Dense-phase powder pump comprising a quick-change module, quick-change module for a dense-phase powder pump, and filter element for a dense-phase powder pump

Abstract

The invention relates to a dense-phase powder pump (1), said dense-phase powder pump (1) being characterized by the modular design thereof. The dense-phase powder pump (1) has a pump head module (2), which has at least one powder pumping chamber (40), and a compressed air control module (3), which has a plurality of switch valves (12) that are paired with in particular pneumatically controllable components of the pump head module (2) and are designed to supply compressed air or suction air or negative pressure to the pneumatically controllable components of the pump head module (2) as required and in particular in a controlled manner. According to the invention, the dense-phase powder pump (1) in particular additionally has a quick-change module (7) which is arranged between the pump head module (2) and the compressed air control module (3) and is designed to releasably connect the pump head module (2) to the compressed air control module.

Description

[0001] Dense-phase powder pump with a quick-change module, quick-change module for a dense-phase powder pump, and filter element for a dense-phase powder pump

[0002] Description

[0003] The present invention relates generally to dense phase powder pumps for conveying coating powder.

[0004] Dense-phase powder pumps of the type considered here have at least one conveying chamber equipped with a powder inlet valve and a powder outlet valve. The conveying chamber can be connected alternatively to a vacuum source during a suction phase or to a transport compressed air source during a discharge phase. Using the vacuum from the vacuum source, powder is sucked into the conveying chamber through the open powder inlet valve while the powder outlet valve is closed. Using the transport compressed air from the transport compressed air source, the powder in the conveying chamber is discharged through the open powder outlet valve while the powder inlet valve is closed.

[0005] Dense phase powder pumps can have several conveying chambers arranged parallel to one another, which operate in phases such that coating powder is alternately sucked into one conveying chamber while coating powder is discharged from the other conveying chamber.

[0006] For example, EP 1 551 558 A1 relates to a dense phase powder pump having a first powder feed chamber and a second powder feed chamber arranged parallel to the first powder feed chamber. The two powder feed chambers of the dense phase powder pump known from this prior art are each delimited on both the intake and discharge sides by a mechanically actuated pinch valve arrangement. Specifically, it is provided that, in the intake and discharge areas of the dense phase powder pump, the powder hoses connected to the respective powder feed chambers of the dense phase powder pump can be deformed by a mechanically actuated plunger in order to pinch off or open the hose section as needed.

[0007] Each powder feed chamber of the dense phase powder pump known from this prior art is assigned a filter tube which delimits the circumference of the corresponding powder feed chamber. The filter tube is permeable to air, but not to coating powder, and is surrounded by an annular chamber to which either negative pressure or compressed air can be connected. This allows coating powder to be alternately sucked into each powder feed chamber or expelled from the corresponding powder feed chamber using compressed air. The two powder feed chambers arranged parallel to each other are operated in alternating phases, which means that one of the two powder feed chambers sucks in coating powder through the powder inlet of the dense phase powder pump, while the other of the two powder feed chambers discharges a portion of coating powder previously sucked into the powder feed chamber via the powder outlet of the dense phase powder pump.

[0008] The use of dense phase powder pumps for conveying coating powder to corresponding devices for spraying coating powder, such as in particular powder spray coating guns, is known from the document DE 196 11 533 B4, the document WO 2004 / 087331 A1 and the document EP 1 566 352 A2.

[0009] Before the use of dense phase powder pumps of the type considered here for conveying coating powder became known, powder pumps designed as injectors were used, and these are still used today to convey coating powder. In contrast to dense phase powder pumps, however, powder pumps designed as injectors (dilute phase powder pumps) have the disadvantage that powder pumps designed as injectors wear out relatively quickly and can usually convey a decreasing amount of coating powder per unit of time over time. Therefore, dense phase powder pumps have become established in practice, particularly for applications where a constant amount of coating powder must be conveyed per unit of time.

[0010] In practical use, however, it has been shown that dense phase powder pumps, such as those known from the document EP 1 551 558 A1, have problems with continuous powder conveyance, particularly with some types of powder, and that they require relatively frequent maintenance.

[0011] The invention is intended to solve the problem that, on the one hand, the maintenance of a dense phase powder pump can be simplified in order to reduce potential downtimes of the dense phase powder pump.

[0012] The object underlying the invention is achieved in particular by a dense phase powder pump according to independent patent claim 1, wherein advantageous developments of the dense phase powder pump according to the invention are specified in dependent patent claims 2 to 19.

[0013] Accordingly, the invention relates in particular to a dense phase powder pump for conveying coating powder from a first powder reservoir to a second powder reservoir or to a powder spraying device, wherein the dense phase powder pump is characterized by its modular design.

[0014] The modular design of the dense phase powder pump according to the invention enables adjustments, optimizations, and even cost reductions to be made in individual modules of the dense phase powder pump without the typical "ripple effect" of changes occurring within the entire dense phase powder pump. The modularization of the dense phase powder pump according to the invention reduces product complexity and makes the customer order process more efficient by allowing the dense phase powder pump to be configured for the specific order instead of being designed specifically for the order.

[0015] In other words, the dense phase powder pump according to the invention is constructed according to a modular principle, with the functional components of the dense phase powder pump being divided into modules or assemblies. The individual modules or assemblies of the dense phase powder pump constructed according to the modular principle can be combined or integrated via appropriate interfaces if their shape and function are suitable.

[0016] The dense phase powder pump (according to the invention), constructed according to the modular principle and characterized by its modular design, enables the creation of individually configurable dense phase powder pumps without sacrificing economies of scale across series. The individual modules of the dense phase powder pump are, in particular, standardized building blocks that can be flexibly implemented using individual adaptation elements within the modular system.

[0017] The advantage of such a modular, dense phase powder pump is, on the one hand, increased flexibility in product and organizational development. Faster product cycles and greater adaptability are possible when various compatible dense phase powder pump modules are available, which can be attached, removed, replaced, or regrouped to ultimately adapt the dense phase powder pump to new conditions.

[0018] On the other hand, the modular design of the dense phase powder pump according to the invention offers the further advantage of easily realizing a wide product variety. Furthermore, more cost-effective production is possible due to identical series and simpler assembly processes.

[0019] Finally, the modular design of the dense phase powder pump according to the invention also offers advantages with regard to the maintenance of the dense phase powder pump, since cost-effective repair is possible by replacing the faulty components of the dense phase powder pump.

