Switching device for switching a volume flow of a liquid medium to and from two cylinder chambers

Abstract

The invention relates to a switching device (24) for switching a volume flow of a liquid medium to and from two cylinder chambers of a device (10) of an application system for the liquid medium, the switching device comprising: a substantially cylindrical switching body (32), a housing (28), and an interior (30) which is formed in the housing and into which the switching body (32) is inserted to rotate about the central axis (34), comprising a housing inlet (26a) which is connected, through the housing (28) via a channel, to a first cylinder chamber outlet (36a) and a second cylinder chamber outlet (36b) on the housing (28), and a housing outlet (26b) which is connected, through the housing (28) via a channel, to a first cylinder chamber housing inlet (36c) and a second cylinder chamber housing inlet (36d) on the housing (28), wherein the switching body (32) has at least a first channel (38a) and a second channel (38b) which each extend between two corresponding points on the lateral face of the switching body and are designed such that a rotation of the switching body in the interior of the housing results in a mutual connection of the housing inlet (26a) to the first cylinder chamber housing outlet (36a) or the second cylinder chamber housing outlet (36b) and a connection between the first cylinder chamber inlet (36c) or the second cylinder chamber inlet (36d) and the housing outlet (26b). The invention further relates to a device (10) for an application system for a liquid medium, having the switching device (24) and having a device with two cylinder chambers (20a, 20b).

Description

[0001] Atlas Copco IAS GmbH, Case: 11N2024EM1045DE

[0002] Switching device for switching a volume flow of a liquid medium to and from two cylinder chambers, device for an application system with the same

[0003] The present invention relates to a switching device for switching a volume flow of a liquid medium to and from two cylinder chambers of a device of an application system for the liquid medium and a device for an application system for a liquid medium, in particular a metering device for metering the liquid medium and / or a measuring device for measuring a volume flow of the liquid medium with such a switching device.

[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 (liquids), onto or into components. Examples of liquid media include adhesives, foams, especially polyurethane foams, battery foams, and insulating foams, 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 metering device, also called a dispenser, and an application device, also called an applicator. The metering device and the application device can be combined into a single unit. Within the application system, a liquid medium is conveyed. The metering device serves to meter, for example, by controlling the flow of the medium. The metering device receives the medium from a source, such as a storage container, particularly a drum. The application device serves to apply the medium to or into a component. Application systems include valves that control the flow of the media. The valves can be used, among other places, in the metering device and the application device. Conventional valves are actuated by compressed air. Such valves are therefore also called pneumatic or pneumatic valves.Pneumatically operated valves are referred to as such. Pneumatically driven valves have the disadvantage that compressed air must be supplied for their operation. This is complex and energy-intensive.

[0007] Dosing devices can be designed as dual-chamber dosing devices (DCDs). Such a dosing device is constructed so that a piston moves within a piston housing between two cylinder chambers. A measuring device of the application system for measuring the volume or flow rate of the medium (so-called "Q-Cell") can be designed similarly. In the DCD, the piston is actively moved by a drive, for example, via a spindle or spindle drive, thereby pushing the medium out of the cylinder chambers. In the measuring device, the piston (Atlas Copco IAS GmbH, Case: 11N2024EM1045DE) is designed as a passive element and is used for measurement. Here, the piston is moved by the flow rate introduced into the cylinder chambers.

[0008] In both cases, the volumetric flow of the medium is alternately supplied to and discharged from the cylinder chambers within the piston housing, thereby establishing a corresponding direction of piston movement, or the direction of piston movement determines the volumetric flow rate. For example, during a first period, the volumetric flow is supplied to the first cylinder chamber (increasing its volume) and discharged from the second cylinder chamber (decreasing its volume), and during a second period, the volumetric flow is supplied to the second cylinder chamber and discharged from the first cylinder chamber, with the first and second periods alternating.

[0009] In the case of a metering device, the direction of piston movement is determined by the drive mechanism, specifically the spindle's direction of travel. In a measuring device, the piston's direction of movement is typically determined by the corresponding switching of valves. Valves must also be switched according to the piston's direction of movement in the metering device. In both devices, the valves thus serve to control the flow rate, particularly to switch the flow to and from the two cylinder chambers. Consequently, the valves must be switched with precise timing and synchronized with each other and, if necessary, with the piston's movement. This is complex. Switching the flow rate usually requires at least two, typically four, valves.Furthermore, since pneumatic valves are frequently used, it is advantageous for several reasons to enable the control of the volume flow in a different way that does not require (pneumatic) valves.

