Dense-phase powder pump having compressed-air control module, compressed-air control module for dense-phase powder pump, and injector unit for compressed-air control module for dense-phase powder pump

Abstract

The invention relates to a dense-phase powder pump (1) for conveying coating powder from a first powder reservoir to a second powder reservoir or a powder spraying device, the dense-phase powder pump (1) being characterized by a modular design thereof. The dense phase powder pump (1) comprises a pump head module (2) comprising at least one powder delivery chamber which is fluidly connected or can be connected to a first powder reservoir fluidly via a powder inlet and to a second powder reservoir or a powder spraying device via a powder outlet. The dense-phase powder pump (1) further comprises a compressed air control module (3) having a plurality of switching valves (12) which are assigned and designed for the pneumatic control means of the pump head module (2), to which the pneumatic control means of the pump head module (2) are supplied, as required and in particular in a controlled manner, with compressed air, suction air or negative pressure. According to the invention, it is provided in particular that the compressed air control module (3) comprises a valve block (10) and a carrier plate (11) which is connected to a side surface (14) of the valve block (10), in particular detachably connected to the side surface (14) of the valve block (10).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to a dense phase powder pump for conveying coated powder and pneumatic control of a pneumatic control component for controlling the dense phase powder pump. Background Technology

[0002] The dense-phase powder pump of the type considered in this paper has at least one delivery chamber equipped with a powder inlet valve and a powder outlet valve. Alternatively, the delivery chamber may be connected to a vacuum source during the suction phase or to a transport compressed air source during the discharge phase. Powder is drawn into the delivery chamber by means of a vacuum from the vacuum source, through the open powder inlet valve and closed powder outlet valve. The powder in the delivery chamber is discharged by means of compressed air from the compressed air source, through the open powder outlet valve and closed powder inlet valve.

[0003] Dense phase powder pumps can have several delivery chambers arranged in parallel to each other, which operate in a time-staggered manner, such that coating powder is alternately drawn into one delivery chamber and discharged from the corresponding other delivery chamber.

[0004] For example, document EP1551558A1 relates to 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 two powder delivery chambers of this prior art dense phase powder pump are each limited by mechanically actuated pinch valves on both the suction and delivery sides.

[0005] Specifically, in the suction and discharge regions of the dense phase powder pump, the powder hose connected to the corresponding powder delivery chamber of the dense phase powder pump can be deformed by a mechanically actuated piston to squeeze or open the hose section as needed.

[0006] Each powder delivery chamber of the dense phase powder pump known in the prior art is assigned a filter tube that restricts the circumference of the corresponding powder delivery chamber. The filter tube is permeable to air but impermeable to coating powder and is surrounded by an annular chamber, which can be alternately connected to a vacuum or compressed air. This allows coating powder to be alternately drawn into each powder delivery chamber or discharged from the corresponding powder delivery chamber using compressed air. Two powder delivery chambers arranged parallel to each other operate in an alternating mode, meaning that one of the two powder delivery chambers draws in coating powder through the powder inlet of the dense phase powder pump, while the other of the two powder delivery chambers discharges a portion of the coating powder previously drawn into the powder delivery chamber through the powder outlet of the dense phase powder pump.

[0007] It is known from documents DE19611533B4, WO2004 / 087331A1 and EP1566352A2 that a dense-phase powder pump is used to deliver coating powder to a corresponding device for spraying the coating powder, such as a powder spray gun.

[0008] Before the use of dense-phase powder pumps of the type considered in this article for conveying coating powders was known, powder pumps designed as ejectors were used, and these ejector-designed powder pumps are still used today. However, unlike dense-phase powder pumps, ejector-designed powder pumps (dilute-phase powder pumps) have the following disadvantages: ejector-designed powder pumps wear out relatively quickly, and over time, they can typically convey a reduced amount of coating powder per unit time.

[0009] In this regard, dense-phase powder pumps have been established in practice, especially for applications where a relatively constant amount of coating powder needs to be delivered per unit time.

[0010] However, in practical use, it has been shown that dense phase powder pumps (such as those known from the literature EP 1 551 558 A1) have problems with continuous powder delivery, especially for certain types of powders, and require relatively frequent maintenance.

[0011] Another drawback of dense phase powder pumps known from the prior art is that different applications and customer requirements may necessitate different configurations for the pumps. This includes, for example, dense phase powder pumps used in powder coating systems for automated powder coating of objects and those used in manual powder coating operations.

[0012] Sometimes, specific and changing customer demands lead to a relatively large number of variations in individual components or even the entire dense phase powder pump. This can result in a cost disadvantage due to high logistics costs, high manufacturing costs, high setup costs, small-batch production, and the need to create variations at the beginning of the value chain.

[0013] Therefore, the present invention aims to solve the problem of simplifying the maintenance of dense phase powder pumps to reduce the potential downtime of dense phase powder pumps.

[0014] On the other hand, a dense phase powder pump needs to be specified, which can be adapted and optimized to meet customer requirements in a way that is easy to implement. Summary of the Invention

[0015] The problem to be solved by the present invention is particularly solved by the dense phase powder pump according to independent claim 1, further advantageous improvements of the inventive dense phase powder pump are specified in dependent claims 2 to 26.

[0016] Therefore, the present invention particularly relates to a dense phase powder pump for conveying coating powder from a first powder reservoir to a second powder reservoir or a powder spraying device, wherein the dense phase powder pump is characterized by its modular design.

[0017] The modular design of the dense phase powder pump according to the present invention allows for the adjustment, optimization, and cost reduction of each module of the pump without causing the "ripple effect" typically found within the entire dense phase powder pump. The modularity of the dense phase powder pump according to the present invention reduces product complexity and makes the customer ordering process more efficient by configuring the pump specifically for each order rather than designing it specifically for each order.

[0018] In other words, the dense phase powder pump according to the present invention is constructed based on the modular principle, wherein the functional components of the dense phase powder pump are divided into modules or components. The various modules or components of the dense phase powder pump constructed according to the modular principle can be connected together in a suitable shape and function, or integrated together via corresponding interfaces.

[0019] The dense-phase powder pump (according to the invention), constructed based on modular principles and characterized by its modular design, allows for the creation of individually configurable dense-phase powder pumps without sacrificing economies of scale across series. In particular, the individual modules of the dense-phase powder pump are standardized components that can be flexibly used with the aid of various adapter elements within the modular system.

[0020] The advantages of this modular dense-phase powder pump based on the modular principle are: firstly, it improves the flexibility of product and organizational development. If various compatible modules of the dense-phase powder pump are available, these modules can be attached, removed, exchanged, or recombined to ultimately adapt the pump to new conditions, resulting in faster product cycles and greater adaptability.

[0021] On the other hand, the modular design of the dense-phase powder pump according to the invention offers another advantage: a wide variety of products can be realized in an easily implementable manner. Furthermore, due to the identical series and simpler assembly process, more cost-effective manufacturing is possible.

[0022] Finally, the modular design of the dense phase powder pump according to the invention also provides advantages in the maintenance of the dense phase powder pump, since cost-effective repairs can be performed by replacing defective parts of the dense phase powder pump.

[0023] In particular, the dense-phase powder pump according to the invention has a pump head module designed as a module, the pump head module having at least one powder delivery chamber, the powder delivery chamber being fluidly connected or can be fluidly connected to a first powder reservoir via a powder inlet or to a second powder reservoir or powder spraying device via a powder outlet.

