force is acting on the membrane. According to the invention, the (main) polarization direction, or rather the direction vector between poles of opposite polarity, runs in a direction transverse—hence radial—to the axis of rotation of the actuating unit. In this context, the membrane is preferably located directly opposite the actuating means in a dead point position.
The actuating means can be supported on a radial circumferential surface of the actuating unit and/or at least portions thereof inserted circumferentially into the actuating unit. The actuating means can in this case form at least part of the circumferential surface of the actuating unit.
In order to ensure that the membrane is deformed enough for pump movement by means of applying contact-free force to the membrane using a magnetic field, the surface normal in the central area of the membrane working surface can be oriented in a direction perpendicular or rather radial to the axis of rotation of the actuating unit.
There may be provided two work chambers, four work chambers, or an integer multiple of two work chambers, in which case each work chamber is preferably associated with a separate pump head. The work spaces are in particular arranged circumferentially with respect to the actuating unit and offset with respect to one another in the direction of rotation of the actuating unit. This approach also enables a compact arrangement of multiple work chambers, in particular axially within the longitudinal dimension of the actuating unit. In this case, the work chambers are preferably distributed uniformly across the circumference of the actuating unit, the result of which is a small design volume for the pump according to the invention. The rotary movement of a common actuating unit then actuates the membranes of multiple work chambers consecutively, which results in a small number of components for the diaphragm pump and simpler pump assembly overall.
Along with the membrane, the work chamber is also bordered by a pump head of the pump, which features at least one inlet, through which the medium to be conveyed is drawn into the work chamber during a suction phase. Also provided is at least one outlet, through which the medium to be conveyed is removed from the shrinking work chamber during a compression phase. Maintenance outlay is reduced through the use of multiple separate pump heads, thereby enabling, for example, the replacement when necessary of defective membranes by means of detaching the respective pump head.
The actuating unit can have one or multiple actuating means. Each actuating means can be comprised of one or multiple permanent magnets. For example, a diametrically magnetized ring magnet can be provided as an actuating means. The actuating unit preferably then features, in the direction of rotation, two magnetic poles located opposite one another and of opposite polarization. Alternatively, an actuating means can also be comprised of a group of permanent magnets having the same outward polarization. The use of disc or bar magnets is preferable in this case.
According to a second, alternative embodiment of the present invention, the actuating unit is rotatably mounted and the membrane is arranged at the front of the actuating unit, which is in particular disc-shaped or plate-shaped, whereby, in a dead point position, the (main) polarization direction of the magnetic field generated between the material of the membrane and the actuating means is oriented essentially in the direction of the rotational axis of the actuating unit or parallel thereto, and wherein an axis of rotation of the actuating unit is offset laterally, and preferably parallel to, a membrane central axis on the membrane such that, upon rotation of the actuating unit, the actuating means moves cyclically past the membrane and cyclically crosses over the membrane. The actuating means preferably moves along a circular path to move past the membrane.
By cyclically crossing over the membrane, a magnetic field is generated between the actuating means and the membrane, thus causing the cyclic deformation of the membrane. In this context, the actuating means sweeps in particular across the area of the central axis of the membrane. In addition, the maximum deflection of the membrane during the suction phase or the compression phase exists in a central area of the membrane surface, or rather in the area of the central axis of the membrane. This allows for effective and non-damaging pump operation.
In this second embodiment, it is preferably provided that the membranes of multiple work chambers of the diaphragm pump are consecutively deformed by means of rotating the common actuating unit. This in turn allows the diaphragm pump according to the invention to have a very compact design along with a small number of individual components. With respect to the central axis thereof, each membrane is arranged at a distance from the axis of rotation of the actuating unit such that, upon rotation of the actuating unit, at least one actuating means moves cyclically and consecutively past each membrane or rather crosses over it. In doing so, each membrane (preferably the area of the central axis thereof) is consecutively deflected to a maximum and deformed in the direction of the rotational axis or parallel to the rotational axis of the actuating unit. In this context, the surface normal in the central area of a working surface of the membrane is preferably oriented in the direction of the rotational axis of the actuating unit or rather parallel thereto.
In terms of structure, it is preferable for the actuating means to be supported on an axial front side of the actuating unit and/or at least portions thereof inserted into an axial front side of the actuating unit.
The actuating unit in this embodiment of the invention is preferably of disc-shaped design and features a frontally arranged and/or inserted actuating means. Further preferably, multiple actuating means are provided, in which case each actuating means can be comprised of a group of disc or bar magnets, and the magnets of a group have the same outward polarization. Doing so ensures optimal contact-free actuation of the membranes.
Multiple, preferably four, membranes with associated work chambers can be provided, in which case the work chambers are arranged opposite an axial front side of the actuating unit and opposite the actuating means. Doing so achieves an effective magnetic interaction between the membranes and the actuating unit.
It is advantageous for multiple work chambers to be associated with a common pump head. In this particular case, the pump head features at least one collecting chamber for merging the parallel inlets and/or outlets from the work chambers. This allows for a structurally simple and compact design of the diaphragm pump according to the invention.
The actuating unit in this embodiment can also feature one or multiple actuating means. Each actuating means can be comprised of one or multiple permanent magnets. Preferably, an actuating means is comprised of a group of permanent magnets having the same outward polarization. The use of disc or bar magnets is preferable in this case.
The following statements may be implemented in both of the concepts described above for deforming a membrane by means of applying contact-free force to the membrane using a magnetic field without this fact being expressly mentioned hereinafter.
The actuating unit preferably features multiple outer magnetic poles of number n having opposite polarization and acting on the membrane. Alternatively, the actuating unit can feature multiple magnetic pole groups of number n having opposite polarization, whereby each magnetic pole group consists only of outer magnetic poles having the same polarization, and whereby n is greater than or equal to two. The magnetic poles or magnetic pole groups of opposite polarization are preferably arranged successively in the direction of rotation of the actuating unit, whereby the magnetic pole or magnetic pole groups can be arranged successively at an offset of 360°/n to one another in the direction of rotation of the actuating unit. The membrane likewise features an outer magnetic pole oriented with respect to the actuating unit or, optionally, also a group of outer magnetic poles having the same polarization. Upon rotation of the actuating unit, the membrane can thus be moved alternatingly into the outer dead point position and into the inner dead point position.
