Follower plate for a follower plate pump and application system

Abstract

1. The invention relates to a follower plate (12) for a follower plate pump (16) for a liquid medium, comprising: a removal opening (14) for receiving a pump for removing the liquid medium; and a ventilation valve (20), which comprises a ventilation passage (22) passing through the follower plate (12), wherein the ventilation valve (20) further has a valve shaft (24), a sealing plate (26), which is arranged on the valve shaft (24), and a valve seat (28) for the sealing plate (26), wherein the valve seat (28) is arranged on the lower side of the follower plate (12) and surrounds a lower end of the ventilation passage (22), wherein the sealing plate (26) is guided on the follower plate (12) via the valve shaft (24), wherein, in a closed position of the ventilation valve (20), the sealing plate (26) bears against the valve seat (28) and closes the ventilation passage (22), wherein, in an open position of the ventilation valve (20), the sealing plate (26) is lifted downwards from the valve seat (28) and releases the ventilation passage (22) through the follower plate (12), and wherein the sealing plate (26) is preloaded into the open position of the ventilation valve (20) by spring force. 2. The valve seat (28) is recessed into a main surface of the lower side of the follower plate (12) and the sealing plate (26) is flat on its lower side, wherein the flat lower side of the sealing plate (26) projects downwards with respect to the main surface of the lower side of the follower plate (12) in the open position of the ventilation valve (20). 3. The sealing plate (26) is designed to adhere by its lower side to the liquid medium by adhesion. 4. The invention also relates to an application system for applying a liquid medium to an object, comprising a removal device for removing the liquid medium from a storage container, wherein the removal device has a follower plate (12) as described above and a follower plate pump (16) arranged thereon.

Description

[0001] Atlas Copco IAS GmbH, Case: 11N2024EM1042DE

[0002] Follower plate for a follower plate pump and application system

[0003] The present invention relates to a follower plate for a follower plate pump for a liquid medium, a dispensing device with a follower plate for dispensing the liquid medium from a storage container, and an application system with a dispensing device with a follower plate.

[0004] Technical background

[0005] Application systems are used in numerous industrial applications, for example in the automotive, construction, energy, and semiconductor industries, as well as in industrial assembly. Application systems serve to apply media, especially viscous and / or liquid media, to or into components. Examples of liquid media include adhesives, foams (especially polyurethane foams), battery foams, and insulating foams, as well as paints and cleaning fluids. In the automotive sector, application systems are used, for example, to apply battery foams and / or adhesives to the batteries of electric vehicles, and / or to apply adhesives to body parts and / or vehicle windows, such as windshields.

[0006] An application system comprises a dosing device, also called a dispenser, and an application device, also called an applicator. The dosing device and the application device can be combined into a single unit. The dosing device is used for dosing, for example, by controlling the flow of the medium. The dosing device receives the medium from a source, such as a storage container, particularly a drum. The application device is used to apply the medium to or into a component. Application systems include valves that control the flow of the media. The valves have a state in which they allow the flow of material (open valve) and a state in which they prevent the flow of material (closed valve). The valves can be used in both the dosing device and the application device.

[0007] Valves can be designed, for example, as needle valves. Ordinary (needle) valves are actuated, i.e., switched, by compressed air. Such valves are therefore also referred to as pneumatic or pneumatically operated valves.

[0008] Pneumatic valves consist of a piston, a valve needle connected to the piston, and a valve seat with an opening for the flow of the medium. In the closed position, the valve needle is seated in the valve seat, thus sealing the opening and preventing the flow of the medium through it (closed state of the valve). To open the valve, the piston is pressurized with compressed air, causing it to move and lift the valve needle out of the valve seat. This releases the opening, allowing the medium to flow through it (open state of the valve). Pneumatically actuated valves have the disadvantage that compressed air must be supplied for their actuation. This is complex and energy-intensive. Atlas Copco IAS GmbH, Case: 11N2024EM1042DE

[0009] The dosing device receives the medium from a source, such as a storage container, particularly a drum, via a dispensing device. The dosing device may include the dispensing device. Especially with viscous media, a follower plate with a follower plate pump is usually inserted into the storage container to ensure the medium is dispensed without breakage. The follower plate includes a sealing lip around its perimeter to seal against the container edge. When the medium is dispensed, the follower plate is retracted into the storage container so that it is always in contact with the surface of the medium.

[0010] Summary of the invention

[0011] Ventilation of the space beneath the follower plate is necessary when the follower plate is retracted into the reservoir. Currently, the trapped air beneath the follower plate is released via a vent rod, which is subsequently removed. Residual air is expelled by pumping with the follower plate pump, also known as the under-plate pump. Ventilation of the space beneath the follower plate is also required when the reservoir is empty or when the follower plate needs to be lifted from the material surface within the reservoir. Conventionally, compressed air is actively directed beneath the follower plate during its retraction from the reservoir.

[0012] It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved follower plate. In particular, it is an object to provide a follower plate that facilitates venting and / or ventilation of the space beneath the follower plate. Easier handling of the follower plate during venting or ventilation is especially desirable. Furthermore, it is an object to provide a follower plate that exhibits reduced energy consumption and energy loss during venting or ventilation.

