pump

Abstract

The rotary pump (10) comprises a housing (20) having a first fluid port (21) and a second fluid port (22) and an inner surface defining a cavity (24) in which a rotor (30, 230) is located, the rotor comprising at least a surface recess (231a-231d) forming at least a fluid carrying chamber (232a-232d) with the inner surface of the housing. The pump further comprises at least a resiliently deformable diaphragm (50, 226) providing a portion of the inner surface of the housing and urged into contact with a surface of the rotor by the action of a pressurizing means acting against a rear surface of the resiliently deformable diaphragm. The pump further comprises a flow channel or pair of flow channels (41a, 41b, 241a, 241b) associated with the resiliently deformable diaphragm extending longitudinally from opposite ends of the rotor.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a pump. [Background technology]

[0002] It is known to provide a pump formed by a housing having an inlet and an outlet for a fluid, containing a rotor with at least one surface recess forming, with an inner surface of the rotor, a chamber that conveys the fluid from the inlet to the outlet in response to rotation of the rotor. A flexible diaphragm is provided on or as part of the housing, located between the inlet and the outlet, to prevent the fluid from passing from the outlet to the inlet. The diaphragm is urged into engagement with the rotor by pressure means, which can take many forms such as a block of resilient material, a resilient tube of material, a spring, or hydraulic or pneumatic pressure. A pump of this general type is disclosed in International Patent Application No. WO2006 / 027548.

[0003] Because such pumps comprise a discrete number of chambers formed by recesses in the rotor surface that convey fluid from an inlet to an outlet, the resulting liquid flow tends to be pulsed, with periods of no flow and periods of high flow. This can be harmful in some applications, for example when administering medicine to a patient, where the pulsating flow can be uncomfortable. It is an object of the present invention to provide a pump with an improved flow profile.

[0004] Attempts have been made to reduce pulsation of fluid flow in pumps, such as the rotary infusion pump described in International Patent Application WO2011 / 119464. This document discloses a pump having a housing containing a rotor, the rotor including a first ring of surfaces forming a channel with the housing and a second ring of surfaces forming a channel with the housing. The first and second rings are radially offset to attenuate pulsation of fluid flow through the pump.

[0005] Additionally, prior art pumps such as those described in WO2006 / 027548 have limited design options regarding the location of the inlet and outlet ports and the diameter or cross-sectional area of ​​these ports. It is another object of the present invention to provide a pump with improved design flexibility.

[0006] Furthermore, in many applications it is important to be able to sterilize pumps so that they can be reused. It is an object of the present invention to provide a pump which can be more easily sterilized.

[0007] It is an object of the preferred embodiments of the present invention to provide a rotary pump that provides essentially continuous flow. Continuous flow as used herein is defined as flow where there are no periods of no fluid flow. Continuous flow does not necessarily mean that there is a constant flow rate, but rather that there may be some fluctuations in the flow rate, provided that there is always a positive flow of fluid while the pump is operating and delivering fluid. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2006 / 027548 [Patent Document 2] International Publication No. 2011 / 119464 Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] Aspects of the invention described herein may be useful alone or in combination with other aspects described herein.

[0010] According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a pump comprising: a housing having an inner surface defining a first fluid port and a second fluid port and a cavity in which a rotor is located; a rotor rotatably mounted within the housing and having a longitudinal axis of rotation, the rotor comprising a housing engaging surface area forming a sealing interference fit with the inner surface of the housing and at least one surface recess forming with the inner surface of the housing a fluid carrying chamber for carrying fluid from the first fluid port to the second fluid port in response to rotation of the rotor; and a resiliently deformable diaphragm providing a portion of the inner surface of the housing, the diaphragm comprising a rotor engaging surface and a rear surface opposite the rotor engaging surface, the rotor engaging surface of the diaphragm comprising: A pump is provided comprising: an elastically deformable diaphragm urged into contact with a rotor by the action of a pressurizing means acting on a rear surface of the diaphragm; and a pair of flow channels associated with the elastically deformable diaphragm, the flow channels extending longitudinally from opposite ends of the rotor and overlying surface recesses of the rotor as the rotor rotates in use, the pair of flow channels comprising a first flow channel in fluid communication with the first fluid port and closed to the second fluid port, and a second flow channel closed to the first fluid port and in fluid communication with the second fluid port, each flow channel being located on an opposite side of the diaphragm.

[0011] According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a pump comprising a housing having an inner surface defining a first fluid port and a second fluid port and a cavity in which a rotor is located; a rotor rotatably mounted within the housing and having a longitudinal axis of rotation, the rotor comprising a housing engaging surface area forming a sealing interference fit with the inner surface of the housing and at least one surface recess forming with the inner surface of the housing a fluid carrying chamber for carrying fluid from the first fluid port to the second fluid port in response to rotation of the rotor; and a resiliently deformable diaphragm providing a portion of the inner surface of the housing, the diaphragm comprising a rotor engaging surface and a rear surface opposite the rotor engaging surface, the rotor engaging surface of the diaphragm acting against the rear surface of the diaphragm. A pump is provided comprising: an elastically deformable diaphragm urged into contact with a rotor by the action of a pressurizing means; a flow channel associated with a leading edge of the elastically deformable diaphragm, the flow channel extending longitudinally from one end of the rotor and overlying a surface recess of the rotor as the rotor rotates in use, the flow channel being in fluid communication with a first fluid port; and an opening opening from an inner surface of the housing and associated with a trailing edge of the elastically deformable diaphragm, positioned to overly the surface recess of the rotor as the rotor rotates in use, such that in response to rotation of the rotor the second fluid port is in direct fluid flow communication with the fluid carrying chamber via the opening.

[0012] Preferably, in all aspects of the invention, the housing comprises a resilient material, such as polypropylene, polyethylene, thermoplastic polyurethane, or rubber. The first fluid port and / or the second fluid port may extend from the housing. If the first fluid port and / or the second fluid port extend from the housing, the first and / or second fluid port are preferably molded integrally with the housing.

[0013] The rotor may be made from a rigid material such as stainless steel, polyetheretherketone (PEEK), HDPE, or polycarbonate. The selection of materials for the housing and rotor are interdependent and should be selected so that they exhibit a low coefficient of friction at their contacting surfaces.

[0014] According to all aspects of the invention, the housing may comprise a single unit providing an inner surface, a first fluid port and a second fluid port, and optionally a resiliently deformable diaphragm, that defines a cavity in which the rotor is located. Alternatively, the housing may provide an inner surface, and optionally a resiliently deformable diaphragm, that defines a cavity in which the rotor is located, and may be used in conjunction with first and / or second separate end caps to close the cavity in which the rotor is located. In this embodiment, the first and / or second fluid ports may be provided in the housing or in the separate end caps.

[0015] Pumps according to all aspects of the invention may comprise one elastically deformable diaphragm.

[0016] Alternatively, the pump according to the first aspect of the invention may comprise a plurality of elastically deformable diaphragms. For example, the pump according to the first aspect of the invention may comprise two elastically deformable diaphragms. Alternatively, the pump according to the first aspect of the invention may comprise three elastically deformable diaphragms. If the pump comprises a plurality of elastically deformable diaphragms, they are preferably arranged equidistantly about the circumference of the rotor.

[0017] In one embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, the pump comprises two diaphragms located on diametrically opposite sides of the rotor. In an alternative embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, the pump comprises three diaphragms spaced equidistantly around the circumference of the rotor.

[0018] In all aspects of the invention, the or each elastically deformable diaphragm comprises a side surface, which is an edge of the diaphragm that extends from one end of the cavity in which the rotor is located to the other end of the cavity. In other words, the side edge is a longitudinal edge of the diaphragm that extends in essentially the same direction as the longitudinal axis of rotation of the rotor. The diaphragm side surface may be straight or curved. The or each diaphragm has a leading edge and a trailing edge that are determined by the direction of rotation of the rotor in use.

[0019] In all aspects of the invention, the elastically deformable diaphragm may be provided by a section of the housing that is manufactured to a thickness that is small enough to provide the required elasticity of deformation. For example, the elastically deformable diaphragm is provided by a section of the housing that is 1 mm or less, preferably 0.5 mm or less, and in some embodiments less than 0.1 mm thick. In this embodiment, the housing is preferably made from an elastic thermoplastic or thermoset material, and the elastically deformable diaphragm is integral with the housing.

[0020] Alternatively, in all aspects of the invention, the elastically deformable diaphragm may comprise a section of elastically deformable elastomeric material that is hermetically attached to or co-molded with the housing. The separate diaphragm should be attached to the housing so as to create a continuous rotor-engaging surface as the inner surface of the housing. When the elastically deformable diaphragm is a separate elastomeric material, it preferably comprises a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) or a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). When the diaphragm is provided by a separate elastically deformable elastomeric material, the housing may comprise a resilient material, for example polypropylene, polyethylene, thermoplastic polyurethane, or rubber, or the housing may be made of a rigid material.