In the context of the present invention, the term “magnetic pole” is preferably understood to mean a circumferential or front facing outer area of the actuating unit, in the vicinity of which the magnetic field is particularly strong since this is where the field lines of the magnetic field emerge or enter. The direction vector of the magnetic field is thus generated between the magnetic poles of the actuating unit and the membrane. In the alternative embodiments proposed according to the invention, the direction vector can either run radially (or rather transversely or axially) in the direction of or parallel to the axis of rotation of the actuating unit.
In a diaphragm pump having multiple work chambers which are consecutively arranged in the actuating unit direction of rotation, the membranes on the actuator side can form identical or identically named magnetic poles. This can be achieved, for example, by the magnetic means in the membranes having the same orientation. By means of rotating the common actuating unit, the membranes that are consecutively arranged in multiple work chambers can then be moved consecutively and cyclically into the inner or the outer dead point position. A directed suction or pressure flow through work chambers within the diaphragm pump in communication with one another is thus ensured. Alternatively, it is also possible for the membranes of two work chambers on the side of the actuating unit and preferably offset with respect to one another by 180° to form different or differently named magnetic poles.
Preferably, the actuating means of the actuating unit and/or the magnetic means of the membrane is a permanent magnet. A particularly strong magnetic interaction between the actuating means and the membrane is ensured in this way. The actuating means can, for example, be a diametrically magnetized ring magnet. The north pole is then located on one half of the ring magnet, and the south pole is on the other half. The ring magnet can be mounted on a magnet carrier of the actuating means and rotatably arranged around an axis of rotation extending in an axial direction through the ring magnet. The actuating means can also be a bar magnet or a disc magnet. An actuating means can also be formed by a group of bar-shaped or disc-shaped permanent magnets. For example, the actuating unit can feature two groups of bar or disc magnets arranged at an offset of preferably 180° to one another in the actuating unit direction of rotation. The magnets of a group are preferably oriented in the same direction such that the actuating unit features only identically named magnetic poles in the portion of the group on the membrane side.
Further preferably, provided in the direction of rotation between the magnetic poles or magnetic pole groups are outer regions of the actuating unit which are more weakly magnetized or not magnetized. In particular, the actuating unit can feature at least two, and preferably only two, non-magnetic outer regions which are arranged in particular at an offset to one another at regular intervals in the actuating unit direction of rotation, and further preferably arranged at an offset of 180° to one another in the actuating unit direction of rotation. In this way, magnetic poles or magnetic pole groups arranged in the actuating unit direction of rotation—hence magnetic regions—alternate with non-magnetic or only weakly magnetic regions. Therefore, upon rotation of the actuating unit, the membrane can alternately move into an outer dead point position when a magnetic pole of opposite polarization is located opposite the membrane, or move into an inner dead point position when a magnetic pole of the same polarization is located opposite the membrane. In contrast, if a region that is non-magnetic or only weakly magnetic is located opposite the membrane, then the membrane preferably assumes a resting position located between the two dead point positions.
In particular, multiple work chambers can be present which are arranged either circumferentially with respect to or at the front of the actuating unit. Each work chamber is associated with a membrane. The number m of work chambers is preferably greater than or equal to the number of actuating means of the actuating unit. The work chambers can in particular be arranged at an offset of 360°/m to one another in the actuating unit direction of rotation. In doing so, the magnetic means of all membranes can be oriented in the same direction such that the actuator sides of the membranes feature only magnetic poles the orientation of which is identically named or identically polar. However, as an alternative, a counter-polar orientation of the magnetic poles of membranes arranged consecutively in the actuating unit direction of rotation is also possible. This will be addressed in detail further below.
Particularly preferably, it is intended by means of the polarization of the outer magnetic poles of the actuating unit on the one hand and the polarization of the outer magnetic poles of the membrane on the other hand as well as, optionally, by means of non-magnetic or only weakly magnetic regions between the outer magnetic poles of the actuating unit that no rotational position of the actuating unit will result in the membranes of all work chambers of the pump being simultaneously situated at an equal inner or outer dead point, or result in all of them being simultaneously situated in an equal (preferably non-deflected) position between the dead points. Very low-pulsation operation is made possible thereby.
In a certain rotational position of the actuating unit, in which the membranes of preferably two work chambers are situated in a preferably non-deformed or weakly deformed position between the dead points, and which is reached during a suction phase or a compression phase, at least the membrane of a third work chamber can then be situated at an inner dead point position, and at least the membrane of a fourth work chamber can be situated at an outer dead point position. The inner dead point position can characterize the beginning of the suction phase, and the outer dead point position can characterize the beginning of the compression phase.
Moreover, it can be advantageous if, in a certain rotational position of the actuating unit, the number of membranes situated in the resting position conforms with the total number of membranes situated in an inner or outer dead point position.
For example, the actuating unit can feature two outer magnetic poles or outer magnetic pole groups arranged at an offset of 180° to one another and having opposite polarization, and four work chambers can be provided which are each arranged at an offset of 90° to one another in the actuating unit direction of rotation. Preferably on a side facing the actuating unit, the work chambers feature outer magnetic poles having the same polarization. The result thereby is that, in a certain rotational position of the actuating unit, the membranes of two work chambers preferably located opposite one another are situated in a non-deformed or weakly deformed position between the dead points, whilst the membrane of a third work chamber reaches an outer dead point position, and the membrane of a fourth work chamber, which is preferably located opposite the third work chamber, reaches an inner dead point position. Low-pulsation or pulsation-free operation of the diaphragm pump is achieved as a result.
In order to further improve the compact design of the diaphragm pump according to the invention, at least one common inlet collecting chamber and/or at least one common outlet collecting chamber can be provided, said chambers being in fluidic communication with one another via the inlets and outlets, respectively, of the work chambers. As a result, the inlet and outlet flows of each work chamber are fluidically merged, thus simplifying the structural design of the diaphragm pump and enabling the fluid flows being drawn in and discharged to be equalized. The collecting chambers are designed in particular to merge the inlets or outlets of the respective work chambers in parallel. As a result, external merging of the inlets or outlets of the work chambers outside the diaphragm pump is not necessary. This allows for easy integration of the diaphragm pump according to the invention into parent equipment such as medical and/or (gas) analysis devices.
