SPEAR, Simon (Krautenberg 13 1/2, Ottobeuren, 87724, DE)
DAVIES, Philip Owain Lloyd (34 Bullers Road, Farnham GU99EP, GB)
HERRMANN, Thomas (Curd-Juergens-Strasse 2, München, 81739, DE)
SCHMID, Gunther Erich (Mathunistrasse 9a, München, 80686, DE)
SPEAR, Simon (Krautenberg 13 1/2, Ottobeuren, 87724, DE)
DAVIES, Philip Owain Lloyd (34 Bullers Road, Farnham GU99EP, GB)
HERRMANN, Thomas (Curd-Juergens-Strasse 2, München, 81739, DE)
| Claims Pump for conveying a fluid, comprising a) a pump housing (1; la; lb) b) with at least one fluid inlet (25), c) with at least one pumping chamber (4), which has a flow connection with the at least one fluid inlet (25), and d) with at least one fluid outlet (26), which has a flow connection with the at least one pumping chamber (4), e) at least one pump head (18; 18a; 18b), which f) comprises at least one flow valve (28, 29), and g) which at least partially limits at least one pumping chamber (4), and h) comprises at least one coupling mechanism for the releasable connection of the at least one pump head (18; 18a; 18b) to the pump housing (1; la; lb), wherein the at least one coupling mechanism comprises i) at least one first coupling element (35; 35a; 35b); provided < the at least one pump head (18; 18a; 18b), and j) at least one second coupling element (41; 41a; 41b) connected to the pump housing (1; la; lb) for interaction with the at least one first coupling element (35; 35a; 35b). 2. Pump according to claim 1, characterised in that the first coupling element (35; 35a; 35b) and the second coupling element (41; 41a; 41b) can be connected to one another without tools. Pump according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the first coupling element (35; 35a; 35b) and the second coupling element (41; 41a; 41b) can be separated from one another without tools. Pump according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the first coupling element (35) and/or the second coupling element (41) is configured as a latching element for latching connection, the other coupling element (41, 35) preferably having a latching face (84) for interaction with the latching element. Pump according to claim 4, characterised by at least one holding mechanism (42) which can be moved between a holding position and a release position and which, in its holding position, holds the latching element (35) in its latching position, the at least one holding mechanism (42) preferably being mounted, in particular pivotably mounted, on the pump housing (1), the at least one holding mechanism (42) preferably comprising at least one actuating means (48). Pump according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the first coupling element (35a) and the second coupling element (41a) can be screwed onto one another. Pump according to claim 6, characterised in that the first coupling element (35 a) is configured as a rising screw-on groove and/or as a groove engagement means, the at least one screw-on groove preferably having different pitches. Pump according to claim 6 or 7, characterised in that the second coupling element (41a) is configured as a rising screw-on groove and/or as a groove engagement means, the at least one screw-on groove preferably having different pitches. 9. Pump according to any one of claims 6 to 8, characterised by at least one actuating mechanism (54), which is pivotably mounted on the pump housing (la), on which actuating mechanism the second coupling element (41a) is provided, the at least one actuating mechanism (54), in its closing position, holding the respective pump head (18a) on the pump housing (1), the at least one actuating mechanism (54) preferably comprising at least one actuating means (60). 10. Pump according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the second coupling element (41b) is configured as a guide element, which preferably has at least one pressing bevel for pressing the first coupling element (35b) onto the second coupling element (41b). 11. Pump according to claim 10, characterised in that the first coupling element (35b) is configured as a rail, which is displaceably guided in the guide element (41b). 12. Pump according to any one of claims 1 to 3, 10 or 11, characterised by at least one locking device for fixing the first coupling element (35b) and the second coupling element (41b) to one another. 13. Pump according to claim 12, characterised in that the locking device comprises at least one projecting locking means (81), which is provided adjacent to the first coupling element (35b) and is preferably connected to the pump head (18b). 14. Pump according to claim 12 or 13, characterised in that the locking device comprises at least one locking body (68), which is moveable between a release position and a locking position, the release position preferably being an unloaded starting position, the at least one locking body (68) preferably being connected to the pump housing (lb), the at least one locking body (68), in its locking position, preferably blocking the at least one locking means (81). 15. Pump according to claim 14, characterised in that the locking mechanism comprises at least one actuable blocking mechanism (72), which has at least one movement portion (76) for displacing the locking body (68) between its locking position and its release position, the at least one blocking mechanism (72) comprising at least one actuating means (83). |
The invention relates to a pump, in particular a diaphragm pump, for conveying a fluid. The fluid to be conveyed is taken to mean a medium to be conveyed, such as a liquid, a gas, a gas mixture or a liquid/gas mixture. The pump is preferably used in continuous operation in small sewage plants. Small sewage plants of this type are often used to purify waste water in buildings which do not have their own sewage system connection. The pump is preferably used to introduce air into the waste water. The waste water is thus enriched with oxygen. Bacteria are thus activated for the biological or bacterial purification of the waste water. The pump is therefore preferably an aeration pump.
