(19)
(11)EP 3 485 164 B1

(12)EUROPEAN PATENT SPECIFICATION

(45)Mention of the grant of the patent:
29.04.2020 Bulletin 2020/18

(21)Application number: 17751479.1

(22)Date of filing:  14.07.2017
(51)International Patent Classification (IPC): 
F04B 1/16(2006.01)
F04B 7/02(2006.01)
F04B 15/02(2006.01)
F04F 1/02(2006.01)
B05B 7/14(2006.01)
F04B 9/129(2006.01)
F04B 53/10(2006.01)
(86)International application number:
PCT/IB2017/054284
(87)International publication number:
WO 2018/011767 (18.01.2018 Gazette  2018/03)

(54)

HIGH-DENSITY POWDER PUMP

PUMPE FÜR HOCHDICHTE PULVER

POMPE À POUDRE À HAUTE DENSITÉ


(84)Designated Contracting States:
AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR
Designated Extension States:
BA ME
Designated Validation States:
MA MD

(30)Priority: 15.07.2016 IT 201600074328

(43)Date of publication of application:
22.05.2019 Bulletin 2019/21

(73)Proprietor: Verne Technology S.r.l.
20121 Milano (IT)

(72)Inventors:
  • PERILLO, Carlo
    23900 Lecco (IT)
  • FIOCCHI, Lodovico
    deceased (UY)

(74)Representative: Branca, Emanuela 
Barzanò & Zanardo Milano S.p.A. Via Borgonuovo, 10
20121 Milano
20121 Milano (IT)


(56)References cited: : 
WO-A1-2005/051549
US-B2- 6 908 048
US-A1- 2016 122 138
  
      
    Note: Within nine months from the publication of the mention of the grant of the European patent, any person may give notice to the European Patent Office of opposition to the European patent granted. Notice of opposition shall be filed in a written reasoned statement. It shall not be deemed to have been filed until the opposition fee has been paid. (Art. 99(1) European Patent Convention).


    Description

    FIELD OF THE INVENTION



    [0001] The present invention concerns a pump for high-density powder transfer.

    [0002] The pump according to the present invention is designed to be used in systems for high-density powder transfer, and therefore another object of the present invention is a powder transportation system that comprises the pump according to the present invention.

    STATE OF THE ART



    [0003] In the field of powder transportation through conventional Venturi pumps or high-density systems, for example but not only in industrial painting plants, special dedicated pumps make it possible not only to provide the powder to the paint guns, but also to recover and recirculate the so-called "overspray" powders from the painting chamber.

    [0004] The term "overspray" is meant to indicate the excessive amount of pressurised gas (air), used to transport a certain amount of powder.

    [0005] A high percentage of gas (air) used substantially increases the speed of the powder itself since the resulting delivery flow would consist mainly of the gas (air) itself.

    [0006] In the specific case of powder coating, in the spraying step the powder, even if electrostatically charged, tends to rebound on the piece to be painted or worse it goes past the piece itself. This results in the use of a greater number of guns or, alternatively, reduced production speeds with the consequent rising of production costs.

    [0007] By its nature, overspraying does not give any benefit to the coating process. In fact, it is a burden since it increases the amount of material that must be disposed of, increases the load of the filters, soils the cabin and increases the emission levels into the atmosphere: its reduction, therefore, can only lead to a saving.

    [0008] In spray painting the recovery and the possibility of reusing the "overspray" powders is one of the greatest problems, the importance of which becomes clearer when it is considered that the legislation that imposes strict limits to the emission into the atmosphere of powders and the control of waste disposal.

    [0009] In spray painting processes, a significant percentage, from 30 to 70% of powder coating, is in excess and to fall within the emissions limits it is necessary to cut overspray by conveying the excess powder into suitable powder recovery tanks in general adjacent to the painting chamber.

    [0010] The high-density pumps that the present invention is classified among can therefore be used both to feed the painting product, the powder, to the painting guns by sucking the powder from a feeding tank, and to transfer the powder from the excess powder recovery tank adjacent to the painting chamber to the feeding tank of the powder to the guns.

    [0011] For the sake of brevity, reference will therefore be made to the pump object of the present invention with the expression "pump for high-density powder transfer", without, however, thereby wishing to in any way limit the use thereof to only powder transfer operations, instead including among its uses that of feeding a painting gun.