[0024] Furthermore, the dense-phase powder pump according to the invention includes a compressed air control module, also designed as a module, having a plurality of switching valves that are assigned to and designed for various preferred modular components of the pump head module to supply compressed air, suction air or negative pressure to the pneumatic control components of the pump head module as needed and in particular in a controlled manner.

[0025] The dense-phase powder pump according to the invention is further characterized in that the compressed air control module has a preferably cuboid and even more preferably at least substantially cuboid valve block and a support plate, the support plate being connected, in particular detachably connected to the side surface of the valve block of the switching valve for the compressed air control module.

[0026] Specifically, the switching valves of the compressed air control module in the dense phase powder pump according to the invention are preferably mounted on the first side surface of the support plate via threaded connections. The switching valves are preferably designed as electromagnetic switching valves.

[0027] The support plate is specifically connected to the first side surface of the preferred cuboid, and even more preferably at least substantially cuboid valve block, via a second side surface of the support plate opposite to the first side surface.

[0028] In particular, in this case, the first side surface of the support plate is advantageously divided into multiple dedicated sections, each section being designed as an installation area for the switching valve of the compressed air control module.

[0029] In a further improvement of the latter embodiment, a connection opening is provided in each mounting area, and the connection opening is designed to be in fluid communication with the corresponding connection portion of the switching valve when the switching valve is connected to the carrier plate in or through the mounting area.

[0030] According to one aspect of the invention, in order to achieve a particularly compact design, especially for the compressed air control module, and in order to further reduce the length of the air passage or the connection of the switching valve to the connection portion, a channel system associated with a corresponding mounting area is formed inside the support plate. Each channel system has at least one air passage, and preferably multiple air passages, with at least one or multiple air passages leading to a corresponding connection opening in the mounting area associated with the channel system.

[0031] In order to form a channel system inside the support plate, the support plate is advantageously divided into a first support plate section and a second support plate section extending parallel to the first support plate section. The first support plate section forms the first side surface of the support plate, that is, the side surface of the support plate on which the switching valve of the compressed air control module is mounted. When the two support plate sections are connected to each other, this second support plate section finally forms the side surface of the support plate opposite to the first side surface.

[0032] In this case, advantageously, the air passage of the channel system is formed at least partially or in certain areas by groove regions, particularly milled groove regions, in the side surfaces of the first and / or second support plate sections.

[0033] In this design variant, the air passage of the channel system is at least partially or in certain areas formed by recessed areas, particularly milled recessed areas, formed in the side surfaces of the first and / or second support plate sections. This design variant offers the decisive advantage that the air piping of the compressed air control module, and especially the compressed air piping, is designed without hoses. The air passage is preferably semi-open or channel-shaped in the side surfaces of the first and second support plate sections.

[0034] The integrated design of the air passage system within the support plate has the advantage of keeping air passages or air ducts as short as possible and preventing kinks. In particular, it also prevents incorrect installation.

[0035] The valve block of the compressed air control module, preferably a cuboid and even more preferably at least substantially cuboid, is particularly designed at least partially or in certain areas and preferably entirely as a milled part, especially a metal milled part. Advantageously, the support plate of the compressed air control module is also designed at least partially or in several areas and preferably entirely as a milled part, especially a metal milled part. However, alternatively, it is also conceivable to design the valve block and / or support plate of the compressed air control module as injection molded parts, especially plastic injection molded parts.

[0036] According to another aspect of the invention, at least one pressure chamber is formed inside a valve block that is preferably cuboid and even more preferably at least substantially cuboid. The at least one pressure chamber is used to temporarily store compressed air, which is required for the operation of the pump head module and, in particular, the operation of the pneumatically controllable components of the pump head module.

[0037] At least one pressure chamber formed inside the valve block serves as an air tank and is specifically designed to withstand an air pressure preferably at least 4 bar and particularly about 6 bar.

[0038] In particular, according to the embodiments herein, at least two pressure chambers are formed inside a valve block that is preferably cuboid and even more preferably at least substantially cuboid, the at least two pressure chambers being separated from each other by at least one wall region, but preferably in fluid communication with each other.

[0039] This measure enables, in a simple and effective manner, each pressure chamber, which serves as an air buffer or air tank and is located inside the valve block, to withstand a desired pressure, preferably at least 4 bar and even more preferably about 6 bar. By distributing the pressure among several pressure chambers, the forces on the wall regions defining the respective pressure chambers are reduced.

[0040] In order to form a pressure chamber or at least one pressure chamber inside the valve block of the compressed air control module, it is preferable that at least one pressure chamber is provided with a cover plate, the cover plate being connected to and specifically welded to the wall area, and particularly, connected to and specifically welded to the base of the valve block, so as to close at least one pressure chamber relative to the outside.

[0041] Preferably, at least one connection opening associated with at least one pressure chamber is formed in the side surface of the preferred cuboid and even more preferably at least substantially cuboid valve block, and the support plate is particularly detachably connected to the side surface of the preferred cuboid and even more preferably at least substantially cuboid valve block, and the at least one pressure chamber can be filled with compressed air through the at least one connection opening.

[0042] According to another aspect of the invention, a compartment is formed within a valve block that is preferably cuboid and even more preferably at least substantially cuboid, the compartment for at least partially or in multiple regions accommodating an injector unit of a compressed air control module.

[0043] In this case, the injector unit, which is specially equipped with a compressed air control module, can be accommodated, at least partially or in multiple areas, in a compartment formed inside the valve block in a replaceable or interchangeable manner.

[0044] The ejector unit is designed to generate a vacuum as needed, and is used in the pump head module of the dense phase powder pump according to the invention to draw powder portions into at least one powder delivery chamber of the pump head module.

[0045] According to an embodiment of the ejector unit, the ejector unit includes a vacuum nozzle and an ejector holder, wherein the vacuum nozzle is held by the ejector holder in a replaceable or interchangeable manner.

[0046] In this case, advantageously, the injector retainer has a wall region that, at least partially or in some areas, closes the receiving or entering opening of the compartment when the injector unit is housed in a compartment formed inside the valve block of the compressed air control module, and particularly when the vacuum nozzle of the injector unit is housed in the compartment.

[0047] Advantageously, the injector unit has an exhaust filter, wherein the exhaust filter is held by an injector retainer in a manner that allows it to be replaced or replaced. In particular, the exhaust filter of the injector unit is held by the injector retainer such that compressed air guided through the vacuum nozzle used to generate negative pressure is guided into the exhaust filter after passing through the vacuum nozzle.

[0048] According to a preferred embodiment of the latter design, the injector retainer is provided with at least one exhaust opening formed in the wall region, the at least one exhaust opening being formed at least in a section of the wall region, in which an exhaust filter is held by the injector retainer, through which compressed air previously guided by a vacuum nozzle can be discharged to the outside atmosphere.

[0049] In other words, this measure allows the compressed air required to operate the pump head module of the dense phase powder pump to be discharged into the outside atmosphere via an exhaust filter after being guided through the vacuum nozzle of the ejector unit. The exhaust filter is specifically used to retain powder particles contained in the compressed air required to generate negative pressure, for example when the dense phase powder pump, and especially the pump head module of the dense phase powder pump, draws in false powder.

[0050] According to one embodiment, particularly the latter design of the dense-phase powder pump according to the invention, the ejector retainer has a housing portion in which an exhaust filter is housed, in particular in a replaceable or interchangeable manner, wherein, with the ejector unit housed in a compartment formed in a valve block, and particularly with the vacuum nozzle and the housing portion having the exhaust filter housed in the compartment, the vacuum nozzle is present in the vacuum region of the compartment, the vacuum region of the compartment being particularly defined by the wall region of the compartment.

