Cylinder piston for an air compressor

Abstract

A cylinder piston (10) for an air compressor, in particular for a two-stage air compressor, wherein at least two channel openings (12) are integrated in the piston surface (11) of the cylinder piston (10), which are designed as an inlet valve (14) and / or as an outlet valve (16) of air in a compression chamber of the cylinder, characterized in that a continuous, one-piece and flexible sealing element (22) is provided within, or covering, the channel openings (12), which, as a reversible check valve (24) of a check valve (20), allows an inflow or outflow from the channel openings (12), wherein the at least two channel openings (12) can be configured independently of each other as an inlet valve (14) or as an outlet valve (16) by the flexible sealing element (22).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a cylinder piston for an air compressor, in particular for a two-stage air compressor.

[0002] Furthermore, the invention relates to a cylinder with at least one cylinder piston according to the invention. STATE OF THE ART

[0003] A variety of cylinder pistons are known from the prior art, which are used, for example, for compressing air or air mixtures in cylinder compressors. Such a compressor is used for the mechanical compression of various gases and is therefore referred to as a piston compressor. Such compressors can be used in the automotive sector, in particular for providing compressed air for dynamic air suspension.

[0004] In a piston compressor, an inlet valve opens simultaneously when the piston retracts, allowing air or gas to enter the vessel chamber. As soon as the piston returns to its original position, the valve closes again, and the piston compresses the air in the vessel. The compressed medium can be released through a valve in the adjacent compressed air tank to the pressure side or stored. Furthermore, at least one outlet valve can be provided, which serves to discharge exhaust gases or unused air or gas volume. Piston compressors can be driven in many different ways, e.g., by an electric motor.

[0005] A two-stage piston compressor typically uses two separate pistons, usually in a shared cylinder, with one piston forming a low-pressure stage and one piston forming a high-pressure stage. A pressure line controlled by check valves is provided between the two stages to transport compressed air pre-compressed in the low-pressure stage, for example, to 5-8 bar, to the high-pressure stage, where it is further compressed to 15-18 bar.

[0006] Typically, the intake and exhaust valves are located in the compressor housing, the cylinder head, or the cylinder base. The intake and exhaust valves are designed as separate valves. This requires the necessary space for the valves, while also creating a large dead space in a compressor stage.

[0007] For example, DE 44 29 097 A1 shows a piston compressor with a piston that has a passage for the gaseous medium drawn in from the underside of the piston. The passage forms an inlet valve that opens upon downward movement of the piston and closes upon upward movement. The cover is designed as a flat metal ring in the form of an inlet valve cover. Since the cover is designed as a metal ring and thus as a rigid element, all openings are always opened or closed simultaneously. Simultaneous design of one opening as an inlet valve and another opening as an outlet valve is therefore not possible.

[0008] DE 103 30 366 A1 discloses a piston compressor in which at least one inlet valve is integrated into the piston. The inlet valve is formed between an outer circumference of a spring element and a support surface. The inlet valve is opened and closed by the spring element. The spring element is disc-shaped, similar to DE 44 29 097 A1. Opening and closing multiple openings independently of one another is not possible.

[0009] DE 103 92 502 T5 also shows a piston compressor in which several openings are integrated into the piston. The openings are opened and closed via the intake valve. Thus, all openings are simultaneously and independently adjusted to the same valve type.

[0010] DE 23 11 048 A shows a piston compressor that has at least one opening in the piston as an inlet valve. The inlet valve is designed as a valve plate resting on the top of the piston and is made of a corrosion-resistant material, such as aluminum, brass, or zinc. All openings can be opened simultaneously via the inlet valve and thus only in dependence on one another.

[0011] The object of the invention is therefore to propose a cylinder piston that overcomes the aforementioned advantages. In particular, it saves installation space and avoids unnecessary dead space.

[0012] This object is achieved by a cylinder piston and a cylinder according to the independent claims. Advantageous further developments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims. DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The invention relates to a cylinder piston for an air compressor, in particular for a two-stage air compressor, wherein at least two channel openings are integrated into the piston surface of the cylinder piston, which are designed as an inlet valve and / or as an outlet valve for air in a compression chamber of the cylinder. This allows the two valves, i.e., the inlet valve and the outlet valve, to be implemented in a single channel opening. An inlet valve and an outlet valve can be formed by just one type of bore. The two valves can be virtually combined. This covers two functional directions with one component.