A large number of pumps are known from the prior art which are used in small sewage plants, for example. The disadvantage in these known pumps is that their wearing parts - such as their diaphragm - often has to be exchanged after a few years. The exchange of the wearing parts is relatively time-consuming. Technical skill is generally necessary to exchange the wearing parts.
The invention is therefore based on the object of providing a pump, the wearing parts of which can be exchanged particularly easily and quickly.
This object is achieved according to the invention by the features disclosed in claim 1. The core of the invention is that the at least one pump head is releasably connected to the pump housing. The at least one pump head can thus be removed from the pump housing, which then, for example, allows a simple exchange of the diaphragm of the pump. Further preferred embodiments are disclosed in the sub-claims.
The configuration according to claim 2 leads to a connection which can be produced extremely simply between the coupling elements. A tool or auxiliary means is unnecessary for this connection. The same applies to the configuration according to claim 3.
According to clam 4, the first coupling element and the second coupling element have a latching connection with one another. The first coupling element can thus, for example, be easily latched to the second latching element. As a result, a rapidly achievable but also extremely functionally reliable connection is achieved.
The configuration according to claim 5 ensures an extremely reliable connection between the coupling elements. The holding mechanism, in its holding position, prevents the latching element being able to be brought into its release position. It then virtually blocks the latching element. Only if the holding mechanism is located in its release position can the latching element be brought into its release position. The latching element is then freed and can be released. The holding mechanism, in its holding position, preferably also locally secures a pump drive mechanism, such as a diaphragm actuating mechanism. It is advantageous if the holding device comprises at least one actuating means. The at least one actuating means is, for example, configured as an actuating handle or as a handle trough or formed by knurling.
The configuration according to claim 6 virtually produces a screw or a bayonet lock connection. Further auxiliary means, such as separate screws, bolts or pins are not necessary for this. The connection therefore takes place by a relative rotation.
The configurations according to claims 7 and 8 allow the first coupling element and the second coupling element to be easily screwed onto one another. The screw-on groove preferably forms a thread. The groove engagement means may, for example, be formed by an elongate web or a pin, attachment piece or the like. The screw-on force for the coupling element to be screwed on and the screw-on speed thereof may be influenced by the different pitches of the screw-on groove. The pitch of the screw-on groove is preferably smaller at its end than at its introduction region, so particularly high forces can be exerted at the end of the screw-on groove. This ensures a particularly tight connection between the pump head and the pump housing. In the introduction region the pitch may be greater to allow a rapid initial screw-on process. The pitch of the screw-on groove may, however, remain the same or constant.
The configuration according to claim 9 allows a particularly simple release of the first coupling element and the second coupling element from one another. The first coupling element or the pump head therefore does not have to be pivoted for attachment or release. It is advantageous, if the actuating mechanism, on which the second coupling element is provided, comprises at least one actuating means. The at least one actuating means is, for example, configured as an actuating handle or as a handle trough or by knurling.
The configuration according to claim 10 also produces an extremely secure connection between the coupling elements. The coupling elements can be pressed onto one another by the pressing bevel, and this leads to an extremely play-free and fluid-tight connection between them. The pressing bevel may, alternatively, or additionally, also be configured on the first coupling element. The configuration according to claim 11 allows an extremely functionally reliable guidance or connection. A simple separation is also possible.