[0020] In particular, the dense-phase powder pump according to the invention comprises a pump head module designed as a module, which has at least one powder conveying chamber that is or can be fluidly connected to the first powder reservoir via a powder inlet and to the second powder reservoir or to the powder spray device via a powder outlet. Furthermore, the dense-phase powder pump according to the invention comprises a compressed air control module, also designed as a module, which has a plurality of switching valves that are assigned to the individual, preferably modular, components of the pump head module and are designed to supply the pneumatically controllable components of the pump head module with compressed air, suction air, or vacuum as needed, in particular in a controlled manner.

[0021] The dense phase powder pump according to the invention is also characterized in particular by the fact that a quick-change module is also used, which is arranged at least partially or regionally between the pump head module and the compressed air control module and is designed to detachably connect the pump head module to the compressed air control module, in particular in such a way that when the pump head module is connected to the compressed air control module, the pneumatically controllable components of the pump head module are fluidly connected to the switching valves of the compressed air control module via the quick-change module.

[0022] By providing such a quick-change module, the pump head module can be separated from the compressed air control module of the dense phase powder pump in just a few simple steps, for example to replace or maintain components of the pump head module.

[0023] In particular, the quick-change module represents the interface between the pump head module and the compressed air control module. This interface preferably also includes measures (filters) to prevent accidental penetration of coating powder from the pneumatic components of the pump head module into the compressed air control module.

[0024] The quick-change module has, in particular, a quick-change mechanism via which the pump head module can be or is detachably connected to the quick-change module.

[0025] According to implementations of the quick-change module according to the invention, the quick-change mechanism has at least one locking element that is movable between a locking position and a release position. In the locking position of the at least one locking element, the locking element forms, in particular, a positive connection with a counter-element of the pump head module that is preferably designed at least partially or regionally to correspond to the locking element. In contrast, in the release position of the at least one locking element, the particularly positive connection between the at least one locking element and the counter-element is canceled.

[0026] In this context, it is advisable for the at least one blocking element to be designed to be hook-shaped at least in some areas, while the counter element of the pump head module is designed as a through-opening which is formed, for example, in a housing shell which at least partially or partially accommodates the pneumatically controllable components of the pump head module or in a housing of the pump head module which at least partially or partially accommodates the pneumatically controllable components of the pump head module.

[0027] Preferably, the at least one locking element is assigned a spring element, via which the locking element is preloaded into its locking position. According to embodiments, the locking element is preferably mounted displaceably perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the quick-change module relative to a base body of the quick-change module or to a housing of the quick-change module and relative to the pump head module.

[0028] According to variants of the last-mentioned embodiment of the dense phase powder pump according to the invention, the quick-change mechanism has at least one manually operable locking lever, via which the at least one locking element can be transferred from its locking position into its release position as required.

[0029] For the manual actuation of the at least one locking lever, a push button is preferably assigned to the locking lever, which can be provided in particular on or in a front side of the quick-change module.

[0030] The push button is movable between an actuated position and an unactuated position, wherein when the push button is transferred from its unactuated position to its actuated position, a movement stroke of the push button is transmitted to the at least one locking lever, as a result of which the at least one locking lever moves relative to a base body of the quick-change module or relative to a housing of the quick-change module and preferably in a longitudinal direction of the quick-change module.

[0031] Preferably, a spring element is assigned to the push button and / or the at least one locking lever of the quick-change mechanism, which spring element is used and designed in particular to preload the push button, preferably together with the at least one locking lever operatively connected to the push button, into the unactuated position of the push button.

[0032] The at least one locking lever of the quick-change mechanism can, for example, have a guide area that interacts with the at least one locking element in such a way that, upon a movement of the at least one locking lever relative to the base body of the quick-change module or relative to the housing of the quick-change module initiated by the push button being moved into its actuated position, the at least one locking element is moved from its locking position to its release position. Of course, other embodiments are also possible for transmitting the movement of the push button or the at least one locking lever to the at least one locking element.

[0033] In particular, according to implementations of the powder dense phase pump according to the invention, it is provided that the quick-change mechanism is designed such that when the at least one locking element is transferred from its locking position into its release position, the at least one locking element is moved, in particular pressed, into a housing of the quick-change module or into a base body of the quick-change module.

[0034] The quick-change module according to the invention is further characterized in that it has a connection block serving as a base body and a housing that accommodates the connection block at least partially or in some areas.

[0035] The connection block of the quick-change module is preferably designed as a one-piece or one-part plastic part, in particular a plastic injection-molded part, and has passages serving as fluid channels. Connections of the pneumatically controllable components of the pump head module can be fluidly connected to connections of the compressed air control module via the passages serving as fluid channels, or are connected if the pneumatically controllable components of the pump head module or the pump head module are connected to the switching valves of the compressed air control module or to the compressed air control module via the quick-change module.

[0036] In this context, it is advisable that at least some of the passages provided in the connection block, which is preferably designed as a one-piece or one-piece plastic part, in particular a plastic injection-molded part, and preferably all of the passages provided in the connection block, which is preferably designed as a one-piece or one-piece plastic part, in particular a plastic injection-molded part, are designed and constructed at least partially or in regions as plug-in connection elements, to form a plug-in connection, in particular a detachable plug-in connection, with a corresponding plug-in connection counter-element, which is designed at least partially or in regions in a complementary manner, of a pneumatically controllable component of the pump head module and / or a plug-in connection, in particular a detachable plug-in connection, with a corresponding plug-in connection counter-element, which is designed at least partially or in regions in a complementary manner, of the compressed air control module.

[0037] According to preferred implementations of the latter embodiment, at least some of the passages provided in the connection block, which is preferably designed as a one-piece or one-piece plastic part, in particular a plastic injection-molded part, are designed, at least in some areas, as sleeves and are configured to form a plug-in connection with a correspondingly designed spigot end of a pneumatically controllable component of the pump head module. In other words, the passages provided in the connection block are designed, at least in some areas, as receiving plug-in connection elements.

[0038] According to a further aspect of the invention, at least some of the passages provided in the connection block, which is preferably designed as a one-piece or one-piece plastic part, in particular a plastic injection-molded part, and preferably all of the passages provided in the connection block, which is preferably designed as a one-piece or one-piece plastic part, in particular a plastic injection-molded part, are designed as receptacles for a filter element serving as a coating powder barrier. The filter element is accommodated, in particular, at least partially or regionally and preferably replaceably or interchangeably, in the corresponding passages of the connection block, which serve as a fluid channel.

[0039] According to embodiments of the last-mentioned configuration, it is provided that the passages formed in the connection block for at least partially or regionally receiving a filter element serving as a coating powder barrier have a - seen in a longitudinal sectional view of the passages - step-shaped configuration with an annular flange region which serves as a support or bearing region, in particular as a bearing region, of the filter element received or to be received at least partially or regionally in the corresponding passage.