[0014] It is proposed that a coherent, one-piece and flexible sealing element is provided within or covering the channel openings, which allows inflow or outflow from the channel openings as a reversible check membrane of a check valve, wherein the at least two channel openings can be formed independently of one another as an inlet valve or as an outlet valve by the flexible sealing element.

[0015] The flexible sealing element is provided within or covering the channel opening and, as a reversible check membrane of a check valve, enables inflow or outflow from the at least one channel opening. A separate flexible sealing element can be provided for each channel opening. This makes it possible, for example, for one or more channel openings to be flexibly designed as an inlet valve or as an outlet valve if one or more channel openings are present. In particular, the flexible sealing element can be designed to be flat. When forming an inlet valve or an outlet valve, the sealing element can be deflected from the flat position and bear against a contact surface in the opposite direction, sealing the channel opening. The sealing element is preferably reversible in such a way that, after the deflection, it returns to its original position, in particular by itself.The sealing element can be designed, for example, as a flexible membrane, in particular a reversible check membrane. The sealing element can be arranged in the region of the piston surface. Likewise, the sealing element can be arranged centrally at any position across the cross-section of the channel opening. It is also conceivable to arrange more than one sealing element within a channel opening. For example, two flexible sealing elements can be arranged at any position within a respective channel opening.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment, a coherent, in particular one-piece, flexible sealing element for the at least two or more channel openings can enable inflow into or outflow from a channel opening, wherein the at least two openings can be designed independently of one another as inlet valves or as outlet valves by the flexible sealing element. If, for example, two channel openings are present, a flexible sealing element can be formed in one piece in such a way that it covers at least two channel openings and, for example, spans the distance between the two channel openings. The shape of the sealing element can be adapted to the cross-sectional shapes of the channel opening in the region of the channel openings. In the remaining region, for example between the two channel openings, the sealing element can be shaped as desired.This simplifies the assembly of the sealing element for forming check valves. Preferably, the sealing element can be shaped in the area of ​​the channel openings in such a way that deflection of the sealing element is only possible in the area of ​​the channel openings, and preferably independently for each area of ​​each channel opening. It is advantageous if the sealing element is slim in the remaining area and remains in the rest position. In the area of ​​the channel openings, the flexible sealing element can be designed, for example, as a reversible check valve.

[0017] Another advantage is that the valves are installed or integrated directly on the piston surface, i.e., in the cylinder piston. This allows for decoupling of the transfer channel. Furthermore, the dead space volume in the compressor stage can be reduced because the valves are directly connected to the compressed air or gas area, and no additional holes are required in the cylinder wall for channel routing.

[0018] The proposed component combination allows the piston compressor system or piston compressor to be optimized. The proposed cylinder piston design can be used, for example, for a compressor in the automotive sector, particularly for the compressed air supply of an air suspension system. Significant advantages include increased compressor efficiency, while the moving mass can be reduced. Furthermore, components are eliminated, which also results in reduced assembly effort. Another advantage is the reduced component size, as the areas in the cylinder where the valves are normally located are eliminated.

[0019] The channel opening can preferably be aligned substantially parallel to a direction of movement of the cylinder piston. The channel opening can run from the piston surface, i.e. from an outer surface of the cylinder piston to an opposite surface of the cylinder piston in the direction of travel of the piston. The channel opening is preferably designed as a type of bore, in particular as a continuous bore. The channel opening can have a round cross-section. The channel opening can have a constant cross-section over the length of the channel opening, i.e. over the length of the bore. A variable cross-section, for example a conical cross-section, is also conceivable, or a recess for introducing a check valve element.

