EP2449263B1 - Device and method for pumping flowable masses - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a device and a method for pumping a flowable mass, in particular a consumable such. viscous fat masses.

Devices for pumping such masses are known. They have a pump chamber with an inlet opening and an outlet opening. In the pump chamber, a piston is movable back and forth. By moving the piston in the first direction (outward movement), mass can be sucked into the pump chamber via the inlet opening. By moving the piston in the second direction (movement) mass can be expelled from the pump chamber via the outlet opening. The pump housing and the piston can be designed differently. Depending on the design, the piston movement in the interior of the pump chamber is a rectilinear displacement of the piston along a displacement axis or a rotational movement of the piston about an axis of rotation. In this case, the opening and closing of the inlet opening and the outlet opening must be coordinated with the movements of the piston. Depending on the version, these openings are opened and closed by means of a slide valve or a rotary valve. The functions of the suction and ejection of mass and the opening and closing of the openings can be achieved with a coordinated shaping of the piston and the pump chamber also by a combination of linear piston movement and rotational movement of the piston. This is referred to as stroke / rotary piston. On the DE-A-10 2005 004 785 reference is made to what is considered to be the closest prior art.

However, such devices are expensive, since the piston and the valves must be controlled separately or a complicated stroke / rotation of such a hub / rotary piston must be generated.

Moreover, in such devices, the inlet opening and the outlet opening are quite narrow in the rain. For highly viscous masses, this is a disadvantage. In order to achieve an acceptable pumping capacity, it is necessary to work with large pumping forces. This requires a larger dimensioning of the device and more effort when pumping.

The invention has for its object to overcome the disadvantages of the known devices mentioned.

Summary of the invention

• einen Grundkörper mit einem Hohlraum, der über eine Eintrittsöffnung mit einer Masse-Quelle und über eine Austrittsöffnung mit einem Masse-Zielort in der Umgebung des Grundkörpers in Fluidverbindung steht, wobei die Eintrittsöffnung und die Austrittsöffnung entlang einer Richtung (L) voneinander beabstandet an dem Grundkörper angeordnet sind;
• einen ersten Körper und einen zweiten Körper, die beide in dem Grundkörper-Hohlraum relativ zu dem Grundkörper und relativ zueinander entlang der Richtung (L) bewegbar sind, wobei der erste Körper und der zweite Körper jeweils an einer Innenwand abdichtend und an dieser Innenwand gleitend anliegen, wobei durch Bewegen des ersten Körpers und/oder des zweiten Körpers sowohl das Volumen der Kammer als auch deren Position relativ zu bzw. in dem Grundkörper veränderbar sind.

To achieve this object, the invention provides a device for pumping a flowable mass, the device comprising:

• a base body having a cavity, which is in fluid communication via an inlet opening with a mass source and via an outlet opening with a ground-destination in the vicinity of the base body, wherein the inlet opening and the outlet opening along a direction (L) spaced from each other on the base body are arranged;
• a first body and a second body both moveable in the body cavity relative to the body and relative to each other along the direction (L), the first body and the second body respectively sealingly abutting an inner wall and slidably abutting against this inner wall in that, by moving the first body and / or the second body, both the volume of the chamber and its position relative to or in the base body are variable.

The two relative to each other and relative to the body movable body allow a simple construction of the device. The volume of the chamber within the body is variable by moving at least one of the two bodies, and the position of the chamber within the body is changeable by moving both bodies. Thus, the chamber can be brought into fluid communication with the inlet opening or with the outlet opening. In addition, the inlet opening or the outlet opening can be blocked by positioning one of the bodies in front of this opening. Since the first body and the second body each sealingly abut against an inner wall and slidably against this inner wall, they can block openings attached to this inner wall like a slider. The chamber volume may be increased to effect suction into the chamber by moving the two bodies away from one another, or the chamber volume may be reduced to effect ejection action out of the chamber by moving the two bodies towards each other ,

The inventive device is characterized not only by its simple structure, but it is also very flexible for various tasks. Since the two bodies are independently movable, many different effects can be achieved by the device. Thus, e.g. Both at the inlet opening and at the outlet opening a suction effect or an ejection effect can be achieved without further ado, whereby the pumping direction or conveying direction can be reversed. Also, the change in the pumping volume per cycle or the pump stroke can be easily changed by determining the minimum distance and the maximum distance between the two bodies accordingly.

In order to specify the necessary time-dependent positioning of the first and the second body, the first body and the second body can each be connected to a servomotor drive. The high positioning accuracy, reproducibility and programmability of servomotors can thus be passed on directly to the device according to the invention.

Instead of servomotors and pneumatic drives for the forward movement and the movement of the first body and the second body can be provided. In this case, the device preferably contains stops for limiting the movement of the two bodies. In particular, a stop for limiting its forward movement and a stop for limiting its movement can be provided for each of the two bodies. Due to the elasticity of such a pneumatic drive, although the timing of the movement of the two bodies changed between their two extreme positions, but not the Pump stroke or the pumping volume per pump cycle. For many applications in which the pumping volume or the dosing accuracy and the total time of a pumping cycle between suction and ejection of a certain volume of the flowable mass are specified, therefore sufficient pneumatic actuators.

The driving for the forward movement and the reciprocation of the two bodies can also be done by each of the body is pressed by a spring means in one direction (eg in the direction of its forward movement or in the direction of its movement) and by means of a cam means, eccentric means or the like. is moved in the opposite direction (ie in the direction of its movement or in the direction of its forward movement) against the force of the spring means. The spring means may be a pneumatic suspension or a suspension with coil springs, leaf springs, diaphragm springs, or the like.

Conveniently, a plurality of parallel connected inventive devices is set up. In this case, all devices by means of a first cross member and a second cross member are connected in parallel and controlled in parallel, wherein the first body of the respective device via the first cross member ("pump bar", "piston beam", "nozzle bar", etc.) together with the first bodies the other devices are driven and the second body of the respective device is controlled via the second cross member ("pump bar", "piston bar", "nozzle bar", etc.) together with the second bodies of the other devices. The first cross member and the second cross member are driven by means of a first drive or by means of a second drive. These drives can e.g. be selected from one of the types mentioned above. It can be used for both body drives of the same type or different design. In particular, for the first bodies a hard-elastic, i. quasi-rigid or "hard" drive such as e.g. a servomotor, a cam or eccentric drive may be used, while for the second bodies a soft-elastic, i. compliant or "soft" drive such as e.g. a pneumatic drive can be used.

According to a first embodiment of the device according to the invention, the cavity of the main body has a channel with a constant channel cross section, the first body and the second body are each designed as sliding bodies which extend over the entire channel cross section and against the inner wall of the main body. Channel sealingly and slidably against this inner wall and are the two sliding bodies in the channel along a channel longitudinally extending line independently movable, so that between the two sliding bodies a chamber is determined whose volume and / or position relative to the main body by mutually independent movement of the two sliding bodies along the channel longitudinal direction are variable.

This serial arrangement of the sliding bodies (see Fig. 1A ) allows the provision of the three basic elements of the device, namely the channeled body, the first sliding body and the second sliding body in a particularly simple construction, namely: the main body as a channel with a constant cross section and two spaced apart along the channel direction openings (inlet and Outlet) and two identically shaped sliding body whose cross section is identical to the cross section of the channel.

According to a second embodiment of the device according to the invention, the cavity of the main body has a main body channel with a constant channel cross section, wherein the first body is designed as a first sliding body, which has a first longitudinal portion which extends over the entire cross section of the main body channel and sealingly abutting against the inner wall of the main body channel and slidably abutting against this inner wall, and wherein the first sliding body has a second longitudinal portion having a sliding channel with constant channel cross section, the second body is formed as a second sliding body, the one Longitudinal section which extends over the entire cross section of the sliding body channel of the second slider and sealingly abuts against the inner wall of the Gleitkörper-channel and slidably against this inner wall, and that the two sliding bodies in the channel along a along the channel longitudinal direction extending line are independently movable, so that between the two sliding bodies, a chamber is determined whose volume and / or position with respect to the base body by mutually independent movement of the two sliding bodies along the channel longitudinal direction are variable.

This telescopic arrangement of the sliding body (see Fig. 2A ) allows the provision of the three basic elements of the device, namely the channel body, the first slider and the second slider in a particularly simple and compact design, namely: the main body as a channel with a constant cross-section and two spaced along the channel direction openings ( Inlet and outlet) and a first sliding body whose outer cross-section is identical to the cross-section of the channel and which also has a channel in its interior, a so-called sliding body channel, and a second sliding body whose outer cross-section corresponds to the cross section of the Gleitkörperkanals is identical, wherein the first sliding body has two openings, of which the first sliding body opening can be made to coincide with the inlet opening of the base body and the second sliding body opening can be made to coincide with the outlet opening of the base body. This second embodiment allows the same functions with the same types of drives as the first embodiment.

According to a third embodiment, the device according to the invention comprises a base body with a cavity, which is in fluid communication via a first inlet opening with a first mass source and via a second inlet opening with a second mass source, and via a first outlet opening and via a second outlet Outlet opening is in fluid communication with a ground-destination in the vicinity of the body, wherein on the one hand, the first inlet opening and the second inlet opening along a direction spaced from each other on the base body are arranged, and on the other hand, the first outlet opening and the second outlet opening along the direction spaced from each other are arranged on the base body. In addition, this embodiment includes a first body, a second body, and a third body, wherein the first body, the second body, and the third body are each movable in the body cavity relative to the body and relative to each other along said direction, and respectively sealing against an inner wall and slidably against this inner wall. By the first body and the second body, a first chamber is limited, wherein by moving the first body and / or the second body, both the volume of the first chamber and its position relative to or in the body variable is. By the first body and the third body, a second chamber is limited, wherein by moving the first body and / or the third body, both the volume of the second chamber and its position relative to or in the base body is variable.

This "three-piston arrangement" or "two-chamber arrangement" allows the individual control of each of the three moving bodies (sliders or pistons) and thus an individual control of the pumping volume and the pumping speed at each of the two chambers. With this arrangement, it is possible to pump a different mass, ie three different masses, through each of the three chambers to a destination.

Conveniently, in this arrangement, with three movable bodies, the cavity of the body has a channel with a constant channel cross-section; wherein the first body and the second body are each formed as sliding bodies which extend over the entire channel cross-section and sealingly abut against the inner wall of the main body channel and slidably against this inner wall; and wherein the first sliding body and the second sliding body are independently movable in the channel along a line extending along the channel longitudinal direction such that the volume and / or the position of the first chamber move independently of each other with respect to the body The channel longitudinal direction are changeable.

In this embodiment, one of the two chambers is formed by the above-described serial arrangement of the sliding body and has its advantages.

Preferably, the first body and the third body are each formed as a sliding body, which extend over the entire channel cross-section and sealingly against the inner wall of the main body channel and slidably against this inner wall; wherein the first sliding body and the third sliding body are also independently movable in the channel along a line extending along the channel longitudinal direction, so that also the volume and / or the position of the second chamber by independently moving the two sliding bodies with respect to the main body along the channel longitudinal direction are variable.

In this "double-serial" design both chambers are formed by a serial arrangement of the sliding body and both have their advantages.