[0021] In use, according to all aspects of the invention, the diaphragm or diaphragms are operable to prevent direct fluid communication between the first and second fluid ports as a result of liquid tight contact between the rotor-engaging surface of the diaphragm and the rotor surface. Furthermore, the resiliently deformable nature of the diaphragm or diaphragms means that, in use, each diaphragm flexes with the contoured surface of the rotor such that the one or more diaphragms are operable to ensure that each fluid-carrying chamber is emptied as the rotor rotates.

[0022] In all aspects of the invention, the elastically deformable diaphragm may comprise ribs on its rear face. Alternatively, the ribs may be provided on spring means providing the pressure means, arranged such that, in use, the ribs act against the rear face of the diaphragm. Suitably the ribs extend along the entire length of the diaphragm in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of rotation of the rotor.

[0023] In all aspects of the invention, any suitable pressure means may be used to urge the rotor-engaging surface of each diaphragm into contact with the rotor. The pressure means may comprise a spring means acting against the rear face of the elastically deformable diaphragm. For example, the pressure means may comprise a block or tube of elastic material to which pressure may be applied to urge the spring means against the rear face of the elastically deformable diaphragm. Examples of suitable spring members are disclosed in International Patent Application No. WO2013 / 117486. Alternatively, or in addition, the pressure means may comprise a fluid applied to the rear face of the elastically deformable diaphragm. Examples of pumps comprising a fluid applied to the rear face of the elastically deformable diaphragm are disclosed in International Patent Application Nos. WO2010 / 122299 and WO2014 / 135563.

[0024] In certain embodiments of all aspects of the invention, a pump according to the invention may comprise a diaphragm chamber surrounding a rear face of the resiliently deformable diaphragm.

[0025] In all aspects of the invention, the diaphragm chambers may be provided by a wall extending from the housing and preferably a separate cap for closing the chamber. Alternatively, the diaphragm chambers may comprise separate units attached to the housing. The diaphragm chambers preferably house pressure means arranged to urge the resiliently deformable diaphragm against the rotor. Each diaphragm chamber may comprise either an open or closed chamber for locating the pressure means. The closed chambers may be hermetically sealed.

[0026] In all aspects of the invention, the diaphragm chamber may be a closed chamber connected by a passage to the fluid flowing through the pump such that the fluid flowing through the pump provides the pressurizing means. The passage providing fluid to the diaphragm chamber may include a one-way valve to allow fluid to flow into the diaphragm chamber but not out of it. This one-way valve arrangement allows sustained pressure against the diaphragm even when the direction of pump flow is reversed.

[0027] Alternatively, in all aspects of the invention, the diaphragm chamber may be a closed chamber connected by a passageway to a separate fluid source, which separate fluid source provides the pressurization means.

[0028] In all aspects of the invention, the second fluid port may extend from the diaphragm chamber. Further, where the diaphragm includes a separate cap for closing the chamber, the second fluid port may extend from the cap.

[0029] In one embodiment, the diaphragm chamber surrounds only one elastically deformable diaphragm. If the pump includes more than one diaphragm, a respective diaphragm chamber may surround a rear face of each of the one or more elastically deformable diaphragms.

[0030] In an alternative embodiment of the first aspect of the invention comprising multiple elastically deformable diaphragms, the diaphragm chambers may be interconnected. The multiple diaphragm chambers may be interconnected by providing a fluid channel between the chambers. This is particularly useful where a second fluid port of the pump extends from the diaphragm chamber and / or where fluid from the first or second chamber provides the pressurizing means.

[0031] Preferably, in a pump according to the second aspect of the invention, the opening is formed in the inner surface of the housing adjacent the trailing edge of the resiliently deformable diaphragm and is located to overlie a surface recess of the rotor as the rotor rotates in use. Alternatively, in a pump according to the second aspect of the invention, the opening is formed in the diaphragm adjacent the trailing edge and is located to overlie a surface recess of the rotor as the rotor rotates in use. In a further alternative, in a pump according to the second aspect of the invention, the opening is formed partly in the diaphragm and partly in the inner surface of the housing across the trailing edge of the diaphragm and is located to overlie a surface recess of the rotor as the rotor rotates in use.

[0032] The second fluid port is in fluid flow communication with the opening.In an embodiment of the pump according to the second aspect, the opening may be provided by the second fluid port.

[0033] Preferably, in all aspects of the invention, each flow channel comprises a longitudinal channel with an open channel surface, open at one end and closed at the other end. The open channel surface, in use, bounds and is in fluid flow communication with the surface of the rotor. Each flow channel may have the same width along its entire length. Alternatively, each flow channel, or one or both flow channels in each pair, may be tapered along its length. If a flow channel is tapered, it is preferably at its widest state at the open end and its narrowest state at the closed end.

[0034] Preferably, in a pump according to the first aspect of the invention, the flow channels in a pair are substantially parallel to each other. If the pump comprises multiple pairs of flow channels, it is preferred that all of the flow channels are arranged substantially parallel to each other.

[0035] Suitably, in all aspects of the invention, the or each flow channel is linear and oriented substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of the rotor. Alternatively, in all aspects of the invention, the or each flow channel may be oriented helically about the longitudinal axis of rotation of the rotor. In cases where the pump comprises multiple flow channels that are helically oriented about the longitudinal axis of rotation of the rotor, the flow channels are preferably all parallel to each other.

[0036] In embodiments of the pump according to the first aspect of the invention comprising a plurality of elastically deformable diaphragms, a pair of flow channels is associated with each elastically deformable diaphragm. In embodiments of the pump according to the first aspect of the invention comprising a plurality of elastically deformable diaphragms, and therefore a plurality of pairs of flow channels, the first and second flow channels are arranged in an alternating fashion about the circumference of the rotor.

[0037] In all aspects of the invention, the flow channels may be formed in an inner surface of the housing that defines a chamber in which the rotor is located. In one embodiment of all aspects of the invention, each flow channel or pair of flow channels is provided by a recessed channel in the inner surface of the housing.

[0038] Alternatively, in all aspects of the invention, each flow channel or pair of flow channels is formed in the rotor-engaging surface of the diaphragm. In some embodiments of the invention, each flow channel or pair of flow channels is provided by a recessed channel in the rotor-engaging surface of the diaphragm.

[0039] In preferred embodiments of all aspects of the invention, each flow channel is provided by a channel extending longitudinally along the length of the diaphragm, substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of the rotor, one longitudinal edge of each channel being defined by the inner surface of the housing and the other longitudinal edge of each channel being defined by the diaphragm.

[0040] In a first aspect of the invention, the flow channels are axially aligned substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of rotation of the rotor, and are preferably located at opposite side edges of the diaphragm.

[0041] The flow channels are formed in an inner surface of the housing that defines a cavity in which the rotor sits and / or in a rotor-engaging surface of a resiliently deformable diaphragm. In embodiments of the invention in which there is more than one flow channel, the multiple flow channels are spaced circumferentially about the cavity in which the rotor sits.

[0042] In all aspects of the invention the flow channel extends from an end of the rotor and overlies a surface recess of the rotor and therefore a fluid carrying chamber as the rotor rotates. The flow channel may extend along substantially the entire length of the fluid carrying chamber formed by the surface recess on the rotor and the inner surface of the housing, with a first aspect of the invention providing that the first flow channel is closed to the second fluid port and the second flow channel is closed to the first fluid port, and a second aspect of the invention providing that the flow channel is closed to the opening which therefore does not have a direct fluid flow connection with the second fluid port.

[0043] In all aspects of the invention, the flow channels each suitably extend along essentially the entire length of the diaphragm, with a first aspect of the invention providing that the first flow channel is closed to the second fluid port and the second flow channel is closed to the first fluid port, and a second aspect of the invention providing that the flow channel is closed to an opening which therefore does not have a direct fluid flow connection with the second fluid port.

[0044] In a pump according to the first aspect of the invention, each first flow channel is in fluid communication with a first fluid port and is closed to a second fluid port, and each second flow channel is closed to the first fluid port and in fluid communication with the second fluid port, such that each flow channel extends from one end of the rotor but is closed at the other end before reaching the opposite end of the rotor.

[0045] In a pump according to the second aspect of the invention, the flow channel is in fluid communication with the first fluid port and is closed at an end of the recess distal to the first fluid port such that the flow channel is closed to the opening.

[0046] In a pump according to the first aspect of the invention, each flow channel in a pair is closed at an opposite end. Each first flow channel is closed to the second fluid port such that it is not in direct fluid flow communication with the second fluid port, and each second flow channel is closed to the first fluid port such that it is not in direct fluid flow communication with the first fluid port. In each pair of flow channels, the open end of the first flow channel is in direct fluid flow communication with the first fluid port, and the open end of the second flow channel is in direct fluid flow communication with the second fluid port.

