Dense phase powder pump with pinch valve and pinch valve

Abstract

The invention relates to a dense-phase powder pump (1) for conveying a powdery material, in particular a coating powder, wherein the dense-phase powder pump (1) comprises at least one powder conveying chamber (2, 2') having a filter element (5) which is at least partially accommodated in a housing (4) and at least one pinch valve (6, 7) which is connected or connectable to an end region of the powder conveying chamber (2, 2'). In particular, according to the invention, the pinch valve (6, 7) comprises a valve element (14) which is at least partially sleeve-like, wherein circumferential walls of the valve element can be pressed together transversely to a longitudinal axis (L) of the valve element in order to change a throughflow cross section, and the pinch valve further comprises a support structure (19) which is preferably at least substantially tubular, at least a portion of the valve element (14) being accommodated in the support structure, wherein the support structure (19) comprises a plurality of shell elements (20, 20') which have an arcuate cross section, are arranged one after the other in a circumferential direction of the circumferential walls of the valve element (14) and are placed on an outer side of the valve element (14) in a radial direction with respect to the longitudinal axis (L) of the valve element.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a dense phase powder pump according to the preamble of independent claim 1. Background Technology

[0002] Therefore, the present invention relates in particular to a dense phase powder pump for conveying powdery materials, especially coating powders, wherein the dense phase powder pump includes at least one powder delivery chamber and at least one pinch valve, the at least one powder delivery chamber having a (breathable) filter element at least partially housed within a housing or housing tube, the at least one pinch valve being connected to or capable of being connected to an end region of the powder delivery chamber.

[0003] Specifically, the dense-phase powder pump has a first pinch valve connected to the suction-side end region of the powder delivery chamber and a second pinch valve connected to the output-side end region of the powder delivery chamber. The powder delivery chamber has at least one connection for alternately applying positive and negative pressure to the powder delivery chamber.

[0004] The principle of such dense-phase powder pumps is known in the prior art. For example, printed publication EP1551558A1 describes a dense-phase powder pump having a first powder delivery chamber and a second powder delivery chamber arranged parallel to the first powder delivery chamber. The powder delivery chambers of pumps known from the prior art are limited on both the suction and output sides by corresponding mechanically operated pinch valve devices.

[0005] Therefore, specifically, in the suction or output region of the powder pump, the powder hose connected to the corresponding powder delivery chamber is deformable by mechanical force to squeeze or open the hose portion as needed. The powder delivery chamber of the pump known from the prior art includes a breathable filter element. A negative pressure is generated in the powder delivery chamber by a vacuum connection, thereby drawing paint powder into the powder delivery chamber through the suction side end region. The pinch valve located at the inlet side end region of the powder delivery chamber is then closed, and the pinch valve located at the outlet side end region of the powder delivery chamber is opened. When positive pressure is applied to the powder delivery chamber, the paint powder previously drawn into the powder delivery chamber is discharged again from the powder delivery chamber through the output side end region.

[0006] These known prior art powder pumps have various drawbacks in practical use. In particular, the design proposed in the prior art makes it relatively difficult to replace potentially clogged filter elements or defective pinch valves. The solutions known from the prior art especially do not allow for filter element replacement without disturbing the pinch valve assembly. Therefore, there is a risk of leakage after maintenance or replacement of the filter element, and reliable operation of the powder pump can no longer be guaranteed.

[0007] Other known prior art dense-phase powder pumps of the above type also have the disadvantage of requiring relatively significant maintenance. In particular, replacing the pinch valve of a known dense-phase powder pump is a relatively complex process. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The objective of this invention is to further improve the dense phase powder pump of the type described at the beginning, so as to enable the replacement or maintenance of the dense phase powder pump or its components as easily as possible.

[0009] Based on these problems, the present invention is therefore based on the task of further improving the dense phase powder pump of the type originally referenced, so that it can be maintained with relatively little effort, thereby, in particular, the clamp valve of the dense phase powder pump can be easily replaced without the risk of impairing the functionality of the dense phase powder pump.