According to a further alternative embodiment of the invention, at least two work chambers are arranged at an offset of 160° to 200°, preferably 180°, to one another in the direction of rotation of the actuating unit, whereby the membranes of the work chambers on the actuator side feature different magnetic poles or magnetic pole groups, and wherein the actuating unit on the membrane side features at least two different magnetic poles or magnetic pole groups arranged at an offset of 160° to 200°, preferably 180°, to one another in the direction of rotation of the actuating unit. In a certain rotational position of the actuating unit, where the magnetic poles of the membranes interact with the magnetic poles of the actuating unit, the membranes of the two work chambers located opposite are then either simultaneously attracted to the actuating unit or simultaneously repelled by the actuating unit.
In other words, at no rotational position of the actuating unit is a condition reached in which the membrane of a work chamber is situated in an inner dead point position, and the membrane of a second work chamber located opposite is in an outer dead point position. Both of the membranes located opposite are situated in either the inner dead point position or the outer dead point position. This has the result of the magnetic forces and/or moments acting on the actuating unit during pump operation cancelling each other out, thus reducing the mechanical load on the actuating unit. The use of cost-effective components is thus made possible. In addition, combining the embodiment of the invention described above with the embodiments of the invention described even earlier is feasible and advantageous.
Preferably, n pairings of work chambers are provided, whereby each pairing features two work chambers arranged at an offset of 160° to 200°, preferably 180°, to one another in the actuating unit direction of rotation, or rather arranged opposite, the membrane poles of which are opposite to one another on the actuating unit side.
According to a further alternative embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that the actuating unit is rotatably mounted, and a stator unit is provided for generating a rotating magnetic field, whereby the rotating magnetic field generated by the stator unit is designed to drive the actuating unit in a rotary manner. Particularly preferably, the stator unit is designed to be plate-shaped and/or implemented to complement the embodiments described above.
As a result, driving the actuating unit via the stator unit allows for further reduction in the physical volume occupied by the diaphragm pump since the stator unit is able to be designed to have a significantly lower volume than conventional drive devices such as electric motors.
In the context of this embodiment of the invention, the drive for the actuating unit acts in particular according to the principle of a brushless DC motor. In this case, the actuating unit is ultimately acting as a rotor driven by means of the rotating magnetic field, which is generated by means of the stator unit. The stator unit features coils for generating the rotating magnetic field. By means of suitable circuitry, these coils are controlled or commutated with respect to one another so as to generate a rotating magnetic field, as a result of which the actuating unit is pulled or rather driven in the direction of rotation.
It may be preferable for the actuating means in this embodiment in particular to be shaped like a segment of a ring. Doing so ensures optimal interaction in particular with the stator unit, resulting in a high degree of efficiency for the diaphragm pump according to the invention.
Preferably, the actuating means is an integral part of the actuating unit, in which case the geometry of the actuating unit on the circumferential side and/or the front side can be complemented by the actuating means in order to become disc-shaped. The actuating means can be flush mounted, in particular glued, into a complementary recess on the front side and/or circumferential side of the actuating unit. A compact design can be achieved in this way, thus enabling optimal action by or interaction between both the actuating unit and the stator unit.
Particularly preferably, the actuating means generates, on an exterior side of the actuating unit facing a work chamber, a magnetic pole for acting on a membrane, and, on an exterior side located opposite and facing the stator unit, generates a magnetic pole of preferably opposite polarization for interacting with the stator unit in the rotating magnetic field. In this case, the actuating unit can preferably feature magnetic poles on two front sides located opposite in the direction of the rotational axis and preferably having opposite polarization, as a result of which two functions are fulfilled: First, the actuating unit enters into interaction via the one front side with the rotating magnetic field, as a result of which the rotary drive of the actuating unit is accomplished. Second, at the same time and via the opposite front side, the magnetic action on the at least one membrane is realized, as a result of which the pumping or suction action is ensured.
The distance between the actuating means and the magnetic means of the membrane can be adjustable, in particular in an axial direction, the implementation of which is easy in embodiments of the invention in particular where the actuating unit and the work chamber or rather membrane are arranged in the direction of the rotational axis, or rather one after the other in an axial direction. It is possible in this case to vary the width of the air gap between the actuating means and the magnetic material of the membrane as necessary by means of adjusting the position of the work chamber and/or the position of the actuating unit in relation to one another in an axial direction, thus influencing the strength of the magnetic coupling between the membrane and the actuating means. This aspect of the invention has proprietary inventive significance.
According to a further alternative embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that, in spatial terms, the work chamber is provided between the membrane and the actuating means. The work chamber is bordered on one side by the membrane and on the other side by a housing portion of the pump. In this embodiment of the invention, direct contact between the membrane and the actuating means is prevented at every dead point position of the membrane. If, however, the membrane were to border directly on the actuating means, it would in an outer dead point position of the membrane be possible for the membrane and the actuating means to touch, which is associated with undesirable and cyclically recurring noise. This problem is overcome and quiet operation ensured by means of the arrangement according to the invention of the work chamber between the membrane and the actuating means.
Structurally, a housing portion of the pump, which borders along the work chamber and the actuating means, is located between the membrane and the actuating means. The housing portion can have a smaller wall thickness where it borders the actuating means and/or can consist of a material such that contact-free deformation of the membrane is possible using the magnetic field generated between the membrane and the actuating means and passing through the housing portion. It is advantageous for the magnetic field to be only minimally influenced by the housing portion such that deformation of the membrane is possible by means of applying contact-free force using the magnetic field.
In order to achieve the object stated in the introductory section, it is proposed according to the method that the membranes be deformed in a contact-free manner by at least two, preferably four, work chambers by means of force applied using a magnetic field, whereby the magnetic field is generated between the membranes and at least one magnetic and/or magnetizable actuating means of a rotatable actuating unit, and wherein membranes arranged successively in direction of rotation of the actuating unit are deformed in a contact-free manner by means of magnetic interaction with the actuating means.
It is understood that the features of the various embodiments of the invention described above as well as described and shown hereinafter in reference to the drawings may be combined with one another as necessary, even if this fact is not explicitly mentioned in detail. Individual features may be used in isolation from other features described or shown in order to further embody the invention. The paragraph format selected does not preclude a combination of features from various paragraphs.