[0010] Summary of the invention

[0011] The object of the present invention is to provide an improved switching device for switching the flow rate of a medium. In particular, it is an object to provide a switching device that does not require compressed air for its actuation. Furthermore, it is an object to provide a switching device that exhibits reduced energy consumption and energy loss during operation. It is also an object to provide a switching device that enables an uninterrupted, in particular continuous, or virtually uninterrupted flow rate of the medium. Additionally, it is an object to provide a switching device that prevents or minimizes pressure thresholds, in particular pressure peaks and / or pressure drops of the medium, during flow rate switching. Finally, it is an object to provide a metering device and a measuring device for measuring the flow rate using such a valve.Atlas Copco IAS GmbH, Case: 11N2024EM1045DE.

[0012] 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.

[0013] The core of the present disclosure is to replace the valves for switching the flow rate with a cylindrical switching element (also called a rotary valve) that is rotatably mounted in a housing. The housing has corresponding inlets and outlets for the medium, which can be connected to, or are connected to, corresponding inlets and outlets of the two cylinder chambers of the metering device or the measuring device. The inlets and outlets of the housing extend like channels within the housing towards the switching element. The switching element has suitably arranged and / or designed passages or channels. When the switching element is rotated, the channels connect the inlets and outlets of the housing and the inlets and outlets of the two cylinder chambers in such a way that the flow rate of the medium is alternately supplied to and discharged from the two cylinder chambers, and the piston is moved accordingly (in the case of the measuring device).The inventive device enables the volume flow of the medium generated by the moving piston, which is to be alternately supplied to and discharged from the cylinder chambers according to the cylinder chambers. The switching element can be operated, i.e., rotated, by means of an electric motor. Thus, the switching mechanism using four pneumatically operated valves is replaced by a drive of the switching element, for example, by means of an electric motor. The inventive switching device allows the medium to be simultaneously introduced into and discharged from the metering device or the measuring device.

[0014] This has the advantage that no pneumatics or pneumatic system is required. Therefore, no compressed air is needed to actuate the valves. This reduces energy consumption and energy loss during the operation of the valve and the application system. Because the switching element rotates essentially continuously and abrupt or sudden valve switching is eliminated, pressure spikes and drops in the conveyed medium are prevented, and the medium flow rate remains constant.

[0015] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a switching device for switching a volume flow of a liquid medium to and from two cylindrical chambers of an application system for the liquid medium is disclosed. The switching device comprises: a switching element. The switching element is substantially rotationally symmetric and / or cylindrical. This can mean that an outer surface or lateral surface of the switching element is substantially rotationally symmetric and / or cylindrical. An axis of symmetry of the switching element can be referred to as the central axis or longitudinal axis.

[0016] The switching device further comprises a housing and an interior formed within the housing. The switching element is rotatably mounted within the interior. In particular, the switching element is rotatable about its central axis. Atlas Copco IAS GmbH, Case: 11N2024EM1045DE

[0017] The switching device includes a housing inlet for the medium and a housing outlet for the medium.

[0018] The housing inlet for the medium and the housing outlet can each be connected to other devices of the application system to supply or remove the medium.

[0019] The switching device further comprises several cylinder chamber housing outlets and cylinder chamber housing inlets that are connected to and / or connectable to the cylinder chambers of the device. The switching device includes a first cylinder chamber housing inlet for the medium, a second cylinder chamber housing inlet for the medium, a first cylinder chamber housing outlet for the medium, and a second cylinder chamber housing outlet for the medium.

[0020] The housing inlet, housing outlet, cylinder chamber housing inlets and cylinder chamber housing outlets can be located on the outside of the housing and / or on an outside surface of the housing.

[0021] Between the housing inlet and the cylinder chamber housing outlets, and between the housing outlet and the cylinder chamber housing inlets, at least one corresponding channel extends through the housing. Each channel runs from the housing inlet to the inner wall, or from the inner wall to one of the cylinder chamber housing outlets, or from the housing outlet to the inner wall and from the inner wall to one of the cylinder chamber housing inlets. This connects each of the inlets and outlets to the interior via the corresponding channel through the housing at at least one point along the central axis of the switching element.

