Valve lifter

Abstract

The present invention discloses a valve stem (1, 1”) for a valve (100, 100”) in a metering system (200) for metering substances, wherein the valve stem (1, 1”) has an elongated, substantially cylindrical body having a stem tip (60) at a front side end (B), a stem head (10) in an opposite head region (A), and at least a first guide sleeve section (20), a tapered section (30), a second guide sleeve section (40), and a fluid section (50) formed between the stem tip and the stem head from the stem head (10) to the stem tip (60), wherein the outer diameter (30d, 30d”) of the tapered section (30) is reduced relative to the outer diameter (20d, 20d”, 40d, 40d”) of the first and second guide sleeve sections (20, 40). The present invention also relates to a valve (100, 100”) having such a valve tappet (1, 1”) and a metering system (200) having such a valve (100, 100”) or valve tappet (1, 1”).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a valve tappet for a valve in a metering system, a valve having such a valve tappet, and a metering system having such a valve or such a valve tappet. Background Technology

[0002] For example, DE 10 2017 122 034 A1 discloses a (micro)metering system for accurately metering and dispensing fluids to viscous metering substances, which has an actuator unit for driving a valve stem of the type described at the beginning of this document. This allows for the precise application of very small amounts of metering substance to a target surface of a workpiece without bringing the metering system itself into contact with the target surface. Here, the valve stem is an elongated body much thinner than its length, movably introduced longitudinally into a suitable mating element, such as a valve sleeve or guide sleeve. The valve stem allows for the controlled, precise expulsion or ejection of the desired metering medium or substance from the nozzle chamber or valve chamber (i.e., the storage device) through an opening in the nozzle chamber.

[0003] In this system, the valve tappet is guided along a long path within the sleeve, resulting in friction and wear. To ensure the component retains its position for as long as possible, it is lubricated using a special grease or lubricant, as is customary. This has a positive effect on the wear of both the valve tappet and the guide sleeve. However, using a special lubricant can also increase system degradation and thus affect the force and speed at which the valve tappet moves within the guide sleeve. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Therefore, the technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to propose improved valve tappets and corresponding valves or metering systems that are wear-resistant and have less attenuation during operation.

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to improve the valve tappet according to claim 1, the valve according to claim 9, and the metering system according to claim 12.

[0006] According to the invention, a valve stem for a metering system for measuring substances has an elongated, substantially cylindrical body. Such a body is understood as a rod-like object, preferably rotationally symmetrical in the longitudinal direction, having a length greater than its width (thickness) and preferably being made entirely of material, i.e., not hollow inside.

[0007] Alternatively, the valve stem body can be constructed as hollow to reduce weight, for example, in a two-piece configuration consisting of an elongated sleeve and a welded, enclosed stem tip, or made of at least two materials joined together by an appropriate method.

[0008] For simplicity, the valve tappet will be referred to as "tappet" for short.

[0009] A tappet tip is provided on the longitudinal direction of the tappet body at the front side end of the tappet body. Unlike the essence that might be given by the chosen concept, this concept does not necessarily have to be associated with the tip characteristics of such a tappet tip, but can simply be defined as the foremost part of the tappet body (i.e., the sending or spraying side). Therefore, the tappet tip describes the front surface or shape of the body, and can be, for example, a slightly rounded sphere, a gradually flattened surface, or a spherical or parabolic bend. This tip is typically (similar to the case in a common seasoning pestle) used to extrude materials such as metering substances, i.e., to extrude, as will be described in more detail below. That is, the tappet tip contacts the metering substance and is used to actually apply or spray the metering substance.

[0010] The tappet has a tappet head in a head region that is opposite to it and spaced apart longitudinally. The head region need not necessarily be understood as the actual end of the body. When the end region is not directly defined as an end, it can also be a "flange" in the end region of the head. The tappet head serves as the actuating surface of operating elements such as actuator units, as will be described below.

[0011] The functions and tasks of the valve tip and valve head will be described in detail below in conjunction with the valve and metering system according to the present invention, wherein the valve valve rod is a component or spare part in the metering system.

[0012] As already described, the tappet head and the tappet tip are spaced apart. According to the present invention, the following sections are sequentially connected along the body (from the tappet head to the tappet tip):

[0013] Preferably, the first guide sleeve section is adjacent to the tappet head. The outer diameter of the first guide sleeve section allows for the accurate introduction of the relevant tappet central screw or guide sleeve during valve assembly. Such a guide sleeve is used to guide the valve tappet linearly and centrally within the valve, and for this purpose, it includes, for example, at least one through hole preferably having a uniform inner diameter for the tappet. To prevent the tappet from sliding completely through the guide sleeve, at least the outer diameter of the tappet head must be larger than the inner diameter of the guide sleeve, so that the tappet head contacts the guide sleeve at the latest when the tappet is introduced into the guide sleeve, especially since a reset element has been indirectly provided between the tappet head and the guide sleeve.

[0014] The tapered section is adjacent to the first guide sleeve section. The second guide sleeve section is also adjacent to the tapered section, so the tapered section is surrounded by two guide sleeve sections.

[0015] As its name suggests, the cross-section of the taper section decreases or tapers relative to its adjacent section. The outer diameter of this taper section is smaller or reduced compared to the outer diameters of the first and second guide sleeves. In other words, the cross-section through the pushrod body in the region of the taper section is smaller than the cross-section in the region of the adjacent guide sleeve section.

[0016] Continuing toward the tappet tip, the fluid section is adjacent to the second guide sleeve section (on the side opposite the end of the tapered section). The fluid section is also adjacent to the tappet tip. In a preferred variation of the tappet, a single tappet tip section can be integrated between them, i.e., between the tappet tip and the fluid section, as will be described below. The fluid section is a section along the tappet body that comes into contact with the metering substance to be metered or injected in the valve of the metering system during tappet operation. The construction of the valve and the metering system will also be described below.

[0017] The valve for a metering system according to the invention includes a valve tappet according to the invention.

[0018] As is common with valves, these valves also preferably include at least one valve body that is generally sleeve-shaped or hollow cylindrical, preferably extending in a conical shape toward the end side, the valve body being guided by a sleeve that preferably surrounds or encloses its outer surface.

[0019] In the guide sleeve, the valve tappet is movably guided within the valve body; that is, the guide sleeve constitutes a support for the valve tappet within the valve body. According to the invention, in a particular operation, at least the guide sleeve section and the tapered section of the valve tappet are retained entirely within the guide sleeve.

[0020] To allow the guide sleeve to be introduced into the valve body during installation, preferably at least one covering surface of the valve body has a corresponding opening. After introduction, the guide sleeve (and the introduced valve push rod, the pushed-open reset element, and the pushed-open sealing element) is screwed in, snapped in, moved in, and / or locked into the valve body from above, closing the valve body upwards. Another opening is provided in the valve body on the bottom surface opposite the covering surface, towards which the valve body extends in a slightly conical shape. This opening is a metering opening or a nozzle opening of the valve, or a nozzle with a nozzle opening is installed here, through which a metered substance is ejected during specific operation. In short, this nozzle opening is opened and closed by means of the valve or nozzle. That is, the push rod here acts as a closing element for the valve or nozzle. Specifically, the nozzle opening can be opened or closed using the push rod, primarily by means of the push rod tip or a push rod tip section that is pressed into the valve seat or sealing seat of the valve or nozzle and movably supported relative to the nozzle opening. Thus, the valve body serves as a "support (Fassung)" for guiding the sleeve, as well as a sealable internal space into which the metering substance for metering application can be introduced.

[0021] To allow the tappet to return to its initial state or position after the injection motion, the valve may optionally be equipped with a reset element, such as a spring element. In the assembled state of the valve, the reset element is located between the tappet head of the valve tappet and the stop of the guide sleeve.

[0022] The valve also includes a nozzle chamber or valve chamber corresponding to the aforementioned internal space. The valve chamber defines the lower region of the valve body on the side opposite the optional reset element. Preferably, an inlet channel or inlet opening is provided in the wall of the valve chamber to allow the metering substance to be introduced into the valve chamber. Thus, the valve chamber contains the metering substance for the metering system during operation. The metering substance is introduced into the valve chamber through the valve's inlet channel via the metering system's inlet line, and can then be accurately metered and ejected from the valve chamber or nozzle chamber by means of a push rod.

[0023] The valve according to the invention further includes a sealing element for sealing between a guide sleeve, particularly a hollow cylindrical region of the guide sleeve, and a valve chamber of the valve body, wherein at least a metering substance for operation is present in the valve chamber. That is, the sealing element seals the (fluid) region in contact with the metering substance relative to other areas of the valve.

[0024] Such a substantially annular sealing element preferably includes a central opening for the tappet, the inner diameter of which provides a tight seal for the tappet. In the assembled state of the valve in the metering system, the sealing element is preferably configured to abut against the end side of the guide sleeve within the valve body, and to be sealingly clamped between the edge of the hollow cylindrical valve chamber of the valve body and the edge of the guide sleeve. Thus, the sealing element also provides a radially outward seal. Therefore, provided the sealing element is intact, it prevents metering material from entering the hollow cylindrical region of the guide sleeve from the valve chamber and potentially reaching between the tappet and the guide sleeve. Other preferred solutions to this problem will be described below.