[0051] In this embodiment, advantageously, at least one channel opening is formed in a compartment formed inside the valve block, and particularly in the wall region of the compartment opposite to the receiving or inlet opening of the compartment, the channel opening leads to the vacuum region of the compartment. Through at least one channel opening, the negative pressure generated as needed by the vacuum nozzle can be supplied to the pump head module via a corresponding channel system having at least one air channel, and particularly to the powder conveying chamber of the pump head module.

[0052] According to another aspect of the invention, a channel system having at least one air passage is each disposed in a wall region of a valve block that is at least substantially cuboid, the wall region being directly adjacent to a first side surface of the valve block connected to a support plate.

[0053] The integration of such a channel system, or corresponding associated air channels, into the wall region of the valve block eliminates the need for separate hose lines. In other words, the air channels of the channel system integrated into the wall region of the valve block are designed without hoses, thus preventing improper installation of air hoses. Furthermore, it prevents kinking of the air hoses and reduces the length of the air channels.

[0054] In this case, it is particularly advantageous that the channel system formed in the wall region of the valve block has an air channel, which is fluidly connected to an air channel belonging to the channel system, which is formed inside the support plate and assigned to the corresponding mounting area of ​​the support plate.

[0055] For example, the valve block has a first side surface connected to the support plate and a second side surface opposite to the first side surface, wherein a connection opening is formed in the second side surface of the valve block, and each connection opening is fluidly connected to at least one air passage of a channel system formed in the wall region of the valve block.

[0056] To form an air passage in the wall region of the valve block, a channel system with air passages can be provided in the wall region of the valve block, which is formed by a recessed region formed in the base of the valve block and side plates designed to be at least partially or regionally (i.e., in some areas) complementary to the recessed region. The side plates designed to be at least partially or in some areas complementary to the recessed region can preferably be at least partially or in some areas accommodated in the recessed region, and are particularly detachably fixed in the recessed region.

[0057] In this case, it is particularly advantageous to form a recessed area, especially a milled recessed area, in the wall region of the recessed area facing the side plate. When the side plate is accommodated in the recessed area to form the wall region, the recessed area, especially the milled recessed area, at least partially or in some areas forms an air passage of the channel system formed in the wall region.

[0058] In addition, a groove region, particularly a milled groove region, can be formed in the wall region of the side plate facing the recessed area. When the side plate is received in the recessed area to form the wall region of the valve block, the groove region, particularly the milled groove region, at least partially or in some areas forms an air passage for the channel system implemented in the wall region.

[0059] The problem to be solved by the present invention is further solved by a compressed air control module for a dense phase powder pump, which is used to transport coating powder from a first powder reservoir to a second powder reservoir or a powder spraying device. The compressed air control module is particularly used for dense phase powder pumps of the type described above according to the present invention.

[0060] The compressed air control module according to the invention has multiple switching valves, which are allocated and designed for the pneumatic control components of the dense phase powder pump to supply compressed air, suction air or negative pressure to the pneumatic control components of the dense phase powder pump as needed and, in particular, in a controlled manner.

[0061] According to one aspect of the invention, the compressed air control module according to the invention is characterized in particular by having a valve block that is preferably cuboid and even more preferably at least substantially cuboid, and a support plate that is connected, in particular, detachably connected to the side surface of the valve block.

[0062] According to the implementation of the compressed air control module of the present invention, at least one pressure chamber is formed inside a valve block that is preferably cuboid and even more preferably at least substantially cuboid. The at least one pressure chamber is used to temporarily store compressed air specifically required for operating the pump head module. At least two pressure chambers are formed inside the valve block that is preferably cuboid and even more preferably at least substantially cuboid. The at least two pressure chambers are separated from each other by at least one wall region, but preferably are in fluid communication with each other.

[0063] At least one pressure chamber may be fitted with a cover plate, which is connected to and specifically welded to the wall region, and particularly connected to and specifically welded to the base of a valve block that is preferably cuboid and even more preferably at least substantially cuboid, so as to close the pressure chamber to the outside.

[0064] Alternatively or otherwise, at least one connection opening associated with at least one pressure chamber may be formed in the side surface of the preferred cuboid and even more preferably at least substantially cuboid valve block, the support plate being particularly detachably connected to the side surface of the preferred cuboid and even more preferably at least substantially cuboid valve block, the at least pressure chamber being filled with compressed air via the at least one connection opening.

[0065] According to another aspect of the invention, the compressed air control module according to the invention is characterized in particular by the fact that a compartment for accommodating the injector unit is formed inside a valve block that is preferably cuboid and even more preferably at least substantially cuboid.

[0066] The ejector unit can be housed in a replaceable or alternative manner, or can be housed at least partially or in certain areas in a compartment, and is designed to generate a vacuum as needed, wherein the ejector unit has a vacuum nozzle and an ejector holder, wherein the vacuum nozzle is held by the ejector holder in a replaceable or alternative manner.

[0067] Preferably, the injector retainer has a wall region that, when the injector unit is housed in the compartment, and particularly when the vacuum nozzle of the injector unit is housed in the compartment, at least partially or in multiple regions close the receiving or access opening of the compartment.

[0068] In this case, it is conceivable that the injector unit has an exhaust filter, wherein the exhaust filter is held in a replaceable or replaceable manner by an injector retainer, such that compressed air guided through the vacuum nozzle is guided into the exhaust filter after passing through the vacuum nozzle, wherein the injector retainer has at least one exhaust opening formed in the wall region, at least in a section of the wall region, the exhaust filter being held by the injector retainer in the section of the wall region, through which the compressed air previously guided through the vacuum nozzle can be discharged to the outside atmosphere.

[0069] According to another aspect of the invention, the compressed air control module according to the invention is characterized in particular by the fact that the switching valves are preferably each mounted on a first side surface of a support plate by a threaded connection, wherein the first side surface of the support plate is specifically divided into dedicated sections, each section being designed as a mounting area for the switching valves of the compressed air control module, and a connection opening is provided in each mounting area, the connection opening being designed to be fluidly connected to the corresponding connection portion of the switching valve when the switching valve is connected to the support plate in the mounting area, wherein a channel system is formed inside the support plate for the corresponding mounting area, wherein each channel system has at least one air channel, and particularly has multiple air channels, wherein at least one or multiple air channels lead to the corresponding connection opening of the mounting area assigned to the channel system.

[0070] Advantageously, the support plate is divided into a first support plate segment and a second support plate segment, the first support plate segment forming a first side surface of the support plate, the second support plate segment extending parallel to the first support plate segment and forming a second side surface of the support plate opposite to the first side surface, wherein the air passage of the channel system is at least partially or in certain areas formed by groove regions, particularly milled groove regions, formed in the side surfaces of the first and / or second support plate segments.

[0071] According to another aspect of the invention, the compressed air control module according to the invention is particularly characterized in that the switching valves are preferably mounted on the first side surface of the support plate by threaded connection, wherein the support plate is connected to the first side surface of the valve block, preferably cuboid and even more preferably at least substantially cuboid, via a second side surface of the support plate opposite to the first side surface, wherein each channel system has at least one air passage, the channel system being formed in the wall region of the at least substantially cuboid valve block, the wall region being directly adjacent to the first side surface of the at least substantially cuboid valve block, the support plate being connected to the first side surface to form the channel system, each channel system having at least one air passage.

[0072] For example, a channel system formed in the wall region of a valve block that is at least a basic cuboid may have an air channel that is fluidly connected to an air channel belonging to the channel system, the channel system being formed inside the support plate and assigned to the corresponding switching valve mounting area of ​​the support plate.