Alternatively, in the three-movable body arrangement, the first body may be formed as a first sliding body having a first longitudinal portion which extends over the entire cross section of the main body channel and slidably abuts against the inner wall of the main body channel and slidably abuts against this inner wall; wherein the first sliding body still has a second longitudinal portion, which has a sliding body channel with a constant channel cross-section; and wherein the third body is formed as a third sliding body having a longitudinal portion which extends over the entire cross section of the sliding body passage of the first sliding body and slidably abuts against the inner wall of the sliding body passage and slidably abutted against this inner wall, the first sliding body and the third slider in the channel along a line extending along the channel longitudinal direction are movable independently of each other, so that the volume and / or the position of the second chamber by mutually independent movement of the two sliding bodies relative to the base body along the channel longitudinal direction are variable.

In this embodiment, one of the two chambers is formed by the telescopic arrangement of the sliding body described above and has its advantages.

Preferably, the second body are also formed as a second sliding body having a first longitudinal portion which extends over the entire cross section of the main body channel and sealingly abuts the inner wall of the main body channel and slidably on this inner wall; wherein the second sliding body has a second longitudinal portion having a sliding body channel with a constant channel cross-section; and wherein a fourth body is provided, which is formed as a fourth sliding body, wherein the second body and the fourth body define a third chamber; and wherein the fourth sliding body has a longitudinal portion which extends over the entire cross section of the sliding body passage of the second sliding body and sealingly abuts against the inner wall of the sliding body passage and slidably abutted against this inner wall, the second sliding body and the fourth sliding body in the channel along a line extending along the channel longitudinal direction are movable independently of each other, so that the volume and / or the position of the third chamber by mutually independent movement of the two sliding bodies with respect to the base body along the channel longitudinal direction are variable.

In this "double telescopic" design, two of the three chambers within the respective telescoping arrangement of the sliders are formed, and one of the three chambers is formed between the two telescoping arrangements. This arrangement combines the advantages of the serial arrangement with the advantages of the telescopic arrangement. In this embodiment, three chambers are provided, for which a total of four sliders are needed. This arrangement is very versatile despite its compactness. As far as the actuation of the sliding bodies and thus of the volume and the position of each of the chambers is concerned, one even has four degrees of freedom which can be realized with a respective independent drive, in particular with servomotor drives. To further increase the compactness and to save one of the four drives, two of the four drives can be coupled together. This still gives you three degrees of freedom for slider positioning, which is sufficient for most applications.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the cavity of the base body contains a channel with a constant channel cross section; wherein the first body and the second body are each formed as sliding bodies which extend over the entire channel cross-section and sealingly abut against the inner wall of the main body channel and slidably against this inner wall; and wherein the first sliding body and the second sliding body are independently movable in the channel along a line extending along the channel longitudinal direction such that the volume and / or the position of the first chamber move independently of each other with respect to the body the channel longitudinal direction are variable; and wherein the first body is formed as a first sliding body having a first longitudinal portion which extends over the entire cross section of the main body channel and sealingly abuts against the inner wall of the main body channel and slidably against this inner wall; wherein the first sliding body has a second longitudinal portion having a sliding body channel with a constant channel cross-section; wherein the third body is formed as a third sliding body having a longitudinal portion which extends over the entire cross section of the sliding body channel of the first slider and sealingly abuts against the inner wall of the sliding body channel and abuts against this inner wall, wherein the first sliding body and the third sliding body in the channel are movable independently of one another along a line extending along the channel longitudinal direction, so that the volume and / or the position of the second chamber can be varied by moving the two sliding bodies relative to the base body independently of one another along the channel longitudinal direction ,

This "serial telescope arrangement" of the three sliding bodies (cf. Fig. 3A ) is a combination of the "serial arrangement" described above ( Fig. 1A ) and the "telescope arrangement" described above (US Pat. Fig. 2A ). This combination also offers a lot of flexibility, and also three positioning degrees of freedom for the three sliding bodies and thus for the two chambers. In particular, it enables an individual positioning of the three movable bodies, for example by means of servomotor drives.

Preferably, in the case of the serial arrangement (first embodiment), the inlet opening is arranged in the region of the inner wall of the main body channel, along which the first sliding body is movable. Thus, in addition to its piston function, the first sliding body simultaneously performs the function of a slide for opening and closing the inlet opening. Analogously, the outlet opening is preferably arranged in the region of the inner wall of the main body channel, along which the second sliding body is movable. Thus, in addition to its piston function, the second sliding body simultaneously performs the function of a slide for opening and closing the outlet opening.

Preferably, in the telescopic structure (second embodiment), the first sliding body has a first opening on the sliding body channel and a second opening on the sliding body channel, the first opening being in a first position of the sliding body along the channel longitudinal direction (L ) can be brought into registration with the inlet opening of the main body so that the chamber in the interior of the sliding body is in fluid communication with the mass source via the inlet opening, and wherein the second opening in a second position of the sliding body along the channel longitudinal direction (L ) can be made to coincide with the outlet opening of the base body, so that the chamber in the interior of the slider via the outlet opening in fluid communication with the ground-destination in the vicinity of the body.

The inventive device allows relative to the prior art relatively large inlet openings and outlet openings, which is particularly advantageous for pressure-sensitive materials such as foamed masses. A maximum diameter D _{E of} the entrance opening extending orthogonally to the line of movement (L) may have a value in the range of 1/10 to 10/10 of the maximum diameter of the first body orthogonal to the line of movement (L) along which the first body is movable in the body cavity relative to the body. Similarly, a maximum diameter D _{A of} the exit opening extending orthogonally to the line of movement (L) may have a value in the range of 1/10 to 10/10 of the maximum diameter of the second body in the serial arrangement or in the range of 1/10 to 10/10 of the maximum diameter of the first body in the telescopic arrangement is orthogonal to the line of movement (L) along which the second body or body is movable in the body cavity relative to the body.

Preferably, one uses circular or oval-shaped openings, wherein the diameter D _E or D _{A is} in the range of 5/10 to 10/10 of the maximum diameter of the second body or of the first body. This prevents high fluid resistance along the conveying path in the interior of the device according to the invention, thus largely avoiding "bottlenecks" at which sensitive masses could be damaged Moreover, these large opening cross-sections make it possible to pump masses in which larger solids are contained, such as Chocolate mass with whole hazelnuts or nut fractions ..

The first body and the second body may have a circular cross section orthogonal to the line of movement (L) along which the first body and the second body are movable in the body cavity relative to the body. This geometry is easy to produce and less susceptible to interference.

In the device according to the invention, the cavity can be in fluid connection via a plurality of inlet openings with a plurality of fluid sources. By appropriately moving the first and second bodies, a mixture of different fluids can thus be produced during a pumping cycle. Preferably, such inlet openings are spaced on the cavity of the body along a direction along which the first body and / or the second body are movable. Thus, during the movement of the two bodies along the line of movement (L) at one or more inlet openings, a respective fluid can be sucked in by superimposing a movement component on the movement of the two bodies, which increases the distance between the two bodies along the line of movement (L) , In this way, different masses can be successively sucked in and combined during a pumping cycle. It is also possible for inlet openings on the cavity of the basic body to be spaced along a direction which runs transversely, in particular orthogonal to the direction (L), along which the first body and / or the second body are movable. Thus, during a pumping cycle, approximately simultaneously or simultaneously different masses can be sucked in and combined.

In the serial arrangement (first embodiment), the main body channel may be a straight-line channel and the sliding bodies may be complementarily shaped rectilinear bodies to the channel. Similarly, in the telescopic arrangement (second embodiment), the main body passage and the sliding body passage of the first sliding body may be rectilinear passages, and the first sliding body and the second sliding body may be rectilinear bodies. The movement line (L) is in each case a straight line in these cases.

It is completely sufficient for the function of the device according to the invention if the two bodies can only be moved back and forth in translation along the direction of movement (L). This straightforward movement and movement of the two bodies alone makes possible all the functions of a pumping cycle, namely suction, conveyance and ejection, whereby the valve function, i. Opening and closing of the inlet opening and the outlet opening, is effected by the two bodies. In particular, no additional rotational movement of the body is necessary, as is the case with the above-described hub / rotary piston.

Instead of a straight line of movement (L) can also be provided a circular arc-shaped line of movement for the two bodies in the channel. In the serial arrangement (first embodiment), the main body channel may be a circular arc-shaped channel or a torus segment along the toroidal circumferential direction, and the sliding members may be complementary circular arc-shaped or torus-segmented bodies to the channel. In the telescopic arrangement (second embodiment), the main body passage and the sliding body passage of the first sliding body may be arcuate-curved channels along the toroidal circumferential direction, and the first sliding body and the second sliding body may be arcuately curved or torus-sectioned bodies be.

Also, only by this curvilinear moving and moving of the two bodies are all the functions of a pumping cycle allows, namely suction, conveying or ejection, and also the valve function, i. Opening and closing of the inlet opening and the outlet opening, is effected by the two bodies. In particular, no additional rotational movement of the body is necessary (and not possible), as is the case with the above-described hub / rotary piston.

It is particularly advantageous if the device is preceded by a foaming unit whose outlet is in fluid communication with the inlet opening of the device. Thus, foamed masses can be produced on site and metered for further use and / or provided in portions.

1. a) Heranbewegen der durch die beiden Gleitkörper bestimmten Kammer an die Eintrittsöffnung des Grundkörpers bis zu einer Position, bei der die Kammer mit der Eintrittsöffnung und der Masse-Quelle in Fluidverbindung steht und die Kammer ein erstes Kammer-Volumen hat, indem die beiden Gleitkörper in dem Grundkörper bewegt werden;
2. b) Vergrössern des Kammer-Volumens zu einem zweiten Kammer-Volumen der an der Eintrittsöffnung positionierten Kammer, während die Kammer mit der Eintrittsöffnung in fluidverbindung steht, um Masse aus der Masse-Quelle in die sich vergrössernde Kammer einzusaugen, indem die beiden Gleitkörper in dem Grundkörper voneinander weg bewegt werden;
3. c) Wegbewegen der durch die beiden Gleitkörper bestimmten Kammer von der Eintrittsöffnung des Grundkörpers bis zu einer Position, bei der die Kammer mit der Eintrittsöffnung und der Masse-Quelle nicht mehr in Fluidverbindung steht und bei der die Kammer mit der Austrittsöffnung und dem Masse-Zielort in Fluidverbindung steht und die Kammer ein drittes Kammer-Volumen hat, indem die beiden Gleitkörper in dem Grundkörper bewegt werden;
4. d) Verkleinern des Kammer-Volumens zu einem vierten Kammer-Volumen der an der Austrittsöffnung positionierten Kammer, während die Kammer mit der Austrittsöffnung in Fluidverbindung steht, um Masse aus der sich verkleinernden Kammer zu dem Masse-Zielort auszustossen, indem die beiden Gleitkörper in dem Grundkörper aufeinander zu bewegt werden.