[0025] The metering system according to the invention includes a valve according to the invention, the valve having a valve tappet according to the invention. The metering system also includes an input line to an input channel of the valve for inputting a metering substance into a valve chamber or nozzle chamber, and optionally a metering substance storage device (for a metering substance container, such as a can or bottle). This input line connects the metering substance container (preferably located in the metering substance storage device) to the input channel, which passes through the valve wall into the valve chamber.

[0026] Instead, the metering system can be connected to a tank or container, from which the metering substance is continuously pumped or introduced into the valve chamber via an input channel. This container can be connected to the valve's input channel or fluid channel via an input line. The metering substance in the container is preferably held by a metering substance storage device, which can apply pressure to the substance, thereby allowing it to reach the valve chamber through the input channel. Preferably, the metering substance container can also be used for operation, for example, by applying pressure using a pump (or other) from the metering substance storage device. When the metering substance is fluid, it can also flow into the valve chamber due to its own force or gravity.

[0027] The metering system also includes an actuator unit for operating or accelerating the valve tappet, which directly or indirectly applies or generates a stroke at the tappet head. The actuator unit can, for example, apply or transmit a desired, time-limited impact to or to the tappet head via a handle, operator, etc. Similarly, the actuator unit can also, in appropriate arrangements or implementations, apply an impact or tension that causes the tappet to recover onto the tappet.

[0028] By reducing the diameter of the tapered section between the two guide sleeve sections according to the invention, the attenuation between the valve taper and the associated surrounding guide sleeve during valve taper movement relative to the guide sleeve can be reduced or decreased.

[0029] Furthermore, the tapered section of the valve stem advantageously serves as a lubricant reservoir, continuously and adequately lubricating the valve stem or taper during specific injection and return motions, thereby minimizing material wear and loss. For this purpose, a thin-film lubricant can be applied to the tapered section before installation.

[0030] Additionally or alternatively, the tapered section can be used to receive wear or material wear caused by the movement of the tappet, thereby extending the functionality of the tappet, valve, or metering system.

[0031] By using a longer, tapering section on the taper, the guide sleeve itself can be advantageously and smoothly manufactured without grooves, depths, etc., placed within the through-hole. This greatly simplifies the manufacture of the guide sleeve, at least preferably partially, using hard materials, such as hard metals, preferably metal-based composites with hard material particles. Other hard materials will be described below. In practice, it has been recognized that the most costly and expensive aspect of hard material guide sleeves, especially hard metal guide sleeves, is that the internal opening is larger in the middle of its extension than in the beginning and end regions.

[0032] Other preferred embodiments and extensions of the invention are given by the dependent claims and the following description, wherein features of different types of independent claims may also be applied to each other and combined to form new embodiments.

[0033] When installing a valve for a specific operation, the valve tappet is installed, for example, in a valve body with a valve chamber and two openings. The tappet enters the valve chamber through the opening on the tappet head side and extends (by a set stroke length) into the opposite nozzle opening of the valve chamber, so that the tappet closes in a pressurized closed position when fully deflected (i.e., at maximum stroke length). Here, the fluid section of the tappet and the pushed-open or sleeved annular sealing element are located in the tappet head side opening of the valve chamber, thus continuously sealing this opening. Simultaneously, the tappet, or at least the tappet tip, is located in the initial position on the opposite side in a sealing seat of the valve seat or nozzle (or the nozzle outlet of a nozzle insert for a nozzle) for a distance of maximum stroke length, so that the nozzle opening is closed in the tappet's closed position, thereby limiting the metering.

[0034] Depending on the application, the appropriate metering substance is filled into the valve chamber (through the input channel in the valve chamber). Here, the metering substance can be introduced from the metering substance container into the valve chamber of the metering system and pressurized, or the metering substance can be already pressurized in the metering substance container. Possible metering substances include, for example, adhesives, solders, water, oil, pigments, paints, etc.

[0035] Then, using a combination of a pushrod and a suitable nozzle (or nozzle insert for the nozzle), the metering substance is expelled from the valve chamber and applied or sprayed onto the workpiece in a desired, precise metering amount. For the metering application of the metering substance, the actuator unit of the metering system generates desired strokes or impacts, which are transmitted rigidly as jetting motions directly through the pushrod head to the pushrod tip, causing the metering substance (encompassing the fluid section, the pushrod tip section, and the pushrod tip during operation) to escape or spray out. Thus, depending on the application of the desired metering substance, the valve pushrod moves forward or backward from the initial position in each stroke for a desired time period and at a desired frequency, i.e., at least partially into or out of the nozzle or seal. For example, the pushrod can also trigger only half of its maximum stroke to reduce the metering amount between two strokes, but not to stop completely.

[0036] This valve can enter a so-called open operation, meaning the valve is not closed, depending on the viscosity of the metered substance. This is possible for viscous media. Thus, when the tappet moves in the direction of the valve seat, the metered substance is ejected only through the forward movement of the valve tappet (the so-called "jetting"), and not through the pressure of the metered substance in the valve chamber. Of course, for non-viscous media, operation can also be achieved by keeping the valve always closed between two metering processes, for example, by using the reset element described above. Preferably, the valve can also be closed during open operation, for example, when there has been no metering for an extended period.

[0037] There are different possibilities for the implementation of different sections of the valve tappet.

[0038] The outer diameter of each guide sleeve section of the push rod can be selected such that it can be accurately matched with the inner diameter of the corresponding guide sleeve without excessive clearance. Therefore, the inner diameter of the guide sleeve bore must be at least larger than the outer diameter of the push rod within the guide sleeve section. For example, such a match could be H7 / f7 or H7 / g6 (according to DIN 7157). This allows the push rod to be accurately guided into the opening of the guide sleeve in a centered manner.

[0039] Preferably, the length and position of the tapered section can be selected such that the tapered section moves only within its respective guide sleeve during operation in a specific ejection and return motion with a specific stroke (which is related to the deflection or operation of the actuator unit). In other words, the tappet can be configured such that, during the specific ejection and return motion of the tappet, it is always at least partially retained within the guide sleeve relative to the guide sleeve during operation.

[0040] This ensures that the opening at the end of the guide sleeve is always filled and that no metering material enters it (in the event of, for example, a failure of the sealing element). In other words, the passage to the tapering section of the pushrod is continuously blocked by the guide sleeve through at least a portion of the second guide sleeve section located therein, which is related to its extension length.

[0041] In principle, the guide sleeve section of the valve tappet can be constructed with different outer diameters. Preferably, the outer diameter of the guide sleeve section of the valve tappet can be the same size, especially when the borehole inner diameter of the guide sleeve is continuously the same.

[0042] The outer diameter of the preferred tapering section can also be exactly the same as the outer diameter of the fluid section.

[0043] The length of each guide sleeve section of the preferred push rod can be at least the preset maximum amplitude or maximum stroke length, i.e., the maximum ejection or maximum return of the push rod (i.e., the rated stroke length set in a specific operation). When the corresponding guide sleeve section is at least equivalent to one stroke in length, a portion of the corresponding guide sleeve section is always within its respective guide sleeve during such movement, thus preventing any metering material from reaching the guide sleeve.

[0044] Alternatively or additionally, the taper section of the taper can be twice the maximum stroke shorter than the total length of the corresponding guide sleeve. Thus, the same purpose can be achieved when the taper section is located in the middle of the guide sleeve section.

[0045] The maximum rated stroke length of the actuator unit can be a minimum of 0.25 mm, particularly preferably 0.5 mm, and more preferably 1 mm.

[0046] When the actuator unit acts in only one direction, i.e., when impacting the tappet head, as already described, an optional reset element can be provided between the tappet head and the guide sleeve to return the valve tappet to its initial state after the ejection motion via the actuator unit's stroke. The reset element specifically provided here is a coiled torsion spring, such as a helical coil spring. This helical spring is, for example, constructed of helically coiled wire and is characterized by its usability in any variation and, in particular, its affordability. Its helical shape, essentially a hollow cylinder, allows it to move at least partially on the valve tappet within a suitably chosen inner diameter.

[0047] To ensure that the helical spring (originating from the tip of the tappet) can only move to the tappet head on the valve tappet, the tappet head is preferably configured as follows: For example, the tappet head can act as a stop and / or guide for the helical spring, and for elasticity, it is preferably spring-loaded relative to the corresponding guide sleeve to support the valve tappet, and an operating flange, for example, is provided for the actuator unit of a metering system. Such an operating flange can be a flange or a protruding section, or it could be an end block or the final tappet disc. These enable the actuator unit to work in conjunction with a suitable handle or operator to produce a stroke, allowing the valve tappet to perform a specific movement. Actuator units as described in DE 10 2017 122 034 A1 are preferred herein.

[0048] The preferred tappet head for a centered guide coil spring has a guide shoulder in addition to the operating flange. This guide shoulder is, for example, located between the operating flange and the first guide sleeve section. This guide shoulder can also be flange-shaped, but it can also be simply configured as a "stepped" shape or a shoulder.

[0049] The "step" or shoulder relative to the operating flange or the first guide sleeve section can be steep or rectangular.

[0050] Preferably, the transition from the guide shoulder to the adjacent section is formed as a groove, that is, the corresponding outer diameter transitions to a larger or smaller outer diameter through a short "arc" groove that enlarges or reduces the radius. In this way, the transition can be manufactured during machining, such as milling, turning or grinding, because the lathe or milling machine can quickly and continuously machine between two different radii without having to stop in between.

