EP2644281B1 - Colour changer - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a color changer comprising a valve module having a first interaction surface, a plurality provided in the valve module valve means which are connected at their respective inlet side with a respective supply channel and at their respective outlet side with a common collecting channel, wherein the valve means via respective switching means with a respectively in a switching module having a second interaction surface and exactly one actuator, which opens with a second actuation end in the second interaction surface, valve module and switching module with their respective interaction surfaces adjacent and are arranged along this against each other slidably and wherein by a respective sliding movement, the second operating end at the same time a maximum of one of the first operating ends in a respective operating position bewegb ar is, so that an opening and closing of the respectively associated valve means is made possible by exactly one actuator.

It is well known that a variety of different shades are used in industrial painting, for example, in paint shops for automobile bodies or attachments. Such paint shops are mostly robot-based and designed at typical cycle times of 60s to 90s to paint a different color in each cycle, with 20 to 60 different colors in the automotive industry is a common number. For example, one each To supply supplied to a robot arm atomizer with a paint material of the desired color usually color changer are provided. These have a plurality of inputs for paint material, which are connected to corresponding supply lines for the different paint materials. The paint materials are usually provided by means of so-called ring lines at various delivery points along the painting and provided from there by means of the supply lines to the respective color changer. In addition, a color changer usually has a common collecting channel, in which the supply lines open at least indirectly, the output of which is connected via a line to the atomizer to be supplied with paint material.

Valve means are provided between the respective inputs of the color changer and the common collection channel. Depending on which of the valve means is open, the corresponding paint material is introduced into the collecting channel during painting and forwarded from there to the atomizer. At least one input of a color changer is usually connected via a valve means with a solvent line in order to clean in the case of a color change the collecting channel for the next paint material with a different hue. Frequently, cleaning also involves the feeding of an air / solvent mixture which is produced by alternating, pulsed feeding of air and solvent. The cleaning effect of such a mixture is significantly increased with reduced solvent consumption.

The strict separation of different hues is of the utmost importance, because even the slightest color residue can lead to a falsification of hue, for example, a marginal residue of a red hue in a white hue. Valve means are subject to wear and thus leakage may occur over time. If a valve means no longer closes reliably, so marginal amounts of a paint material of a first hue can get into the collection channel despite actually closed state of a valve means and mix with a paint material located therein a different hue.

But also by accidental simultaneous actuation of several valve means, the mixing of several shades takes place, so that the painting result is unusable. Even if measures are taken to prevent this control technology, there is still a residual risk of simultaneous actuation.

The damage caused by incorrectly painted bodies is considerable because they have to be completely refurbished and repainted. Since in a painting line usually a plurality of painting robots sequentially involved in the painting of one and the same object, an assignment of a faulty painting proves to a particular painting robot or the associated color changer mostly very difficult to impossible. Therefore, a Lackieranlage is shut down in the presence of a defective paint changer mostly for the period of troubleshooting, whereby their production capacity is reduced adversely.

The patent document US Pat. No. 3,672,570 discloses a pneumatically controlled color changer according to the preamble of claim 1, in which a plurality of paint materials of different color via a respective valve with a common collection channel is connectable. The patent document US 4 191 214 A discloses a sequential locking mechanism for valves by which erroneous operation is precluded. The patent application WO 0151216 A2 discloses a color changing device, in which the closable with a respective valve ends of respective color supply lines lead to a matrix similar to a plane and can be optionally connected to a corresponding take-off line, wherein in the case of connection, the respective valve is open.

Based on this prior art, it is an object of the invention to provide a color changer, which is characterized by a particularly high reliability with respect to the avoidance of a possible Farbverschleppung.

This object is achieved by a color changer with the features mentioned in claim 1. The basic idea of the invention is, on the one hand, to physically exclude a simultaneous actuation of a plurality of valve means and, furthermore, to visually make visible a possible leakage of valve means as clearly as possible.