The invention will be explained hereinafter in connection with the drawings and in reference to preferential embodiments. Shown are:

FIG. 1 a perspective view of a diaphragm pump according to the invention as specified by a first embodiment,

FIG. 2 a cross-sectional view of the diaphragm pump from FIG. 1 along the section line II-II,

FIG. 3 an exploded perspective depiction of a diaphragm pump according to the invention as specified by a second embodiment,

FIG. 4 a further exploded perspective depiction of the diaphragm pump according to the invention from FIG. 3,

FIG. 5 a cross-sectional view of the diaphragm pump from FIG. 3 along the section line V-V from FIG. 4,

FIG. 6 an exploded perspective depiction of a diaphragm pump according to the invention as specified by a third embodiment,

FIG. 7 a cross-sectional view of the diaphragm pump from FIG. 6,

FIG. 8 a perspective view of a diaphragm pump according to the invention as specified by a further embodiment,

FIG. 9 a first cross-sectional view of the diaphragm pump from FIG. 8 along the section line IX-IX,

FIG. 10 a second additional cross-sectional view of the diaphragm pump from FIG. 8 along the section line X-X, and

FIG. 11 an exploded perspective view of the diaphragm pump from FIG. 8.

FIGS. 1 and 2 show a diaphragm pump 1 for conveying a gaseous and/or liquid medium (not depicted). The diaphragm pump 1 has multiple (four in the example depicted) deformable diaphragms 2 for changing the size of four work chambers 3 of the diaphragm pump 1.
A pumping process consists of a suction phase and a compression phase, with the medium being drawn into an expanding work chamber 3 during the suction phase and then discharged from a shrinking work chamber 3 during a compression or pressure phase. In this context, the membranes 2 for enlarging or shrinking the size of the work chamber 3 are at least partially deformable, in particular elastic.
The diaphragm pump 1 features an actuating unit 4, which is rotatably mounted or driven, to deform the membranes 2 (see FIG. 2). A drive device 5, preferably an electric motor, is provided to drive the actuating unit 4. The deformation of the membranes 2 takes place by means of applying contact-free force using a magnetic field, whereby the membranes 2 comprise or consist of a material which is magnetic or magnetizable. In the example depicted, each membrane 2 features a permanent magnet as a magnetic means 6, which is embedded into or accommodated in a central area of the membrane 2. In this context, the magnetic means 6 of all membranes 2 preferably have the same polarity as the actuating unit 4.
In the example depicted, the actuating unit 4 features only one actuating means 7, which is designed as a diametrically magnetized ring magnet with two magnetic poles of opposite polarization. In this respect, the actuating unit 4 features a receiving portion 4 a, which spans circumferentially and in which the actuating means 7 is accommodated and supported. The actuating unit 4 can in particular be of multi-piece design in order to allow the actuating means 7 to slide onto the receiving portion 4 a. In particular, the actuating unit 4 consists of two components able to be screwed or inserted together, each of which features a radial projection and between which the actuating means 7 is supported in an axial direction on the receiving portion 4 a. However, other design solutions are also possible.
In order to deform the membranes 2 in a contact-free manner, a magnetic field (not depicted), which is oriented in a direction radial to an axis of rotation 8 of the actuating unit 4, is generated between the actuating means 7 on the one hand and the magnetic means 6 of the associated membrane 2 on the other.
The actuating unit 4 in the embodiment depicted in FIG. 2 is designed to be sleeve-shaped or wave-shaped.
In the embodiment depicted, the two outer magnetic poles of the actuating means 7 are arranged at an offset of 180° to one another in the actuating unit 4 direction of rotation, and the four work chambers 3 are arranged at an offset of 90° to one another in the direction of rotation of the actuating unit 4.
As is evident from FIG. 2 in particular, the membranes 2 having the associated work chambers 3 are arranged within the longitudinal dimension of the actuating unit 4.
Shown in FIG. 2 is a rotational position of the actuating unit 4 where the membranes 2 of two work chambers 3 located opposite are simultaneously deformed due to the magnetic field. In this context, the membrane 2 of a first, upper work chamber 3 (shown in FIG. 2) is repelled by the south pole S of the actuating means, or rather ring magnets, and pushed into an inner dead point position (not shown), whilst the membrane 2 of a second, lower work chamber 3 (shown in FIG. 2) is attracted by the north pole N of the ring magnet, or rather actuating means 7, and pushed into an outer dead point position (not shown). The magnetically repelled membrane 2 and the magnetically attracted membrane 2 are arranged at an offset of 180° to one another in the direction of rotation of the actuating unit 4. The membranes 2 of the two other work chambers 3 are in this rotational position of the actuating unit 4 subject to at most a small magnetic interaction with the actuating unit 7 and are situated in a non-deformed resting position. This is due to the fact that the magnetic means 6 of this membrane 2 in the rotational position of the actuating unit 4 shown (see FIG. 4, Regions 7 c) are located opposite regions which are designed to be non-magnetic or only weakly magnetic. Accordingly, no magnetic interaction or at most a small magnetic interaction takes place between the magnetic means 6 and these regions of the actuating unit 4.
Upon rotation of the actuating unit 4 (as per FIG. 2), the membranes 2 of the work chambers 3 consecutively arranged in the direction of rotation of the actuating unit 4 are consecutively actuated in a contact-free manner by means of the moving magnetic poles of the actuating unit 4. Preferably, no rotational position of the actuating unit 4 will result in the membranes 2 of all work chambers 3 being simultaneously situated at an equal inner or outer dead point, or result in all of them being simultaneously situated at an equal non-deflected or weakly deflected position between the dead points. For example, at a certain rotational position of the actuating unit 4, only the membrane 2 of a first work chamber 3 can be situated in an inner dead point position, only the membrane 2 of a second work chamber 3 can be situated in an outer dead point position, and the membranes 2 of a further work chamber 3 can be situated in a preferably non-deflected or only slightly deflected position between the dead points, which is reached during the suction phase or the compression phase. Very low-pulsation operation of the diaphragm pump 1 according to the invention is made possible in this way. The course of movement of the membranes 2 lends itself to description as a sine curve, in which context the course of movement of the membranes 2 of the four work chambers 3 can be described as four sine curves offset in opposition to one another, while the courses of movement of the membranes 2 overlap. As a consequence, the membrane movement cycle can be rendered in idealized fashion as a sine curve.