[0047] When a pump according to the first aspect of the invention comprises more than one pair of flow channels, the open end of each first channel in all of the pairs of flow channels will be in direct fluid flow communication with a first fluid port and the open end of each second channel in all of the pairs of flow channels will be in direct fluid flow communication with a second fluid port. Further, none of the second flow channels will be in direct fluid flow communication with the first fluid port and none of the first flow channels will be in direct fluid flow communication with the second fluid port.

[0048] In a preferred embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, the pump may comprise a first chamber, a second chamber, or a first chamber and a second chamber. Preferably, the first chamber and the second chamber are formed between an inner surface of the housing and the rotor and are located at opposite ends of the rotor. The first fluid port is preferably in fluid flow communication with the first chamber, and the second chamber is preferably in fluid flow communication with the second fluid port. Preferably, the first channel of each pair of flow channels is in direct fluid flow communication with the first chamber such that, in use, fluid flows through the first fluid port into the first chamber and from there into the one or more first channels. Preferably, the second channel of each pair of flow channels is in direct fluid flow communication with the second chamber such that, in use, fluid flows from the one or more second channels into the second chamber and then towards the second fluid port.

[0049] The presence of a first chamber advantageously means that a single first fluid port can feed multiple first flow channels. The presence of a second chamber advantageously means that multiple second flow channels can be combined into a single flow stream toward the second fluid port. Furthermore, the presence of a first and / or second chamber has the advantage of allowing further flexibility in the location of the first and / or second fluid ports on the pump.

[0050] The second chamber may be in fluid flow communication with the diaphragm chamber. Additionally, the diaphragm chamber may be in fluid flow communication with a second fluid port. In this latter case, fluid flows from the second chamber through the diaphragm chamber to the second fluid port. In some embodiments of the invention, the second chamber is connected to all of the diaphragm chambers.

[0051] In certain embodiments of the first aspect of the invention, the second chamber may be provided by a diaphragm chamber. The diaphragm chamber may include a second fluid port.

[0052] In one embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, in which the pump does not include a first chamber and a second chamber, the one or more elastically deformable diaphragms extend between the first fluid port and the second fluid port, the first fluid port and the second fluid port being at opposite ends of the rotor.

[0053] In an alternative embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, in which the pump comprises a first chamber and a second chamber, one or more resiliently deformable diaphragms extend between the second chamber and the first chamber. In this embodiment, the first and second fluid ports may, but need not, be at opposite ends of the rotor, provided they are in fluid flow communication with the first or second chamber, respectively.

[0054] In certain embodiments of the first aspect of the invention comprising two elastically deformable diaphragms, a first pair of flow channels is associated with the first diaphragm and a second pair of flow channels is associated with the second diaphragm. In certain embodiments of the first aspect of the invention comprising three elastically deformable diaphragms, a first pair of flow channels is associated with the first diaphragm, a second pair of flow channels is associated with the second diaphragm, and a third pair of flow channels is associated with the third diaphragm.

[0055] In all aspects of the invention, the rotor is generally cylindrical and comprises at least one recess which forms a fluid carrying chamber with the inner surface of the housing. In all aspects of the invention, the surface recess is provided by a recessed area in the rotor surface. In all aspects of the invention, the surface recess preferably extends longitudinally along the majority of the axial length of the rotor. In preferred embodiments, the surface recess does not extend along the entire axial length of the rotor, but preferably extends longitudinally along substantially the entire axial length of the rotor.

[0056] In embodiments of all aspects of the invention, the rotor has a plurality of surface recesses that form, with the inner surface of the housing, a corresponding plurality of fluid-carrying chambers that carry fluid from a first fluid port to a second fluid port in response to rotation of the rotor. For example, the rotor has two surface recesses that form, with the inner surface of the housing, two fluid-carrying chambers. In alternative embodiments of all aspects of the invention, the rotor has three surface recesses that form, with the inner surface of the housing, three fluid-carrying chambers. The rotor may have four surface recesses that form, with the inner surface of the housing, four fluid-carrying chambers.

[0057] Additionally, the rotor may have five surface recesses that form five fluid carrying chambers with the inner surface of the housing. The rotors of all aspects of the invention may include any number of recesses providing a corresponding number of fluid carrying chambers, however the more chambers the smaller the volume of fluid that can be carried in each chamber for a given rotor diameter and length.

[0058] Preferably, where a pump according to any aspect of the invention comprises a plurality of surface recesses, the plurality of surface recesses are arranged circumferentially about the rotor. Preferably, the plurality of surface recesses are spaced equidistantly about the circumference of the rotor. In all aspects of the invention, the plurality of recesses are not arranged to extend longitudinally along the axial length of the rotor.

[0059] Preferably, the housing-engaging surface area, which forms a sealing interference fit with the inner surface of the housing, constitutes the entire surface of the rotor, except for one or more surface recesses on the rotor. Preferably, the rotor comprises a generally cylindrical body in which one or more surface recesses are formed. The housing-engaging surface area of ​​the rotor preferably comprises cylindrical areas at each end of the rotor in which no recesses are formed, which cylindrical areas are connected by elongated sections of the rotor surface separating the longitudinal extents of adjacent recesses. The cylindrical areas at the ends of the rotor and the elongated sections between adjacent recesses are connected and lie in the same cylindrical plane that defines the cylindrical surface of the rotor. The elongated sections of the rotor surface separating adjacent recesses provide lands between adjacent recesses on the rotor surface.

[0060] Preferably, pumps according to all aspects of the present invention comprise only a single rotor.

[0061] The combination of fluid flow channels and elastically deformable diaphragms improves the consistency of the fluid flow rate provided and, in some embodiments of the first aspect of the invention, allows the pump to be arranged to provide a continuous flow rate. Different combinations of the number of diaphragms and the number of recesses on the rotor will produce different flow profiles of the fluid through the pump.

[0062] For example, in all embodiments of the invention, pumps with one diaphragm will provide a pulsating fluid flow, regardless of the number of fluid carrying chambers, since there will be periods when no fluid is flowing from the fluid carrying chamber to the fluid outlet port. Pumps in embodiments of the first aspect of the invention with an equal number of diaphragms and fluid carrying chambers, both spaced equidistantly around the circumference of the cavity in which the rotor is located, will also provide a pulsating fluid flow, for the same reasons. Pumps according to the first aspect of the invention with an even number of diaphragms and a plurality of odd numbers of fluid carrying chambers will provide a continuous fluid flow. Pumps according to the first aspect of the invention with a plurality of odd numbers of diaphragms and an even number of fluid carrying chambers will provide a continuous fluid flow.

[0063] In one embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, the pump comprises two diaphragms equidistantly positioned about the circumference of a cavity, the rotor being on diametrically opposite sides of the rotor, the rotor having four surface recesses that together with the inner surface of the housing form four fluid carrying chambers that carry fluid from a first fluid port to a second fluid port in response to rotation of the rotor. Such an arrangement would provide a pulsating fluid flow.

[0064] In another embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, the pump comprises two diaphragms equidistantly positioned about the circumference of the cavity, the rotor being on diametrically opposite sides of the rotor, the rotor having three surface recesses that together with the inner surface of the housing form three fluid carrying chambers that carry fluid from a first fluid port to a second fluid port in response to rotation of the rotor. Such an arrangement would provide continuous fluid flow.

[0065] In another embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, the pump comprises two diaphragms located equidistantly about the circumference of the cavity, on diametrically opposite sides of the rotor, the rotor having five surface recesses that form, with the inner surface of the housing, five fluid carrying chambers that carry fluid from a first fluid port to a second fluid port upon rotation of the rotor. Such an arrangement would provide continuous fluid flow with less increase and decrease about the mean flow compared to a rotor carrying three recesses for a given rotor diameter and length.

[0066] In addition to improving the fluid flow profile through the pump, the presence of the flow channels also provides a cooling and lubricating effect to combat heat generated by friction between the housing engaging surface area of ​​the rotor and the inner surface of the housing.

[0067] Furthermore, the axially arranged fluid path provided by the flow channel advantageously fills and / or empties the fluid carrying chamber along its entire axial length, which allows the fluid carrying chamber to be emptied more quickly and efficiently. In addition, the first fluid port in communication with the first chamber can feed multiple first flow channels, and the second chamber can combine the flows from multiple second flow channels and flow to the second fluid port, which means that multiple fluid carrying chambers can be filled and / or emptied simultaneously, improving fluid handling capabilities and smoothing the flow profile. In addition, the use of the first and / or second chambers allows the first and / or second fluid ports to be more flexibly located on the pump housing.

[0068] In addition, the flow channels mean that in any orientation of the rotor, all cavities within the pump are open to sterilizing gases such as ethylene oxide or vaporized hydrogen peroxide.