[0022] The first cylinder chamber housing outlet is connected and / or connectable to a first cylinder chamber inlet on a first cylinder chamber of the device.

[0023] The second cylinder chamber housing outlet is connected and / or connectable to a cylinder chamber inlet of a second cylinder chamber of the device.

[0024] The first cylinder chamber housing inlet is connected and / or connectable to a cylinder chamber outlet on the first cylinder chamber.

[0025] The second cylinder chamber housing inlet is connected to and / or connectable to a cylinder chamber outlet on the second cylinder chamber.

[0026] The switching element has at least two channels along its central axis, each extending between two corresponding points on the outer surface of the switching element. Atlas Copco IAS GmbH, Case: 11N2024EM1045DE

[0027] Channels are designed and / or arranged such that a rotation of the switching body causes the following steps (i) and (ii) to be performed alternately:

[0028] (i) that simultaneously the housing inlet for the fluid is fluid-communicating with the first cylinder chamber housing outlet via the first channel and the housing outlet for the fluid is fluid-communicating with the second cylinder chamber housing inlet via the second channel, and after a rotation

[0029] (ii) simultaneously the housing inlet of the switching device is connected to the second cylinder chamber housing outlet via the first channel and the housing outlet of the switching device is connected to the first cylinder chamber housing inlet via the second channel in a fluid-communicating manner.

[0030] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a device for an application system for a liquid medium with two cylinder chambers is specified, in particular a metering device for metering the liquid medium and / or a measuring device for measuring a volumetric flow rate of the liquid medium. The device comprises: a switching device according to one of the aspects and embodiments of the present disclosure, a piston housing, and a movable piston arranged therein. The piston housing has a first cylinder chamber on a first side of the piston and a second cylinder chamber on a second side of the piston. Each of the first and second cylinder chambers has an inlet and an outlet for the liquid medium. The first and second cylinder chambers are separated from each other by the movable piston.

[0031] The cylinder chamber inlet of the first cylinder chamber is fluidly connected to the first cylinder chamber housing outlet of the switching device. The cylinder chamber outlet of the first cylinder chamber is fluidly connected to the first cylinder chamber housing inlet of the switching device.

[0032] The cylinder chamber inlet of the second cylinder chamber is fluidly connected to the second cylinder chamber housing outlet of the switching device. The cylinder chamber outlet of the second cylinder chamber is fluidly connected to the second cylinder chamber housing inlet of the switching device.

[0033] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, an application system for applying a liquid medium to an object, for example a component or assembly, is specified, comprising at least one switching device and / or a metering device and / or a measuring device according to one of the aspects or embodiments disclosed herein. The medium could also be a gas; that is, the invention is not limited to liquid media. Atlas Copco IAS GmbH, Case: 11N2024EM1045DE

[0034] The switching device according to aspects and embodiments of the present disclosure can be configured to switch the volumetric flow rate of the medium. Aspects and embodiments of the switching device according to the present disclosure can also generally be configured to switch a material flow of the medium (volume flow rate and / or mass flow rate). In the present disclosure, the term "medium" is used synonymously with the term "material".

[0035] Aspects and embodiments of the present disclosure may include one or more of the following optional features:

[0036] The interior of the switching element can be essentially rotationally symmetrical and / or cylindrical. This can mean that an inner wall, interior surface, and / or inner surface of the housing, which bounds the interior, is rotationally symmetrical and / or cylindrical. An axis of symmetry of the interior can be referred to as the central axis or longitudinal axis. The central axis of the interior can coincide with the central axis of the switching element.

[0037] The piston housing can be essentially rotationally symmetrical and / or cylindrical. An axis of symmetry of the piston housing can be designated as its central axis or longitudinal axis. The piston can also be essentially rotationally symmetrical and / or cylindrical. An axis of symmetry of the piston can be designated as its central axis or longitudinal axis. The central axis of the piston housing can coincide with the central axis of the switching element.