    [0012] Currently, pumps for high-density powder transfer are known in the state of the art, which use two tanks to process the powder, which operate in a continuous cycle in a two-stroke cycle: while the first tank loads up with powder, the second tank is in the expulsion step. At a subsequent time, the operations in the two tanks reverse, and while the first tank discharges powder the second loads up.

    [0013] The loading/discharging operations in the two tanks therefore reverse in a continuous cycle according to a time predetermined by the manufacturer of the pump.

    [0014] US 2016/122138 A1 discloses a powder conveyor comprising one single pumping chamber; WO 2005/051549 A1 discloses a dense phase pump for dry particulate material comprising two pumping chambers that are connected in parallel; US 6 908 048 B2 discloses a device for supplying a powdery coating product to a sprayer comprising four pumping chambers that are connected in parallel.

    [0015] When using the term pumps for high-density powder transportation, reference is being made to pumps adapted for transporting dry powders, reversing the current gas-powder percentages conventionally required in Venturi pumps, using minimum amounts of gas, a large amount of dense phase powder is transported.

    [0016] Given the need to process a high flow rate of powders, and therefore given the need to fill the tanks of the pump with a large amount of powder, the known solutions in which the pump foresees a two-stroke cycle that engages two tanks involves excessive powder loading and expulsion times, which translates into pulsed, discontinuous delivery.

    [0017] The time necessary to discharge the powder from a (loading) tank, is the same necessary for loading the powder in the other (discharging) tank.

    [0018] Although the cycle is continuous, the powder becomes compacted in the transportation tube and the fact that large amounts of powder are sent, pushed by the pressurised air, causes discontinuous feeding in which two volumes of powder expelled by the pump in two successive steps of the cycle are separated by the presence of air, actually creating a pulsed delivery.

    [0019] Another drawback of the pumps for high-density powder transfer known from the state of the art is represented by the cleaning system of the pump itself.

    [0020] Indeed, there is a need in the field to have a deep and complete cleaning of the pump at the time of a change of powder, i.e., for example, in the case in which it is necessary to change the powder to quickly move on to painting with a different colour.

    [0021] When a change of powder is carried out it is necessary for the pump to be cleaned so as to eliminate any possible residue of the powder used up to that moment. Pumps known in the state of the art foresee two possible cleaning methods.

    [0022] According to a first method, pressurised air is introduced into the tanks of the pump from the outside, by means of a dedicated circuit.

    [0023] This system does not, however, ensure that the cleaning air flow effectively strikes the inner walls of the tanks of the pump, since the air flow is introduced with prevailing axial direction in the tanks of the pump, with the risk that the air flow only tangentially grazes the inner walls of the tanks, which results in very limited cleaning efficiency.

    [0024] Another drawback of this first cleaning method known in the state of the art concerns the fact that the cleaning air flow, directly mainly axially, undergoes a substantial load loss crossing the tanks of the pump itself. The air, introduced at a pressure of about 6 bar upstream of the powder storage chambers of the pump, finally reaches the ducts of the pump body and of the valves close to the powder introduction and expulsion area with low pressure, and therefore speed. This substantially reduces the cleaning efficiency of the air flow.

    [0025] Moreover, the fittings between the tanks of the pump and the duct for introducing cleaning air are made of metallic material for sealing purposes, just as the non-return valve provided here is also made of metallic material.

    [0026] Such metallic materials are therefore in continuous contact with the powder. A second cleaning method known in the state of the art foresees the use of air.

    [0027] The purpose of the present invention is therefore also that of providing a pump for high-density powder transfer that comprises a self-cleaning device that makes it possible to overcome the drawbacks of known solutions of the state of the art.

    SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION



    [0028] The purpose of the present invention is to avoid the aforementioned drawbacks by providing a pump for high-density powder transfer of the type comprising a main body comprising a valve assembly and a pump body, said valve assembly comprising at least four valves each being configured to selectively close a delivery or powder return duct, said pump body in turn comprising at least four pumping chambers configured to selectively load/discharge powder from/towards the outside, at least one circuit for introducing compressed air in said pumping chambers making a four-stroke pumping cycle.