[0051] It is particularly preferable that the outer diameter of the guide shoulder is larger than the outer diameter of the first guide sleeve section. This is especially advantageous when, for example, the inner diameter of the helical spring is chosen to be significantly larger than the outer diameter of the guide sleeve section, so that the helical spring is supported with a larger gap (i.e., relaxed and as frictionless as possible) relative to the guide sleeve section.

[0052] It is particularly preferred that the outer diameter of the operating flange is larger than the outer diameter of the adjacent guide shoulder.

[0053] As already described, this allows the helical spring to be centrally guided on the guide shoulder, provided that a suitably selected helical spring is used (which can move from the tip of the valve stem towards the guide shoulder and collide with the operating flange). The helical spring is held on the valve stem on one side via the operating flange for the actuator unit toward the head region to achieve the recoil force or return motion of the valve stem relative to the spring force of the helical spring.

[0054] Different possibilities also exist for transitions between other sections.

[0055] Preferably, the shoulder located between the first guide sleeve section and the tapered section is steeper than the transition section located between the tapered section and the second guide sleeve section. This offers advantages in manufacturing technology, as the pushrod (e.g., in the direction from the pushrod tip to the pushrod head) can be milled, turned, and / or ground in a single manufacturing step without needing to remove it midway and re-clamp or fix it in the opposite direction. Furthermore, it allows for the collection of material wear during the operation of the pushrod and the guide sleeve within that section without degrading the quality of the metering system's results over long periods. Additionally, the tapered section can serve as a lubricant reservoir, allowing lubricant to exit more easily from the tapered section in the direction of the second guide sleeve section than in the direction of the first guide sleeve section, due to the steeper shoulder there.

[0056] The test results show that the components of the metering system therefore require less separate manufacturing for cleaning purposes than in the case without the aforementioned tapered section, and it is preferable to have such a transition section to the adjacent section, which is advantageous in terms of product technology and thus brings economic benefits.

[0057] In a particularly preferred variation, when the two guide sleeve sections have the same outer diameter, the steeper shoulder between the first guide sleeve section and the tapered section can be shorter than the transition between the tapered section and the second guide sleeve section.

[0058] It is particularly preferred that the outer diameter of the fluid section is smaller than the outer diameter of the second guide sleeve section. Here, for example, the passage between the two sections can be reduced continuously, stepwise, or abruptly.

[0059] Preferably, the shoulder located between the second guide sleeve section and the fluid section is configured as a "shoulder". This shoulder allows the sealing element described above to be positioned on the pushrod, and the pushrod is then held in that position during specific injection or return movements. When the sealing element is installed on the pushrod, the shoulder acts as a "stop" or "positioning aid" as the sealing element moves from the tip of the pushrod onto the pushrod.

[0060] The shoulder is preferably formed as a groove, the groove radius being at least 0.01 mm, more preferably at least 0.1 mm, more preferably at least 0.25 mm, and / or the groove radius is preferably at most 2 mm, more preferably at most 1 mm, and more preferably at most 0.5 mm.

[0061] To further protect the sealing element from movement along the pushrod, a fixed annular inner sleeve with an annular groove or, alternatively, an annular spring can be integrated into the sealing element. This annular inner sleeve engages with the corresponding spring or groove of the sealing element, thus anchoring the inner sleeve securely within the sealing element. In this completed installation state, the inner sleeve is positioned on the pushrod inside the sealing element, for example, beside the zigzag membrane seal to be described, above the sealing position of the sealing element, so that the aforementioned shoulder-shaped protrusion can abut against it. This allows the membrane seal to be securely fastened as a whole, which in turn makes the membrane seal more stable and firmly held in the desired position on the pushrod.

[0062] The opening or hole of the preferred sealing element (through which the push rod extends in the installed state) is manufactured to a smaller extent relative to the outer diameter of the corresponding push rod, so that it can thus be located particularly tightly and sealingly in the radially inward annular first sealing position on the push rod, and thus remain in the desired position during push rod movement. In summary, it is possible to achieve that the push rod and the diaphragm seal, in a specific capped or moving state, not only prevent slippage relative to each other but also forcefully, i.e., particularly tightly, connected to each other.

[0063] In the simplest case, the sealing element can be a typical O-ring.

[0064] As described above, the sealing element is preferably a diaphragm seal. Like other types of sealing rings, such a diaphragm seal has a central opening through which the pushrod extends during operation. This opening is manufactured to a smaller extent relative to the outer diameter of the opposing pushrod, thereby ensuring a particularly secure fit on the pushrod and thus maintaining it in the desired position during pushrod movement.

[0065] This membrane seal may have an elastic transition region or an elastic, flexible membrane between the first and second sealing positions. The first sealing position is a ring surrounding the pushrod and a radially outward annular region, while the second sealing position is between the guide sleeve and the valve chamber. The first sealing position defines the inner edge of the annular opening at the center of the membrane seal, which, during operation, directly or indirectly abuts against the pushrod through the corresponding inner sleeve in the aforementioned slit. The second sealing position is in the radially outward annular sealing section, i.e., the annular contact surface between the guide sleeve and the valve chamber, on which the membrane seal seals against the valve chamber around the input opening of the valve pushrod.

[0066] In a preferred variation, the membrane seal can be zigzag-shaped, i.e., composed of a zigzag membrane whose cross-section at the central opening is wavy or zigzag-shaped towards the outer edge. During a specific ejection or return motion of the pushrod (where a radially inward first sealing position is fixed and the pushrod moves between the guide sleeve and the valve chamber relative to a radially outward (fixed) sealing position), the zigzag membrane can be easily slightly unfolded without stretching or bearing a load on the material itself. Thus, the membrane seal initially maintains a seal in the sealing position because neither the first nor second sealing positions move or are required during pushrod movement. An advantage of the zigzag implementation of the membrane seal is that it also allows for a greater stroke length.

[0067] In another preferred variation, the membrane seal is flat, meaning it extends substantially linearly in cross-section from the radially inward opening to the radially outward edge. This embodiment is advantageous because it is significantly simpler to manufacture, saves more material, and is therefore more economical.

[0068] Particularly preferred sealing elements can also be implemented as smooth seals. In their initial state, these seals are, for example, also substantially flat, and can also have a central opening or bore, implemented at a lower degree relative to the valve tappet, for guiding the valve tappet. The radially outward sealing position of the smooth seal can remain fixed in position. Conversely, the radially inward sealing position, on the central bore implemented at a lower degree in the smooth seal, is guided along the valve tappet during valve tappet movement and there achieves a tight mating seal.

[0069] Optionally, the smooth seal may also additionally have a spring element, which can further increase the prestress that compresses the sealing element relative to the valve tappet, thereby further improving the sealing characteristics. In this case, the smooth seal can be disposed on the valve tappet, and the corresponding slit facing the tappet head is configured such that there is no contact between the slit and the smooth, rigid seal during tappet movement.

[0070] Preferably, the guide sleeve has a hollow cylindrical region that extends from the threaded region of the guide sleeve on the end face of the guide sleeve on the tip side of the valve stem, thereby forming a "pre-chamber" with an opening surrounding the bore of the guide sleeve on the tip side of the valve stem. During operation, the valve stem moves forward and backward together with the first sealing position of the radially inward sealing element at the center of this hollow cylindrical region. During specific ejection or return movements of the valve stem, portions of the second guide sleeve section (at least partially in the disengaged state of the valve stem) and / or portions of the fluid section remain in position within the helical region of the guide sleeve.

[0071] In cases of sealing element failure or non-sealing, it is preferable to have at least one discharge hole formed in the surface of the hollow cylindrical area of ​​the guide sleeve or the pre-chamber. This allows the metering material exiting the valve chamber, passing through the seal, and reaching the pre-chamber to be discharged through the discharge hole before being forced into the intermediate space between the push rod and the guide sleeve by the pressure of subsequent metering material (in the case of a fully filled pre-chamber). Thus, the pre-chamber will not be flooded in the event of valve chamber seal failure. Specifically, the metering material discharged from the discharge hole can reach a collection area, such as a collection tank. This signals to the user of the metering system (with an open observation window if necessary) that the sealing element is damaged and needs replacement. If necessary, cameras or optical sensors can be installed to support the user. Therefore, the discharge hole can serve as an indicator for the user, allowing for timely determination that the seal failure has not yet damaged the workpiece and enabling efficient removal of the seal while saving materials and costs.

[0072] Such sensors or measuring devices are typically not feasible in traditional metering systems because they are expensive and prone to error. The goal remains to measure seal failures to determine when sealing elements fail and must be replaced. However, this approach is both complex and costly.

[0073] The drain hole is preferably configured to provide the user with technical information about the presence of a seal failure, such as allowing the user to observe or see it directly from the outside.

[0074] Therefore, in known metrology systems, seal failure is often not detected until the metrological substance has escaped from the system and dripped onto the workpiece. To prevent this problem from occurring and to make it predictable, seals are preventively replaced or updated at specific application cycles. However, this method does not utilize seals that have actually failed, and it is neither economical nor sustainable.

[0075] The dimensions of each section in the longitudinal and transverse directions of the tappet can also vary, as will be described below.