[0038] The piston can be movable along its central axis and / or along the central axis of the piston housing. The piston can be moved by means of a spindle or spindle drive of the device. When the piston moves in a first direction along the central axis of the cylinder chamber, it can decrease the volume of one of the two cylinder chambers, for example, the second cylinder chamber, thereby expelling or pushing the medium out of the cylinder chamber, and it can increase the volume of one of the two cylinder chambers, for example, the first cylinder chamber, thereby expelling, pushing, or drawing the medium into the cylinder chamber. When the piston moves along the central axis in the opposite direction to the first direction (second direction), the other cylinder chamber can be increased or decreased in size. The piston can be moved or move alternately along the first and second directions.

[0039] The piston can seal the two cylinder chambers along the central axis of the cylinder tube, creating a fluid-tight seal for the liquid medium. In particular, the piston can be formed integrally with the piston rod.

[0040] If the device is designed as a metering device, the piston may be driven. The metering device may include a drive unit for driving the piston. The drive unit may be configured to move the piston alternately in the first direction and in the second direction. Atlas Copco IAS GmbH, Case: 11N2024EM1045DE

[0041] If the device is configured as a measuring device, a volumetric flow rate of the medium, in particular the volumetric flow rate of the medium coming from the inlet of the switching device and / or the volumetric flow rate going from the outlet of the switching device, can drive the piston, i.e., move it alternately along the first direction and along the second direction. This allows the volumetric flow rate of the medium to be measured. The piston can move alternately along the first direction and the second direction.

[0042] The interior can be fluid-tight to the medium along the central axis of the body and / or along the central axis of the interior. For this purpose, the housing can have one or more seals, in particular annular seals, arranged within the housing along the interior.

[0043] The switching device can include a rotary device for rotating the switching element, in particular about its central axis. The rotary device can be designed as a rotary drive and / or as an electric motor.

[0044] Each of the two channels of the switching element can extend obliquely with respect to the central axis of the switching element. At least one of the two channels can intersect the central axis.

[0045] The switching element and / or the piston can be moved continuously. This means the body that performs the function of the rotary valve can be rotated continuously. The piston can be moved continuously up and down. Thus, a continuous material flow can be guaranteed without pressure drops.

[0046] The first cylinder chamber housing outlet can be connected via a channel to a (first) point on the inner wall of the housing. The second cylinder chamber housing outlet can be connected via a channel to a (second) point on the inner wall of the channel.

[0047] The housing input of the switching device can be connected via a channel to a (fifth) point on the inner wall of the housing and to a (sixth) point on the inner wall of the housing.

[0048] The first cylinder chamber housing inlet can be connected via a channel to a (third) point on the inner wall of the housing. The second cylinder chamber housing inlet can be connected via a channel to a (fourth) point on the inner wall of the channel.

[0049] The housing output of the switching device can be connected via a channel to a (seventh) point on the inner wall of the housing and to an (eighth) point on the inner wall of the housing.

[0050] Each of the channels can have an opening on the inner wall of the housing leading to the interior, corresponding to the respective point. Atlas Copco IAS GmbH, Case: 11N2024EM1045DE

[0051] The openings in the inner wall corresponding to points one through four can be located on one side of the inner wall. The openings in the inner wall corresponding to points five through eight can be located on the other side of the inner wall. The first side can be opposite the second side.

[0052] The opening corresponding to the first point (first opening) can be opposite the opening corresponding to the fifth point (fifth opening) on ​​the inner wall. The opening corresponding to the second point (second opening) can be opposite the opening corresponding to the sixth point (sixth opening) on ​​the inner wall. The opening corresponding to the third point (third opening) can be opposite the opening corresponding to the seventh point (seventh opening) on ​​the inner wall. The opening corresponding to the fourth point (fourth opening) can be opposite the opening corresponding to the eighth point (eighth opening) on ​​the inner wall.

[0053] Steps (i) and (ii) can be performed contiguously in time and / or repeatedly as the body rotates.

[0054] The first step (i) can correspond to a first rotational position of the switching element. The second step (ii) can correspond to a second rotational position of the switching element. During the first step (i), or in the first rotational position, a first channel of the switching element can connect the first opening fluidly to the sixth opening, and a second channel of the switching element can connect the fourth opening fluidly to the seventh opening.