Due to the presence of exactly one actuator whose second actuating end is at the same time at most one of the first actuating ends of the switching means for the respective valve means movable to a respective actuation position, it is ensured by design that a maximum of one valve means can be opened simultaneously. Farbverschleppungen or color mixing by incorrect operation of the color changer are thus excluded in an advantageous manner. The selection of the respective valve means, which is to be switched by the exactly one actuator, is effected by a respective displacement of the switching module relative to the valve module. For this purpose, a drive device is ideally provided, for example one or more stepper motors or pneumatic actuators. In an actuation position, the second actuation end of the exactly one actuator is simultaneously positioned opposite at most one of the first actuation ends, in which position an interaction of the respective actuation ends is made possible. The actuating ends preferably act perpendicular to the respective interaction surfaces, for example in the form of a joint push or pull movement. But it is also possible that the respective actuating ends comprise lines which are hermetically connected to each other in the operating position. Thus, it is also possible, for example, to direct a compressed air from the actuator through the conduit thus formed from the switching module in the valve module and thus to effect a switching of a respective selected valve means.

The interaction surfaces are at least partially opposite one another and arranged displaceable or movable relative to one another. In this case, it is possible both for the interaction surfaces to adjoin one another directly, that is for them to be slidably movable on one another, but also for the interaction surfaces to be arranged at a distance from one another, for example 1-2 cm. The gap existing in this case is then to be bridged by the actuating ends, at least in the case of actuation of a respective valve means, which then correspondingly protrude from the respective interaction surface. But it is also readily possible that, for example, all first operating ends of the switching means protrude in the closed state of the first interaction surface. By Münden the first switching ends in the first interaction surface is also advantageously allows that in the case of a possible leakage of one of the valve means leaking paint material preferably collects on the first interaction surface and thus is particularly quickly visible, so that any leakage in an advantageous Way is easy to locate.

The switching means provide a preferably mechanical operative connection between their respective first switching end and the valve means to be switched, for example in the form of a push rod or the like. The push rod is then optionally connected with its side remote from the operating end directly to the valve means and thus actuates this as needed. An actuator is preferably designed to perform a linear movement. In the case, that an actuator is able to exert a force only for one of its two directions of movement, are provided either in the actuator itself or in the switching means corresponding spring elements, so that a provision of the actuator is effected by a spring force.

According to a preferred embodiment of the color changer according to the invention, the valve and the switching module are movable relative to each other about a common axis of rotation, wherein the first actuating ends of the switching means are arranged along a circular path about the axis of rotation. Thus, by a simple rotational movement of the actuator of the switching module or its second operating end in an operating position relative to exactly one of the first actuating ends can be brought. The selection movement is thus reduced to a degree of freedom of movement and thus particularly simple and accurate position feasible. In addition, only a single drive for carrying out this selection movement is necessary.

According to a further embodiment of the color changer according to the invention, the common collecting channel merges at its first end into an outlet channel. For this purpose, appropriate connection means are provided at the first end of the collecting channel or at the outlet channel, for example a respective screw connection as a transition to a hose. Typically, such a hose connection is then guided directly or indirectly to a respective atomizer, which is then mounted, for example, on a robot.

According to a further variant of the invention, an inlet channel opens into the second end of the common collecting channel, which is provided for the supply of air and / or cleaning agent. By fluidly provided at the beginning of the common collecting channel junction can be cleaned from its second end to the first end in the event of a color change after closing all the valve means the entire collecting channel and be prepared for a next color. It is optionally possible to have a corresponding inlet valve for air and / or cleaning agent also actuated by the exact one actuator, so that a common opening of a valve means for color is excluded together with the inlet valve for air and / or cleaning agents.

According to a further embodiment of the color changer according to the invention, separately openable and closable further valve means are provided for the inlet channel and / or in particular the outlet channel. Thus, in the case of the outlet channel, a flow of color to the atomizer can be interrupted in an advantageous manner, for example to allow the lacquer material to be pressed on or else to enable a synchronous switching of the color flow in accordance with the requirements of a lacquering program of a robot.