[0076] In a preferred variation, the pushrod may have a pushrod tip section located between the pushrod tip and the fluid section. The pushrod tip section is understood as a section along the pushrod whose outer diameter increases or decreases from its beginning to its end (depending on the visual method). In other words, the pushrod tip section may be connected at one end to the pushrod tip and at the other end to the fluid section. The outer diameter of the pushrod tip section may conically extend from the outer diameter of the fluid section towards the outer diameter of the pushrod tip or twice that radius. In other words, the outer diameter of the pushrod tip section tapers towards the pushrod tip.

[0077] In operation, with the valve assembled, the tappet is positioned within the valve such that the fluid section of the tappet is completely within the valve chamber. A diaphragm seal at the upper end of the fluid section rests on the shoulder of the second guide sleeve section, thereby sealing the valve chamber upwards. At the lower end of the fluid section, the tappet tip section and tappet tip connect to the fluid section, with the tappet tip, in a disengaged or deflected blocking position (Verschlussstellung) (where the reset element is maximally compressed or separated), resting in the valve seat of the sealing seat, nozzle, or nozzle insert used as a nozzle. In the initial position, the tappet tip is separated from the valve seat by the stroke length, allowing for injection in the blocking position corresponding to the stroke. Preferably, the tappet tip and the spherical tappet tip section together are precisely matched in shape or external shape and size to the internal shape of the conical extension of the associated nozzle or nozzle insert for a more reliable seal in the blocking position.

[0078] Preferably, for the relevant nozzle or nozzle insert, the length of the tappet tip section varies according to the radius of the tappet tip. This radius, in turn, is related to the desired application and the metering substance.

[0079] Alternatively or additionally, for the relevant nozzle, the length of the tappet tip section is preferably at least 0.5 mm, particularly preferably at least 2.5 mm, and more preferably at least 5 mm. Attached Figure Description

[0080] The invention is further described below with reference to the embodiments depicted in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same reference numerals are used for the same parts in different drawings. The drawings show:

[0081] Figure 1 A first deformation of the valve stem according to a first embodiment of the valve in the metering system shown in the first embodiment of the invention, in a three-quarter sectional view, is illustrated in perspective, wherein a zigzag diaphragm seal is provided.

[0082] Figure 2 The perspective view is shown in a three-quarter section view according to Figure 1 A second variation of the valve tappet according to the first embodiment of the valve according to the invention, in an embodiment of the valve according to the invention, wherein a flat diaphragm seal is provided.

[0083] Figure 3 A second embodiment of the valve in the metering system according to the invention is shown in perspective in a three-quarter sectional view, wherein the valve tappet of the second embodiment according to the invention has, as shown in the partial illustration, a second embodiment of the valve tappet according to the invention, wherein the tappet has, as shown in the partial illustration, a second embodiment of the valve tappet according to the invention ... wherein the tappet has, as shown in the partial illustration Figure 1 The tortuous membrane seal,

[0084] Figure 4 for Figure 1 The diagram shown is an equivalent representation of a first embodiment of the valve tappet according to the present invention.

[0085] Figure 5 for Figure 3 The diagram shown is an equivalent representation of a third embodiment of the valve tappet according to the present invention.

[0086] Figure 6 Show Figure 1 The diagram shows a rough schematic cross-sectional view of the metering system's construction, featuring a smooth seal. Detailed Implementation

[0087] Firstly, according to Figures 1 to 3 The description focuses on the commonalities of only partially shown embodiments of the metering system 200 according to the invention, which includes valves 100, 100”, with other components of the metering system omitted due to the enlarged view of valves 100, 100”.

[0088] Figure 6 An overview is shown, in which the general structure of the metering system known in DE10 2017 122 034 A1 is roughly schematically illustrated by example in a slightly modified partial cross-sectional view. Specifically, the sealing element 150 is a smooth seal that is disposed around the pushrod 1, 1” and slides with the pushrod in a radially inward sealing position as the pushrod 1, 1” moves. Only a portion of the actuator unit 220 required for the operation of the valves 100, 100” and the metering system 200 is schematically shown here to clearly illustrate the interaction of components important to the invention. Therefore, the actuator unit 220 is only roughly schematically visible, while the details of the valves 100, 100” are not shown due to the reduced display in the overview view. The same is true for the details of the pushrod 1, 1”, such as its different sections 20, 30, 40, 50, 55, etc. (which will be described in detail below). Furthermore, Figure 6 The valves 100, 100” shown are merely representative illustrations of the various valves 100, 100” of the present invention, as shown in Figures 1 to 3 It is shown more accurately in the text.

[0089] In contrast, Figure 1A particularly preferred variation of an embodiment of the metering system 200 is shown, wherein the sealing element 150 in the valve 100 is a zigzag membrane seal 150m. Figure 2 The diagram shows another preferred variation of an embodiment of the metering system 200, in which the sealing element in the valve 100 is a diaphragm seal 150f. However, apart from the dimensions 30l, 40l of the diaphragm seals 150f, 150m and the correspondingly matching taper section 30 of the valve taper 1 and the second guide sleeve section 40, the other components are the same. Figure 3 An embodiment of the metering system 200 according to the present invention and a second embodiment of the valve 100 according to the present invention are shown.

[0090] exist Figure 1 The valve 100 shown illustrates a first deformation according to a first embodiment of the valve stem 1 of the present invention, such as... Figure 4 As shown. Figure 2 A second variation of the valve taper 1 according to the invention is shown in the valve 100 involved. This variation has a shortened taper section 30 and a second guide sleeve section 40 extended for this purpose, thereby giving the taper 1 more braking friction than the first variation (but still significantly less overall than the case without the taper section 30). Figure 3 A third embodiment of the valve tappet 1” in the valve 100” according to the present invention is shown, as follows: Figure 5 The equivalent is shown.

[0091] like Figures 1 to 3 and Figure 6 As shown, in addition to valves 100 and 100", the main components of the metering system 200 also include (partially shown) a fluid unit 211 (hereinafter referred to as...). Figure 6 Without limitation, it can also be configured as a plug-in fluid component 211, as known from DE 10 2017 122 034 A1 (based on basic principles and plug-in connection to the actuator unit) and a valve retainer 212, the valve retainer 212 (within the region of the valve chambers 104, 104” of the valve body 101, 101” of valve 100, 100”) surrounding valve 100, 100” and connecting valve 100, 100” to an input line for metering substance from a metering substance container (not shown). In this connected state, the input line is connected to the input passage 180 in valve 100, 100” (specifically, through the walls 104w, 104w” of valve chamber 104, 104” connected to the input passage 180 in valve chamber 104, 104”).

[0092] As mentioned above and from Figure 6As can be seen, the metering system 200 also includes an actuator unit 220 for manipulating the valve tappet 1,1”, which is substantially disposed above the tappet head 10 of the valve 100,100” or valve tappet 1, within the actuator chamber 221 of the housing 240 of the metering system 200 (further details of the actuator unit 220 will be described below). Furthermore, Figure 6 The metering system 200 shown also includes a metering substance storage device 270 for holding replaceable metering substance containers; and a heating device 250 or heating module 250 with at least one heater connection 251, as shown, the heater connection 251 being mounted, for example, on the valve retainer 212 of the fluid unit 211. This allows the metering substance to be heated to the desired metering temperature as needed during operation. Relevant directional information such as "up," "down," "inner," "outer," "front," "rear," and "longitudinal" are related to the display in the figure.

[0093] The valves 100, 100” of the metering system 200 are primarily used to dispense or spray metered substances by means of valve rods 1, 1” that move via actuator unit 220, as will be described below.

[0094] The following description uses valve 100 as an example to illustrate the overall structure of valve 100: Valve 100 has an elongated (here, the longitudinal direction corresponds to the vertical direction in the figure), hollow cylindrical valve body 101 or bracket (Fassung) 101 (shown as dots), Figure 1 In the upper part of the valve body 101, a guide sleeve 105 (shown in checkered pattern) for the valve stem 1 (shown in diagonal pattern) surrounds the valve body 101, while in the lower part, a slanted funnel-shaped valve chamber 104 for metering substances is formed.

[0095] The valve body 101 is introduced into the circular opening of the valve retainer 212 of the previously mentioned fluid unit 211 at approximately the height of the valve chamber 104, and is thus (in the figure) also held in a vertical position. As from Figure 6 As can be seen, the valve body 101 is laterally supported or embedded in the guide cylinder 226 between two cylindrical pins 225 in the metering system 200. The actuator spring 222f of this actuator unit 220 is arranged around the valve body 101 in the guide cylinder 226, such that the actuator spring 222f presses the handle 223 of the actuator unit 220 upward at its end, causing the handle 223 to contact the push rod 1 at that end. The function of the actuator unit 220 will be further described in detail below. However, the actuator unit 220 as a whole is also described in detail in DE 10 2017 122034A1.

[0096] For the sake of understanding, it should be noted that the measurement of the measuring substance by the metering system 200 according to the present invention is not limited to this direction, and therefore can also be performed, for example, in the horizontal direction or other directions (such as above the head).

[0097] As described above, the valve stem 1 (hereinafter referred to as stem 1) is located within the guide sleeve 105, which will be described in detail below. A reset element 120 is provided between the stem head 10 (hereinafter described) of stem 1 and the guide sleeve 105, which will also be described below. A sealing element 150, as described, is a zigzag membrane seal 150m, located further down along stem 1 at approximately the height of the valve retainer 212, in the direction toward the stem tip 60. Figure 1 The membrane seal 150m is disposed around the push rod 1 between the guide sleeve 105 and the valve chamber 104 of the valve body 101, which will also be described below.