[0055] During the second step (ii) or in the second rotation position, the first channel of the switching body can fluidly communicate the second opening with the fifth opening and the second channel of the switching body can fluidly communicate the third opening with the eighth opening.

[0056] Each channel of the switching element can have two openings on its outer surface, each corresponding to a specific point. The two openings of each channel can be opposite each other with respect to the central axis of the switching element.

[0057] An expansion of the first to fourth openings of the channels in the inner wall and / or an expansion of the two openings of the channels of the switching body on the outer surface can be such that a period during which none of the cylinder chamber housing inlets is connected to the housing outlet for the fluid and / or during which none of the cylinder chamber housing outlets is connected to the housing inlet for the fluid is reduced or does not exist while the switching body rotates.

[0058] In particular, the extent of the first to fourth openings of the channels in the inner wall can correspond to approximately 90 degrees in the circumferential direction of the inner wall. In particular, the extent of each of the two openings of the channels of the switching body on the outer surface can correspond to approximately 90 degrees in the circumferential direction of the outer surface. Atlas Copco IAS GmbH, Case: 11N2024EM1045DE

[0059] This allows pressure thresholds, especially pressure spikes or pressure drops, to be prevented or reduced when switching the fluid connection between the fluid inputs and outputs, and the switching can be continuous.

[0060] The application system may include a dosing device and / or an application device and / or a measuring device. The application system and / or the dosing device and / or the measuring device may include at least one switching device according to any of the aspects or embodiments disclosed herein.

[0061] The contour of the inner wall of the housing can essentially correspond to the contour of the outer surface of the switching element.

[0062] The medium can be a liquid. The medium can be a viscous medium. The medium can be one of the following: an adhesive, a foam, especially PU foam, battery foam, insulating foam, a paint, a cleaning fluid.

[0063] Brief description of the characters

[0064] Embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail below with reference to figures, in which Fig. 1 shows a switching device and a device with two cylinder chambers in a schematic cross-sectional view according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0065] Detailed description

[0066] Fig. 1 shows a switching device 24 and a device 10 with two cylinder chambers 20a, 20b in a schematic cross-sectional view according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0067] The device 10 with two cylindrical chambers 20a, 20b is, for example, a metering device for dispensing a liquid medium. The device 10 can be used in an application system for applying the medium (not shown).

[0068] The device 10 comprises a piston housing 12, a piston 14, and a piston rod 16 connected to the piston 14. The device 10 further comprises a drive unit (not shown) for moving the piston 14 along the central axis 18 of the piston housing 12, which, as shown, coincides with a central axis of the piston 14. The central axis 18 extends, as shown, along, i.e., parallel to, a y-axis of a Cartesian coordinate system; however, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The piston 14 is moved alternately up and down.

[0069] The piston 14 divides the piston housing 12 along the central axis 18, forming a first cylinder chamber 20a and a second cylinder chamber 20b. The piston 14 seals the cylinder chambers 20a and 20b against each other along the central axis 18 in a fluid-tight manner. By moving the piston 14 up and down, the respective volumes of the cylinder chambers 20a and 20b are alternately reduced and increased, thereby conveying the medium contained therein into and out of the cylinder chambers 20a and 20b.

[0070] For conveying the medium, the cylinder chambers 20a and 20b each have a cylinder chamber inlet and a cylinder chamber outlet. The first cylinder chamber 20a has a (first) cylinder chamber inlet 22a and a (first) cylinder chamber outlet 22b. The second cylinder chamber 20b has a (second) cylinder chamber inlet 22c and a (second) cylinder chamber outlet 22d.

[0071] The device 10 comprises a switching device 24 for switching a material flow of the medium (volume flow and / or mass flow) from and to the device 10, in particular from and to the cylinder chambers 20a, b, according to the movement of the piston 14.

[0072] The switching device 24 comprises a housing inlet 26a and a housing outlet 26b for the medium. The device 10 can be connected to other devices of the application system, in particular an application device (not shown), via the housing inlet and outlet 26a, b. The switching device 24 or the device 10 can be integrated into the application system via the inlet and outlet 26a, b.

