Pump

Abstract

Provided is a pump enabling improvement of durability of a lead-in / lead-out part.　A pump (1) comprises: a plurality of lead-in / lead-out parts (2a); a connected member (3) connected to the plurality of lead-in / lead-out parts (2a); a motor (4) including a motor body (4a) and a rotating shaft (4b) rotatable about an axis (J1) with respect to the motor body (4a); a connection mechanism (5) that connects the connected member (3) and the rotating shaft (4b) so that an inclined axis (J2) rotates about the axis (J1) while allowing the rotating shaft (4b) to rotate with respect to the connected member (3); and a restriction part (12) that is provided so as not to be rotatable relative to the motor body (4a) about the axis (J1) and comes into contact with the connected member (3) in the circumferential direction to restrict the rotation of the connected member (3) about the axis (J1).

Description

Pump

[0001] The present invention relates to a pump having a plurality of introduction and discharge units, each introduction and discharge unit comprising: a membrane portion; and a push-pull portion that defines a storage chamber together with the membrane portion for storing fluid, and draws fluid out of the storage chamber or introduces fluid into the storage chamber by being pushed into the storage chamber or pulled out of the storage chamber along with deformation of the membrane portion.

[0002] Conventionally, for example, a diaphragm pump described in Patent Document 1 has been known.

[0003] The diaphragm pump described in Patent Document 1 includes a plurality of diaphragm portions (introduction and discharge units), a driving body that drives the diaphragm portions, a motor that supplies power to the driving body, and a connection mechanism (a drive shaft and balls) that connects the motor and the driving body.

[0004] The plurality of diaphragm portions are arranged in a circumferential direction centered on a predetermined shaft. Each diaphragm portion includes a side wall portion, a driving portion provided at one axial end of the side wall portion along the predetermined shaft, and a pump chamber defined by the side wall portion and the driving portion. Further, each diaphragm portion is elastically deformable between a pushed state in which the driving portion is pushed into the pump chamber accompanied by deformation of the side wall portion, and a pulled out state in which the driving portion is pulled out from the pump chamber while the side wall portion expands.

[0005] The driving body is connected to the driving portions of the plurality of diaphragm portions on a connection surface which is one of planes orthogonal to a diameter inclined axis inclined with respect to the predetermined shaft.

[0006] The motor has an output shaft rotatable around the predetermined shaft.

[0007] The connecting member connects the driving body and the output shaft such that the inclined shaft rotates around the predetermined shaft while allowing rotation of the output shaft relative to the driving body.

[0008] Because the drive unit is fixed to the drive unit of multiple diaphragm sections, its rotation around a predetermined axis is restricted. In this state, the radial inclined axis rotates around the predetermined axis, converting the rotational force from the motor into a force that moves the drive unit along the predetermined axis. As a result, the multiple diaphragm sections elastically deform sequentially between a compressed state and an extended state. In accordance with this elastic deformation, fluid is drawn into the pump chamber in one diaphragm section, and fluid is pushed out of the pump chamber in another diaphragm section.

[0009] However, in the diaphragm pump described in Patent Document 1, the rotation of the drive unit relative to a predetermined shaft is restricted by fixing the multiple diaphragm sections to the drive unit. Therefore, although the rotation of the output shaft relative to the drive unit is permitted by the connecting member, a portion of the rotational force of the output shaft is transmitted to the multiple diaphragms.

[0010] Originally, the multiple diaphragms were designed to accommodate the drive unit's axial movement along a predetermined axis, and rotation of the drive unit around that axis was not anticipated. Therefore, the rotational force from the motor applied to the drive unit creates an unexpected load on the diaphragm, causing it to deteriorate.

[0011] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2002-130134

[0012] The object of the present invention is to provide a pump that can improve the durability of the inlet and outlet sections.

[0013] To solve the above problems, the present invention provides a pump comprising a plurality of inlet and outlet sections arranged in the circumferential direction around a predetermined axis, each having a membrane section and a push / pull section that together with the membrane section partitions a fluid storage chamber and pushes into or pulls out of the fluid storage chamber as the membrane section deforms, thereby discharging fluid from the storage chamber or introducing fluid into the storage chamber, and connected to the push / pull sections of the plurality of inlet and outlet sections on a connecting surface which is one of the planes perpendicular to the inclined axis that is inclined with respect to the predetermined axis. A pump is provided, comprising: a connected member; a motor body; a rotating shaft rotatable about a predetermined axis relative to the motor body; a connecting mechanism for connecting the connected member and the rotating shaft such that the inclined shaft rotates about the predetermined axis while allowing rotation of the rotating shaft relative to the connected member; and a restricting part provided so as to be unable to rotate relative to the motor body about the predetermined axis, and which restricts the rotation of the connected member about the predetermined axis by abutting the connected member in the circumferential direction.

[0014] According to the present invention, the durability of the introduction and output sections can be improved.

[0015] This is an exploded perspective view of a pump according to the first embodiment of the present invention. This is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II in Figure 1, with enclosed areas IIA and IIB showing cross-sections at locations other than line II-II (locations where the inlet valve is located). This is a plan view showing a part of the retaining member in Figure 1 with some parts removed. This is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in Figure 3. This is a cross-sectional view taken along line V-V in Figure 3. This is a perspective view of a pump according to the second embodiment of the present invention, showing a part of the retaining member with some parts removed. This is a plan view of the pump shown in Figure 6. This is a perspective view of a pump according to the third embodiment of the present invention, showing a part of the retaining member with some parts removed. This is a plan view of the pump shown in Figure 8. This is a cross-sectional view taken along line X-X in Figure 9. This is a perspective view of a pump according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, showing a part of the retaining member with some parts removed. This is a plan view of the pump shown in Figure 11.