The inventive method for pumping a flowable mass M1, in particular a flowable food, using a device with two sliding bodies, as described above, comprises the following steps:

1. a) Move the determined by the two sliding body chamber to the inlet opening of the body to a position in which the chamber is in fluid communication with the inlet opening and the mass source and the chamber has a first chamber volume by the two sliding bodies in to be moved to the main body;
2. b) increasing the chamber volume to a second chamber volume of the chamber positioned at the inlet opening while the chamber is in fluid communication with the inlet opening for drawing mass from the mass source into the enlarging chamber by moving the two sliding bodies in the chamber Be moved body away from each other;
3. c) moving the chamber determined by the two sliding bodies from the inlet opening of the main body to a position in which the chamber is no longer in fluid communication with the inlet opening and the mass source and in which the chamber with the outlet opening and the mass target location is in fluid communication and the chamber has a third chamber volume by the two sliding bodies are moved in the body;
4. d) decreasing the chamber volume to a fourth chamber volume of the chamber positioned at the exit port while the chamber is in fluid communication with the exit port to expel mass from the decreasing chamber to the mass destination by moving the two sliders in the exit port Base body to be moved towards each other.

• a1) Heranbewegen der durch den ersten Gleitkörper und durch den zweiten Gleitkörper bestimmten Kammer an die erste Eintrittsöffnung des Grundkörpers bis zu einer Position, bei der die erste Kammer mit der ersten Eintrittsöffnung und der ersten Masse-Quelle in Fluidverbindung steht und die Kammer ein erstes Kammer-Volumen hat; dieser Schritt erfolgt, indem der erste Gleitkörper und/oder der zweite Gleitkörper in dem Grundkörper bewegt werden;
• a2) Heranbewegen der durch den ersten Gleitkörper und durch den dritten Gleitkörper bestimmten Kammer an die zweite Eintrittsöffnung des Grundkörpers bis zu einer Position, bei der die zweite Kammer mit der zweiten Eintrittsöffnung und der zweiten Masse-Quelle in Fluidverbindung steht und die Kammer ein erstes Kammer-Volumen hat; dieser Schritt erfolgt, indem der erste Gleitkörper und der dritte Gleitkörper in dem Grundkörper bewegt werden;
• b1) Vergrössern des Kammer-Volumens zu einem zweiten Kammer-Volumen der an der ersten Eintrittsöffnung positionierten ersten Kammer, während die erste Kammer mit der ersten Eintrittsöffnung in Fluidverbindung steht, um Masse M1 aus der ersten Masse-Quelle in die sich vergrössernde erste Kammer einzusaugen; dieser Schritt erfolgt, indem der erste Gleitkörper und der zweite Gleitkörper in dem Grundkörper voneinander weg bewegt werden;
• b2) Vergrössern des Kammer-Volumens zu einem zweiten Kammer-Volumen der an der zweiten Eintrittsöffnung positionierten zweiten Kammer, während die zweite Kammer mit der zweiten Eintrittsöffnung in Fluidverbindung steht, um Masse M2 aus der zweiten Masse-Quelle in die sich vergrössernde zweite Kammer einzusaugen; dieser Schritt erfolgt, indem der erste Gleitkörper und der dritte Gleitkörper in dem Grundkörper voneinander weg bewegt werden;
• c1) Wegbewegen der durch den ersten Gleitkörper und den zweiten Gleitkörper bestimmten ersten Kammer von der ersten Eintrittsöffnung des Grundkörpers bis zu einer Position, bei der die erste Kammer mit der ersten Eintrittsöffnung und der ersten Masse-Quelle nicht in Fluidverbindung steht und bei der die erste Kammer mit der ersten Austrittsöffnung und dem Masse-Zielort in Fluidverbindung steht und die erste Kammer ein drittes Kammer-Volumen hat; dieser Schritt erfolgt, indem der erste Gleitkörper und der zweite Gleitkörper in dem Grundkörper bewegt werden;
• c2) Wegbewegen der durch den ersten Gleitkörper und den dritten Gleitkörper bestimmten zweiten Kammer von der zweiten Eintrittsöffnung des Grundkörpers bis zu einer Position, bei der die zweite Kammer mit der zweiten Eintrittsöffnung und der zweiten Masse-Quelle nicht in Fluidverbindung steht und bei der die zweite Kammer mit der zweiten Austrittsöffnung und dem Masse-Zielort in Fluidverbindung steht und die zweite Kammer ein drittes Kammer-Volumen hat; dieser Schritt erfolgt, indem der erste Gleitkörper und der dritte Gleitkörper in dem Grundkörper bewegt werden;
• d1) Verkleinern des Kammer-Volumens zu einem vierten Kammer-Volumen der an der ersten Austrittsöffnung positionierten ersten Kammer, während die erste Kammer mit der ersten Austrittsöffnung in Fluidverbindung steht, um Masse M1 aus der sich verkleinernden ersten Kammer zu dem Masse-Zielort auszustossen; dieser Schritt erfolgt, indem der erste Gleitkörper und der zweite Gleitkörper in dem Grundkörper aufeinander zu bewegt werden;
• d2) Verkleinern des Kammer-Volumens zu einem vierten Kammer-Volumen der an der zweiten Austrittsöffnung positionierten zweiten Kammer, während die zweite Kammer mit der zweiten Austrittsöffnung in Fluidverbindung steht, um Masse M2 aus der sich verkleinernden zweiten Kammer zu dem Masse-Zielort auszustossen; dieser Schritt erfolgt, indem der erste Gleitkörper und der dritte Gleitkörper in dem Grundkörper aufeinander zu bewegt werden.

The erfindungsgmässe method for pumping a first flowable mass M1 and a second flowable mass M2, in particular flowable food, using a device with three sliding bodies, as described above, comprises the following steps:

• a1) moving the chamber determined by the first slider and the second slider to the first inlet opening of the body to a position where the first chamber is in fluid communication with the first inlet and the first ground source and the chamber is a first chamber Volume has; this step is performed by moving the first slider and / or the second slider in the body;
• a2) moving the chamber determined by the first slider and the third slider to the second inlet opening of the body to a position where the second chamber is in fluid communication with the second inlet and the second mass source and the chamber is a first chamber Volume has; this step is performed by moving the first slider and the third slider in the body;
• b1) increasing the chamber volume to a second chamber volume of the first chamber positioned at the first inlet opening while the first chamber is in fluid communication with the first inlet opening to draw mass M1 from the first mass source into the increasing first chamber ; this step is performed by moving the first slider and the second slider in the body away from each other;
• b2) increasing the chamber volume to a second chamber volume of the second chamber positioned at the second inlet port, while the second chamber is in fluid communication with the second inlet port to draw mass M2 from the second mass source into the increasing second chamber ; this step is performed by moving the first slider and the third slider away from each other in the body;
• c1) moving away the first chamber defined by the first sliding body and the second sliding body from the first entrance opening of the main body to a position where the first chamber is not in fluid communication with the first entry opening and the first mass source and wherein the first one Chamber having the first exit port and the mass target location in fluid communication and the first chamber has a third chamber volume; this step is performed by moving the first slider and the second slider in the body;
• c2) moving away the second chamber defined by the first sliding body and the third sliding body from the second inlet opening of the main body to a position at which the second chamber is not in fluid communication with the second inlet opening and the second mass source and at which the second Chamber is in fluid communication with the second exit port and the mass destination and the second chamber has a third chamber volume; this step is performed by moving the first slider and the third slider in the body;
• d1) decreasing the chamber volume to a fourth chamber volume of the first chamber positioned at the first exit port while the first chamber is in fluid communication with the first exit port for expelling mass M1 from the decreasing first chamber to the mass destination; this step is performed by moving the first slider and the second slider in the body towards each other;
• d2) decreasing the chamber volume to a fourth chamber volume of the second chamber positioned at the second exit port while the second port is in fluid communication with the second exit port for expelling mass M2 from the reducing second chamber to the mass destination; this step is performed by moving the first slider and the third slider in the body towards each other.

This method allows gentle suction and ejection of sensitive masses. These can therefore be gently pumped and dosed.

In step d), after the ejection of the mass by reducing the chamber volume to the fourth chamber volume, the chamber volume can be slightly increased by slightly moving the two sliding bodies in the channel of the main body away from each other. This "retention step" can prevent an uncontrolled dripping of mass at the outlet opening. The slightly enlarged chamber volume can be the first chamber volume of step a) before it is further increased or increased again in step b).

Conveniently, after completion of a sequence of steps a) to d), a further step sequence a) to d) is run through.

The inventive method can be used particularly advantageously in conjunction with a foaming step, the flowable mass being foamed to a foamed, flowable mass prior to carrying out the sequence of steps a) to d). This can then be gently pumped, so that virtually no or only a few foam cells are destroyed in the mass during pumping.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the inventive method using the arrangement with three independent sliders or pistons, the absolute cyclic or periodic movements of the three sliding bodies (ie, the movement sequence based on the stationary body) are out of phase. In particular, the cycles or periods of movement of at least one of the three sliders are phase shifted with respect to the cycles or periods of movement of the other sliders. This has the consequence that the time course of the pump power (transported mass volume per unit time) is different for the two chambers. For example, a first "shot" with a first metered amount of mass M1 can be fed to the ground destination and a second "shot" with a second metered amount of ground M1 can be fed to the ground destination.

The two masses are preferably supplied through a first channel and a second channel, which are close to each other, the ground destination, wherein the mass M1 is pumped from the first chamber via a first channel and the mass M2 from the second chamber via a second Channel is pumped. It is particularly advantageous if one of the two channels is arranged concentrically within the other channel. The channels may have circular, oval, triangular or polygonal cross sections. The mass destination may be a hollow or alveolus. With this arrangement, confectionery articles (pralines, filled balls, etc.), which have two different masses, can be produced in the one-shot process.

The invention is not limited to the described arrangements with two or three independent sliding bodies, but also includes arrangements with four or more independently movable sliding bodies or with three or more chambers whose position and / or volume are independently variable. As a result, a specific time profile of the pump power or a specific "profile" of the shot of this chamber can be defined with each chamber. With such arrangements, confectionery articles (pralines, filled balls, etc.) having three or more different masses can be produced in the one-shot process.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

• Fig. 1 A eine erste Ausführung der erfindungsgemässen Vorrichtung in einer Schnittansicht im auseinandergebauten Zustand zeigt;
• Fig. 1B - 1K jeweils Schnittansichten der ersten Ausführung von Fig. 1 A sind, die aufeinanderfolgende Momentaufnahmen des erfindungsgemässen Verfahrens unter Verwendung der ersten Ausführung der erfindungsgemässen Vorrichtung zeigen;
• Fig. 2A eine zweite Ausführung der erfindungsgemässen Vorrichtung in einer Schnittansicht im auseinandergebauten Zustand zeigt;
• Fig. 2B - 2K jeweils Schnittansichten der zweiten Ausführung von Fig. 2A sind, die aufeinanderfolgende Momentaufnahmen des erfindungsgemässen Verfahrens unter Verwendung der zweiten Ausführung der erfindungsgemässen Vorrichtung zeigen;
• Fig. 3A eine dritte Ausführung der erfindungsgemässen Vorrichtung in einer Schnittansicht im auseinandergebauten Zustand zeigt;
• Fig. 3B - 3K jeweils Schnittansichten der ersten Ausführung von Fig. 3A sind, die aufeinanderfolgende Momentaufnahmen des erfindungsgemässen Verfahrens unter Verwendung der dritten Ausführung der erfindungsgemässen Vorrichtung zeigen;
• Fig. 4A - 4C aufeinanderfolgende Momentaufnahmen des erfindungsgemässen Verfahrens unter Verwendung einer vierten Ausführung der erfindungsgemässen Vorrichtung jeweils in einer ersten Schnittebene und in einer zur ersten Schnittebene parallelen zweiten Schnittebene zeigen; und
• Fig. 5A - 5C aufeinanderfolgende Momentaufnahmen des erfindungsgemässen Verfahrens unter Verwendung einer fünften Ausführung der erfindungsgemässen Vorrichtung jeweils in einer ersten Schnittebene und in einer zur ersten Schnittebene parallelen zweiten Schnittebene zeigen.