According to a further embodiment of the color changer according to the invention, the valve module and the switching module are designed and cooperate in such a way that the valve means are closed in the unactuated state. For this purpose, spring elements are preferably provided, which press the valve means in the idle state in the safe closed state. In the case of an actuation of one of the valve means by the exactly one actuator, this optionally brings a force acting against the spring force and thus causes an opening of the respective valve means selected.

According to a further embodiment variant of the color changer according to the invention, the switching means are designed such that opening of a respective valve means is effected by a return movement of the second actuating end of the actuator into the second interaction surface. This either requires that the respective first actuating end of the respective selected switching means presses with a spring force against the second actuating end of the opposite actuator or that coupling means are provided between the second actuating end of the actuator and the respective first actuating end, by which the transmission of a tensile force is enabled. By a return movement of the actuator, the associated valve means is opened.

According to the invention, therefore, in a preferred embodiment, coupling means are provided between the second actuating end of the actuator and the respective first actuating end, which between them a tensile stress enable. In this way, a permanent counterforce for closing the non-actuated valve means is advantageously avoided, so that the security of the color changer is increased in an advantageous manner. A coupling means may, for example, in a nail-head-like configuration of respective first actuating ends, which can then be gripped by a form-fitting corresponding gripping element of the second operating end.

According to a further embodiment of the color changer according to the invention, the switching means are designed such that an opening of a respective valve means is effected by a retraction movement of the second actuating end of the actuator out of the second interaction surface. Again, the non-actuated valve means are closed without the action of a force on the first switching ends in an advantageous manner, wherein an opening is then effected by the action of a pressure movement to the selected first switching end.

According to the invention, the valve means have tube-like coupling elements for paint material, which are fluidically connected to each other in the open state and are moved away from each other in the closed state, in which case an isolating distance is formed. The tube-like coupling elements are part of the respective switching channel, which is formed in the open state of a respective valve means of the respective feed channel to the common collection channel. The formation of a separation path in the closed state requires that on both sides of the separation path, if necessary, further valve and / or switching means are provided which securely close them in the closed state relative to the respective supply channel or the common collection channel. According to the invention, it is preferably provided that the tube-like coupling elements are part of the switching means and, in particular, are also suitable for transmitting a compressive force or a pressure movement in the coupled state, through which the respectively selected valve means can then be opened.

The separating line on both sides closing valve or switching means are feeder channel side, for example, the aforementioned switching means according to the invention and Sammelkanalseitig an additional closing mechanism, weleher is also operated via the switching means or is formed by the switching means itself. The formation of a separation path safely excludes that in the closed state paint material can flow through the tube-like coupling elements. Any possible leakage of one of the respective valve means leads to a leakage of typically under pressure paint material in the region of the separation distance.

For improved detection of such a possible leakage is provided in a further embodiment, that the respective separation sections are formed in an overarching separation area, which thus accommodates the separation sections of a plurality of valve means. It is further optionally provided that one or more externally accessible and / or visible separation areas are formed. Such a separation region may be, for example, a groove or the like, for example with a width of 1-2 cm, into which the coupling elements protrude on both sides. Preferably, the separation sections of all or at least a plurality of valve means are formed in the same groove. Thus, in the event of leakage of any valve means escaping paint material collects in the same groove and is therefore particularly easy to see in an optical manner.

According to a further embodiment of the color changer according to the invention, the valve means are designed such that, in addition to the closed and the open valve state, they can also assume a third valve state, in which no separation path and no fluidic connection between the coupling elements is formed. This means that the tube-like coupling elements are indeed coupled to each other, but the respective switching channel between the respective supply channel and the common collecting channel is closed at least at the coupling point by respective switching or valve means. In this special cleaning position, this makes it possible to clean the collecting channel together with the collecting channel-side coupling piece in the event of a color change, whereby it is certainly precluded that cleaning agent enters the feeding-side coupling piece.

Therefore, another variant of the invention also includes that the actuator is intended to assume three operating positions, which cooperate correspond with each selected valve means with one of the valve states. Thus, each of the three valve means states - namely, open, closed and purge position - can also be safely set by the actuator.