[0016] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the attached drawings. Note that the following embodiments are examples that embody the present invention and are not intended to limit the technical scope of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of a pump according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II in Figure 1.

[0018] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the pump 1 according to the first embodiment comprises a plurality of inlet and outlet sections 2a arranged in the circumferential direction around a predetermined axis J1 (Figure 2), a connected member 3 connected to the plurality of inlet and outlet sections 2a, a motor 4 having a rotating shaft 4b, a connecting mechanism 5 connecting the connected member 3 and the rotating shaft 4b, a holding member 6 holding the plurality of inlet and outlet sections 2a, an inlet valve 2b provided in the inlet passage of the holding member 6 (a passage where fluid flow occurs, indicated by arrows Y1 to Y3 in Figure 2), and an outlet valve 7 provided in the outlet passage of the holding member 6 (a passage where fluid flow occurs, indicated by arrows Y4 to Y6 in Figure 2).

[0019] In the first embodiment, the multiple inlet / outlet sections 2a and inlet valves 2b are formed as part of a single elastic member 2 made of an elastic material, such as rubber. Specifically, the elastic member 2 comprises the multiple inlet / outlet sections 2a, a connecting plate 2c connecting the multiple inlet / outlet sections 2a, a multiple inlet holes 2d formed in the connecting plate 2c, and a partition wall 2e erected on the connecting plate 2c between two adjacent inlet holes 2d.

[0020] Each of the multiple introduction / exit sections 2a has a membrane section 2a1 and a push / pull section 2a2 that, together with the membrane section 2a1, demarcates a containment chamber R1 for containing fluid. The membrane section 2a1 surrounds the entire circumference of an axis parallel to the axis J1. The push / pull section 2a2 is displaceable between a compressed state in which the membrane section 2a1 is pushed into the containment chamber R1 with deformation (the state of the push / pull section 2a2 on the left in Figure 2) and an extended state in which the membrane section 2a1 is pulled out from the containment chamber R1 with expansion (the state of the push / pull section 2a2 on the right in Figure 2). Specifically, the push / pull section 2a2 is connected to the membrane section 2a1 so as to close one of the openings (the lower part in Figures 1 and 2) in the axial direction D1 along the axis J1 of the membrane section 2a1. Furthermore, the push-pull portion 2a2 has a thick-walled portion 2a2a having a greater thickness dimension in the axial direction D1 than the membrane portion 2a1 in order to compress the containment chamber R1, and a connected portion 2a2b extending from the thick-walled portion 2a2a in one direction in the axial direction D1 (downward in Figures 1 and 2) and connected to the connected member 3. As will be described later, when the push-pull portion 2a2 is in the pushed-in state, the containment chamber R1 is compressed by the thick-walled portion 2a2a, and the fluid inside the containment chamber R1 is drawn out. On the other hand, when the push-pull portion 2a2 is in the pulled-out state, the thick-walled portion 2a2a retracts from the containment chamber R1, and the fluid is introduced into the containment chamber R1. The containment chamber R1 is a frustoconical space surrounded by the push-pull portion 2a2 in the pulled-out state.

[0021] The connecting plate 2c connects (integrates) multiple introduction and exit sections 2a in the inner (inner (radial direction of a circle centered on axis J1 [hereinafter simply referred to as radial direction])), outer (outer in the radial direction) of multiple introduction and exit sections 2a, and two introduction and exit sections 2a adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction. Specifically, the connecting plate 2c connects the other end of the membrane portion 2a1 of the introduction and exit section 2a in the axial direction D1 (upper end in Figures 1 and 2).

[0022] The multiple inlet holes 2d are arranged circumferentially on the radially inner side of the multiple inlet and outlet sections 2a so as to be located between two inlet and outlet sections 2a that are adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction. Furthermore, the multiple inlet holes 2d are through holes that extend from one end to the other in the axial direction D1 of the connecting plate 2c.

[0023] Each partition wall 2e defines an introduction passage connecting two circumferentially adjacent introduction / exit sections 2a and each introduction hole 2d. Specifically, each partition wall 2e is erected on a connecting plate 2c between circumferentially adjacent introduction holes 2d and extends radially.

[0024] The inlet valve 2b is a check valve that allows fluid flow from the inlet 9d (described later) towards the inlet / outlet section 2a, while restricting fluid flow from the inlet / outlet section 2a towards the inlet 9d. Specifically, the inlet valve 2b includes a valve body (reference numerals omitted) and a connecting part (reference numerals omitted) that connects the valve body to the connecting plate 2c so that the valve body can move along the axial direction D1 between a closed position where the valve body is in close contact with the edge of the inlet 9d, as shown in box IIA in Figure 2, and an open position where the valve body is away from the edge of the inlet 9d, as shown in box IIB in Figure 2.

[0025] Figure 3 is a plan view showing the state in which a part of the retaining member 6 in Figure 1 has been removed.

