Diaphragm pump

Abstract

To provide a diaphragm pump capable of easily eliminating fixation of a suction valve.SOLUTION: A diaphragm pump includes: a first suction valve 24A and a second suction valve 24B which are arranged separately from each other in a first direction; and a fixation elimination pin 90 which is movable along a second direction crossing the first direction. The first suction valve 24A and the second suction valve 24B are in an open state when they move in a direction in which they move away from each other along the first direction. When the fixation elimination pin 90 is moved along the second direction, the first suction valve 24A and the second suction valve 24B are pressed in a direction in which they move away from each other along the first direction by the fixation elimination pin 90 inserted between the first suction valve 24A and the second suction valve 24B.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to diaphragm pumps.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a diaphragm pump. This diaphragm pump includes a pump body provided with a housing chamber, a pump cover covering the pump body, a diaphragm that forms a cavity when combined with the pump cover, a drive mechanism in which a push rod is connected to the diaphragm, and a suction valve that opens and closes according to the diaphragm operated by the drive mechanism.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In a diaphragm pump, for example, when the pump is used after long-term storage, the suction valve may stick to the valve seat (O-ring), resulting in an inappropriate suction process.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a diaphragm pump that can easily eliminate the sticking of the suction valve.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] An example of a diaphragm pump includes an intake passage (20) through which liquid flows, a first intake valve (24A) and a second intake valve (24B) connected to the intake passage (20) and spaced apart from each other in a first direction, a holding space (SP) connected to the intake passage (20) and extending along a second direction intersecting the first direction, and a de-sticking member (90) located within the holding space (SP) and movable along the second direction such that its tip is inserted between the first intake valve (24A) and the second intake valve (24B). The first intake valve (24A) and the second intake valve (24B) are in an open state when moved away from each other along the first direction. When the de-sticking member (90) is moved along the second direction, the first intake valve (24A) and the second intake valve (24B) are pressed apart from each other along the first direction by the de-sticking member (90) which is inserted between the first intake valve (24A) and the second intake valve (24B).

[0007] In the diaphragm pump described above, the de-sticking member (90) that moves along the second direction presses the first suction valve (24A) and the second suction valve (24B) toward each other along the first direction, thereby moving the first suction valve (24A) and the second suction valve (24B) toward the open state. In other words, the sticking of the suction valves is released.

[0008] In one example, a first intake valve (24A) may have a first valve stem (24cA) extending toward a second intake valve (24B) along a first direction. The second intake valve (24B) may have a second valve stem (24cB) extending toward the first intake valve (24A) along a first direction. In this configuration, a de-sticking member (90) inserted between the first valve stem (24cA) and the second valve stem (24cB), which extend opposite to each other, presses the first valve stem (24cA) and the second valve stem (24cB) toward each other.

[0009] In one example, the width of the tip of the de-sticking member (90) is smaller than the distance between the first valve stem (24cA) and the second valve stem (24cB) in the first direction, and the de-sticking member (90) may have a diameter larger than the distance between the first valve stem (24cA) and the second valve stem (24cB) in the first direction at the base end rather than the tip. In this configuration, it is easy to insert the de-sticking member (90) between the first valve stem (24cA) and the second valve stem (24cB).

[0010] In one example, the tips of the first valve stem (24cA) and the second valve stem (24cB) may be hemispherical. In this configuration, it is easy to insert the de-sticking member (90) between the first valve stem (24cA) and the second valve stem (24cB).

[0011] One example of a diaphragm pump may further include a guide hole (43b) through which a first valve stem (24cA) is inserted, and which guides the movement of the first suction valve (24A) in the first direction when the first suction valve (24A) moves in the first direction. In this configuration, the first suction valve (24A) moves more easily in the first direction when the first valve stem (24cA) is pressed by a de-sticking member (90).

[0012] An example guide hole (43b) may have a minor axis along the second direction and a major axis that is longer than the minor axis along the third direction intersecting both the first and second directions. In this configuration, the first intake valve (24A) is prevented from vibrating in the second direction. Furthermore, contact between the edge of the guide hole (43b) and the first valve stem (24cA) in the third direction is prevented.