[0098] like Figure 1 As shown in detail, the hollow cylindrical or sleeve-shaped valve body 101 includes an opening 101a on the upper push rod head side (clearly above the valve retainer 212), an opening 101b on the lower push rod tip side (below the valve retainer), and a plurality of open observation windows 103 in the relevant sections of the outer wall of the valve body 101 in the intermediate region between the two (the lower edge of the observation window 103 is at the height of the upper edge of the valve retainer 212).

[0099] The inner diameter of the valve body 101 varies multiple times between the upper opening 101a and the lower opening 101b. Generally, the inner diameter decreases in several levels from the upper opening 101a (through which the guide sleeve 105 guides) to the upper edge of the observation window 103, and from the lower edge of the observation window 103 (or the upper edge of the valve chamber 104) to the lower opening 101b. In between, the inner diameter of the valve body 101 within the area of ​​the observation window 103 (or the inner hollow space between the observation windows 103 in the outer wall) remains constant.

[0100] Here, the area above the observation window 103, inside the valve body 101, is configured such that the guide sleeve 105 is screwed into a predetermined position after being screwed into it for the manufacturing assembly of the valve 100, as will be described below. For this purpose, the inner side of the wall of the valve body 101 in this area has at least an internal threaded section or internal thread, by means of which the external thread or external threaded section 102 of the guide sleeve 105 can be screwed, as will be described below, thereby preventing relative movement in the longitudinal direction during operation.

[0101] Alternatively, for this purpose, the inner side of the wall of the valve body 101 may have at least one step in this area, into which the protrusion or bulge of the guide sleeve 105 may be inserted or locked to connect the two components to each other without rotational movement.

[0102] Unrelatedly, at approximately the height of the inner threaded section, a valve body annular groove 101n is machined in the outer side of the wall of the valve body 101. In the completed connection state where the valve 100 is fully connected to the metering system 200, a typical O-ring 101o or sealing ring 101o of the valve 100 is located in the valve body annular groove 101n. Figure 6 The sealing ring 101o is used to seal the connector of the fluid unit 211 annularly relative to the mating connector of the actuator unit 220 when they are assembled together, as described in DE 102017 122034A1.

[0103] Below the observation window 103, the internal space of the valve body 101 forms a nozzle chamber or valve chamber 104. The valve chamber 104 includes a sealing edge 104t, which serves as an upper termination or a flat upper edge, and a sealing element 150, acting as a membrane seal 150f, with 150m abutting against this sealing edge. Continuing downwards towards the tip of the valve body 101 is the actual extension of the valve chamber 104. The aforementioned inlet channel 180 enters the valve chamber 104 above a step with a decreasing inner diameter in the wall 104w of the valve chamber 104, through which metering substances are introduced into the valve chamber 104 during operation.

[0104] Below this step, in the last third of valve chamber 104, a flange 104k, also with a decreasing inner diameter, extends into valve chamber 104 in a flange-like manner. The narrowing of the inner diameter of valve chamber 104 in a conical or funnel-shaped (i.e., continuously narrowing) manner extends from above to this flange 104k. The flange 104k, from bottom to top, appears as a platform or rectangular step that widens abruptly within the inner wall or wall 104w of valve chamber 104. This step or flange 104k serves as a stop for the nozzle 111 or the embedded nozzle core 111, as will be described below.

[0105] On the outer side of the area below the step, the valve chamber 104 or valve body 101 is provided with an external thread 104g to securely screw the nozzle adjusting nut 110 onto it. The nozzle adjusting nut 110 is a screwable hollow cylindrical sleeve with a centrally located circular nozzle adjusting nut opening 110a, which is smaller than the rod tip side opening 101b of the valve body 101. The nozzle adjusting nut opening 110a has a smaller inner diameter in the lower section of the nozzle adjusting nut 110 than in the upper section. Furthermore, the upper section of the nozzle adjusting nut 110 has an internal thread 110g that screws onto the external thread 104g of the valve body 101 or valve chamber 104. The nozzle core 111 (the actual nozzle 111) is positioned between the screw-on nozzle adjusting nut 110 and the lower end of the valve chamber 104, specifically between the rectangular clamping edges 104k of the valve chamber 104. The nozzle core 111 is clamped relative to the valve chamber 104 when the nozzle adjusting nut 110 is screwed in. The nozzle core 111 also has an opening or nozzle opening 111a. The nozzle core 111a has an internal shape that extends downward in a conical or funnel shape (valve seat 111d or sealing seat 111d of the push rod 1) on its inner side and upper side to form a channel for the metering substance, accelerate the injection speed, and regulate the injection volume (depending on the nozzle core 111 used). Accordingly, this also allows for a finer structure or shape for metering the applied metering substance on the workpiece using the metering system 200.

[0106] As from Figure 1 As can be seen, the guide sleeve 105 (shown in a checkered pattern) mentioned above has four regions in its longitudinal direction that are distinguished according to their function for the push rod 1. In operation, the end region of the guide sleeve 105 closer to the push rod 1, the push rod head 10, is configured as a reset element support or spring support 105a, that is, the outer diameter of the spring support 105a is at least smaller than the inner diameter of the coiled reset element 120 (specifically, the corresponding helical spring 120 used here).

[0107] The reset or spring stop 105b is connected to the spring support 105a, and the outer diameter of the reset or spring stop 105b is larger than the outer diameter of the spring support 105a. The size of the outer diameter of the reset or spring stop 105b can be, for example, exactly the same as the outer diameter of the coil spring 120, so that the reset or spring stop 105b can be flush with the outer diameter of the coil spring 120.

[0108] The helical spring 120 may be helical or “hollow cylindrical” as is common for such torsional or helical springs 120 and have at least the required spring force (as a restoring force), which is coordinated by the force of the actuator unit 220 of the metering system 200.

[0109] Thus, in its assembled state, the helical spring 120 is smoothly guided between the spring stop 105b and the pusher head 10 of the pusher 1, i.e., the spring stop 105b is at least partially moved on both sides onto the columnar stops 10, 105b for the helical spring 120, with the helical spring 120 flush with the spring stop 105b in a radially non-protruding manner, as will be described later in the assembly section. This arrangement of the helical spring 120 is intended to apply a specific, desired linear relative restoring force to the pusher 1 after being compressed by the actuator 222 or handle 223 of the actuator unit 220, thereby causing the pusher 1 to automatically return to or move back to its initial state after a time delay following the impact of the actuator unit 220.

[0110] The motion mechanism of the actuator 222 in this actuator unit 220 is as follows: the actuator 222 acts on the area of ​​the handle 223 of the actuator unit 220, which is rotatably supported at its end in the handle bracket 224 about the horizontal axis K. Thus, the actuator 222 acts on the handle 223 between the handle bracket 224 and the contact surface 223k between the handle 223 and the push rod head 10. The impact of the actuator 222 is deflected through the handle 223 and applied to a position above the push rod head 10.

[0111] For completeness, the metering system 200 according to the invention preferably has an actuator unit 220 with a piezoelectric actuator, such as a piezoelectric stack. However, this does not preclude the use of other actuator mechanisms, such as pneumatic actuators.

[0112] The spring stop 105b of the guide sleeve 105 is connected to the threaded region 105c, which is characterized in that the guide sleeve 105 is connected to or screwed into the valve body 101 during installation. For this purpose, the guide sleeve 105 includes at least one connecting element, specifically a threaded section 102, i.e., a protruding threaded section 102, which engages with the internal thread of the valve body 101.

[0113] (In the direction toward nozzle 111) Continuing downwards on the opposite side of spring stop 105b, hollow cylindrical region 105d connects to threaded region 105c. Hollow cylindrical region 105d is characterized in that it is located at the lower end of guide sleeve 105 and, on the end face side, leaves the main portion (in cross-section) of the diameter of guide sleeve 105 empty, thus the guide sleeve 105 is formed only by an annular hollow cylindrical wall section, creating a hollow space or pre-chamber in guide sleeve 105 facing the nozzle. In other words, in hollow cylindrical region 105d, guide sleeve 105 consists only of an annular wall section, and preferably, a radially extending discharge hole 107 is provided in this region. In principle, the discharge hole can be of any shape, such as circle, ellipse, semicircle, polygon (e.g., rhombus, trapezoid, star, triangle, etc.), or it can be elongated into a slit extending at least partially circumferentially. The so-called discharge port 107 is a simple perforation or opening to the outside in the hollow cylindrical region 105d of the guide sleeve 105, through which material (possibly a metering substance) can be discharged, as its name suggests. Therefore, these discharge ports are used to allow metering substances that are not intended to reach the hollow cylindrical region 105d to be discharged again from the hollow cylindrical region 105d. How metering substances typically intrude into the hollow cylindrical region 105d of the guide sleeve 105 will be described below.

[0114] For the other regions 105a, 105b, and 105c mentioned above, the drill holes 106 that pass through these regions in the longitudinal direction from the tappet head side opening 106a (here, at the upper end of the spring support 105a) to the tappet tip side opening 106b (at the upper end of the hollow cylindrical region 105d) have a consistently consistent inner diameter 106d, which is significantly smaller than the hole in the previously mentioned hollow cylindrical region 105d.