[0010] The task on which this invention is based is specifically solved by the subject matter of independent claim 1.

[0011] Therefore, the present invention particularly relates to a dense-phase powder pump having a powder delivery chamber having a preferably cylindrical, and especially a circular, shell tube and a permeable filter element disposed inside the shell tube, wherein a first pinch valve connected to the suction-side end region of the powder delivery chamber and a second pinch valve connected to the output-side end region of the powder delivery chamber are also provided. The powder chamber has at least one connection for alternately applying positive and negative pressure to the powder delivery chamber.

[0012] At least one first or second pinch valve includes at least a partially tubular valve element whose circumferential wall can be compressed transversely to the longitudinal axis of the valve element to change the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow. The at least one pinch valve also includes a support structure, preferably at least substantially tubular, in which the valve element is at least partially housed. The support structure consists of a plurality of arched shell elements arranged sequentially around the circumferential wall in the circumferential direction, and these shell elements are radially outwardly positioned on the valve element relative to its longitudinal axis.

[0013] The support structure ensures that the valve element can be easily installed without compromising its retention. The assembly of the pinch valve produces a box-like or canister-like structural unit, eliminating the need for laborious insertion of the valve element into the support structure. Instead, individual shell elements of the support structure can be radially positioned onto the tubular valve element to form a circumferentially segmented support structure. The box-like or canister-like structural unit, consisting of the shell element and the valve element, can still be axially inserted into the valve body and removed again if needed. The segmented support structure with detachable shell elements provides the advantage of easily replacing worn valve elements while retaining the reusability of the shell element.

[0014] According to a further improvement of the invention, the support structure consists precisely of two shell elements, each having a corresponding arched extension of 180°. These components are, in particular, identical to each other, so that they can be manufactured economically.

[0015] The two shell elements preferably have at least one first locking mechanism and at least one second locking mechanism designed to complement the first locking mechanism, by which the two shell elements can be form-fitted and, in particular, releasably connected to each other to form a support structure. In particular, the locking mechanism is a locking mechanism capable of forming a clamping connection.

[0016] In a further improvement of the second aspect, at least one first locking mechanism and at least one second locking mechanism are formed on the two shell elements such that the two shell elements can only be connected together in a pre-given direction. This alignment of at least one first locking mechanism and at least one second locking mechanism provides a measure for immediate detection or, consequently, prevention of errors, especially in accordance with the error-proofing principle (Poka-Yoke-Prinzip).

[0017] Preferably, in the dense-phase powder pump according to the invention, at least when the housing elements are in an interconnected state, the support structure has a particularly slotted opening through which compressed air can be used as a compression medium on the circumferential wall of the valve element, thereby compressing the circumferential wall of the valve element and reducing the cross-sectional area of ​​the provided flow. Therefore, during the assembly of the box-like or canister-like structural unit, the embodiment provides at least one preferably slotted opening formed in the region between the two housing elements. Opening.

[0018] The embodiment of the dense-phase powder pump of the present invention provides multiple housing elements, each housing element being connected to each other via a corresponding integral / unitary hinge area. This simplifies the operation and assembly of the pinch valve. Furthermore, the embodiment allows the housing elements to be formed in a single injection molding process. Of course, other embodiments are also conceivable.

[0019] In particular, when the circumferential walls of the receiving channels and / or valve elements of the support structure have a non-circular cross-sectional profile, it is desirable to implement positioning devices on both the housing element and the valve element, the positioning devices being form-fitted and interlocked when the housing element is positioned, such that these components occupy a predetermined relative position between them in the circumferential direction of the longitudinal axis of the valve element.