In a further inventive variant of the invention, the actuator operates on a pneumatic or hydraulic basis and is configured such that the first operating position is achieved by supplying a pressure medium, for example compressed air, in a first input and the second operating position by supplying a pressure medium into a second input. A possible embodiment consists, for example, in that the actuator comprises a lifting cylinder with a piston movable therein, pressure chambers being formed on both sides of the piston. The first input and the second input for the compressed air supply open into a different pressure chamber. Depending on which of the two pressure chambers compressed air is now supplied, a movement of the piston takes place in one or the other direction until a respective stop is reached. Return means, such as a spring, spend the piston in an initial position when neither of the two outlets is pressurized with compressed air.

Further advantageous embodiment possibilities can be found in the further dependent claims.

Reference to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings, the invention, further embodiments and other advantages will be described in detail.

Fig. 1

einen ersten exemplarischern Farbwechsler,

Fig. 2

ein exemplarisches Ventilmodul,

Fig. 3

einen zweiten exemplarischern Farbwechsler,

Fig. 4

einen dritten exemplarischern Farbwechsler,

Fig. 5

einen vierten exemplarischern Farbwechsler mit erster Aktuatorposition,

Fig. 6

einen vierten exemplarischern Farbwechsler mit zweiter Aktuatorposition,

Fig. 7

Kontaktbereiche zwischen Schaltmodul und Ventilmodul sowie

Fig. 8

einen fünften exemplarischern Farbwechsler.

Show it:

Fig. 1

a first exemplary color changer,

Fig. 2

an exemplary valve module,

Fig. 3

a second exemplary color changer,

Fig. 4

a third exemplary color changer,

Fig. 5

a fourth exemplary color changer with first actuator position,

Fig. 6

a fourth exemplary color changer with second actuator position,

Fig. 7

Contact areas between switching module and valve module as well

Fig. 8

a fifth exemplary color changer.

Fig. 1 shows a first exemplary color changer 10 in a sectional view. In a valve module 32 a plurality of valve means 18, 20, 22 are arranged with their outlet side into a common collecting channel 24, which are connected with their inlet side with respective supply channels 12, 14, 16 for paint material of different colors. With the valve means 18, 20, 22 cooperate with a respective first actuation end in an interaction surface 34 opening switching means 26, 28, 30 such that the valve means 18, 20, 22 of the interaction surface 34 can be opened and closed. In this case, the respective switching means 26, 28, 30 essentially comprise a switching rod, which can be pressed down on the interaction surface side, so that an opening of the associated valve means 18, 20, 22 takes place, which, like all other valve means, is closed even in the unactuated state. But it is also possible using corresponding coupling means to bring about an opening of the valve means 18, 20, 22 by a pulling movement. The first actuating ends of the switching means 26, 28, 30 are formed in this case of nail-head-like widenings. But it is also quite a purely pneumatic actuation of the valve means 18, 20, 22 conceivable via a hermetically sealed in the actuating position connecting channel, wherein the connecting channel is then at least partially formed by the respective switching means.

Arranged in the drawing above the valve module 32 is a switching module 44 which comprises an actuator 48 and has a second interaction surface 46. Valve module 32 and switching module 44 are arranged such that their respective interaction surfaces 34 and 46 are opposite, wherein both modules 32, 44 along their interaction surfaces 34, 46 against each other are movable 52, for example by means of two not shown drives in the X-Y direction. The actuator 48 opens with a second actuating end 50 in the second interaction surface 46, wherein the direction of movement of the actuating end 50 is perpendicular to the parallel interaction surfaces 34, 46. The term "open" does not mean that an operating end must be flush with the relevant interaction surface; rather, it is also possible to project the operating end out or in.

In this example, the switching module 44 is shifted to an actuating position for the valve means 18 such that the second actuating end 50 of the actuator 48 is located exactly opposite the first actuating end of the switching means for the valve means 18. By a moving out of the second actuating end 50 from the second interaction surface 46, the cooperating first actuating end is depressed and causes an opening of the valve means 18. A simultaneous actuation of all other valve means 20, 22 is excluded in an advantageous manner.