[0020] The at least one channel opening can be arranged at any position in the piston surface or in the cylinder piston. The channel opening preferably has a maximum cross-sectional dimension that is several times smaller than the cross-sectional dimension of the cylinder piston.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment, the at least one channel opening can provide a connection between a first compressor stage and a second compressor stage of a two-stage piston compressor, or a connection to an air intake area, or a connection to a compressed air outlet. This allows the proposed cylinder piston to be used as a high-pressure piston in a high-pressure stage. It is also conceivable for the cylinder piston to form a low-pressure piston. Advantageously, both high-pressure and low-pressure pistons are designed with a channel opening, with an outlet valve being formed in the low-pressure piston and an inlet valve being formed in the high-pressure piston.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment, the at least one channel opening can be designed as a check valve. Since the check valve is integrated directly into the cylinder piston, dead space can be reduced. This can improve the response time of the check valve.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment, more than two channel openings can be integrated into the cylinder piston, each of which can be designed as an inlet valve or as an outlet valve. For example, three channel openings, i.e. two bores, can be arranged in the cylinder piston. These can, for example, be structurally identical. It is also conceivable for two channel openings to have different geometries in cross-section and over the course of the channel opening or bore. If there are three channel openings in the cylinder piston, two channel openings can be designed as inlet valves and one channel opening as an outlet valve. It is also conceivable for the respective channel opening to be designed as an inlet and as an outlet valve. The respective channel opening can be used flexibly.

[0024] In a further embodiment, for example, three channel openings can be arranged in the cylinder piston, with two channel openings being designed as inlet valves and one channel opening as outlet valve. The outlet valve can, for example, have a smaller cross-section than an inlet valve, since in particular a large-area air intake should be ensured. It is also conceivable for more than three channel openings or bores to be arranged in the cylinder piston. The sum of the cross-sections of the channel openings should be selected such that the mechanical stability of the cylinder piston per se is not weakened. The channel openings can be arranged at any position in the cylinder piston. The channel openings are preferably arranged substantially equally spaced from one another circumferentially along an inner circumference.In particular, the two intake valves can be arranged in the cylinder piston in such a way that an air intake that is substantially balanced or symmetrical with respect to the piston area can be ensured.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment, the flexibly flexible sealing element can be designed as a check membrane. If there are multiple channel openings, the direction of the check valve can be selected independently for each channel opening. For example, a separate check membrane can be arranged at each channel opening. It is also conceivable to form a continuous membrane for all existing channel openings that reaches each of the channel openings. The connecting regions in which the membrane is arranged between the channel openings should be as slim as possible and independent of the geometry of the respective channel opening so that the membrane can remain in this region even if deflection occurs in the region of at least one channel bore.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment, the flexible sealing element can be fixed, in particular pressed, to the piston surface of the cylinder piston via a retaining plate in such a way that a closing or opening movement of the flexible sealing element in the region of the channel opening is enabled. The retaining plate can preferably serve to ensure that the flexible sealing element, for example a membrane, remains flat in the region between the channel openings, even if the sealing element is deflected in the region of at least one channel opening and allows air to pass through. The retaining plate can, for example, be arranged in the region between the channel openings. The retaining plate is preferably flat and in the form of a sheet metal. This means that the retaining plate has a small thickness. The retaining plate can, for example, be screwed to the cylinder piston and essentially cover the piston surface.This can be achieved by screwing the retaining plate onto the piston surface. It is also conceivable for the retaining plate to be at least partially bonded to the sealing element, and the sealing element to the piston surface. It is also conceivable for the retaining plate to be welded to the cylinder piston. The retaining plate can, for example, be constructed in several parts so that all areas between the existing channel openings can be reached. The elements are preferably arranged one on top of the other in the following order: cylinder piston, flexible sealing element, retaining plate.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment, the holding plate can have a recess in the region of the at least one channel opening, which recess has a different diameter depending on the function of the channel opening as an inlet valve or outlet valve, in order to form a diameter of an inlet opening of the inlet valve or a diameter of a stop ring of the outlet valve. If the diameter of a recess in the holding plate is, for example, larger than the diameter of a channel opening, the sealing element can be deflected through the recess in the direction of the holding plate. This can provide a valve direction that forms, for example, an inlet valve. If, on the other hand, the diameter of a recess in the holding plate is smaller than the diameter of a channel opening, the sealing element can seal the channel opening by deflecting it in the direction of the holding plate and not expose it, forming an outlet valve.Consequently, a type of stop ring for the sealing element can be formed. Such a channel opening cannot therefore represent an inlet valve with a valve direction similar to the previously described case. Instead, the channel opening could form an outlet valve, allowing the sealing element to be deflected away from the retaining plate. This can be achieved, for example, by a recess in the piston surface to allow the sealing element to be deflected toward the piston surface. The recess could have a comparable dimension to a recess in the retaining plate, particularly if the two channel openings have the same cross-sections and / or the same diameters.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment, the retaining plate can have an annular, protruding outer edge which positively engages a stepped outer contour of the cylinder piston and is preferably received in a cup collar located in the stepped outer contour. This allows, for example, the retaining plate to be pressed onto the cylinder piston. The retaining plate can also be attached to the cylinder piston via a cup collar, which can form a type of outer edge of the retaining plate in order to prevent displacement of the retaining plate in the longitudinal or transverse direction, i.e. parallel to the piston surface. By additionally screwing the retaining plate onto the cylinder piston, the top collar can be clamped in a positive fit between the cylinder piston and the retaining plate.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment, the cylinder piston can have a recess with a depth t1 on one surface at least around the channel opening. The flexible sealing element, in particular a membrane, can be inserted into this recess. This secures the position of the sealing element on the piston surface against parallel displacement relative to the piston surface.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment, the flexible sealing element can be adapted to the shape of the recess, wherein in particular the depth t1 of the recess corresponds to a thickness t2 of the flexible sealing element, and preferably a border region of a channel opening serving as an outlet valve can be provided with a greater depth in the direction of the outlet channel in order to provide a valve flap movement space for the flexible sealing element, or the diameter of the recess of the outlet valve can be designed to be large enough, at least in the region of the channel opening, to provide a valve flap movement space. If the depth of the recess corresponds to a thickness of the flexible sealing element, the sealing element can be virtually countersunk into the recess. When a retaining plate is placed on top, it can rest over its entire surface on the sealing element and on the piston surface, even if the retaining plate is flat.If the sealing element is to be deflected not toward the retaining plate but toward the piston surface, it is advantageous if the recess with depth t1 is formed at least partially deeper than the thickness t2 of the flexible sealing element. This allows the sealing element to be deflected toward the recess and open the valve in the channel opening.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment, the flexibly flexible sealing element can be finger-shaped and comprise a number of fingers with finger ends that corresponds to the number of channel openings, wherein the finger ends can reach and cover the at least two channel openings, in particular the more than two channel openings, as a check valve. The sealing element is preferably designed with larger dimensions in the region of the channel opening, i.e. in the region of the finger ends, than in the regions between the channel openings, i.e. in the connecting regions. Thus, the connecting regions between at least two channel openings, which form the fingers, so to speak, can be slimmer than the finger ends that are located in the region of the channel openings. The finger ends can have the shape of the channel openings, but with an enlarged cross-section.This ensures that the flexible sealing element has sufficient flexibility in the area of ​​the channel opening and can, for example, also act or be designed as a reversible check membrane.