[0073] According to the implementation of the compressed air control module of the present invention, a channel system with air passages is specifically provided in the wall region of a valve block that is at least substantially cuboid. The wall region of the valve block is formed by a recessed region formed in the base of the valve block and side plates designed to be at least partially or partially complementary to the recessed region in some areas. The side plates, which are at least partially or partially complementary to the recessed region in some areas, can be accommodated at least partially or in some areas in the recessed region and, in particular, can be detachably fixed in the recessed region. The recessed region, in particular a milled recessed region, is formed when the side plates are accommodated in the recessed region to form the wall region. The recessed region, in particular the milled recessed region, at least partially or in some areas forms the air passage of the channel system formed in the wall region.

[0074] Preferably, a recessed area, particularly a milled recessed area, is formed in the wall region of the side plate facing the recessed area. When the side plate is accommodated in the recessed area to form the wall region, the recessed area, particularly the milled recessed area, at least partially or in some areas forms an air passage for the channel system implemented in the wall region.

[0075] The present invention also relates to an injector unit for a compressed air control module for a dense phase powder pump, particularly an injector unit for a compressed air control module of the type described above, wherein the injector unit is designed to be housed at least partially or in certain areas in a compartment formed inside a valve block of the compressed air control module.

[0076] The ejector unit can be housed in a replaceable or alternative manner, or can be housed at least partially or in certain areas in a compartment, and is designed to generate a vacuum as needed, wherein the ejector unit has a vacuum nozzle and an ejector holder, wherein the vacuum nozzle is held in particular by the ejector holder in a replaceable or alternative manner.

[0077] The injector retainer has a wall region that closes at least a portion or area of ​​the receiving or access opening of the compartment when the injector unit is housed in the compartment, and particularly when the vacuum nozzle of the injector unit is housed in the compartment.

[0078] The injector unit also has an exhaust filter, wherein the exhaust filter is held by an injector retainer so that the exhaust filter can be replaced or replaced, specifically so that compressed air guided through the vacuum nozzle is guided into the exhaust filter after passing through the vacuum nozzle, wherein the injector retainer has at least one exhaust opening formed in the wall region, at least in a section of the wall region, the exhaust filter is held in the wall region by the injector retainer, and the compressed air previously guided through the vacuum nozzle can be discharged to the outside atmosphere through the at least one exhaust opening. Attached Figure Description

[0079] The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0080] The attached diagram shows:

[0081] Figure 1 An exemplary embodiment of the dense-phase powder pump according to the present invention is shown schematically in isometric view;

[0082] Figure 2 The diagram is illustrated schematically with an isometric decomposition plot, as shown below. Figure 1 An exemplary embodiment of the dense-phase powder pump according to the present invention is shown;

[0083] Figure 3 The diagram is schematically shown in an isometric view according to Figure 1 An exemplary embodiment of the compressed air control module of the dense phase powder pump preferably has a cuboid and even more preferably a valve block that is at least substantially cuboid, without an injector unit housed in the compartment of the valve block, but has a pressure chamber formed in the valve block in a closed state, and has a support plate section of the support plate of the compressed air control module mounted on the side surface of the valve block.

[0084] Figure 4 Schematic illustration using isometric local decomposition diagrams, such as Figure 1The compressed air control module shown is an exemplary embodiment of the dense-phase powder pump according to the present invention. In this state, on the one hand, a support plate having a switching valve is mounted on the side surface of a valve block; on the other hand, a pressure chamber formed inside the valve block is closed by a corresponding cover plate. Figure 4 The injector unit shown in the exploded view is not yet housed in the compartment formed inside the valve block;

[0085] Figure 5 Another embodiment of the compressed air control module is schematically illustrated with an isometric exploded view;

[0086] Figure 6 It schematically shows, as Figure 1 The diagram shows a pneumatic schematic of an exemplary embodiment of the dense-phase powder pump according to the present invention.

[0087] List of reference numerals

[0088] 1: Dense phase powder pump; 2: Pump head module; 3: Compressed air control module; 4: Pump housing; 5: Control device; 6: Inlet valve unit; 7: Quick change module / connecting block; 8: Connection module; 9: HMI device; 10: Valve block; 11: Support plate; 12: Switching valve; 13: First side surface of the support plate; 14: First side surface of the valve block; 15: Mounting area; 16: Connection opening in the mounting area; 17: Channel system formed inside the support plate; 18: First support plate section; 19: Second support plate section; 20: Pressure chamber; 21: Cover plate of the pressure chamber; 22: Compartment; 23: Ejector unit; 24: Vacuum nozzle; 25: Ejector retainer; 26: Wall area of ​​the ejector retainer; 27: Exhaust filter of the ejector unit; 28: Ejector retainer 29: Exhaust opening in the wall region of the device; 30: Vacuum region in the compartment; 31: Through opening in the compartment; 32: Channel system in the wall region of the valve block; 33: Second side surface of the valve block; 34: Recessed region; 35: Side plate; 36: Connection opening assigned to the pressure chamber; 37: Compressed air outlet (jet air); 38: Compressed air outlet (electrode purge air); 39: Compressed air inlet; 40: Powder conveying chamber; 41: Filter element of the powder conveying chamber; 42: Annular chamber of the powder conveying chamber; 60: Pinch valve on the powder inlet side; 61: Pinch valve on the powder outlet side; 80: Additional compressed air inlet device; 90: Filter element (coated powder barrier); 111: Digitally controllable switching or control valve; 131: Valve of the inlet valve unit; 150: Pressure sensor. Detailed Implementation

[0089] According to the present invention, particularly Figure 1 and Figure 2An exemplary embodiment of the dense-phase powder pump 1, schematically shown in the diagram, is characterized by its modularity, as particularly from the... Figure 2 As can be seen in the schematic isometric decomposition diagram.

[0090] In particular, the dense-phase powder pump 1 according to the invention is constructed according to a building block or modular principle and is divided into different functional components, which are also constructed in a modular manner. This particularly relates to the pump head module 2, which has at least one powder delivery chamber connected or can be fluidly connected via a powder inlet to a (first) powder reservoir and fluidly connected via a powder outlet to a (second) powder reservoir or a powder spraying device not shown in the figure.

[0091] The pump head module 2 of the dense phase powder pump 1 is preferably fluidly connected to the compressed air control module 3 via a quick-change system or quick-change module 7, the compressed air control module 3 forming an application valve unit for the pump head module 2.

[0092] The compressed air control module 3 is at least partially or in some areas integrated or may be integrated into the pump housing 4, wherein the pump housing 4 further includes a control device 5 for controlling controllable components of the dense phase powder pump 1.

[0093] The quick-change system or quick-change module 7 is specifically designed as a connecting block, through which the pump head module 2 is connected to the compressed air control module 3, which serves as the application valve unit.

[0094] according to Figure 2 The exploded view also shows another module of the dense phase powder pump 1, consisting of a connection module 8, which preferably includes an HMI device 9, specifically having a display. The connection module 8 can be detachably connected to the pump housing 4 and contains at least the necessary elements of the control device 5.

[0095] Another module unit of the dense phase powder pump 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is composed of an inlet valve unit 6, through which compressed air necessary for controlling the pneumatic control components of the pump head module 2 is supplied.

[0096] like Figures 3 to 5 As shown in detail, the compressed air control module 3 of the exemplary embodiment of the present invention has a plurality of switching valves 12, which are allocated and designed for various components of the pump head module 2, particularly the pneumatic control components, in order to supply compressed air, suction air or negative pressure to the pneumatic control components of the pump head module 2 as needed and particularly in a controlled manner.

