EP2075073B1 - Colour change system and method for changing colours - Google Patents
Colour change system and method for changing colours Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP2075073B1 EP2075073B1 EP07025177A EP07025177A EP2075073B1 EP 2075073 B1 EP2075073 B1 EP 2075073B1 EP 07025177 A EP07025177 A EP 07025177A EP 07025177 A EP07025177 A EP 07025177A EP 2075073 B1 EP2075073 B1 EP 2075073B1
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- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- colour
- channel
- connection
- elements
- color
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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Links
- 239000003086 colorant Substances 0.000 title claims description 31
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims description 16
- 239000003599 detergent Substances 0.000 claims description 31
- 238000004140 cleaning Methods 0.000 claims description 16
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 claims description 8
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 claims description 7
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 claims description 4
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 claims description 4
- 239000007921 spray Substances 0.000 claims description 4
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 claims description 3
- 238000011144 upstream manufacturing Methods 0.000 claims description 2
- 230000000284 resting effect Effects 0.000 claims 4
- 239000003973 paint Substances 0.000 description 104
- 239000003795 chemical substances by application Substances 0.000 description 36
- 238000011010 flushing procedure Methods 0.000 description 20
- 238000010422 painting Methods 0.000 description 14
- IJGRMHOSHXDMSA-UHFFFAOYSA-N Atomic nitrogen Chemical compound N#N IJGRMHOSHXDMSA-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 4
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 description 3
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- 238000000429 assembly Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000011248 coating agent Substances 0.000 description 2
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- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 description 2
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- 238000004851 dishwashing Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000006073 displacement reaction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000007789 gas Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229910052757 nitrogen Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 239000011877 solvent mixture Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000005406 washing Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000000903 blocking effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000009172 bursting Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000007599 discharging Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000004922 lacquer Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000007726 management method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000013615 primer Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000002987 primer (paints) Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000000754 repressing effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000004904 shortening Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000013519 translation Methods 0.000 description 1
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
- B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
- B05B12/00—Arrangements for controlling delivery; Arrangements for controlling the spray area
- B05B12/14—Arrangements for controlling delivery; Arrangements for controlling the spray area for supplying a selected one of a plurality of liquids or other fluent materials or several in selected proportions to a spray apparatus, e.g. to a single spray outlet
- B05B12/1409—Arrangements for controlling delivery; Arrangements for controlling the spray area for supplying a selected one of a plurality of liquids or other fluent materials or several in selected proportions to a spray apparatus, e.g. to a single spray outlet the selection means being part of the discharge apparatus, e.g. part of the spray gun
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
- B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
- B05B15/00—Details of spraying plant or spraying apparatus not otherwise provided for; Accessories
- B05B15/50—Arrangements for cleaning; Arrangements for preventing deposits, drying-out or blockage; Arrangements for detecting improper discharge caused by the presence of foreign matter
- B05B15/55—Arrangements for cleaning; Arrangements for preventing deposits, drying-out or blockage; Arrangements for detecting improper discharge caused by the presence of foreign matter using cleaning fluids
Definitions
- the invention relates to a color changer system for the selective supply of at least two colors to a device for dispensing the colors and a corresponding color change method.
- colors are understood as meaning colored and colorless, usually liquid paints, lacquers, primers or similar fluids.
- a plurality of robots are usually arranged in a paint booth, in whose robot arms the different colors, on average about 20 colors, are led as a hose package and connected there to a color changer so that the body parts can be painted in any desired color order.
- the individual colors are often passed through ring lines from larger color tanks under a pressure of up to 20 bar up to the color changer.
- the color changer can be formed by a block with a central channel into which the feed channels of the individual colors flow.
- These supply channels are each closed by a selectively openable valve or the like color port.
- opens in the channel a detergent connection.
- the channel then leads via a paint or Lackdosierpumpe to the means for dispensing the colors, for example to a pneumatically or electrostatically operated atomizer, a spray gun or the like.
- the previously opened color valve of the currently used color is first closed and as long as flushing agent from the detergent connection through the channel up to the device for dispensing the colors directed to the central channel of the color changer and all downstream thereof located lines including the paint or Lackdosierpumpe and the device for dispensing the colors of the previous color cleaned and partially dried.
- the color contained in the color changer and the downstream lines is lost and must be disposed of. This leads to high costs.
- a color change system which has a plurality of color supply valves connected to each color supply line and a atomizer-side connection valve, wherein the connection valve with one of the ink supply valves can be coupled.
- a coupling device is provided, which allows a relative movement of the ink supply unit combined color supply valves to the port valve.
- the connection valve When the connection valve is open, color can reach adjacent application devices, such as the color pressure regulator, dosing pump and atomizer.
- the color change system has a rinse line associated with the atomizer-side connection valve with an additional valve arrangement for the rinsing agent or compressed air.
- a coating material change system is known in which a color picker can be assigned to different couplings.
- the color output of the colorant can lead to a color pressure regulator and metering pumps.
- In the paint collector openings may be provided for the supply of detergent and / or the compressed air.
- a painting device is described with a color changing device, which consists of two partially abutting parts that are movable relative to each other. Between the color changing device and an atomizer, a metering pump can be provided.
- Object of the present invention is to provide a cost-effective and compact color changer system that can be cleaned well, as well as a method for changing a color in which as little as possible color is lost and at the same time a particularly reliable operation without Farbverschleppung is possible.
- the color changer system comprises a first element, into which feed channels for the at least two colors open, and a second element, which can be rotated, swiveled and / or displaced relative to the first element, into which at least one with the device for dispensing the paint connectable conduit opens and which has a channel connected to the conduit with an opening which is selectively connected to each other by turning, pivoting and / or moving the two elements with each one of the feed channels of the first element, the supply channels this occlusive and selective openable paint ports or the like shutter assemblies are associated, and wherein in the line between the means for discharging the colors and the channel in the second element, a pump for conveying color is provided. According to the invention, the opening of the channel is fluidly connected to the pump.
- the inventive design of the color changer system ensures that the comparatively long central channel known color changer can be omitted, so that only the downstream of the color changer located lines need to be emptied and cleaned, This is not only the amount of discarded paint and the required detergent but it can also significantly reduce the cleaning time during a color change. Since in the color changer system according to the invention, only one feed channel can always be in communication with the channel leading to the device for dispensing the colors, the simultaneous emergence of two colors is excluded.
- the color connections or similar closure arrangements assigned to the feed channels additionally ensure that ink does not escape unintentionally.
- the assignment of a feed channel to the line leading to the atomizer or the like means for delivering the colors by a relative movement of the two elements to each other.
- the plates should be able to be lifted apart by more than 200 mm. In principle, however, it is sufficient to lift the plates only so far during a color change that they do not rub.
- the pivoted two elements and then rotated or moved. Even a pure rotation and / or displacement without prior lifting or swinging away the two elements is possible, but then there is a risk of scoring on the facing surfaces of the elements.
- the invention provided in the line between the means for delivering the colors and the channel in the second element pump color can be pushed back during a color change in the respective Farbzu Switzerlandkanal.
- the opening of the channel is fluidly connected to the pump, i. no valves or the like are provided downstream of the paint connection in front of the pump. This allows in the color changer system according to the invention the pushing back of the color from the lines in the Farbzu Switzerlandkanal. Further, due to the absence of a valve or the like in the conduit or channel, there is no risk of a conduit bursting during the repressurization of the paint when a valve is not opened or is stuck or otherwise defective.
- the second element has an actuating member for opening and / or closing the paint connections.
- the paint connections can thus be designed, for example, as closing arrangements which are loaded by the fluid pressure in the feed channels and / or by an elastic element, so that an accidental discharge of color is prevented.
- the paint connections or similar closure arrangements can thus be opened only by the actuator when the corresponding supply channel is in a position assigned to the channel, while all other color connections or closure arrangements always remain closed.
- the actuator is arranged at any position so that it can cooperate with the paint connections.
- the second element comprises, for example, a plunger as actuator, softer is designed and arranged such that the plunger a hollow needle, a ball or the like one of the paint connections to open against the force of the hollow needle, the Ball or the like acting elastic element lifts from a seat.
- the actuator need not be formed as a plunger, but may be formed by any element suitable for opening a shutter or paint terminal, i.
- a linear actuator, a needle, a solenoid valve or the like for example, a linear actuator, a needle, a solenoid valve or the like.
- the restoring force of the elastic element is smaller than the pressure force of the fluid from the channel which is active during operation of the pump during the repressing of paint on the ball or hollow needle.
- the paint fitting simultaneously acts as a safety valve which automatically opens to repress the paint even if the actuator fails.
- the first and / or the second element a stepper motor or other suitable, for example.
- Pneumatic drive for relative rotation of the two elements to each other and / or a linear actuator or the like for relative movement of the two elements are assigned to each other in an axial direction, the For a color change required rotation and translation are carried out with particularly simple means.
- the first element is designed as a stationary, circular disc-like plate, in which the feed channels open, while the second element is formed as an example below this plate lying second plate with the stepping motor by 180 ° to 360 ° to the left or right is rotatable.
- one or more linear actuators or the like may be provided be to achieve a stroke of, for example, about 20 mm to about 30 mm between the two elements. In principle, even an even smaller stroke can be sufficient to move the two elements relative to one another without these rubbing against one another. For cleaning purposes, it is preferable if a larger stroke of, for example, about 200 mm is made possible.
- a flushing agent channel for supplying flushing agent via a flushing agent connection, which communicates with the channel in the second element, is formed in the first and / or second element.
- the detergent channel is designed in such a way that when cleaning the last used closure element or the color connection of the last used color is partially cleaned with and also the actuator and all channels are cleaned, especially in the second element.