[0040] In the housing of the quick-change module, corresponding through-openings are formed, which are designed at least substantially coaxial and / or concentric with the passages provided in the connection block and serving as a fluid channel.

[0041] According to embodiments of the powder dense phase pump according to the invention, it is conceivable that the housing of the quick-change module is designed in at least two parts and has a first housing shell and at least one further, second housing shell.

[0042] The housing shells of the housing of the quick-change module are preferably detachably connectable to one another, wherein in a connected state of the housing shells of the housing of the quick-change module, the connection block is at least partially or regionally received by the housing formed by the housing shells.

[0043] In the connection block, which is preferably designed as a one-piece or one-part plastic part, in particular a plastic injection-molded part, a bearing area is preferably formed which is assigned to the at least one locking element of the quick-change mechanism and which serves to guide a movement of the at least one locking element during its transfer from the locking position to the release position (and vice versa). The invention further relates to a quick-change module for a dense phase powder pump, in particular for a dense phase powder pump of the aforementioned type, wherein the quick-change module serves to detachably connect a pump head module to a compressed air control module.

[0044] According to a further aspect, the invention relates to a filter element for a dense phase powder pump, in particular (but not restrictively) for a dense phase powder pump of the aforementioned type according to the invention.

[0045] The filter element serves as a coating powder barrier in the dense phase powder pump and is designed to be accommodated in a fluid channel of the dense phase powder pump in an exchangeable or replaceable manner.

[0046] The fluid channel of the dense phase powder pump can, for example, be a fluid channel which fluidly connects a pneumatically controlled component of the dense phase powder pump with a switching valve of the dense phase powder pump assigned to the pneumatically controlled component of the dense phase powder pump.

[0047] The filter element according to the invention is characterized in particular by the fact that it is designed as a one-piece and monolithic filter candle.

[0048] The filter element according to the invention is characterized in particular by the fact that it remains dimensionally stable and pressure-resistant even when the pores are highly clogged.

[0049] The filter element is made of one piece and is made of a sintered material, preferably polyethylene or a material containing polyethylene, and is characterized by its solid strength, its high, uniform porosity and its solid composite structure.

[0050] According to embodiments of the filter element according to the invention, the filter element comprises a cylindrical base body and a flange region. Viewed in a longitudinal direction of the filter element, the cylindrical base body of the filter element preferably has a length that is at least 30%, preferably at least 50%, and even more preferably at least 75% of a particularly average diameter of the cylindrical base body.

[0051] In particular, according to preferred implementations of the filter element according to the invention, it is provided that the length of the cylindrical base body of the filter element is equal to or greater than the average diameter of the cylindrical base body.

[0052] According to embodiments of the filter element according to the invention, the cylindrical base body of the filter element can have a circular configuration when viewed in cross section.

[0053] However, a trilobal, hexagonal or star-shaped configuration or even an irregularly shaped configuration is preferred for the cross-sectional shape of the cylindrical base body in order to provide a larger filter area, which reduces the pressure loss caused by the filter element and increases the overall service life of the filter element.

[0054] On the other hand, it is preferably provided that - seen in cross-section - the flange area of ​​the filter element has a circular configuration.

[0055] According to embodiments of the filter element according to the invention, the flange region has a length - viewed in a longitudinal direction of the filter element - which corresponds to a maximum of 70%, preferably a maximum of 50% and even more preferably a maximum of 45% of the length of the cylindrical base body.

[0056] In particular, it is provided that the flange region has a particularly average diameter which is larger than a particularly average diameter of the cylindrical base body.

[0057] To further increase the effective filter area of ​​the filter element, according to embodiments of the filter element according to the invention, the filter element is provided with at least one through-channel extending in a longitudinal direction of the filter element. The through-channel can also be designed as a corresponding blind bore. The filter element is preferably made of polyethylene or a material containing polyethylene. Polyethylene is a thermoplastic that softens at temperatures above +80°C and is very easy to process. Therefore, the use of polyethylene as the starting material for the filter element according to the invention allows for simple production of the filter element, for example, during an injection molding process.

[0058] The invention further relates to a quick-change module for a dense phase powder pump for conveying coating powder from a first powder reservoir to a second powder reservoir or to a powder spraying device.

[0059] The dense phase powder pump is, for example, a dense phase powder pump of the type according to the invention described above.

[0060] The quick-change module is particularly designed to detachably connect a pump head module of the dense phase powder pump, which has at least one powder conveying chamber which is or can be fluidly connected to the first powder reservoir via a powder inlet and to the second powder reservoir or to the powder spray device via a powder outlet, to a compressed air control module of the dense phase powder pump, wherein the compressed air control module has in particular a plurality of switching valves which are in particular assigned to the pneumatically controllable components of the pump head module and are designed to supply the pneumatically controllable components of the pump head module with compressed air or suction air or vacuum as required and in particular in a controlled manner.

[0061] The quick-change module according to the invention is characterized in particular in that the quick-change module has a quick-change mechanism via which the pump head module can be detachably connected to the quick-change module.

[0062] Preferably, the quick-change mechanism has at least one locking element which is movable between a locking position and a release position, wherein in the locking position the at least one locking element forms in particular a positive connection with a counter element of the pump head module which is preferably designed at least partially or regionally to the locking element, and wherein in the release position of the at least one locking element the in particular positive connection between the at least one locking element and the counter element is canceled.

[0063] A spring element can be assigned to the at least one locking element, via which the locking element is pretensioned into its locking position, wherein the locking element is preferably displaceably mounted perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the quick-change module relative to a base body or to a housing of the quick-change module and relative to the pump head module.

[0064] Alternatively or additionally, the quick-change mechanism can have at least one manually operable locking lever, via which the at least one locking element can be moved from its locking position to its release position as required.

[0065] For the manual actuation of the at least one locking lever, the locking lever is preferably assigned a push button, which is preferably provided on an end face of the quick-change module and is movable between an actuated position and an unactuated position, wherein when the push button is transferred from its unactuated position to its actuated position, a movement stroke of the push button is transmitted to the at least one locking lever, as a result of which the at least one locking lever moves relative to a base body of the quick-change module or relative to a housing of the quick-change module and preferably in a longitudinal direction of the quick-change module.

[0066] Furthermore, it is conceivable for the quick-change module to have a connection block and a housing that accommodates the connection block at least partially or in some areas, wherein the connection block of the quick-change module is preferably designed as a one-piece or one-part plastic part, in particular a plastic injection-molded part, and each has passages that serve as a fluid channel, via which connections of the pneumatically controllable components of the pump head module can be or are connected in terms of flow to corresponding connections of the compressed air control module when the pneumatically controllable components of the pump head module or the pump head module are fluidly connected via the quick-change module to the switching valves of the compressed air control module or to the compressed air control module.