As is not shown, the two membranes 2 (depicted at the left and right of FIG. 2) located opposite in relation to the outer side facing the actuating unit 4 can also have the opposite polarity as one another or feature different magnetic poles. As a result of this, upon rotational movement of the actuating unit 4, the membranes 2 of both work chambers located opposite are pushed into either an inner dead point position or into an outer dead point position by means of the magnetic poles of the actuating unit 4. This can have the result of the magnetic forces and/or moments acting on the actuating unit 4 cancelling each other out such that the mechanical load on the actuating unit 4 is accordingly reduced.
In the embodiment depicted, a separate pump head 9 is provided for each membrane 2. The pump heads 9 are correspondingly arranged at an offset of 90° to one another in the direction of rotation of the actuating unit 4. The pump heads 9 each feature an inner housing portion 10 and an outer housing portion 11. Formed in the inner housing portion 10 is a chamber wall 12, the top of which borders the corresponding work chamber 3.
The diaphragm pump 1 features an actuator housing 13 for accommodating the actuating unit 4. The pump heads 9 are screwed onto the actuator housing 13, whereby the edge portion of the membranes 2 can be fixed to form a seal between the actuator housing 13 on the one hand and the pump heads 9 on the other.
Each pump head 9 can feature valves (see FIG. 5), preferably non-return valves, in order to prevent the medium from being discharged through an inlet during the compression phase or being drawn in through an outlet during the suction phase (see FIG. 4, Inlet 17, Outlet 18).
The drive apparatus 5 is also screwed onto the actuator housing 13. The drive apparatus 5 features a flange plate 14 for this purpose. The actuating unit 4 is non-rotatably arranged on a driving shaft 15 of the drive apparatus 5.
Arranged on each chamber wall 12 are at least one inlet and at least one outlet (see FIG. 4, Inlet 17, Outlet 18). The medium is drawn into the work chamber 3 through the inlet during the suction phase and expelled from the work chamber 3 through the outlet during the compression phase.
The medium to be conveyed is drawn into the diaphragm pump 1 through a suction line 19. The medium is led through the suction line 19 and into an inlet collecting chamber 20, whereupon the medium is fed from the inlet collecting chamber 20 to the inlets of the respective work chambers 3. Furthermore provided is an outlet collecting chamber 21, where the medium expelled from the work chambers 3 through the outlets is collected and accommodated before leaving the diaphragm pump 1 through a pressure line 22. In the example depicted, the inlet collecting chamber 20 and the outlet collecting chamber 21 are arranged at the front of the actuating unit 4 and opposite the drive apparatus 5. The inlet collecting chamber 20 and the outlet collecting chamber 21 are formed by a preferably multi-piece collecting housing 23, with a separate housing portion being provided for each collecting chamber 20, 21. The collecting housing 23 is screwed onto the actuator housing 13. The drive apparatus 5, the actuator housing 13, and the collecting housing 23 are located one after the other in the direction of the axis of rotation 8 of the actuating unit 4, thus resulting in a compact design.
Alternative embodiments of diaphragm pumps 1 are depicted in FIGS. 3 to 11. Components of the diaphragm pumps having the same function are described using the same reference signs.
It is evident from FIGS. 3 to 5 that a drive apparatus 5, an actuator housing 13, and a pump head 9 are in this embodiment arranged axially one after the other in the direction of the axis of rotation 8 of an actuating unit 4, and they are screwed together.
The pump head 9, the actuator housing 13, and the flange plate 14 feature an identical outer contour. In particular—apart from fluid or electrical connections—no components are provided which project beyond this outer contour. This enables the diaphragm pump 1 to have a compact and, in particular, flat design.
The actuating unit 4 in this embodiment is designed as a rotating disc or to be plate-shaped, in which case the actuator housing 13 features a corresponding disc-shaped recess 24, in which the actuating unit 4 is accommodated (see FIG. 4).
In the embodiment depicted, a common pump head 9 is provided for all four work chambers 3. The pump head 9 features a cover 25, which features the suction line 19 and the pressure line 22 (see FIG. 3). The pump head 9 furthermore features an inner housing portion 10 and an outer housing portion 11. Each work chamber 3 is bordered by a chamber wall 12 of the inner housing portion 10 and by a membrane 2. Each membrane 2 features a magnetic means 6.
The actuating unit 4 as per FIG. 4 features, inserted on the front side, two actuating means 7, which are each formed by a group of permanent magnets 7 a, 7 b having the same outward polarization. The actuating means 7, or rather the permanent magnets 7 a, 7 b arranged in group fashion, are arranged at an offset of 180° to one another in the direction of rotation of the actuating unit 4. Regions 7 c, which are designed to be non-magnetic or at most weakly magnetic, are provided between the permanent magnets 7 a, 7 b in a circumferential direction or rather the direction of rotation of the actuating unit 4.
The front side of the actuating unit 4 facing the drive apparatus 5 otherwise features a bore 26 corresponding to a driving shaft 15 of the drive apparatus 5. The actuating unit 4 is non-rotatably connected to the driving shaft 15. Moreover, a circular depression 27 for accommodating a circular projection 16 of the drive apparatus 5 is provided on said front side of the actuating unit 4. Reliable mounting of the actuating unit 4 is ensured in this way.
As is evident from FIG. 5, an inlet collecting chamber 20 and an outlet collecting chamber 21 are formed by the outer housing portion 11 of the pump head 9. The collecting chambers 20, 21 are closed on the top by the cover 25 of the pump head 9.
The pump head 9 features valves 28 (only hinted at in the depiction), in particular non-return valves. The medium is thereby prevented from being expelled through an inlet 17 during the compression phase and being drawn in through an outlet 18 during the suction phase. The valves 28 are preferably arranged between the inner housing portion 10 and the outer housing portion 11.