The configurations according to claims 12 to 14 lead to a further increase in the operating reliability. An unintentional separation of the coupling elements from one another is thus effectively prevented. The at least one locking device may comprise at least one locking body and at least one locking means. The locking body may be configured as a lever, pin, knob, arm, lug or the like. It can preferably be actuated by a blocking mechanism. The locking means is preferably provided on the pump head, while the locking body preferably belongs to the pump housing. The at least one locking body, in its locking position, preferably locks the at least one locking means, which has a locking connection with the pump housing. It is advantageous if the blocking mechanism comprises at least one actuating means to actuate it. The actuating means may be configured as an actuating handle or as a handle trough or be formed by knurling.
Owing to the configuration according to claim 15, the fixing achieved by the locking device can be cancelled again extremely simply. A tool is not necessary for this. The blocking mechanism, in its holding position, preferably also locally secures a pump drive mechanism, such as a diaphragm actuating mechanism.
Preferred embodiments of the invention will be described below by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a pump according to the invention in accordance with a first embodiment, Fig. 2 shows a section through the pump shown in Fig. 1,
Fig. 3 shows a part exploded view of the pump shown Fig. 1 and 2,
Fig. 4 shows a section through the pump shown in Fig. 1 and 2, which shows the coupling mechanisms, the pump drive mechanism being released,
Fig. 5 shows a section through the coupling mechanism shown in Fig.
1, the first coupling mechanism being fixed,
Fig. 6 shows a section similar to Fig. 4, the pump drive mechanism being blocked,
Fig. 7 shows a section through a coupling mechanism shown in Fig. 6, the first coupling element being released,
Fig. 8 shows a perspective view of a pump according to the invention in accordance with a second embodiment, Fig. 9 shows a section through the pump shown in Fig. 8,
Fig. 10 shows a part exploded view of the pump shown in Fig. 8 and 9, Fig. 11 shows a perspective view of the pump shown in Fig. 8 and 9, the first coupling element and the second coupling element not being completely screwed onto one another, Fig. 12 shows the detail characterised in Fig. 11,
Fig. 13 shows a perspective view similar to Fig. 11, the first coupling element and the second coupling element being completely screwed onto one another here,
Fig. 14 shows the detail characterised in Fig. 13,
Fig. 15 shows a drawn apart view, which shows the first coupling
element and the second coupling element of the pump in accordance with the second embodiment,
Fig. 16 shows a perspective view of a pump according to the invention in accordance with a third embodiment, Fig. 17 shows a section through the pump shown in Fig. 16,
Fig. 18 shows a part exploded view of the pump shown in Fig. 16 and
17, Fig. 19 shows a section through the pump shown in Fig. 16 and 17, the first coupling element being locally secured,
Fig. 20 shows a view similar to Fig. 19, the first coupling element being released, Fig. 21 shows a perspective view of the pump shown in Fig. 16 and 17, in which a pump head is shown in the removed state, Fig. 22 shows a perspective view of a blocking mechanism of the pump shown in Fig. 16 and 17, and
Fig. 23 shows a perspective view of a guide element of the pump shown in Fig. 16 and 17.
A first embodiment of the invention will be described below with reference to Fig. 1 to 7. A pump according to Fig. 1 to 3 comprises a pump housing 1, diaphragms 2 and a diaphragm actuating mechanism 3 for actuating the diaphragms 2. The diaphragms 2 and the diaphragm actuating mechanism 3 are housed in the pump housing 1. The diaphragms 2 limit the pumping chambers 4, which can be changed with regard to their volume. The diaphragms 2 are flexible and impermeable to fluid. By actuating the diaphragms 2 by the diaphragm actuating mechanism 3, a fluid is conveyed by changing the volume of the pumping chambers 4.
The pump housing 1 comprises a panel 5, which is U-shaped in design. The panel 5 therefore has a U-base 6 and two U-legs 7 projecting
perpendicularly from the U-base 6. The open sides of the panel 5 are in each case closed when the pump is assembled. Opposing the U-base 6 a first panel cover (not shown) is provided for this. Furthermore, two second panel covers (not shown) are provided, which then oppose one another and rest laterally on the U-base 6 and the U-legs 7. The panel covers are preferably screwed to the panel 5 by screws. They together form a U- shape, the first panel cover forming the U-base. The U-base 6, the U-legs 7 and the panel covers are plate-shaped in each case. They together limit a cuboid receiving space 8 and together form the pump housing 1.