[0013] In one example, the holding space (SP) may be provided with a restricting member (19) that restricts the range of movement of the de-sticking member (90) in a second direction. In this configuration, the de-sticking suppressing member (90) is prevented from moving more than necessary. For example, the de-sticking member (90) may not fall off. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] Thus, according to this disclosure, a diaphragm pump can be provided that can easily resolve the sticking of the suction valve.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0015] [Figure 1] It is a perspective view of a diaphragm pump of an example. [Figure 2] It is an exploded perspective view of a diaphragm pump of an example. [Figure 3] It is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of a pump body of an example. [Figure 4] It is a front view showing the pump body of a diaphragm pump of an example. [Figure 5] It is a cross-sectional view taken along the line V-V of FIG. 4. [Figure 6] It is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VI-VI of FIG. 4. [Figure 7] It is an enlarged view of the main part of FIG. 6. [Figure 8] It is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VIII-VIII of FIG. 4. [Figure 9] It is a diagram for explaining the operation of the fixing release pin.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0016] Hereinafter, a diaphragm pump of an example will be described while referring to the accompanying drawings. For convenience, the same reference numerals are given to the same elements, and redundant explanations are omitted. In the drawings, an XYZ orthogonal coordinate system indicating the X direction (third direction), Y direction (first direction), and Z direction (second direction) is shown for reference.

[0017] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example diaphragm pump. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of an example diaphragm pump. FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of an example pump body. FIG. 4 is a front view showing the pump body of an example diaphragm pump. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line V-V of FIG. 4. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI of FIG. 4. FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of the main part of FIG. 6. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII of FIG. 4. The diaphragm pump 1 includes a drive device 3 and a pump body 5. The drive device 3 has a rotational output shaft 3a (see FIG. 5) for operating the pump body 5. An example drive device 3 has a motor that can be operated by electric power input from a battery, and the motor rotates the rotational output shaft 3a.

[0018] The pump body 5 has a housing 10, a pair of diaphragms 50, a cover 70, and a fixing release pin 90. The housing 10 is connected to the drive device by fastening members such as bolts. In a state where the housing 10 and the drive device 3 are connected, the rotational output shaft 3a of the drive device 3 is inserted into the inner space S of the housing 10.

[0019] An example housing 10 has a partition wall 10a (see FIG. 6) that partitions the inner space S in the Z direction. That is, the housing 10 has a first space S1 defined at a position close to the drive device 3 in the Z direction and a second space S2 defined at a position far from the drive device 3 in the Z direction. The first space S1 houses the reciprocating member 11. In the housing 10, the surface intersecting the Y direction (the surface facing the Y direction) may be open.

[0020] As shown in Figure 5, the reciprocating member 11 is positioned in a state that it can reciprocate in the Y direction within the first space S1. The reciprocating member 11 has an inner circumferential surface 11a and an outer circumferential surface 11b when viewed from the Z direction. A bearing 13 is positioned in the region enclosed by the inner circumferential surface 11a. At the center of the bearing 13 is an eccentric cam 15, to which the rotating output shaft 3a of the drive device 3 is fixed at an offset position from the center. When the rotating output shaft 3a rotates, the bearing 13 moves in an elliptical manner due to the action of the eccentric cam 15, and the reciprocating member 11 reciprocates along the Y direction in conjunction with this movement of the bearing 13.

[0021] A flow path for a liquid (water, chemical solution, etc.) is defined in the second space S2. The liquid flow path includes an intake flow path 20 and a discharge flow path 30 (see Figure 3). The intake flow path 20 and the discharge flow path 30 may be provided around the same axis along the X direction. One example of the intake flow path 20 includes a cylindrical portion 21 that protrudes from one side surface 10b intersecting the X direction. The cylindrical portion 21 may be covered by a cover body 22. For example, the cover body 22 is cylindrical and slightly larger than the cylindrical portion 21, and the cover body 22 may be fixed to the cylindrical portion 21 by screw grooves formed on the outer surface of the cylindrical portion 21 and the inner surface of the cover body 22. The cover body 22 has an intake port 22a that communicates with the intake flow path 20.

[0022] An example of a discharge channel 30 includes a cylindrical portion 31. The cylindrical portion 31 protrudes from a side surface 10c that faces the side surface 10b on which the suction port 22a is provided in the X direction. The cylindrical portion 31 may be covered by a cover body 32. For example, the cover body 32 is cylindrical and slightly larger than the cylindrical portion 31, and the cover body 32 may be fixed to the cylindrical portion 31 by screw grooves formed on the outer surface of the cylindrical portion 31 and the inner surface of the cover body 32. The cover body 32 has a discharge port 32a that communicates with the discharge channel 30.