[0026] Referring to Figures 1 to 3, the connected member 3 is connected to the push-pull portions 2a2 (connected portion 2a2b) of a plurality of introduction-out portions 2a on a connecting surface S1 (Figure 2), which is one of the planes perpendicular to the inclined axis J2 (Figure 2) that is inclined with respect to the axis J1. Specifically, the connected member 3 has a connected portion 3a connected to the rotating shaft 4b of the motor 4 via a connection mechanism 5, which will be described later, and a plurality of extension portions 3b that extend from the connected portion 3a toward the plurality of introduction-out portions 2a (connected portion 2a2b) and are arranged in the circumferential direction. The connected portion 3a has a fitting hole 3a1 that opens toward one direction (downward in Figure 2) in the direction along the inclined axis J2 in order to fit the connection mechanism 5. At the tip of each extension 3b, a through hole 3b1 is formed that penetrates each extension 3b in a direction along the inclined axis J2, and the connected portion 2a2b is inserted into the through hole 3b1 from one side in the axial direction D1 (upper side in Figure 2) while being prevented from coming out in the axial direction D1.

[0027] The motor 4 comprises a motor body 4a and a rotating shaft 4b that is rotatable about axis J1 relative to the motor body 4a. The rotating shaft 4b extends from a surface of the motor body 4a facing one side of the axial direction D1 (upwards in Figure 2) toward the other side of the axial direction D1 (upwards in Figure 2).

[0028] The connecting mechanism 5 connects the connected member 3 and the rotating shaft 4b such that the inclined shaft J2 rotates around the shaft J1 while allowing the rotation of the rotating shaft 4b relative to the connected member 3. Specifically, the connecting mechanism 5 includes an intermediate shaft 5a fixed to the rotating shaft 4b, and a bearing 5b that rotatably supports the intermediate shaft 5a and is fixed to the connected member 3. The intermediate shaft 5a has a fixed portion 5a1 fixed to the rotating shaft 4b, and a shaft body 5a2 extending from the fixed portion 5a1 along the inclined shaft J2 to one side (upper side in Figure 2). The bearing 5b is inserted into the fitting hole 3a1 of the connected member 3 from one side in the axial direction D1 (lower side in Figure 2), thereby fitting into the connected member 3. The bearing 5b also has a support hole 5b1 that receives the shaft body 5a2 from one side in the axial direction D1 (lower side in Figure 2) and rotatably supports the shaft body 5a2.

[0029] As described above, the rotation of the connected member 3 around the axis J1 is restricted because the connected member 3 is fixed to the push-pull portion 2a2 of the introduction-exit portion 2a. Therefore, in this state, the inclined axis J2 (intermediate axis 5a) rotates around axis J1, and the rotational force from the motor 4 is converted into a force that moves the push-pull portion 2a2 along axis J1. As a result, the multiple introduction-exit portions 2a sequentially deform between a pushed-in state (the state of the introduction-exit portion 2a on the left in Figure 2) and an extended state (the state of the introduction-exit portion 2a on the right in Figure 2).

[0030] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the holding member 6 has an introduction passage (a passage where fluid flow occurs, indicated by arrows Y1 to Y3) connected to a plurality of containment chambers R1, and an outlet passage (a passage where fluid flow occurs, indicated by arrows Y4 to Y6) connected to a plurality of containment chambers R1, and is fixed to the motor body 4a. The holding member 6 also holds a plurality of introduction and outlet sections 2a (elastic members 2). Specifically, the holding member 6 comprises a base section 8 fixed to the motor body 4a, a containment chamber forming section 9 attached to the base section 8 to form a containment chamber R2 for storing the connected member 3, a clamping section 10 that clamps the elastic member 2 between itself and the containment chamber forming section 9 so that the introduction and outlet sections 2a are located inside the containment chamber R2, and a confluence chamber forming section 11 attached to the clamping section 10 to form a confluence chamber R3 for confluence of fluids discharged from the introduction and outlet sections 2a.

[0031] The base portion 8 has a bottom portion 8a fixed to the motor body 4a along a surface of the motor body 4a facing one direction in the axial direction D1 (upward in Figure 2), a side wall portion 8b extending from the peripheral edge of the bottom portion 8a toward one direction in the axial direction D1 (upward in Figure 2), and a fluid introduction portion 8c extending from the bottom portion 8a toward the other direction in the axial direction D1 (downward in Figure 2) on the inside of the side wall portion 8b and on the side of the motor body 4a. The bottom portion 8a has an insertion hole 8a1 through which the rotating shaft 4b is inserted. The side wall portion 8b is provided over the entire circumferential direction centered on the shaft J1. Fluid introduction holes 8d are formed in the bottom portion 8a and the fluid introduction portion 8c, and fluid is introduced from the outside of the bottom portion 8a (downward in Figure 2) to the inside of the side wall portion 8b through the fluid introduction holes 8d.

[0032] The storage chamber forming section 9 has a side wall section 9a extending from the side wall section 8b of the base section 8 in one direction in the axial direction D1 (upper part of Figure 2), and a closing section 9b that closes the opening of the side wall section 9a that opens toward one direction in the axial direction D1 (upper part of Figure 2). The side wall section 9a is provided over the entire circumferential direction centered on the axis J1. The closing section 9b supports the connecting plate 2c of the elastic member 2 from the other direction in the axial direction D1 (lower part of Figure 2) when the plurality of introduction and exit sections 2a are arranged in the storage chamber R2. Specifically, the closing section 9b has a plurality of insertion holes 9c that penetrate the closing section 9b in the axial direction D1 in order to insert each of the plurality of introduction and exit sections 2a. The plurality of insertion holes 9c are arranged in the circumferential direction centered on the axis J1. Furthermore, in the radially inner region of the multiple insertion holes 9c in the closing portion 9b, multiple inlet openings 9d are formed, each facing the multiple inlet valves 2b of the elastic member 2 in the axial direction D1. Each of the multiple inlet openings 9d penetrates the closing portion 9b in the axial direction D1.