[0032] The invention further relates to a cylinder with at least one cylinder piston according to the invention.

[0033] It is proposed that, depending on the air ratio, air flows in or compressed air flows out through the inlet valve or outlet valve of the corresponding port opening. The same features and advantages apply to the cylinder with at least one cylinder piston as already described for the cylinder piston.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment of the cylinder, the at least one cylinder piston can have three port openings, wherein two port openings can be designed as intake valves and one port opening as an exhaust valve. The two intake valves can each have a larger diameter than the exhaust valve. Preferably, the intake valves are arranged in the cylinder piston in such a way that a symmetrical inflow through the intake valves can occur with respect to the piston area or the diameter of the cylinder piston.

[0035] In a secondary aspect, an air compressor according to a piston compressor principle is proposed, wherein the cylinder according to the aforementioned embodiment is designed with a cylinder piston with an integrated channel opening as an inlet and / or outlet valve for air in a compression chamber of the cylinder. DRAWINGS

[0036] Further advantages will become apparent from the accompanying drawings and descriptions. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention. The drawings, the description, and the claims contain numerous features in combination. Those skilled in the art will also expediently consider the features individually and combine them into further meaningful combinations.

[0037] It shows: Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of a cylinder piston according to the invention in an exploded view; Fig. 2 a further illustration of the embodiment of Fig. 1 in a view rotated by 180°; Fig. 3 a further illustration of the embodiment of Fig. 1 in an isometric view without holding plate and partially cut; Fig. 4 the representation from Fig. 3 with holding plate; Fig. 5 another view of the embodiment of Fig. 1 in a side view; Fig. 6 a sectional view of Fig. 5.