[0023] An intake valve is connected to the intake passage 20. As shown in Figure 7, a first intake valve 24A and a second intake valve 24B are connected to the intake passage 20. The first intake valve 24A and the second intake valve 24B are collectively referred to as the intake valve 24. The first intake valve 24A and the second intake valve 24B are housed in a first valve seat 25A and a second valve seat 25B, respectively. The first valve seat 25A and the second valve seat 25B are collectively referred to as the valve seat 25.

[0024] The first valve seat 25A is located in an opening 26A that extends from the intake passage 20 to one side in the Y direction and opens onto the side surface 10d of the housing 10 which intersects in the Y direction. The second valve seat 25B is located in an opening 26B that extends from the intake passage 20 to the other side in the Y direction and opens onto the side surface 10e of the housing 10 which intersects in the Y direction. Side surfaces 10d and 10e face each other in the Y direction. The openings 26A and 26B may define a cylindrical space with the same axis along the Y direction as its central axis. The openings 26A and 26B together are collectively referred to as opening 26.

[0025] An example valve seat 25 has a cylindrical portion 25a, a first flange portion 25b formed at one axial end of the cylindrical portion 25a, and a second flange portion 25c formed at the other axial end of the cylindrical portion 25b. The first flange portion 25b is an annular portion that protrudes outward from the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 25a. The second flange portion 25c is an annular portion that protrudes inward from the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 25a. The first valve seat 25A is positioned in the opening 26A such that its first flange portion 25b is aligned with the side surface 10d of the housing 10. The second valve seat 25B is positioned in the opening 26B such that its first flange portion 25b is aligned with the side surface 10e of the housing 10. The space between the housing 10 and the first flange portion 25b is sealed by a sealing member (part of a diaphragm, described later).

[0026] The intake valve 24 has a cylindrical body portion 24a, a projection portion 24b, and a valve stem 24c. The body portion 24a may be positioned inside the second flange portion 25c. An annular flange portion 24a1 is formed at one axial end of the body portion 24a, projecting outward from its outer circumferential surface. The intake valve 24 is positioned such that the flange portion 24a1 is located outside the housing 10 beyond the second flange portion 25c. The flange portion 24a1 may face the second flange portion 25c of the valve seat 25 in the Y direction. An O-ring 27 is provided between the flange portion 24a1 and the second flange portion 25c as a sealing member. The projection portion 24b is formed on the end face of the body portion 24a on the side where the flange portion 24a1 is provided. The projection 24b protrudes axially from the main body 24a and has a cylindrical shape with a smaller diameter than the main body 24a. The projection 24b cooperates with the projection 72a provided on the cover 70, which will be described later, to hold the compression coil spring 28. When the intake valve 24 is biased by the compression coil spring 28, the space between the flange 24a1 of the intake valve 24 and the second flange 25c of the valve seat 25 is sealed by the O-ring 27. The valve stem 24c is formed on the end face of the main body 24a opposite to the end face on which the projection 24b is provided. The valve stem 24c protrudes axially from the main body 24a and has a cylindrical shape with a smaller diameter than the main body 24a. The tip of the valve stem 24c is hemispherical.

[0027] A discharge valve is connected to the discharge passage 30. As shown in Figure 8, a first discharge valve 34A and a second discharge valve 34B are connected to the discharge passage 30. The first discharge valve 34A and the second discharge valve 34B are collectively referred to as the discharge valve 34. The first discharge valve 34A and the second discharge valve 34B are housed in a first valve seat 35A and a second valve seat 35B, respectively. The first valve seat 35A and the second valve seat 35B are collectively referred to as the valve seat 35.

[0028] The first valve seat 35A is located in an opening 36A that is connected to the discharge passage 30 and opens to the side surface 10d. The second valve seat 35B is located in an opening 36B that is connected to the discharge passage 30 and opens to the side surface 10e. The openings 36A and 36B may define a cylindrical space with the same axis along the Y direction as its central axis. The openings 36A and 36B together are collectively referred to as opening 36.

[0029] An example valve seat 35 has a cylindrical portion 35a, a first flange portion 35b formed at one axial end of the cylindrical portion 35a, and a second flange portion 35c formed at the other axial end of the cylindrical portion 35b. The first flange portion 35b is an annular portion that protrudes outward from the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 35a. The second flange portion 35c is an annular portion that protrudes inward from the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 35a. The first valve seat 35A is positioned in the opening 36A such that its first flange portion 35b is aligned with the side surface 10d of the housing 10. The second valve seat 35B is positioned in the opening 36B such that its first flange portion 35b is aligned with the side surface 10e of the housing 10. The space between the housing 10 and the first flange portion 35b is sealed by a sealing member (part of the diaphragm 50, which will be described later).