Further advantages, features and possible applications of the invention will become apparent from the following description of two exemplary, non-limiting aufzufassender embodiments of the invention with reference to the drawing, wherein:

• Fig. 1 A shows a first embodiment of the device according to the invention in a disassembled sectional view;
• Fig. 1B - 1K each sectional views of the first embodiment of Fig. 1 A are sequential snapshots of the inventive method using the first embodiment of the inventive device show;
• Fig. 2A shows a second embodiment of the inventive device in a sectional view in the disassembled state;
• Fig. 2B - 2K each sectional views of the second embodiment of Fig. 2A are the successive ones Show snapshots of the inventive method using the second embodiment of the inventive device;
• Fig. 3A shows a third embodiment of the inventive device in a sectional view in the disassembled state;
• Fig. 3B - 3K each sectional views of the first embodiment of Fig. 3A which show successive snapshots of the method according to the invention using the third embodiment of the device according to the invention;
• Fig. 4A - 4C show consecutive snapshots of the method according to the invention using a fourth embodiment of the device according to the invention in each case in a first sectional plane and in a second sectional plane parallel to the first sectional plane; and
• Figs. 5A-5C show sequential snapshots of the inventive method using a fifth embodiment of the inventive device in each case in a first sectional plane and in a plane parallel to the first sectional plane second cutting plane.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

In Fig. 1A - 1K a first embodiment (serial arrangement) of the inventive device for pumping a flowable mass is shown. The device comprises a main body 3 with a cavity 7, which is in fluid communication via an inlet opening 7a with a mass source 6 and via an outlet opening 7b with a ground destination in the vicinity of the main body 3. The inlet opening 7a and the outlet opening 7b are spaced from each other along a direction L arranged on the base body 3. The device also includes a first body 1 and a second body 2, both of which are movable in the body cavity 7 relative to the body 3 and relative to each other along the direction L. The first body 1 and the second body 2 are arranged so that they rest in a sealing manner against an inner wall 3a and slidingly against this inner wall 3a and bound together with the main body cavity 7 a chamber 8. By moving the first body 1 and / or the second body 2, both the volume of the chamber 8 and its position relative to or in the base body 3 can be changed. The mass source 6 is located in a funnel-shaped container 4. It is also possible to arrange several of these devices according to the invention parallel to each other. The ground source 6 may then be formed as an elongated trough-shaped container 4 which extends transversely across all the individual devices and communicates with the inlet opening 7a of each device.

The cavity of the main body is a channel 7 with constant channel cross section The first body 1 and the second body 2 are each formed as sliding bodies which extend over the entire channel cross-section and sealingly on the inner wall of the main body channel 7 and at this Sliding inside wall. The two sliding bodies 1, 2 are independently movable in the channel 7 along the channel longitudinal direction L, so that between the two Sliders 1, 2, a chamber 8 is determined whose volume and / or position with respect to the base body 3 by mutually independent movement of the two sliding bodies 1, 2 along the channel longitudinal direction can be changed. This serial arrangement of the sliding body 1, 2 allows the provision of a functioning pumping device with only three essential components 1, 2, 3, of which two 1, 2 may be formed identically.

In Fig. 1B - 1K are snapshots showing successive states of the inventive method or successive positions of the two sliding bodies 1 and 2 with respect to the base body 3 and in particular with respect to the inlet opening 7a and the outlet opening 7b during operation of the first embodiment of the inventive device.

In Fig. 1B a snapshot is illustrated, showing an initial state of the device. The two sliding bodies 1 and 2 are positioned in the base body 3 so that the opposite ends or end faces of the first slider 1 and the second slider 2 have a relatively small distance from each other, wherein the inlet opening 7a between these two faces of the slider 1 and 2 is located. Between these two ends of the sliding body 1, 2 and the inner wall 3a (see Fig. 1A ) of the base body 3 is thus the chamber 8, which is in fluid communication via the inlet opening 7a with the ground source 6. The chamber 8 is filled with mass that still comes from the previous pumping cycle. The outlet opening 7b is blocked by the sliding body 2, which combines the function of a displacement piston and the function of a valve spool in itself.

In Fig. 1C and Fig. 1D Two consecutive snapshots are shown during the intake stroke. The movement of the second sliding body 2 away from the first sliding body 1 in the interior of the main body 3 can be seen. During the first sliding body 1 in its starting position (see FIG Fig. 1B ) remains stationary, the second sliding body 2 moves away to the left, the inlet opening 7a remains open and the outlet opening 7b remains blocked. As a result, the volume of the chamber 8 is increased, and further mass is sucked into the chamber 8.

In Fig. 1E and Fig. 1F Two consecutive snapshots are shown during a transport stroke. It can be seen the joint movement of the second slider 2 and the first slider 1 in the interior of the body 3. During this common movement, the distance between the first slider 1 and the second slider 2 remains constant. This distance corresponds to the distance between the two sliding bodies 1, 2 at the end of the intake stroke (see Fig. 1D ). During this transport stroke, the inlet opening 7a is blocked by the sliding body 1 and the outlet opening 7b is blocked by the sliding body 2.

In Fig. 1G a snapshot is shown showing the end of a transport stroke and the beginning of the ejection stroke of the device. The inlet opening 7a is blocked by the slider 1. The chamber 8 is filled with the sucked mass. The outlet opening 7b is no longer blocked by the slider 2, and there is a fluid connection to the ground destination to which the pumped mass is dispensed dosed during the subsequent discharge stroke.

In Fig. 1H and Fig. 1I are two consecutive snapshots during the ejection stroke shown. It can be seen the forward movement of the first slider 1 to the second slider 2 in the interior of the body 3. While the second slider 2 in its final position (see Fig. 1G) remains stationary, the first slider 1 moves to the left, the inlet opening 7a remains blocked and the outlet opening 7b remains open. As a result, the volume of the chamber 8 is reduced, and mass is expelled from the chamber 8.

In Fig. 1 Figure J is a snapshot showing the end of a retention stroke of the device. It can be seen that the volume of the chamber 8 compared to the volume at the end of the discharge stroke (see Fig. 1I ) was slightly increased by the first slider 1 was slightly moved away from the second slider 2 or withdrawn. The inlet opening 7a is blocked by the slider 1. The chamber 8 is filled with residual mass, which was not ejected during the Ausstosshubes. By retracting one and / or the other of the two sliding bodies 1, 2 from each other an uncontrolled dripping of mass from the open outlet opening 7b is prevented.

In Fig. 1K a snapshot is shown showing the end of a Rücktransporthubes and the renewed beginning of the intake stroke of the device, after the two sliding bodies 1, 2 together and while maintaining a constant distance from each other to the starting position (see Fig. 1B ) were moved back. The inlet opening 7a is no longer blocked by the slider 1. The chamber 8 is filled with the remaining, not ejected mass. The outlet opening 7b is blocked again by the sliding body 2, and there is no fluid connection to the ground destination. The in Fig. 1B - Fig. 1K shown pump cycle can start again.

In Fig. 2A a second embodiment (telescopic arrangement) of the inventive device for pumping a flowable mass is shown. Like the first embodiment, the second device comprises a base body 3 with a cavity 7 which is in fluid communication with a ground source 6 via an inlet opening 7a and with a ground destination in the vicinity of the base body 3 via an outlet opening 7b. The inlet opening 7a and the outlet opening 7b are spaced from each other along a direction L arranged on the base body 3. Like the first embodiment, the second embodiment also includes a first body 1 'and a second body 2' both moveable in the body cavity 7 relative to the body 3 and relative to each other along the direction L. As in the first embodiment, the cavity of the main body 3 has a main body channel 7 with a constant channel cross-section.

The two bodies 1 'and 2' are constructed differently in the second embodiment and act differently than in the first embodiment. The first body 1 'and the second body 2' are arranged so as to be respectively fixed to an inner wall 3a of the main body 3, i. in the main body channel 7, or on an inner wall 3a 'of the first slider 1', i. in the sliding body channel 7 ', sealingly and slidably against this inner wall 3a and 3a'. Namely, the body 1 'has a cavity formed as a sliding body channel 7'. This first body 1 'also has a first opening 7a' and a second opening 7b ', via which the cavity of the sliding body channel 7' communicates with the surroundings of the first body 1 '.

The first body 1 'is designed as a first sliding body, which has a first longitudinal section 1a'. which extends over the entire cross section of the main body channel 7. This longitudinal portion 1a 'is sealingly against the inner wall of the main body channel 7 and slidably on this inner wall. This first sliding body 1 'also has a second longitudinal section 1b', which has the sliding body channel 7 'with a constant channel cross section.

The second body 2 'is formed as a second sliding body having a longitudinal portion 2a' which extends over the entire cross section of the sliding body channel 7 'of the second sliding body 2' and on the inner wall 3a 'of the sliding body channel 7' sealing and sliding against this inner wall.

The two sliding bodies 1 ', 2' extend in the channel along a channel longitudinal direction L and are also movable independently of each other, so that between the two sliding bodies 1 ', 2' a chamber 8 'is determined whose volume and / or position with respect to the base body 3 by mutually independent movement of the two sliding bodies 1 ', 2' along the channel longitudinal direction L are variable.

By moving the first body 1 'and / or the second body 2', both the volume of the chamber 8 'and its position relative to or in the base body 3 can be changed as in the first embodiment. The mass source 6 is also located here in a funnel-shaped container 4, and it can also be arranged parallel to each other several of these inventive devices. The mass source 6 can then also be formed here as an elongate trough-shaped container 4 which extends transversely across all the individual devices and communicates with the inlet opening 7a of each device.

The telescopic arrangement of the second embodiment is distinguished from the serial arrangement of the first embodiment by higher compactness in the direction L of the lifting movements.

In Fig. 2B a snapshot is shown showing an initial state of the device. The sliding body 1 'is positioned in the base body 3 so that the first opening 7a' of the slider 1 'coincides with the inlet opening 7a of the base body 3 or coincides with it. There is therefore a fluid connection between the chamber 8 'and the mass source 6. The outlet opening 7b of the main body 3 is blocked by the first longitudinal section 1a' of the first sliding body 1 '. The opposing ends or faces of the second slider 2 'and the slider channel 7' inside the first slider 1 'have a relatively small distance from each other. As in the first embodiment, the inlet opening 7a of the main body 3 is located between two end faces, namely that of the second sliding body 2 'and that of the sliding body channel 7' of the first sliding body 1 '. Between these ends or end faces is thus the chamber 8 ', which is in fluid communication with the ground source 6 via the inlet opening 7a. Again, the chamber 8 'is filled to ground, which still comes from the previous pumping cycle. The outlet opening 7b blocking sliding body 1 'also combines the function of a displacement piston and the function of a valve spool.