[0069] According to the first aspect of the invention, the first and second fluid ports may be in various locations relative to each other, provided that all of the first flow channels are in direct fluid flow communication only with the first fluid ports and all of the second flow channels are in direct fluid flow communication only with the second fluid ports. For example, the first and second fluid ports may both be axially aligned with the longitudinal rotational axis of the rotor, or the first and second fluid ports may both be radially aligned with the longitudinal rotational axis of the rotor, or one of the first and second fluid ports may be axially aligned with the longitudinal rotational axis of the rotor and the other of the first and second fluid ports may be radially aligned with the longitudinal rotational axis of the rotor.

[0070] In one embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, the first fluid port and the second fluid port are at opposite ends of the rotor. In an alternative embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, the first fluid port and the second fluid port are at the same end of the rotor. In an alternative embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, the first fluid port and the second fluid port are located within a region of the same end of the rotor. In an alternative embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, the first fluid port and the second fluid port are located within a region of opposite ends of the rotor.

[0071] When the first and second fluid ports are both radially aligned with respect to the longitudinal axis of rotation of the rotor, the first and second fluid ports may be located on the same side of the rotor. Alternatively, the first and second fluid ports may be circumferentially spaced around the circumference of the rotor. Arranging each pair of flow channels such that the first fluid port is in direct fluid flow communication with only the first flow channel and the second fluid port is in direct fluid flow communication with only the second flow channel advantageously allows the first and second fluid ports to be arranged in any number of different orientations.

[0072] In a preferred embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, the direction of rotation of the rotor is reversible. In a first direction, the first fluid port is a fluid inlet port and the second fluid port is a fluid outlet port. In the opposite direction, the first fluid port is a fluid outlet port and the second fluid port is a fluid inlet port. When the direction of rotation is reversed, the first fluid port, the first chamber (if present), and the first flow channel become the second fluid port, the second chamber, and the second flow channel, and the second fluid port, the second chamber (if present), and the second flow channel become the first fluid port, the first chamber, and the first flow channel.

[0073] In preferred embodiments of the second aspect of the invention, the direction of rotation of the rotor is reversible: when the direction of rotation is reversed, the first fluid port becomes the second fluid port and the second fluid port becomes the first fluid port, which opens directly into the fluid-carrying chamber via an aperture, which flows into a flow channel that is in fluid flow communication with the second fluid port.

[0074] The pressurizing means of all aspects of the invention may comprise a fluid supplied to the rear surface of the resiliently deformable diaphragm and contained within the diaphragm chamber. The fluid providing the pressurizing means may be provided by the fluid flowing through the pump or may be supplied from a separate source.

[0075] Where the fluid providing the pressurising means is provided from a separate source, the fluid is preferably at a higher pressure than the fluid flowing through the pump. In this embodiment, the second fluid flows from the diaphragm chamber through a restricted orifice and may mix with the fluid flowing through the pump in the flow of fluid passing through the second fluid port.

[0076] Where the fluid providing the pressurising means is provided by fluid flowing through a pump, a one-way valve may be located between the diaphragm chamber and the second fluid port, In this embodiment, if the direction of flow of the pump is reversed, the one-way valve will prevent fluid from exiting the diaphragm chamber and pressure against the rear face of the diaphragm will be maintained.

[0077] Any suitable one-way valve may be used.

[0078] In use of the pump of the first aspect of the invention, fluid flows into the pump through the first fluid port and into the open ends and open faces of one or more first flow channels which are in direct fluid flow communication with the first fluid port, and, if a first chamber is present, the fluid flows into the first chamber before it flows into the first flow channel.

[0079] The fluid then flows along the one or more first flow channels and passes from there through an open channel surface of the first flow channels into one or more fluid-carrying chambers formed between the recessed surface of the rotor and the inner surface of the housing. Action of the pressurizing means on the rear surface of the diaphragm causes the diaphragm to flex such that a rotor-engaging surface of the diaphragm remains in contact with a surface of the rotor, including the recessed surface of the rotor, as it rotates, thereby forcing the fluid to flow from the fluid-carrying chambers into the one or more second flow channels. The fluid passes into the second flow channels through an open channel surface of the one or more second flow channels.

[0080] The fluid then flows along one or more second flow channels to a second fluid port If the pump includes a second chamber, the fluid flows from the second flow channel into the second chamber and from there to the second fluid port.

[0081] Thus, the first flow channel is in indirect fluid flow communication with the second flow channel and the second fluid port by action of the rotor, but fluid does not flow directly from the first flow channel to the second fluid port due to the diaphragm. Additionally, the rotor and housing are arranged such that as the rotor rotates, there is always at least one of the lands extending longitudinally along the axial length of the rotor between the recesses and bisecting the first and second flow channels.

[0082] Fluid flow is caused by the action of a resiliently deformable diaphragm against the rotor surface. The diaphragm displaces liquid from a fluid-carrying chamber formed in the rotor surface toward a second fluid port. The empty fluid-carrying chamber creates a void as it rotates, which creates a partial vacuum that draws fluid from the first fluid port as the rotor continues to rotate.

[0083] The second chamber may be provided by or in fluid flow communication with each of one or more diaphragm chambers surrounding the rear face of one or all of the elastically deformable diaphragms. Thus, fluid may flow from the second flow channel into the diaphragm chamber and from there to the second fluid port. An advantage of this arrangement is that fluid flowing through the pump provides fluid in contact with the rear of the elastically deformable diaphragm, providing an additional pressurizing means or some additional pressurizing means for urging the elastically deformable diaphragm into contact with the surface of the rotor.

[0084] In use of the pump of the second aspect of the invention, fluid flows into the pump through the first fluid port and into the open end of the flow channel. The fluid then flows along the flow channel and passes through the open channel surface into a fluid-carrying chamber formed between the recessed surface of the rotor and the inner surface of the housing. Action of the pressure means on the rear surface of the diaphragm flexes the diaphragm such that the rotor-engaging surface of the diaphragm remains in contact with a surface of the rotor, including the recessed surface of the rotor, as it rotates, thereby forcing fluid to flow from the fluid-carrying chamber through the opening and into the second fluid port. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0085] Following is a more detailed description of embodiments of the invention, given by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0086] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a pump according to a first embodiment of a first aspect of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a cutaway perspective view of the pump of FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is an alternate perspective, partially cut-away view of the embodiment of FIGS. [Figure 4] 4-9 show different variations of diaphragm and rotor recess combinations. [Diagram 5] 4-9 show different variations of diaphragm and rotor recess combinations. [Figure 6] 4-9 show different variations of diaphragm and rotor recess combinations. [Figure 7] 4-9 show different variations of diaphragm and rotor recess combinations. [Figure 8] 4-9 show different variations of diaphragm and rotor recess combinations. [Figure 9] 4-9 show different variations of diaphragm and rotor recess combinations. [Figure 10]FIG. 10 is a schematic cutaway side view of a pump in accordance with a second embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a pump according to a third embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a pump according to a second aspect of the present invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 illustrates the displacement through a pump having a diaphragm and rotor chamber arrangement as shown in FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 illustrates the displacement through a pump having a diaphragm and rotor chamber arrangement as shown in FIG. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 illustrates the displacement through a pump having a diaphragm and rotor chamber arrangement as shown in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0087] FIG. 1 shows that pump 10 comprises a housing 20 with a first fluid port providing an inlet port 21 and a second fluid port providing an outlet port 22. Housing 20 has an inner surface 23 defining a cavity, generally indicated by reference numeral 24, in which rotor 30 (generally shown in dashed lines) is located. In this view, the orientation of rotor 30 is such that recesses on the surface of rotor 30 are not shown. However, the general location of rotor 30 within cavity 24 is shown to show that housing-engaging surface area 31 of rotor 30 contacts inner surface 23 of housing 20 to provide a sealing interference fit. The longitudinal axis of rotation of the rotor is also indicated by dashed line 15. As can be seen from FIG. 1, both the first and second fluid ports are radially aligned with respect to the longitudinal axis of rotation of the rotor (15).

[0088] A first chamber 25 is formed between the inner surface 23 of the housing 20 and the end of the rotor 30 adjacent the inlet port 21. FIG. 1 also shows a pair of flow channels 41a, 41b formed as recessed channels in the inner surface 23 of the housing, which define the cavity 24 in which the rotor 30 is located. The first flow channel 41a opens into the first chamber 25. A second chamber 26 is formed between the inner surface 23 of the housing 20 and the opposite end of the rotor 30 adjacent the outlet port 22. The second flow channel 41b opens into the second chamber 26. It can be seen from FIG. 1 that the first flow channel 41a does not open into the second chamber 26, and the second flow channel 41b does not open into the first chamber 25.

[0089] The first and second chambers 25 and 26 are each completed separately by an end cap 35 and 36, respectively. One of these end caps 35, 36 is a peripheral seal (not shown) or a cap carrying a peripheral seal (not shown) through which passes a shaft (not shown) on which the rotor 30 is mounted, engaging the rotor with a drive means.

[0090] When the rotor 30 is positioned within the cavity 24 of the housing 20 , the longitudinal open channel surfaces 42 a , 42 b of the flow channels 41 a , 41 b extend along and are in fluid flow communication with the surface of the rotor 30 .