[0033] The clamping portion 10 clamps the connecting plate 2c of the elastic member 2 between itself and the storage chamber forming portion 9 (closing portion 9b) while allowing fluid to flow to the introduction / exit portion 2a through the inlet 9d. Specifically, the clamping portion 10 has a flat opposing surface 10a that faces the closing portion 9b in the axial direction D1. The thickness dimension of the elastic member 2 is substantially the same in the radially outer region of the multiple introduction / exit portions 2a and in the region where the partition wall 2e is formed. Therefore, by clamping the elastic member 2 between the closing portion 9b and the opposing surface 10a, the flow of fluid is restricted in the radially outer region of the multiple introduction / exit portions 2a and in the region where the partition wall 2e is formed, while the flow of fluid is permitted in the other regions, i.e., in the region where the multiple partition walls 2e are not formed. As a result, as shown by arrows Y1 to Y3 in Figure 2, fluid flow is permitted from the inlet 9d of the storage chamber forming section 9 to the storage chamber R1, while fluid flow between the closing section 9b and the opposing surface 10a in other areas is restricted. Specifically, when the storage chamber R1 of the inlet / outlet section 2a is under positive pressure and the inlet valve 2b described above is in the closed position as shown in box IIA in Figure 2, fluid flow from the inlet 9d into the storage chamber R1 is restricted. On the other hand, when the storage chamber R1 of the inlet / outlet section 2a is under negative pressure and the inlet valve 2b described above is displaced to the open position as shown in box IIB in Figure 2, fluid flow from the inlet 9d into the storage chamber R1 is restricted.

[0034] Furthermore, when the inside of the containment chamber R1 of the introduction / exit section 2a becomes positive pressure, the clamping section 10 clamps the connecting plate 2c of the elastic member 2 between itself and the containment chamber forming section 9 (closing section 9b) in a state where the fluid inside the containment chamber R1 can be discharged, as shown by arrows Y4 to Y6 in Figure 2. Specifically, the clamping section 10 has a plurality of mounting holes 10b for attaching the outlet valve 7, and a plurality of outlets 10c provided around each mounting hole 10b. The mounting holes 10b and outlets 10c each penetrate the clamping section 10 in the axial direction D1. Also, each mounting hole 10b is provided at a position that overlaps with the containment chamber R1 when viewed along the axial direction D1. In addition, the attached portion 7a of the outlet valve 7 is press-fitted into each mounting hole 10b in a state that restricts the flow of fluid. The outlet valve 7 has an umbrella portion 7b that extends from the end of the attached portion 7a opposite to the containment chamber R1 in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction D1. When no external force is applied to the outlet valve 7, and when the containment chamber R1 is under negative pressure and atmospheric pressure is applied to the umbrella portion 7b from one side in the axial direction D1 (upper side in Figure 2), all outlets 10c provided around one mounting hole 10b are covered in the axial direction D1 by the umbrella portion 7b. In this state, the flow of fluid between the umbrella portion 7b and the clamping portion 10 is restricted. On the other hand, when the containment chamber R1 is under positive pressure, as shown by arrows Y4 to Y6 in Figure 2, the umbrella portion 7b elastically deforms in the direction away from the clamping portion 10, allowing fluid to be discharged through the outlets 10c.

[0035] The confluence chamber forming section 11 is for confluence of fluids discharged from multiple introduction / exit sections 2a and discharged from the holding member 6. Specifically, the confluence chamber forming section 11 has a side wall section 11a extending in the axial direction D1 from the periphery of the clamping section 10, a ceiling section 11b that forms a confluence chamber R3 between itself and the clamping section 10 by closing the opening of the side wall section 11a on the side opposite to the clamping section 10, and an outlet port 11c extending from the ceiling section 11b in the axial direction D1 away from the clamping section 10. Outlet holes 11d are formed in the ceiling section 11b and the outlet port 11c, penetrating in the axial direction D1 to connect the confluence chamber R3 with the outside of the confluence chamber forming section 11.

[0036] Figure 3 is a plan view showing the state with a part of the retaining member removed from Figure 1. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in Figure 3.

[0037] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the pump 1 of the first embodiment is further provided with a restricting part 12 that is mounted so as not to rotate relative to the motor body 4a with respect to the shaft J1, and which contacts the connected member 3 in the circumferential direction to restrict the rotation of the connected member 3 with respect to the shaft J1.

[0038] The restricting section 12 is provided between a pair of circumferentially opposed extension sections 3bA and 3bB in order to connect to two circumferentially adjacent introduction / exit sections 2a among a plurality of introduction / exit sections 2a. Specifically, the restricting section 12 restricts the circumferential movement of the interposition section 3c provided on the connected member 3. The interposition section 3c extends radially from the connected section 3a between the pair of extension sections 3bA and 3bB in the circumferential direction.

[0039] The restricting portion 12 has a pair of restricting pieces 12a that extend from the bottom 8a of the base portion 8 toward the motor body 4a in the axial direction D1 and face each other in the circumferential direction, and a connecting portion 12b that connects the pair of restricting pieces 12a. The intervening portion 3c is adjacent to each of the pair of restricting pieces 12a in the circumferential direction and is provided between the pair of restricting pieces 12a so as to be slidable in the axial direction D1 relative to the pair of restricting pieces 12a. Specifically, as shown in Figure 5, the intervening portion 3c faces each of the pair of restricting pieces 12a and has a rounded surface 3c1 that faces the axial direction D1. In this embodiment, the intervening portion 3c has a cylindrical shape, and the rounded surface 3c1 is an arc surface that faces the circumferential direction. The intervening portion 3c is not limited to a cylindrical shape, and an intervening portion 3c having a rectangular cross-section may be adopted, facing the pair of restricting pieces 12a and having a rounded portion formed at the corner that faces the axial direction D1. In contrast, the opposing surfaces of the pair of restricting pieces 12a are flat surfaces that extend along the axial direction D1.