[0030] The discharge valve 34 has a cylindrical body portion 34a and a projection portion 34b. The body portion 34a may be positioned inside the second flange portion 35c. An annular flange portion 34a1 is formed at one end of the body portion 34a in the axial direction, projecting outward from its outer circumferential surface. The discharge valve 34 is positioned such that the flange portion 34a1 is located inside the housing 10 relative to the second flange portion 35c. The flange portion 34a1 may face the second flange portion 35c of the valve seat 35 in the Y direction. An O-ring 37 is provided between the flange portion 34a1 and the second flange portion 35c as a sealing member. The projection portion 34b is formed on the end face of the body portion 34a on the side where the flange portion 34a1 is provided. The projection portion 34b protrudes axially from the body portion 34a and has a cylindrical shape with a smaller diameter than the body portion 34a. The projection 34b cooperates with the cylindrical portions 30a that protrude from the discharge passage 30 to the openings 36A and 36B, respectively, to hold the compression coil spring 38. The inner space of the cylindrical portion 30a is connected to the discharge passage 30. When the discharge valve 34 is biased by the compression coil spring 38, the space between the flange portion 34a1 of the discharge valve 34 and the second flange portion 35c of the valve seat 35 is sealed by the O-ring 37.

[0031] The liquid flow path in the illustrated example has a connecting flow path 40 (see Figures 3 and 8) that connects the intake flow path 20 and the discharge flow path 30. The connecting flow path 40 is formed along the X direction. A safety valve 41 is provided in the intake flow path 20 to close the connecting flow path 40 from the intake flow path 20 side. For example, the safety valve 41 may be a spherical body having a diameter larger than the diameter of the connecting flow path 40. The safety valve 41 is biased toward the connecting flow path 40 by a compression coil spring 42. In the illustrated example, the compression coil spring 42 is held by a spring retaining member 43 located within the intake flow path 20.

[0032] The spring retainer member 43 has a substantially cylindrical shape with an outer surface that follows the inner surface of the intake passage 20. The tip of the spring retainer member 43 is a small-diameter portion and may have an annular groove for holding the compression coil spring 42. The base end of the spring retainer member 43 abuts against the cover body 22. That is, the position of the spring retainer member 43 in the X direction is restricted by the cover body 22.

[0033] Furthermore, the spring retainer member 43 has a pair of openings 43a that connect the intake passage 20 to the openings 26A and 26B (see Figure 7). One example of an opening 43a penetrates the peripheral wall of the cylindrical spring retainer member 43 along the Z direction. The pair of openings 43a face each other in the Z direction. The spring retainer member 43 also has a pair of guide holes 43b that guide the valve stem 24c provided in the intake valve 24. The pair of guide holes 43b penetrate the peripheral wall of the cylindrical spring retainer member 43 along the Y direction. The pair of guide holes 43b face each other in the Y direction. The valve stem 24c of the first intake valve 24A (first valve stem 24cA) and the valve stem 24c of the second intake valve 24B (second valve stem 24cB) are inserted through the pair of guide holes 43b, respectively.

[0034] Furthermore, when viewed from the Y direction, the size of the guide hole 43b in the Z direction is smaller than its size in the X direction. For example, the guide hole 43b may have an elliptical shape with a minor axis along the Z direction and a major axis along the X direction that is longer than the minor axis. For example, the length of the major axis may be about 1 to 1.3 times the length of the minor axis.

[0035] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the diaphragm covers the first space S1 of the housing 10 from the Y direction. In the illustrated example, the first diaphragm 50A and the second diaphragm 50B face each other across the first space S1. The first diaphragm 50A and the second diaphragm 50B are collectively referred to as the diaphragm 50. The diaphragm 50 includes a peripheral portion 51 formed along the periphery of the housing 10 when viewed from the Y direction, and a movable portion 52 connected to the peripheral portion 51 and covering the first space S1. The movable portion 52 is connected to a reciprocating member 11 and is movable in the Y direction according to the operation of the reciprocating member 11. In one example, the reciprocating member 11 has a projection 11c that protrudes in the Y direction, and the movable portion 52 has a recess 52a that can be connected to the projection 11c.