    [0029] A further purpose of the present invention is to make a pump for high-density powder transfer, which according to the requirements of the application can be electropneumatic or totally pneumatic suitable for use in an ATEX area.

    [0030] These and other purposes according to the present invention are accomplished by a pump for high-density powder transfer according to claim 1.

    [0031] Further characteristics of the apparatus according to the present invention are the object of the dependent claims.

    LIST OF FIGURES



    [0032] The characteristics and advantages of the feeding apparatus according to the present invention will become clearer from the following detailed description, given as an example and not for limiting purposes, referring to the attached schematic drawings in which:
    • figure 1 is a perspective view of the high-density powder pump according to the present invention according to a first operative configuration;
    • figure 2 is a perspective view of the high-density powder pump of figure 1 in accordance with a second way of operating;
    • figure 3 is an exploded view of the high-density powder pump according to the present invention;
    • figure 4 is a front view of the high-density powder pump according to the present invention;
    • figure 5 is a section view according to the plane b-b of figure 4;
    • figure 6 is a side view of the high-density powder pump according to the present invention;
    • figure 7 is a section view according to the plane A-A of figure 6.

    DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION



    [0033] With particular reference to figure 1, the pump 100 according to the present invention preferably comprises at least one pump body 110 and at least one valve assembly 120.

    [0034] Said at least one pump body 110 in turn comprises at least four pumping chambers 111, and said valve assembly 120 comprises at least four seats 121 for as many valves 122, preferably of the sleeve type, known in the field as "pinch valve".

    [0035] Said pump body 110 preferably has a box-like structure, preferably parallelepiped-shaped, and is configured to house at least four pumping chambers 111 inside it. Each pumping chamber preferably comprises a cylindrical hole 112, extending mainly longitudinally, in which a pumping tube 113 also preferably having a cylindrical shape and made of porous materials is inserted.

    [0036] Said pumping tubes 113, which can preferably be identical to one another, have a wall made of porous material suitable for allowing the passage of air and for preventing the passage of powder, so that air can pass through the wall of the pumping tube 113 but powder is blocked by such a wall.

    [0037] Possible porous materials that can be used to make the pumping tubes 113 are for example sintered plastics with variable porosity and pores of average size of about 15 micron, or other polymers having analogous characteristics of mechanical filtration of powders. Said pumping tubes 113 are inserted with clearance in said cylindrical holes 112 of said pump body 110, so that said pumping chambers 111 further comprise an annular port 114 arranged between the outer wall of the tube 113 and the inner wall of the cylindrical hole 112.

    [0038] A pneumatic chamber 114 is thus made in which it is possible to create, by means of a gas, preferably air, a positive or negative pressure with respect to the pressure present inside the pumping tube 113.

    [0039] In this way, when by means of the pneumatic circuit 150 with which the pump 100 is equipped a negative pressure is generated in said pneumatic chamber 114, i.e. a pressure lower than the pressure present inside the pumping tube 112, the powder is drawn, through the corresponding valve 122, into the pumping tube 113, when a positive pressure higher than the pressure present inside the pumping tube 113 is generated in said pneumatic chamber 114, the powder present in the pumping tube 113 is expelled, again passing through a corresponding valve 122.

    [0040] The pneumatic circuit 150 for this purpose comprises at least one fitting 151 for each pumping chamber 111 for the pneumatic connection of each of said pneumatic chambers 114 of said pumping chambers 111 to said pneumatic circuit 150.

    [0041] In the same way, according to what is known in the state of the art, the pneumatic circuit 150 drives the opening and closing of the pinch valves 122, through a circuit branch 151 dedicated to this.

    [0042] Said pneumatic circuit 150 is driven by a central control unit, not shown in the figures, which coordinates the action of the valves and of the pumping chambers. Such a control unit is preferably programmable by the user according to different parameters, so as to be able to adjust the flow rate of the pump itself.

    [0043] In greater detail, and again with reference to the attached figures, the pump 100 according to the present invention comprises a first pumping chamber 111a, a second pumping chamber 111b, a third pumping chamber 111c, and a fourth pumping chamber 111d.

    [0044] Each of said pumping chambers as stated comprises a first pumping tube 112a, a second pumping tube 112b, a third pumping tube 112c and a fourth pumping tube 112d, respectively.