[0020] This is particularly advantageous when the receiving channel of the support structure and / or the circumferential wall has an elongated cross-section, thus facilitating mutual alignment of the rotational positions. When external fluid acts on the circumferential wall of the valve element, the elongated cross-sectional shape of the circumferential wall has the advantage of causing compression in a preferred direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the cross-section. This allows for particularly reliable flow blocking across the cross-section.

[0021] In embodiments of the dense-phase powder pump of the present invention, the housing element has a margin in the axial direction relative to the net distance between the two end flange portions of the flexible valve element. Therefore, the circumferential wall of the valve element is axially stretched during the assembly of the box-like or canister-like structural unit, resulting in a radially outward pretension of the circumferential wall, thereby supporting the expansion of the circumferential wall when no external pressure is currently applied to it.

[0022] For example, it is conceivable that the valve element has a radially projecting flange region on at least one of its two end regions, and preferably on both end regions, such that the support structure is axially arranged between the two end regions of the valve element and is side-enclosed by the two end regions on the front / end side.

[0023] To facilitate the attachment of the housing element to the outer periphery of the valve element, a retainer (Sicherungskorper) is preferably provided that surrounds the segmented support structure. The retainer is particularly a component separate from the valve body, and it can also be a component of a box-shaped or canister-shaped structural unit. An advantageous configuration is as a retaining tube coaxially surrounding the support structure, which can be easily attached once the housing element has been positioned on the valve element.

[0024] Similar to the support structure, the retainer may have at least one radial through hole for the extrusion medium (especially compressed air) acting on the circumferential wall of the valve element.

[0025] To facilitate the connection of the pinch valve to the powder delivery chamber of the dense phase powder pump as easily as possible, embodiments of the dense phase powder pump of the present invention further include a pinch valve housing disposed on at least one end region of the powder delivery chamber, which is detachably connected to or capable of being detachably connected to the end region of the powder delivery chamber. The pinch valve housing is designed such that the pinch valve can be replaceably at least partially housed within the pinch valve housing.

[0026] The pinch valve housing includes a connection for supplying a pinching medium, particularly compressed air, to the pinch valve housing to actuate the pinch valve.

[0027] Embodiments of the dense-phase powder pump of the present invention provide a pinch valve housing having a first region and a second region disposed opposite to it, the first region being used to replaceably accommodate a pinch valve, wherein these regions are connected together via a powder conveying channel. The pinch valve housing can be connected to the housing of the powder conveying chamber via the second region of the pinch valve housing, and is particularly capable of being inserted into the housing of the powder conveying chamber. This allows the pinch valve housing to be easily removed from the powder conveying chamber, for example, to replace or inspect the filter element of the powder conveying chamber. In a similar manner, the pinch valve can be easily and tightly sealed to the housing of the powder conveying chamber.

[0028] The clamp valve housing is preferably a component that can be detachably or replaceably connected to the housing of the powder conveying chamber, especially via a plug connection.

[0029] The second region of the pinch valve housing is preferably further designed to house the end region of the filter element of the powder delivery chamber. This allows for optimal sealing.

[0030] To achieve the most compact possible structure for the dense-phase powder pump, while preventing powder from accumulating in the undercut or edges, a support structure is provided having a radial and average outer diameter relative to the longitudinal axis of the valve element, which at least substantially corresponds to the radial and average inner diameter of the filter element relative to its longitudinal axis. Specifically, the average outer diameter of the support structure should preferably differ from the average inner diameter of the filter element by less than 10%, and even more preferably by less than 5%.

[0031] The present invention also relates to a pinch valve, particularly for a dense-phase powder pump of the type described above, wherein the pinch valve comprises at least a partially tubular valve element whose circumferential wall can be squeezed transversely to the longitudinal axis of the valve element to change the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow. The pinch valve also has a preferably at least substantially tubular support structure, wherein the valve element is at least partially housed in the support structure, wherein the support structure comprises a plurality of arched shell elements arranged sequentially around the circumferential wall of the valve element in the circumferential direction, these shell elements being radially outwardly positioned on the valve element relative to the longitudinal axis of the valve element.