[0097] from Figures 3 to 5As can also be seen from the illustration, the compressed air control module 3 has a valve block 10 and a support plate 11. The valve block 10 is preferably at least substantially cuboid in shape, and the support plate 11 is connected, and particularly detachably connected, to the side surface of the valve block 10.

[0098] Each of the switching valves 12 of the compressed air control module 3 is mounted on the first side surface 13 of the support plate 11 via a threaded connection.

[0099] The switching valve 12 is preferably an electromagnetic switching valve 12, although other design variations are also conceivable.

[0100] The support plate 11 of the compressed air control module 3 is preferably detachably connected to the first side surface 14 of the cuboid valve block 10 via a second side surface of the support plate 11 opposite to the first side surface 13.

[0101] For example, based on Figure 5 As can be seen from the partial exploded view, the first side surface 13 of the support plate 11 is divided into dedicated sections, each section being designed as an installation area 15 for the switching valve 12 of the compressed air control module 3.

[0102] according to Figure 5 The partially exploded view also shows a connection opening 16 provided in each mounting area 15, the connection opening being designed to be fluidly connected to the corresponding connection portion of the switching valve 12 when the switching valve 12 is connected to the carrier plate 11 in the mounting area 15.

[0103] It can also be seen that a channel system 17 is formed inside the support plate 11, which is assigned to the corresponding mounting area 15. Each channel system 17 has at least one air passage and preferably multiple air passages. The air passages lead to the corresponding connection openings 16 of the mounting area 15 assigned to the channel system 17.

[0104] according to Figure 5 The exploded view shows that the support plate 11 is divided into a first support plate segment 18 and a second support plate segment 19. The first support plate segment 18 forms the first side surface 13 of the support plate 11, which is the side surface on which the switching valve 12 is mounted.

[0105] The second bearing plate section 19 extends parallel to the first bearing plate section 18 and forms a second side surface of the bearing plate 11 opposite to the first side surface 13 of the bearing plate 11.

[0106] The air passage of the channel system 17 is formed, at least partially or in certain areas, by milled groove regions in the side surfaces of the first support plate section 18 or the second support plate section 19.

[0107] In particular, in the exemplary embodiment of the dense phase powder pump 1 according to the invention shown in the accompanying drawings, and especially in the exemplary embodiment of the compressed air control module 3 according to the invention for such dense phase powder pump 1, the valve block 10 is provided to be designed as a metal milling part at least partially or in some areas and preferably entirely.

[0108] However, alternatively, it is also conceivable to design the valve block 10 and / or the support plate 11 of the compressed air control module 3 as injection molded parts, particularly plastic injection molded parts.

[0109] This also applies, by analogy, to the carrier plate 11 of the compressed air control module 3.

[0110] For example, Figure 4 The illustration shows at least one pressure chamber 20 (here two pressure chambers) formed inside the valve block 10, which is used to temporarily store compressed air specifically required for operating the pump head module 2.

[0111] As already noted, the valve block 10 shown in the attached figures uses a total of two pressure chambers 20 formed inside the valve block 10. The two pressure chambers 20 are separated from each other by wall regions, but are still in fluid communication with each other via at least one flow channel.

[0112] The pressure chamber 20 is provided with a corresponding cover plate 21, which is connected to the base of the valve block 10 and is specifically welded to the base of the valve block 10 in order to seal the pressure chamber 20 from the outside.

[0113] according to Figure 4 The partially exploded view shows a compartment 22 formed inside the valve block 10, which is used to at least partially or in certain areas accommodate the injector unit 23, which is also... Figure 4 The diagram is shown in the exploded form.

[0114] The injector unit 23 is at least partially or alternatively housed or repositioned in the compartment 22, and is designed to generate a vacuum as needed, which is particularly useful in the pump head module 2 of the dense phase powder pump 1 for drawing powder into at least one powder delivery chamber of the pump head module 2.

[0115] The injector unit 23 specifically includes a vacuum nozzle 24 and an injector holder 25. The vacuum nozzle 24 is held by the injector holder 25 in a replaceable or interchangeable manner.

[0116] The injector holder 25 has a wall region 26 that closes at least a portion or area of ​​the receiving or access opening of the compartment 22 when the injector unit 23 is housed in the compartment 22, particularly when the vacuum nozzle 24 of the injector unit 23 is housed in the compartment 22.

[0117] The injector unit 23 also has an exhaust filter 27, which is held by the injector retainer 25 in a replaceable or replaceable manner, specifically such that compressed air guided through the vacuum nozzle 24 is guided into the exhaust filter 27 after passing through the vacuum nozzle 24.

[0118] In this configuration, the injector retainer 25 is provided with at least one exhaust opening 28 formed in the wall region 26, at least in a section of the wall region 26, through which compressed air previously guided by the vacuum nozzle 24 is guided to the outside atmosphere, and the exhaust filter 27 is held in the section of the wall region 26 by the injector retainer 25.

[0119] according to Figure 4 The partially exploded view also shows that the injector retainer 25 has a housing portion in which the exhaust filter 27 is housed or can be housed.

[0120] When the injector unit 23 is housed in the compartment 22, and particularly when the vacuum nozzle 24 and the housing portion having the exhaust filter 27 are housed in the compartment 22, the vacuum nozzle 24 is located in the vacuum region 29 of the compartment 22, which is specifically defined by the wall region 26 of the compartment 22.

[0121] In compartment 22, and particularly in the wall region 26 of compartment 22 opposite to the receiving or entering opening of compartment 22, at least one through opening 30 is formed, the through opening 30 leading to the vacuum region 29 of compartment 22.

[0122] Special reference Figure 5 The diagram below illustrates another specific feature of the valve block 10 of the compressed air control module 3 of the dense phase powder pump 1 according to the present invention, which is described in more detail below.

[0123] As can be seen, a channel system 31 is formed in the wall region of the valve block 10. The wall region of the valve block 10 is directly adjacent to the first side surface 14 of the valve block 10, that is, the wall region of the valve block 10 is directly adjacent to the side surface of the valve block 10. A carrier plate 11 with a switching valve 12 is installed or can be installed on the side surface of the valve block 10. Each channel system has at least one air channel.

[0124] In detail, the channel system 31 formed in the wall region of the valve block 10 has air channels that are in fluid communication with air channels belonging to the channel system 17, which is formed inside the support plate 11 and assigned to the corresponding mounting area 15 of the support plate 11.

[0125] In particular, in the accompanying drawings and especially in Figure 5In the embodiment of the valve block 10 shown, the valve block 10 has the aforementioned first side surface 14 and a second side surface 32 opposite to the first side surface 14, and the support plate 11 is connected to the first side surface 14.

[0126] According to Figure 2 As can be seen from the exploded view, corresponding connection openings are formed in the second side surface 32 of the valve block 10, and each of the connection openings is in fluid communication with at least one air passage of the channel system 31 formed in the wall region of the valve block 10.

[0127] Return to Figure 5 As indicated in the diagram, it should be noted that the wall region of the valve block 10, which forms the channel system 31 with air passages, is formed by a recessed region 34 formed in the base of the valve block 10 and a side plate 35 designed to be at least partially or in some regions complementary to the recessed region 34.

[0128] Side plates 35, designed to be at least partially or in some areas complementary to recessed regions 34, may be accommodated at least partially or in some areas in recessed regions 34, and may be specifically detachably secured in recessed regions 34.