[0040] The one-side connecting portion 12b connects the pair of restricting pieces 12a to each other at a position on the opposite side of the rotating shaft 4b from the intermediate arranging portion 3c, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. Further, the one-side connecting portion 12b is provided at a position spaced apart in the orthogonal direction from the distal end 3c2 that is farther from the output shaft of the intermediate arranging portion 3c, so as to allow the intermediate arranging portion 3c to move in the orthogonal direction perpendicular to the axis J1 (the left-right direction in FIG. 4) when the inclined shaft J2 makes one full rotation about the axis J1. Specifically, the distal end 3c2 of the intermediate arranging portion 3c is farthest from the rotating shaft 4b in the orthogonal direction when the longitudinal direction of the intermediate arranging portion 3c is in a posture perpendicular to the axis J1, and the distance L1 (see FIG. 4) from the distal end 3c2 to the one-side connecting portion 12b at this time is set to be 0 or more. Further, the one-side connecting portion 12b is provided in a region that can cover the entire movement range E1 in the axial direction D1 of the distal end 3c2 of the intermediate arranging portion 3c in the orthogonal direction (the left-right direction in FIG. 4) when the inclined shaft J2 makes one full rotation about the axis J1.

[0041] Further, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the circumferential gap G1 (see FIG. 5) between the intermediate arranging portion 3c and the pair of restricting pieces 12a is set to be equal to or smaller than the circumferential gap G2 (see FIG. 3) between the pair of extending portions 3bA, 3bB and the pair of restricting pieces 12a. Accordingly, the circumferential movement (rotation) of the intermediate arranging portion 3c can be reliably restricted by the pair of restricting pieces 12a. In the present embodiment, the gap G2 is set to be larger than the gap G1.

[0042] As described above, according to the first embodiment, since the restricting portion 12 that abuts against the connected member 3 in the circumferential direction is provided, rotation of the connected member 3 about the axis J1 can be restricted.

[0043] Therefore, by preventing unintended movement in the circumferential direction of the push-pull portion 2a2, the durability of the plurality of lead-in / lead-out portions 2a can be improved.

[0044] According to the first embodiment, the restricting portion 12 can be provided by utilizing the circumferential dead space between the pair of extending portions 3bA and 3bB extending from the connected portion 3a for coupling to the two lead-in / lead-out portions 2a.

[0045] According to the first embodiment, since the interposing portion 3c is provided between the pair of regulating pieces 12a so as to be adjacent to each regulating piece 12a in the circumferential direction, rotation of the interposing portion 3c, that is, the connected member 3 in the circumferential direction can be regulated.

[0046] Furthermore, as a result of the inclined shaft J2 rotating about the shaft J1, the interposing portion 3c moves in the axial direction D1. In the first embodiment, since the interposing portion 3c is slidable in the axial direction D1 with respect to the pair of regulating pieces 12a, movement of the interposing portion 3c in the axial direction D1 relative to the pair of regulating pieces 12a is allowed while movement of the interposing portion 3c in the circumferential direction can be regulated.

[0047] In the case where the rotation direction of the rotating shaft 4b of the motor 4 is limited to one direction, if only one regulating piece 12a positioned in the rotation direction among the pair of regulating pieces 12a is provided, rotation of the connected member 3 in the circumferential direction can be regulated. However, when only one regulating piece 12a is provided, there is a possibility that the interposing portion 3c rotates in a direction opposite to the rotation direction due to the reaction force received by the interposing portion 3c when the interposing portion 3c abuts against the one regulating piece 12a. By providing the other regulating piece 12a as in the first embodiment, rotation of the interposing portion 3c caused by the reaction force can be prevented.

[0048] According to the first embodiment, the rounded surface 3c1 can reduce sliding resistance of the interposing portion 3c in the axial direction D1 with respect to the pair of regulating pieces 12a.

[0049] According to the first embodiment, since the interposing portion 3c is sandwiched between the pair of regulating pieces 12a in the circumferential direction, rotation of the interposing portion 3c, that is, the connected member 3 in the circumferential direction can be regulated.

[0050] In this case, since the pair of restricting pieces 12a are provided between the pair of extensions 3bA and 3bB, there is a risk that the restricting pieces 12a and the extensions 3bA and 3bB may come into contact before the restricting action of the pair of restricting pieces 12a. In contrast, in the first embodiment, the circumferential gap G1 between the interposition portion 3c and the pair of restricting pieces 12a is equal to or smaller than the circumferential gap G2 between the pair of extensions 3bA and 3bB and the pair of restricting pieces 12a, so that the restricting pieces 12a and the extensions 3bA and 3bB may come into contact before the restricting action of the pair of restricting pieces 12a.

[0051] As described above, when restricting the rotation of the connected member 3 by sandwiching the interposition portion 3c in the circumferential direction with a pair of restricting pieces 12a, relatively high strength is required for the restricting pieces 12a. Therefore, it is conceivable to improve the strength by connecting the pair of restricting pieces 12a together.