[0032] The pinch valve according to the invention is particularly implemented as a box-shaped or canister-shaped component, which is replaceably housed in or can be replaceably housed in the pinch valve housing. Attached Figure Description

[0033] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0034] in:

[0035] Figure 1A schematic isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of the dense-phase powder pump of the present invention having two parallel powder delivery chambers is shown.

[0036] Figure 2 Show Figure 1 A schematic exploded view of an exemplary embodiment of the dense-phase powder pump of the present invention is shown;

[0037] Figure 3 Showing according to Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of the powder delivery chamber of a dense phase powder pump;

[0038] Figure 4 Showing according to Figure 1 A schematic exploded view of the pinch valve of a dense phase powder pump; and

[0039] Figure 5 Showing according to Figure 4 A schematic front view of a pinch valve in its assembled state. Detailed Implementation

[0040] The structure and operation mode of a dense phase powder pump 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In an exemplary embodiment of the dense phase powder pump of the present invention, two powder delivery chambers 2, 2' arranged in parallel with each other are used.

[0041] Each of the two parallel powder conveying chambers 2, 2' has a particularly cylindrical main body region 3, which has at least substantially uniform effective flow cross-sectional area. Each of the two powder conveying chambers 2, 2' has a cylindrical, particularly circular, shell tube 4 and a filter element 5 housed inside the shell tube 4, the filter element 5 of the main body region 3 of the powder conveying chambers 2, 2' being a cylindrical filter element 5.

[0042] Each powder conveying chamber 2, 2' has a powder inlet with a powder inlet valve 6 and a powder outlet with a powder outlet valve 7. Each powder inlet valve 6 is also referred to below as the "first valve" or "suction-side valve". The powder outlet valve 7 is also referred to as the "second valve" or "output-side valve".

[0043] The corresponding suction and output end regions of the main body areas of powder conveying chambers 2 and 2' have transition regions 8, which are designed to reduce the effective cross-sectional area of ​​the flow in powder conveying chambers 2 and 2' to the effective cross-sectional area of ​​the flow in the corresponding connected powder pipeline 9, or to the effective cross-sectional area of ​​the flow in valves 6 and 7 respectively arranged between powder conveying chambers 2 and 2' and powder pipeline 9. The transition regions 8 are hereby constructed, at least in part, as conical regions.

[0044] The transition area 8 is used to adapt / reduce the nominal width of the main body area 3 of the powder conveying chambers 2 and 2', i.e. the inner diameter of the main body area 3 of the powder conveying chambers 2 and 2', to the nominal width of the corresponding connected powder pipeline 9 or the nominal width of the intermediate valves 6 and 7.

[0045] The transition region 8 includes a particularly conical filter element 10 housed in the filter housing 11.

[0046] During the suction process, a vacuum (negative pressure) is generated in one of the powder delivery chambers 2 and 2' of the dense phase powder pump 1. This negative pressure draws the powder to be delivered, especially coating powder, into the powder delivery chamber 2 or 2' through the corresponding powder inlet. A fine-pore filter element 5 in the main body region 3 of the powder delivery chamber 2 or 2' separates the powder. During the suction process, the powder delivery chamber 2 or 2' is closed on the corresponding suction or output side by a corresponding output-side valve.

[0047] On the other hand, during the conveying process, the suction side valve 6 on the powder inlet side of the powder conveying chambers 2, 2' is closed, while the output side valve 7 is open. During the suction process, the paint powder previously sucked into the powder conveying chambers 2, 2' is then forced out of the powder conveying chambers 2, 2' by the positive pressure established by compressed air through the fine-pore filter element 5 of the main body area 3 and further conveyed.

[0048] The suction and conveying processes are performed alternately between two parallel powder conveying chambers 2 and 2'. In other words, the two parallel powder conveying chambers 2 and 2' are operated in opposite phases.