[0091] 1, each flow channel 41a, 41b has an open end 43 and a closed end 44. The open end 43 and closed end 44 of each channel 41a, 41b in a channel pair are at opposite ends of the channels 41a, 41b. It can be seen that the open end 43 of the first flow channel 41a is in direct fluid flow communication with the fluid inlet port 21 and the open end 43 of the second flow channel 41b is in direct fluid flow communication with the fluid outlet port 22. It can also be seen from FIG. 1 that the second channel 41b is not in direct fluid flow communication with the fluid inlet port 21 and the first channel 41a is not in direct fluid flow communication with the fluid outlet port 22.

[0092] 1 shows only one pair of flow channels 41 a, 41 b, it can be seen from Figures 2 and 3 that the pump comprises two pairs of flow channels 41 a, 41 b. The open end 43 of each of the first channels 41 a in both pairs of flow channels will be in direct fluid flow communication with the fluid inlet port 21, and the open end 43 of each of the second channels 41 b in both pairs of flow channels will be in direct fluid flow communication with the fluid outlet port 22.

[0093] The housing 20 may be formed from a plastic material and may be made by any suitable molding process. For example, the housing may be made from a thermoplastic, such as polypropylene, polyethylene, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), or a thermoset, such as silicone rubber. Preferably, the housing is resilient. Preferably, the housing is made in a one-shot molding process.

[0094] The rotor (not shown) may be made from a rigid material such as stainless steel, polyetheretherketone (PEEK), HDPE, or polycarbonate.

[0095] The fluid inlet port 21 and the fluid outlet port 22 in this embodiment of the invention are both located on a side of the pump 10, in other words, the fluid inlet port 21 and the fluid outlet port 22 are both located radially of the longitudinal axis of rotation 15 of the rotor (not shown). Although they are shown as being on the same side of the housing 20, they may each be arranged anywhere about the circumference of the housing 20. In an alternative arrangement (not shown), the fluid inlet port 21 and the fluid outlet port 22 may be arranged on the same or opposite ends of the housing, and in such an embodiment, the inlet or outlet ports 21, 22 may be formed in the end caps 35, 36. In a further alternative (not shown), one of the inlet or outlet ports 21, 22 may be arranged about the circumference of the housing to provide a radial port and the other of the inlet or outlet ports 21, 22 may be arranged at an end of the housing to provide an axial port.

[0096] In use, fluid flows into the pump 10 via the fluid inlet port 21 and into the first chamber 25. From the first chamber 25, the fluid flows into the open face of the first flow channel 41a. The fluid flows along the first flow channel 41a in the direction indicated by the arrow. Rotation of the rotor 30 places a fluid-carrying chamber (not shown) formed by a recess (not shown) on the rotor 30 and the inner surface 23 of the housing in fluid-flow communication with the open face of the first flow channel 41a. The fluid flows from the first flow channel 41a into the fluid-carrying chamber. Continued rotation of the rotor moves the fluid away from the first flow channel 41a and into fluid-flow communication with the open face of the second flow channel 41b. Fluid flows from the fluid carrying chamber into the open face of the second flow channel 41b, assisted by a resiliently deformable diaphragm (not shown in FIG. 1), which displaces fluid from the fluid carrying chamber into the second flow channel 41b. Fluid flows along the second flow channel 41b in the direction indicated by the arrow into the second chamber 26. Fluid flows from the second chamber out of the pump via the fluid outlet port 22.

[0097] Figures 2 and 3 illustrate alternative views of the pump shown in Figure 1. Figure 2 is a partial cutaway cross section of one end of the pump showing the first fluid port providing the inlet port 21 but omitting the second fluid port 22. Figure 3 is a partial cutaway view of the other end of the pump shown in Figure 2 showing the second fluid port providing the fluid outlet port 22, this time redirected to show the inside of the housing.

[0098] In this view of the embodiment, two pairs of flow channels 41a, 41b can be seen. The first flow channel 41a opens into a first chamber (not shown). A second chamber 26 is formed between the inner surface 23 of the housing 20 and the end of the rotor (not shown). The second flow channel 41b opens into the second chamber 26. It can be seen from FIG. 2 that the second flow channel 41b does not open into the first chamber (not shown).

[0099] 2 and 3 show that the pair of flow channels 41 a, 41 b are formed as recessed channels in the inner surface 23 of the housing 20. The pair of flow channels 41 a, 41 b are formed in the inner surface 23 which defines a cavity 24 in which a rotor (not shown) is located in use.

[0100] 2 and 3 also show two elastically deformable diaphragms 50. It can be seen that the two elastically deformable diaphragms 50 are provided by sections of the inner surface 23 of the housing 20 that are integral with the housing 20 and that are thinner and therefore more flexible than the remainder of the housing 20. It can further be seen from FIGS. 2 and 3 that the two elastically deformable diaphragms 50 include ribs 52 on the rear surface 54 of each of the two elastically deformable diaphragms 50. Each of the two elastically deformable diaphragms 50 includes a rotor-engaging surface 56. Furthermore, FIGS. 2 and 3 show a wall 60 extending from the housing and forming a diaphragm chamber 65 surrounding the rear surface 54 of each diaphragm 50. The wall 60 may be closed with a cap (not shown) to form an enclosed diaphragm chamber 65 around the rear surface 54 of each diaphragm 50. A pressure means (not shown) may be located inside the diaphragm chamber 65 for urging the diaphragm 50 against a rotor (not shown).

[0101] 2 and 3, the second flow channel 41b has an open end 43 and a closed end 44. The open end 43 of the second channel 41b is in direct fluid flow communication with the fluid outlet port 22, and the second channel 41b is not in direct fluid flow communication with the fluid inlet port 21.

[0102] It can also be seen from Figures 2 and 3 that each pair of flow channels 41a, 41b extends along a longitudinal side of each resiliently deformable diaphragm 50. Each flow channel 41a, 41b is formed adjacent a side edge of the diaphragm 50 and may be formed partially or entirely within the diaphragm 50. Each pair of flow channels 41a, 41b will be essentially parallel to the axis of rotation of the rotor (not shown in Figures 2 and 3) when the rotor is inserted into the cavity 24 for use. Furthermore, each flow channel 41a, 41b is essentially parallel to the other flow channel 41a, 41b.

[0103] In use, as the rotor is rotated in a clockwise direction (as shown in FIG. 2), fluid flows into the pump through the inlet port 21, into the first chamber (not shown), and from there into the first flow channel 41a. The fluid-carrying chamber formed between the rotor recess and the inner surface of the housing 23 is filled with fluid from the flow channel 41a. Continued rotation of the rotor moves the fluid-filled fluid-carrying chamber to a position where it opens to the second flow channel 41b. Action of the flexible diaphragm 50 against the surface of the rotor (not shown) displaces fluid from the fluid-carrying chamber into the second flow channel 41b. Fluid passes from the second flow channel 41b into the second chamber 26 and from there through the outlet port 22.

[0104] Figures 4-9 show cross-sectional views of different arrangements of the diaphragm and rotor. For easy reference, like reference numbers are used for like features in Figures 4-9.

[0105] 4 shows a portion of the housing 220 with one elastically deformable diaphragm 226 formed as an integral arrangement with a thinner section of the housing 220. The elastically deformable diaphragm 226 extends between a first flow channel 241a and a second flow channel 241b. The rotor 230 includes three recesses 231a, 231b, 231c that form three fluid carrying chambers 232a, 232b, 232c with the inner surface 223 of the housing 220. The rotor also has three lands 251a, 251b, and 251c between the recesses that provide a housing engaging surface area that forms a sealing interference fit with the inner surface of the housing. In this figure, diaphragm 226 is urged into contact with recessed surface 231b of rotor 230 by pressurizing means (not shown), displacing fluid from fluid carrying chamber 232b into second flow channel 241b as the rotor rotates counterclockwise. At the same time, a partial vacuum is created in the portion of recess 231b that has passed diaphragm 226, and as rotor 230 continues to rotate, fluid is drawn from first flow channel 241a to refill chamber 232b. In use, this arrangement of diaphragms and rotors will produce a pulsating flow of fluid, with periods during which substantially no fluid flows out of the outlet port.

[0106] 5 shows a portion of the housing 220 with one elastically deformable diaphragm 226 formed as an integral arrangement with a thinner section of the housing 220. The elastically deformable diaphragm 226 extends between a first flow channel 241a and a second flow channel 241b. The rotor 230 includes four recesses 231a, 231b, 231c, 231d that form four rotor chambers 232a, 232b, 232c, 232d with the inner surface 223 of the housing 220. The rotor also has four lands 251a, 251b, 251c, and 251d between the recesses that provide housing-engaging surface areas that form a sealing interference fit with the inner surface of the housing. In this illustration, diaphragm 226 is urged into contact with recessed surface 231c of rotor 230 by pressurizing means (not shown), displacing fluid from fluid carrying chamber 232c into second flow channel 241b as the rotor rotates counterclockwise. At the same time, a partial vacuum is created in the portion of recess 231c that has passed diaphragm 226, and as rotor 230 continues to rotate, fluid is drawn from first flow channel 241a to refill chamber 232c. In use, this arrangement of diaphragms and rotors will produce a pulsating flow of fluid, with periods during which substantially no fluid flows out of the outlet port.