- a rinsing agent for example, an air and solvent mixture can be used. Also, water or gases such as nitrogen are suitable as a rinse in some applications. The liquid or gaseous rinsing agent can be used simultaneously to push back the color in the Farbzu Switzerlandkanal.
- the rinsing agent is, for example, supplied to the pump and / or to the atomizer or the like.
- the pump and the lines can pre-purify already during the pushing back of the color, so that at most only a short after-cleaning must be done.
- a preferably optionally forward and backward running paint or Lackdosierpumpe is arranged close to the two elements, the conduction path between the paint or Lackdosierpumpe and the two elements can be kept short, thereby further shortening the channel to be cleaned at a color change.
- a reverse-running paint or Lackdosierpumpe in a color change that is still in the lines residual color against the flow direction during operation, ie when Painting to bring back, so that the previously used color is forced back into the feed channel.
- the detergent This not only simplifies cleaning, but the color loss during a color change is reduced to almost zero. This leads to a considerable cost savings.
- the entire color changer system can be constructed in a comparatively simple and cost-effective manner, since a total of only one paint or paint metering pump has to be provided, while all the supply channels are closed only by closure arrangements or the like.
- the paint or Lackdosierpumpe is formed as a two-way operable gear pump.
- suitable pumps or piston-cylinder units for delivery and metering may also be used as a paint or paint metering pump.
- the paint or Lackdosierpumpe is preferably fixed to one of the two elements, in particular to the second element, wherein the paint or Lackdosierpumpe can be driven by a particular in a hollow shaft for relative rotation of the two elements to each other arranged drive shaft.
- the drive shaft for the paint or Lackdosierpumpe can also be guided laterally outside the shaft for pivoting the two elements. This is particularly useful when additional sensors or the like. Are provided, which complicate the arrangement of the drive shaft in a hollow shaft. If the means for dispensing the paint, which is, for example, a spray gun or an atomizer bell, is designed as an electrostatic atomizer, sufficient distances must be maintained between the atomizer and the other elements of the system.
- the paint or Lackdosierpumpe be arranged in or on the means for dispensing the colors, in particular the spray head assigned.
- the paint or Lackdosierpumpe preferably has a separate from the hollow shaft and the first and the second element drive connection, for example, a drive shaft or a hydraulic connection.
- the color changer system according to the invention is designed in such a way that a flushing agent inlet channel, which can be closed by means of a shut-off device, for the supply of flushing agent opens into the channel in the second element.
- a flushing agent return channel which may be closed by means of the blocking member, branches off, which can be connected to the pump for supplying flushing agent to the pump.
- the flushing agent inlet channel is thus looped through the channel and supplies the pump with flushing agent via the flushing agent return channel, so that color can be forced back out of the pump and the lines between the pump and the color connection through the flushing agent column.
- the contact surfaces abutting one another during painting or the like, for example, are ground.
- sealing means are provided in the mutually facing surfaces of the two elements, which prevent unwanted color leakage.
- either the channel provided in the second element can be surrounded by a seal and / or seals can be assigned to each of the feed channels or paint connections.
- At least the actuator and / or the paint or Lackdosierpumpe a control device are assigned. This may possibly also for the relative movement the two elements required drives, shutter assemblies of the color changer system and / or the detergent supply control.
- the paint connections may become dirty or otherwise defective.
- the replacement of a paint connection is facilitated by the fact that the feed channels are connected to the first element in each case via a quick coupling device, wherein each feed channel is assigned in addition to the color connection, a further shut-off device.
- a paint feed channel can thus be quickly separated from the first element without any paint leakage when one of the paint connections needs to be repaired or replaced.
- the object underlying the invention is further achieved by a method according to claim 12 or 14 for changing a color in particular between two coating steps (or the like. Steps for dispensing and / or applying a fluid), in particular with a color changer system of the type mentioned above.
- the method according to the invention has the following steps:
- the emptying of the paint residues in the feed channel according to the invention not only saves ink but also the cleaning of the lines, i. This is done especially when, after reversing the direction of operation of the paint or Lackdosierpumpe the color from the lines downstream of the paint during the painting downstream of the respective paint connection extending channels including the paint and Lackdosierpumpe the color connection is forced back into the first supply channel by sucking a liquid or gaseous rinsing agent into at least some of the lines from the washing means channel assigned to the pump by the pump and / or from a washing agent channel associated with the device for dispensing the colors.
- the actuating member and / or the paint or Lackdosierpumpe controlled by a control device such that the first painting step is continued after closing the color associated with the first color terminal until the color substantially completely from the lines downstream of the paint terminal of the device for dispensing the colors is delivered. Therefore, the ink does not have to be discarded or pushed back, but can be applied far enough from the lines downstream of the paint connection during the first painting step that these lines are virtually free of ink residues.
- flushing agent is introduced into the lines downstream of the color connection before the end of the first painting step during the continuation of the first painting step.
- the lines are thus cleaned during the first painting and filled with detergent. This facilitates and shortens the color change process significantly.
- an air inclusion in the line out of the line is forced into a flowing into the channel detergent return line and, for example, the pump is supplied.
- the forced out can be done both by detergent and by paint or paint.
- the methods according to the embodiments described above are preferably operated such that a residual color amount remaining in the lines when the color changes is less than 10 ml, in particular less than 5 ml.
- rinsing agent Before the two elements are removed from one another, it is preferable to supply rinsing agent through the rinsing agent feed channel for the purpose of cleaning the first paint connection and the line downstream thereof.
- This may be an air and solvent mixture.
- the rinsing agent is used according to a preferred embodiment of the invention not only for cleaning the downstream of the paint connection lines but also for cleaning the atomizer or the like.
- the rinsing agent is initially conducted together with any paint residues of the first color to a valve upstream of the paint dispensing device and from there to a collecting container and only after cleaning of the downstream of the paint connection lines by switching the valve in and / or via the device for dispensing the colors.
- the atomizer or the like is thus cleaned only with one of the previous color largely unloaded detergent.
- the paint or Lackdosierpumpe In order to allow the rest of the color to restrain in the downstream of the paint port lines, the paint or Lackdosierpumpe is operated at a pressure higher than that prevailing in the feed channels pressure.
- the paint or Lackdosierpumpe can build up a pressure of, for example, about 70 bar, while prevail in the ring lines and the feed channels only up to about 20 bar.
- the color changer system has two circular disk-like elements 1 and 2, which in the illustration of Fig. 1 abut each other. In the top of the figure in the figure 1 open several feed channels 3, of which in Fig. 1 only one is shown. Each of the feed channels 3 is assigned a color connection 4 formed by a closure arrangement in the first element 1. As from the representation of Fig. 2 it can be seen, a plurality of feed channels and paint connections are arranged on a circular path of the first element 1.
- the second element 2 is provided only with a bore, which can be brought into each case with one of the paint terminals 4 in coverage.
- a plunger 5 is introduced, which lift the ball of the paint terminal 4 against the force of the spring of the paint terminal 4 from its seat may be to establish a flow connection between the feed channel 3 and the bore in the second element 2.
- an opening 6a is formed, which faces the first element 1, so that the respectively associated with the second element 2 color terminal 4 directly opposite the opening formed as a bore in the end face of the second element 6a.
- a channel 6 is formed with a free passage, which is in communication with the bore 6 a of the actuator 5.
- the bore 6a forms a connection portion of the channel 6 for selective connection with one of the paint connections 4.
- a shut-off valve 15 may be provided for the detergent channel 7, which, however, does not affect the free passage of the channel 6.
- the channel 7 can also be used as a return or discharge channel for rinsing agent and / or residual color, for example.
- the channel 6 is connected to a paint or Lackdosierpumpe 8, which in turn is connected via a line, not shown, with a device for dispensing the colors, which is formed by an atomizer 9 in the illustrated embodiment.
- the paint or Lackdosierpumpe 8 is rigidly connected to the second element 2, wherein a drive shaft 11 for the paint or Lackdosierpumpe 8 through a central bore in the two elements 1 and 2 leads.
- the drive shaft 11 of the paint or Lackdosierpumpe 8 is guided by a hollow shaft 12 which is rigidly connected to the second element 2 and is rotatably guided through a bore in the first element 1.
- the hollow shaft 12 thus makes it possible to rotate the second element 2 relative to the first element 1.
- the hollow shaft 12 is assigned, for example, a stepping motor, not shown in the figures.
- device for lifting the two elements 1 and 2 relative to each other in the axial direction of the hollow shaft 12 is provided. This device can be formed for example by a suitable linear drive.
- ink is passed from a paint line from a paint reservoir at a pressure of, for example, up to 20 bar via the feed channel 3 to the first element 1.
- the actuator 5 opens the paint port 4, so that the paint is passed through the channel 6 to the paint or Lackdosierpumpe 8. From there, the ink is passed under increased pressure to the atomizer 9, from which it is applied, for example, to body parts.
- color port 4 all other paint connections are closed on the one hand by the force of the spring and on the other hand by the fluid pressure in the supply channels, so that no color can escape from these other supply channels.
- the paint or Lackdosierpumpe 8 is actuated in the opposite direction, so that the remaining in the lines 10 between the paint terminal 4 and the atomizer 9 residual color is conveyed through the paint terminal 4 back into the feed channel 3.
- a gas for example air or nitrogen
- / or a liquid rinsing agent is sucked into these lines 6, 10 located downstream of the paint connection 4. This is a pre-cleaning of the lines.
- first flushing agent is supplied through the flushing agent connection 7, which cleans both the lower side of the color connection 4, ie the ball, and the elements of the actuating element 5 projecting into the channel 6, and all lines located downstream of the color connection 4 flushed.
- rinsing agent is sucked into the lines when the color or Lackdosierpumpe 8 actuated in a reverse direction for a color change and thereby the remaining in the lines between the paint terminal 4 and the atomizer 9 residual color through the paint terminal. 4 is fed back into the feed channel 3.