As is also evident from FIG. 5, the membranes 2 having the associated work chambers 3 are arranged (immediately) opposite a front side of the actuating unit 4. The membranes 2 are essentially arranged on a common plane. Shown in FIG. 5 is a rotational position of the actuating unit 4 where the membranes 2 of two work chambers 3 arranged at an offset of 180° to one another in the direction of rotation of the actuating unit 4 are simultaneously deformed due to the existing magnetic field.
The central axes M of the membranes 2 run at a lateral offset to the axis of rotation 8 of the actuating unit 4. The magnetic means 6 of the membranes 2 are in this case centrally arranged in the area of the membrane axis M. Upon rotation of the actuating unit 4, the actuating means 7 of the actuating unit 4 are led along a circular path past the magnetic means 6 of the membranes 2, which causes the cylic deflection of the membranes 2.
As per FIG. 5, the membrane 2 of a first work chamber 3 (depicted at left in FIG. 5) is repelled by the south pole of a permanent magnet 7 a of the first actuating means 7 and pushed into an inner dead point position (not shown), whilst the membrane of a second work chamber 3 (depicted at right in FIG. 5) is attracted by the north pole of a permanent magnet 7 b of the second actuating means 7 and pushed into an outer dead point position (not shown). In order to achieve pulsation-free operation of the diaphragm pump 1, it is provided that, in said rotational position of the actuating unit 4, the membranes 2 of the two other work chambers 3 are subject to a slight magnetic interaction since, in the rotational position of the actuating unit 4 shown, they are arranged opposite regions 7 c designed to be non-magnetic or at most weakly magnetic.
The magnetic means 6 of two membranes 2 arranged at an offset of 180° to one another in the direction of rotation of the actuating unit 4 or rather located opposite (such as the magnetic means 6 of the membranes 2 depicted at left and right in FIG. 5), can also differ from FIG. 5 on the actuator side and have opposite polarity or differently named magnetic poles. In this case, the magnetic means 6 are arranged such that the membrane 2 of a work chamber 3 features a south pole on the side (externally) of the actuating unit 4, and the membrane 2 of the opposite work chamber 3 features a north pole on the side of the actuating unit 4. At a certain rotational position of the actuating unit 4, the membranes 2 located opposite are then simultaneously attracted to the actuating unit 4 or repelled by the actuating unit 4 or, rather, the membranes 2 located opposite are simultaneously situated at an inner dead point position or an outer dead point position. The result thereby can be that the magnetic forces on both sides of the actuating unit 4 axis of rotation 8 acting on the actuating unit 4 can be balanced, thus reaching a torque equilibrium. Imbalances which can lead to vibrations and increased wear can thus be avoided.
A further, alternative embodiment of a diaphragm pump will be described hereinafter in reference to FIGS. 6 and 7. As is not depicted, a pump head is provided which, together with four membranes 2 fixed between the pump head and an actuator housing 13, forms four work chambers. The design of the pump head can correspond to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3 to 5.
In this embodiment, a drive apparatus 5 for an actuating unit 4 is provided which is designed as a plate-shaped stator unit 29 having a plurality of coils 30. The coils 30 are preferably arranged in the stator unit 29 concentrically and offset at regular intervals from one another in the direction of rotation of the actuating unit 4. The diaphragm pump 1 features control electronics (not shown) designed for controlling the polarity changes of the coils 30. The rotational position of the actuating unit 4 is detected thereby, in which case the change in polarity of the coils 30 used to generate a rotating magnetic field depends on said rotational position. The driving of or rotation of the actuating unit 4 then takes place as a result of the rotating magnetic field generated by the coils 30.
The stator unit 29 is preferably designed for rotatably mounting the actuating unit 4. A bearing bore 31, preferably centrally arranged, is provided for this purpose. Accordingly, the actuating unit 4 features a centrally arranged bearing journal 32, which is in particular able to fit precisely into the bearing bore 31. The stator unit 29 is connected to an actuator housing 13.
The embodiment depicted furthermore provides two actuating means 7, which are each in the form of axially magnetized permanent magnets having the circular shape of a segment of a ring. The actuating means 7 are arranged at an offset of 180° to one another in the direction of rotation of the actuating unit 4 and preferably extend across 90° in the direction of rotation of the actuating unit 4. Doing so enables an effective magnetic interaction with the stator unit 29 and a high degree of efficiency for the diaphragm pump 1.
The actuating means 7 are an integral part of the actuating unit 4 and complement it circumferentially and on the front side to form a disc shape, as is particularly clear from FIG. 6. On a front side of the actuating unit 4 facing away from the drive unit 5, the actuating means 7 each generate a magnetic pole N, S for acting on the membrane 2 located opposite, as well as a magnetic pole N, S of opposite polarization on the other front side of the actuating unit 4 for interacting with the stator unit 29. Referring to FIG. 7, it is also the case in this embodiment that the membranes 2 are arranged opposite the front side of the actuating unit 4 and are essentially horizontally arranged on a common plane.
In order to enable low-pulsation operation of the diaphragm pump 1, the membrane 2 of a work chamber (arranged at left in FIG. 7) is, in a certain rotational position of the actuating unit 4 (shown in FIG. 7), attracted by the north pole N of the first actuating means 7, which has the shape of a segment of a ring, and pushed into an outer dead point position (not shown), whilst the membrane 2 of a work chamber (arranged at right in FIG. 7) is repelled by the south pole S of the second actuating means 7, which has the shape of a segment of a ring, and pushed into an inner dead point position (not shown). In a certain rotational position of the actuating unit, the magnetically repelled membrane 2 and the magnetically attracted membrane 2 are arranged at an offset of 180° to one another. In said certain rotational position, the membranes 2 of two further work chambers are associated with non-magnetized or at most weakly magnetized regions 7 c and are thus situated in a non-deformed position between the dead point positions. Similar to the previous embodiments, at no point in time, hence at no rotational position of the actuating unit 4, will the membranes 2 of all work chambers be simultaneously situated at an equal inner or outer dead point position, or at an equal—preferably non-deflected or weakly deflected—position between the dead point positions. At said certain rotational position of the actuating unit 4, preferably only the membrane 2 of a first work chamber is situated in the inner dead point position, only the membrane 2 of a second work chamber is situated in the outer dead point position, and the membranes 2 of two further work chambers can be situated in a preferably non-deformed or only slightly deformed position, which is reached during the suction phase or the compression phase and lies between the dead point positions. Corresponding advantages are able to be realized in this way.