[0129] In the wall region facing the side plate 35 in the recessed region 34, when the side plate 35 is accommodated in the recessed region 34 to form the wall region, the groove region, in particular the milled groove region, is at least partially or in the region formed in the air passage of the channel system 31 formed in the wall region of the valve block 10.

[0130] Although not shown in the accompanying drawings, the groove region, particularly the milled groove region, is formed in the wall region of the side plate 35 facing the recessed region 34. When the side plate 35 for forming the wall region is received in the recessed region 34, the groove region, particularly the milled groove region, is at least partially or in some areas fluidly connected to the air passage of the passage system 31 formed in the wall region of the valve block 10.

[0131] The present invention also relates to a compressed air control module 3 of the above type for a dense phase powder pump 1.

[0132] In particular, the present invention also relates to an injector unit 23 for a compressed air control module 3 of the type described above.

[0133] Figure 6 It schematically shows that in Figure 1 The diagram shows a pneumatic schematic of an exemplary embodiment of the dense-phase powder pump 1 according to the present invention, with isometric views.

[0134] From the basis Figure 6As can be seen from the pneumatic schematic diagram, the dense phase powder pump 1 is constructed based on the principle of building blocks or modularity and is divided into different modular functional components.

[0135] This is the aforementioned pump head module 2, which has the pneumatic control components of the dense phase powder pump 1. The pneumatic control components are a powder delivery chamber 40 with a filter tube or filter element 41, which defines the circumference of the powder delivery chamber 40. The filter tube or filter element 41 is permeable to air but impermeable to coating powder, and is surrounded by an annular chamber 42, which can be alternately connected to a vacuum or compressed air. This allows the coating powder to be alternately drawn into the powder delivery chamber 40 or discharged from the powder delivery chamber 40 using compressed air.

[0136] The pump head module 2 also has a pinch valve 60 on the powder inlet side and a pinch valve 61 on the powder outlet side.

[0137] An additional compressed air inlet device 80 is also used. The additional compressed air inlet device 80 is preferably the same as that in the powder conveying chamber 40.

[0138] Pump head module 2 can be connected to or connected to compressed air control module 3 via quick-change module 7.

[0139] For this purpose, the quick-change module 7 has a corresponding fluid channel so as to fluidly connect the connection part of the pneumatic control component of the pump head module 2 to the corresponding switching valve 12 of the compressed air control module 3.

[0140] The corresponding filter element 90 is alternatively or replaceably housed in the fluid channel, wherein each filter element 90 serves as a barrier against the coating powder and prevents the coating powder from one of the pneumatic control components of the pump head module 2 from entering the compressed air control module 3.

[0141] The compressed air control module 3 has multiple switching valves 12, which are distributed and designed for various components of the pump head module 2 to supply compressed air, suction air, or negative pressure to the pneumatic control components of the pump head module 2 as needed and in a controlled manner.

[0142] The ejector unit 23 is also integrated into the pump head module 2. The ejector unit 23 is used to generate the vacuum required to draw the coated powder into the powder delivery chamber 40.

[0143] In addition, two pressure chambers 20 are formed in the compressed air control module 3, which are used to temporarily store the compressed air required to operate the pump head module 2.

[0144] Pump head module 2 also has a compressed air outlet 37, to which a compressed air line can be connected to supply spray air to the spray gun as needed. Additionally, an electrode purge air outlet 38 is provided. Similar to the fluid channels in quick-change module 7, the fluid channels leading to the spray air outlet 37 and the electrode purge outlet 38 are equipped with corresponding filter elements 90 as a barrier against coating powder.

[0145] Another module of the dense phase powder pump 1 consists of a connection module 8, in which the electronic components and digitally controlled switches or control valves 111 of the dense phase powder pump 1 are integrated.

[0146] Finally, the dense phase powder pump 1 includes an inlet valve unit 6 with a modular construction having a valve 131. The valve 131 is fluidly connected to the compressed air inlet 39 of the dense phase powder pump 1 and supplies compressed air through a corresponding fluid passage through the pump housing 4 to the switching valve 12 or pressure chamber 20 of the compressed air control module 3.

[0147] It can also be seen that a pressure sensor 150 is provided in the compressed air control module 3. The pressure sensor 150 is specifically used to monitor the operation of the pneumatic control components of the pump head module 2.

[0148] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings, but arises from a combination of all the features disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A dense-phase powder pump (1) for conveying coating powder from a first powder reservoir to a second powder reservoir or a powder spraying device, wherein, The dense phase powder pump (1) is characterized by its modular design and has at least the following components, each of which is designed as a module: Pump head module (2), the pump head module (2) having at least one powder conveying chamber, the powder conveying chamber being fluidly connected to or capable of being fluidly connected to the first powder reservoir via a powder inlet, and fluidly connected to the second powder reservoir or the powder spraying device via a powder outlet; as well as A compressed air control module (3) has multiple switching valves (12) that are distributed and designed for the pneumatic control components of the pump head module (2). Specifically, the pneumatic control components of the pump head module (2) are supplied with compressed air, suction air, or vacuum. The compressed air control module (3) includes a valve block (10) that is preferably cuboid or even more preferably at least substantially cuboid, and a support plate (11) that is connected to, and in particular detachably connected to, the side surface (14) of the valve block (10).

2. The dense phase powder pump (1) according to claim 1, wherein, The switching valve (12) is preferably installed on the first side surface (13) of the support plate (11), and preferably each is installed on the first side surface (13) of the support plate (11) by a threaded connection, wherein the switching valve (12) is preferably designed as an electromagnetic switching valve (12).

3. The dense phase powder pump (1) according to claim 2, wherein, The support plate (11) is connected to the first side surface (14) of the preferred cuboid or even more preferably at least substantially cuboid valve block (10) via a second side surface of the support plate (11) opposite to the first side surface (13).

4. The dense phase powder pump (1) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein, The first side surface (13) of the support plate (11) is divided into dedicated sections, each section being designed as an installation area (15) for the switching valve (12) of the compressed air control module (3).

5. The dense phase powder pump (1) according to claim 4, wherein, A connection opening (16) is provided in each mounting area (15), the connection opening (16) being designed to be fluidly connected to the corresponding connection of the switching valve (12) when the switching valve (12) is connected to the carrier plate (11) in the mounting area (15).

6. The dense phase powder pump (1) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein, Inside the support plate (11), a channel system (17) is formed for each mounting area (15). Each channel system (17) has at least one air channel and, in particular, multiple air channels leading to a corresponding connection opening (16) of the mounting area (15) associated with the channel system (17).

7. The dense phase powder pump (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein, The support plate (11) is divided into a first support plate section (18) and a second support plate section (19) extending parallel to the first support plate section (18). The first support plate section (18) forms a first side surface (13) of the support plate (11), and the second support plate section (19) forms a second side surface of the support plate (11) opposite to the first side surface (13).

8. The dense phase powder pump (1) according to claims 6 and 7, wherein, The air passage of the channel system (17) is formed, at least partially or in some areas, by groove regions, particularly milled groove regions, provided in the side surfaces of the first support plate section (18) and / or the second support plate section (19).

9. The dense phase powder pump (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, The valve block (10), preferably at least a substantially rectangular parallelepiped, is designed at least partially or in multiple areas as a milled or injection-molded part, particularly a plastic injection-molded part, and preferably entirely as a milled or injection-molded part, particularly a plastic injection-molded part; and / or The support plate (11) is designed at least partially or in some areas as a milled or injection molded part, particularly a plastic injection molded part, and preferably entirely as a milled or injection molded part, particularly a plastic injection molded part.