[0036] The position of the periphery of the movable part 52 corresponds to the position of the periphery of the first space S1 when viewed from the Y direction. The diaphragm 50 seals the periphery of the first space S1 and the periphery of the second space S2. As described above, a portion of the diaphragm 50 seals the space between the first flange 25b of the valve seat 25 and the housing 10, and the space between the first flange 35b of the valve seat 35 and the housing 10, respectively. An example of the diaphragm 50 is formed of a flexible material.

[0037] The cover covers the surface of the housing 10 facing the Y direction (see Figure 6). In the illustrated example, a first cover 70A covering side surface 10d of the housing 10 and a second cover 70B covering side surface 10e are fixed to the housing 10 by a plurality of fastening members 7 such as bolts. The first cover 70A and the second cover 70B are collectively referred to as cover 70. The space between the periphery of cover 70 and the periphery of the housing 10 is sealed by a diaphragm 50. In the illustrated example, side surface 10d to which the first diaphragm 50A is fixed is covered by the first cover 70A, and side surface 10e to which the second diaphragm 50B is fixed is covered by the second cover 70B.

[0038] As shown in Figures 6 and 8, the cover 70 includes a first region 71 facing the movable portion 52 of the diaphragm 50, and a second region 72 and a third region 73 connected to the first region 71 and extending to face the second space S2. The second region 72 faces the opening 26 where the intake valve 24 is located, and the third region 73 faces the opening 36 where the discharge valve 34 is located. The projection 72a described above is formed in the second region 72. The first region 71, the second region 72, and the third region 73 are recessed outward in the Y direction from the housing 10 side so that a pump chamber 79 is formed between the housing 10 and the diaphragm 50. Of the pump chamber 79, the space facing the second region 72 and the space facing the third region 73 are connected to each other via the space between the first region 71 and the diaphragm 50. In other words, when liquid moves from the space facing the second region 72 to the space facing the third region 73, the liquid passes through the space facing the first region 71. The pump chamber formed by the first cover 70A is called the first pump chamber 79A, and the pump chamber formed by the second cover 70B is called the second pump chamber 79B.

[0039] The de-sticking pin 90 (de-sticking member) can be used when the intake valve 24 becomes inoperable due to sticking. As shown in Figure 6, one example of the de-sticking pin 90 is located inside a cylindrical portion 18 provided in the housing 10. The cylindrical portion 18 is cylindrical in shape and defines a cylindrical space SP (holding space) that communicates with the intake passage 20. In the illustrated example, the cylindrical portion 18 protrudes along the Z direction from a side surface 10f that intersects the Z direction of the housing 10. The side surface 10f is opposite to the side surface on which the drive device 3 is provided. The central axis L1 of the cylindrical portion 18 intersects the central axis L2 common to the first intake valve 24A and the second intake valve 24B (see Figure 7). In the illustrated example, the central axis L1 of the cylindrical portion 18 formed along the Z direction and the central axis L2 formed along the Y direction common to the first intake valve 24A and the second intake valve 24B coincide in the X direction.

[0040] The de-sticking pin 90 includes a gripping portion 91 that is grasped by the user and a pin body 92 connected to the gripping portion 91. One example of the gripping portion 91 is rod-shaped and extends along the XY plane. The surface of the gripping portion 91 may have recesses formed therein to support the user's grip. One example of the pin body 92 includes a rod-shaped portion 95 having a uniform diameter and connected to the center of the gripping portion 91, and a tip portion 96 formed at the end of the rod-shaped portion 95. An annular groove 95a is formed in the axial center of the rod-shaped portion 95, with an O-ring 97 positioned therein. The O-ring 97 positioned in the groove 95a seals the space between the rod-shaped portion 95 and the cylindrical portion 18. The pin body 92 is configured to move within the cylindrical portion 18 along the Z direction so that its tip is inserted between the first intake valve 24A and the second intake valve 24B.

[0041] The diameter of the rod-shaped portion 95 is substantially the same as or slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the cylindrical portion 18. Furthermore, the diameter of the rod-shaped portion 95 is greater than the distance between the tip of the valve stem 24c of the first intake valve 24A and the tip of the valve stem 24c of the second intake valve 24B when the rod-shaped portion 95 is closed relative to the valve seat 25. The rod-shaped portion 95 may pass through the opening 43a of the spring retaining member 43. The tip portion 96 is formed such that its diameter decreases towards the tip. At its most distal position, the diameter of the tip portion 96 is less than the distance between the tip of the valve stem 24c of the first intake valve 24A and the tip of the valve stem 24c of the second intake valve 24B when the rod-shaped portion 96 is closed relative to the valve seat 25. In one example, the tip portion 96 may be conical.