[0067] In this context, it is particularly conceivable that in the connection block, which is preferably designed as a one-piece or one-part plastic part, in particular a plastic injection-molded part, a bearing area assigned to the at least one locking element is formed for guiding a movement of the at least one locking element during its movement from the locking position into the release position and vice versa.

[0068] The invention is described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0069] They show:

[0070] FIG. 1 shows schematically and in an isometric view an exemplary embodiment of the dense phase powder pump according to the invention;

[0071] FIG. 2 shows schematically and in an isometric exploded view the exemplary embodiment of the dense phase powder pump according to the invention according to FIG. 1;

[0072] FIG. 3 shows schematically and in an isometric exploded view an exemplary embodiment of the quick-change module according to the invention, which is also used in particular in the exemplary embodiment of the dense phase powder pump according to the invention according to FIG. 1;

[0073] FIG. 4A schematically and in a first isometric view, an exemplary embodiment of a filter element serving as a coating powder barrier, which is also used, for example, in the exemplary embodiment of the quick-change module according to the invention according to FIG. 3;

[0074] FIG. 4B schematically shows, in a second isometric view, the exemplary embodiment of the filter element according to the invention shown in FIG. 4A; and FIG. 5 schematically shows a pneumatic diagram of the exemplary embodiment of the dense phase powder pump according to the invention shown in FIG. 1.

[0075] The exemplary embodiment of the dense phase powder pump 1 according to the invention, shown schematically in particular in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, is characterized by its modularity, as can be seen in particular from the schematic and isometric exploded view according to FIG. 2.

[0076] The exemplary embodiment of the dense phase powder pump 1 according to the invention, shown schematically in particular in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, is characterized by its modularity, as can be seen in particular from the schematic and isometric exploded view according to FIG. 2.

[0077] In particular, the dense phase powder pump 1 according to the invention is constructed according to the modular principle and divided into various functional components, also constructed in a modular manner. This is, in particular, a pump head module 2, which has at least one powder conveying chamber, which is fluidly connected or connectable to a (first) powder reservoir via a powder inlet and to a (second) powder reservoir via a powder outlet, or to a powder spray device not shown in the drawings.

[0078] The pump head module 2 of the dense phase powder pump 1 is preferably operatively connected via a quick-change system or quick-change module 7, in particular in terms of flow, to a compressed air control module 3, which forms an application valve unit for the pump head module 2.

[0079] The compressed air control module 3 is integrated or can be integrated at least partially or regionally into a pump housing 4, wherein the pump housing 4 further comprises a control unit for controlling the controllable components of the dense phase powder pump 1.

[0080] The quick-change system or quick-change module 7, via which the pump head module 2 is connected to the compressed air control module 3 serving as the application valve unit, is designed in particular as a connection block. The exploded view according to FIG. 2 further shows that a further module of the dense phase powder pump 1 is formed by a connection module 8, which preferably comprises an HMI device 9, in particular with a display. The connection module 8 can be detachably connected to the pump housing 4 and contains at least essential elements of the control unit.

[0081] A further module unit of the exemplary embodiment of the dense phase powder pump 1 according to the invention is formed by an inlet valve unit 6, via which in particular the application valve unit, ie the compressed air control module 3, is supplied with the compressed air necessary for controlling the pneumatically controllable components of the pump head module 2.

[0082] In particular, however, the exemplary embodiment of the dense phase powder pump 1 according to the invention is characterized in that the pump head module 2 is connected to the compressed air control module 3 of the dense phase powder pump 1 in a particularly easy-to-remove manner.

[0083] For this purpose, the already mentioned quick-change module 7 is used, which is arranged at least partially or regionally between the pump head module 2 and the compressed air control module 3 and is designed to detachably connect the pump head module 2 to the compressed air control module 3, in particular in such a way that when the pump head module 2 is connected to the compressed air control module 3, the pneumatically controllable components of the pump head module 2 are fluidly connected to the switching valves of the compressed air control module 3 via the quick-change module 7.

[0084] As can be seen in particular from the schematic and isometric exploded view according to FIG. 3, the exemplary embodiment of the quick-change module 7 according to the invention has a quick-change mechanism via which the pump head module 2 is or can be detachably connected to the quick-change module 7. The quick-change module 7 can, for example, be firmly connected to the compressed air control module 3, in particular via a detachable screw connection. The quick-change mechanism has locking elements 50, each of which can be moved between a locking position and a release position. In the locking position of the locking elements 50, a positive connection exists between the locking elements 50 and corresponding counter-elements 51 of the pump head module 2, which are preferably designed at least partially or regionally to the locking elements 50.

[0085] In the release position of the locking elements 50, however, the particularly positive connection between the locking elements 50 and the corresponding counter-elements 51 of the pump head module 2 is canceled.

[0086] In the exemplary embodiment of the quick-change module 7 according to the invention shown in particular in FIG. 3, it is provided that the locking elements 50 of the quick-change mechanism are designed to be hook-shaped at least in some areas.

[0087] The corresponding counter elements 51 of the pump head module 2 are, as can be seen in particular from the illustration in FIG. 1 or FIG. 2, designed as corresponding receptacles or through-openings which are formed in a housing shell which serves to accommodate the pneumatically controllable components of the pump head module 2 at least partially or in regions.

[0088] The illustration in FIG. 3 further shows that each locking element 50 of the quick-change mechanism is assigned a spring element 52, by means of which the locking element 50 is pretensioned into its locking position.

[0089] In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 3, it is provided that the respective locking elements 50 are displaceably mounted perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the quick-change module 7 relative to a base body or relative to a housing of the quick-change module 7 (and relative to the pump head module 2).

[0090] It can also be seen from the illustration in FIG. 3 that in the exemplary embodiment of the quick-change module 7 according to the invention shown there, the quick-change mechanism has a manually operable locking lever 53, via which the locking elements 50 can be transferred from their locking position to their release position (synchronized) as required.

[0091] For manual actuation of the locking lever 53, a push button 54 provided on one end face of the quick-change module 7 is assigned to the locking lever 53.

[0092] The push button 54 is movable between an actuated position and an unactuated position. When the push button 54 is transferred from its unactuated position to its actuated position, a movement stroke of the push button 54 is transmitted to the locking lever 53 operatively connected to the push button 54, as a result of which the locking lever 53 moves relative to the base body of the quick-change module 7 or relative to a housing of the quick-change module 7, and preferably in a longitudinal direction of the quick-change module 7.