10. The dense phase powder pump (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein, At least one pressure chamber (20) is formed inside the preferred cuboid and even more preferably at least substantially cuboid valve block (10), the pressure chamber (20) being used to temporarily store compressed air, in particular, required for operating the pump head module (2).

11. The dense phase powder pump (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, and particularly according to claim 10, wherein, At least two pressure chambers (20) are formed inside the valve body (10), which is preferably cuboid and even more preferably at least substantially cuboid. The at least two pressure chambers (20) are separated from each other by at least one wall region, but are preferably in fluid communication with each other.

12. The dense phase powder pump (1) according to claim 10 or 11, wherein, The at least one pressure chamber (20) is provided with a cover plate (21) which is connected and particularly welded to the wall region, and particularly connected and particularly welded to the base of the preferred cuboid and even more preferably at least substantially cuboid valve block (10), for closing the pressure chamber (20) to the outside.

13. The dense phase powder pump (1) according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein, At least one connection opening (36) associated with the at least one pressure chamber (20) is formed in the side surface (14) of the preferred cuboid and even more preferably at least substantially cuboid valve block (10), the support plate (11) being particularly detachably connected to the side surface (14) of the preferred cuboid and even more preferably at least substantially cuboid valve block (10), the at least one pressure chamber (20) being able to be filled with compressed air via the at least one connection opening (36).

14. The dense phase powder pump (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein, A compartment (22) is formed inside the preferred cuboid and even more preferably at least a basic cuboid valve block (10) for at least partially or in some areas accommodating the injector unit (23).

15. The dense phase powder pump (1) according to claim 14, wherein, The injector unit (23) is at least partially or in some areas accommodated or can be accommodated in the compartment (22) in a replaceable or alternative manner, and is designed to generate negative pressure as needed in the pump head module (2) of the dense phase powder pump (1) to draw powder into the at least one powder delivery chamber.

16. The dense phase powder pump (1) according to claim 14 or 15, wherein, The injector unit (23) has a vacuum nozzle (24) and an injector holder (25), wherein the vacuum nozzle (24) is held by the injector holder (25) in a replaceable or interchangeable manner.

17. The dense phase powder pump (1) according to claim 16, wherein, The injector holder (25) has a wall region (26) that, in the state where the injector unit (23) is housed in the compartment (22), and particularly in the state where the vacuum nozzle (24) of the injector unit (23) is housed in the compartment (22), the wall region (26) at least partially or in some areas closes the receiving or access opening of the compartment (22).

18. The dense phase powder pump (1) according to claim 16 or 17, wherein, The injector unit (23) has an exhaust filter (27), wherein the exhaust filter (27) is held by the injector holder (25) in a replaceable or replaceable manner, in particular such that compressed air guided by the vacuum nozzle (24) is guided into the exhaust filter (27) after passing through the vacuum nozzle (24).

19. The dense phase powder pump (1) according to claim 18, wherein, The injector retainer (25) has at least one exhaust opening (28) formed in the wall region (26) in at least the section in the wall region (26) where the exhaust filter (27) is held by the injector retainer (25), through which compressed air previously guided by the vacuum nozzle (24) can be discharged to the outside atmosphere.

20. The dense phase powder pump (1) according to claim 19, wherein, The injector holder (25) has a housing area in which the exhaust filter (27) is housed or can be housed, wherein, with the injector unit (23) housed in the compartment (22), particularly with the vacuum nozzle (24) and the housing area having the exhaust filter (27) housed in the compartment (22), the vacuum nozzle (24) is present in a vacuum region (29) of the compartment (22), the vacuum region (29) being specifically defined by the wall region (26) of the compartment (22).

21. The dense phase powder pump (1) according to claim 20, wherein, At least one through opening (30) is formed in the compartment (22), particularly in the wall region (26) of the compartment (22) opposite to the receiving or entering opening of the compartment (22), the through opening leading to the vacuum region (29) of the compartment (22).

22. The dense phase powder pump (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 21, and at least according to claim 3, wherein, In the wall region of the valve block (10) which is at least a basic cuboid, a channel system (31) is formed, each channel system having at least one air channel, the wall region being directly adjacent to a first side surface (14) of the valve block (10) which is at least a basic cuboid, and the support plate (11) being connected to the first side surface (14).

23. The dense phase powder pump (1) according to claim 22, wherein, The channel system (31) formed in the wall region of the valve block (10) which is at least a basic cuboid includes an air channel that is fluidly connected to an air channel belonging to a channel system (17) formed inside the support plate (11) and assigned to a corresponding switching valve mounting area (15) of the support plate (11).

24. The dense phase powder pump (1) according to claim 22 or 23, wherein, The valve block (10), which is at least a basic cuboid, has a first side surface (14) and a second side surface (32) opposite to the first side surface (14). The support plate (11) is connected to the first side surface (14). A connection opening (33) is formed in the second side surface (32) of the valve block (10), and each of the connection openings (33) is in fluid communication with at least one air passage of the channel system (31) formed in the wall region of the valve block (10), and when the dense phase powder pump (1) is in the assembled state, the connection opening (33) is specifically used for fluid communication with the pneumatic control components of the pump head module (2).

25. The dense phase powder pump (1) according to any one of claims 22 to 24, wherein, The wall region of the at least substantially cuboid valve block (10) is formed by a recessed region (34) formed in the base of the valve block (10) and side plates (35) designed to be at least partially or in some regions complementary to the recessed region (34). A channel system (31) with air passages is formed in the wall region of the at least substantially cuboid valve block (10), wherein the side plates (35) that are at least partially or in some regions complementary to the recessed region (34) are at least partially or in some regions accommodated in the recessed region (34). In 34), and particularly capable of being detachably fixed in the recessed area (34), wherein a groove area, particularly a milled groove area, is formed in the wall area of ​​the recessed area (34) facing the side plate (35), when the side plate (35) is received in the recessed area (34) to form the wall area, the groove area at least partially or in some areas forms an air passage of the channel system (31), the air passage of the channel system (31) being formed in the wall area of ​​the valve block (10).

26. The dense phase powder pump (1) according to claim 25, wherein, In the wall region of the side plate (35) facing the recessed region (34), a groove region, particularly a milled groove region, is formed. When the side plate (35) used to form the wall region is received in the recessed region (34), the groove region, particularly the milled groove region, is at least partially or in some areas in fluid communication with the air passage of the channel system (31) formed in the wall region of the valve block (10).

27. A compressed air control module (3) for a dense phase powder pump (1), said dense phase powder pump (1) for conveying coating powder from a first powder reservoir to a second powder reservoir or a powder spraying device, particularly for the dense phase powder pump (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 26, wherein, The compressed air control module (3) includes a plurality of switching valves (12) which are assigned to and designed for the various pneumatic control components of the dense phase powder pump (1) to supply compressed air, intake air or negative pressure to the pneumatic control components of the dense phase powder pump (1) as needed and, in particular, in a controlled manner. Its features are, The compressed air control module (3) has a valve block (10) that is preferably cuboid and even more preferably at least substantially cuboid, and a support plate (11) that is connected to, and in particular detachably connected to, the side surface of the valve block (10).

28. The compressed air control module (3) according to claim 27, wherein, At least one pressure chamber (20) is formed inside the valve block (10), which is preferably cuboid and even more preferably at least substantially cuboid, for temporarily storing compressed air, particularly for operating the pump head module (2). At least two pressure chambers (20) are formed inside the valve block (10), which is preferably cuboid and even more preferably at least substantially cuboid, and are separated from each other by at least one wall region, but are preferably in fluid communication with each other.

