Patent ID: 6364637
Filing Date: 2002-04-02
Classification: F04B

Abstract:
An air pump apparatus, comprising:a first pump mechanism; and a pump case assembly forming a first air-tight pump chamber in that the first pump mechanism is contained, wherein the first pump mechanism comprises: a base frame having a first end and a second end opposite to the first end, the first and second ends of the base frame defining an axial direction of the air pump apparatus; mutually opposing first and second diaphragms defining first and second diaphragm chambers on lateral sides of the base frame respectively; electromagnetic drive means for driving the first and second diaphragms so as to expand and contract the first and second diaphragm chambers; a first inlet port defined in the first end of the base frame for communicating air into the first diaphragm chamber upon expansion of the first diaphragm chamber, with a first one-way valve being provided between the first inlet port and the first diaphragm chamber for permitting air flow only into the first diaphragm chamber; a second inlet port defined in the base frame for communicating air into the second diaphragm chamber upon expansion of the second diaphragm chamber, a second one-way valve being provided between the second inlet port and the second diaphragm chamber for permitting air flow only into the second diaphragm chamber; a first outlet port defined in the base frame for discharging air from the first diaphragm chamber upon contraction of the first diaphragm chamber, a third one-way valve being provided between the first outlet port and the first diaphragm chamber for permitting air flow only out of the first diaphragm chamber; and a second outlet port defined in the second end of the base frame for discharging air from the second diaphragm chamber upon contraction of the second diaphragm chamber, a fourth one-way valve being provided between the second outlet port and the second diaphragm chamber for permitting air flow only out of the second diaphragm chamber, and the second outlet port being in axial alignment with the first inlet port, and wherein the first inlet port and the second outlet port of the first pump mechanism are in flow communication with outside of the first pump chamber, and the first outlet port and the second inlet port of the first pump mechanism are in flow communication with the first pump chamber.