In Fig. 2C and Fig. 2D are two consecutive snapshots during the intake stroke shown. The movement of the second slider 2 'away from the first slider 1' inside the slider channel 7 'can be seen (see FIG Fig. 2A ) . While the first slider 1 'in its initial position (see Fig. 2B ) remains stationary, the second sliding body 2 'moves away to the right, the inlet opening 7a remains open and the outlet opening 7b remains blocked. As a result, the volume of the chamber 8 'is increased, and further mass is sucked into the chamber 8'.

In Fig. 2I and Fig. 2F Two consecutive snapshots are shown during a transport stroke. During this common movement, the position of the first slider 1 'relative to the second slider 2' remains constant, ie the distance between the described end faces inside the sliding body channel 7 'and thus the volume of the chamber 8' remains constant. This distance also corresponds here to the distance between the two end faces at the end of the intake stroke (see Fig. 2D ) . During this transport stroke, the inlet opening 7a is blocked by the second longitudinal section 1b 'of the first slider 1', while the outlet opening 7b of the main body 3 is already partially overlaid by the second opening 7b 'of the first slider 1', so that the fluid connection to the mass -Zielort already partially comes about.

In Fig. 2G a snapshot is shown showing the end of a transport stroke and the beginning of the ejection stroke of the device. The inlet opening 7a is blocked by the slider 1 '. The chamber 8 'is filled with the sucked mass. The outlet opening 7b is no longer blocked by the sliding body 1 ', and there is a complete fluid connection to the ground destination to which the pumped mass is dispensed dosed during the subsequent discharge stroke.

In Fig. 2H and Fig. 2I Two consecutive snapshots are shown during the ejection stroke. It can be seen the forward movement of the second slider 2 'to the end face of the first slider 1' in the interior of the sliding body channel 7 '. While the first slider 1 'in its end position (see Fig. 2G ), the second sliding body 2 'moves to the left, the inlet opening 7a remaining blocked by the second longitudinal section 10' of the first sliding body 1 'and the outlet opening 7b remaining open. As a result, the volume of the chamber 8 'is reduced, and mass is discharged from the chamber 8'.

In Fig. 2 Figure J is a snapshot showing the end of a retention stroke of the device. It can be seen that the volume of the chamber 8 'relative to the volume at the end of the discharge stroke (see Fig. 2I ) was slightly increased by the second slider 2 'of the first slider 1' was slightly moved away or withdrawn. The inlet opening 7a is blocked by the slider 1 '. The chamber 8 'is filled with residual mass, which was not ejected during the Ausstosshubes. By retracting one and / or the other of the two sliding bodies 1 ', 2' from each other an uncontrolled dripping of mass from the open outlet opening 7b is prevented.

In Fig. 2K is a snapshot showing the end of a "return transport stroke and shows the renewed beginning of the intake stroke of the device, after the two sliding bodies 1 ', 2' together and while maintaining a constant distance from each other in the starting position (see Fig. 2B ) were moved back. The inlet opening 7a is now blocked by the slider 1 'no longer. The chamber 8 'is filled with the remaining, non-ejected mass. The outlet opening 7b is blocked again by the sliding body 1 ', and there is no fluid connection to the ground destination. The in Fig. 2B - Fig. 2K shown pump cycle can start again.

In Fig. 3A a third embodiment for pumping flowable masses M1 and M2 is shown. This third embodiment is a combination of the serial arrangement of Fig. 1A and the telescope arrangement of Fig. 2A , The device comprises a base body 3 with a cavity 7, which is in fluid communication via a first inlet opening 71 a with a first ground source 61 and via a second inlet opening 72 a with a second ground source 62, and via a first outlet opening 71 b and is connected via a second outlet opening 72b with a ground-destination in the vicinity of the base body 3 in fluid communication. The first inlet opening 71 a and the first outlet opening 71 b are spaced along a direction L arranged on the base body 3. Also, the second inlet opening 72a and the second outlet opening 72b are spaced along the direction L arranged on the base body 3.

The device also includes a first body 1 ', a second body 2 and a third body 2', all movable in the body cavity 7 relative to the body 3 and relative to each other along the direction L.

The first body 1 'and the second body 2 are arranged so that they respectively abut against an inner wall 3 a of the main body 3 and slidingly against this inner wall 3 a and define a first chamber 81 together with the main body cavity 7. By moving the first body 1 'and / or the second body 2, both the volume of the chamber 81 and its position relative to or in the base body 3 can be changed. The first mass source 61 is located in a first funnel-shaped container 41.

The first body 1 'and the third body 2' are arranged so that they rest on the inner wall 3a of the main body 3 sealingly and slidably on this inner wall 3a and define a second chamber 82 together with the main body cavity 7. By moving the first body 1 'and / or the third body 2', both the volume of the chamber 82 and its position relative to or in the base body 3 can be changed. The second mass source 62 is located in a second funnel-shaped container 42.

The cavity of the base body 3 is also a channel 7 with a constant channel cross section. The first body 1 'and the second body 2 are each formed as a sliding body, which extend over the entire channel cross section and sealingly abut against the inner wall of the main body channel 7 and slidably on this inner wall. The two sliding bodies 1 ', 2 are independently movable in the channel 7 along the channel longitudinal direction L, so that the first chamber 81 is determined between the two sliding bodies 1', 2, their volume and / or position with respect to the base body 3 by mutually independent movement of the two sliding bodies 1 ', 2 are variable along the channel longitudinal direction. This serial arrangement of the sliding bodies 1 ', 2 makes it possible to provide a functioning pumping device with only three essential components 1', 2, 3.

The first body 1 'and the third body 2' are constructed differently in this third embodiment. Their cooperation differs from the cooperation of the first body 1 'and the second body 2. The first body 1' and the third body 2 'are arranged so that they respectively on the inner wall 3a of the base body 3, i. in the main body channel 7, or on an inner wall 3a 'of the first slider 1' i. in the sliding body channel 7 ', sealingly and slidably against this inner wall 3a and 3a'. Namely, the body 1 'has a cavity formed as a sliding body channel 7'. The first body 1 'also has a first opening 7a' and a second opening 7b ', via which the cavity of the sliding body channel 7' can be brought into fluid communication with the environment of the first body 1 '.

The first body 1 'is designed as a first sliding body, which has a first longitudinal section 1 a', which extends over the entire cross section of the main body channel 7. This longitudinal portion 1a 'is sealingly against the inner wall of the main body channel 7 and slidably on this inner wall. This first sliding body 1 'also has a second longitudinal section 1b', which has the sliding body channel 7 'with a constant channel cross section.

The third body 2 'is formed as a third sliding body having a longitudinal portion 2a' which extends over the entire cross section of the sliding body channel 7 'of the third sliding body 2' and on the inner wall 3a 'of the sliding body channel 7' sealing and sliding against this inner wall.

The two sliding bodies 1 ', 2' extend in the channel along a channel longitudinal direction L and are also movable independently of each other, so that between the two sliding bodies 1 ', 2', the chamber 82 is determined whose volume and / or position with respect of the base body 3 by mutually independent movement of the two sliding bodies 1 ', 2' along the channel longitudinal direction L are variable.

By moving the first body 1 'and / or the third body 2', both the volume of the chamber 82 and its position relative to or in the base body 3 can be changed. The mass source 62 is located in the second funnel-shaped container 42.

It is also possible for several of these devices according to the invention to be arranged parallel to one another according to the third embodiment. The ground sources 61 and 62 may then be formed as elongate trough-shaped containers 41 and 42, respectively, which extend across all the individual devices and communicate with the first inlet openings 71a and the second inlet openings 72a of each device.

On the base body 3, a degassing 31 is attached, which can be brought into fluid communication with the first chamber 81 via a third outlet opening 73b. About this vent 31, a gas-containing, in particular as foam present mass M1 in the first chamber 81 are degassed.

In Fig. 3B - 3K Snapshots are shown, the successive states of the inventive method or successive positions of the first slider 1 ', the second slider 2 and the third slider 2' with respect to the base body 3 and in particular with respect to the first inlet opening 71 a and the second inlet opening 72 a and with respect the first outlet opening 71 b and the second outlet opening 72 b during operation of the third embodiment of the inventive device.

Moreover, in Fig. 3B - 3K a (in Fig. 3A not shown) housing 20, which includes a first channel 21 and a second channel 22, which extend within the housing 20 in a first portion 20a of the housing 20 separated from each other and at a relatively great distance from each other and in a second portion 20b of the housing 20 meet and are arranged congruent to each other in this second portion 20b, wherein the second channel 22 extends within the first channel 21 and the second channel 22 surrounds the first channel 21. In addition to the here shown concentric arrangement of the first channel 21 with respect to the second channel 22 in the second portion 20b of the housing 20 and an eccentric arrangement or an adjacent arrangement of the two channels 21, 22 is possible. The housing 20 is mounted with its first portion 20a on the base body 3 such that the first outlet opening 71b and the second outlet opening 72b opens into the first channel 21 and into the second channel 22, respectively. The two congruent or closely spaced channels 21 and 22 form in the second portion of the housing 20 a nozzle 23, which opens at the ground destination.

In Fig. 3B a snapshot is shown showing an initial state of the device. The three sliding bodies 1 ', 2 and 2' are positioned in the base body 3 so that the opposite ends or end faces of the sliding bodies 1 ', 2 and 2' have a relatively small distance from each other, wherein the first inlet opening 71 a between the End faces of the slider 1 'and 2 is located.

Between these two ends of the sliding body 1 'and 2 and the inner wall 3a (see Fig. 3A ) of the main body 3 is the first chamber 81 which is in fluid communication with the ground source 61 via the inlet opening 71a. The chamber 81 is filled with mass M1, which still comes from the previous pumping cycle. The outlet opening 71 b is blocked by the sliding body 2, which combines the function of a displacement piston and the function of a valve spool in itself.

The sliding body 1 'is positioned in the base body 3 so that the first opening 7a' of the slider 1 'coincides with the second inlet opening 72a of the base body 3 or coincides with it. There is therefore a fluid connection between the second chamber 82 and the mass source 62. The second outlet 72b of the main body 3 is blocked by the first longitudinal portion 1a 'of the first slider 1'. The opposing ends or end faces of the second slider 2 'and the sliding body channel 7' in the interior of the first Slider 1 'have a relatively small distance from each other. The second inlet opening 72a of the main body 3 is located between these two end faces, namely that of the second sliding body 2 'and that of the sliding body channel 7' of the first sliding body 1 '. Between these ends or end faces is thus the second chamber 82, which is in fluid communication with the mass source 62 via the second inlet opening 72a. Again, the chamber 82 is filled with mass M2, which still comes from the previous pumping cycle. The sliding body 1 'blocking the second outlet opening 72b also combines the function of a displacement piston and the function of a valve slide.