[0052] However, as a result of the inclined axis J2 rotating about axis J1, the distal end 3c2 of the interposition section 3c that is farther from the rotation axis 4b moves in a direction perpendicular to axis J1 while the inclined axis J2 rotates once about axis J1. Therefore, it is necessary to allow this movement of the interposition section 3c in the direction perpendicular to axis J1. In the first embodiment, since the single connecting portion 12b is provided at a position that is a distance L1 away from the interposition section 3c that allows movement of the interposition section 3c in the direction perpendicular to axis J1, it is possible to improve the strength of the pair of restricting pieces 12a while allowing movement of the interposition section 3c in the direction perpendicular to axis J1.

[0053] According to the first embodiment, the strength can be improved over the entire axial region D1 in the pair of restricting pieces 12a that receives force from the interposition portion 3c while the inclined axis J2 rotates once around axis J1.

[0054] According to the first embodiment, by providing a restricting portion 12 to the holding member 6 which is fixed to the motor body 4a and holds the introduction / exit portion 2a, the rotation of the connected member 3 relative to the motor body 4a can be restricted.

[0055] In the first embodiment, the restricting portion 12 is provided between a pair of circumferentially adjacent extension portions 3bA and 3bB, but the position of the restricting portion 12 is not limited to this. For example, as shown in the second embodiment in Figures 6 and 7, the restricting portion 12A can be provided at the same position as the extension portion 3b in the circumferential direction.

[0056] Specifically, the restricting portion 12A has a pair of restricting pieces 12Aa that extend from the bottom 8a of the base portion 8 toward the motor body 4a in the axial direction D1 and are opposed to each other in the circumferential direction. On the other hand, the connected member 3 has an intervening portion 3Ac that extends radially outward from one of the plurality of extension portions 3b and is positioned between the pair of restricting pieces 12Aa.

[0057] According to the second embodiment, the rotation of the connected member 3 can be restricted by the interposition portion 3Ac coming into contact with the pair of restricting pieces 12Aa.

[0058] In the second embodiment, similar to the first embodiment, a single connecting portion can be provided to connect a pair of restricting pieces 12Aa.

[0059] Furthermore, unlike the first and second embodiments, as shown in the third embodiment in Figures 8 and 9, the rotation of the connected member 3 may be restricted by a restricting portion 12B that abuts against a pair of circumferentially adjacent extensions 3bA and 3bB themselves.

[0060] Specifically, the restricting portion 12B has a restricting body 12B1 that extends from the bottom 8a of the base portion 8 in the axial direction D1 away from the motor body 4a at a position between the pair of extension portions 3bA and 3bB. As shown in Figure 10, the surfaces of the restricting body 12B1 that face the extension portions 3bA and 3bB are flat surfaces along the axis J1. On the other hand, the extension portions 3bA and 3bB have rounded surfaces 3bA1 and 3bB1 that face the restricting body 12B1 and face the axial direction D1. This allows for smooth sliding of the extension portions 3bA and 3bB in the axial direction D1 relative to the restricting body 12B1.

[0061] In other words, the restricting portion 12B of the third embodiment is located between the pair of extension portions 3bA and 3bB so as to be adjacent to each of the pair of extension portions 3bA and 3bB in the circumferential direction and so as to be slidable in the axial direction D1 relative to the pair of extension portions 3bA and 3bB.

[0062] According to the third embodiment, since the restricting portion 12B is provided between the pair of extension portions 3bA and 3bB so as to be adjacent to each extension portion 3bA and 3bB in the circumferential direction, the rotation of the pair of extension portions 3bA and 3bB, that is, the connected member 3, in the circumferential direction can be restricted.

[0063] Furthermore, as the inclined axis J2 rotates around axis J1, the pair of extensions 3bA and 3bB move in the axial direction D1 relative to the restricting portion 12B. In the first embodiment, since the restricting portion 12B is slidable in the axial direction D1 relative to the pair of extensions 3bA and 3bB, it is possible to restrict the circumferential movement of the pair of extensions 3bA and 3bB while allowing their movement in the axial direction D1 relative to the restricting portion 12B.

[0064] Furthermore, unlike the first to third embodiments, as shown in the fourth embodiment in Figures 11 and 12, a portion for contact with the restricting portion 12C may be formed in the region between a pair of adjacent extensions 3bA and 3bB in the circumferential direction of the connected member 3.

[0065] Specifically, the connected member 3 has an extension connecting portion 3C1 that connects the extension portions 3bA and 3bB in the circumferential direction, and an insertion hole 3C2 formed in the extension connecting portion 3C1. The insertion hole 3C2 penetrates the extension connecting portion 3C1 in the axial direction D1.

[0066] The restricting portion 12C has a receiving portion 12C1 that extends from the bottom 8a of the base portion 8 in a direction away from the motor body 4a in the axial direction D1 and is inserted into the insertion hole 3C2.

[0067] According to the fourth embodiment, the rotation of the connected member 3 can be restricted by the insertion portion 12C1 abutting against the circumferential inner surface of the insertion hole 3C2. Here, it is preferable that the circumferential inner surface of the insertion hole 3C2 has a rounded surface that faces the insertion portion 12C1 and is oriented in the axial direction D1, similar to the third embodiment shown in Figure 10.

[0068] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and for example, the following embodiments may also be adopted.

[0069] In the first to fourth embodiments, an example having one restricting section 12, 12A, 12B, 12C was described, but it may also have multiple restricting sections.

[0070] In this case, multiple embodiments of the first to fourth embodiments can be combined.

[0071] In the above embodiment, the restricting portions 12, 12A, 12B, and 12C provided on the holding member 6 fixed to the motor body 4a were illustrated as examples. However, assuming that they are provided so as to be unable to rotate relative to the motor body 4a with respect to the axis J1, the placement positions of the restricting portions 12, 12A, 12B, and 12C are not particularly limited.