[0115] The advantage of having consecutive identical holes 106 in the guide sleeve 105 is that it makes the guide sleeve 105 easier to manufacture and it can also be made of hard metal or other hard materials, such as... Figure 3 As shown. This allows at least one of the internal guide sleeve portions 105a”, 105b” in contact with the pushrod 1 to be made of a significantly more wear-resistant and robust material, as will be described below.

[0116] Below the hollow cylindrical region 105d of the guide sleeve 105 is the described sealing element 150. Figure 1 Specifically, the 150m is a zigzag membrane seal. This "ring seal" surrounds a section of the push rod 1 and seals between the lower annular edge of the hollow cylindrical region 105d of the guide sleeve 105 and the upper annular edge or sealing edge 104t of the valve chamber 104.

[0117] The annular first sealing position 151, radially inward of the membrane seal 150f and 150m, here sealably abuts against the push rod 1 by means of its smaller size relative to the outer diameter 50d of the fluid section 50. Here, at this first sealing position 151 (as part of the membrane seal 150m, such as...) Figure 1 and Figure 2 An inner sleeve 151i is fixedly disposed above the diaphragm seal 150m via a groove-spring connection. The inner diameter of the inner sleeve 150i abuts against the valve tappet 1 relative to the shoulder 45, as will be described below.

[0118] The radially outward annular second sealing position 152 is located between the lower edge of the hollow cylindrical region 105d and the upper edge of the valve chamber 104. The second sealing position 152 is squeezed from above and below in the valve chamber 104 during the installation of the guide sleeve 105 and is continuously sealed by the described (tightening) pressure.

[0119] Between the two sealing positions 151, 152, a flexible and / or elastic transition region 153 or membrane 153 causes the membrane seals 150f, 150m to seal the valve chamber 104 upward relative to the guide sleeve 105 in a specific manner, thereby preventing metered substances from reaching the hollow cylindrical region 105d of the guide sleeve 105.

[0120] However, if, for example, the metering substance reaches upward through the membrane seals 150f and 150m in the event of a seal failure, the discharge port 107 in the hollow cylindrical region 105d will be used to allow the metering substance to reach an area visible to the user and be optically observed there by means of the observation window 103 (e.g., directly by the user or by means of a camera for the user). To give the user additional time to promptly identify the defect, four locations are specifically provided in the hollow cylindrical region 105d to accommodate the metering substance escaping from the valve chamber 104 for as long as possible in the event of a possible seal failure.

[0121] Furthermore, additional metering material may be collected between the radially outward sealing position 152 of the membrane seal 150f, 150m and the outwardly adjacent wall of the valve chamber 104, since the sealing position and the wall of the valve chamber are spaced apart from each other. This distance is thus manifested as a certain hollow space or reservoir 104s below and outside the guide sleeve 105 or discharge port 107. The metering material will not be discharged from the observation window 103 until the reservoir 104s is full. This gives the user more time to optically determine the seal failure by observation in the observation window 103 before the metering material actually escapes. In this way, the user can replace the valve 100, 100 before the escaped metering material reaches the area of ​​the workpiece that needs to be kept clean.

[0122] Figure 2 As also shown, the flat membrane seal 150f is configured to first concentrate the metering substance thereon on the membrane seal 150f before the metering substance escapes through the discharge hole 107.

[0123] However, in regulated operation, this spacing, or the material shortage observed through observation window 103 and discharge port 107, also serves other primary functions. They are used for thermal insulation, thereby reducing or decreasing heat conduction or heat exchange in the regions 105a, 105b, 105c, 105d above them, for example, in the case of heated or cooled metering substances (or vice versa), such as in the case of a particularly heated actuator.

[0124] Now using Figure 4 To describe the valve stem 1 or a first preferred embodiment of the valve stem 1 according to the present invention, as it is in Figure 1 This is used in the embodiments.

[0125] As from Figure 4 As can be seen from the equivalent diagram of the push rod 1, the push rod 1 is an elongated (cylindrical) body with a longitudinal axis LA along its longitudinal direction. The push rod 1 includes segments 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 55, and 60 of different lengths along the longitudinal axis LA. The width or outer diameter 11d, 13d, 20d, 30d, 40d, 50d, or radius 60r of these segments are perpendicular to the longitudinal axis LA and differ from one another.

[0126] The push rod 1 has a push rod head 10 in the upper head region A and a push rod tip 60 at its lower end B, which is opposite to it (spaced apart from it along the longitudinal axis LA in the longitudinal direction). Between the push rod head 10 and the push rod tip 60 are segments 20, 30, 40, 50, and 55, which have preferred lengths of 20l, 30l, 40l, 50l, and 55l, respectively. The total length of the push rod 1 is ll, which is equal to the sum of lengths 20l, 30l, 40l, 50l, and 55l. The length of the push rod tip 60 is ignored here.

[0127] The first guide sleeve section 20 is adjacent to the head of the push rod, the tapered section 30 is adjacent to the first guide sleeve section 20, followed by the second guide sleeve section 40, then the fluid section 50 and the push rod tip section 55, which transitions directly into the push rod tip 60 at the end side.

[0128] Here, the push rod head 10 extends along the longitudinal axis LA through two sections 11 and 13: an operating flange 11 (which marks the end of head region A on the end side) and a guide shoulder 13. The guide shoulder 13 transitions to the first guide sleeve section 20 via a short, tapering transition section 14 or transition segment. The two sections 11 and 13 differ primarily in their outer diameters 11d and 13d. Here, the outer diameter 11d of the operating flange 11 is larger than the outer diameter 13d of the guide shoulder 13. During operation, the operating flange 11 of the push rod 1 serves as the target of the actuator unit 220 or the handle 223. Here, the operating flange 11 is in contact at least primarily with the contact surface 223k of the handle 223. Simultaneously, the larger outer diameter 11d of the operating flange 11 is used to cause the coil spring 120 to strike the push rod 1 upward when it is placed on the push rod head 10 in its operating position. The outer diameter 13d of the guide shoulder 13 is chosen such that the helical spring 120 can be guided internally by the guide shoulder 13, that is, the size of the inner diameter of the helical spring 120 is just suitable for the guide shoulder 13.

[0129] The transition portion 14 from the guide shoulder 13 to the first guide sleeve section 20 is configured as a narrow groove. The outer diameter 20d of the first guide sleeve section 20 is actually smaller than the outer diameter 13d of the guide shoulder 13. At the lower end of the first guide sleeve section 20, a sharper shoulder 25 is formed, which is more prominent than the tapered section 30. The outer diameter 30d of the tapered section 30 is even smaller than the outer diameter of the first guide sleeve section 20. The shoulder 25 is short and steep at the lower end of the tapered section 30 relative to the transition portion 35 to the second guide sleeve section 40. Therefore, the transition portion 35 can be described as a "flat slope" or ramp, which is relatively long and its slope is almost imperceptible.

[0130] At the lower end of the second guide sleeve section 40, there is a sharper shoulder 45 or a groove 45, the groove radius 45r of which is preferably at least 0.01 mm, particularly preferably at least 0.1 mm, and more preferably at least 0.25 mm. This allows the inner sleeve 150i of the membrane seals 150f and 150m described above to be held very well in position within the valve 100 of the metering system 200 during the jetting motion (downward) along the push rod 1. Since the inner edge of the inner sleeve 150i directly abuts against the push rod 1 in the upper end region of the fluid section 50, the inner sleeve 150i and thus the membrane seal 150m move together in a specific manner in the jetting direction via the shoulder 45 during the jetting motion of the push rod 1.

[0131] The fluid unit 50 enters almost smoothly at its lower end into the tappet tip section 55, which is close to the tappet tip 60. The tappet tip section 55 of the tappet 1 extends conically toward the tappet tip 60. The end A of the tappet 10 is configured as a rounded tappet tip 60 as described above, and the tappet tip 60... Figure 4 The radius 60r in this part is R 0.20mm (with a tolerance of ±0.01mm, so that similar results can be achieved with a new part when replacing the failed part). This radius 60r here, for example, matches the nozzle 111 of valve 100. However, it is not usually necessary for the radius 60r to necessarily match the nozzle 111 of valve 100. Different combinations of dimensions are also possible, such as a smaller radius for the tappet tip 60 and a larger nozzle cross-section.

[0132] In this regard, it should be noted that within the scope of the invention, the radius 60r can vary from a very small radius, i.e., an almost “pointed” radius, to a larger radius 60r, i.e., it can be, for example, greater than the diameter 30d or 50d of the valve stem 1.

[0133] The differences between the various sections 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 55, and 60 of the tappet 1 lie in their length along the longitudinal axis LA and their width or outer diameter in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis LA. Apart from these differences, there are no significant differences between them.

[0134] In a first variation of the preferred first embodiment of the tappet 1, such as Figure 4 As shown, the segments 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, and 55 of the pushrod 1 can be constructed with the following lengths: 10l, 20l, 30l, 40l, 50l, and 55l.

[0135] Preferably, the length 10l of the push rod head 10 is approximately 2 mm, the length 20l of the first guide sleeve section 20 is approximately 3.5 mm, the length 30l of the tapered section 30 is approximately 16 mm, the length 40l of the second guide sleeve section 40 is approximately 5 mm, the length 50l of the fluid section 50 is approximately 13.7 mm, and the length 55l of the push rod tip section 55 (together with the push rod tip 60) is approximately 3 mm. Thus, the total length of the push rod 1 is preferably approximately 43.2 mm.