[0038] In the figures, identical or similar components are numbered with the same reference numerals.

[0039] Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of a cylinder piston 10 according to the invention in an exploded view. The upper edge of the image shows the cylinder piston 10, which has three channel openings 12a, 12b, 12c. The two channel openings 12a, 12b are identical, while the third channel opening 12c has a smaller diameter. The channel openings 12a, 12b, 12c extend from the piston surface 11 essentially perpendicularly through the cylinder piston 10. In this case, perpendicular means essentially parallel to a direction of movement of the cylinder piston 10 in a cylinder (not shown). The illustration also shows a piston guide ring 36 which is arranged in a recess on the circumferential side wall of the cylinder piston 10. In this embodiment, a flexible sealing element 22 is finger-shaped and has three finger ends 34 that correspond to the positions of the channel openings 12a, 12b, 12c.In this case, the three finger ends 34 can serve as a check diaphragm 24 on the respective channel opening 12a, 12b, 12c when installed. The illustration also shows a cup seal 38, which, when installed, can be arranged between a retaining plate 26 and the cylinder piston 10. The retaining plate 26 has an annularly protruding outer edge 50, which, when installed, engages in the cup seal 38 and is held in place by it in a shape-congruent manner. In this embodiment, the retaining plate 26 is screwed onto the cylinder piston 10 using three fixing screws 40. In order to form valves in the channel openings 12a, 12b, 12c, a recess 28 is arranged in the retaining plate 26 at the position where a channel opening 12a, 12b, 12c is located. The recesses 28 have the diameter d1 for the two inlet valves 14.For the exhaust valve 16, the recesses 28 have a diameter d2, which is smaller than the diameter d1. The size of the diameter d1 enables the flexible sealing element 22 to deflect through the recesses 28. This allows the two intake valves 14 to be formed. The recesses 28 with a diameter d2, however, prevent the flexible sealing element 22 from deflecting in the direction of the recess 28 or in the direction of the retaining plate 26, thereby defining a stop ring. The flexible sealing element 22 at the finger end 34 of the channel opening 12c can therefore only deflect in the direction of the piston surface 11, in which a corresponding recess is formed as a valve flap movement space. Preferably, a sufficient depression is formed in the piston surface 11 (not visible in this perspective view).Consequently, the channel opening 12c can form an outlet valve 16 through which air can flow in the opposite direction to the two inlet valves 14. In this illustration, a first compressor stage 18a and a second compressor stage 18b of a two-stage piston compressor can be arranged in the direction of the arrow. In particular, the piston compressor can be used to supply a vehicle compressed air system, in particular for an air suspension system, braking system, etc.

[0040] Another illustration of the embodiment from Fig. 1 in a view rotated by 180° is in Fig. 2. In contrast to the representation in Fig. 1, the second compressor stage 18b is shown in the upper area of ​​the illustration, and the first compressor stage 18a is shown in the lower area of ​​the illustration. Consequently, in this exploded view, the surface 30 of the piston surface can be viewed directly. This clearly shows the recess 32 with a depth of t1. In this embodiment, the recess 32 is finger-shaped, equivalent to the flexible sealing element 22, with a thickness of t2. The finger ends 34 of the three fingers are arranged at the corners of a virtual triangle. In the area of ​​the finger ends 34, the recess 32 is widened in cross-section, so that a depressed area is formed by the recess 32 in the area around the respective channel opening 12a, 12b, 12c. In a connecting area between the channel openings 12a, 12b, 12c, the recess 32 is formed with a reduced cross-section.The finger ends 34 of the flexible sealing element 22 can thus flexibly deflect from the rest position and form a check membrane 24. The recess 32, in particular, provides a valve flap movement space around the channel opening 12c. For the two inlet valves 14, the valve flap movement space is formed by the recesses 28 in the holding plate 26, through which passage openings 44 are created. For the exhaust valve 16, in which the check valve must be formed in the opposite direction to the check valve on the inlet valve 14, the valve flap movement space is provided by an extension of the recess 32 in the piston surface 11 around the channel opening 12c. As a result, the finger end 34 of the flexible sealing element 22 at the exhaust valve 16 can deflect from a rest position towards the piston surface 11 and form a check membrane 24.A movement of the flexible sealing element 22 in the direction of the holding plate 26 is prevented by the fact that the recess 28 in the area of ​​the exhaust valve 16 has a smaller diameter d2 than the recesses 28 with diameter d1 for the intake valves 14, so that a stop ring 46 is formed. The depth t1 of the recess 32 can correspond to the thickness t2 of the flexible sealing element 22, so that when the holding plate 26 is applied, it rests over its entire surface on the flexible sealing element 22 and on the piston surface 11. The other features correspond to those already described with regard to . Fig. 1. Therefore, these features will not be discussed further here.