    [0045] A first seat 121a, a second seat 121b, a third seat 121c and a fourth seat 121d for as many pinch valves 122 are obtained in said valve assembly 120.

    [0046] In particular there will therefore be a first pinch valve 122a, a second pinch valve 122b, a third pinch valve 122c and a fourth pinch valve 122d.

    [0047] In the same way, said first pumping chamber 111a will be in fluid connection with said first pinch valve 122a, said second pumping chamber 111b will be in fluid connection with said second pinch valve 122b, said third pumping chamber 111c will be in fluid connection with said third pinch valve 122c, and said fourth pumping chamber 111d will be in fluid connection with said fourth pinch valve 122d.

    [0048] Said pinch valves 122 join said pumping chambers 111 directly to the inlet duct 130 and to the outlet duct 140 of said pump.

    [0049] According to what can be seen in particular in figures 1 and 2 and in the exploded view of figure 3, the pump 110 according to the present invention comprises a single inlet duct 130 joined at the bottom to said valve assembly 120 for sucking the powder into the inside of the valve assembly itself, and a single outlet duct 140 also joined at the bottom to said valve assembly 120 for expelling the powder from said valve assembly.

    [0050] The architecture of the pump 100 according to the present invention is such that two pumping chambers 111 are fluidically connected to said powder inlet duct 130, by means of two pinch valves 122.

    [0051] In the same way, two pumping chambers 111 are fluidically connected to said powder outlet duct 140, by means of two pinch valves 122.

    [0052] For this purpose, preferably in the lower portion of said valve assembly 120, below said seats 121 there are connection ducts 123 of said valves to said inlet 130 and outlet 140 ducts.

    [0053] More specifically, the inlet duct 130 is in fluid connection, through a first connection duct 123a and a second connection duct 123b, respectively to said first pinch valve 122a and to said second pinch valve 122b. Said outlet duct 140 is in fluid connection, through a third connection duct 123c and a fourth connection duct 123d, respectively with said third pinch valve 122c and fourth pinch valve 122d.

    [0054] Therefore, said first pumping chamber 111a will be in direct fluid connection with said first pinch valve 122a which in turn is in fluid connection with said inlet duct 130.

    [0055] Said second pumping chamber 111b will be in direct fluid connection with said second pinch valve 122b which is in turn in fluid connection with said inlet duct 130 by means of said second connection duct 123b. Said third pumping chamber 111c will be in direct fluid connection with said third pinch valve 122c which is in turn in fluid connection with said outlet duct 140. Said fourth pumping chamber 111d will be in direct fluid connection with said fourth pinch valve 122d which is in turn in fluid connection with said outlet duct 140.

    [0056] Said pumping chambers 111, moreover, are advantageously in fluid connection with each other in pairs.

    [0057] In greater detail, said first pumping chamber 111a is arranged in fluid connection with said fourth pumping chamber 111d, and said second pumping chamber 111b is in fluid connection with said third pumping chamber 111c.

    [0058] Said pumping chambers are connected together, in pairs, by means of connection ducts 115 arranged above said pumping chambers 111.

    [0059] According to what is visible for example in the section of the figure.

    [0060] Given the architecture described up to now, the operation of the pump 110 for high-density powder transfer is as follows.

    First pulse.



    [0061] The control unit of the pump acts on the pneumatic circuit 150 which creates a suction effect on the third pumping chamber 111c.

    [0062] At the same time the third pinch valve 122c associated with said third pumping chamber 111c and driven by means of the dedicated branch 151 of said pneumatic circuit 150 is closed, while the second pinch valve 122b associated with said second pumping chamber 111b is open.

    [0063] Said second pinch valve 122b as stated is in fluid connection, by means of said second connection duct 123b, with the inlet duct 130.

    [0064] The powder is therefore sucked by means of the depression created in the third pumping chamber 111c through said second pinch valve 122b, crosses said second pumping chamber 111b and fills said third pumping chamber 111c, which is closed at the bottom by said third pinch valve 122c which as stated is closed. The third pumping chamber 111c is thus filled by the powder.