Another alternative embodiment of the diaphragm pump 1 will be described in reference to FIGS. 8 to 11. Not shown is a drive apparatus for driving the actuating unit 4. According to the embodiments previously described, the drive apparatus can be designed as an electric motor or as a brushless DC motor.
As is evident from FIG. 8, the diaphragm pump 1 features an actuator housing 13, an inner housing portion 10, as well as an outer housing portion 11. With respect to an axis of rotation 8 of the actuating unit 4 (FIG. 9), the actuator housing 13, the inner housing portion 10, as well as the outer housing portion 11 are arranged one after the other in an axial direction, and they are screwed together. The drive apparatus is preferably secured to the actuator housing 13. The actuator housing 13 features for this purpose corresponding connecting means, in particular threaded and/or receiving bores (schematically indicated in FIG. 8). In particular, the actuator housing 13 features a throughgoing bore 13 a, through which a driving shaft of the drive apparatus can be inserted in order to drive the actuating unit 4.
The actuator housing 13, the inner housing portion 10, and the outer housing portion 11 feature an outer contour that is very nearly complementary and corresponding, in particular rectangular or square.
In the embodiment depicted, four separate pump heads 9 are provided, each of which is arranged and secured on an outer side of the housing of the diaphragm pump 1. Each pump head 9 has a suction line 19 and a pressure line 22, with the fluid to be conveyed being drawn into the pump head 9 through the suction line 19 and conveyed out of the pump head 9 through the pressure line 22.
The membranes 2 are fixed edgewise between the inner housing portion 10 and the outer housing portion 11 (see FIG. 9). The actuating unit 4 is designed as a rotating disc in this embodiment as well. Each membrane 2 furthermore features a magnetic means 6, for example in the form of a permanent magnet. Each work chamber 3 is bordered by both a chamber wall 12 and the membrane 2, in which case the chamber wall 12 is formed by an area of the inner housing portion 10. The actuating unit 4 features actuating means 7, which are designed as permanent magnets 7 a, 7 b arranged in group fashion (as per FIG. 4). The unequal magnetic poles or rather magnetic pole groups generated on the membrane side by the permanent magnets 7 a, 7 b are arranged at an offset of 180° to one another in the direction of rotation of the actuating unit 4. As shown for the embodiment in FIG. 4, regions that are designed to be non-magnetic or at most weakly magnetic are provided between the permanent magnets 7 a, 7 b in a circumferential direction or rather the direction of rotation of the actuating unit 4.
The work chambers 3 are arranged between the membranes 2 and the permanent magnets 7 a, 7 b of the actuating unit 4. In terms of structure, the membranes 2 are separated from the actuating unit 4 and thus from the actuating means 7 by the chamber walls 12 of the inner housing portion 10. At least in the area of the chamber walls 12, the inner housing portion 10 consists of a material, for example a plastic material, which does not resist the magnetic coupling between the actuating means 7 and the magnetic means 6 of the membrane 2 and permits contact-free deformation of the membranes 2 by the actuating means 7.
In all of the embodiments shown and described, the membranes 2 can feature a round, preferably circular, outer contour. The magnetic means 6, which are preferably cylindrical, are arranged and supported in a central area of the membranes 2 or in the area of the central axes M. In order to prevent contact between the magnetic means 6 and a fluid being conveyed, the magnetic means 6 can be arranged on a side of the membrane 2 facing away from the work chamber 3. For this purpose, the central areas of the membranes 2 can be designed with added thickness in comparison to the edge areas thereof, in which case the membranes can be designed to have depressions or receiving portions for the magnetic means 6. The magnetic means 6 are then mounted on the membranes 2 by means of sliding the magnetic means 6 into the receiving portions and, optionally, by means of gluing.
The embodiment shown in FIGS. 8 to 11 is advantageous in that contact between the actuating means 7 of the actuating unit 4 and the magnetic means 6 of the membranes 2 during operation of the diaphragm pump 1 is reliably precluded. This results in a significant reduction of unwanted noise during operation of the diaphragm pump 1.
It should be noted that the edge areas of the membranes 2 are preferably designed to have thin walls in order to enable easy deformability. Preferably, only the edge areas of the membranes 2 are deformed during pump operation, whereas the central areas—which are strengthened by the rigid magnetic means 6—retain essentially the same shape.
The pump heads 9 are connected to the sides of the work chambers 3 in a lateral direction (see FIG. 10). Each pump head 9 features a baseplate 33 and a head portion 34. The suction line 19 and the pressure line 22 are formed by the head portion 34. The baseplate 33 is arranged on, in particular screwed onto, the actuator housing 13 and the outer housing portion 11. Valves 28 in the form of an inlet valve 35 and an outlet valve 36 are provided between the baseplate 33 and the head portion 34 (see FIG. 11).
During pump operation, the fluid to be conveyed is drawn in through the suction line 19 of a pump head 9 during the suction phase. After passing through the inlet valve 35, the fluid continues into the work chamber 3 via the inner housing portion 10. The fluid is likewise expelled from the work chamber 3 via the inner housing portion 10 during the compression phase.
It is further evident from FIG. 11 that the actuating unit 4 features a plurality of preferably cylindrical recesses 37, which are arranged consecutively in the direction of rotation and into which the magnets 7 a, 7 b are inserted.
It is understood that the previously described embodiments are not limited to the design of the diaphragm pump 1 having four work chambers 3. Moreover, the features of the previously described embodiments may be combined with one another as necessary, even if this fact is not explicitly described or shown in detail.