[0041] Fig. 3 shows a further illustration of the embodiment of Fig. 1 in an isometric view without retaining plate 26 and without flexible sealing element 22 and partially sectioned. The illustration corresponds virtually to the embodiment of Fig. 2, although this is not shown in the form of an exploded view. Furthermore, the illustration is partially sectioned so that the two channel openings 12a, 12c are visible in longitudinal section. The illustration shows the situation before the flexible sealing element 22 is applied and before the holding plate 26 is applied. This makes the surface 30 of the piston surface 11 visible. The fixing screws 40 are shown purely for illustrative purposes. The flexible sealing element 22 can then be inserted into the recess 32. The thickness t2 of the flexible sealing element 22 can correspond to the depth t1 of the recess 32, so that the flexible sealing element 22 is flush with the piston surface 11 on the upper side.

[0042] The representation from Fig. 3 with retaining plate 26 and flexible sealing element 22 is in Fig. 4. It is clearly visible that the flexible sealing element 22 corresponds to the shape of the recess 32. Furthermore, it is very clearly visible that the recess 28 at the channel opening 12a is larger than the finger end 34, so that the flexible sealing element 22 in the region of the finger end 34 can move upwards from the rest position in the illustration. This allows an inlet valve 14 to be formed. In the region of the channel opening 12c, on the other hand, the recess 28 is designed to be so small that the flexible sealing element 22 in the region of the finger end 34 is touched by the holding plate 26 in the upper area of ​​the illustration. This prevents deflection of the flexible sealing element 22 in a direction upwards in the illustration.It is therefore possible to form a valve flap movement space by means of a recess on the piston surface 11 in such a way that a deflection of the flexibly flexible sealing element 22 from a rest position in the illustration downwards is possible. This makes it possible to form an outlet valve 16 which permits a flow direction opposite to the flow direction in the inlet valve 14. The valve flap movement space is not shown in this illustration. Furthermore, it can be seen that the holding plate 26 has an annular outer edge 50 which positively engages a stepped outer contour 48 of the cylinder piston. Furthermore, a cup seal 38 is arranged between the holding plate 26 and the piston surface 11.

[0043] Fig. 5 shows a further view of the embodiment of Fig. 1 in a side view. The arrangement of the piston guide ring 36 and the cup seal 38 is visible. The cylinder piston 10 is flat on both the underside and top side of the illustration. Consequently, neither the fixing screws 40 nor any other components protrude beyond the retaining plate 26 on the underside.

[0044] A sectional view along the section plane AA from Fig. 5 is in Fig. 6. It can be seen that the channel openings 12 are formed with a constant cross-section along their length. The section is drawn in such a way that the flexible sealing element 22 is partially cut in the connecting area between the two channel openings 12. As a result, the flexible sealing element 22 appears asymmetrical around the area of ​​the channel openings 12.

[0045] The illustrations show only one possible embodiment of the cylinder piston 10 according to the invention. This is, of course, not limited to the illustrated embodiment. Deviating from the illustrated embodiment, it is conceivable, for example, to arrange only one channel opening 12, two channel openings 12, or more than three channel openings 12 in the cylinder piston 10. Likewise, the shape of the flexible sealing element 22 can deviate from the illustrated geometry. For example, the flexible sealing element 22 could be formed in several parts. Likewise, the cross-sectional shape and the arrangement of the channel openings 12 can vary and deviate from the illustrated embodiment. List of reference symbols 10 cylinder pistons 11 Piston area 12 Channel opening 12a Channel opening 12b Channel opening 12c channel opening 14 Inlet valve 16 Exhaust valve 18a first compressor stage 18b second compressor stage 20 Check valve 22 flexible sealing element 24 Check diaphragm 26 Holding plate 28 recess 30 Surface 32 Deepening 34 fingertips 36 Piston guide ring 38 pot collar 40 Fixing screw 42 Hole for fixing screw 44 Passage opening 46 Stop ring 48 stepped outer contour of the cylinder piston 50 ring-shaped protruding outer edge of the retaining plate t1 Depth of the depression t2 Thickness of the flexible sealing element d1 Diameter of the intake valve recess / intake opening d2 Diameter of the exhaust valve recess / stop ring