In Fig. 3C and Fig. 3D Two consecutive snapshots are shown during the intake stroke. The movement of the second sliding body 2 away from the first sliding body 1 'and the movement away of the third sliding body 2' from the first sliding body 1 'in the interior of the base body 3 can be seen. During the first sliding body 1' in its starting position (see FIG Fig. 3B ) Stands remains, the second slider 2 moves away to the left, the first inlet opening 71 a remains open and the first outlet opening 71 b remains blocked. As a result, the volume of the first chamber 81 is increased, and further mass M1 is sucked into the chamber 81. At the same time, the third sliding body 2 'moves away from the first sliding body 1' in the interior of the sliding body channel 7 '(see FIG Fig. 3A ) . While the first slider 1 'in its initial position (see Fig. 3B ) remains stationary, the third sliding body 2 'moves away to the right, with the second inlet opening 72a remaining open and the second outlet opening 72b remaining blocked. As a result, the volume of the second chamber 82 is increased, and further mass M2 is sucked into the chamber 82.

In Fig. 3D and Fig. 3E Two consecutive snapshots are shown at the beginning and at the end of a transport stroke. It can be seen the joint movement of the second slider 2 and the first slider 1 'in the interior of the body 3. During this joint movement, the distance between the first slider 1' and the second slider 2 initially remains constant (from Fig. 3D to Fig. 3E ) . This distance corresponds to the distance between the two sliding bodies 1 ', 2 at the end of the intake stroke (see Fig. 3D ). During this transport stroke, the first inlet opening 71a is blocked by the first sliding body 1 'and the first outlet opening 71b is blocked by the second sliding body 2 (of FIG Fig. 3D to Fig. 3E ). It can also be seen the joint movement of the third slider 2 'and the first slider 1' in the interior of the body 3. During this common movement, the position of the first slider 1 'remains constant relative to the third slider 2', ie the distance between the described End surfaces in the interior of the sliding body channel 7 'and thus the volume of the second chamber 82 remains constant. This distance also corresponds here to the distance between the two end faces at the end of the intake stroke (see Fig. 3D ). During this transport stroke, the second inlet opening 72a is blocked by the second longitudinal section 1b 'of the first sliding body 1', while the second outlet opening 72b of the base body 3 is initially blocked by the first longitudinal section 1a 'of the first sliding body 1' (see FIG Fig. 3D ) , but then partially overlaid by the second opening 7b 'of the first slider 1' (see Fig. 3E ), so that the fluid connection to the mass destination already partially comes about.

In Fig. 3F is shown a snapshot, the end of a Transporthubes and the Beginning of the ejection stroke of the device shows. The first inlet opening 71a is blocked by the first sliding body 1 '. The chamber 81 is filled with the sucked mass M1. The first outlet opening 71 b is no longer blocked by the second sliding body 2, and there is a fluid connection to the ground destination, to which the pumped mass M1 is dispensed dosed during the now and then taking place ejection stroke. The second inlet opening 72a is being blocked by the first sliding body 1 '. The second chamber 82 is filled with the sucked mass M2. The exit port 72b is no longer blocked by the first slider 1 ', but coincides with the second port 7b' of the first slider 1 ', thereby providing a complete fluid connection to the mass destination to which the mass M2 being pumped during the now the following ejection stroke is dispensed dosed. It can be seen the forward movement of the first slider 1 'to the second slider 2 in the interior of the body 3. While the second slider 2 in its final position (see Fig. 3E ) stops, the first slider 1 'moves to the left, the inlet opening 71a remains blocked and the outlet opening 71 b remains open. Thereby, the volume of the first chamber 81 is reduced, and mass M1 is discharged from the chamber 81.

In 3F and 3E Two consecutive snapshots are shown during the ejection stroke. One recognizes the further forward movement of the first slider 1 'to the second slider 2 in the interior of the main body 3. While the second slider 2 in its end position (see Fig. 3E ) stops, the first slider 1 'moves further to the left, the first inlet opening 71a remains blocked and the first outlet opening 71 b remains open. Thereby, the volume of the chamber 81 is reduced, and mass M1 is discharged from the chamber 81. It can also be seen the forward movement of the third slider 2 'to the end face of the first slider 1' in the interior of the sliding body channel 7 '. While the first slider 1 'in its end position (see Fig. 3E ) stops, moves the third slider 2 'to the left to this, with the first inlet opening 71 a blocked by the second longitudinal section 1 b' of the first slider 1 'and the second outlet opening 72 b remains open. As a result, the volume of the chamber 82 is reduced and mass M2 is expelled from the chamber 82.

In Fig. 3H a snapshot is shown showing the end of a retention stroke (piston retraction) of the device. It can be seen that the volume of the first chamber 81 relative to the volume at the end of the ejection stroke (see Fig. 3E ) was slightly increased by the second slider 2 was slightly moved away from the first slider 1 'or withdrawn. The first inlet opening 71 a is blocked by the first Gleitkörper- 1 ', while the first outlet opening 71 b is opened. The first chamber 81 is filled with residual mass M1, which was not ejected during the Ausstosshubes. By retracting one and / or the other of the two sliding bodies 1 ', 2 from each other an uncontrolled dripping of mass M1 from the open first outlet opening 71 b is prevented. It can also be seen that the volume of the second chamber 82 relative to the volume at the end of the discharge stroke (see Fig. 3E ) has been slightly increased by the third slider 2 'of the first slider 1' was slightly moved away or withdrawn. The second inlet opening 72a is blocked by the first sliding body 1 '. The second chamber 82 is filled with residual mass M2, which was not ejected during the Ausstosshubes. By withdrawing one and / or the other of the two sliding bodies 1 ', 2' from each other an uncontrolled dripping of mass M2 from the open second outlet opening 72b is prevented.

In 3I, Fig. 3 J and Fig. 3K are sequential snapshots during a step for expelling gas from the remaining mass contained in the first chamber 81 M1 shown. The gas is expelled via the degassing 31, which is attached to the base body 3. For this purpose, the outlet opening 73b of the degassing 31 is brought into fluid communication with the first chamber 81.

In Fig. 3I a snapshot of a transport stroke of the first chamber 81 is shown, wherein the first slider 1 'and the second slider 2 are both moved together, for example, at the same speed, to the left, so that the residual volume of the filled with residual mass M1 first chamber 81 during this Transporthubes remains constant.

In Fig. 3 J is a snapshot of a discharge stroke or compression stroke of the first chamber 81 shown, wherein the second sliding body 2 is stopped after he has released the third outlet opening 73b, which he had previously blocked. The first sliding body 1 'is simultaneously moved even further to the left against the end face of the second slider 2, so that the residual volume of the filled with residual mass M1 first chamber 81 is gradually reduced during this compression stroke. About the degassing 31, a gas-containing, in particular present as foam mass M1 in the first chamber 81 are degassed.

In Fig. 3K a snapshot of the end of the discharge stroke or compression stroke or Entgasungshubes the first chamber 81 is shown. The first slider 1 'was moved to the stop on the end face of the second slider 2 to the left, whereupon he was now also stopped. The residual volume of the first chamber 81 filled with residual mass M1 is at zero, and the entire, possibly gas-containing or foamed residual mass M1 has been expelled.

Looking at in Fig. 3B - Fig. 3H the sequence of the intake phases, the transport phases, the ejection phases and the withdrawal phases of the sliding body movements, it can be seen that these phases with respect to the first chamber 81 and the second chamber 82 are not always carried out completely in phase. Rather, due to the separate drive and the separate control of the first slider 1 ', the second slider 2 and the third slider 2' completely individual time sequences of the volume and / or the position of the first chamber 81 and the second chamber 82 can be achieved. Thus, the metering volume and the metering time window for both the first channel 21 and the second channel 22 can be set very flexible. In particular, by using a servomotor for driving each of the sliding bodies 1 ', 2 and 2', one can define the instantaneous metering rate or metering rate as a function of time. This is particularly advantageous in the production of special confectionery products made from at least two different masses M1 and M2 by virtually equilateral metering at a mass target location (so-called one-shot products).

In Fig. 4A - 4C are consecutive snapshots of the inventive method using a fourth embodiment of the device according to the invention, wherein in the respective upper figure the device is shown in a first sectional plane and in the respective lower figure the device is shown in a second sectional plane parallel to the first sectional plane.

The device of the fourth embodiment is symmetrical. The arrangement of the first slider or Umsteuerkolbens 1 'and the second slider or volume piston 2' in Fig. 4A - 4C contains the above based on Fig. 2A described piston assembly of the second embodiment. The entire arrangement is symmetrical with respect to a mean vertical plane of symmetry SE, the right of the plane of symmetry, the piston assembly of Fig. 2A is included and left of the plane of symmetry with respect to the symmetry plane SE mirrored piston assembly of Fig. 2A is included. The respective first sliding body or reversing piston 1 '(see Fig. 2A ) includes a first opening 7a 'and a second opening 7b', which are associated with the respective inlet opening 7a and the respective outlet opening 7b of the base body 3 on both sides of the plane of symmetry SE. The two main body 3 as well as all other elements of the left and the right pump arrangement are arranged in a pump block or pump bar 17, which extends parallel to and between the two piston bars 9. The reversing piston 1 'is slidably mounted within the base body 3. Within the slider or Umsteuerkolbens 1 ', the second slider or volume piston 2' is slidably mounted. The Umsteuerkolben 1 'and the volume piston 2' form the left and right of the plane of symmetry in each case the telescopic Anan Fig. 2A , The jweilige container 4 is connected via the respective inlet opening 7a with the respective chamber 7 'within the respective Umsteuerkolbens 1' in fluid communication. The respective chamber 7 'is in fluid communication via the respective outlet opening 7b and a respective line 5 with the ground destination.

The respective first slider or reversing piston 1 'left and right of the plane of symmetry SE is mounted on a respective first piston bar 9, which extends to the left or right of the plane of symmetry and parallel to this. The function of the two piston rods 9 is that in each case a plurality of mutually parallel reversing piston 1 'are mounted on the respective piston rod 9.

The respective second sliding body or volume piston 2 'on the left and right of the plane of symmetry SE is suspended on a respective second piston bar 10, which also extends to the left or right of the plane of symmetry and parallel to this and further away from this than the respective first piston bar. 9 is. The function of the two piston bars 10 is that in each case a multiplicity of volume pistons 2 'arranged parallel to one another are suspended on the respective piston bar 10.

The respective first piston bar 9 is rigidly connected to a respective pull rod 11 by means of a bolt 14. The respective tie rod 11 is pivotally connected at its end facing the plane of symmetry SE with a respective rack 16. Both racks 16 mesh with a central gear 15, which is arranged in the plane of symmetry SE and whose axis extends in the plane of symmetry. The left rack 16 is disposed below the gear 15 with this combing. The right rack 16 is above the gear 15 with this combing arranged. The two toothed racks 16 can be pressed against the toothed wheel 15 by means of contact pressure means (not shown). When the gear 15 rotates clockwise, the two racks 11 and thus the two piston bars 9 are moved away from each other. When the gear 15 rotates counterclockwise, the two racks 11 and thus the two piston bars 9 are moved towards each other.

The respective second piston bar 10 is slidably mounted on the respective tie rod 11. A respective outer gear 13 is rotatably mounted in the respective second piston rod 10 and meshes with a respective rack portion 12 on the outside, i. If the respective gear 13 rotates clockwise, the respective piston beam 10 moves to the left relative to its rack 11. When the respective gear 13 rotates counterclockwise, the respective piston beam 10 moves relative to its rack 11 to the right. In addition to these two movements of the piston rods 10 relative to the respective rack 11, the two toothed racks 11 can simultaneously perform a movement relative to the stationary center of rotation of the central gear 15 or relative to the plane of symmetry SE.