List of reference signs:

	1	Diaphragm pump
	2	Membrane
	3	Work chamber
	4	Actuating unit
	4a	Receiving portion
	5	Drive apparatus
	6	Magnetic means
	7	Actuating means
	7a	Magnet
	7b	Magnet
	7c	Region

	8	Axis of rotation
	9	Pump head
	10	Housing portion
	11	Housing portion
	12	Chamber wall
	13	Actuator housing
	13a	Throughgoing bore
	14	Flange plate
	15	Driving shaft
	16	Projection
	17	Inlet
	18	Outlet
	19	Suction line
	20	Inlet collecting chamber
	21	Outlet collecting chamber
	22	Pressure line
	23	Collecting housing
	24	Recess
	25	Cover
	26	Bore
	27	Depression
	28	Valve
	29	Stator unit
	30	Coil
	31	Bearing bore
	32	Bearing journal
	33	Baseplate
	34	Head portion
	35	Inlet valve
	36	Outlet valve
	37	Recess

Claims

1-11. (canceled)

12. A diaphragm pump for conveying a gaseous, liquid, or gaseous/liquid medium, comprising:

at least one deformable membrane for changing the size of a work chamber of the diaphragm pump; and

at least one actuating unit for deforming the membrane by applying contact-free force to the membrane using a magnetic field, wherein the membrane comprises or consists of a material which is magnetic or magnetizable, and the at least one actuating unit includes at least one magnetic or magnetizable actuating means.

13. The diaphragm pump of claim 12, wherein the actuating unit is rotatably mounted and the membrane is arranged circumferentially with respect to the actuating unit; and

wherein, in a dead point position of the membrane, the polarization direction of the magnetic field generated between the material of the membrane and the actuating means is oriented in a direction radial to the axis of rotation of the actuating unit.

14. The diaphragm pump of claim 12, wherein an axis of rotation of the actuating unit is arranged at an offset and parallel to a membrane central axis on the membrane such that, upon rotation of the actuating unit, the actuating means moves cyclically past the membrane and cyclically crosses over the membrane.

15. The diaphragm pump according to claim 12, wherein the actuating unit includes multiple magnetic poles of number (n) having opposite polarization and acting on the membrane; and

wherein each magnetic pole group consists only of magnetic poles having the same polarization, and wherein (n) is greater than or equal to two and the magnetic poles are generated by means of one or multiple actuating means.

16. The diaphragm pump according to claim 15, wherein the magnetic poles or magnetic pole groups of the actuating unit having opposite polarization are arranged successively in the direction of rotation of the actuating unit, wherein the magnetic poles or magnetic pole groups are arranged at an offset of 360°/n to one another in the direction of rotation of the actuating unit.

17. The diaphragm pump according to claim 15, wherein multiple work chambers of number (m) are provided, wherein each work chamber is associated with a membrane, wherein (m) is preferably greater than or equal to (n), and wherein the work chambers are arranged at an offset of 360°/m to one another in the direction of rotation of the actuating unit.

18. The diaphragm pump of claim 12, wherein a magnetic field is generated between the material of the membrane and the actuating means, wherein the actuating unit is rotatably mounted, and a stator unit is provided for generating a rotating magnetic field, wherein the rotating magnetic field generated by the stator unit is designed to drive the actuating unit in a rotary manner.

19. The diaphragm pump of claim 12, wherein a magnetic field is generated between the material of the membrane and the actuating means, and wherein the work chamber is arranged between the actuating means and the membrane.

20. The diaphragm pump according to claim 12, wherein at least two work chambers are provided, wherein each work chamber is associated with a separate pump head.

21. The diaphragm pump according to claim 20, wherein the at least one deformable membrane comprise multiple membranes arranged successively in the direction of rotation of the actuating unit that are able to be deformed in a contact-free manner using the actuating means; and

wherein at least two work chambers of the diaphragm pump are associated with a common pump head.

22. The diaphragm pump of claim 20, wherein a magnetic field is generated between the material of the membrane and the actuating means, wherein the at least two work chambers are arranged at an offset of 160° to 200° to one another in the direction of rotation of the actuating unit, wherein the membranes of the work chambers on the actuator side feature different magnetic poles, and wherein the actuating unit on the membrane side includes at least two different magnetic poles arranged at an offset of 160° to 200° to one another in the direction of rotation of the actuating unit.

23. A method for applying contact-free force to the membranes of the work chambers of a diaphragm pump used for conveying a gaseous, liquid, or liquid/gaseous comprising a diaphragm pump of claim 20, wherein the membranes of the at least two work chambers are deformed free of contact by means of force applied using a magnetic field, wherein the magnetic field is generated between the membranes and at least one magnetic or magnetizable actuating means of a rotatable actuating unit, and wherein membranes arranged successively in the direction of rotation of the actuating unit are deformed in a contact-free manner by means of magnetic interaction with the actuating means.