[0136] In a second variation of the preferred first embodiment of the pushrod 1, the segments 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 55 of the pushrod 1 may also be configured with the following lengths: 10l, 20l, 30l, 40l, 50l, 55l.

[0137] Preferably, the length 10l of the push rod head 10 is approximately 2 mm, the length 20l of the first guide sleeve section 20 is approximately 3.5 mm, the length 30l of the tapered section 30 is approximately 10 mm, the length 40l of the second guide sleeve section 40 is approximately 5 mm, the length 50l of the fluid section 50 is approximately 19.7 mm, and the length 55l of the push rod tip section 55 (together with the push rod tip 60) is approximately 3 mm. Thus, the total length of the push rod 1 is also preferably approximately 43.2 mm. However, in this variation, the second guide sleeve section 40 is misaligned or offset by approximately 6 mm in the direction toward the push rod head 10, therefore the tapered section 30 is approximately 6 mm shorter, and correspondingly the fluid section 50 is approximately 6 mm longer.

[0138] According to Figure 5 In the particularly preferred second embodiment of the push rod 1”, the lengths of the segments 30, 50, and 55 (30l”, 50l”, 55l”) are shorter, while only the length of the segment 40 (40l”) is slightly longer. Therefore, the total length of the push rod 1” is shorter.

[0139] Particularly preferred are the following: the length of the push rod head 10 is approximately 2 mm (10l”); the length of the first guide sleeve section 20 is approximately 3.5 mm (20l”); the length of the tapered section 30 is approximately 10 mm (30l”); the length of the second guide sleeve section 40 is approximately 5.95 mm (40l”); and the lengths of the fluid section 50, the push rod tip section 55, and the push rod tip 60 are approximately 11.7 mm (50l”, 55l”, and 60r, respectively). Thus, the particularly preferred total length of the push rod 1” is approximately 33.2 mm.

[0140] The shorter 1” pushrod is, for example, perfectly suited for applications such as... Figure 3 The application of valve 100 in the metering system 200 shown.

[0141] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the metering system 200 of the present invention, which is also only partially shown here, a second embodiment of the valve stem 1” of the present invention is shown, and a valve 100” is shown, wherein a tortuous diaphragm seal 150m as a sealing element 150 is shown as an example. However, it is also possible to use, as Figure 2 The flat membrane seal 150f is shown.

[0142] like Figure 3 The metering system 200 shown is used in cases where it is not desired to extract the metering substance, and the metering substance needs to be heated before metering and dispensing. In this way, the push rod 1” or valve 100” can be configured to be shorter, because it is not necessary to include a heating unit in the metering system 200 that must be at a certain distance from the tip 60 of the push rod.

[0143] Unlike the embodiments described above, the valve 100" of this metering system 200 has a shorter body.

[0144] Another unique feature here is that the guide sleeve 105” is composed of inner guide sleeve portions 105a”, 105b” and outer guide sleeve portions 105c”, 105d”. The inner guide sleeve portions 105a”, 105b” have a very easy-to-manufacture shape, allowing them to be manufactured from relatively economical and robust materials that do not wear rapidly under continuous use (along the bore 103). For example, the inner guide sleeve portions 105a”, 105b” can be made from very hard materials such as hard metals, ceramics, or oxygen. The guide sleeve portions 105" and 105" are made of zirconium oxide, silicon oxide, silicon nitride, or silicon carbide, while the outer guide sleeve portions 105" and 105" can be made of softer and more economical materials such as stainless steel, as they do not bear particular loads. The two guide sleeve portions 105" and 105" (including the spring support 105" and the spring stop 105" as well as the threaded area 105" and the hollow cylindrical area 105") can be connected to each other by extrusion, bonding, or other connection methods.

[0145] Furthermore, the hollow cylindrical region 105d of the guide sleeve 105” is slightly different from the hollow cylindrical region 105d of the guide sleeve 105. The hollow cylindrical region 105d” can be described as a kind of “hollow spherical region”, whose discharge port 107” is significantly smaller due to the shorter valve body 101” and therefore malfunctions. However, there are generally multiple smaller discharge ports 107” provided so that, despite this, the maximum amount of metering material can still be discharged.

[0146] For the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis LA of the pushrod 1,1”, i.e., the transverse or diametrical direction, for each segment 10,20,30,40,50,60 in the two embodiments of the pushrod 1,1”, the following are preferred outer diameters: 11d,11d”, 13d,13d”, 20d,20d”, 30d,30d”, 40d,40d”, 50d,50d”, and radii: 60r,60r”.

[0147] Preferably, the outer diameter of the operating flange 11 of the push rod head 10 is 11d, 11d”, approximately 4.6 mm; the outer diameter of the guide shoulder 13 of the push rod head 10 is 13d, 13d”, approximately 3.15 mm; the outer diameter of the first guide sleeve section 20 is 20d, 20d”, approximately 1.7 mm; the outer diameter of the tapered section 30 is 30d, 30d”, approximately 1.5 mm; the outer diameter of the second guide sleeve section 40 is 40d, 40d”, approximately 1.7 mm; the outer diameter of the fluid section 50 is 50d, 50d”, approximately 1.5 mm; the radius of the push rod tip 60 is 60r, approximately 0.2 mm; and in the second embodiment of the push rod 1”, the radius of the push rod tip 60 is 60r”, approximately 0.35 mm.

[0148] All components in the embodiments of the metering system 200 of the present invention or the valves 100, 100 of the present invention can be replaced by the user on site, that is, they can be separated and reassembled in the manner of a standard component system.

[0149] When installing the push rods 1,1” into the valves 100,100” of the metering system 200, the helical spring 120 is first moved from the tip 60 of the push rod to the push rod head 10 of the push rod 1,1”. Then, the guide sleeves 105,105” are moved on the push rod 1,1” (again, starting from the tip 60 of the push rod), thereby causing the helical spring 120 to slide on the spring supports 105a,105a” and be guided between the push rod head 10 and the spring stops 105b,105b”, thereby achieving a flat diaphragm seal. The 150f or zigzag membrane seal 150m moves along the push rod 1,1” with the installed inner sleeve 150i (also starting from the tip 60 of the push rod) until they contact the hollow cylindrical region 105d,105d” of the guide sleeve 105. The assembled components are then inserted from above into the push rod head side opening 101a of the valve body 101,101” of the valve 100,100” and tightened. The assembled valve 100,100” is then inserted into the corresponding position in the metering system 200, such as... Figure 6 As shown. In the holding position of valve 100,100” in metering system 200, it is mounted in the guide cylinder 226 of actuator unit 220 between two cylindrical pins 225 or actuator spring 222f.

[0150] Finally, it must be reiterated that the apparatus described in detail above is merely an embodiment, and those skilled in the art can make modifications in different ways without departing from the scope of the invention. Therefore, the scope of the invention also includes, for example, other resetting elements or sealing elements such as sealing rings. Furthermore, the indefinite article "a" used does not exclude the possibility that the features involved may include multiple features. Similarly, the concepts of "apparatus," "element," "module," and "system" do not exclude the possibility that the components involved are composed of multiple sub-components that work together, which may also be spatially distributed if necessary.

[0151] List of reference numerals

[0152] 1,1” Valve tappet

[0153] 1l,1l” Total length of the valve tappet

[0154] 10. Tappet head

[0155] 10l, 10l" refers to the length of the pushrod head.

[0156] 11 Operating flange

[0157] 11d, 11d "Outer diameter of the operating flange"

[0158] 12 Transition section / groove

[0159] 13. Guide the protruding shoulder

[0160] "13d,13d" refers to the outer diameter of the guide shoulder.

[0161] 14 Transition section / groove

[0162] 20 First guide sleeve section

[0163] 20d, 20d "Outer diameter of the first guide sleeve section"

[0164] 20l, 20l" Length of the first guide sleeve section

[0165] 25 shoulder

[0166] 30 Gradually Refined Sections

[0167] The outer diameter of the tapered section "30d, 30d"

[0168] The length of the tapered section "30l, 30l"

[0169] 35. Transition Section

[0170] 40 Second guide sleeve section

[0171] 40d, 40d “Outer diameter of the second guide sleeve section”

[0172] 40l, 40l" Length of the second guide sleeve section

[0173] 45. Shoulder / groove

[0174] 45r groove radius

[0175] 50 Fluid Section

[0176] 50d, 50d "Outer diameter of the fluid section"

[0177] 50l, 50l" refers to the length of the fluid section.

[0178] 55 Tappet tip section

[0179] 55l, 55l" refers to the length of the tip section of the tappet.

[0180] 60 tappet tip

[0181] 60r, 60r ” Radius of the tappet tip

[0182] 100, 100” valve

[0183] 101,101” Valve body / bracket

[0184] 101a Opening of the valve body on one side of the tappet head

[0185] 101b Opening of the valve body on one side of the tappet tip

[0186] 101n valve body annular groove

[0187] 101o Seals / O-rings

[0188] 102 Threaded section

[0189] 103,103” Observation window of valve body

[0190] 104,104” Valve body valve chamber

[0191] 104g external thread

[0192] 104k clamping edge

[0193] 104s water storage tank

[0194] 104t sealing edge

[0195] 104w, 104w” valve chamber wall

[0196] 105,105” Guide sleeve

[0197] 105a, 105a” Spring support for guide sleeve

[0198] 105b, 105b” Spring stop for guide sleeve

[0199] "105c, 105c" refers to the threaded area of ​​the guide sleeve.