- the lines are thus filled after the expulsion of the residual color already with the detergent and can then be cleaned by supplying more detergent, dried by supplying air or filled directly with the new color.
- the actuating member 5 Before this flushing operation, the actuating member 5 is retracted so far that the paint connection 4, which faces the actuating member 5, is closed by the fluid pressure in the feed channel 3 and by the elastic element of the paint terminal 4.
- the pressure of the rinsing agent is less than the pressure in the feed channel 3, so that the paint connection 4 remains closed during the rinsing process.
- the first element 1 is first lifted off the second element 2 or vice versa, with a small stroke of, for example, about 30 mm already being sufficient for the spacing of the two elements 1 and 2 from each other. Subsequently, the second element 2 is rotated as far as the first element 1 by actuation of the stepping motor until the supply channel and the color connection of the next required color is opposite the actuating member 5. The two elements 1 and 2 are then brought back into contact with each other and the actuator 5 can open the paint connection to a new painting.
- Fig. 3 a schematic diagram of the line system shown.
- the line system comprises the feed channel 3, which is closed by the closure assembly 4.
- the shutter assembly 4 can be opened so that color by the in Fig. 3 not shown opening 6a can flow into the channel 6.
- Detergent can be introduced from a detergent inlet channel 13 via the detergent connection 7 in the channel 6 and be forwarded via the flushing agent return channel 14, for example, to the pump 8.
- the flushing agent connection 7 is assigned a shut-off element 15, which blocks the supply of flushing agent or makes it possible, if necessary.
- the first element 1 is not formed as a circular disc but as an elongate rail, wherein the paint terminals 4 may be arranged in one or more rows on the rail. As a result, particularly many color connections can be provided on the first element 1.
- the feed channels 3 assigned to the paint attachments 4 can open into the first element 1 from above or from the side, wherein the closure arrangement 4 does not have to be provided on the same side as the feed channels.
- the second element 2 can be kept compact in this embodiment and has the channel 6 with the opening 6a and possibly the actuating element 5 on.
- the actuating element 5 can also be arranged on the side facing away from the opening 6a of the first element in order to open the closure arrangements defined and close.
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Description
Die Erfindung betrifft ein Farbwechslersystem zur selektiven Zufuhr von wenigstens zwei Farben zu einer Einrichtung zur Abgabe der Farben sowie ein entsprechendes Farbwechselverfahren.The invention relates to a color changer system for the selective supply of at least two colors to a device for dispensing the colors and a corresponding color change method.
Beispielsweise in der Automobilindustrie werden in Lackierereien häufig Roboter zum Lackieren von Karosserieteilen mit Farben eingesetzt. Unter Farben werden dabei vorliegend eingefärbte und farblose, meist flüssige Farben, Lacke, Grundierungen oder dergleichen Fluide verstanden. In bekannten Anlagen sind in einer Lackierkabine meist mehrere Roboter angeordnet, in deren Roboterarme die verschiedenen Farben, durchschnittlich etwa 20 Farben, als ein Schlauchpaket geführt und dort an einen Farbwechsler angeschlossen werden, damit die Karosserieteile in beliebiger Farbreihenfolge lackiert werden können. Die einzelnen Farben werden dabei häufig über Ringleitungen aus größeren Farbtanks unter einem Druck von bis zu 20 bar bis zu dem Farbwechsler geführt. Der Farbwechsler kann durch einen Block mit einem zentralen Kanal gebildet sein, in welchen die Zuführkanäle der einzelnen Farben münden. Diese Zuführkanäle sind jeweils durch ein selektiv öffenbares Ventil oder dergleichen Farbanschluss verschlossen. Zudem mündet in dem Kanal ein Spülmittelanschluss. Der Kanal führt dann über eine Farb- oder Lackdosierpumpe zu der Einrichtung zur Abgabe der Farben, beispielsweise zu einem pneumatisch oder elektrostatisch betriebenen Zerstäuber, einer Sprühpistole oder dergleichen.In the automotive industry, for example, robots are frequently used in paint shops for painting body parts with paints. In this case, colors are understood as meaning colored and colorless, usually liquid paints, lacquers, primers or similar fluids. In known systems, a plurality of robots are usually arranged in a paint booth, in whose robot arms the different colors, on average about 20 colors, are led as a hose package and connected there to a color changer so that the body parts can be painted in any desired color order. The individual colors are often passed through ring lines from larger color tanks under a pressure of up to 20 bar up to the color changer. The color changer can be formed by a block with a central channel into which the feed channels of the individual colors flow. These supply channels are each closed by a selectively openable valve or the like color port. In addition, opens in the channel a detergent connection. The channel then leads via a paint or Lackdosierpumpe to the means for dispensing the colors, for example to a pneumatically or electrostatically operated atomizer, a spray gun or the like.
Bei einem Farbwechsel wird zunächst das bisher geöffnete Farbventil der aktuell eingesetzten Farbe geschlossen und solange Spülmittel aus dem Spülmittelanschluss durch den Kanal bis zu der Einrichtung zur Abgabe der Farben geleitet, bis der zentrale Kanal des Farbwechslers sowie alle stromabwärts davon gelegenen Leitungen einschließlich der Farb- oder Lackdosierpumpe sowie der Einrichtung zur Abgabe der Farben von der bisherigen Farbe gereinigt und teilweise getrocknet sind. Die in dem Farbwechsler und den stromabwärts davon gelegenen Leitungen befindliche Farbe geht hierbei verloren und muss entsorgt werden. Dies führt zu hohen Kosten. Zudem wird es als nachteilig empfunden, dass das Öffnen und Schließen der Ventile der in den Farbwechsler mündenden Zuführkanäle nicht immer fehlerfrei erfolgt, so dass es zu einem ungewollten Austritt von zwei Farben gleichzeitig kommen kann.In a color change, the previously opened color valve of the currently used color is first closed and as long as flushing agent from the detergent connection through the channel up to the device for dispensing the colors directed to the central channel of the color changer and all downstream thereof located lines including the paint or Lackdosierpumpe and the device for dispensing the colors of the previous color cleaned and partially dried. The color contained in the color changer and the downstream lines is lost and must be disposed of. This leads to high costs. In addition, it is considered to be disadvantageous that the opening and closing of the valves of the feed channels opening into the color changer are not always carried out without errors, so that an unwanted escape of two colors may occur simultaneously.
Aus der
Aus der
In der
Aufgabe der vorliegenden Erfindung ist es, ein kostengünstiges und kompaktes Farbwechslersystem, das sich gut reinigen lässt, sowie ein Verfahren zum Wechseln einer Farbe bereitzustellen, bei welchen möglichst wenig Farbe verloren geht und gleichzeitig ein besonders zuverlässiger Betrieb ohne Farbverschleppung ermöglicht wird.Object of the present invention is to provide a cost-effective and compact color changer system that can be cleaned well, as well as a method for changing a color in which as little as possible color is lost and at the same time a particularly reliable operation without Farbverschleppung is possible.
Diese Aufgabe wird erfindungsgemäß im Wesentlichen mit einem Farbwechslersystem nach Anspruch 1 gelöst, welches zur selektiven Zufuhr von wenigstens zwei Farben zu einer Einrichtung zur Abgabe der Farben geeignet ist. Das Farbwechslersystem weist ein erstes Element, in welches Zuführkanäle für die wenigstens zwei Farben münden, und ein relativ zu dem ersten Element verdreh-, verschwenk- und/oder verschiebbares zweites Element auf, in welches wenigstens eine mit der Einrichtung zur Abgabe der Farben verbindbare Leitung mündet und welches einen mit der Leitung verbundenen Kanal mit einer Öffnung aufweist, der durch Drehen, Verschwenken und/oder Verschieben der beiden Elemente zueinander selektiv mit jeweils einem der Zuführkanäle des ersten Elements verbindbar ist, wobei den Zuführkanälen diese verschließende und selektiv öffenbare Farbanschlüsse oder dergleichen Verschlussanordnungen zugeordnet sind, und wobei in der Leitung zwischen der Einrichtung zur Abgabe der Farben und dem Kanal in dem zweiten Element eine Pumpe zum Fördern von Farbe vorgesehen ist. Erfindungsgemäß ist die Öffnung des Kanals mit der Pumpe strömungsverbunden.This object is achieved according to the invention substantially with a color changer system according to
Durch die erfindungsgemäße Ausgestaltung des Farbwechslersystems wird einerseits erreicht, dass der vergleichsweise lange zentrale Kanal bekannter Farbwechsler entfallen kann, so dass nur die stromabwärts des Farbwechslers gelegenen Leitungen entleert und gereinigt werden müssen, Hierdurch lässt sich nicht nur die Menge der verworfenen Farbe und des erforderlichen Spülmittels verringern, sondern es kann auch die Reinigungszeit bei einem Farbwechsel deutlich gesenkt werden. Da bei dem erfindungsgemäßen Farbwechslersystem auch stets nur ein Zuführkanal mit dem zu der Einrichtung zur Abgabe der Farben führenden Kanal in Verbindung stehen kann, ist das gleichzeitige Austreten von zwei Farben ausgeschlossen. Die den Zuführkanälen zugeordneten Farbanschlüsse oder dergleichen Verschlussanordnungen sorgen zusätzlich dafür, dass nicht ungewollt Farbe austritt. Die Zuordnung eines Zuführkanals zu der zu dem Zerstäuber oder dgl. Einrichtung zur Abgabe der Farben führenden Leitung erfolgt durch eine Relativbewegung der beiden Elemente zueinander. Dies kann beispielsweise dadurch erfolgen, dass das zweite Element von dem ersten Element abgehoben und dann relativ zu diesem verschoben und/oder gedreht wird. Insbesondere bei der Verwendung eines elektrostatischen Zerstäubers sollten die Platten um mehr als 200 mm voneinander abgehoben werden können. Grundsätzlich ist es jedoch ausreichend, die Platten während eines Farbwechsels nur so weit abzuheben, so dass diese nicht reiben. Alternativ können die beiden Elemente verschwenkt und dann gedreht oder verschoben werden. Auch eine reine Verdrehung und/oder Verschiebung ohne vorheriges Abheben oder Wegschwenken der beiden Elemente ist möglich, allerdings besteht dann die Gefahr der Riefenbildung auf den einander zugewandten Flächen der Elemente.The inventive design of the color changer system on the one hand ensures that the comparatively long central channel known color changer can be omitted, so that only the downstream of the color changer located lines need to be emptied and cleaned, This is not only the amount of discarded paint and the required detergent but it can also significantly reduce the cleaning time during a color change. Since in the color changer system according to the invention, only one feed channel can always be in communication with the channel leading to the device for dispensing the colors, the simultaneous emergence of two colors is excluded. The color connections or similar closure arrangements assigned to the feed channels additionally ensure that ink does not escape unintentionally. The assignment of a feed channel to the line leading to the atomizer or the like means for delivering the colors by a relative movement of the two elements to each other. This can be done, for example, by lifting the second element from the first element and then moving and / or rotating relative to it. In particular, when using an electrostatic atomizer, the plates should be able to be lifted apart by more than 200 mm. In principle, however, it is sufficient to lift the plates only so far during a color change that they do not rub. Alternatively, the pivoted two elements and then rotated or moved. Even a pure rotation and / or displacement without prior lifting or swinging away the two elements is possible, but then there is a risk of scoring on the facing surfaces of the elements.