Two yokes 9 which are arranged spaced apart from one another and are preferably formed from a ferromagnetic material, such as iron, are provided in the receiving space 8. The yokes 9 are fastened to the panel 5. They are preferably fixed to the U-base 6. Each yoke 9 is E-shaped in design and therefore has a central finger-like projection 10. Wound around each projection 10 is a coil 11, by which electric current can be carried. The projections 10 in each case form a core for the coils 11 and run toward one another. The yokes 9 and the coils 11 form electromagnets.
Arranged between the yokes 9 and the associated coils 11 is the diaphragm actuating mechanism 3, which is moveable. The diaphragm actuating mechanism 3 is configured as an armature or shuttle. The armature 3 is plate-like. It has a rectangular, elongate shape and therefore also a longitudinal centre axis 12. The armature 3 can be moved along its longitudinal centre axis 12. It comprises a frame 13 with two window-like openings 14, which are arranged next to one another in the direction of the longitudinal centre axis 12. A permanent magnet 15 is inserted in each opening 14. Opposite poles of the permanent magnets 15 are arranged next to one another.
The permanent magnets 15 of the armature 3 are located in a magnetic field, which is produced by the electromagnets when the coils 11 are provided with current. By providing the coils with current, the armature 3 is axially moved between the yokes 9. The armature 3 then oscillates along its longitudinal centre axis 12. It moves alternately in the process in the direction of the opposing U-legs 7. The armature 3 also has two longitudinal ends 16, which are spaced apart from one another in the direction of the longitudinal centre axis 12. The longitudinal ends 16 oppose one another. Configured in each U-leg 7 is an opening 17, which completely passes through the U-leg 7. The openings 17 are circular and oppose one another. Their centre point, when the pump is assembled, is located on the longitudinal centre axis 12 of the armature 3. A pump head 18 is associated with each opening 17. The pump heads 18 in each comprise a chamber part 19, which is shell-like in configuration and, when the pump is assembled, is held on the outside of the respective U-leg 7. The pump heads 18 then oppose one another. Each chamber part 19 in turn has a diaphragm clamping region 20, which runs round the respective opening 17 and, when the pump is assembled, rests closely on the corresponding U-leg 17. Furthermore, each chamber part 19 has a valve receiving region 21, which is arranged spaced apart from the respective U- leg 7. Each chamber part 19 also has a peripheral wall 22, which connects the diaphragm clamping region 20 and the valve receiving region 21 to one another. The chamber part 19 tapers from the diaphragm clamping region 20 in the direction of the respective valve receiving region 21. The pumping chambers 4 are in each case limited by a diaphragm 2 and the respective pump head 18. A suction valve receiver 23 and a pressure valve receiver 24 are in each case configured in the valve receiving region 21. The suction valve receiver 23 is arranged adjacent to a suction opening 25, while the pressure valve receiver 24 is arranged adjacent to a pressure opening 26. The suction opening 25 and the pressure opening 26 are in each case arranged in the valve receiving region 21 and pass through the latter completely.
Furthermore, each pump head 18 comprises a valve cover 27, which is placed on the outside closely onto the respective chamber part 19 and adjoins the valve receiving region 21. The valve cover 27 is screwed to the respective chamber part 19. In this case, each valve cover 27 holds a pressure valve plate 28 in the pressure valve receiver 24. The pressure valve plate 28 can close the pressure opening 26. Moreover, each valve cover 27 holds a pressure valve plate 29 in the pressure valve receiver 23. The pressure valve plate 29 can close the suction opening 25. The valve plates 28, 29 can be moved between a closing position, in which the opening 25 or 26 is closed, and a release position, in which the opening 25 or 26 is released. They are pressure-controlled. Each valve cover 27 moreover has a suction line 30 and a pressure line 31. The suction lines 30 have a flow connection with the suction openings 25, while the pressure lines 31 have a flow connection to the pressure openings 26.