[0200] 105d, 105d” Hollow cylindrical region of the guide sleeve

[0201] 106 Drilling of the guide sleeve

[0202] 106a tappet head side opening

[0203] 106b Opening on one side of the tappet tip

[0204] 106d borehole inner diameter

[0205] 107, 107” discharge port

[0206] 110 Nozzle Adjusting Nut

[0207] 110a Nozzle Adjusting Nut Opening

[0208] 110g internal thread

[0209] 111 Nozzle / Nozzle Core

[0210] 111a Nozzle opening

[0211] 111d Valve seat / seal seat

[0212] 120 Reset Component / Helical Spring

[0213] 150 Sealing elements / diaphragm seals

[0214] 150m membrane seal, zigzag shape

[0215] 150F membrane seal, flat shape

[0216] 150i zigzag diaphragm seal inner sleeve

[0217] 151 First sealing position

[0218] 152 Second sealing position

[0219] 153 Transition Region / Membrane

[0220] 180 Input Channel

[0221] 200 Metering System

[0222] 211 Fluid Unit / Plug-in Fluid Component

[0223] 212 Valve retainer

[0224] 220 Actuator Unit

[0225] 221 Actuator Room

[0226] 222 Actuator

[0227] 222f Actuator Spring

[0228] 223 Handle

[0229] 223k contact surface

[0230] 224 Handlebar Stand

[0231] 225 cylindrical pin

[0232] 226 Guide cylinder

[0233] 240 housing

[0234] 250 Heating device / heating module

[0235] 251 Heater Connection

[0236] 270 Metering Material Storage Device

[0237] A. Head area of ​​the valve tappet

[0238] B. The end face of the valve tappet.

[0239] LA valve tappet longitudinal axis.

Claims

1. A valve stem (1, 1") of a valve (100, 100") for a metering system (200) for metering substances, wherein, The valve tappet (1, 1) has an elongated, substantially cylindrical body, which has: - At the tip of the pushrod (60) on the front side (B). - The tappet head (10) in the opposite head region (A), and - A first guide sleeve section (20), a tapered section (30), a second guide sleeve section (40), and a fluid section (50) are formed between the tip of the tappet and the head of the tappet, from the head of the tappet (10) to the tip of the tappet (60). Wherein, the outer diameter (30d, 30d") of the tapered section (30) is reduced relative to the outer diameter (20d, 20d", 40d, 40d") of the first and second guide sleeve sections (20, 40), and A shoulder-shaped protrusion (45) is provided between the second guide sleeve section (40) and the fluid section (50), such that the outer diameter (50d, 50d") of the fluid section (50) is smaller than the outer diameter (40d, 40d") of the second guide sleeve section (40), so as to hold the sealing element (150f, 150m) in position to seal the fluid section (50) relative to other areas of the valve (100, 100").

2. The valve tappet according to claim 1, wherein, The outer diameters (20d, 20d”, 40d, 40d”) of the first and second guide sleeve sections (20, 40) are respectively equal, and / or wherein, The outer diameter (30d, 30d") of the tapered section (30) is exactly the same as the outer diameter (50d, 50d") of the fluid section (50).

3. The valve tappet according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The tappet head (10) has an operating flange (11) for the actuator unit (220) of the metering system (200).

4. The valve tappet according to claim 3, wherein, The push rod head (10) includes a centrally located guide shoulder (13) for guiding the reset element (120), wherein the outer diameter (13d, 13d") of the guide shoulder (13) is greater than the outer diameter (20d, 20d") of the first guide sleeve section (20), and the outer diameter (11d, 11d") of the operating flange (11) is greater than the outer diameter (13d, 13d") of the guide shoulder (13).

5. The valve tappet according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The shoulder (25) provided between the first guide sleeve section (20) and the tapered section (30) is steeper than the transition section (35) provided between the tapered section (30) and the second guide sleeve section (40).

6. The valve tappet according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The shoulder (45) is configured as a groove (45), and the sealing element (150f, 150m) includes a membrane seal (150f, 150m), wherein the groove radius (45r) of the groove (45) is 0.01mm to 2mm.

7. The valve tappet according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The length (55l, 55l") of the push rod tip section (55) adjacent to the push rod tip (60) is 0.25 mm to 10 mm, and / or the length (10l, 10l") of the push rod head (10) is 0.25 mm to 10 mm, and / or the length (20l, 20l") of the first guide sleeve section (20) is 1 mm to 20 mm, and / or the length (40l, 40l") of the second guide sleeve section (40) is 1 mm to 20 mm, and / or the length (30l, 30l") of the tapered section (30) is 1 mm to 25 mm, and / or the length (50l, 50l") of the fluid section (50) is 1 mm to 50 mm.

8. The valve tappet according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, The radius (60r, 60r") of the tip of the push rod (60) is 0.1 mm to 0.8 mm, and / or wherein the outer diameter (11d, 11d") of the operating flange (11) of the push rod head (10) is 3.2 mm to 10 mm, and the outer diameter (13d, 13d") of the guide shoulder (13) of the push rod head (10) is 1.75 mm to 9 mm, and / or wherein the outer diameter (20d, 20d") of the first guide sleeve section (20) is 1.55 mm to 2.9 mm, and / or wherein the outer diameter (40d, 40d") of the second guide sleeve section (40) is 1.55 mm to 2.9 mm, and / or wherein the outer diameter (30d, 30d") of the tapered section (30) is 1 mm to 3 mm, and / or wherein the outer diameter (50d, 60r") of the fluid section (50) is 1 mm to 3 mm. "50d" ranges from 0.5mm to 3mm.

9. A valve (100, 100") for a metering system (200) for metering substances, having a valve tappet (1, 1") according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, The valve (100, 100) has at least the following characteristics: - A valve body (101, 101") that is essentially a hollow cylinder, the valve body (101, 101") including a guide sleeve (105, 105"), wherein the guide sleeve (105, 105") includes at least a portion of the guide sleeve section (20, 40) and the tapering section (30) of the valve stem (1, 1") is completely retained in the valve body during a particular operation. - A reset element (120) is disposed between the tap head (10) of the valve tappet (1, 1") and the guide sleeve (105, 105") for the valve tappet (1, 1"). - Valve chamber (104, 104") for containing a metering substance in the lower region on the side of the valve body (101, 101") opposite to the reset element (120). - Sealing elements (150f, 150m) for sealing between the guide sleeve (105, 105") of the valve body (101, 101") and the valve chamber (104, 104").

10. The valve according to claim 9, comprising a valve tappet (1) having a tappet tip section (55) extending conically between the tappet tip (60) and the fluid section (50) and adjacent to the tappet tip (60), wherein, The length (55l, 55l") of the tip section (55) of the push rod varies with respect to the nozzle (111) of the corresponding valve (100) according to the radius (60r, 60r") of the tip section (60), and / or the length (55l, 55l") of the tip section (55) of the push rod is at most 10 mm for the corresponding nozzle (111).

11. The valve according to claim 9 or 10, wherein, The guide sleeve (105, 105) comprises a metal-based composite material with hard material particles, and / or comprises at least two parts.

12. A metering system (200) having a valve (100, 100) according to any one of claims 9 to 11, comprising - Input channel (180) for measuring substances, and - An actuator unit (220) for manipulating the valve tappet (1, 1"), which applies a stroke directly or indirectly on the tappet head (10).

13. The metering system according to claim 12, wherein, The lengths (20l, 20l”, 40l, 40l”) of each guide sleeve section (20, 40”) of the valve tappet (1, 1”) are at least equivalent to the stroke length of the valve tappet (1, 1”).

14. The metering system according to claim 12 or 13, wherein, The tapered section (30) of the valve stem (1, 1") is at least two maximum stroke lengths shorter than the corresponding guide sleeve (105) of the valve (100, 100").

15. The metering system according to claim 12, comprising a metering substance storage device (270) for holding the metering substance container, and / or wherein an actuator unit (220) for manipulating the valve stem (1, 1") applies a stroke of a maximum stroke length of 1 mm directly or indirectly on the stem head (10).

16. The valve according to claim 9, wherein, The reset element (120) includes a coiled torsion spring (120).

17. The valve according to claim 9, wherein, The sealing elements (150f, 150m) are configured as either a zigzag membrane seal (150m) or a flat membrane seal (150f).

18. The valve tappet according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, The tapered section (30) is surrounded by the first and second guide sleeve sections (20, 40) and serves as a lubricant reservoir for automatically lubricating the valve stem (1, 1”) during operation of the valve stem (1, 1”) during specific injection and retraction movements.

19. A metering system (200) having a valve tappet (1, 1") according to any one of claims 1 to 8, comprising - Input channel (180) for measuring substances, and - An actuator unit (220) for manipulating the valve tappet (1, 1"), which applies a stroke directly or indirectly on the tappet head (10).

20. The metering system according to claim 19, comprising a metering substance storage device (270) for holding the metering substance container, and / or wherein an actuator unit (220) for manipulating the valve stem (1, 1") applies a stroke of a maximum stroke length of 1 mm directly or indirectly on the stem head (10).

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