At the first end of the collecting channel 24 of the color changer 10, an outlet channel for the outflow of the respectively selected paint material is provided. Between outlet channel and an associated outlet hose 42, which leads, for example, to a nebulizer, a further separately switchable valve means 38 is provided to interrupt a paint flow to the nebulizer, if necessary. At the second end of the common collecting channel 24, a further valve means 36 is provided between an inlet channel and an inlet tube 40, with which provided via the inlet tube 36 provided cleaning agent can be passed into the collecting channel 24, so that it flows through the collecting channel 24 and then this cleans. The outflow of the solvent in the case of cleaning is then typically via the outlet channel. In order to avoid a simultaneous flooding of the common collecting channel 24 with cleaning agent and paint material but also a supply of the cleaning agent via the fluidically opening into the common collection channel valve means is possible, in this example, the valve means 18th

Fig. 2 shows an exemplary valve module 60 in a plan view. In a first interaction surface 62 of the valve module 60 opens a plurality of first actuating ends 66 of respective switching means, which are associated with respective valve means of the valve module 60. The first actuating ends are arranged along a circular path 68, whose center is formed by a common axis of rotation 64 of the valve module 60 and a switching module, not shown. In the interior of the valve module 60, a common collection channel 70 is arranged substantially following the circular path 68, which at its first end 72 with a Connecting piece 76 for an outlet hose and at its second end 74 with a connection piece 78 for an inlet hose for cleaning agent is connected. The switching module, not shown, is rotatable relative to the valve module 60 about the common axis of rotation 64, wherein also not shown switching end of an associated actuator at a distance of the radius of the circular path 68 is arranged so that this with exactly one of the respective first actuating ends 66 in a respective actuation position is available.

The Fig. 3 shows a second exemplary color changer 80 in a sectional view. Arranged around a common axis of rotation 86 are a cylinder-like valve module 82 and a cylinder-like switching module 84. The valve module 82 comprises an exemplary valve means 88, which in this example is shown in an open state and a respective switchable connector between a respective supply channel 100 and a fitting represents a tube-like coupling element in the rear region. In the contact area 104, which in the Fig. 7 is shown in detail below, there is a coupling of the tube-like coupling element with a corresponding coupling element, which in turn is connected to a common collecting channel. In the opened state, paint material flows from the supply channel 100 through the valve means 88 into its rear region and from there through the coupling elements coupled in the contact region 104 into the common collection channel. The movable valve-side tube-like coupling element serves on the one hand the passage of the paint material from the open valve means 88 but on the other hand also the actuation of the valve means 88. This is designed such that it is set from the open to the closed state during a pressure movement of the coupling element. There are other comparable valve means provided in the valve module 82, which, however, are not shown.

The feed channel 100 is part of a color supply with color circulation, wherein the return channel from the color changer is designated by the reference numeral 102. Thus, the respective paint material of different shades in a continuous circulation, even if it is not passed into the common collection channel. A sedimentation of color pigments is thereby avoided in an advantageous manner.

The switching module 84 comprises an actuator 94, which is provided for carrying out a linear movement in the direction of arrow 96 parallel to the common axis of rotation 86 and thereby assuming one of three defined positions. The actuation of the actuator 94 via a compressed air supply 98 and a compressed air supply 106, wherein in each case einzueinehmender position of the two compressed air supply lines or even no compressed air is applied. In this example, an opening position of the actuator 94 is driven to have a first rearward position. The movement of the actuator 94 is transmitted as a pulling movement on the one end of a movable rod member which opens at its other end in the common collecting channel and closes this depending on the switching position or not. Coupling means are provided which allow a releasable connection between the first (actuating) end of the rod member and the second actuating end of the actuator 94. Thus, a pulling movement of the actuator 94 is advantageously transferable to the switching means 90.