[0049] Figure 1 The structure of a dense phase powder pump 1 having two parallel powder delivery chambers 2, 2' according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown in isometric view. The dense phase powder pump 1 has two powder delivery chambers 2, 2', each of which has a cylindrical body region 3, the cylindrical body region having a cylindrical, particularly cylindrical, shell tube 4 and a breathable filter element 5 arranged within the shell tube 4, the filter element 5 preferably being a rigid body made of sintered material, preferably a rigid body made of sintered metal such as bronze or aluminum, or a rigid body made of sintered plastic or a mixture of sintered materials.

[0050] For example, especially from Figure 2 As can be seen in the exploded view shown, the main body region 3 of each powder delivery chamber 2, 2' has a transition region 8 that is detachably connected to or can be connected to the main body region 3 on the suction side and the output side, the transition region being part of the powder delivery chamber 2, 2'. The transition region 8 is therefore used to adapt / reduce the nominal width of the main body region 3 of the powder delivery chamber 2, 2' to the nominal width of the suction side or output side valve 6, 7.

[0051] In order to reduce the nominal width (i.e., the inner diameter of the cylindrical body region 3 of the powder conveying chambers 2, 2') to the (reduced) nominal width of the corresponding valves 6, 7 or the corresponding powder lines 9, each transition region 8 includes a filter element 10 that tapers gradually (particularly tapering tapered) in the direction of the valves 6, 7 or the flow lines.

[0052] The filter element 10, like the filter element 5 in the main body region 3, is preferably a rigid body made of sintered material, preferably sintered metal, such as bronze or aluminum, or sintered plastic or a mixture of sintered materials. Of course, other embodiments of the filter element 10 in the transition region 8, which tapers tapered in the direction of the corresponding valves 6, 7, are also conceivable.

[0053] The filter element 10, tapering tapering in a conical shape along the direction of the respective valves 6 and 7, defines the effective cross-sectional area of ​​the flow in the transition region 8, so that the nominal width of the main body region 3 of the powder conveying chambers 2 and 2' is adapted to the nominal width of the valves 6 and 7 connected to the respective end regions of the powder conveying chambers 2 and 2'.

[0054] As from Figure 2 As can be seen in the exploded view, the corresponding tapered filter element 10 of the transition region 8 is detachably connected to the corresponding end region of the main body region 3 of the powder conveying chambers 2, 2', particularly by means of threaded connection or other detachable connection, such as using bayonet connection or fixed plug-in connection.

[0055] Each transition region 8 also has a corresponding filter housing 11, in which a tapered filter element 10 can be accommodated. An air space is formed between the inner region of the filter housing 11 and the outer region of the tapered filter element 10, and the air space can be pressurized as needed via corresponding air lines.

[0056] exist Figure 1 and Figure 2 The dense phase powder pump 1, schematically shown, has a first pinch valve 6 at the powder inlet of each powder conveying chamber 2, 2', which is connected to the suction side end region of the powder conveying chamber 2, 2'. A second pinch valve 7 is connected to the corresponding output side end region of the powder conveying chamber 2, 2'; that is, connected to the output side end region of the transition region 8 of the powder conveying chamber 2, 2'.

[0057] In the illustrated embodiment, the powder inlet sides of the two first (suction-side) valves 6 are connected to a powder supply line 9 via a supply line branch of the Y-connector 12, which leads, for example, to a powder container (not shown). For this purpose, a hose fitting is used to connect the powder inlet sides of the two first valves 6 (pinch valves) to the supply line branch of the Y-connector 12.

[0058] However, it is also conceivable that the corresponding powder inlet side of the first (suction side) valve / pinch valve 6 is fluidly connected to one or two different powder containers via a separate powder supply line rather than the Y-connector 12.

[0059] In the illustrated embodiment, a branch of the distribution line, such as a similar Y-shaped line connector 12, connects the powder outlets of two second (output-side) valves / pinch valves 7 to one end of a powder distribution hose 9, the other end of which leads to another (not shown) powder container. While the powder distribution line can be a rigid tube, it is preferably a flexible hose.