[0073] The device 10 further comprises a housing 28. The input and output 26a, b are arranged on an outer surface of the housing 28. An interior space 30 is formed in the housing 28. A switching element 32 is arranged in the interior space 30. The switching element 32 is essentially rotationally symmetrical or cylindrical. Accordingly, an inner wall 28a of the housing 28, or the interior space 30, is cylindrical. The inner wall 28a of the housing 28 delimits the interior space 30.

[0074] An axis of symmetry 34 of the switching body 32 coincides with an axis of symmetry of the interior 30 and extends essentially parallel to the y-axis.

[0075] The switching element 32 is rotatably arranged in the interior 30 about the central axis 34. A rotating device (not shown) is provided for rotating the switching element 32.

[0076] The switching device 24 further comprises several cylinder chamber housing inlets and cylinder chamber housing outlets which are connected to the cylinder chambers 20 a, b of the device 10. The switching device 24 comprises a first cylinder chamber housing outlet 36a, a second cylinder chamber housing outlet 36b, a first cylinder chamber housing inlet 36c and a second cylinder chamber housing inlet 36d.

[0077] The cylinder chamber inlet 22a of the first cylinder chamber 20a is fluidly connected to the first cylinder chamber housing outlet 36a. The cylinder chamber outlet 22b of the first cylinder chamber 20a is fluidly connected to the first cylinder chamber housing inlet 36c. Atlas Copco IAS GmbH, Case: 11N2024EM1045DE

[0078] The cylinder chamber inlet 22c of the second cylinder chamber 20b is fluidly connected to the second cylinder chamber housing outlet 36b. The cylinder chamber outlet 22d of the second cylinder chamber 20b is fluidly connected to the second cylinder chamber housing inlet 36d.

[0079] From each of the housing inlet 26a and the cylinder chamber housing outlets 36a, 36b, and the housing outlet 26b and the cylinder chamber housing inlets 36c, 36d, at least one corresponding channel extends through the housing 28 towards the inner wall 28a of the housing 28, which delimits the interior 30, to at least one corresponding point along the central axis 34 of the switching body 32 or along the interior 30.

[0080] The switching element 32 has two channels 38a, 38b along its central axis 34, each extending between two corresponding points on the lateral surface of the switching element 32. Each of the two channels 38a, 38b of the switching element 32 extends obliquely with respect to the central axis 34 of the switching element 32. Each of the channels 38a, 38b of the switching element 32 has two openings on the lateral surface of the switching element 32, the two openings of each of the channels 38a, 38b being opposite each other with respect to the lateral surface.

[0081] Each of the cylinder chamber housing outlets 36a, 36b and cylinder chamber housing inlets 36a, 36d is connected via a channel to exactly one point on the inner wall 28a of the housing, the channels opening into a corresponding opening on the inner wall 28. Thus, the first cylinder chamber housing outlet 36a is connected to a first opening 40a, the second cylinder chamber housing outlet 36b is connected to a second opening 40b, the first cylinder chamber housing inlet 36c is connected to a third opening 40c, and the second cylinder chamber housing inlet 36d is connected to a fourth opening 40c.

[0082] The housing inlet 26a and the housing outlet 26b are connected via channels to exactly two points on the inner wall 28a of the housing 28, which open into corresponding openings on the inner wall 28a. The housing inlet 36a is connected to a fifth and sixth opening 40e, 40f and the housing outlet 26b is connected to a seventh and eighth opening 40g, 40h.

[0083] The channels 38a and 38b of the switching element 32 are configured such that rotation of the switching element 32 causes the following steps (i) and (ii) to be carried out alternately: in step (i), the housing inlet 26a is simultaneously connected fluidically to the first cylinder chamber housing outlet 36a, and the housing outlet 26b is simultaneously connected fluidly to the second cylinder chamber housing inlet 36d. In step (ii), the housing inlet 26a is simultaneously connected fluidly to the second cylinder chamber housing outlet 36b, and the housing outlet 26b is simultaneously connected fluidly to the first cylinder chamber housing inlet 36c.

[0084] During the first step (i), the first channel 38a of the switching body 32 connects the first opening 40a fluidically to the sixth opening 40f and the second channel 38b of the Atlas Copco IAS GmbH, Case: 11N2024EM1045DE

[0085] The switching element 32 connects the fourth opening 40d fluidly to the seventh opening 40g.