[0107] 6 shows a portion of the housing 220 with one elastically deformable diaphragm 226 formed as an integral arrangement with a thinner section of the housing 220. The elastically deformable diaphragm 226 extends between a first flow channel 241a and a second flow channel 241b. The rotor 230 includes five recesses 231a, 231b, 231c, 231d, 231e that form five rotor chambers 232a, 232b, 232c, 232d, 232e with the inner surface 223 of the housing 220. The rotor also has five lands 251a, 251b, 251c, 251d, and 251e between the recesses that provide housing-engaging surface areas that form a sealing interference fit with the inner surface of the housing. In this illustration, diaphragm 226 is urged into contact with recessed surface 231c of rotor 230 by pressurizing means (not shown), displacing fluid from fluid carrying chamber 232c into second flow channel 241b as the rotor rotates counterclockwise. At the same time, a partial vacuum is created in the portion of recess 231c that has passed diaphragm 226, and as rotor 230 continues to rotate, fluid is drawn from first flow channel 241a to refill chamber 232c. In use, this arrangement of diaphragms and rotors will produce a pulsating flow of fluid, with periods during which substantially no fluid flows out of the outlet port.

[0108] The flow through a pump comprising the rotor and diaphragm combination of Figure 6 is further illustrated in Figure 14, which illustrates the displacement of diaphragm 226 as rotor 230 rotates. The flow rate of fluid through the pump is the area under the graph. It can be seen that the fluid flow is pulsed with periods of zero flow. Because there is only one diaphragm in the arrangement of Figure 6, only one fluid carrying chamber can be empty at any one time resulting in a pulsed fluid output from the pump.

[0109] 7 shows a portion of the housing 220 with two elastically deformable diaphragms 226 formed as an integral arrangement by a thinner section of the housing 220. The elastically deformable diaphragms 226 are arranged diametrically opposite each other and extend between a first flow channel 241a and a second flow channel 241b, respectively. Thus, the housing 220 comprises two pairs of flow channels 241a, 241b, each pair being associated with one diaphragm 226. The first flow channel 241a and the second flow channel 241b are arranged alternately around the circumference of the rotor. The rotor 230 comprises four recesses 231a, 231b, 231c, 231d that together with the inner surface 223 of the housing 220 form four rotor chambers 232a, 232b, 232c, 232d. The rotor also has four lands 251a, 251b, 251c, and 251d between the recesses that provide a housing-engaging surface area that forms a sealing interference fit with the inner surface of the housing. In this figure, the diaphragm 226 is urged into contact with the recessed surfaces 231a and 231c of the rotor 230 by a pressurizing means (not shown), displacing fluid from the fluid carrying chambers 232a and 232c into the second channel flow 241b as the rotor rotates counterclockwise. In use, this arrangement of diaphragms and rotor will produce a pulsating flow of fluid with periods during which substantially no fluid flows out of the outlet port. The presence of two diaphragms means that the flow rate is doubled as the rotor chamber is emptied twice per revolution of the rotor.

[0110] The flow through a pump with the rotor and diaphragm combination of FIG. 7 is further illustrated in FIG. 15. FIG. 15 illustrates the displacement of the diaphragm 226 as the rotor 230 rotates. The flow rate of the fluid through the pump is the area under the graph. Again, it can be seen that the fluid is pulsed with periods of zero flow. In this embodiment, there are two diaphragms, and therefore two fluid carrying chambers are emptied. However, the rotor has an even number of recesses spaced equidistantly around the rotor, and the diaphragms are diametrically opposed to each other, so the fluid chambers emptied by each diaphragm are emptied in parallel. This can be seen in the graph of FIG. 15, as two sine waves are superimposed, resulting in a larger wave amplitude, but still with periods of zero flow.

[0111] 8 shows a portion of the housing 220 with two elastically deformable diaphragms 226 formed as an integral arrangement with a thinner section of the housing 220. The elastically deformable diaphragms 226 extend between a first flow channel 241a and a second flow channel 241b, respectively. Thus, the pump 220 includes two pairs of flow channels 241a, 241b. The rotor 230 includes five recesses 231a, 231b, 231c, 231d, 231e that form five rotor chambers 232a, 232b, 232c, 232d, 232e with the inner surface 223 of the housing 220. The rotor also has five lands 251a, 251b, 251c, 251d, and 251e between the recesses that provide a housing-engaging surface area that forms a sealing interference fit with the inner surface of the housing. In this figure, one of the diaphragms 226 is urged into contact with the recessed surface 231c of the rotor 230 by a pressurizing means (not shown), displacing fluid from the fluid carrying chamber 232c into the second flow channel 241b as the rotor rotates counterclockwise. At the same time, the portion of the chamber 232c that has passed the diaphragm 226 is provided with a partial vacuum, which draws fluid from the first flow channel 241a into the main portion of the chamber 232c. Thus, the chamber 232c is emptied and refilled by the action of the diaphragm 226 against the recessed surface of the rotor as the chamber moves past the diaphragm as the rotor rotates. At the same time, the other diaphragm 226 separates the other pair of flow channels 241b and 241a as it contacts the land 251e.

[0112] The flow through a pump with the rotor and diaphragm combination of FIG. 8 is further illustrated in FIG. 13. FIG. 13 illustrates the displacement of diaphragm 226 as rotor 230 rotates. The flow rate of fluid through the pump is the area under the graph. Again, it can be seen that the fluid flow from each diaphragm is pulsed with periods of zero flow. However, in this embodiment, since there are two diaphragms and the rotor has an odd number of recesses spaced equidistantly about the rotor, the fluid chambers emptied by each diaphragm are emptied at different times at any constant rotor speed. This can be seen in the graph of FIG. 15, since the two sine waves representing the displacement of the two different diaphragms do not coincide, resulting in a continuous flow of fluid from the pump. It can be seen that although the flow rate now fluctuates, there is always some fluid flowing from the pump while the pump is operating.

[0113] 9 shows a portion of the housing 220 with one elastically deformable diaphragm 226 formed as an integral arrangement with a thinner section of the housing 220. The elastically deformable diaphragm 226 extends between a first flow channel 241a and a second flow channel 241b. The rotor 230 includes two recesses 231a and 231b that form two rotor chambers 232a and 232b with the inner surface 223 of the housing 220. The rotor also has two lands 251a and 251b between the recesses that provide a housing-engaging surface area that forms a sealing interference fit with the inner surface of the housing. In this view, the diaphragm 226 is urged into contact with the recessed surface 231a of the rotor 230 by a pressurizing means (not shown) to displace fluid from the fluid-carrying chamber 232a into the second flow channel 241b as the rotor rotates counterclockwise. At the same time, a partial vacuum is created as part of the recess 231a through the diaphragm 226 and fluid is drawn from the first flow channel 241a to refill the chamber 232a as the rotor 230 continues to rotate. In use, this arrangement of the diaphragm and rotor will produce a pulsating flow of fluid with periods during which substantially no fluid flows out of the outlet port.

[0114] FIG. 10 shows that the pump 300 comprises a housing 320 with a first fluid port providing an inlet port 321 and a second fluid port providing an outlet port 322. The inlet port 321 and the outlet port 322 are both axially aligned with respect to the longitudinal axis of rotation 315 of the rotor 330. In this embodiment, the inlet port 321 and the outlet port 322 are both at the same end of the housing and the rotor. The housing 320 has an inner surface 323 within which the rotor 330 is located. In this view, the orientation of the rotor 330 is such that the depth of the recesses on the surface of the rotor 330 are not fully illustrated. The rotor 330 comprises a plurality of housing-engaging surfaces 335 and a plurality of recesses 337. Each recess 337 forms a fluid-carrying chamber with the inner surface 323 of the housing 320. The housing-engaging surface area 335 of the rotor 330 contacts the inner surface 323 of the housing 320 to provide a sealing interference fit. The longitudinal axis of rotation of rotor 330 is indicated by dashed line 315 .

[0115] A first chamber 325 is formed between the inner surface 323 of the housing 320 and the end of the rotor 330. A first flow channel 341a opens into the first chamber 325. A second chamber 326 is formed between the inner surface 323 of the housing 320 and the end of the opposite end of the rotor 330. A second flow channel (not shown) opens into the second chamber 326. In this embodiment of the invention, the pump 300 further comprises a diaphragm chamber 340 formed on the outer surface of the housing 320. The diaphragm chamber 340 surrounds the rear surface 327 of the diaphragm 328. The diaphragm chamber 340 includes a sidewall 345 extending from and integral with the housing 320, and a separate closed chamber 346. The diaphragm chamber 340 is in fluid flow communication with the second chamber 326 and the fluid outlet port 322.