[0093] It can also be seen from the isometric exploded view according to FIG. 3 that a spring element 55.1 is assigned to the push button 54, which spring element is used and designed to preload the push button 54 together with the locking lever 53 operatively connected to the push button 54 into the unactuated position of the push button 54.

[0094] The locking lever 53 has - as shown in FIG. 3 - corresponding guide areas 55.2, which each interact with a locking element 50 of the quick-change mechanism in such a way that when the locking lever 53 is moved relative to the base body of the quick-change module 7 or relative to the housing of the quick-change module 7 by moving the push button 54 into its actuated position, the corresponding locking elements 50 are moved from their locking position into their release position.

[0095] In particular, in the exemplary embodiment of the quick-change mechanism of the quick-change module 7 according to the invention shown in the drawings, it is provided that during the (synchronized) transfer of the locking elements 50 from their locking position to their release position, the respective locking elements 50 are moved into a housing 57 of the quick-change module 7 or into a base body of the quick-change module 7 and are pressed in, in particular, via the locking lever 53 or the corresponding guide areas 55.2 of the locking lever 53.

[0096] The design of the quick-change module 7 according to the invention is characterized, in addition to the quick-change mechanism described above, in particular by the fact that the quick-change module 7 has a connection block 56 and a housing 57 that at least partially or partially accommodates the connection block 56. The connection block 56 serves as the base body of the quick-change module 7.

[0097] The connection block 56 of the quick-change module 7 is designed as a one-piece or one-part plastic part, in particular a plastic injection-molded part, and has passages 59 serving as fluid channels, via which connections of the pneumatically controllable components of the pump head module 2 can be or are fluidly connected to corresponding connections of the compressed air control module 3 when the pneumatically controllable components of the pump head module 2 or the pump head module 2 are fluidly connected to the switching valves of the compressed air control module 3 or to the compressed air control module 3 via the quick-change module 7.

[0098] The passages 59 provided in the connection block 56 of the quick-change module 7, which is preferably designed as a one-piece or one-part plastic part, in particular a plastic injection-molded part, and each serving as a fluid channel, are designed at least partially or in regions as plug-in connection elements and are designed to form a plug-in connection, in particular a detachable plug-in connection, with a corresponding plug-in connection counter-element of a pneumatically controllable component of the pump head module 2, which plug-in connection counter-element is designed at least partially or in regions to be complementary.

[0099] In particular, in the exemplary embodiment of the quick-change module 7 according to the invention shown in the drawings, it is provided that the passages 59 provided in the connection block 56, which is preferably designed as a one-piece or one-piece plastic part, in particular a plastic injection-molded part, and each serve as a fluid channel, are at least partially sleeve-shaped and designed to form a plug-in connection with a corresponding connection, designed as a spigot end, of a pneumatically controllable component of the pump head module 2. The isometric exploded view according to FIG. 3 shows that the housing 57 of the quick-change module 7 can be designed in at least two parts and can have a first housing shell 58.1 and at least one further, second housing shell 58.2, wherein the housing shells 58.1, 58.2 of the housing of the quick-change module 7 can preferably be detachably connected to one another.In a connected state of the housing shells 58.1, 58.2 of the housing 57 of the quick-change module 7, the connection block 56 of the quick-change module 7 is at least partially or regionally received by the housing 57 formed by the housing shells 58.1, 58.2.

[0100] It can also be seen from the illustration in FIG. 3 that in the connection block 56 designed as a plastic part, in particular a plastic injection-molded part, corresponding bearing areas 100 are formed which are assigned to the locking elements 50 of the quick-change mechanism and which serve to guide a movement of the locking elements 50 during their movement, in particular during their synchronized movement, from the locking position to the release position and vice versa.

[0101] In the exemplary embodiment of the quick-change module 7 according to the invention shown in particular in FIG. 3, it is provided in particular that the passages 59 provided in the connection block 56, which is designed in particular as a plastic part, preferably as a plastic injection-molded part, and each serving as a fluid channel, each receive a filter element 90 serving as a coating powder barrier in an exchangeable or replaceable manner.

[0102] For this purpose, the corresponding passages 59 of the connection block 56 serving as fluid channels are each designed as receptacles for at least partially or regionally receiving, in particular replaceably or interchangeably receiving, a filter element 90 serving as a coating barrier.

[0103] Although not explicitly shown in the drawings, it is provided in the exemplary embodiment shown in the drawings that the passages 59, which are designed to at least partially or regionally accommodate a filter element 90 serving as a coating powder barrier in the connection block 56 designed as a plastic part, in particular a plastic injection-molded part, and each serve as a fluid channel, have a - seen in a longitudinal sectional view of the passages 59 - stepped configuration with an annular flange region which serves as a support or bearing region, in particular as a bearing region, of the filter element 90 which is to be accommodated and at least partially or regionally in the corresponding passage.

[0104] A further aspect of the present invention will now be described, particularly with reference to the illustrations in FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B.

[0105] This is a filter element 90 for a dense phase powder pump 1, for example for a dense phase powder pump 1, as shown schematically in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2.

[0106] In detail, the filter element 90 shown in FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B serves as a coating powder barrier and is designed to be exchangeably or replaceably received in a fluid channel of the dense phase powder pump 1.

[0107] The filter element 90 shown, for example, in FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B is in particular interchangeably received or receivable in the passages serving as a fluid channel and formed in the connection block 56 of the quick-change module 7, which is preferably designed as a one-piece or one-part plastic part.

[0108] The exemplary embodiment of the filter element 90 according to the invention, each shown in an isometric view in FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B, is characterized in particular by the fact that the filter element 90 is designed as a one-piece and monolithic filter candle.

[0109] In particular, the filter element 90 according to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B is formed from polyethylene or from a material containing polyethylene, although other materials are also generally possible, such as sintered materials.

[0110] The filter element 90 according to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B has a cylindrical base body 91 and a flange region 92. In particular, it is provided that the length of the cylindrical base body 91 is the same as or greater than the average diameter of the cylindrical base body 91. Although it is fundamentally conceivable that - viewed in cross section - the cylindrical base body 91 of the filter element 90 has a circular configuration, according to the exemplary embodiment of the filter element 90 according to the invention shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, it is provided that - viewed in cross section - the cylindrical base body 91 of the filter element 90 has an at least substantially star-shaped configuration.

[0111] Of course, other cross-sectional geometries for the cylindrical base body 91 are also conceivable, such as a trilobal or hexagonal configuration or even an irregularly shaped configuration.

[0112] The flange region 92 of the filter element 90, on the other hand, preferably has a circular configuration, as seen in cross-section. In particular, in this context, it is preferably provided that the flange region 92 has a particularly average diameter that is larger than a particularly average diameter of the cylindrical base body 91 of the filter element 90.