[0086] During the second step (ii) the first channel 38a of the switching body 38a connects the second opening 40b fluidly to the fifth opening 40e and the second channel 38b of the switching body 32 connects the third opening 40c fluidly to the eighth opening 38.

[0087] As the switching element 32 rotates, steps (i) and (ii) are repeated and performed alternately. In Fig. 1, the device 24 is shown in step (i).

[0088] The interior space 32 is fluid-tight to the medium along the central axis 34 of the switching body 32, or along the central axis of the interior space 32. For this purpose, the housing 28 can include one or more seals 41, which are in particular annular in shape. The seals 31 are arranged along the central axis 32 of the switching body 32, and are in particular located between the first to eighth openings 40a-h.

Claims

Atlas Copco IAS GmbH, Case: 11N2024EM1045DE Claims 1. Switching device (24) for switching a volume flow of a liquid medium to and from two cylinder chambers (20 a, b) of a device (10) of an application system for liquid medium, the switching device comprising: a housing (28) and an interior space (30) formed in the housing, a substantially cylindrical switching element (32), wherein the switching element (32) is rotatably inserted into the interior space (30) about its central axis (34), a housing inlet (26a) which is connected through the housing (28) via a channel to a first and a second cylinder chamber outlet (36a, 36b) on the housing (298), a housing outlet (26b) which is connected through the housing (28) via a channel to a first and a second cylinder chamber housing inlet (36c, 36d) on the housing (28), wherein the first cylinder chamber housing outlet (36a) is connected to a first cylinder chamber inlet (22a) of a first cylinder chamber (20a) of the device (10) connectable,wherein the second cylinder chamber housing outlet (36b) is connectable to a cylinder chamber inlet (22c) of a second cylinder chamber (20b) of the device (10), wherein the first cylinder chamber housing inlet (36c) is connectable to a cylinder chamber outlet (22b) on the first cylinder chamber (20a) and the second cylinder chamber housing inlet (36d) is connectable to a cylinder chamber outlet (22d) on the second cylinder chamber (20b), wherein the switching element (32) has at least one first and one second channel (38a, 38b) which each extend between two corresponding points on the lateral surface of the switching element (32) and are designed such that a rotation of the switching element (32) in the interior (30) of the housing (28) causesthat alternately: simultaneously the housing inlet (26a) is fluidly connected to the first cylinder chamber housing outlet (36a) via the first channel (38a) and the housing outlet (26b) is fluidly connected to the second cylinder chamber housing inlet (36d) via the second channel (38b), and simultaneously the housing inlet (26a) is fluidly connected to the second cylinder chamber housing outlet (36b) via the first channel (38a) and the housing outlet (26b) is fluidly connected to the first cylinder chamber housing inlet (36c) via the second channel (38b).

2. Switching device according to claim 1, wherein each of the two channels (38a,b) of the switching body (32) extends obliquely with respect to the central axis (34), and / or wherein at least one of the two channels (38a,b) intersects the central axis (34).

3. Device (10) for an application system for a liquid medium, in particular a metering device for metering the liquid medium and / or a measuring device for measuring a volume flow rate of the liquid medium, comprising: Atlas Copco IAS GmbH, Case: 11N2024EM1045DE a switching device (24) according to one of the preceding claims, a piston housing (12) with a movable piston (14) arranged therein, wherein the piston housing (12) has a first cylinder chamber (20a) on a first side of the piston (14) and a second cylinder chamber (20b) on a second side of the piston (14), wherein each of the first and second cylinder chambers (20a, b) has a having a cylinder chamber inlet (22a, 22c) and a cylinder chamber outlet (22b, 22d), wherein the cylinder chamber inlet (22a) of the first cylinder chamber (20a) is fluidly connected to the first cylinder chamber housing outlet (36a) of the switching device (24), wherein the cylinder chamber outlet (22b) of the first cylinder chamber (20a) is fluidly connected to the first cylinder chamber housing inlet (36c) of the switching device (24), wherein the cylinder chamber inlet (22c) of the second cylinder chamber (20b) is fluidly connected to the second cylinder chamber housing outlet (36b) and the cylinder chamber outlet (22d) of the second cylinder chamber (20b) is fluidly connected to the second cylinder chamber housing inlet (36d) of the switching device (24).

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