[0042] With the rod-shaped portion 95 positioned inside the cylindrical portion 18, the lock-relieving pin 90 is movable along the Z-direction. That is, when the user moves the gripping portion 91 in the Z-direction, the O-ring 97 slides against the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 18, allowing the lock-relieving pin 90 to move along the Z-direction.

[0043] The cylindrical portion 18 may be provided with a restricting member 19 that restricts the range of movement of the lock-relieving pin 90 in the Z direction. In one example, the outer circumferential surface of the rod-shaped portion 95 is provided with a groove 95b extending in the Z direction. The restricting member 19 protrudes inward from the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 18. The tip of the restricting member 19 is located within the groove 95b of the rod-shaped portion 95. When the lock-relieving pin 90 is moved in the Z direction toward disengaging from the cylindrical portion 18, the restricting member 19 abuts against the end of the groove 95b closest to the tip 96. When the lock-relieving pin 90 is moved in the Z direction toward pushing into the cylindrical portion 18, the restricting member 19 abuts against the end of the groove 95b furthest from the tip 96. In one example, the restricting member 19 may be a bolt fastened in a bolt hole 18a formed in the cylindrical portion 18. In this case, the tip of the bolt only needs to be located within the groove 95b and does not need to be in contact with the bottom of the groove 95b. In other words, there is no need to loosen the bolt when moving the lock-free pin 90.

[0044] The operation of the diaphragm pump 1 having the above configuration will now be explained. Note that the first pump chamber 79A and the second pump chamber 79B alternately perform suction and discharge according to the same operating principle, so here we will focus on the first pump chamber 79A. First, with liquid supplied from the suction port 22a, the drive unit 3 is activated. The operation of the drive unit 3 causes the rotary output shaft 3a to rotate, and the reciprocating member 11 reciprocates in the Y direction. As the reciprocating member 11 moves, the diaphragm 50 deforms, causing the volume inside the pump chamber 79 to increase or decrease. First, as the reciprocating member 11 approaches the second cover 70B, the volume of the second pump chamber 79B decreases and the volume of the first pump chamber 79A increases. That is, the second pump chamber 79B becomes positive pressure and the first pump chamber 79A becomes negative pressure. As a result, the suction valve 24 connected to the first pump chamber 79A opens and the discharge valve 34 closes, allowing liquid to flow into the first pump chamber 79A from the suction passage 20 (suction process). Subsequently, as the reciprocating member 11 approaches the first cover 70A, the volume of the first pump chamber 79A decreases and the volume of the second pump chamber 79B increases. That is, the first pump chamber 79A becomes positive pressure and the second pump chamber 79B becomes negative pressure. As a result, the suction valve 24 connected to the first pump chamber 79A closes and the discharge valve 34 opens, causing the liquid in the first pump chamber 79A to be discharged from the discharge valve 34 (discharge process). In response to the movement of the reciprocating member 11, suction and discharge are repeatedly performed alternately in the first pump chamber 79A and the second pump chamber 79B, thereby operating the diaphragm pump 1.

[0045] In the diaphragm pump 1, for example, when the pump is used after long-term storage, the suction valve 24 may become stuck to the valve seat 25 via the O-ring 27. In this case, the suction valve 24 may not open, and the suction process may not be performed properly. In such cases, the user can release the sticking by operating the release pin 90. As shown in Figure 9, when the user pushes the release pin 90 toward the back of the cylindrical part 18 toward the suction passage 20, the tip 96 of the rod-shaped part 95 is inserted between the first valve stem 24cA of the first suction valve 24A and the second valve stem 24cB of the second suction valve 24B. Because the diameter of the rod-shaped part 95 is larger than the distance between the first valve stem 24cA and the second valve stem 24cB, the release pin 90 can widen the gap between the first valve stem 24cA and the second valve stem 24cB in the Y direction. The release pin 90 presses the intake valve 24 away from the valve seat 25, causing the intake valve 24 to move away from the valve seat 25 (i.e., the sticking is released). After the sticking is released, the user can release the release pin 90 from contact with the intake valve 24 by pulling up the release pin 90.