Durch die erfindungsgemäß in der Leitung zwischen der Einrichtung zur Abgabe der Farben und dem Kanal in dem zweiten Element vorgesehene Pumpe kann Farbe während eines Farbwechsels in den jeweiligen Farbzuführkanal zurückgedrängt werden. Die Öffnung des Kanals ist mit der Pumpe strömungsverbunden, d.h. es sind keine Ventile oder dgl. Absperreinrichtungen stromabwärts des Farbanschlusses vor der Pumpe vorgesehen. Dies ermöglicht bei dem erfindungsgemäßen Farbwechslersystem das Zurückdrängen der Farbe aus den Leitungen in den Farbzuführkanal. Weiter besteht infolge des Fehlens eines Ventils oder dgl. in der Leitung bzw. dem Kanal nicht die Gefahr, dass während des Zurückdrängens der Farbe eine Leitung platzt, wenn ein Ventil nicht geöffnet ist oder verklebt oder in anderer Weise defekt ist.By the invention provided in the line between the means for delivering the colors and the channel in the second element pump color can be pushed back during a color change in the respective Farbzuführkanal. The opening of the channel is fluidly connected to the pump, i. no valves or the like are provided downstream of the paint connection in front of the pump. This allows in the color changer system according to the invention the pushing back of the color from the lines in the Farbzuführkanal. Further, due to the absence of a valve or the like in the conduit or channel, there is no risk of a conduit bursting during the repressurization of the paint when a valve is not opened or is stuck or otherwise defective.
Nach einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform der Erfindung weist das zweite Element ein Betätigungsorgan zum Öffnen und/oder Verschließen der Farbanschlüsse auf. Die Farbanschlüsse können somit beispielsweise als durch den Fluiddruck in den Zuführkanälen und/oder durch ein elastisches Element belastet schließende Verschlussanordnungen ausgebildet sein, so dass ein versehentliches Austreten von Farbe verhindert wird. Die Farbanschlüsse oder dergleichen Verschlussanordnungen können also nur durch das Betätigungsorgan geöffnet werden, wenn der entsprechende Zuführkanal in einer dem Kanal zugeordneten Position ist, während alle anderen Farbanschlüsse oder Verschlussanordnungen stets geschlossen bleiben. Das Betätigungsorgan ist an einer beliebigen Position so angeordnet, dass es mit den Farbanschlüssen zusammenwirken kann.According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the second element has an actuating member for opening and / or closing the paint connections. The paint connections can thus be designed, for example, as closing arrangements which are loaded by the fluid pressure in the feed channels and / or by an elastic element, so that an accidental discharge of color is prevented. The paint connections or similar closure arrangements can thus be opened only by the actuator when the corresponding supply channel is in a position assigned to the channel, while all other color connections or closure arrangements always remain closed. The actuator is arranged at any position so that it can cooperate with the paint connections.
In Weiterbildung dieses Erfindungsgedankens ist es vorgesehen, dass das zweite Element beispielsweise einen Stößel als Betätigungsorgan aufweist, weicher derart ausgebildet und angeordnet ist, dass der Stößel eine Hohlnadel, eine Kugel oder dergleichen eines der Farbanschlüsse zum Öffnen gegen die Kraft eines auf die Hohlnadel, die Kugel oder dergleichen wirkenden elastischen Elements von einem Sitz abhebt. Das Betätigungsorgan muss dabei nicht als ein Stößel ausgebildet sein, sondern kann durch ein beliebiges Element gebildet werden, welches zum Öffnen eines Verschlusselementes oder Farbanschlusses geeignet ist, d.h. beispielsweise ein Linearstellglied, eine Nadel, ein Magnetventil oder dergleichen.In a further development of this inventive idea, it is provided that the second element comprises, for example, a plunger as actuator, softer is designed and arranged such that the plunger a hollow needle, a ball or the like one of the paint connections to open against the force of the hollow needle, the Ball or the like acting elastic element lifts from a seat. The actuator need not be formed as a plunger, but may be formed by any element suitable for opening a shutter or paint terminal, i. For example, a linear actuator, a needle, a solenoid valve or the like.
Erfindungsgemäß ist die Rückstellkraft des elastischen Elements kleiner als die bei Betrieb der Pumpe während des Zurückdrängens von Farbe auf die Kugel oder Hohlnadel wirkende Druckkraft des Fluids aus dem Kanal. Somit wirkt der Farbanschluss gleichzeitig als ein Sicherheitsventil, das sich zum Zurückdrängen der Farbe selbsttätig öffnet, selbst wenn das Betätigungsorgan versagen sollte.According to the invention, the restoring force of the elastic element is smaller than the pressure force of the fluid from the channel which is active during operation of the pump during the repressing of paint on the ball or hollow needle. Thus, the paint fitting simultaneously acts as a safety valve which automatically opens to repress the paint even if the actuator fails.
Wenn dem ersten und/oder dem zweiten Element ein Schrittmotor oder ein anderer geeigneter, bspw. pneumatischer Antrieb zur relativen Verdrehung der beiden Elemente zueinander und/oder ein Linearstellglied oder dergleichen zur relativen Bewegung der beiden Elemente zueinander in einer axialen Richtung zugeordnet sind, kann die für einen Farbwechsel erforderliche Rotation und Translation mit besonders einfachen Mitteln ausgeführt werden. Vorzugsweise ist dabei das erste Element als eine ortsfeste, kreisscheibenartige Platte gestaltet, in welche die Zuführkanäle münden, während das zweite Element als eine beispielsweise unterhalb dieser Platte liegende zweite Platte ausgebildet ist, die mit dem Schrittmotor um 180° bis 360° nach links oder rechts verdrehbar ist. Um die beiden Elemente vor dem Verdrehen voneinander abzuheben, können ein oder mehrere Linearstellglieder oder dergleichen Anordnungen vorgesehen sein, um einen Hub von beispielsweise etwa 20 mm bis etwa 30 mm zwischen den beiden Elementen zu erreichen. Grundsätzlich kann auch ein noch geringerer Hub ausreichen, um die beiden Elemente relativ zueinander zu bewegen, ohne dass diese aufeinander reiben. Zu Reinigungszwecken wird es bevorzugt, wenn ein größerer Hub von bspw. etwa 200 mm ermöglicht wird.If the first and / or the second element, a stepper motor or other suitable, for example. Pneumatic drive for relative rotation of the two elements to each other and / or a linear actuator or the like for relative movement of the two elements are assigned to each other in an axial direction, the For a color change required rotation and translation are carried out with particularly simple means. Preferably, the first element is designed as a stationary, circular disc-like plate, in which the feed channels open, while the second element is formed as an example below this plate lying second plate with the stepping motor by 180 ° to 360 ° to the left or right is rotatable. To distinguish the two elements from each other before twisting, one or more linear actuators or the like may be provided be to achieve a stroke of, for example, about 20 mm to about 30 mm between the two elements. In principle, even an even smaller stroke can be sufficient to move the two elements relative to one another without these rubbing against one another. For cleaning purposes, it is preferable if a larger stroke of, for example, about 200 mm is made possible.