29. The compressed air control module (3) according to claim 28, wherein, The at least one pressure chamber (20) is fitted with a cover plate (21), which, in order to close the pressure chamber (20) to the outside, is connected and specifically welded to the wall region, and particularly connected and specifically welded to the base of the preferred cuboid and even more preferably at least substantially cuboid valve block (10); and / or In this embodiment, at least one connection opening (36) associated with the at least one pressure chamber (20) is formed in the side surface of the preferred cuboid and even more preferably at least substantially cuboid valve block (10), the support plate (11) is connected, in particular detachably connected to the side surface of the preferred cuboid and even more preferably at least substantially cuboid valve block (10), and the at least one pressure chamber (20) can be filled with compressed air through the at least one connection opening (36).

30. The compressed air control module (3) according to any one of claims 27 to 29 or the preamble of claim 27, wherein, A compartment (22) is formed inside the preferred cuboid and even more preferably at least a basic cuboid valve block (10) for at least partially or in some areas accommodating the injector unit (23).

31. The compressed air control module (3) according to claim 30, wherein, The injector unit (23) is at least partially or in some areas accommodated or capable of being accommodated in the compartment (22) in a replaceable or alternative manner, and is designed to generate a vacuum as needed, wherein the injector unit (23) has a vacuum nozzle (24) and an injector holder (25), wherein the vacuum nozzle (24) is held by the injector holder (25) in a replaceable or alternative manner.

32. The compressed air control module (3) according to claim 31, wherein, The injector holder (25) has a wall region (26) that, in the state where the injector unit (23) is housed in the compartment (22), and particularly in the state where the vacuum nozzle (24) of the injector unit (23) is housed in the compartment (22), the wall region at least partially or in some areas closes the receiving or access opening of the compartment (22).

33. The compressed air control module (3) according to claim 32, wherein, The injector unit (23) has an exhaust filter (27), wherein the exhaust filter (27) is held by the injector retainer (25) in a replaceable or replaceable manner, specifically such that the compressed air guided by the vacuum nozzle (24) is guided into the exhaust filter (27) after passing through the vacuum nozzle (24), wherein the injector retainer (25) has at least one exhaust opening (28) formed in the section of the wall region (26) through which the exhaust filter (27) is held by the injector retainer (25) can discharge the compressed air previously guided by the vacuum nozzle (24) to the outside atmosphere.

34. The compressed air control module (3) according to any one of claims 27 to 33 or the preamble of claim 27, wherein, The switching valve (12) is preferably mounted on the first side surface (13) of the support plate (11) by a threaded connection, wherein the first side surface (13) of the support plate (11) is specifically divided into dedicated sections, each section being designed as an installation area (15) for the switching valve (12) of the compressed air control module (3), wherein a connection opening (16) is provided in each installation area (15), the connection opening (16) being designed to be in fluid communication with the corresponding connection of the switching valve (12) when the switching valve (12) is connected to the support plate (11) in the installation area (15), wherein a channel system (17) is formed inside the support plate (11), the channel system (17) being associated with the corresponding installation area (15), each channel system (17) having at least one air channel, and particularly having multiple air channels, the at least one air channel or multiple air channels leading to the corresponding connection opening (16) of the installation area (15) associated with the channel system (17).

35. The compressed air control module (3) according to claim 34, wherein, The support plate (11) is divided into a first support plate section (18) and a second support plate portion (19). The first support plate section (18) forms a first side surface (13) of the support plate (11), and the second support plate portion (19) extends parallel to the first support plate portion (18) and forms a second side surface of the support plate (11) opposite to the first side surface (13). The air passage of the channel system (17) is formed at least partially or in some areas by groove regions, particularly milled groove regions, in the side surfaces of the first support plate section (18) and / or the second support plate section (19).

36. The compressed air control module (3) according to any one of claims 27 to 35 or the preamble of claim 27, wherein, Each of the switching valves (12) is preferably mounted on a first side (13) of the support plate (11) by a threaded connection, wherein the support plate (11) is connected to the first side (14) of the preferred cuboid and even more preferably at least cuboid valve block (10) by a second side surface of the support plate (11) opposite to the first side surface (13), wherein a channel system (31) is formed in the wall region of the at least cuboid valve block (10), each channel system having at least one air channel, the wall region being directly adjacent to the first side surface (14) of the at least cuboid valve block (10), and the support plate (11) being connected to the first side surface (14).

37. The compressed air control module (3) according to claim 36, wherein, The channel system (31) formed in the wall region of the valve block (10) which is at least a basic cuboid includes an air channel in fluid communication with an air channel belonging to a channel system (17) formed inside the support plate (11) and assigned to a corresponding switching valve mounting area (15) of the support plate (11).

38. The compressed air control module (3) according to claim 36 or 37, wherein, The wall region of the at least substantially cuboid valve block (10) is formed by a recessed region (34) formed in the base of the valve block (10) and side plates (35) designed to be at least partially or in some regions complementary to the recessed region (34). A channel system (31) with air passages is formed in the wall region of the at least substantially cuboid valve block (10), wherein the side plates (35) designed to be at least partially or in some regions complementary to the recessed region (34) are capable of being at least partially or in multiple regions accommodated in the recessed region (34). 4) and particularly capable of being detachably fixed in the recessed area (34), wherein a groove area, particularly a milled groove area, is formed in the wall area of ​​the recessed area (34) facing the side plate (35), when the side plate (35) is received in the recessed area (34) to form the wall area, the groove area, particularly the milled groove area, forms at least partially or in multiple areas the air passage of the channel system (31), the air passage of the channel system (31) formed in the wall area of ​​the valve block (10).

39. The compressed air control module (3) according to claim 38, wherein, The groove region, particularly the milled groove region, is formed in the wall region of the side plate (35) facing the recessed region (34). When the side plate (35) is accommodated in the recessed region (34) to form the wall region of the valve block (10), the groove region is at least partially or in some regions in fluid communication with the air passage of the channel system (31) disposed in the wall region of the valve block (10).

40. An injector unit (23) for a compressed air control module (3) of a dense phase powder pump (1), particularly for a compressed air control module (3) according to claim 30, wherein, The injector unit (23) is designed to be housed at least partially or in some areas in a compartment (22) formed inside the valve block (10) of the compressed air control module (3).

41. The injector unit (23) according to claim 40, wherein, The injector unit (23) is designed to be at least partially or alternatively or replaceably housed in the compartment (22) and is designed to generate a vacuum as needed, wherein the injector unit (23) includes a vacuum nozzle (24) and an injector holder (25), wherein the vacuum nozzle (24) is held in a replaceable or replaceable manner by the injector holder (25), wherein the injector holder (25) has a wall region (26) in which, in the state in which the injector unit (23) is housed in the compartment (22), particularly in the state in which the vacuum nozzle (24) of the injector unit (23) is housed in the compartment (22), the wall region (26) at least partially or in some areas closes the receiving or... Entering the opening, the injector unit (23) further includes an exhaust filter (27), wherein the exhaust filter (27) is held by the injector retainer (25) in a replaceable or interchangeable manner, specifically such that compressed air guided by the vacuum nozzle (24) is guided into the exhaust filter (27) after passing through the vacuum nozzle (24), wherein the injector retainer (25) has at least one exhaust opening (28) formed in the wall region (26) at least in the section of the wall region (26) through which the compressed air previously guided by the vacuum nozzle (24) can be discharged to the outside atmosphere.

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