[0046] As described above, an example of a diaphragm pump 1 includes an intake passage 20 through which liquid flows, a first intake valve 24A and a second intake valve 24B connected to the intake passage 20 and spaced apart from each other in the Y direction, a holding space SP connected to the intake passage 20 and extending along the Z direction intersecting the Y direction, and a lock-free pin 90 located within the holding space SP and movable along the Z direction such that its tip is inserted between the first intake valve 24A and the second intake valve 24B. The first intake valve 24A and the second intake valve 24B are in an open state when they are moved away from each other along the Y direction. When the lock-free pin 90 is moved along the Z direction, the first intake valve 24A and the second intake valve 24B are pressed away from each other along the Y direction by the lock-free pin 90 inserted between the first intake valve 24A and the second intake valve 24B.

[0047] In the diaphragm pump 1 described above, the de-sticking pin 90, which moves along the Z direction, presses the first suction valve 24A and the second suction valve 24B in a direction away from each other along the Y direction, thereby moving the first suction valve 24A and the second suction valve 24B in a direction that opens, and thus the de-sticking of the suction valve 24 is released.

[0048] In one example, the first intake valve 24A may have a first valve stem 24cA extending toward the second intake valve 24B along the Y direction. The second intake valve 24B may have a second valve stem 24cB extending toward the first intake valve 24A along the Y direction. In this configuration, the first valve stem 24cA and the second valve stem 24cB are pressed apart by a de-sticking pin 90 inserted between them, which are extending toward each other. Even if the distance between the main bodies 24a of the first intake valve 24A and the second intake valve 24B is large, the presence of the valve stem 24c allows the de-sticking pin 90 to simultaneously de-stick the first intake valve 24A and the second intake valve 24B.

[0049] In one example, the width of the tip of the de-sticking pin 90 is smaller than the distance between the first valve stem 24cA and the second valve stem 24cB in the Y direction, and the de-sticking pin 90 may have a diameter larger than the distance between the first valve stem 24cA and the second valve stem 24cB in the Y direction at the base end rather than the tip. In this configuration, it is easy to insert the de-sticking pin 90 between the first valve stem 24cA and the second valve stem 24cB.

[0050] In one example, the tips of the first valve stem 24cA and the second valve stem 24cB may be hemispherical. In this configuration, the lock-relieving pin 90 can smoothly contact the tip of the valve stem 24c, making it easy to insert the lock-relieving pin 90 between the first valve stem 24cA and the second valve stem 24cB.

[0051] One example of a diaphragm pump 1 may further include a guide hole 43b through which a first valve stem 24cA is inserted, and which guides the movement of the first valve stem 24cA in the Y direction when the first suction valve 24A moves in the Y direction. In this configuration, the first suction valve 24A can be easily moved in the Y direction when the first valve stem 24cA is pressed by a de-sticking pin 90.

[0052] In one example, the guide hole 43b may have a minor axis along the Z direction and a major axis that is longer than the minor axis along the X direction, intersecting both the Y and Z directions. In this configuration, the first intake valve 24A is prevented from vibrating in the Z direction. Furthermore, contact between the edge of the guide hole 43b and the first valve stem 24cA in the X direction is prevented.

[0053] In one example, the holding space SP may be provided with a restricting member 19 that restricts the range of movement of the lock-relieving pin 90 in the Z direction. In this configuration, the lock-relieving pin 90 is prevented from moving more than necessary in the Z direction. For example, the lock-relieving pin 90 may fall out.

[0054] While embodiments of this disclosure have been described above, the specific forms of this disclosure are not limited to the examples described above.

[0055] For example, although an example was shown in which the first intake valve and the second intake valve are positioned opposite each other on the same axis, the first intake valve and the second intake valve only need to be positioned on the same axis when viewed from the axial direction of the lock-free pin 90. In other words, the first intake valve and the second intake valve may be offset from each other in the axial direction of the lock-free pin 90.

[0056] While an example of a hemispherical tip of the valve stem has been shown, the shape of the valve stem tip is not limited to this. For example, the tip of the valve stem may be planar along the XZ plane, or it may have other shapes.

[0057] Although an example was shown where the guide hole is elliptical when viewed from the Y direction, the guide hole may also be perfectly circular. Furthermore, the guide hole may have a track shape defined by a pair of opposing arcs and a pair of opposing straight lines.