Claims

[1] Cylinder piston (10) for an air compressor, in particular for a two-stage air compressor, wherein at least two channel openings (12) are integrated in the piston surface (11) of the cylinder piston (10), which are designed as an inlet valve (14) and / or as an outlet valve (16) of air in a compression chamber of the cylinder, characterized by that a coherent, one-piece and flexibly flexible sealing element (22) is provided within or covering the channel openings (12), which as a reversible non-return membrane (24) of a check valve (20) enables inflow or outflow from the channel openings (12), wherein the at least two channel openings (12) can be formed independently of one another as an inlet valve (14) or as an outlet valve (16) by the flexible sealing element (22). [2] Cylinder piston (10) according to claim 1, characterized bythat the channel openings (12) provide a connection between a first compressor stage (18a) and a second compressor stage (18b) of a two-stage air compressor, or a connection to an air intake area, or a connection to a compressed air outlet. [3] Cylinder piston (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that at least one channel opening (12) is designed as a check valve (20). [4] Cylinder piston (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that more than two channel openings (12a, 12b, 12c) are integrated in the cylinder piston (10), each of which is designed as an inlet valve (14) or as an outlet valve (16). [5] Cylinder piston (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the flexible sealing element (22) is designed as a non-return membrane (24). [6] Cylinder piston (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the flexible sealing element (22) is fixed, in particular pressed, to the piston surface (11) of the cylinder piston (10) via a holding plate (26) in such a way that a closing or opening movement of the flexible sealing element (22) in the region of the channel opening (12) is made possible. [7] Cylinder piston (10) according to claim 6, characterized by in that the holding plate (26) has a recess (28) in the region of the at least one channel opening (12) which has a different diameter (d1, d2) depending on the function of the channel opening (12) as an inlet valve (14) or outlet valve (16) in order to form a diameter of an inlet opening (d1) of the inlet valve (14) or a diameter of a stop ring (d2) of the outlet valve (16). [8] Cylinder piston (10) according to one of claims 6 or 7, characterized bythat the holding plate (26) has an annularly projecting outer edge (50) which positively engages around a stepped outer contour (48) of the cylinder piston and is preferably received in a cup collar (38) lying in the stepped outer contour (48). [9] Cylinder piston (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the cylinder piston (10) has a recess (32) with a depth (t1) on a surface (30) at least around a channel opening (12). [10] Cylinder piston (10) according to claim 9, characterized byin that the flexible sealing element (22) is adapted to a shape of the recess (32), wherein in particular the depth (t1) of the recess (32) corresponds to a thickness (t2) of the flexible sealing element (22), and preferably an edge region of a channel opening (12a, 12b, 12c) serving as an outlet valve (16) is provided with a greater depth in the direction of the outlet channel in order to provide a valve flap movement space of the flexible sealing element (22), or the diameter (d2) of the recess of the outlet valve (16) is designed to be large enough, at least in the region of the channel opening (12a, 12b, 12c), to provide a valve flap movement space. [11] Cylinder piston (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized byin that the flexible sealing element (22) is finger-shaped and comprises a number of fingers with finger ends (34) which corresponds to the number of channel openings (12a, 12b, 12c), wherein the finger ends (34) reach and cover the two channel openings (12a, 12b), in particular the more than two channel openings (12a, 12b, 12c), as a check membrane (24) of a check valve (20). [12] Cylinder with at least one cylinder piston (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that, depending on the air ratio, an inflow of air or an outflow of compressed air occurs through the inlet valve (14) or outlet valve (16) of the corresponding channel opening (12). [13] Cylinder according to claim 12, characterized by in that the at least one cylinder piston (10) has three channel openings (12a, 12b, 12c), two channel openings (12a, 12b) being designed as an inlet valve (14) and one channel opening (12c) being designed as an outlet valve (16). [14] Air compressor, in particular two-stage air compressor, characterized by that a cylinder according to one of claims 12 or 13 is included.

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