The pulling movement acts against the force of a spring element which presses the rod element in the direction of the valve means 88 in the unactuated state and thus closes it securely. Thus, a return movement of the actuator 94 and the associated rod member to an opening of the valve means 88. At the same time, the rod member at its collecting channel end has a thickening, which closes the collecting channel in the closed state of the valve means 88 to the valve means. In a rearward opening movement of the rod member both the collecting channel in the direction of the valve means 88 and the valve means 88 itself is released, as shown in this example by way of example and in the Fig. 7 in detail.

The valve module 82 and the switching module 84 are rotated about the axis of rotation 86 in such a position against each other that the actuator 94 is in an actuated position relative to the valve means 88. A force transmission between the actuator 94 and the valve means 88 takes place in a coupling region 90 with corresponding switching means, of which an exemplary switching means, a return spring, is provided with the reference numeral 92. A coupling region of respective switching element elements is provided with the reference numeral 104 for an open valve means and in a detailed view 132 in the Fig. 7 shown.

The Fig. 4 shows a third exemplary color changer 108 in a sectional view. This corresponds essentially to that in the Fig. 3 shown color changer, but the actuator does not occupy an opening position but a cleaning position. This means that the tube-like coupling elements are indeed coupled to each other, but the respective switching channel between the respective supply channel and the common collecting channel is closed at least at the coupling point by respective switching or valve means. A coupling region of respective switching means elements for the valve means in the cleaning position is provided with the reference numeral 109 and in a detailed view 136 in the Fig. 7 shown.

The Fig. 5 shows a fourth exemplary color changer 110 in a sectional view. Arranged around a common axis of rotation are a cylinder-like valve module 112 and a cylinder-like switching module 114. The valve module 112 comprises two exemplary valve means 120, which in this example are depicted in a closed state and a respective switchable connector between a respective supply channel and a fitting to a common Represent collection channel.

Switching means 122 opening into and protruding from a first interaction surface 116 of the valve module 112 constitute a mechanical operative connection between the respective valve means 120 and an actuating end opposite a second interaction surface 118 of the switching module 114. The switching means 122 are designed such that the valve means in this unoperated condition are safely closed. An actuation by an actuator is not provided in this illustration. Each of the non-actuated valves of the color changer is in such a closed position. By corresponding rotation of the switching module about the axis of rotation, a not shown actuator can be spent with a second operating end, not shown, in an actuating position for one of the valve means. A coupling region of respective switching element elements is provided with the reference numeral 124 for a closed valve means and in a detailed view 134 in the Fig. 7 shown.

Fig. 6 represents the same fourth color changer in the same valve position, but with now engaged actuator. This is achieved by corresponding rotation of the switching module. The valve means can now be opened.

Fig. 7 13 illustrates in detail drawings 130 contact areas of interlocking exemplary switch means components, with the reference numeral 132 for the detail with the reference numeral 104 in FIG Fig. 3 (open state), with the reference numeral 134 for the detail with the reference numeral 124 in the Fig. 4 (closed state) and the reference numeral 136 for the detail with the reference numeral 109 in the Fig. 5 (Cleaning state).

In the detail drawing with the reference numeral 132, a tube-like coupling element 139 is shown with cone-like tip, which is pressed by means of the force of a spring element, not shown, against a form-fitting corresponding bore of another coupling element, which opens into a common collection channel 137. The further coupling element is milled together with a plurality of other further coupling elements in one and the same component, in which the common collecting channel is provided. From the opposite side opens a movable rod member 138 in the common collecting channel, which cooperates on its side facing away from the collecting channel with an actuator, not shown, non-positively. The rod member 138 has been moved away from the positive bore by means of the actuator, so that this bore is fluidly released. Thus, as indicated by the arrows, paint material can flow from an opened valve means (not shown) into the common collection channel 137 through the pipe-like coupling element 139. The movement of the rod member 138 by the actuator takes place against the force of a spring element, not shown, so that the rod member 138 is pressed in the unactuated state by the spring force with its conical tip on the tube-like coupling element 139 and this closes, as in the detailed drawing with the reference numeral 134 indicated for the closed state.