The respective tie rod 11 left and right of the plane of symmetry SE is slidably mounted in the central pump block 17.

An operation cycle of the fourth embodiment will now be described.

In the state of Fig. 4A (Beginning of the suction stroke) was by turning the gear 15 and moving the respective rack 16, the first opening 7a '( Fig. 2A ) of the respective chamber 7 '(cylinder space) moved under the respective inlet opening 7a of the base body 3.

To the state of Fig. 4B To reach (end of the intake stroke), the respective piston beam 10 is slidably moved on the respective tie rod 11. For this purpose, by turning the respective gear 13, which is mounted in the respective piston beam 10, a rolling movement of the respective gear 13 on the respective rack section 12 of the respective tie rod 11, whereby the respective piston beam 10 and the volume piston 2 'suspended therein are moved , For this intake stroke of the left and right volume piston 2 ', the gear 13 is rotated clockwise from the left of the plane of symmetry SE and the gear 13 is rotated counterclockwise to the right of the plane of symmetry SE.

In the state of Fig. 4B (End of the intake stroke), therefore, the respective piston beam 10 has moved away from the respective piston 9 bar. As a result, the respective chamber 7 '(cylinder space) became larger, as a result of which mass 6 was sucked out of the respective storage container 4 through the respective inlet opening 7a. When the desired volume of the respective chamber 7 'is reached, the respective piston beam 10 remains at its maximum external position. The drive of the respective gear 13 stops and locks the respective drawbar 11 via its rack section 12 on the respective piston beam 10th

To the state of Fig. 4C (End of the ejection stroke), the drive moves Gear 15 first the respective tie rod 11 via their respective rack 16 so that the respective reversing piston 1 ', which is mounted on the respective piston bar 9, is moved. In this case, the second opening 7b '( Fig. 2A ) of the respective chamber 7 '(cylinder space) moved under the respective outlet opening 7b of the base body 3. The drive with gear 15 then stops. The drive of the respective gear 13 in the respective piston beam 10 anschießend pushes the respective piston beam 10 so that the respective volume piston 2 ', which is mounted on the respective piston beam 10, is moved in the direction of the respective outlet opening 7b until the volume piston 2' the mass. 6 from the chamber 7 '(cylinder chamber) has ejected via the respective line 5.

To return to the state of Fig. 4A (Beginning of the intake stroke) to arrive, lock now the left and right drive of the left and right gear 13 via the rack section 12 of the respective tie rods 11 the respective piston bar 10 on the respective tie rod 11. The drive with the gear 15 moves the respective piston rod 9 back until the respective reversing piston 1 ', the starting position of the Fig. 4A has reached. The clock is complete.

In Figs. 5A-5C consecutive snapshots of the inventive method using a fifth embodiment of the inventive device are shown, wherein in the respective upper figure, the device is shown in a first sectional plane and in the respective lower figure, the device is shown in a plane parallel to the first sectional plane second cutting plane.

The apparatus of the fifth embodiment is similar to the fourth embodiment. It differs from the fourth embodiment in that it has on the one hand two independently drivable central gears 15 and that on the other hand on the left and the right side of the plane of symmetry SE differently dimensioned piston 1 'and 2' and differently dimensioneirte chambers 7 'and different dimensioned lines 5 are provided.

Thereby, the telescopic pump assemblies can be driven on the left side and on the right side completely independently. In addition, it can be seen that the pump volume of the respective telescopic pump arrangement can be changed by simply exchanging the main body 3, the reversing piston 1 'and the volume piston 2' within the pump beam. This is particularly advantageous for one-shot applications in which the two lines 5 of a pair of pumps are brought together in front of a respective mass target location (cf. Fig. 3B - 3K ).

The operation of the fifth embodiment largely corresponds to that of the fourth embodiment. The main difference, however, is that the operating cycles (phases and volumes of the pumping action) of the pump assemblies on the left side may differ from those on the right side.

Fig. 5A shows the state of both pump assemblies at the beginning of the intake stroke, the left-hand arrangement a larger pumping volume (piston stroke x chamber cross-section) than the right arrangement has.

Fig. 5B shows the state of both pump assemblies at the end of the intake stroke.

Fig. 5C shows the state of both pump assemblies at the end of the Ausstosshubes.

At the in Figs. 5A-5C shown operating cycle, the pump assemblies move in phase, ie all suction strokes and ejection strokes run synchronously without a time lag.

For the aforementioned one-shot applications, it is useful and usually necessary to operate the pump assemblies left and right with a phase shift to each other. This is readily possible due to the double existing central gear 15 of this embodiment. The pumping volumes are changed by changing the chamber cross section by replacing the elements (piston 1 ', 2', basic housing 3 and possibly the line 5) of the respective pump assembly and / or by changing the piston stroke of the volume piston 2 ' Control by means of the gears 13 possible. The fifth embodiment is therefore particularly flexible.

Claims (30)

1. A device for pumping a flowable mass, in particular a consumable item, the device comprising: a main body (3) having a hollow space (7) which is in fluid connection with a mass source (6) by way of an inlet opening (7a) and with a mass destination in the surroundings of the main body (3) by way of an outlet opening (7b), wherein the inlet opening (7a) and the outlet opening (7b) are arranged along a direction (L) spaced apart from each other on the main body (3), characterised by a first body (1; 1') and a second body (2; 2'), both of which can be moved in the main body hollow space (7) relative to the main body (3) and relative to each other along the direction (L), wherein both the first body (1; 1') and the second body (2; 2') rest sealingly against an inside wall and slidingly against said inside wall and define a chamber (8; 8'), wherein by moving the first body (1; 1') and/or the second body (2; 2') both the volume of the chamber (8; 8') and the position thereof relative to, or in, the main body (3) can be varied.
2. A device according to claim 1, characterised in that the hollow space of the main body comprises a channel (7) with a constant channel cross section; the first body (1) and the second body (2) are each designed as sliding bodies that extend over the entire channel cross section and rest sealingly against the inside wall of the main body channel (7) and slidingly against said inside wall; and in that the two sliding bodies (1, 2) are movable independently of each other in the channel (7) along a line (L) that extends along the longitudinal direction of the channel, so that between the two sliding bodies (1, 2) a chamber (8) is defined, the volume and/or position of which relative to the main body (3) can be varied by moving the two sliding bodies (1, 2) independently of each other along the longitudinal direction of the channel.
3. A device according to claim 1, characterised in that the hollow space of the main body (3) comprises a main body channel (7) with a constant channel cross section; wherein the first body (1') is designed as a first sliding body that comprises a first longitudinal section (1a') that extends over the entire cross section of the main body channel (7) and rests sealingly against the inside wall of the main body channel (7) and slidingly against said inside wall; and wherein the first sliding body (1') comprises a second longitudinal section (1b') that comprises a sliding body channel (7') with a constant channel cross section; wherein the second body (2') is designed as a second sliding body that has a longitudinal section (2a') that extends over the entire cross section of the sliding body channel (7') of the second sliding body (2') and rests sealingly against the inside wall of the sliding body channel (7') and slidingly against said inside wall, and in that the two sliding bodies (1', 2') are movable independently of each other in the channel along a line (L) that extends along the longitudinal direction of the channel so that between the two sliding bodies (1', 2') a chamber (8') is defined, the volume and/or position of which relative to the main body (3) can be varied by moving the two sliding bodies (1', 2') independently of each other along the longitudinal direction (L) of the channel.
4. A device according to claim 1, which comprises:

   - a main body (3) with a hollow space (7) which is in fluid connection with a first mass source (61) by way of a first inlet opening (71 a) and is in fluid connection with a second mass source (62) by way of a second inlet opening (72a), and which is in fluid connection with a mass destination in the surroundings of the sliding body (3) by way of a first outlet opening (71b) and by way of a second outlet opening (72b), wherein on the one hand the first inlet opening (71a) and the second inlet opening (72a) are arranged along a direction (L) spaced apart from each other on the main body (3), and wherein on the other hand the first outlet opening (71b) and the second outlet opening (72b) are arranged along the direction (L) spaced apart from each other on the main body (3);

   - a first body (1');

   - a second body (2);

   - a third body (2');

   - wherein the first body (1'), the second body (2) and the third body (2') can each be moved in the main body hollow space (7) relative to the main body (3) and relative to each other along said direction (L), and each rests sealingly against an inside wall and slidingly against said inside wall;

   - wherein the first body (1') and the second body (2) delimit a first chamber (81), and wherein by moving the first body (1') and/or the second body (2) both the volume of the first chamber (81) and the position thereof relative to, or in, the main body (3) can be varied; and