[0113] Viewed in a longitudinal direction of the filter element 90, the flange region 92 has in particular a length which is shorter, in particular significantly shorter, than the length of the cylindrical base body 91.

[0114] It can also be seen from the illustration in FIG. 4A that the filter element 90 can have one or more blind bores 93 extending in a longitudinal direction of the filter element 90.

[0115] The invention further relates to a quick-change module 7 of the type described above for a dense phase powder pump 1.

[0116] In particular, the invention also relates to a filter element 90, as shown, for example, in FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B.

[0117] FIG. 5 schematically shows a pneumatic diagram of the exemplary embodiment of the dense phase powder pump 1 according to the invention, shown, for example, in an isometric view in FIG. 1. As can be seen from the pneumatic diagram in FIG. 5, the dense phase powder pump 1 is constructed according to the building block or modular principle and is divided into various modular functional components.

[0118] This is the aforementioned pump head module 2, which contains the pneumatically controllable components of the dense phase powder pump 1. The pneumatically controllable components are a powder feed chamber 40 with a filter tube or filter element 41 that defines the circumference of the powder feed chamber 40. The filter tube or filter element 41 is permeable to air, but not to coating powder, and is surrounded by an annular chamber 42, to which vacuum or compressed air can be alternately connected. This allows coating powder to be alternately sucked into the powder feed chamber 40 or expelled from the powder feed chamber 40 with compressed air.

[0119] The pump head module 2 further comprises a pinch valve 60 on the powder inlet side and a pinch valve 61 on the powder outlet side.

[0120] Additionally, an additional compressed air inlet device 80 is used. The additional compressed air inlet device 80 is preferably designed identically to the powder conveying chamber 40.

[0121] The pump head module 2 is connected or connectable to the compressed air control module 3 via a quick-change module 7.

[0122] For this purpose, the quick-change module 7 has corresponding fluid channels in order to fluidly connect the connections of the pneumatically controllable components of the pump head module 2 with corresponding switching valves 12 of the compressed air control module 3.

[0123] Corresponding filter elements 90 are accommodated in the fluid channels in an exchangeable or replaceable manner, wherein the filter elements 90 each serve as a coating powder barrier and prevent coating powder from one of the pneumatically controllable components of the pump head module 2 from entering the compressed air control module 3. The compressed air control module 3 has a plurality of switching valves 12, which are assigned to the individual components of the pump head module 2 and are designed to supply the pneumatically controllable components of the pump head module 2 with compressed air or suction air or vacuum as needed and in particular in a controlled manner.

[0124] Furthermore, an injector unit 23 is integrated in the pump head module 2, which serves to generate the negative pressure required for sucking coating powder into the powder feed chamber 40.

[0125] Furthermore, two pressure chambers 20 are formed in the compressed air control module 3, which serve to temporarily store the compressed air required for the operation of the pump head module 2.

[0126] The pump head module 2 further includes a compressed air outlet 37, to which a compressed air line can be connected to supply a spray coating gun with spray air as needed. An electrode purge air outlet 38 is also provided. Like the fluid channels implemented in the quick-change module 7, the fluid channels leading to the spray air outlet 37 and electrode purge outlet 38 are provided with a corresponding filter element 90 as a coating powder barrier.

[0127] A further module block of the dense phase powder pump 1 is formed by the connection module 8, in which the electronics along with digitally controlled switching or control valves 111 of the dense phase powder pump 1 are integrated.

[0128] Finally, the dense phase powder pump 1 comprises a modular inlet valve unit 6 with valves 131, which are fluidly connected to the compressed air inlet 39 of the dense phase powder pump 1 and guide compressed air via corresponding fluid channels through the pump housing to the switching valves 12 or pressure chambers 20 of the compressed air control module 3.

[0129] It can also be seen that pressure sensors 150 are provided in the compressed air control module 3, which serve in particular to monitor the operation of the pneumatically controllable components of the pump head module 2. The invention is not limited to the embodiment shown in the drawings, but results from a synopsis of all features disclosed herein.

[0130] Reference symbol list

[0131] 1 powder dense phase pump

[0132] 2 pump head module

[0133] 3 Compressed air control module

[0134] 4 pump housing

[0135] 5 Control unit

[0136] 6 Inlet valve unit

[0137] 7 snow change module / connection block

[0138] 8 connection module

[0139] 9 HMI setup

[0140] 12 switching valve

[0141] 20 pressure chamber

[0142] 23 Injector unit

[0143] 37 Compressed air outlet (spray air)

[0144] 38 Compressed air outlet (electrode purge air)

[0145] 39 Compressed air inlet

[0146] 40 Powder feed chamber

[0147] 41 Filter element of the powder feed chamber

[0148] 42 Annular chamber of the powder feed chamber

[0149] 50 Locking element of the quick-change mechanism

[0150] 51 Counter element / through opening of the pump head module

[0151] 52 spring element of the locking element

[0152] 53 Locking lever

[0153] 54 push buttons

[0154] 55.1 Spring element of the push button

[0155] 55.2 Guide area of ​​the locking lever

[0156] 56 Connection block of the quick-change module

[0157] 57 Housing of the quick-change module

[0158] 58.1 first housing shell of the quick-change module housing

[0159] 58.2 second housing shell of the quick-change module housing

[0160] 59 passage serving as a fluid channel in the connection block

[0161] 60 powder inlet pinch valve

[0162] 61 powder outlet pinch valve

[0163] 80 Additional compressed air inlet device

[0164] 90 filter element (coating powder barrier)

[0165] 91 cylindrical base body of the filter element flange area of ​​the filter element through-channel / blind hole in the filter element bearing area in the connection block through-hole in the housing of the quick-change module digitally controllable switching or control valve

[0166] Valves of the inlet valve unit

[0167] pressure sensor

Claims

Dense-phase powder pump with a quick-change module, quick-change module for a dense-phase powder pump, and filter element for a dense-phase powder pump Patent claims 1. A dense phase powder pump (1) for conveying coating powder from a first powder reservoir to a second powder reservoir or to a powder spraying device, the dense phase powder pump (1) being characterized by its modular design and comprising at least the following components, each designed as a module: a pump head module (2) having at least one powder conveying chamber (40) which is or can be connected in terms of flow to the first powder reservoir via a powder inlet and to the second powder reservoir or to the powder spraying device via a powder outlet; and a compressed air control module (3) having a plurality of switching valves (12) which are assigned in particular to pneumatically controllable components of the pump head module (2) and are designed to supply the pneumatically controllable components of the pump head module (2) with compressed air or suction air or, as required and in particular in a controlled manner,To supply negative pressure, wherein the powder dense phase pump (1) further comprises a quick-change module (7) which is arranged at least partially or regionally between the pump head module (2) and the compressed air control module (3) and is designed to detachably connect the pump head module (2) to the compressed air control module (3), in particular in such a way that, when the pump head module (2) is connected to the compressed air control module (3), the pneumatically controllable components of the pump head module (2) are fluidly connected to the switching valves (12) of the compressed air control module (3) via the quick-change module (7).