[0060] exist Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the illustrated embodiment, each of the powder delivery chambers 2, 2' is housed and secured in a bracket 13, which is specifically connected to the bracket 13 by releasable screws or bayonet connections.

[0061] In an exemplary embodiment of the dense-phase powder pump 1 of the present invention shown in the accompanying drawings, each of the first and second valves 6, 7 is designed as a pinch valve, wherein each pinch valve 6, 7 is provided with an elastically deformable valve element 14, the valve element being arranged within a corresponding pinch valve housing 15 such that the inlet of the pinch valve 6, 7 is in fluid communication with the outlet of the pinch valve 6, 7 through the valve element (which is formed as an elastically deformable valve element 14).

[0062] The pinch valve housing 15 includes an annulus 17 for supplying compressed air as needed into the space between the inner wall of the pinch valve housing 15 and the valve element 14 disposed within the pinch valve housing 15. When compressed air is supplied, the valve element 14 elastically deforms to interrupt fluid communication between the inlet and outlet of the pinch valves 6 and 7. However, when there is no compressed air in the space between the inner wall of the pinch valve housing 15 and the valve element 14 disposed within the pinch valve housing 15, the previously elastically deformed valve element 14 returns to its initial state, wherein the inlet and outlet of the pinch valve housing 15 are in fluid communication.

[0063] The vacuum connection can also be made via at least one of the connectors of the pinch valves 6 and 7 to purge the compressed air previously introduced into the gap in order to quickly open the pinch valve.

[0064] The following will refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 The description provided in the document provides a more detailed description of the construction of the pinch valves 6 and 7 in the dense phase powder pump 1 used in the present invention.

[0065] As shown in the figure, pinch valves 6 and 7 include at least partially tubular valve elements 14, whose circumferential walls can be squeezed transversely to the longitudinal axis L of the valve element in order to change the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow.

[0066] Pinch valves 6 and 7 also include at least substantially tubular support structures 19 in which valve element 14 is at least partially housed. Support structure 19 includes two shell elements 20 and 20', each having an arched cross-section, arranged sequentially around the circumferential wall of valve element 14 in the circumferential direction. These two shell elements are radially outwardly positioned on valve element 14 relative to its longitudinal axis L.

[0067] Each of the two shell elements 20, 20' of the support structure 19 extends in an arched shape at 180°. In addition, the two shell elements 20, 20' have first and second locking mechanisms 21, by which the two shell elements 20, 20' can be connected to each other in a form-fitting manner and in particular in a releasable manner to form the support structure 19.

[0068] For example, especially from Figure 5 As can be seen from the illustration, the support structure 19 has a slotted opening 22 at least when the shell elements 20 and 20' are connected. Compressed air passing through the slotted opening can be used as a compression medium on the circumferential wall of the valve element 14 to compress the circumferential wall of the valve element 14 together, thereby reducing the cross-sectional area of ​​the given flow.

[0069] according to Figure 4 As can be seen from the exploded view, a position setting device 23 is arranged on the housing elements 20, 20' and the valve element 14, which is designed to specify the circumferential position occupied or to be occupied by the housing elements 20, 20' relative to the valve element 14 in the circumferential direction.

[0070] The valve element 14 has radially projecting flange regions 24 at both of its end regions. A support structure 19 is axially arranged between the two end regions of the valve element 14 and is flanked by the two end regions on the front / end side.

[0071] Back Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 In the description, it should be noted that the dense phase powder pump 1 has a pinch valve housing 15 arranged at the respective end regions of the powder conveying chambers 2, 2', the pinch valve housing being detachably connected to or capable of being detachably connected to the respective end regions of the powder conveying chambers 2, 2'. The respective pinch valve housing 15 is designed to replaceably accommodate pinch valves 6, 7 implemented as box-shaped or canister-shaped components.