[0013] These and other problems arising for a person skilled in the art from the present disclosure are solved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are the subject matter of the dependent claims.

[0014] The key aspect of the present disclosure is to incorporate a vent valve into the follower plate, which opens downwards in the manner of a poppet valve, is biased into the open position, and, as the follower plate is inserted into a reservoir, initially allows venting. Upon contact with the surface of the medium, the medium automatically forces the valve against the bias into the closed position. Conversely, as the follower plate is withdrawn, the bias moves the vent valve into the open position, automatically allowing venting. Thus, no active venting by inserting a vent rod is required, nor is active aeration by compressed air necessary. Instead, venting or aeration can occur automatically, in particular solely through passively acting mechanical elements or by biasing the vent valve. Compressed air directed beneath the follower plate is not required.The valve opens and closes virtually "automatically". Atlas Copco IAS GmbH, Case: 11N2024EM1042DE. The valve "sticks" to the material surface of the medium; when the follower plate is lifted, the valve opens automatically.

[0015] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a follower plate for a follower plate pump for a liquid medium is specified. The follower plate comprises a discharge opening for receiving a pump for extracting the liquid medium, and a vent valve. The vent valve comprises at least one vent passage penetrating the follower plate. The vent valve further comprises a valve disc, which may also be referred to as a sealing disc. In a closed position of the vent valve, the valve disc closes the at least one vent passage. In an open position of the vent valve, the valve disc is positioned further down than in the closed position and exposes the at least one vent passage. The valve disc is biased into the open position of the vent valve. The valve disc may, in particular, be elastically biased.In particular, the valve plate can be pre-tensioned into the open position of the ventilation valve by spring force.

[0016] In the following, the terms valve plate and sealing plate are used synonymously.

[0017] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a follower plate for a follower plate pump for a liquid medium is specified, the follower plate comprising: a withdrawal opening for receiving a pump for withdrawing the liquid medium; and a venting valve comprising a venting passage penetrating the follower plate, the venting valve further comprising a valve stem, a sealing disc arranged on the valve stem, and a valve seat for the sealing disc.

[0018] The valve seat is arranged on the underside of the follower plate and surrounds a lower end of the ventilation passage, wherein the sealing disc is guided over the valve stem on the follower plate, wherein the sealing disc rests against the valve seat in a closed position of the ventilation valve and closes the ventilation passage, wherein in an open position of the ventilation valve the sealing disc is lifted downwards from the valve seat and releases the ventilation passage through the follower plate, and wherein the sealing disc is biased into the open position of the ventilation valve by spring force.

[0019] The ventilation opening can be a freely flowable area when the ventilation valve is open. The ventilation opening can comprise multiple openings. The openings can be configured to allow parallel flow.

[0020] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an application system for applying a liquid medium to an object is specified, comprising a dispensing device for extracting the liquid medium from a storage container, wherein the dispensing device includes a follower plate according to one of the aforementioned aspects. The dispensing device may further include a follower plate pump arranged on the follower plate. Atlas Copco IAS GmbH, Case: 11N2024EM1042DE

[0021] Aspects and embodiments of the present disclosure may include one or more of the following optional features:

[0022] The vent valve may include a valve stem. The sealing disc may be arranged on the valve stem. The sealing disc may be guided over the valve stem on the follower plate. The follower plate or the vent valve may form or include a guide for the valve stem. The vent valve may include a guide element mounted on the follower plate, which forms the guide for the valve stem. The follower plate may include the guide for the valve stem. The guide may be a sliding guide. The guide element may surround the valve stem in an annular fashion. The guide element may be fixed to the follower plate in a recess in the follower plate. The guide may be a bore or a recess. The valve stem may be guided in a bore in the follower plate.

[0023] The vent valve may have a valve seat for the sealing disc. The valve seat may be located on the underside of the follower plate and may surround the lower end of the vent passage. In the closed position of the vent valve, the sealing disc may rest against the valve seat and seal the vent passage. The valve seat may have an upwardly conical, annular sealing surface. The sealing disc may also have an upwardly conical, annular sealing surface.

[0024] The vent valve can be a disc valve.

[0025] In the open position of the vent valve, the valve disc is positioned further down than in the closed position. In the open position of the vent valve, the sealing disc may be lifted downwards from the valve seat.

[0026] The sealing disc can be pre-tensioned into the open position of the vent valve by spring force, in particular by the spring force of a compression spring of the vent valve. The compression spring can be supported by a bracket. The bracket can be mounted on the follower plate. The compression spring can be enclosed within the bracket.

[0027] The valve seat can be recessed into a main surface on the underside of the follower plate. The sealing disc can be flat on its underside. In the open position of the vent valve, the flat underside of the sealing disc can protrude downwards relative to the main surface of the follower plate's underside. This allows the sealing disc to make full contact with the medium's surface first when the follower plate is lowered into a container. This facilitates easy insertion of the valve disc by the counter-pressure of the medium's surface as the follower plate continues to descend.