Für die Reinigung des Farbwechslersystems und der diesem im Betrieb nachgeschalteten Leitungen ist in dem ersten und/oder zweiten Element ein Spülmittelkanal zur Zufuhr von Spülmittel über einen Spülmittelanschluss ausgebildet, der mit dem Kanal in dem zweiten Element in Verbindung steht. Vorzugsweise ist der Spülmittelkanal dabei derart gestaltet, dass bei einer Reinigung das jeweils zuletzt benutzte Verschlusselement bzw. der Farbanschluss der zuletzt benutzten Farbe teilweise mit gereinigt wird und auch das Betätigungsorgan sowie sämtliche Kanäle insbesondere in dem zweiten Element gereinigt werden. Als Spülmittel kann beispielsweise ein Luft- und Lösemittelgemisch eingesetzt werden. Auch Wasser oder Gase wie Stickstoff sind in einigen Anwendungsfällen als ein Spülmittel geeignet. Das flüssige oder gasförmige Spülmittel kann gleichzeitig dazu genutzt werden, um die Farbe in den Farbzuführkanal zurückzudrängen. Hierzu wird das Spülmittel bspw. an der Pumpe und/oder an dem Zerstäuber oder dgl. zugeführt. Somit lassen sich die Pumpe und die Leitungen schon während des Zurückdrängens der Farbe vorreinigen, so dass anschließend allenfalls nur noch eine kurze Nachreinigung erfolgen muss.For the cleaning of the color changer system and the lines connected downstream of the latter during operation, a flushing agent channel for supplying flushing agent via a flushing agent connection, which communicates with the channel in the second element, is formed in the first and / or second element. Preferably, the detergent channel is designed in such a way that when cleaning the last used closure element or the color connection of the last used color is partially cleaned with and also the actuator and all channels are cleaned, especially in the second element. As a rinsing agent, for example, an air and solvent mixture can be used. Also, water or gases such as nitrogen are suitable as a rinse in some applications. The liquid or gaseous rinsing agent can be used simultaneously to push back the color in the Farbzuführkanal. For this purpose, the rinsing agent is, for example, supplied to the pump and / or to the atomizer or the like. Thus, the pump and the lines can pre-purify already during the pushing back of the color, so that at most only a short after-cleaning must be done.
Wenn nahe an den beiden Elementen eine vorzugsweise wahlweise vorwärts und rückwärts laufende Farb- oder Lackdosierpumpe angeordnet ist, kann der Leitungsweg zwischen der Farb- oder Lackdosierpumpe und den beiden Elementen kurz gehalten werden, wodurch sich der bei einem Farbwechsel zu reinigende Kanal weiter verkürzt. Zudem ermöglicht es eine rückwärts laufende Farb- oder Lackdosierpumpe, bei einem Farbwechsel die noch in den Leitungen befindliche Restfarbe entgegen der Strömungsrichtung im Betrieb, d.h. beim Lackieren, zurückzufördern, so dass die bisher verwendete Farbe in den Zuführkanal zurückgedrängt wird. Es sind somit nur noch die weitgehend farbfreien Leitungen durch das Spülmittel zu reinigen. Dies vereinfacht nicht nur die Reinigung, sondern der Farbverlust bei einem Farbwechsel wird nahezu auf Null reduziert. Dies führt zu einer erheblichen Kosteneinsparung. Gleichzeitig kann das gesamte Farbwechslersystem vergleichsweise einfach und kostengünstig aufgebaut werden, da insgesamt nur eine Farb- oder Lackdosierpumpe vorgesehen werden muss, während alle Zuführkanäle lediglich durch Verschlussanordnungen oder dergleichen verschlossen sind.If a preferably optionally forward and backward running paint or Lackdosierpumpe is arranged close to the two elements, the conduction path between the paint or Lackdosierpumpe and the two elements can be kept short, thereby further shortening the channel to be cleaned at a color change. In addition, a reverse-running paint or Lackdosierpumpe, in a color change that is still in the lines residual color against the flow direction during operation, ie when Painting to bring back, so that the previously used color is forced back into the feed channel. Thus, it is only the largely colorless lines to be cleaned by the detergent. This not only simplifies cleaning, but the color loss during a color change is reduced to almost zero. This leads to a considerable cost savings. At the same time, the entire color changer system can be constructed in a comparatively simple and cost-effective manner, since a total of only one paint or paint metering pump has to be provided, while all the supply channels are closed only by closure arrangements or the like.
Nach einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform der Erfindung ist die Farb- oder Lackdosierpumpe als eine in zwei Richtungen betätigbare Zahnradpumpe gebildet. Es können jedoch auch andere geeignete Pumpen oder Kolben-ZylinderEinheiten zur Förderung und Dosierung als Farb- oder Lackdosierpumpe eingesetzt werden.According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the paint or Lackdosierpumpe is formed as a two-way operable gear pump. However, other suitable pumps or piston-cylinder units for delivery and metering may also be used as a paint or paint metering pump.
Die Farb- oder Lackdosierpumpe ist vorzugsweise an einem der beiden Elemente fixiert, insbesondere an dem zweiten Element, wobei die Farb- oder Lackdosierpumpe durch eine insbesondere in einer Hohlwelle zur relativen Verdrehung der beiden Elemente zueinander angeordneten Antriebswelle angetrieben werden kann. Dies ermöglicht eine besonders platzsparende Ausgestaltung, die sich insbesondere für den Einbau in einem Roboterarm eignet. Alternativ kann die Antriebswelle für die Farb- oder Lackdosierpumpe auch seitlich außerhalb der Welle zum Verschwenken der beiden Elemente geführt sein. Dies bietet sich insbesondere dann an, wenn zusätzliche Sensoren oder dgl. vorgesehen werden, die die Anordnung der Antriebswelle in einer Hohlwelle erschweren. Wenn die Einrichtung zur Abgabe der Farbe, welche beispielsweise eine Sprühpistole oder eine Zerstäuberglocke ist, als ein elektrostatisch arbeitender Zerstäuber ausgebildet ist, müssen ausreichende Abstände zwischen dem Zerstäuber und den übrigen Elementen des Systems eingehalten werden.The paint or Lackdosierpumpe is preferably fixed to one of the two elements, in particular to the second element, wherein the paint or Lackdosierpumpe can be driven by a particular in a hollow shaft for relative rotation of the two elements to each other arranged drive shaft. This allows a particularly space-saving design, which is particularly suitable for installation in a robot arm. Alternatively, the drive shaft for the paint or Lackdosierpumpe can also be guided laterally outside the shaft for pivoting the two elements. This is particularly useful when additional sensors or the like. Are provided, which complicate the arrangement of the drive shaft in a hollow shaft. If the means for dispensing the paint, which is, for example, a spray gun or an atomizer bell, is designed as an electrostatic atomizer, sufficient distances must be maintained between the atomizer and the other elements of the system.
Alternativ kann die Farb- oder Lackdosierpumpe in oder an der Einrichtung zur Abgabe der Farben, insbesondere dem Sprühkopf zugeordnet angeordnet sein. Die Farb- oder Lackdosierpumpe weist vorzugsweise einen von der Hohlwelle bzw. dem ersten und dem zweiten Element separaten Antriebsanschluss, beispielsweise eine Antriebswelle oder einen Hydraulikanschluss auf.Alternatively, the paint or Lackdosierpumpe be arranged in or on the means for dispensing the colors, in particular the spray head assigned. The paint or Lackdosierpumpe preferably has a separate from the hollow shaft and the first and the second element drive connection, for example, a drive shaft or a hydraulic connection.
Das erfindungsgemäße Farbwechslersystem ist derart ausgestaltet, dass in den Kanal in dem zweiten Element ein mittels eines Absperrorgans verschließbarer Spülmittelzulaufkanal zur Zufuhr von Spülmittel mündet. Zusätzlich zweigt von dem Kanal in dem zweiten Element und/oder von dem Spülmittelzulaufkanal ein ggf. mittels des Absperrorgans verschließbarer Spülmittelrücklaufkanal ab, der mit der Pumpe zur Zufuhr von Spülmittel zu der Pumpe verbindbar ist. Der Spülmittelzulaufkanal ist damit durch den Kanal durchgeschleift und versorgt über den Spülmittelrücklaufkanal die Pumpe mit Spülmittel, so dass durch die Spülmittelsäule Farbe aus der Pumpe und den Leitungen zwischen der Pumpe und dem Farbanschluss zurückgedrängt werden kann.The color changer system according to the invention is designed in such a way that a flushing agent inlet channel, which can be closed by means of a shut-off device, for the supply of flushing agent opens into the channel in the second element. In addition, from the channel in the second element and / or from the flushing agent inlet channel, a flushing agent return channel, which may be closed by means of the blocking member, branches off, which can be connected to the pump for supplying flushing agent to the pump. The flushing agent inlet channel is thus looped through the channel and supplies the pump with flushing agent via the flushing agent return channel, so that color can be forced back out of the pump and the lines between the pump and the color connection through the flushing agent column.
Um ein ungewolltes Austreten von Farbe in der Kontaktebene der beiden beispielsweise durch kreisförmige Platten gebildeten Elemente zu vermeiden, sind die während des Lackierens oder dergleichen aneinander anliegenden Kontaktflächen beispielsweise geschliffen. Zusätzlich sind in den einander zugewandten Flächen der beiden Elemente Dichtmittel vorgesehen, die einen ungewollten Farbaustritt verhindern. Hierzu kann entweder der in dem zweiten Element vorgesehene Kanal durch eine Dichtung umgeben sein und/oder es können jedem der Zuführkanäle oder Farbanschlüsse Dichtungen zugeordnet sein.In order to avoid an unwanted escape of color in the contact plane of the two elements formed, for example, by circular plates, the contact surfaces abutting one another during painting or the like, for example, are ground. In addition, sealing means are provided in the mutually facing surfaces of the two elements, which prevent unwanted color leakage. For this purpose, either the channel provided in the second element can be surrounded by a seal and / or seals can be assigned to each of the feed channels or paint connections.
Zur exakten und aufeinander abgestimmten Betätigung der einzelnen Komponenten des erfindungsgemäßen Farbwechslersystems sind vorzugsweise zumindest dem Betätigungsorgan und/oder der Farb- oder Lackdosierpumpe eine Steuerungseinrichtung zugeordnet. Diese kann ggf. auch die für die Relativbewegung der beiden Elemente erforderlichen Antriebe, Verschlussanordnungen des Farbwechslersystems und/oder die Spülmittelzufuhr steuern.For exact and coordinated operation of the individual components of the color changer system according to the invention preferably at least the actuator and / or the paint or Lackdosierpumpe a control device are assigned. This may possibly also for the relative movement the two elements required drives, shutter assemblies of the color changer system and / or the detergent supply control.