[0072] The specific embodiments described above mainly include inventions having the following configurations.

[0073] To solve the above problems, the present invention provides a pump comprising a plurality of inlet and outlet sections arranged in the circumferential direction around a predetermined axis, each having a membrane section and a push / pull section that together with the membrane section partitions a fluid storage chamber and pushes into or pulls out of the fluid storage chamber as the membrane section deforms, thereby discharging fluid from the storage chamber or introducing fluid into the storage chamber, and connected to the push / pull sections of the plurality of inlet and outlet sections on a connecting surface which is one of the planes perpendicular to the inclined axis that is inclined with respect to the predetermined axis. A pump is provided, comprising: a connected member; a motor body; a rotating shaft rotatable about a predetermined axis relative to the motor body; a connecting mechanism for connecting the connected member and the rotating shaft such that the inclined shaft rotates about the predetermined axis while allowing rotation of the rotating shaft relative to the connected member; and a restricting part provided so as to be unable to rotate relative to the motor body about the predetermined axis, and which restricts the rotation of the connected member about the predetermined axis by abutting the connected member in the circumferential direction.

[0074] According to the present invention, since it has a restricting portion that abuts the connected member in the circumferential direction, it is possible to restrict the rotation of the connected member about a predetermined axis.

[0075] Therefore, according to the present invention, the durability of multiple introduction and output sections can be improved by preventing movement in the circumferential direction that is not intended for the push-pull section.

[0076] In the pump described above, the connected member has a connected portion connected to the rotating shaft via the connecting mechanism, and a pair of extending portions that extend from the connected portion toward the two adjacent inlet / outlet portions among the plurality of inlet / outlet portions and face each other in the circumferential direction, and the restricting portion is preferably provided between the pair of extending portions in the circumferential direction.

[0077] According to the above configuration, a restricting section can be provided by utilizing the circumferential dead space between a pair of extension sections that extend from the connected section in order to connect to the two inlet and outlet sections.

[0078] In the pump described above, it is preferable that the restricting portion has a pair of restricting pieces facing each other in the circumferential direction, and the connected member has an intervening portion provided between the pair of restricting pieces so as to be adjacent to each of the pair of restricting pieces in the circumferential direction and so as to be slidable in the axial direction along the predetermined axis relative to the pair of restricting pieces.

[0079] According to the above configuration, since the inter-position portion is provided between a pair of restricting pieces so as to be adjacent to each restricting piece in the circumferential direction, the rotation of the inter-position portion, i.e., the connected member, in the circumferential direction can be restricted.

[0080] Furthermore, as the inclined axis rotates about a predetermined axis, the interposition portion moves in the axial direction. In the above configuration, since the interposition portion is slidable in the axial direction relative to a pair of restricting pieces, it is possible to restrict the circumferential movement of the interposition portion while allowing its axial movement relative to the pair of restricting pieces.

[0081] Furthermore, if the rotation direction of the motor's rotating shaft is limited to one direction, the rotation of the connected member in the circumferential direction can be restricted by providing only one of the pair of restricting pieces located in the direction of rotation. However, if only one restricting piece is provided, the intervening part may rotate in the opposite direction to the rotation direction due to the reaction force received by the intervening part when it comes into contact with the one restricting piece. By providing the other restricting piece as in the above configuration, the rotation of the intervening part due to the reaction force can be prevented.

[0082] In the pump described above, it is preferable that the inter-position portion faces each of the pair of restricting pieces and has a rounded surface that faces in the axial direction.

[0083] According to the above configuration, the rounded surface can reduce the sliding resistance of the interposed portion in the axial direction relative to the pair of restricting pieces.

[0084] In the pump described above, the restricting portion has a pair of restricting pieces that face each other in the circumferential direction, and the connected member has an intervening portion provided between the pair of restricting pieces so as to be adjacent to each of the pair of restricting pieces in the circumferential direction and so as to be slidable in the axial direction along the predetermined axis relative to the pair of restricting pieces, wherein the circumferential gap between the intervening portion and the pair of restricting pieces is preferably equal to or smaller than the circumferential gap between the pair of extensions and the pair of restricting pieces.

[0085] According to the above configuration, since the interposition portion is sandwiched in the circumferential direction by a pair of restricting pieces, the rotation of the interposition portion, i.e., the connected member, in the circumferential direction can be restricted.

[0086] In this configuration, since the pair of restricting pieces are provided between the pair of extensions, there is a risk that the restricting pieces and the extensions may come into contact before the restricting force of the pair of restricting pieces is exerted. In contrast, in the above configuration, the circumferential gap between the interposition portion and the pair of restricting pieces is equal to or smaller than the circumferential gap between the pair of extensions and the pair of restricting pieces, thus preventing the restricting pieces and the extensions from coming into contact before the restricting force of the pair of restricting pieces is exerted.

[0087] In the pump described above, the regulating portion has a single connecting portion that connects the pair of regulating pieces at a position opposite to the rotation axis with respect to the inter-arrangement portion, and it is preferable that the single connecting portion is provided at a position away from the distal end of the inter-arrangement portion that is farther from the output axis in the orthogonal direction, so as to allow the inter-arrangement portion to move in an orthogonal direction perpendicular to the predetermined axis when the inclined axis rotates once around the predetermined axis.

[0088] As described above, when restricting the rotation of a connected member by sandwiching the interposed portion in the circumferential direction with a pair of restricting pieces, relatively high strength is required for the restricting pieces. Therefore, it is conceivable to improve the strength by connecting the pair of restricting pieces together.