[0028] The flat underside of the sealing disc can be arranged parallel to the main surface of the underside of the follower plate, particularly in the open position of the vent valve and / or in the closed position of the vent valve. This can facilitate the sealing disc adhering to the surface of the medium.

[0029] The sealing disc can be configured so that, when the follower plate is inserted into a storage container, it is the first, or at least before a major surface of the follower plate's underside, to touch the surface of the medium. As the plate continues to be inserted, the medium presses the disc against the preload or spring force against the valve seat. For example, if the follower plate is inserted into a drum, the valve disc protrudes beyond the lower, smooth surface of the follower plate. The valve disc then makes first contact with the material surface as the follower plate continues to be inserted. The air escapes until the disc seals against the seat.

[0030] The sealing disc can be designed so that, when the follower plate is extended from a reservoir, it is pushed out of the valve seat by spring force or preload as it lifts off the surface of the medium, thus opening the vent passage through the follower plate. Air can then flow under the follower plate. If the follower plate is extended from a drum, for example, the spring can push the valve disc out of the seat against the direction of travel, allowing air to flow under the follower plate.

[0031] If the follower plate is not inserted into the barrel, the spring can, for example, push the disc valve away from the sealing seat and open the free-flowing area.

[0032] The sealing plate can be designed to adhere to the liquid medium with its underside through adhesion. This can assist in opening the valve when the follower plate extends.

[0033] The follower plate may have an opening into which the ventilation valve is inserted. The ventilation valve may be located in the center of the opening.

[0034] The follower plate can be part of a dispensing device for extracting the liquid medium from a storage container. The dispensing device can further include a follower plate pump arranged on the follower plate. The follower plate pump can be a pump for conveying viscous media, in particular a drum pump for conveying viscous media.

[0035] The storage container can be a cylindrical container, in particular a barrel.

[0036] The medium can be, in particular, a viscous or highly viscous medium.

[0037] The follower plate can include a circumferential sealing lip, in particular a sealing lip for sealing against an inner wall of a storage container. The sealing lip can allow the follower plate to slide within the storage container for insertion or removal. Atlas Copco IAS GmbH, Case: 11N2024EM1042DE

[0038] The ventilation opening and / or the ventilation valve is positioned at a distance from the extraction opening.

[0039] Brief description of the characters

[0040] Embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail below with reference to figures, which show:

[0041] Fig. 1 shows a follower plate in a schematic cross-sectional view according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0042] Fig. 2 shows a ventilation valve in a schematic cross-sectional view according to the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0043] Detailed description

[0044] Fig. 1 shows a follower plate in a schematic cross-sectional view according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Fig. 2 shows a vent valve in a schematic cross-sectional view according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 are explained together below.

[0045] The follower plate 12, shown schematically in Fig. 1, is part of a dispensing device 10 for a viscous liquid medium M. A follower plate pump 16, referred to here as a sub-pump, is inserted into a dispensing opening 14 of the follower plate 12. This pump serves to dispense the liquid medium M from a drum. The dispensing device 10 is part of an application system for applying the liquid medium M to an object.

[0046] The subsequent plate 12 includes circumferential sealing lips 18 in the form of wiping rings, with which it lies close to the barrel rim 19.

[0047] A ventilation valve 20 in the form of a disc valve is incorporated into the subsequent plate 12.

[0048] Fig. 2 schematically shows the ventilation valve 20 in detail. The ventilation valve 20 comprises a ventilation opening 22 penetrating the follower plate 12 as a free passage for air. The ventilation valve 20 further comprises a valve stem 24, a sealing disc 26 (the actual disc valve) arranged on the valve stem 24, and a valve seat 28 for the sealing disc 24.

[0049] The valve seat 28 is arranged on the underside of the follower plate 12 and surrounds a lower end of the ventilation passage 22. The sealing disc 26 is guided over the valve stem 24 on the follower plate 12, namely in a guide 30 in a bore through the follower plate 12.

[0050] As shown, in the closed position of the ventilation valve 20, the sealing plate 26 rests against the valve seat 28 and closes the ventilation passage 22.

[0051] In the open position of the ventilation valve 20, the sealing plate 26 is lifted downwards from the valve seat 28 and opens the ventilation passage through the follower plate. The sealing plate 26

Claims

Atlas Copco IAS GmbH, Case: 11N2024EM1042DE is pre-tensioned into the open position of the ventilation valve 20 by spring force of a compression spring 32. The valve seat 28 is recessed into a main surface 34 on the underside of the follower plate 12. The sealing disc 26 is flat on its underside, with the flat underside of the sealing disc 26 projecting downwards towards the main surface 34 of the underside of the follower plate 12 in the open position of the ventilation valve 20. In the closed position of the ventilation valve 20 shown, the sealing plate 26 is flush with the main surface 34 of the underside of the follower plate 12. The compression spring 32 is supported on and held in a bracket 36. The bracket 36 is mounted on the follower plate 12.

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