[0072] from Figure 3 As can be seen in the cross-sectional view, the pinch valve housing 15 has a first region 15a and a second region 15b opposite to it. The first region 15a is used to accommodate, in particular, pinch valves 6 and 7. The pinch valve housing 15 is connected to, and in particular can be inserted into, the housing 4 of the powder conveying chambers 2 and 2' via the second region. The pinch valve housing 15 is a component that can be detachably or replaceably connected to the housing 4 of the powder conveying chambers 2 and 2'.

[0073] The second region 15b of the pinch valve housing 15 is designed to accommodate the end region of the filter element 5 of the powder conveying chambers 2, 2'.

[0074] In an exemplary embodiment of the dense-phase powder pump 1 of the present invention depicted in the accompanying drawings, a support structure 19 for the pinch valves 6 and 7 is specifically provided. The support structure has a radial and average outer diameter relative to the longitudinal axis L of the valve element, which at least substantially corresponds to the radial and average inner diameter of the filter element 5 relative to the longitudinal axis of the valve element. The average outer diameter of the support structure 19 preferably differs from the average inner diameter of the filter element by less than 10%, and even more preferably by less than 5%.

[0075] Pinch valves 6 and 7 are particularly designed as box-shaped or canister-shaped components, which can be replaceably housed in the pinch valve housing 15 of the dense phase powder pump 1. The pinch valve housing 15 encloses a receiving space. The pinch valve housing 15 preferably has a first tubular region 15a and a second region 15b connected to the first region 15a via a fluid passage or powder conveying passage. The pinch valve housing 15 is detachably connected to the powder conveying chambers 2 and 2'. A fluid connection formed by an axial passage is provided. The pressurizing medium for controlling the pinch valves 6 and 7 can be introduced via the fluid connection.

[0076] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described in the accompanying drawings, but arises from a comprehensive and holistic consideration of all the features disclosed herein.

[0077] List of reference numerals

[0078] 1 Dense Phase Powder Pump

[0079] 2, 2' Powder conveying chamber

[0080] 3 Main Area

[0081] 4. Shell tube

[0082] 5. Filter elements

[0083] 6. Powder inlet valve

[0084] 7. Powder outlet valve

[0085] 8. Transition Zone

[0086] 9. Powder Piping

[0087] 10 Conical Filter Elements

[0088] 11 Filter housing

[0089] 12 Y-type connectors

[0090] 13 stents

[0091] 14. Filter element (pinch valve)

[0092] 15 Pinch valve housing

[0093] 15a First region of the pinch valve housing

[0094] 15b Second region of the pinch valve body

[0095] 17. Connection part on the pinch valve body

[0096] 19 Supporting Structure

[0097] 20, 20' shell element

[0098] 21 Locking mechanism

[0099] 22 Opening

[0100] 23 Position setting device

[0101] 24 Flange area

[0102] L Valve element longitudinal axis

Claims

1. A dense-phase powder pump (1) for conveying coating powder, wherein, The dense-phase powder pump (1) includes at least one powder delivery chamber (2, 2') and at least one pinch valve (6, 7), the powder delivery chamber having a filter element (5) at least partially housed in a housing (4), the pinch valve being connected to or capable of being connected to the end region of the powder delivery chamber (2, 2'). The pinch valves (6, 7) include at least a partially tubular valve element (14), the circumferential wall of which can be compressed transversely to the longitudinal axis (L) of the valve element to change the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow, and also include at least substantially tubular support structures (19), in which the valve element (14) is at least partially housed. Its features are, The support structure (19) includes a plurality of shell elements (20, 20'), which are arranged side by side around the circumferential wall of the valve element (14) in the circumferential direction. Each shell element has an arched cross-section and is positioned on the valve element (14) on the outside in the radial direction relative to the longitudinal axis (L) of the valve element. The dense-phase powder pump (1) further includes a pinch valve housing (15) disposed on at least one end region of the powder conveying chambers (2, 2'), the pinch valve housing being detachably connected to or capable of being detachably connected to the end region of the powder conveying chambers (2, 2'), and the pinch valve housing being designed such that the pinch valves (6, 7) can be replaceably at least partially accommodated in the pinch valve housing (15). The pinch valve housing (15) has a first region (15a) and a second region (15b) disposed opposite to it. The first region is used to replaceably accommodate the pinch valves (6, 7). The pinch valve housing (15) can be connected to the housing (4) of the powder conveying chambers (2, 2') via the second region. The second region (15b) of the clamp valve housing (15) is designed to accommodate the end region of the filter element (5) of the powder conveying chamber (2, 2').