The spring force with which the rod member 138 is pressed against the tube-like coupling element 139 is greater than the spring force with which the tube-like coupling element 139 is pushed away from the valve means, not shown. Therefore, the tube-like coupling element 139 is pressed by the spring force of the rod member 138 in the direction of the valve means and moves - as shown in the detail drawing 134 - and closes this. Furthermore, the rod element 138 has a bead-like thickening in its rear region, which closes the common collection channel 137 in the position shown. The tube-like coupling element thus serves both the forwarding of paint material in its interior and as a push rod for actuating the valve means, not shown. By the movement of the coupling elements 139 away from each other in the closed state, advantageously, an isolating distance is formed, so that in case of leakage of one of the separation path on both sides closing switching or valve means an exit of paint material in the groove shown, which is a possible leakage then particularly is easy to detect optically and with which further a Farbverschleppung is excluded.

The reference numeral 136 shows a contact area for the cleaning state. In this case, although the rod member 138 with its cone-like tip closes the tube-like coupling element 139, but does not push it in the direction of the valve means, not shown. In this position, the common collecting channel 137 can be safely cleaned.

Fig. 8 shows a fourth exemplary color changer 140 in a side view. A valve module 142 and switching module 144, which are arranged around a common axis of rotation, are shown, wherein the valve module 142 has feed channels 146 that run in a star shape on the axis of rotation for paint materials of different colors.

LIST OF REFERENCES

10

first exemplary color changer

12

first supply channel of the first color changer

14

second feed channel of first color changer

16

third feed channel of first color changer

18

first valve means of the first color changer

20

second valve means of first color changer

22

third valve means of first color changer

24

common collection channel of first color changer

26

first switching means of the first color changer

28

second switching means of the first color changer

30

third switching means of the first color changer

32

Valve module of first color changer

34

first interaction surface of valve module

36

another valve means for switching the supply channel

38

further valve means for switching the outlet channel

40

Inlet hose to common collection channel

42

Outlet hose from common collection channel

44

Switch module of first color changer

46

second interaction surface of switching module

48

actuator

50

second actuator end of actuator

52

Movement between valve module and switching module

60

exemplary valve module

62

first interaction surface of exemplary valve module

64

common axis of rotation of valve module and switching module

66

first operating end of switching means for valve means

68

orbit

70

common collection channel

72

first end of common collection channel

74

second end of common collection channel

76

Connection piece for outlet hose

78

Connector for supply hose

80

exemplary second color changer

82

Valve module of second color changer

84

Switch module of second color changer

86

common axis of rotation

88

exemplary valve means in the opened state

90

coupling region

92

exemplary switching means

94

actuator

96

Direction of movement actuator

98

Compressed air supply

100

feed channel

102

Return passage

104

first contact area

106

vent

108

exemplary third color changer

109

first contact area

110

exemplary fourth color changer with first actuator position

112

Valve module of fourth color changer

114

Switch module of fourth color changer

116

first interaction surface of valve module

118

second interaction surface of switching module

120

exemplary valve means in closed condition

122

exemplary switching means

124

third contact area

126

separating region

128

exemplary fourth color changer with second actuator position

130

contact areas

132

Contact area in first opening state

134

Contact area in second partially closing state

136

Contact area in third closing condition

137

common collection channel

138

bar member

139

tube-like coupling element

140

exemplary fifth color changer

142

Valve module of fifth color changer

144

Switch module of fifth color changer

146

supply channels

Claims (15)

1. Colour changer (10, 80, 110, 140), comprising

   • a valve module (32, 60, 82, 112, 142) with a first interaction area (34, 116),

   • a plurality of valve means (18, 20, 22, 88, 120) provided in the valve module (32, 60, 82, 112, 142), which are connected on their respective inlet side to a respective supply duct (12, 14, 16, 100, 146) for paint material and are connected on their respective outlet side to a common collecting duct (24, 70, 72, 74, 137), the valve means (18, 20, 22, 88, 120) being openable and closable via respective switching means (26, 28, 30, 90, 122, 138, 139) by means of a first actuation end (66) discharging in each case into the first interaction area (34, 116), and