Each chamber part 19 secures a diaphragm 2 to the respective U-leg 7. The diaphragms 2 close the openings 17 and are circular in each case. The respective clamping region 20 presses an edge region of the respective diaphragm 2 in a fluid-tight manner onto the corresponding U-leg 7.
A compression element 32 is fastened, in each case, in the centres of the diaphragms 2, on the inside thereof. Furthermore, a fixing disc 33 is fastened in the centres of the diaphragms 2, in each case, on the outside thereof. The compression element 32 and the fixing disc 33 of a diaphragm 2 oppose one another, a central region of the diaphragm 2 being located between them. A connecting screw 34 in each case passes through a fixing disc 33, a diaphragm 2 and a compression element 32. Furthermore, it passes at a longitudinal end 16 into the armature 3, so the diaphragms 2 are rigidly connected to the armature 3 on both sides. Provided on each chamber part 19 are, furthermore, a plurality of latching elements 35, which form first coupling elements. A total of four latching elements 35 are provided here on a chamber part 19. Another number is also possible as an alternative. The latching elements 35 are provided on the peripheral edge of the chamber parts 19. They have identical spacings from one another. The latching elements 35 in each case have an elongate latching arm 36, which extends parallel to the longitudinal centre axis 12 and projects on both sides relative to the respective chamber part 19. The latching arms 36 are resilient. Provided on each latching arm 36 is a latching head 37, which projects laterally outwardly from the latching arm 36 and is located on an end 38 of the latching arm 36 facing the armature 3. Furthermore, each latching arm 36 has an actuating portion 39, which extends from the chamber part 19 up to the end 40 of the latching arm 36 opposing the end 38. The thickness of the latching heads 37 in each case increases from the end 38 in the direction of the end 40. An increase in the thickness of the latching heads 37 is not absolutely necessary; it merely facilitates the introduction of the latching arms 36.
A plurality of, four here, latching element receivers 41 for the latching elements 35 are furthermore provided in each U-leg 7 adjacent to the opening 17, and in each case completely pass through the U-legs 7 and form second coupling elements. The latching elements receivers 41 are configured to receive and hold the latching elements 35. They are arranged and dimensioned accordingly in the U-legs 7. A holding disc 42 is furthermore associated with each opening 17. The holding discs 42 are pivotably mounted. They can be pivoted about the longitudinal centre axis 12. For this purpose, the holding discs 42 rest on the inside of the respective U-leg 7 and rest in a sliding manner on the wall limiting the respective opening 17. The holding discs 42 are substantially circular.
Each holding disc 42, in its centre, has a round, continuous opening 43, the diameter of which is slightly larger than the diameter of the compression element 32. Two recesses 44 extend radially outwardly from each opening 43 and oppose one another and pass through the holding discs 42.
Furthermore, each holding disc 42 has a plurality of, four here, radially projecting, web-like holding attachment pieces 45, which in each case have a radially outer bevel face 46 and a radially outer holding face 47 adjoining the bevel face 46. The radial dimension of the holding discs 42 increases in the region of the bevel faces 46. The holding faces 47 in each case run straight. The holding faces 47 adjoin the widened region of the bevel faces 46. Furthermore, the holding discs 42 in each case have a radially projecting actuating handle 48.
The functioning of the pump will be described below. By providing the coils 11 with current, they produce a magnetic field. Located in the magnetic field is the armature 3, which comprises the permanent magnets 15. The permanent magnets 15 also produce a magnetic field. The armature 3 is provided with an oscillating movement thereby along its longitudinal centre axis 12. The diaphragms 2 are therefore also correspondingly actuated. The centres of the diaphragms 2 are alternately pressed into the chamber parts 19 and then again pulled into the receiving space 8, so a fluid to be conveyed is conveyed. The electromagnets and the armature 3 together form a diaphragm actuating device.