Im Betrieb können die Farbanschlüsse verschmutzen oder aus anderen Gründen defekt werden. Der Austausch eines Farbanschlusses wird dadurch erleichtert, dass die Zuführkanäle mit dem ersten Element jeweils über eine Schnellkupplungseinrichtung verbunden sind, wobei jedem Zuführkanal zusätzlich zu dem Farbanschluss ein weiteres Absperrorgan zugeordnet ist. Ein Farbzuführkanal kann somit rasch von dem ersten Element getrennt werden, ohne dass Farbe austritt, wenn einer der Farbanschlüsse repariert oder ausgetauscht werden muss.During operation, the paint connections may become dirty or otherwise defective. The replacement of a paint connection is facilitated by the fact that the feed channels are connected to the first element in each case via a quick coupling device, wherein each feed channel is assigned in addition to the color connection, a further shut-off device. A paint feed channel can thus be quickly separated from the first element without any paint leakage when one of the paint connections needs to be repaired or replaced.
Die der Erfindung zugrunde liegende Aufgabe wird weiter durch ein Verfahren nach Anspruch 12 oder 14 zum Wechseln einer Farbe insbesondere zwischen zwei Lackierschritten (oder dgl. Schritten zum Ausbringen und/oder Auftragen eines Fluids), insbesondere mit einem Farbwechslersystem der oben genannten Art gelöst. Das erfindungsgemäße Verfahren weist dabei die folgenden Schritte auf:The object underlying the invention is further achieved by a method according to claim 12 or 14 for changing a color in particular between two coating steps (or the like. Steps for dispensing and / or applying a fluid), in particular with a color changer system of the type mentioned above. The method according to the invention has the following steps:
Zufuhr einer ersten Farbe von einem Farbbehälter zu einer Einrichtung zur Abgabe der Farbe, wobei die Farbe durch einen ersten Zuführkanal bei geöffnetem Farbanschluss in ein erstes Element mündet, durch den Kanal in einem zweiten Element, welches dichtend an dem ersten Element anliegt, und durch eine Leitung zu einer in einer ersten Arbeitsrichtung wirkenden Farb- oder Lackdosierpumpe und von dort zu einer Einrichtung zur Abgabe der Farben geleitet wird, Umkehr der Arbeitsrichtung der Farb- oder Lackdosierpumpe für eine Zeitdauer, bis die Farbe im Wesentlichen vollständig aus den Leitungen stromabwärts des Farbanschlusses in den ersten Zuführkanal zurückgedrängt ist, Schließen des der ersten Farbe zugeordneten Farbanschlusses, Ausführen mindestens einer Relativbewegung der beiden Elemente zueinander bis ein zweiter Farbanschluss einer zweiten Farbe dem Kanal gegenübersteht und die beiden Elemente oder zumindest deren Dichtung(en) aneinander anliegen, Öffnen des der zweiten Farbe zugeordneten Farbanschlusses und Zufuhr der zweiten Farbe von einem Farbbehälter zu der Einrichtung zur Abgabe der Farben, wobei die Farbe durch den zweiten Zuführkanal bei geöffnetem Farbanschluss in das erste Element mündet, durch den Kanal in dem zweiten Element, welches dichtend an dem ersten Element anliegt, und durch die Leitung zu der wieder in der ersten Arbeitsrichtung wirkenden Farb- oder Lackdosierpumpe und von dort zu der Einrichtung zur Abgabe der Farben geleitet wird. Die Relativbewegung der beiden Elemente kann insbesondere zunächst ein Entfernen, Wegschwenken oder Abheben der beiden Elemente voneinander, ein anschließendes Drehen und/oder Verschieben und danach ein Annähern der beiden Elemente umfassen.Supplying a first color from a paint container to a device for dispensing the ink, wherein the ink flows through a first supply channel with an opened paint connection in a first element, through the channel in a second element, which sealingly abuts the first element, and by a Direction to a acting in a first direction of paint or Lackdosierpumpe and from there to a means for delivering the colors, reversing the direction of the paint or Lackdosierpumpe for a period of time until the color substantially completely from the lines downstream of the paint terminal in the first supply channel is pushed back, closing the color connection associated with the first color, carrying out at least one relative movement of the two elements relative to one another until a second color connection of a second color faces the channel and the two elements or at least their seal (s) abut each other, opening of the color associated with the second color terminal and supply of the second color from a paint container to the means for dispensing the colors, wherein the color through the second feed channel with opened paint connection opens into the first element the channel in the second element sealingly abutting the first element and passing through the conduit to the paint or paint metering pump, again acting in the first direction, and from there to the ink dispensing means. In particular, the relative movement of the two elements may initially comprise a removal, pivoting away or lifting of the two elements from each other, a subsequent rotation and / or displacement and then an approximation of the two elements.
Durch die erfindungsgemäße Entleerung der in dem Leitungssystem befindlichen Farbreste in dem Zuführkanal wird nicht nur Farbe eingespart, sondern auch die Reinigung der Leitungen, d.h. der sich beim Lackieren stromabwärts von dem jeweiligen Farbanschluss erstreckenden Kanäle einschließlich der Farb- und Lackdosierpumpe sowie des Zerstäubers oder dergleichen Abgabeeinrichtung, erleichtert und verkürzt, Dies erfolgt insbesondere dann, wenn nach der Umkehr der Arbeitsrichtung der Farb- oder Lackdosierpumpe die Farbe aus den Leitungen stromabwärts des Farbanschlusses in den ersten Zuführkanal zurückgedrängt wird, indem von der Pumpe aus einem der Pumpe zugeordneten Spülmittelkanal und/oder aus einem der Einrichtung zur Abgabe der Farben zugeordneten Spülmittelkanal ein flüssiges oder gasförmiges Spülmittel in zumindest einige der Leitungen angesaugt wird.The emptying of the paint residues in the feed channel according to the invention not only saves ink but also the cleaning of the lines, i. This is done especially when, after reversing the direction of operation of the paint or Lackdosierpumpe the color from the lines downstream of the paint during the painting downstream of the respective paint connection extending channels including the paint and Lackdosierpumpe the color connection is forced back into the first supply channel by sucking a liquid or gaseous rinsing agent into at least some of the lines from the washing means channel assigned to the pump by the pump and / or from a washing agent channel associated with the device for dispensing the colors.
Alternativ hierzu ist es zum Wechseln der Farben zwischen zwei Lackierschritten oder dgl. Schritten zum Ausbringen und/oder Auftragen eines Fluids erfindungsgemäß möglich, den der ersten Farbe zugeordneten Farbanschluss vor dem Ende des ersten Lackierschrittes zu schließen und den ersten Lackierschritt fortzusetzen, bis zumindest ein Teil der ersten Farbe aus den Leitungen stromabwärts des Farbanschlusses von der Einrichtung zur Abgabe der Farben abgegeben ist. Dabei werden vorzugsweise das Betätigungsorgan und/oder die Farb- oder Lackdosierpumpe durch eine Steuerungseinrichtung derart gesteuert, dass der erste Lackierschritt nach dem Schließen des der ersten Farbe zugeordneten Farbanschlusses so lange fortgesetzt wird, bis die Farbe im Wesentlichen vollständig aus den Leitungen stromabwärts des Farbanschlusses von der Einrichtung zur Abgabe der Farben abgegeben ist. Die Farbe muss daher weder verworfen noch zurückgedrängt werden, sondern kann bei dem ersten Lackierschritt so weit aus den Leitungen stromabwärts des Farbanschlusses ausgebracht werden, dass diese Leitungen nahezu frei von Farbresten sind.Alternatively, to change the colors between two painting steps or the like steps for applying and / or applying a fluid according to the invention, it is possible to close the color connection associated with the first color before the end of the first painting step and the first painting step continue until at least a portion of the first color is discharged from the lines downstream of the paint terminal from the color dispenser. In this case, preferably, the actuating member and / or the paint or Lackdosierpumpe controlled by a control device such that the first painting step is continued after closing the color associated with the first color terminal until the color substantially completely from the lines downstream of the paint terminal of the device for dispensing the colors is delivered. Therefore, the ink does not have to be discarded or pushed back, but can be applied far enough from the lines downstream of the paint connection during the first painting step that these lines are virtually free of ink residues.
Erfindungsgemäß ist es vorgesehen, dass nach dem Schließen des der ersten Farbe zugeordneten Farbanschlusses vor dem Ende des ersten Lackierschrittes während des Fortsetzens des ersten Lackierschrittes Spülmittel in die Leitungen stromabwärts des Farbanschlusses eingebracht wird. Die Leitungen werden somit noch während des ersten Lackierschrittes gereinigt und mit Spülmittel befüllt. Dies erleichtert und verkürzt den Farbwechselvorgang deutlich.According to the invention, it is provided that, after closing the color connection associated with the first color, flushing agent is introduced into the lines downstream of the color connection before the end of the first painting step during the continuation of the first painting step. The lines are thus cleaned during the first painting and filled with detergent. This facilitates and shortens the color change process significantly.
Zur Beseitigung störender Einflüsse von Lufteinschlüssen in der Leitung ist es gemäß einer Weiterbildung der beschriebenen Verfahren vorgesehen, dass ein Lufteinschluss in der Leitung aus der Leitung heraus in eine in den Kanal mündende Spülmittelrücklaufleitung gedrängt und bspw. der Pumpe zugeführt wird. Das Herausdrängen kann dabei sowohl durch Spülmittel als auch durch Farbe bzw. Lack erfolgen.To eliminate the disturbing effects of air inclusions in the line, it is provided according to a development of the described method that an air inclusion in the line out of the line is forced into a flowing into the channel detergent return line and, for example, the pump is supplied. The forced out can be done both by detergent and by paint or paint.