[0116] Figure 10 also shows a portion of first flow channel 341a, which is formed as a recessed channel in the housing's inner surface 323. As can be seen in Figure 10, first flow channel 341a is formed in the inner surface 323, which defines a cavity in which rotor 330 is located. When rotor 330 is located within the housing 320 cavity, longitudinal open channel surface 342a of first flow channel 341a extends along and is in fluid flow communication with the surface of rotor 330.

[0117] First flow channel 341 a has an open end 343 that is in direct fluid flow communication with fluid inlet port 321 .

[0118] Both fluid inlet port 321 and fluid outlet port 322 in this embodiment of the invention are located on the same end of pump 310 .

[0119] In use, fluid flows into pump 300 via fluid inlet port 321 and into first chamber 325. From first chamber 325, fluid flows into the open face of first flow channel 341a. Fluid flows along first flow channel 341a in the direction indicated by the arrow. Rotation of rotor 330 about longitudinal axis of rotation 315 places a fluid-carrying chamber formed by recess 337 on rotor 330 and inner surface 323 of the housing in fluid-flow communication with the open face of first flow channel 341a. Fluid flows from first flow channel 341a into the fluid-carrying chamber. Continued rotation of rotor 330 moves fluid contained within a fixed volume described by rotor chamber 337 and inner surface 323 of the housing away from first flow channel 341a and into fluid-flow communication with the open face of a second flow channel (not shown) in response to continued rotation of the rotor. Thus, fluid flows from the fluid carrying chamber into the open face of the second flow channel, assisted by the displacement action of the diaphragm 328. Fluid flows along the second flow channel (not shown) into the second chamber 326. Fluid flows from the second chamber 326 into the diaphragm chamber 340 in the direction indicated by the arrow. The pressure of the fluid in the diaphragm chamber 340 acts against the rear face 327 of the diaphragm 328, urging the diaphragm 328 against the rotor 330. Fluid continues to flow through the diaphragm chamber 340 in the direction indicated by the arrow, exits the diaphragm chamber 340 through the passage 348 in the direction indicated by the arrow, and exits the pump via the fluid outlet port 322.

[0120] 11 shows a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the invention provided by a pump 400. The pump 400 comprises a housing 420 with a first fluid port providing an inlet port 421 and a second fluid port providing an outlet port 422, and an inner surface 423 defining a cavity in which a rotor 430 is located. The rotor 430 has a housing engagement surface 435 located within the housing cavity and forming an interference fit with the inner surface 423 of the housing 420. The rotor 430 comprises a number of recesses 437 forming fluid carrying chambers (not shown) with the inner surface 423 of the housing. The housing 420 further comprises two elastically deformable diaphragms 450 formed by thinner sections of the housing 420. The rotor engagement surface of each diaphragm 450 is urged into contact with the rotor 430 using a pressure means 490. The flow channels cannot be seen in this view.

[0121] Pump 400 further comprises a first chamber 425 in fluid flow communication with fluid inlet 421 and a first flow channel (not shown). Pump 400 further comprises a second chamber 426 in fluid flow communication with a second flow channel (not shown) and a fluid outlet 422.

[0122] 11 shows that the pump comprises an end cap 470 that closes the pump at the end adjacent the first chamber 425, and an end cap 472 that closes the pump at the end adjacent the second chamber 426. The second end cap 472 has an opening therein to allow a shaft 480 of the rotor 430 to be connected to a motor drive shaft (not shown). A fluid-tight fit is provided between the second end cap 472 and the shaft 480 of the rotor 430 by means of a peripheral seal 485.

[0123] 11 further illustrates a diaphragm cap 460 that surrounds the rear of the diaphragm 450 and fits onto the exterior of the housing to provide a diaphragm chamber 465 that contains the pressurizing means 490. In this embodiment, the diaphragm cap 460 further includes connectors 466 and 467 that fit over the housing's fluid inlet 421 and fluid outlet 422, respectively, to facilitate connection of the pump 400 for use. In an alternative embodiment, the fluid inlet 421 and fluid outlet 422 are longer and extend through the diaphragm cap 460, obviating the need for connectors 466, 467.

[0124] 11 further illustrates a one-way valve 492 located between the fluid outlet 422 and the diaphragm chamber 465. Also illustrated is an optional pressure relief valve 495 located between the diaphragm chamber 465 and the first chamber 425. When such an optional valve is fitted, a blind hole 498 in the housing (as shown) is formed as a through hole.

[0125] 11 , fluid flows into pump 400 via connector 466 and fluid inlet port 421 and into first chamber 425. Fluid flows from the first chamber into a first flow channel (not shown) and into a fluid carrying chamber (not shown) formed between recessed surface 437 of rotor 430 and the inner surface of housing 423. Fluid is carried around the pump as the rotor rotates and is displaced into an adjacent second flow channel (not shown) by the action of diaphragm 450, which is forced against the surface of rotor 430 by pressurizing means 490.

[0126] Fluid will flow from a second channel (not shown) into second chamber 426 and into fluid outlet port 422. A portion of the fluid will then flow out of the pump through connector 467. A portion of the fluid will flow past one-way valve 492 into diaphragm chamber 465. The fluid in the diaphragm chamber will apply additional pressure to the rear face of diaphragm 450. If the flow of liquid through the pump stops or the direction of fluid flow through pump 400 is reversed, the fluid will be retained in diaphragm chamber 465 by one-way valve 492.

[0127] If the pressure in the diaphragm chamber 465 becomes too high, the fluid will force itself past the pressure relief valve 495 and recirculate back into the first chamber 425 .

[0128] FIG. 12 illustrates an example of a pump 500 according to a second aspect of the invention. The pump 500 comprises a first fluid port 510 and a second fluid port 520, which in this embodiment provide a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, respectively. The pump 500 further comprises a housing 515 having an inner surface 525 that defines a cavity 530 in which a rotor 535 is located, the rotor 535 having a longitudinal axis of rotation 540 and comprising a plurality of housing-engaging surface areas 545, some of which are shown in FIG. 12, that form a sealing interference fit with the inner surface 525 of the housing 515. The rotor 535 shown in this embodiment has five surface recesses 550 that form five fluid-carrying chambers 555 with the inner surface 525 of the housing. The housing 515 comprises a resiliently deformable diaphragm 560 that provides a portion of the inner surface 525 of the housing, which is provided integrally with the housing 515 by a thinner section of the housing 515. The diaphragm has a rotor-engaging surface 565 and a rear surface 570 opposite the rotor-engaging surface. The pump 500 further comprises a flow channel 575 associated with the resiliently deformable diaphragm 560, the flow channel extending longitudinally from one end of the rotor 535, overlying a surface recess 550 of the rotor 535 as the rotor rotates in use, and substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of rotation of the rotor. The flow channel 575 is formed within an inner surface 525 of the housing 515, one longitudinal edge of the channel 575 being defined by the inner surface 525 of the housing 515 and the other longitudinal edge of the channel being defined by the diaphragm 560. The flow channel 575 is in fluid communication with the first fluid port 510. As can be seen in FIG. 12, the second fluid port 520 opens from the inner surface 525 of the housing 515 through an opening 595 and is positioned such that upon rotation of the rotor 535, the second fluid port 520 is in direct fluid flow communication with the fluid carrying chamber 555 through the opening 595.

[0129] Pump 500 further comprises a diaphragm chamber 580 provided by a sidewall 585 extending from the housing and closed with a cap 590. Diaphragm chamber 580 surrounds and encloses a rear face 570 of diaphragm 560. Diaphragm chamber 580 may contain a pressurizing means (not shown) arranged to urge diaphragm 560 into contact with a surface of rotor 535.

[0130] In use, fluid flows into the pump 500 through the first fluid port 510 and into the flow channel 575. The fluid flows along the flow channel 575 and passes from its surface into the fluid carrying chamber 555. As the rotor 535 rotates, the fluid chamber 555 carries the fluid around the cavity 530 formed in the housing 515 towards the second fluid port 520. The action of a pressurizing means (not shown) urges the diaphragm 560 into contact with the rotor 535. Due to the elastically deformable nature of the diaphragm 560, the diaphragm 560 remains in contact with the rotor 535 as the rotor rotates, thus conforming to the changing surface profile of the rotor 535. The action of the diaphragm 560 against the concave surface 550 of the rotor 535 displaces the fluid from the cavity 555 through the opening 595 and out of the pump through the second fluid port 520.