   • a switching module (44, 84, 114, 144) with a second interaction area (46, 118) and precisely one actuator (48, 94), which discharges by means of a second actuation end (50) into the second interaction area (46, 118),

   • wherein the valve module (32, 60, 82, 112, 142) and switching module (44, 84, 114, 144) are arranged with their respective interaction areas (34, 46, 116, 144) adjacent and are displaceable (52) therealong relative to one another, and wherein, as a result of a respective displacement movement (52), the second actuation end (50) is simultaneously movable with respect to at most one of the first actuation ends (66) into a respective actuation position so that the respective associated valve means (18, 20, 22, 88, 120) can be opened and closed by the precisely one actuator (48, 94),

   characterized in that each valve means (18, 20, 22, 88, 120) has at least one tubular coupling element (139), through which paint material can flow and which can be pressed against an interlockingly corresponding bore in a further coupling means, wherein the at least one coupling element (139) and the further coupling element are fluidically interconnected in the open state and are moved away from one another in the closed state, a separation gap then being formed, wherein the tubular coupling element (139) is used both to forward paint material in its interior and as a push rod for actuation of the valve means.
2. Colour changer according to Claim 1, characterized in that the valve module (32, 60, 82, 112, 142) and the switching module (44, 84, 114, 144) are movable relative to one another about a common axis of rotation (64, 86), and in that the first actuation ends (66) of the switching means (26, 28, 30, 90, 122, 138, 139) are arranged around the axis of rotation (64, 86) along a circular path (68).
3. Colour changer according to one of Claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the common collecting duct (24, 70, 137) transitions at its first end (72) into an outlet duct (42).
4. Colour changer according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an inlet duct (40) discharges into the second end (74) of the common collecting duct (24, 70, 137) and is intended for the supply of air and/or cleaning agent.
5. Colour changer according to one of Claims 3 and 4, characterized in that further valve means (36, 38) that can be opened and closed separately are provided for the inlet duct (40) and/or the outlet duct (42).
6. Colour changer according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the valve module (32, 60, 82, 112, 142) and the switching module (44, 84, 114, 144) are designed and cooperate in such a way that the valve means (18, 20, 22, 88, 120) are closed in the unactuated state.
7. Colour changer according to Claim 6, characterized in that the switching means (26, 28, 30, 90, 122) are designed in such a way that a respective valve means (18, 20, 22, 88, 120) is opened as a result of a return movement of the second actuation end (50) of the actuator (48, 94) into the second interaction area (46, 118).
8. Colour changer according to Claim 7, characterized in that coupling means are provided between the second actuation end (50) of the actuator (48, 94) and respective first actuation ends (66) and enable application of a pulling force therebetween.
9. Colour changer according to Claim 6, characterized in that the switching means (26, 28, 30, 90, 122) are designed in such a way that a respective valve means (18, 20, 22, 88, 120) is opened by moving the second actuation end (50) of the actuator (48, 94) out of the second interaction area (46, 118).
10. Colour changer according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tubular coupling elements (139) are part of the switching means (26, 28, 30, 90, 122) and are suitable for transferring a compressive force or a compressive movement in the coupled state, as a result of which the respective selected valve means (18, 20, 22, 88, 120) can then be opened.
11. Colour changer according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the respective separation gaps are formed in an overlapping separation region.
12. Colour changer according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the respective separation gaps are formed in a separation region accessible and/or visible from the outside.
13. Colour changer according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the valve means (18, 20, 22, 88, 120) are designed in such a way that, besides the closed and the open valve state, they can also adopt a third valve state, in which no separation gaps and no fluidic connection between the coupling elements is formed.
14. Colour changer according to Claim 13, characterized in that the actuator (46, 118) is intended to adopt three actuation positions, which, in cooperation with a respective valve means (18, 20, 22, 88, 120), each correspond to a respective one of the valve states.
15. Colour changer according to Claim 14, characterized in that the actuator functions on a pneumatic basis and is designed in such a way that the first actuation position is reached by supplying a pressure medium into a first input and the second actuation position is reached by supplying a pressure medium into a second input.

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