Die Verfahren gemäß den vorstehend beschriebenen Ausgestaltungen werden vorzugsweise so betrieben, dass eine bei einem Farbwechsel in der Leitungen verbleibende Restfarbmenge kleiner als 10 ml, insbesondere kleiner als 5 ml ist.The methods according to the embodiments described above are preferably operated such that a residual color amount remaining in the lines when the color changes is less than 10 ml, in particular less than 5 ml.
Dies wird beispielsweise durch eine zeit- oder/und sensorgesteuerte Steuerung der Farb- oder Lackdosierpumpe oder/und wenigstens einer der Verschlussanordnungen ermöglicht.This is made possible for example by a time- and / or sensor-controlled control of the paint or Lackdosierpumpe or / and at least one of the closure arrangements.
Vor dem Entfernen der beiden Elemente voneinander wird vorzugsweise zur Reinigung des ersten Farbanschlusses und der stromabwärts von diesem gelegenen Leitung Spülmittel durch den Spülmittelzulaufkanal zugeführt. Hierbei kann es sich um ein Luft- und Lösemittelgemisch handeln.Before the two elements are removed from one another, it is preferable to supply rinsing agent through the rinsing agent feed channel for the purpose of cleaning the first paint connection and the line downstream thereof. This may be an air and solvent mixture.
Das Spülmittel wird nach einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform der Erfindung nicht nur zum Reinigen der stromabwärts des Farbanschlusses gelegenen Leitungen sondern auch zur Reinigung des Zerstäubers oder dergleichen eingesetzt. Hierbei wird es bevorzugt, wenn das Spülmittel zunächst zusammen mit etwaigen Farbresten der ersten Farbe bis zu einem der Einrichtung zur Abgabe der Farben vorgeschalteten Ventil und von dort in einen Auffangbehälter geleitet wird und erst nach der Reinigung der stromabwärts des Farbanschlusses gelegenen Leitungen durch Umschaltung des Ventils in und/oder über die Einrichtung zur Abgabe der Farben geleitet wird. Der Zerstäuber oder dergleichen wird damit nur mit einem von der vorherigen Farbe weitestgehend unbelasteten Spülmittel gereinigt.The rinsing agent is used according to a preferred embodiment of the invention not only for cleaning the downstream of the paint connection lines but also for cleaning the atomizer or the like. In this case, it is preferred if the rinsing agent is initially conducted together with any paint residues of the first color to a valve upstream of the paint dispensing device and from there to a collecting container and only after cleaning of the downstream of the paint connection lines by switching the valve in and / or via the device for dispensing the colors. The atomizer or the like is thus cleaned only with one of the previous color largely unloaded detergent.
Um das Zurückdrängen der Restfarbe in den stromabwärts des Farbanschlusses gelegenen Leitungen zu ermöglichen, wird die Farb- oder Lackdosierpumpe mit einem höheren Druck als dem in den Zuführkanälen herrschenden Druck betrieben. So kann die Farb- oder Lackdosierpumpe einen Druck von beispielsweise etwa 70 bar aufbauen, während in den Ringleitungen und den Zuführkanälen nur bis zu etwa 20 bar herrschen.In order to allow the rest of the color to restrain in the downstream of the paint port lines, the paint or Lackdosierpumpe is operated at a pressure higher than that prevailing in the feed channels pressure. Thus, the paint or Lackdosierpumpe can build up a pressure of, for example, about 70 bar, while prevail in the ring lines and the feed channels only up to about 20 bar.
Weiterbildungen, Vorteile und Anwendungsmöglichkeiten der Erfindung ergeben sich auch aus der nachfolgenden Beschreibung von Ausführungsbeispielen und den Zeichnungen.Further developments, advantages and applications of the invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments and the drawings.
- Fig. 1Fig. 1
- in teilweise geschnittener Ansicht das erfindungsgemäße Farbwechslersystem nach einer ersten Ausführungsform,in a partially sectioned view of the color changer system according to the invention according to a first embodiment,
- Fig. 2Fig. 2
-
eine Ansicht des Farbwechslersystems gesehen in Richtung des Pfeils A aus
Fig. 1 ,a view of the color changer system seen in the direction of arrow A fromFig. 1 . - Fig. 3Fig. 3
- eine Prinzipskizze des erfindungsgemäßen Farbwechselsystems unda schematic diagram of the color change system according to the invention and
- Fig. 4Fig. 4
- in teilweise geschnittener Ansicht das erfindungsgemäße Farbwechslersystem nach einer zweiten Ausführungsform.in a partially sectioned view of the color changer system according to the invention according to a second embodiment.
Das Farbwechslersystem weist zwei kreisscheibenartige Elemente 1 und 2 auf, die in der Darstellung der
Das zweite Element 2 ist dagegen nur mit einer Bohrung versehen, welche jeweils mit einem der Farbanschlüsse 4 in Überdeckung gebracht werden kann. In diese Bohrung ist ein Stößel 5 eingebracht, der die Kugel des Farbanschlusses 4 gegen die Kraft der Feder des Farbanschlusses 4 von ihrem Sitz abheben kann, um eine Strömungsverbindung zwischen dem Zuführkanal 3 und der Bohrung in dem zweiten Element 2 herzustellen.The
In dem Kanal 6 ist eine Öffnung 6a ausgebildet, die dem ersten Element 1 zugewandt ist, so dass der jeweils dem zweiten Element 2 zugeordnete Farbanschluss 4 direkt der als Bohrung in der Stirnseite des zweiten Elements ausgebildeten Öffnung 6a gegenüberliegt. Weiter ist in dem zweiten Element 2 ein Kanal 6 mit freiem Durchgang ausgebildet, der mit der Bohrung 6a des Betätigungsorgans 5 in Verbindung steht. Die Bohrung 6a bildet einen Anschlussabschnitt des Kanals 6 zur selektiven Verbindung mit einem der Farbanschlüsse 4. In diesen Kanal 6 mündet auch ein Spülmittelanschluss 7, welcher mit einem in
Über eine Leitung 10 ist der Kanal 6 mit einer Farb- oder Lackdosierpumpe 8 verbunden, welche wiederum über eine nicht dargestellte Leitung mit einer Einrichtung zur Abgabe der Farben verbunden ist, die in der dargestellten Ausführungsform durch einen Zerstäuber 9 gebildet wird. Die Farb- oder Lackdosierpumpe 8 ist starr mit dem zweiten Element 2 verbunden, wobei eine Antriebswelle 11 für die Farb- oder Lackdosierpumpe 8 durch eine zentrale Bohrung in den beiden Elementen 1 und 2 führt.Via a line 10, the
Die Antriebswelle 11 der Farb- oder Lackdosierpumpe 8 ist dabei durch eine Hohlwelle 12 geführt, welche starr mit dem zweiten Element 2 verbunden ist und drehbar durch eine Bohrung in dem ersten Element 1 geführt ist. Die Hohlwelle 12 ermöglicht es somit, das zweite Element 2 relativ zu dem ersten Element 1 zu drehen. Hierzu ist der Hohlwelle 12 beispielsweise ein in den Figuren nicht dargestellter Schrittmotor zugeordnet. Weiter ist eine in den Figuren ebenfalls nicht gezeigte Einrichtung zum Abheben der beiden Elemente 1 und 2 relativ zueinander in axialer Richtung der Hohlwelle 12 vorgesehen. Diese Einrichtung kann beispielsweise durch einen geeigneten Linearantrieb gebildet werden.The
Im Betrieb wird Farbe aus einer Ringleitung von einem Farbreservoir unter einem Druck von beispielsweise bis zu 20 bar über den Zuführkanal 3 zu dem ersten Element 1 geleitet. Das Betätigungsorgan 5 öffnet den Farbanschluss 4, so dass die Farbe durch den Kanal 6 zu der Farb- oder Lackdosierpumpe 8 geleitet wird. Von dort wird die Farbe unter erhöhtem Druck zu dem Zerstäuber 9 geleitet, von welchem sie beispielsweise auf Karosserieteile aufgetragen wird. Mit Ausnahme des durch das Betätigungsorgan 5 geöffneten Farbanschlusses 4 sind alle übrigen Farbanschlüsse einerseits durch die Kraft der Feder und andererseits durch den Fluiddruck in den Zuführkanälen geschlossen, so dass aus diesen übrigen Zuführkanälen keine Farbe austreten kann.In operation, ink is passed from a paint line from a paint reservoir at a pressure of, for example, up to 20 bar via the
Für einen Farbwechsel wird die Farb- oder Lackdosierpumpe 8 in entgegengesetzter Richtung betätigt, so dass die in den Leitungen 10 zwischen dem Farbanschluss 4 und dem Zerstäuber 9 verbleibende Restfarbe durch den Farbanschluss 4 zurück in den Zuführkanal 3 gefördert wird. Hierbei wird ein Gas, bspw. Luft oder Stickstoff, und/oder ein flüssiges Spülmittel in diese stromabwärts des Farbanschlusses 4 gelegenen Leitungen 6, 10 eingesaugt. Damit erfolgt eine Vorreinigung der Leitungen. Nach Entleerung dieser Leitungen wird zunächst Spülmittel durch den Spülmittelanschluss 7 zugeführt, welches sowohl die in der Figur untere Seite des Farbanschlusses 4, d.h. die Kugel, als auch die in den Kanal 6 hineinragenden Elemente des Betätigungsorgans 5 reinigt und alle stromabwärts des Farbanschlusses 4 gelegenen Leitungen durchspült. Dabei kann zwischen der Farb- oder Lackdosierpumpe 8 und dem Zerstäuber 9 ein Mehrwegeventil vorgesehen sein, welches es ermöglicht, zunächst Spülmittel mit Farbresten in einen Auffangbehälter zu leiten und erst danach Spülmittel, welches im Wesentlichen keine Farbreste mehr enthält, zur Reinigung des Zerstäubers 9 durch oder über diesen zu leiten.For a color change, the paint or
Alternativ hierzu ist es auch möglich, dass bereits Spülmittel in die Leitungen angesaugt wird, wenn für einen Farbwechsel die Farb- oder Lackdosierpumpe 8 in entgegengesetzter Richtung betätigt und hierdurch die in den Leitungen zwischen dem Farbanschluss 4 und dem Zerstäuber 9 verbleibende Restfarbe durch den Farbanschluss 4 zurück in den Zuführkanal 3 gefördert wird. Die Leitungen sind somit nach dem Austreiben der Restfarbe bereits mit dem Spülmittel gefüllt und können dann durch Zufuhr von weiterem Spülmittel gereinigt, durch Zufuhr von Luft getrocknet oder direkt mit der neuen Farbe gefüllt werden.Alternatively, it is also possible that rinsing agent is sucked into the lines when the color or
Vor diesem Spülvorgang wird das Betätigungsorgan 5 so weit zurückgezogen, dass der Farbanschluss 4, welcher dem Betätigungsorgan 5 gegenübersteht, durch den Fluiddruck in dem Zuführkanal 3 sowie durch das elastische Element des Farbanschlusses 4 geschlossen wird. Der Druck des Spülmittels ist dabei geringer als der Druck in dem Zuführkanal 3, so dass der Farbanschluss 4 während des Spülvorganges geschlossen bleibt.Before this flushing operation, the actuating