Claims

1. A pump comprising: a first fluid port and a second fluid port; a housing having an inner surface defining a cavity, the rotor being positioned within the cavity; a rotor rotatably mounted within the housing, the rotor having a longitudinal axis of rotation, the rotor comprising a housing engaging surface area forming a sealing interference fit with the inner surface of the housing, and at least one surface recess forming with the inner surface of the housing a fluid carrying chamber that carries fluid from the first fluid port to the second fluid port in response to rotation of the rotor; a resiliently deformable diaphragm providing a portion of the inner surface of the housing, the resiliently deformable diaphragm having a rotor engaging surface and a rear surface opposite the rotor engaging surface, the rotor engaging surface of the resiliently deformable diaphragm being urged into contact with the rotor by a pressure source acting against the rear surface of the resiliently deformable diaphragm; a pair of flow channels associated with the elastically deformable diaphragm, the flow channels extending longitudinally from opposite ends of the rotor and overlying the surface recesses of the rotor as the rotor rotates in use, the pair of flow channels comprising: a first flow channel in fluid communication with the first fluid port, the first flow channel being closed to the second fluid port, and a second flow channel in fluid communication with the second fluid port, the first flow channel being closed to the first fluid port, the second flow channel being closed to the first fluid port, the second flow channel being in fluid communication with the second fluid port, each flow channel located on an opposite side of the elastically deformable diaphragm; A pump comprising:

2. The pump of claim 1 , wherein the first flow channel and the second flow channel are essentially parallel to one another.

3. 10. The pump of claim 1 comprising a plurality of resiliently deformable diaphragms.

4. 2. The pump of claim 1, comprising two of said elastically deformable diaphragms located within said inner surface of said housing on diametrically opposite sides of said rotor.

5. 2. The pump of claim 1, further comprising two of the elastically deformable diaphragms located on diametrically opposite sides of the rotor, the rotor having four surface recesses that form with inner surfaces four fluid carrying chambers that carry fluid from the first fluid port to the second fluid port in response to rotation of the rotor.

6. 2. The pump of claim 1, further comprising two of the elastically deformable diaphragms located on diametrically opposite sides of the rotor, the rotor having five surface recesses that form with an inner surface of five fluid carrying chambers that carry fluid from the first fluid port to the second fluid port in response to rotation of the rotor.

7. 2. The pump of claim 1, further comprising two of the elastically deformable diaphragms located on diametrically opposite sides of the rotor, the rotor having three surface recesses that form with inner surfaces three fluid carrying chambers that carry fluid from the first fluid port to the second fluid port in response to rotation of the rotor.

8. 2. The pump of claim 1, comprising three of said elastically deformable diaphragms positioned equidistantly about the circumference of said rotor.

9. 2. The pump of claim 1, wherein the pump comprises a diaphragm chamber surrounding the rear face of the resiliently deformable diaphragm.

10. 10. The pump of claim 9, comprising a plurality of diaphragm chambers in fluid flow communication.

11. 10. The pump of claim 9, wherein a plurality of elastically deformable diaphragms share a single diaphragm chamber.

12. 2. The pump of claim 1, comprising: a first chamber formed within the housing such that the first flow channel is arranged in direct fluid flow communication with the first chamber; and a second chamber formed within the housing such that the second flow channel is arranged in fluid flow communication with the second chamber.

13. The pump of claim 12 , wherein the first fluid port opens directly into the first chamber.

14. The pump of claim 12 , wherein the second fluid port is in fluid flow communication with the second chamber.

15. The pump of claim 12 , wherein the second chamber is provided by a diaphragm chamber, the diaphragm chamber being in fluid flow communication with the second fluid port.

16. The pump of claim 12 , wherein the second chamber is in separate fluid flow from the diaphragm chamber and the second fluid port.

17. The pump of claim 1 , further comprising a one-way valve located between the second flow channel and the second fluid port.

18. 18. The pump of claim 17, comprising a second fluid chamber, the one-way valve being located between the second fluid chamber and the second fluid port.

19. 18. The pump of claim 17, comprising a second chamber in fluid flow communication with the diaphragm chamber, and a one-way valve located between the second chamber and the diaphragm chamber.

20. 18. The pump of claim 17, comprising a diaphragm chamber in fluid flow communication with the second flow channel, and a one-way valve located between the diaphragm chamber and the second fluid port.

21. 2. The pump of claim 1 comprising a diaphragm chamber and a pressure bypass valve located between said diaphragm chamber and said fluid carrying chamber.

22. A pump comprising: a first fluid port and a second fluid port; a housing having an inner surface defining a cavity, the rotor being positioned within the cavity; a rotor rotatably mounted within the housing, the rotor having a longitudinal axis of rotation, the rotor comprising a housing engaging surface area that forms a sealing interference fit with the inner surface of the housing and at least one surface recess that forms with the inner surface of the housing a fluid carrying chamber that carries fluid from the first fluid port to the second fluid port in response to rotation of the rotor; a resiliently deformable diaphragm providing a portion of the inner surface of the housing, the resiliently deformable diaphragm having a rotor engaging surface and a rear surface opposite the rotor engaging surface, the rotor engaging surface of the resiliently deformable diaphragm being urged into contact with the rotor by pressure means acting against the rear surface of the resiliently deformable diaphragm; a flow channel associated with a leading edge of the elastically deformable diaphragm, the flow channel extending longitudinally from one end of the rotor and overlying the surface recess of the rotor as the rotor rotates in use, the flow channel being in fluid communication with the first fluid port, the flow channel being provided by a channel extending longitudinally along a length of the elastically deformable diaphragm substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of rotation of the rotor; an opening opening from the inner surface of the housing, associated with a trailing edge of the resiliently deformable diaphragm, and positioned to overlie the surface recess of the rotor as the rotor rotates in use, such that, in response to rotation of the rotor, the second fluid port is in direct fluid flow communication with the fluid carrying chamber via the opening; A pump comprising:

23. 23. The pump of claim 22, wherein the opening is formed in the inner surface of the housing adjacent the trailing edge of the resiliently deformable diaphragm and is positioned to overlie the surface recess of the rotor as the rotor rotates in use.

24. A pump as described in claim 22, wherein an open port is formed in the elastically deformable diaphragm adjacent the trailing edge and positioned so as to overlie the surface recess of the rotor when the rotor rotates in use.

25. 23. The pump of claim 22, wherein the opening is formed partially in the elastically deformable diaphragm and partially in the inner surface of the housing across the trailing edge of the elastically deformable diaphragm and is positioned to overlie the surface recess of the rotor as the rotor rotates in use.

26. 23. The pump of claim 22, wherein the flow channel is formed in the elastically deformable diaphragm.

27. The pump of claim 22 , wherein the flow channel is formed within the interior surface of the housing.

28. 23. The pump of claim 22, wherein the flow channel extends linearly and substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of rotation of the rotor.

29. 23. The pump of claim 22, wherein one longitudinal edge of the channel is defined by the inner surface of the housing and the other longitudinal edge of the channel is defined by the resiliently deformable diaphragm.

30. The pump of claim 22 , wherein the housing comprises a resilient material.

31. 23. The pump of claim 22, wherein the elastically deformable diaphragm is integral with the housing.

32. 23. The pump of claim 22, wherein the resiliently deformable diaphragm is attached to the housing with a hermetic seal that creates a continuous rotor-engaging surface as the inner surface of the housing.

33. 23. The pump of claim 22, wherein the pump comprises a diaphragm chamber surrounding the rear face of the resiliently deformable diaphragm.

34. 23. The pump of claim 22, wherein the pressurizing means is selected from the group comprising a spring, a block of resilient material, a resilient tube of material, and / or a fluid acting against the rear surface of the resiliently deformable diaphragm.

35. 23. The pump of claim 22, wherein the surface recess extends at least partially along an axial length of the rotor.

36. 23. The pump of claim 22, wherein the rotor includes an integral housing engaging surface area extending around the circumference of the rotor at each end and joined by lands extending between each end of the rotor and between each surface recess.

37. 23. The pump of claim 22, wherein the rotor has a plurality of surface recesses that together with the inner surface of the housing form a corresponding number of transfer chambers that transfer fluid from the first fluid port to the second fluid port in response to rotation of the rotor.

38. 38. The pump of claim 37, wherein the surface recesses are arranged equidistantly about the circumference of the rotor.

39. 23. The pump of claim 22, wherein the rotor has a plurality of surface recesses that form with the inner surface of the housing a corresponding number of transfer chambers that transfer fluid from the first fluid port to the second fluid port in response to rotation of the rotor, and the pump comprises at least one elastically deformable diaphragm fewer than the number of surface recesses on the rotor.

40. The pump of claim 1, wherein the pressure source includes at least one of a block of resilient material, a resilient tube of material, a spring, a hydraulic fluid, or a pneumatic fluid.

41. 23. The pump of claim 22, comprising a diaphragm chamber in fluid flow communication with the opening and the second fluid port, and a one-way valve located between the diaphragm chamber and the opening.

42. 23. The pump of claim 22, comprising a diaphragm chamber and a pressure bypass valve located between the diaphragm chamber and the first fluid port.

Images