    [0065] At the same time, the pneumatic circuit 150 conveys pressurised air to said fourth pumping chamber 111d causing the discharging of the powder previously stored in said fourth chamber 111d through said fourth pinch valve 122d, which is open.

    [0066] In this step, the first pinch valve 122a and the third pinch valve 122c are closed, whereas the second pinch valve 122b and the fourth pinch valve 122d are open, the third pumping chamber 111c fills with powder and the fourth pumping chamber 111d empties of powder.

    Second pulse.



    [0067] In the subsequent step the valves do not change their configuration: the first pinch valve 122a and the third pinch valve 122c remain closed, and the second pinch valve 122b and the fourth pinch valve 122d remain open. The third chamber 111c stays in the depression state holding the powder previously sucked and sucking the powder through the second valve 122b. At the same time depression is introduced into the second chamber 111b, which during suction fills with powder through the second valve 122b. The third chamber 111d is not involved either positively or negatively with the pneumatic circuit 150.

    [0068] At the same time the pressure applied to the first chamber 111a causes the emptying of the first chamber, again through the fourth pinch valve 122d connected to the discharge duct 140 since as stated the first valve 122a is closed.

    Third pulse.



    [0069] In this step the configurations of the valves change: the first pinch valve 122a and the third pinch valve 122c that were previously closed are now open, whereas the second valve 122b and the fourth valve 122d that were previously open are now closed.

    [0070] The pneumatic circuit 150 of the pump creates a depression at the fourth chamber 111d and creates a positive overpressure at the third chamber 111c.

    [0071] The powder is therefore loaded through said first valve 122a, crosses said first chamber 111a and fills the fourth chamber 111d, with which said first chamber 111a is as stated in fluid communication.

    [0072] At the same time, the pressure applied to the third chamber 111c causes the emptying thereof, in fluid connection with said second chamber 111b, through said third pinch valve 122c.

    Fourth pulse.



    [0073] In this fourth step the configuration of the valves does not change: the first pinch valve 122a and the third pinch valve 122c remain open, whereas the second valve 122b and the fourth valve 122d remain closed.

    [0074] The fourth chamber 111d stays in the depression state, holding the powder previously sucked and sucking the powder through the first pinch valve 122a. At the same time, depression is introduced into the first chamber 111a, which during suction fills with powder through the first valve 122a whereas the overpressure applied to the second chamber 111b causes the emptying thereof through said third pinch valve 122c.

    [0075] At this point, the starting configuration has been returned to, in which said first chamber 111a and the fourth chamber 111d are loaded and ready to discharge powder according to the configured sequence and in which said second chamber 111b and the third chamber 111c are empty and ready to suck the powder, and the cycle can start again.

    [0076] The pump 100 for high density powder transportation according to the present invention has four-stroke operation, in which four pumping chambers in reality constitute a system of two pairs of chambers in line with each other.

    [0077] This makes it possible to divide the overall flow rate per minute over four tanks. Each of the four tanks has a reduced capacity, to the benefit of the compactness of the pump and the reduction of the loading/emptying times of the single tank, but by exploiting the fluid-dynamic principle of communicating vessels the system of pairs of chambers in line increases the overall powder storage volume, thanks to a constant depression. In this way, a decrease of the flow rate processed by the single tank and an increase of the speed of the exchanges in the work cycle of the pump is obtained, since volumes of powder discharged in succession are discharged quicker, thereby resulting in a greater regularity of the flow of powder delivered, which is more continuous with respect to the known solutions of the state of the art.

    [0078] The pump 100 according to the present invention therefore makes it possible to fraction the processed flow rate of powder so as to always have, in every step of the cycle, at least two tanks loaded with powder and ready to be discharged, optimising the speed of the exchanges.

    [0079] Advantageously, the pump 100 for high-density powder transfer according to the present invention also comprises, inasmuch as there is no need to have axial inlets to the pumping chambers for the air of the pneumatic circuit, to provide an innovative cleaning system to proceed to the cleaning of the pump, for example at the time of a powder change, which provides for the axial inlet of a helical air flow, by means of a cyclonic valve.

    [0080] The innovative cleaning system is the object of a separate patent application to the same Applicant. From the description given up to here the characteristics of the pump for high-density powder transfer object of the present invention are clear, just as the relative advantages are also clear.