The fluid to be conveyed is sucked via at least one panel cover into the pump housing 1 by the diaphragms 2. The fluid flows in the pump housing 1 over at least one partial region along the yokes 9. It is then drawn into the suction lines 30. The fluid then arrives via the suction openings 25, which form fluid inlets, into the respective pumping chamber 4. In the process, the fluid passes the respective suction valve plate 29, which is then in its release position. The pressure openings 26 are, in this case, closed by the pressure valve plates 28. The fluid leaves the pumping chambers 4 via the pressure openings 26, which form fluid outlets. The suction valve plates 29 prevent an unintended return of the fluid into the suction lines 30. The fluid passes the respective pressure valve plate 28, which is then in its release position. It then arrives in the pressure lines 31. The fluid can then be removed via a collecting pressure connecting piece (not shown). The pump can be housed completely in an outer housing.
When the pump is in the completely assembled operating state, which is shown in Fig. 1 and 2, the chamber parts 19 are latched to the panel 5 or the U-legs 7. In the process, the latching arms 36 pass through the latching element receivers 41, the latching heads 37 engaging behind a
corresponding edge region of the panel 5 or the respective U-leg 7 adjoining the latching element receivers 41 (Fig. 5). The latching faces 84 of the latching heads 37 then face the respective U-leg 7 and preferably rest thereon on the inside. The pump heads 18 are thereby locally secured to the panel 5. The latching elements 35 are in their latching position. The holding discs 42 are, in this case, in their holding position. The holding attachment pieces 45 are arranged directly adjacent to the latching heads 37, with the latching heads 37 preferably resting with their rear side on the holding places 47. This prevents the latching heads 37 or the latching faces 84 thereof being able to be moved away from the panel 5 by deflection of the latching arms 36 and the latching connection thus being able to be released. The holding faces 47 thus block the latching heads 37. In the holding position of the holding discs 42, the armature 3 is released, so the latter can oscillate. The armature 3 can pass through the openings 43 and the recesses 44. The recesses 44 have a width for this, which is slightly larger than the width of the armature 3.
To exchange a diaphragm 2, the pump head 18 holding this diaphragm 2 has to be removed from the corresponding U-leg 7. For this purpose, the latching connection between the corresponding pump head 18 and the corresponding panel 5 has to be detached. To release the latching connection, the corresponding holding disc 42 firstly has to be pivoted about the longitudinal centre axis 12 from its holding position into its release position, so the holding attachment pieces 45 are moved away from the latching elements 35. The holding faces 47 are ahead in this case. The release position of a holding disc 42 is shown in Fig. 6 and 7. In the release position of the holding mechanism 42, the latching heads 37 are released. The latching heads 37 or the latching faces 84 thereof can now be removed from the panel 5 by corresponding deflection of the latching arms 36. For this purpose, the latching heads 37 are to be moved in the direction of the longitudinal centre axis 12 or toward one another. This can be brought about, for example, by a corresponding exertion of pressure radially outwardly onto the actuating portions 39. As an alternative, a
corresponding radially inwardly directed pressure can be exerted directly on the latching heads 37. The latching arms 36 can then be guided outwardly in their release position by the latching element receivers 41, so the pump head 18 can be removed from the panel 5. To pivot the holding mechanism 42, it is favourable to use the actuating handle 48. In the release position of the holding disc 42, the armature 3 is also axially fixed in its position by the holding disc 42. The armature 3 rests on the holding disc 42 on the inside. It can no longer pass through the opening 43 and the recesses 44 because of the pivoting of the holding disc 42. To fasten a pump head 18 on the panel 5, the procedure is analogous. The holding mechanism 42 is then to be pivoted again accordingly, the bevel faces 46 being ahead. The bevel faces 46 press the latching elements 35 into their latching position. A second embodiment of the invention will be described below with reference to Fig. 8 to 15. Identical components receive the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment, to which reference is hereby made. Structurally different, but functionally similar components receive the same reference numerals with an "a" thereafter.