2. Powder dense phase pump (1) according to claim 1, wherein the quick-change module (7) has a quick-change mechanism via which the pump head module (2) is or can be releasably connected to the quick-change module (7).

3. Dense-phase powder pump (1) according to claim 2, wherein the quick-change mechanism has at least one locking element (50) which is movable between a locking position and a release position, wherein in the locking position the at least one locking element (50) forms in particular a positive connection with a counter-element (51) of the pump head module (2) which is preferably designed at least partially or regionally to the locking element (50), and wherein in the release position of the at least one locking element (50) the in particular positive connection between the at least one locking element (50) and the counter-element (51) is canceled.

4. Dense-phase powder pump (1) according to claim 3, wherein the at least one blocking element (50) is designed to be hook-shaped at least in some areas, and wherein the counter-element (51) of the pump head module (2) is designed as a through-opening formed in a housing shell which at least partially or partially accommodates the pneumatically controllable components of the pump head module (2) or in a housing of the pump head module (2) which at least partially or partially accommodates the pneumatically controllable components of the pump head module (2).

5. Powder dense phase pump (1) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the at least one locking element (50) is assigned a spring element (52), via which the locking element (50) is pretensioned into its locking position, wherein the locking element (50) is preferably mounted displaceably perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the quick-change module (7) relative to a base body or to a housing of the quick-change module (7) and relative to the pump head module (2).

6. Powder dense phase pump (1) according to one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the quick-change mechanism has at least one manually operable locking lever (53) via which the at least one locking element (50) can be transferred from its locking position into its release position as required.

7. Dense-phase powder pump (1) according to claim 6, wherein for manually actuating the at least one locking lever (53), a push button (54) is assigned to the locking lever (53), which is preferably provided on an end face of the quick-change module (7) and is movable between an actuated position and an unactuated position, wherein when the push button (54) is transferred from its unactuated position to its actuated position, a movement stroke of the push button (54) is transmitted to the at least one locking lever (53), as a result of which the at least one locking lever (53) moves relative to a base body of the quick-change module (7) or relative to a housing (57) of the quick-change module (7) and preferably in a longitudinal direction of the quick-change module (7).

8. Powder dense phase pump (1) according to claim 7, wherein the push button (54) and / or the at least one locking lever (53) is assigned a spring element (55.1), which serves and is designed to preload the push button (54), preferably together with the at least one locking lever (53) operatively connected to the push button (54), into the unactuated position of the push button (54).

9. Dense-phase powder pump (1) according to one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the at least one locking lever (53) has a guide region (55.2) which interacts with the at least one locking element (50) in such a way that when the at least one locking lever (53) is moved relative to the base body of the quick-change module (7) or relative to the housing (57) of the quick-change module (7) by moving the push button (54) into its actuated position, the at least one locking element (50) is moved from its locking position into its release position.

10. Powder dense phase pump (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9 and at least according to claim 3, wherein when transferring the at least one locking element (50) from its locking position into its release position, the at least one locking element (50) is moved, in particular pressed, into a housing (57) of the quick-change module (7) or into a base body of the quick-change module (7).

11. Powder dense phase pump (1) according to one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the quick-change module (7) has a connection block (56) and a housing (57) which at least partially or regionally accommodates the connection block (56).

12. Dense-phase powder pump (1) according to claim 11, wherein the connection block (56) of the quick-change module (7) is preferably designed as a one-piece or one-part plastic part, in particular a plastic injection-molded part, and each has passages (59) serving as a fluid channel, via which connections of the pneumatically controllable components of the pump head module (2) can be or are connected in terms of flow to corresponding connections of the compressed air control module (3) when the pneumatically controllable components of the pump head module (2) or the pump head module (2) are fluidly connected via the quick-change module (7) to the switching valves (12) of the compressed air control module (3) or to the compressed air control module (3).

13. Powder dense phase pump (1) according to claim 12, wherein at least some of the passages (59) provided in the connection block (56) preferably designed as a one-piece or one-piece plastic part, in particular a plastic injection-molded part, and preferably all of the passages (59) provided in the connection block (56) preferably designed as a one-piece or one-piece plastic part, in particular a plastic injection-molded part, are designed and constructed at least partially or in regions as plug-in connection elements, a plug-in connection in particular which is detachable and has a corresponding at least partially or in regions complementary designed plug connection counter element of a pneumatically controllable component of the pump head module (2) and / or a particularly detachable plug connection with a correspondingly at least partially or regionally complementary plug connection counter element of the compressed air control module (3).

14. Dense phase powder pump (1) according to claim 13, wherein at least some of the passages (59) provided in the connection block (56), which is preferably designed as a one-piece or one-part plastic part, in particular a plastic injection-molded part, are designed at least in some areas as sleeves and are configured to form a plug-in connection with a connection, which is designed as a spigot end, of a pneumatically controllable component of the pump head module (2).

15. Dense-phase powder pump (1) according to one of claims 12 to 14, wherein at least some of the passages (59) provided in the connection block (56), which is preferably designed as a one-piece or one-part plastic part, in particular a plastic injection-molded part, and preferably all of the passages (59) provided in the connection block (56), which is preferably designed as a one-piece or one-part plastic part, in particular a plastic injection-molded part, are designed as receptacles for at least partially or regionally receiving, in particular replaceably or interchangeably receiving, a filter element (90) serving as a coating powder barrier.

16. Powder dense phase pump (1) according to claim 15, wherein the passages (59) designed for at least partially or regionally receiving a filter element (90) serving as a coating powder barrier in the connection block (56) preferably designed as a one-piece or one-part plastic part, in particular a plastic injection-molded part, have a - seen in a longitudinal sectional view of the passages (59) - step-shaped configuration with an annular flange area, which serves as a support or bearing area, in particular as a bearing area, of the filter element (90) arranged in the corresponding passage (59) at least partially or regionally accommodated or to be accommodated filter element (90).

17. Powder dense phase pump (1) according to one of claims 1 to 16 and at least claim 11, wherein through openings are formed in the housing (57) of the quick-change module (7), which are designed at least substantially coaxially and / or concentrically to the passages (59) provided in the connection block (56).