    Claims

    1. Pump (100) for high-density powder transfer, comprising a pump body (110) and a valve assembly (120) comprising a plurality of valves (122), said pump body (110) in turn comprising a plurality of pumping chambers (111), a pneumatic circuit (150) for actuating said pumping chambers (111) also comprising a dedicated branch (151) for actuating said valves (122), characterized in that the pump (100) comprises a first pumping chamber (111a), a second pumping chamber (111b), a third pumping chamber (111c) and a fourth pumping chamber (llld), and further comprises a first valve (122a), a second valve (122b), a third valve (122c) and a fourth valve (122d), each of said pumping chambers (111a, 111b, 111c, 111d) being in direct fluid connection with a corresponding valve (122a, 122b, 122c, 122d), wherein said first pumping chamber (111a) is in fluid connection, in line, with said fourth pumping chamber (llld), and said third pumping chamber (111c) is in fluid connection, in line, with said second pumping chamber (111b), wherein said first valve (122a) and said second valve (122b) are in fluid connection, by means of a first connection duct (123a, 123 b), with a powder inlet duct (130) for the inlet of powder into said valve assembly (120) and wherein said third valve (122c) and said fourth valve (122d) are in fluid connection, by means of a second connection duct (123c, 123d), with a powder outlet duct (140) for the outlet of powder from said valve assembly (120).
     
    2. Pump (100) for high-density powder transfer according to the previous claim, characterised in that said pumping chambers (111) each comprise a cylindrical seat (112) in which a pumping tube (113) is inserted, with clearance, so that a pneumatic chamber (114) is defined between said seat (112) and said pumping tube (113).
     
    3. Pump (100) for high-density powder transfer according to the previous claim, characterised in that said pumping tubes (113) of said chambers (111) consist of porous tubes, preferably made of sintered plastic or other polymers having similar characteristics of mechanical filtration of powders.
     
    4. Pump (100) for high-density powder transfer according to the previous claim, characterised in that said valves (122a, 122b, 122c, 122d) are preferably pinch valves.
     
    5. Pump (100) for high-density powder transfer according to any one of the previous claims, characterised in that it comprises at least one programmable control unit for controlling the actuation of said pump by means of said pneumatic circuit (150).
     


    Ansprüche

    1. Pumpe (100) zur Förderung von hochdichtem Pulver, umfassend einen Pumpenkörper (110) und eine Ventilanordnung (120), die eine Vielzahl von Ventilen (122) umfasst, wobei der Pumpenkörper (110) seinerseits eine Vielzahl von Pumpenkammern (111) umfasst, wobei ein pneumatischer Kreislauf (150) zur Betätigung der Pumpenkammern (111) ferner einen spezifischen Zweig (151) zur Betätigung der Ventile (122) umfasst, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Pumpe (100) eine erste Pumpenkammer (111a), eine zweite Pumpenkammer (111b), eine dritte Pumpenkammer (111c) und eine vierte Pumpenkammer (111d) umfasst, und ferner ein erstes Ventil (122a), ein zweites Ventil (122b), ein drittes Ventil (122c) und ein viertes Ventil (122d) umfasst, wobei jede der Pumpenkammern (111a, 111b, 111c, 111d) in unmittelbarer Fluidverbindung mit einem entsprechenden Ventil (122a, 122b, 122c, 122d) steht, wobei die erste Pumpenkammer (111a) mit der vierten Pumpenkammer (111d) in-line in Fluidverbindung steht, und die dritte Pumpenkammer (111c) mit der zweiten Pumpenkammer (111b) in-line in Fluidverbindung steht, wobei das erste Ventil (122a) und das zweite Ventil (122b) in Fluidverbindung stehen, mittels eines ersten Verbindungskanals (123a, 123b), mit einem Pulvereinlasskanal (130) für den Einlass von Pulver in die Ventilanordnung (120), und wobei das dritte Ventil (122c) und das vierte Ventil (122d) in Fluidverbindung stehen, mittels eines zweiten Verbindungskanals (123c, 123d), mit einem Pulverauslasskanal (140) für den Auslass von Pulver aus der Ventilanordnung (120).
     