   - wherein the first body (1') and the third body (2') delimit a second chamber (82), and wherein by moving the first body (1') and/or the third body (2') both the volume of the second chamber (82) and the position thereof relative to, or in, the main body (3) can be varied.
5. A device according to claim 4, characterised in that the hollow space of the main body (3) comprises a channel (7) with a constant channel cross section; in that the first body (1') and the second body (2) are each designed as sliding bodies that extend over the entire channel cross section and rest sealingly against the inside wall of the main body channel (7) and slidingly against said inside wall; and in that the first sliding body (1') and the second sliding body (2) are movable independently of each other in the channel (7) along a line (L) that extends along the longitudinal direction of the channel, so that the volume and/or the position of the first chamber (81) can be varied by moving the two sliding bodies (1', 2) independently of each other relative to the main body (3) along the longitudinal direction (L) of the channel.
6. A device according to claim 5, characterised in that the first body and the third body are each designed as sliding bodies that extend over the entire channel cross section and rest sealingly against the inside wall of the main body channel (7) and slidingly against said inside wall; and in that the first sliding body and the third sliding body are movable in the channel (7) independently of each other along a line (L) that extends along the longitudinal direction of the channel, so that the volume and/or the position of the second chamber (82) can be altered by moving the two sliding bodies independently of each other relative to the main body (3) along the longitudinal direction (L) of the channel.
7. A device according to claim 4, characterised in that the first body (1') is designed as a first sliding body that comprises a first longitudinal section (1a') that extends over the entire cross section of the main body channel (7) and rests sealingly against the inside wall of the main body channel (7) and slidingly against said inside wall; in that the first sliding body (1') comprises a second longitudinal section (1b') that comprises a sliding body channel (7') with a constant channel cross section; wherein the third body (2') is designed as a third sliding body that has a longitudinal section (2a') that extends over the entire cross section of the sliding body channel (7') of the first sliding body (1') and rests sealingly against the inside wall of the sliding body channel (7) and slidingly against said inside wall, wherein the first sliding body(1') and the third sliding body (2') are movable independently of each other in the channel along a line (L) that extends along the longitudinal direction of the channel, so that the volume and/or the position of the second chamber (82) can be varied by moving the two sliding bodies (1', 2') independently of each other relative to the main body (3) along the longitudinal direction (L) of the channel.
8. A device according to claim 7, characterised in that the second body is designed as a second sliding body that comprises a first longitudinal section that extends over the entire cross section of the sliding body channel (7) and rests sealingly against the inside wall of the sliding body channel (7) and slidingly against said inside wall; in that the second sliding body comprises a second longitudinal section that comprises a sliding body channel with a constant channel cross section; and in that a fourth body is provided that is designed as a fourth sliding body, wherein the second body and the fourth body delimit a third chamber; and wherein the fourth sliding body has a longitudinal section that extends over the entire cross section of the sliding body channel of the second sliding body and rests sealingly against the inside wall of the sliding body channel and slidingly against said inside wall, wherein the second sliding body and the fourth sliding body are movable independently of each other in the channel along a line (L) that extends along the longitudinal direction of the channel, so that the volume and/or the position of the third chamber can be varied by moving the two sliding bodies independently of each other relative to the main body (3) along the longitudinal direction (L) of the channel.
9. A device according to claim 4, characterised in that the hollow space of the main body (3) comprises a channel (7) with a constant channel cross section; in that the first body (1') and the second body (2) are each designed as sliding bodies that extend over the entire channel cross section and rest sealingly against the inside wall of the main body channel (7) and slidingly against said inside wall; and in that the first sliding body (1') and the second sliding body (2) are movable in the channel (7) independently of each other along a line (L) that extends along the longitudinal direction of the channel, so that the volume and/or the position of the first chamber (81) can be varied by moving the two sliding bodies (1', 2) independently of each other relative to the main body (3) along the longitudinal direction (L) of the channel; and in that the first body (1') is designed as a first sliding body that comprises a first longitudinal section (1 a') that extends over the entire cross section of the main body channel (7) and rests sealingly against the inside wall of the main body channel (7) and slidingly against said inside wall; in that the first sliding body (1') comprises a second longitudinal section (1b') that comprises a sliding body channel (7') with a constant channel cross section; wherein the third body (2') is designed as a third sliding body that has a longitudinal section (2a') that extends over the entire cross section of the sliding body channel (7') of the first sliding body (1') and rests sealingly against the inside wall of the sliding body channel (7') and slidingly against said inside wall, wherein the first sliding body (1') and the third sliding body (2') are movable independently of each other in the channel along a line (L) that extends along the longitudinal direction of the channel so that the volume and/or the position of the second chamber (82) can be varied by moving the two sliding bodies (1', 2') independently of each other relative to the main body (3) along the longitudinal direction (L) of the channel.
10. A device according to one of claims 2 to 9, characterised in that the inlet opening (7a) is arranged in the region of the inside wall of the main body channel (7) along which the first sliding body (1; 1') is movable.
11. A device according to one of claims 2 to 10, characterised in that the outlet opening (7b) is arranged in the region of the inside wall of the main body channel (7) along which the second sliding body (2) is movable.
12. A device according to one of claims 3 to 11, characterised in that the first sliding body (1') comprises a first opening (7a') on the sliding body channel (7') and a second opening (7b') on the sliding body channel (7'), wherein the first opening (7a') in a first position of the sliding body (1') along the longitudinal direction (L) of the channel can be lined up with the inlet opening (7a) so that the chamber (8') is in fluid connection with the mass source (6) by way of the inlet opening (7a), and wherein the second opening (7b') in a second position of the sliding body (1') along the longitudinal direction (L) of the channel can be lined up with the outlet opening (7b), so that the chamber (8') is in fluid connection with the mass destination in the surroundings of the main body (3) by way of the outlet opening (7b).
13. A device according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterised in that a maximum diameter D_E of the inlet opening (7a), which diameter extends orthogonally to the movement line (L), has a value within the range of 1/10 to 10/10 of the maximum diameter of the first body (1; 1') orthogonally to the movement line (L) along which the first body(1; 1') is movable in the main body hollow space (7) relative to the main body (3).
14. A device according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterised in that a maximum diameter D_A of the outlet opening (7b), which diameter extends orthogonally to the movement line (L), has a value within the range of 1/10 to 10/10 of the maximum diameter of the second body (2) or the first body (1') orthogonally to the movement line (L) along which the second body (2) or the first body (1') is movable in the main body hollow space (7) relative to the main body (3).
15. A device according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterised in that the first body (1; 1') and the second body (2; 2') have a circular cross section orthogonally to the movement line (L) along which the first body and the second body are movable in the main body hollow space (7) relative to the main body (3).
16. A device according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterised in that the hollow space (7) is in fluid connection with several fluid sources by way of several inlet openings.
17. A device according to one of claim 16, characterised in that inlet openings are spaced apart on the hollow space (7) along a direction along which the first body (1; 1') and/or the second body (2; 2') are movable.
18. A device according to claim 16 or 17, characterised in that inlet openings are be spaced apart on the hollow space (3) along a direction that extends across the direction along which the first body (1; 1') and/or the second body (2; 2') are movable.
19. A device according to one of claims 2 to 18, characterised in that the main body channel (7) is a straight-line channel and in that the sliding bodies (1, 2) are straight-line bodies that have been formed so as to be complementary to the channel.
20. A device according to one of claims 3 to 18, characterised in that the main body channel (7) and the sliding body channel (7') of the first sliding body (1') are straight-line channels and in that the first sliding body (1') and the second sliding body (2') are straight-line bodies.
21. A device according to one of claims 1 to 20, characterised in that the two bodies (1, 2; 1', 2') are movable to and fro only in a translatory movement along the movement direction (L).
22. A device according to one of claims 2 to 18, characterised in that the main body channel is a channel curved in a circular arc shape or a torus section along the torus circumferential direction and in that the sliding bodies are bodies that are curved in a circular arc shape or in a torus section shape complementary to the channel.
23. A device according to one of claims 3 to 18, characterised in that the main body channel and the sliding body channel of the first sliding body are channels curved in a circular arc shape or in a torus section shape along the torus circumferential direction and in that the first sliding body and the second sliding body are bodies that are curved in a circular arc shape or in a torus section shape.
24. A device according to one of the preceding claims for pumping a flowable mass, in particular a consumable item, characterised in that a foaming unit is arranged upstream of the device, the exit of said foaming unit being in fluid connection with the inlet opening of the device.
25. A method for pumping a flowable mass, in particular a flowable consumable item, using a device according to one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the method comprises the following steps:

    a) moving the chamber (8; 8') defined by the two sliding bodies (1, 2; 1', 2') to the inlet opening (7a) of the main body (3) up to a position in which the chamber is in fluid connection with the inlet opening (7a) and the mass source, and in which the chamber has a first chamber volume, by moving the two sliding bodies (1, 2; 1', 2') in the main body (3);

    b) increasing the chamber volume to a second chamber volume of the chamber (8; 8') positioned at the inlet opening (7a) while the chamber is in fluid connection with the inlet opening, in order to suck mass from the mass source into the enlarging chamber by moving the two sliding bodies (1, 2; 1', 2') in the main body (3) away from each other;

    c) moving the chamber (8; 8') defined by the two sliding bodies (1, 2; 1', 2') away from the inlet opening (7a) of the main body (3) up to a position in which the chamber is not in fluid connection with the inlet opening (7a) and the mass source and in which the chamber (8; 8') is in fluid connection with the outlet opening (7b) and the mass destination, and the chamber has a third chamber volume, by moving the two sliding bodies (1, 2; 1', 2') in the main body (3);

    d) reducing the chamber volume to a fourth chamber volume of the chamber (8; 8') positioned at the outlet opening (7b) while the chamber is in fluid connection with the outlet opening, in order to expel mass from the reducing chamber to the mass destination by moving the two sliding bodies (1, 2; 1', 2') in the main body (3) towards each other.
26. A method for pumping a first flowable mass M1, and a second flowable mass M2, in particular flowable consumable items, using a device according to one of claims 4 to 24, wherein the method comprises the following steps:

    a1) moving the chamber (81) defined by the first sliding body (1') and by the second sliding body (2) to the first inlet opening (7a) of the main body (3) up to a position in which the first chamber (81) is in fluid connection with the first inlet opening (71a) and with the first mass source (61), and in which the chamber (81) has a first chamber volume, by moving the first sliding body (1') and the second sliding body (2) in the main body (3);

    a2) moving the chamber (82) defined by the first sliding body (1') and by the third sliding body (2') to the second inlet opening (72a) of the main body (3) up to a position in which the second chamber (82) is in fluid connection with the second inlet opening (72a) and the second mass source (62), and in which the chamber (82) has a first chamber volume, by moving the first sliding body (1') and the third sliding body (2') in the main body (3);

    b1) increasing the chamber volume to a second chamber volume of the first chamber (81), positioned at the first inlet opening (71 a), while the first chamber (81) is in fluid connection with the first inlet opening (71a), in order to suck mass M1 from the first mass source (61) into the enlarging first chamber (81), by moving the first sliding body (1') and the second sliding body (2) in the main body (3) away from each other;

    b2) increasing the chamber volume to a second chamber volume of the second chamber (82), positioned at the second inlet opening (72a), while the second chamber (82) is in fluid connection with the second inlet opening (72a), in order to suck mass M2 from the second mass source (62) into the enlarging second chamber (82), by moving the first sliding body (1') and the third sliding body (2') in the main body (3) away from each other;

    c1) moving the first chamber (81) defined by the first sliding body (1') and by the second sliding body (2) away from the first inlet opening (71a) of the main body (3) up to a position in which the first chamber (81) is not in fluid connection with the first inlet opening (71a) and the first mass source (61), and in which the first chamber (81) is in fluid connection with the first outlet opening (71b) and with the mass destination, and the first chamber (81) has a third chamber volume, by moving the first sliding body (1') and the second sliding body (2) in the main body;

    c2) moving the second chamber (82), defined by the first sliding body (1') and by the third sliding body(2'), away from the second inlet opening (72a) of the main body (3) up to a position in which the second chamber (82) is not in fluid connection with the second inlet opening (72a) and the second mass source (62), and in which the second chamber (82) is in fluid connection with the second outlet opening (72b) and with the mass destination, and the second chamber (82) has a third chamber volume, by moving the first sliding body (1') and the third sliding body (2') in the main body (3);

    d1) reducing the chamber volume to a fourth chamber volume of the first chamber (81) positioned at the first outlet opening (71 b) while the first chamber (81) is in fluid connection with the first outlet opening (71b), in order to expel mass M1 from the reducing first chamber (81) to the mass destination, by moving the first sliding body (1') and the second sliding body (2) in the main body (3) towards each other;

    d2) reducing the chamber volume to a fourth chamber volume of the second chamber (82) positioned at the second outlet opening (72b) while the second chamber (82) is in fluid connection with the second outlet opening (72b), in order to expel mass M2 from the reducing second chamber (82) to the mass destination, by moving the first sliding body (1') and the third sliding body (2') in the main body (3) towards each other.
27. A method according to claim 25 or 26, characterised in that in step d), after reducing the chamber volume to the fourth chamber volume, the chamber volume can be slightly enlarged, by moving the two sliding bodies in the channel of the main body slightly away from each other.
28. A method according to claim 27, characterised in that the slightly enlarged chamber volume is the first chamber volume of step a).
29. A method according to one of claims 25 to 28, characterised in that after completion of a step sequence a) to d) a further step sequence a) to d) is implemented.
30. A method according to one of claims 25 to 29, characterised in that the flowable mass is foamed to form a foamed flowable mass prior to carrying out the step sequence a) to d).

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