18. Dense-phase powder pump (1) according to one of claims 1 to 17 and at least claim 11, wherein the housing (57) of the quick-change module (7) is designed at least in two parts and has a first housing shell (58.1) and at least one further, second housing shell (58.2), wherein the housing shells (58.1, 58.2) of the housing (57) of the quick-change module (7) are preferably detachably connectable to one another, and wherein, in a connected state of the housing shells (58.1, 58.2) of the housing (57) of the quick-change module (7), the connection block (56) is at least partially or regionally received by the housing (57) formed by the housing shells (58.1, 58.2).

19. Powder dense phase pump (1) according to one of claims 1 to 18 and at least claim 11 and claim 3, wherein in the connection block (56) preferably designed as a one-piece or one-part plastic part, in particular a plastic injection-molded part, a bearing area (100) assigned to the at least one locking element (50) is formed for guiding a movement of the at least one locking element (50) during its movement from the locking position into the release position and vice versa.

20. Filter element (90) for a dense phase powder pump (1), in particular for a dense phase powder pump (1) according to one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the filter element (90) in the dense phase powder pump (1) serves as a coating powder barrier and is designed to be exchangeably or replaceably received in a fluid channel (59) of the dense phase powder pump (1), in particular in a fluid channel (59) of the Dense phase powder pump (1), which fluidically connects a pneumatically controlled component of the dense phase powder pump (1) to a switching valve (12) of the dense phase powder pump (1) assigned to the pneumatically controlled component of the dense phase powder pump (1), characterized in that the filter element (90) is designed as a one-piece and monolithic filter candle.

21. Filter element (90) according to claim 20, wherein the filter element (90) has a cylindrical base body (91) and a flange region (92), wherein - viewed in a longitudinal direction of the filter element (90) - the cylindrical base body (91) has a length which is at least 30%, preferably at least 50% and more preferably at least 75% of a particularly average diameter of the cylindrical base body (91).

22. Filter element (90) according to claim 21, wherein the length of the cylindrical base body (91) is equal to or greater than the average diameter of the cylindrical base body (91).

23. Filter element (90) according to claim 21 or 22, wherein - seen in cross section - the cylindrical base body (91) of the filter element (90) has a circular configuration or preferably a trilobal, hexagonal or star-shaped configuration or also preferably an irregularly shaped configuration.

24. Filter element (90) according to one of claims 21 to 23, wherein - seen in cross section - the flange region (92) of the filter element (90) has a circular configuration.

25. Filter element (90) according to one of claims 21 to 24, wherein - viewed in a longitudinal direction of the filter element (90) - the flange region (92) has a length which is at most 70%, preferably a maximum of 50% and more preferably a maximum of 45% of the length of the cylindrical base body (91).

26. Filter element (90) according to one of claims 21 to 25, wherein the flange region (92) has a particularly average diameter which is larger than a particularly average diameter of the cylindrical base body (91).

27. Filter element (90) according to one of claims 20 to 26, wherein the filter element (90) has at least one through-channel or blind bore (93) extending in a longitudinal direction of the filter element (90).

28. Filter element (90) according to one of claims 20 to 27, wherein the filter element (90) is formed from polyethylene or from a material containing polyethylene.

29. Quick-change module (7) for a dense phase powder pump (1) for conveying coating powder from a first powder reservoir to a second powder reservoir or to a powder spraying device, in particular for a dense phase powder pump (1) according to one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the quick-change module (7) is in particular designed to have a pump head module (2) of the dense phase powder pump (1), which has at least one powder conveying chamber (40) which is connected via a powder inlet to the first powder reservoir and via a powder outlet to the second powder reservoir oris fluidly connected or connectable to the powder spray device, to be detachably connected to a compressed air control module (3) of the dense phase powder pump (1), wherein the compressed air control module (3) has in particular a plurality of switching valves (12) which are assigned in particular to pneumatically controllable components of the pump head module (2) and are designed to supply the pneumatically controllable components of the pump head module (2) with compressed air or suction air or negative pressure as required and in particular in a controlled manner, characterized in that s. the quick-change module (7) has a quick-change mechanism via which the pump head module (2) can be detachably connected to the quick-change module (7), wherein the quick-change mechanism has at least one locking element (50) which can be moved between a locking position and a release position, wherein in the locking position the at least one locking element (50) forms in particular a positive connection with a counter-element (51) of the pump head module (2) which is preferably designed at least partially or regionally to the locking element (50), and wherein in the release position of the at least one locking element (50) the in particular positive connection between the at least one locking element (50) and the counter-element (51) is canceled.

30. Quick-change module (7) according to claim 29, wherein the at least one locking element (50) is assigned a spring element (52), via which the locking element (50) is pretensioned into its locking position, wherein the locking element (50) is preferably mounted displaceably perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the quick-change module (7) relative to a base body (91) or to a housing (57) of the quick-change module (7) and relative to the pump head module (2); and / or wherein the quick-change mechanism has at least one manually operable locking lever (53), via which the at least one locking element (50) can be transferred from its locking position to its release position as needed, wherein for the manual actuation of the at least one locking lever (53), the locking lever (53) is preferably assigned a push button (54), preferably provided on an end face of the quick-change module (7).which is movable between an actuated position and an unactuated position, wherein when the push button (54) is transferred from its unactuated position to its actuated position, a movement stroke of the push button (54) is transmitted to the at least one locking lever (53), as a result of which the at least one locking lever (53) moves relative to a base body (91) of the quick-change module (7) or relative to a housing (57) of the quick-change module (7) and preferably in a longitudinal direction of the quick-change module (7).

31. Quick-change module (7) according to claim 29 or 30, wherein the quick-change module (7) has a connection block (56) and a housing (57) which at least partially or regionally accommodates the connection block (56), wherein the connection block (56) of the quick-change module (7) is preferably designed as a one-piece or one-part plastic part, in particular a plastic injection-molded part, and each has passages (59) serving as a fluid channel, via which connections of the pneumatically controllable components of the pump head module (2) can be or are connected in terms of flow to corresponding connections of the compressed air control module (3) when the pneumatically controllable components of the pump head module (2) or the pump head module (2) are fluidly connected via the quick-change module (7) to the switching valves (12) of the compressed air control module (3) or to the compressed air control module (3).

32. Quick-change module (7) according to claim 31, wherein in the connection block (56), which is preferably designed as a one-piece or one-part plastic part, in particular a plastic injection-molded part, a bearing area (100) assigned to the at least one locking element (50) is formed for guiding a movement of the at least one locking element (50) during its movement from the locking position into the release position and vice versa.

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