The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment by the coupling mechanisms or by the coupling elements 35a, 41a. In contrast to the latching connection according to the first embodiment, a rotary connection is provided here between the pump head 18a and the pump housing la. For this purpose, each chamber part 19a has a hollow cylindrical screw-on region 50, which rests on the outside of the respective U-leg 7 adjacent to the opening 17. The screw-on region 50 in turn has an inner side 51 and an outer side 52 opposing the inner side 51. A plurality of, four here, pins 35a which have a non-rotatable connection to the screw-on region 50, project from the inner side 51, said pins forming first coupling elements and preferably having a circular cross section. Another number of pins 35a is also possible. The pins 35a may be connected in one piece to the screw-on region 50. However, they may also be separate parts. Instead of pins 35a, elongate webs may also be provided. The pins 35a are arranged uniformly over the periphery of the screw-on region 50. They all have an identical spacing from the free end 53 of the screw-on region 50. The pins 35a are arranged adjacent to the free end 53. An actuating mechanism 54 is received in each opening 17 and is a component of the pump housing la and is pivotably mounted thereon. The actuating mechanisms 54 can be pivoted about the longitudinal centre axis 12. They are substantially hollow cylindrical. The actuating mechanisms 54 in each case comprise an inner fixing region 55 and a counter-screw-on region 56 adjoining the inner fixing region 55. Each counter-screw-on region 54 has an inner side 57 and an outer side 58 opposing the inner side 57. A plurality of, four here, screw-on grooves 41a are configured in the outer side 58 of each counter-screw-on region 56 and are used to receive or guide the pins 35a and form second coupling elements. The screw-on grooves 41a are adapted to the pins 35a. They a have a width, which is slightly larger than the diameter of the pins 35a. The screw-on grooves 41a are open to the outside. Furthermore, they are open to the free end 59 of the respective actuating mechanism 54. The free end 59, when the pump is assembled, faces the respective pump head 18a. The screw-on grooves 41a are in each case identically configured. They have a pitch, in each case. They extend, in each case, from the free end 59 in a common axial direction and peripheral direction of the actuating mechanism 54 to an end 61 of the actuating mechanism 54 opposing the free end 59. The pitch of the screw-on grooves 41a increases from the respective free end 59 in the direction of the opposing end 61. The increase may take place abruptly or uniformly. Furthermore, each actuating mechanism 54 has a radially projecting actuating lever 60. When the pump is in the assembled operating state, the fixing regions 54 rest on the inside on a region of the respective U-leg 7, which runs adjacent to the opening 17. The fixing regions 54 therefore run adjacent to the openings 17, so the actuating mechanisms 54 are fixed to the panel 5. The counter-screw-on region 56 of the respective actuating mechanism 54 in this case passes through the corresponding opening 17. The counter-screw- on regions 56 therefore partly project outwardly from the openings 17. The pump heads 18a or chamber parts 19a have a thread-like connection by means of their pins 35a with the screw-on grooves 41a of the actuating mechanisms 54 (see Fig. 13 and 14). The screw-on regions 50 run around the counter-screw-on regions 56. They are engaged with one another.
To produce the thread-like connection between the pump heads 18a and the actuating mechanisms 54, the pins 35a at the free end 59, are to be introduced into the screw-on grooves 41a. The introduction region of the screw-on grooves 41a is present there. The respective actuating mechanism 54 should then be pivoted by the actuating lever 60 about the longitudinal axis 12, so a relative rotary movement occurs between the actuating mechanism 54 and the corresponding pump head 18a. In this case, the respective screw-on grooves 41a are virtually screwed into the pump head 18a. The pump head 18a itself is not rotated. The pump head 18a is virtually pulled onto the respective U-leg 7 by the screw-on grooves 41a. When the pump head 18a is completely screwed on, the latter rests on the outside of the respective U-leg 7 (Fig. 8, 9, 13, 14). The pins 35a are then located at the end of the screw-on grooves 41a. To release the respective pump head 18a, the actuating lever 60 has to be moved in the reverse manner. The release takes place in an analogous manner.
A third embodiment of the invention will be described below with reference to Fig. 16 to 23. Identical components receive the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment, to which reference is made.
Structurally different, but functionally similar components receive the same reference numerals with a "b" thereafter.
The third embodiment differs from the first embodiment by the
configuration of the coupling mechanisms or the coupling elements 35b, 41b.