    2. Pumpe (100) zur Förderung von hochdichtem Pulver gemäß dem vorhergehenden Anspruch, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Pumpenkammern (111) jeweils einen zylindrischen Sitz (112) umfassen, in den ein Pumprohr (113) mit Spiel eingesetzt ist, so dass eine pneumatische Kammer (114) zwischen dem Sitz (112) und dem Pumprohr (113) definiert wird.
     
    3. Pumpe (100) zur Förderung von hochdichtem Pulver gemäß dem vorhergehenden Anspruch, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Pumprohre (113) der Kammern (111) aus porösen Rohren bestehen, wobei diese vorzugsweise aus gesintertem Kunststoff oder anderen Polymeren mit ähnlichen Eigenschaften der mechanischen Filterung von Pulvern hergestellt sind.
     
    4. Pumpe (100) zur Förderung von hochdichtem Pulver gemäß dem vorhergehenden Anspruch, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Ventile (122a, 122b, 122c, 122d) vorzugsweise Quetschventile sind.
     
    5. Pumpe (100) zur Förderung von hochdichtem Pulver gemäß einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass sie mindestens eine programmierbare Steuereinheit zur Steuerung der Betätigung der Pumpe mittels des pneumatischen Kreislaufs (150) umfasst.
     


    Revendications

    1. Pompe (100) pour un transfert de poudre à haute densité, comprenant un corps (110) de pompe et un ensemble de robinets (120) comprenant une pluralité de robinets (122), ledit corps (110) de pompe comprenant à son tour une pluralité de chambres de pompage (111), un circuit pneumatique (150) servant à actionner lesdites chambres de pompage (111) comprenant également une branche dédiée (151) servant à actionner lesdits robinets (122), caractérisée en ce que la pompe (100) comprend une première chambre de pompage (111a), une deuxième chambre de pompage (111b), une troisième chambre de pompage (111c) et une quatrième chambre de pompage (llld), et comprend en outre un premier robinet (122a), un deuxième robinet (122b), un troisième robinet (122c) et un quatrième robinet (122d), chacune desdites chambres de pompage (111a, 111b, 111c, 111d) étant en raccord fluidique direct avec un robinet correspondant (122a, 122b, 122c, 122d), dans laquelle ladite première chambre de pompage (111a) est en raccord fluidique aligné avec ladite quatrième chambre de pompage (llld), et ladite troisième chambre de pompage(111c) est en raccord fluidique aligné avec ladite deuxième chambre de pompage (111b), dans laquelle ledit premier robinet (122a) et ledit deuxième robinet (122b) sont en raccord fluidique, au moyen d'un premier conduit de raccordement (123a, 123b), avec un conduit d'entrée de poudre (130) pour l'entrée de poudre dans ledit ensemble de robinets (120) et dans lequel ledit troisième robinet (122c) et ledit quatrième robinet (122d) sont en raccord fluidique, au moyen d'un second conduit de raccordement (123c, 123d), avec un conduit de sortie de poudre (140) pour la sortie de poudre dudit ensemble de robinets (120).
     
    2. Pompe (100) pour un transfert de poudre à haute densité selon la revendication précédente, caractérisée en ce que lesdites chambres de pompage (111) comprennent chacune une assise cylindrique (112) dans laquelle un tube de pompage (113) est inséré avec un dégagement, de façon à définir une chambre pneumatique (114) entre ladite assise (112) et ledit tube de pompage (113).
     
    3. Pompe (100) pour un transfert de poudre à haute densité selon la revendication précédente, caractérisée en ce que lesdits tubes de pompage (113) desdites chambres (111) sont constitués de tubes poreux, de préférence faits de plastique fritté ou d'autres polymères présentant des caractéristiques similaires de filtration mécanique des poudres.
     
    4. Pompe (100) pour un transfert de poudre à haute densité selon la revendication précédente, caractérisée en ce que lesdits robinets (122a, 122b, 122c, 122d) sont de préférence des robinets à manchon déformable.
     
    5. Pompe (100) pour un transfert de poudre à haute densité selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisée en ce qu'elle comprend au moins une unité de commande programmable servant à commander l'actionnement de ladite pompe au moyen dudit circuit pneumatique (150).
     




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    Cited references

    REFERENCES CITED IN THE DESCRIPTION



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    Patent documents cited in the description