[0089] However, as the inclined shaft rotates around a predetermined axis, the distal end of the inter-position part that is farther from the axis of rotation moves in a direction perpendicular to the predetermined axis during one rotation of the inclined shaft around the predetermined axis. Therefore, it is necessary to allow this movement of the inter-position part in the direction perpendicular to the predetermined axis. In the above configuration, a single connecting part is provided at a position that is far enough away from the inter-position part to allow movement of the inter-position part in the direction perpendicular to the predetermined axis. Thus, it is possible to improve the strength of the pair of restricting pieces while allowing movement of the inter-position part in the direction perpendicular to the predetermined axis.

[0090] In the pump described above, it is preferable that the single connecting portion is provided in a region that can cover the entire axial movement range of the distal end of the inter-arranged portion when the inclined shaft rotates once around the predetermined axis, in the orthogonal direction.

[0091] According to the above configuration, the strength can be improved over the entire axial region in a pair of restricting pieces that receives force from the interposition portion while the inclined axis rotates once around a predetermined axis.

[0092] In the pump described above, it is preferable that the restricting portion is located adjacent to each of the pair of extension portions in the circumferential direction and is provided between the pair of extension portions so as to be slidable in the axial direction along the predetermined axis relative to the pair of extension portions.

[0093] According to the above configuration, since the restricting portion is provided between the pair of extensions so as to be adjacent to each extension in the circumferential direction, the rotation of the pair of extensions, i.e., the connected member, in the circumferential direction can be restricted.

[0094] Furthermore, as the inclined shaft rotates about a predetermined axis, the pair of extensions move axially relative to the restricting part. In the pump described above, since the restricting part is slidable axially relative to the pair of extensions, it is possible to restrict the circumferential movement of the pair of extensions while allowing axial movement of the pair of extensions relative to the restricting part.

[0095] Preferably, the pump further comprises an inlet passage connected to the plurality of housing chambers and an outlet passage connected to the plurality of housing chambers, and a holding member fixed to the motor body and holding the plurality of inlet and outlet sections, wherein the regulating section is provided on the holding member.

[0096] According to the above configuration, by providing a restricting member to the holding member which is fixed to the motor body and holds the introduction and output sections, the rotation of the connected member relative to the motor body can be restricted.

Claims

1. A pump comprising: a plurality of inlet and outlet sections arranged in the circumferential direction around a predetermined axis, each having a membrane section and a push-pull section that partitions a fluid storage chamber together with the membrane section and pushes into or pulls out of the fluid storage chamber as the membrane section deforms, thereby discharging fluid from the storage chamber or introducing fluid into the storage chamber; a connected member connected to the push-pull section of the plurality of inlet and outlet sections on a connecting surface which is one of the planes perpendicular to an inclined axis that is inclined with respect to the predetermined axis; a motor having a motor body and a rotating shaft that is rotatable about the predetermined axis relative to the motor body; a connecting mechanism that connects the connected member and the rotating shaft such that the inclined axis rotates about the predetermined axis while allowing rotation of the rotating shaft relative to the connected member; and a restricting section that is provided so as to be unable to rotate relative to the motor body with respect to the predetermined axis, and restricts the rotation of the connected member about the predetermined axis by contacting the connected member in the circumferential direction.

2. The pump according to claim 1, wherein the connected member has a connected portion connected to the rotating shaft via the connecting mechanism, and a pair of extending portions that extend from the connected portion toward the two adjacent introduction / exit portions among the plurality of introduction / exit portions and face each other in the circumferential direction, and the restricting portion is provided between the pair of extending portions in the circumferential direction.

3. The pump according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the restricting portion has a pair of restricting pieces facing each other in the circumferential direction, and the connected member has an interposition portion provided between the pair of restricting pieces so as to be adjacent to each of the pair of restricting pieces in the circumferential direction and slidable in the axial direction along the predetermined axis relative to the pair of restricting pieces.

4. The pump according to claim 3, wherein the interposition portion faces each of the pair of restricting pieces and has a rounded surface facing in the axial direction.

5. The pump according to claim 2, wherein the restricting portion has a pair of restricting pieces facing each other in the circumferential direction, the connected member has an intervening portion provided between the pair of restricting pieces so as to be adjacent to each of the pair of restricting pieces in the circumferential direction and slidable in the axial direction along a predetermined axis relative to the pair of restricting pieces, and the circumferential gap between the intervening portion and the pair of restricting pieces is equal to or smaller than the circumferential gap between the pair of extensions and the pair of restricting pieces.

6. The pump according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the regulating portion has a single connecting portion that connects the pair of regulating pieces at a position opposite to the rotation axis with respect to the inter-arrangement portion, and the single connecting portion is provided at a position away from the distal end of the inter-arrangement portion that is farther from the output axis in the orthogonal direction, such that when the inclined axis rotates once around the predetermined axis, the inter-arrangement portion moves in an orthogonal direction perpendicular to the predetermined axis.

7. The pump according to claim 6, wherein the single connecting portion is provided in a region that can cover the entire axial movement range of the distal end of the inter-arranged portion when the inclined shaft rotates once around the predetermined axis, in the orthogonal direction.

8. The pump according to claim 2, wherein the restricting portion is provided between the pair of extensions so as to be adjacent to each of the pair of extensions in the circumferential direction and so as to be slidable in the axial direction along the predetermined axis relative to the pair of extensions.

9. The pump according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising an introduction passage connected to the plurality of housing chambers and an outlet passage connected to the plurality of housing chambers, a holding member fixed to the motor body and holding the plurality of introduction and outlet sections, wherein the regulating section is provided on the holding member.

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