A guide mechanism 62, which is a component of the housing lb, is attached here to each U-leg 7. Each guide mechanism 62 has a contact plate 63 for outside contact to the respective U-leg 7 and for attachment thereto. The contact plates 63 are substantially rectangular. They may, however, also have a different shape. In each case, they have two mutually opposing side edges 64, which extend, when the pump is assembled, substantially adjacent to the free ends of the U-legs 7. Two clamp-like guide elements 41b project from each side edge 64 to guide the pump heads 18b. Another number of guide elements 41b is also possible. The guide elements 41b of a guide mechanism 62 laterally limit a receiver 64, which has an upper introduction opening 66. Furthermore, each receiver 65 has a lower receiving end region 67, which is located opposing the introduction opening 66. Two locking levers 68, which are used to fix the respective pump head 18b and oppose one another, are provided in each receiving end region 67. The locking levers 68 are provided on the side of the respective guide mechanism 62 opposing the receiver 65. Each locking lever 68 has a resilient locking arm 69 and a locking head 70 adjoining it at the end. The locking arms 69 are rigidly connected to the guide
mechanisms 62. The locking heads 70 of a guide mechanism 62 project toward one another. Furthermore, in each contact plate 63, a circular opening 71 is configured, the diameter of which substantially corresponds to the diameter of the opening 17. The contact plates 63 are fastened to the U-legs 7 on the outside by means of screws 85.
A blocking mechanism 72 is also arranged in each opening 17. The blocking mechanisms 72 are disc-like. In each case they have a circular base plate 73, which has a central circular opening 74 passing through it. Two mutually opposing opening attachment pieces 75 extend from each opening 74 in the radial direction and are thus located on a straight line. The base plate 73 rests with its radial outer side on the wall limiting the opening 17. Two blocking links 76, which are radially outwardly open, are provided peripherally on each base plate 73. The blocking links 76 are arranged separated from one another. They therefore, in each case, have an end 77 and a beginning 78. The radial depth of the blocking links 76 gradually increases from the beginning 78 thereof to the end 77 thereof. Furthermore, an actuating lever 83 projects radially from each base plate 73.
Provided on each pump head 18b are two rail bodies 79, which run parallel and spaced apart with respect to one another. Each rail body 79 has two opposing, outer engagement regions 80. Provided on the lower rail body 79 on each engagement region 80 is a locking stop 81, which, when the pump is assembled, projects from the respective rail body 79 in the direction of the adjacent U-leg 7.
When the pump is in the assembled state, the pump heads 18b are inserted in the receivers 65 (Fig. 16, 17). In this case, the pump heads 18b are laterally fixed by the guide elements 41b. The engagement regions 80 engage in the guide elements 41b. The rail bodies 79 extend parallel to the U-base 6. The lower rail bodies 79 are arranged adjacent to the U-base 6. They are arranged in the respective receiving end region 67. Furthermore, the locking stops 81 are located in locking stop receivers 82, which are arranged adjacent to the locking heads 70 on the guide mechanisms 62. The locking stop receivers 82 are also arranged adjacent to the corresponding guide elements 41b. The locking levers 68 in this case prevent the locking stops 81 being able to be removed from the locking stop receivers 82. The locking heads 70 are located outside the blocking links 76. The locking levers 68 partially close the locking stop receivers 82 (Fig. 19). They are in their locking position. The blocking mechanisms 72 release the armature 3.
The rail bodies 79 have been inserted via the introduction opening 66 into the respective receiver 65. Inner pressing bevels are provided on the guide elements 41b.
A pivoting of a blocking mechanism 72 results in the fact that the blocking links 76 can also be accordingly moved. The locking heads 70 then engage in the blocking links 76 and approach one another, which is to be attributed to the spring effect of the locking levers 68. The locking heads 70 rest on the base of the blocking links 76. They are moved from the beginning 78 in the direction of the end 77 of the blocking links 76. The locking stop receivers 82 are released by the locking levers 68, so the locking stops 81 can be moved out of them (Fig. 20). The locking levers 68 are in their release position. The armature 3 is then blocked by the respective blocking mechanism 72. A reverse pivoting of the blocking mechanisms 72 means that the locking levers 68 are pressed outwardly again into their locking position.
A blocking mechanism 72, a locking lever 68, a locking stop 81 and a locking stop receiver 82 together form a locking device.
The coupling mechanisms can also be used in other pumps with pump heads 18; 18a; 18b.
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