2. The dense phase powder pump (1) according to claim 1. in, The clamp valve housing (15) can be inserted into the housing (4).

3. The dense phase powder pump (1) according to claim 1. in, The support structure (19) includes exactly two shell elements (20, 20'), each shell element having a corresponding 180° arched extension, wherein the two shell elements (20, 20') have at least one first locking mechanism (21) and at least one second locking mechanism (21) designed to complement the first locking mechanism (21), the two shell elements (20, 20') being form-fitted and detachably connected together via the first locking mechanism and the second locking mechanism to form the support structure (19).

4. The dense phase powder pump (1) according to claim 3. in, The at least one first locking mechanism (21) and the at least one second locking mechanism (21) are formed on two shell elements (20, 20') such that the two shell elements (20, 20') can only be connected together in a pre-specified direction.

5. The dense phase powder pump (1) according to claim 4, in, The at least one first locking mechanism (21) and the at least one second locking mechanism (21) are formed on the two shell elements (20, 20') in accordance with the error prevention principle.

6. The dense phase powder pump (1) according to claim 1. in, At least when the shell elements (20, 20') are in an interconnected state, the support structure (19) has an opening (22) through which compressed air can be used as a compression medium on the circumferential wall of the valve element (14) to compress the circumferential wall of the valve element (14) thereby reducing the cross-sectional area of ​​the provided flow.

7. The dense phase powder pump (1) according to claim 1. in, The plurality of shell elements (20, 20') are each connected to each other via a corresponding integral hinge area.

8. The dense phase powder pump (1) according to claim 1. in, A form-fitting interlocking position setting device (23) is provided on at least one housing element (20, 20') and the valve element (14), the position setting device being designed to specify the circumferential position occupied or to be occupied by the housing element (20, 20') relative to the valve element (14) in the circumferential direction.

9. The dense phase powder pump (1) according to claim 1. in, The valve element (14) has a radially projecting flange region (24) on at least one of its two end regions, wherein the support structure (19) is axially arranged between the two end regions of the valve element (14) and is side-enclosed by the two end regions on the front side.

10. The dense phase powder pump (1) according to claim 9. in, The valve element (14) has radially protruding flange regions (24) at its two end regions.

11. The dense phase powder pump (1) according to claim 1. in, The clamp valve housing (15) is a component of the housing (4) that can be detachably or replaceably connected to the powder conveying chamber (2, 2').

12. The dense phase powder pump (1) according to claim 11. in, The pinch valves (6, 7) are implemented as box-shaped or canister-shaped components that can be replaceably housed in the pinch valve housing (15).

13. The dense phase powder pump (1) according to claim 1. in, The support structure (19) has a radial and average outer diameter relative to the longitudinal axis (L) of the valve element, the radial and average outer diameters at least substantially corresponding to the radial and average inner diameters of the filter element relative to the longitudinal axis of the filter element, wherein the average outer diameter of the support structure (19) differs from the average inner diameter of the filter element (5) by less than 10%.

14. The dense phase powder pump (1) according to claim 13. in, The average outer diameter of the support structure (19) differs from the average inner diameter of the filter element (5) by less than 5%.

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