[0058] The technology of this disclosure may be described as follows: [1] A suction channel (20) through which liquid flows, A first intake valve (24A) and a second intake valve (24B) are connected to the intake passage (20) and are spaced apart from each other in the first direction, A retaining space (SP) connected to the aforementioned intake passage (20) and extending along a second direction intersecting the first direction, The system includes a de-sticking member (90) disposed within the holding space (SP) and movable along the second direction such that its tip is inserted between the first intake valve (24A) and the second intake valve (24B), The first intake valve (24A) and the second intake valve (24B) open when they move away from each other along the first direction. A diaphragm pump in which, when the de-sticking member (90) is moved along the second direction, the first suction valve (24A) and the second suction valve (24B) are pressed apart from each other along the first direction by the de-sticking member (90) inserted between the first suction valve (24A) and the second suction valve (24B). [2] The first intake valve (24A) has a first valve stem (24cA) extending toward the second intake valve (24B) along the first direction, The diaphragm pump according to [1], wherein the second intake valve (24B) has a second valve stem (24cB) extending toward the first intake valve (24A) along the first direction. [3] The width of the tip of the de-sticking member (90) is smaller than the distance between the first valve stem (24cA) and the second valve stem (24cB) in the first direction. The diaphragm pump according to [2], wherein the de-sticking member (90) has a diameter greater than the distance between the first valve stem (24cA) and the second valve stem (24cB) in the first direction, on the base end side of the tip. [4] The diaphragm pump according to [2] or [3], wherein the tips of the first valve stem (24cA) and the second valve stem (24cB) are hemispherical. [5] A diaphragm pump according to any one of [2] to [4], further comprising: a guide hole (43b) through which the first valve stem (24cA) is inserted and which guides the movement of the first valve stem (24cA) in the first direction when the first suction valve (24A) moves in the first direction. [6] The diaphragm pump according to [5], wherein the guide hole (43b) has a minor axis along the second direction and a major axis that is longer than the minor axis along the third direction intersecting both the first and second directions. [7] The diaphragm pump according to any one of [1] to [6], wherein the holding space (SP) is provided with a restricting member (19) that restricts the range of movement of the de-sticking member (90) in the second direction. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0059] 1...Diaphragm pump, 20...Intake passage, 24A...First intake valve, 24B...Secure intake valve, 90...Removal pin (removal member), SP...Retaining space.

Claims

1. A suction channel (20) through which liquid flows, A first intake valve (24A) and a second intake valve (24B) are connected to the intake passage (20) and are arranged spaced apart from each other in the first direction, A retaining space (SP) connected to the aforementioned intake passage (20) and extending along a second direction intersecting the first direction, The device comprises a de-sticking member (90) disposed within the holding space (SP) and movable along the second direction such that its tip is inserted between the first intake valve (24A) and the second intake valve (24B), The first intake valve (24A) and the second intake valve (24B) open when they move away from each other along the first direction. A diaphragm pump in which, when the de-sticking member (90) is moved along the second direction, the first suction valve (24A) and the second suction valve (24B) are pressed apart from each other along the first direction by the de-sticking member (90) inserted between the first suction valve (24A) and the second suction valve (24B).

2. The first intake valve (24A) has a first valve stem (24cA) extending toward the second intake valve (24B) along the first direction, The diaphragm pump according to claim 1, wherein the second intake valve (24B) has a second valve stem (24cB) extending toward the first intake valve (24A) along the first direction.

3. The width of the tip of the de-sticking member (90) is smaller than the distance between the first valve stem (24cA) and the second valve stem (24cB) in the first direction. The diaphragm pump according to claim 2, wherein the de-sticking member (90) has a diameter greater than the distance between the first valve stem (24cA) and the second valve stem (24cB) in the first direction, on the base end side of the tip.

4. The diaphragm pump according to claim 2, wherein the tips of the first valve stem (24cA) and the second valve stem (24cB) are hemispherical in shape.

5. The diaphragm pump according to claim 2, further comprising a guide hole (43b) through which the first valve stem (24cA) is inserted and which guides the movement of the first valve stem (24cA) in the first direction when the first suction valve (24A) moves in the first direction.

6. The diaphragm pump according to claim 5, wherein the guide hole (43b) has a minor axis along the second direction and a major axis along a third direction intersecting both the first and second directions that is longer than the minor axis.

7. The diaphragm pump according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the holding space (SP) is provided with a restricting member (19) that restricts the range of movement of the de-sticking member (90) in the second direction.

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