Nach dem Spülen wird das erste Element 1 zunächst von dem zweiten Element 2 abgehoben oder umgekehrt, wobei bereits ein kleiner Hub von beispielsweise etwa 30 mm zur Beabstandung der beiden Elemente 1 und 2 voneinander ausreichend ist. Anschließend wird das zweite Element 2 durch Betätigung des Schrittmotors so weit gegenüber dem ersten Element 1 verdreht, bis der Zuführkanal und der Farbanschluss der als nächstes benötigten Farbe dem Betätigungsorgan 5 gegenüberliegt. Die beiden Elemente 1 und 2 werden dann wieder miteinander in Anlage gebracht und das Betätigungsorgan 5 kann den Farbanschluss zu einem neuen Lackiervorgang öffnen.After rinsing, the
Zur besseren Ãœbersicht ist in
Bei der in
Das zweite Element 2 kann bei dieser Ausführungsform kompakt gehalten werden und weist den Kanal 6 mit der Öffnung 6a sowie ggf. das Betätigungselement 5 auf. Wie in
- 11
- erstes plattenförmiges Elementfirst plate-shaped element
- 22
- zweites plattenförmiges Elementsecond plate-shaped element
- 33
- Zuführkanalfeed
- 44
- Farbanschluss (Verschlussanordnung)Color connection (closure arrangement)
- 55
- Betätigungsorgan (Stößel)Actuator (ram)
- 66
- Kanalchannel
- 6a6a
- Öffnungopening
- 77
- Spülmittelanschluss (oder Rückführung)Detergent connection (or return)
- 88th
- Farb- oder LackdosierpumpePaint or paint metering pump
- 99
- Zerstäuberatomizer
- 1010
- Leitungmanagement
- 1111
- Antriebswelledrive shaft
- 1212
- Hohlwellehollow shaft
- 1313
- SpülmittelzulaufkanalDishwashing liquid supply channel
- 1414
- SpülmittelrücklaufkanalDishwashing liquid return channel
- 1515
- Absperrorganshutoff
Claims (18)
- A colour change system for selectively supplying at least two colours to a colour-transfer device (9) with a first element (1) into which lead supply channels (3) for the at least two colours, with in particular a twistable, pivotable and/or slidable second element (2) movable relative to the first element, into which second element leads at least one line (10) connectable with the colour-transfer device (9) and which comprises a channel (6) connected with the line and comprising an opening (6a) facing the first element (1), which channel is selectively connectable by a relative movement of the two elements (1, 2) in relation to each other with respectively one of the supply channels (3) of the first element (1), wherein the supply channels (3) are associated with these closable and selectively openable colour connections (4), wherein a detergent flow channel (13) for supplying detergent and closable by means of a shut-off device (15) leads into the channel (6) in the second element (2), characterised in that a preferably selectively forward and backward running pump (8) for conveying colour is provided in the line (10) between the colour-supplying device (9) and the channel (6) in the second element (2), wherein the opening (6a) of channel (6) is in flow-connection with pump (8) such that downstream of the respective colour connection (4) no shut-off device is provided ahead of the pump (8) and in that a detergent return channel (14) possibly closable by means of the shut-off device (15) branches off from the second element (2) and/or from the detergent flow channel (13), which return channel is connectable with pump (8) for supplying detergent to the pump (8).
- The colour-change system according to claim 1, characterised in that the second element (2) comprises an actuating device (5) for opening and/or closing the colour connections (4).
- The colour-change system according to claim 2, characterised in that the second element (2) comprises a plunger (5) as actuating device, which is designed and disposed such that the plunger (5) lifts a hollow needle or a ball of one of the colour connections (4) off a seat for opening, against the force, an elastic element acting upon the hollow needle or the ball.
- The colour-change system according to claim 3, characterised in that the restoring force of the elastic element is smaller than the compressive force of the fluid from the channel (6), acting upon the ball or hollow needle during operation of the pump (8)
- The colour-change system according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the first and/or second element (1, 2) are associated with a step motor or a pneumatic drive for twisting the two elements (1, 2) relatively to each other and/or with a linear actuator for moving the two elements (1, 2) relatively to each other in an axial direction.
- The colour-change system according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that an optionally forward- or backward-running colour- or varnish-metering pump (8) is disposed close to the two elements (1, 2).
- The colour-change system according to claim 6, characterised in that the colour- or varnish-metering pump (8) is fixed on one of the two elements (2), wherein the colour- or varnish-metering pump (8) can be driven by a drive shaft (11) disposed in particular in a hollow shaft (12) for twisting the two elements (1, 2) relatively to each other.
- The colour-change system according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the colour- or varnish-metering pump (8) is disposed in or on the colour-transfer device (9), in particular in association with a spray head (9).
- The colour-change system according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that sealing means are provided in the surfaces of the two elements (1, 2) facing each other, which sealing means surround the channel (6) and/or the supply channels (3).
- The colour-change system according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the actuating device (5) and/or the colour- or varnish-metering pump (8) has a control device associated with it.
- The colour-change system according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that at least one of the supply channels (3) is connected with the first element (1) via a quick-coupling device, wherein the supply channel (3), in addition to the colour connection (4), has a further shut-off device associated with it.
- A method for changing colour, in particular between two varnishing steps in a colour change system according to one of the preceding claims, comprising the following steps:- supplying a first colour from a colour reservoir to a colour-transfer device (9), wherein the colour flows through a first supply channel (3) into a first element (1) when the colour connection (4) is open, through an opening (6a) into a channel (6) in a second element (2) sealingly supported against the first element (1), and through a line (10) to a colour- or varnish-metering pump (8) acting in a first working direction and from there to the colour-transfer device (9),- reversing the working direction of the colour- or varnish-metering pump (8) for a period of time, until at least substantially all colour has been urged back into the first supply channel (3) from the lines (6, 8, 9, 10) downstream of the colour connection (4),- closing the colour connection (4) associated with the first colour,- performing at least one relative movement of the two elements (1, 2) to each other, until a second colour connection of a second colour lies opposite the opening (6a) of channel (6) and the two elements (1, 2) or at least their seal(s) are resting against each other,- opening the colour connection associated with the second colour and supplying the second colour from a colour reservoir to the colour-transfer device (9), wherein the colour flows through the second supply channel into the first element (1) when the colour connection (4) is open, and is directed through the opening (6a) into the channel (6) in the second element (2) sealingly resting against the first element, and through the line to the colour- or varnish-metering pump (8) acting again in the first working direction and from there to the colour-transfer device (9), characterised in that after reversing the working direction of the colour- or varnish-metering pump (8) the colour is urged back into the first supply channel (3) from the lines (6, 8, 9, 10) downstream of the colour connection (4), in that a liquid or gaseous detergent is sucked from a detergent channel (14) associated with pump (8) and/or a detergent channel associated with the colour-transfer device (9) into at least some of the lines (6, 8, 9, 10).
- The method for changing a colour according to claim 12, characterised in that prior to the relative movement of the two elements (1, 2) a detergent is supplied through a detergent flow channel (7) for cleaning the first colour connection (4) and the lines (6, 8, 9, 10) downstream therefrom, which flow channel is, at least from time to time in flow-connection with channel (6).
- The method for changing a colour, in particular between two varnishing steps in a colour-change system according to one of claims 1 - 11, comprising the following steps:- supplying a first colour during a first varnishing step from a colour reservoir to a colour-transfer device (9), wherein the colour flows through a first supply channel (3) into a first element (1) when the colour connection (4) is open, through an opening (6a) into a channel (6) in a second element (2) sealingly supported against the first element (1), and through a line (10) to a colour- or varnish-metering pump (8) acting in a first working direction and from there to the colour-transfer device (9),- closing the colour connection (4) associated with the first colour prior to the end of the first varnishing step and continuing with the first varnishing step, until at least part of the first colour has been discharged by the colour-transfer device (9) from the lines (6, 8, 9, 10) downstream of the colour connection (4),- performing at least one relative movement of the two elements (1, 2) to each other, until a second colour connection of a second colour lies opposite the channel (6) and the two elements (1, 2) or at least their seal(s) are resting against each other,- opening the colour connection associated with the second colour and supplying the second colour during a second varnishing step from a colour reservoir to the colour-transfer device (9), wherein the colour flows through the second supply channel into the first element (1) when the colour connection (4) is open, and is directed through the opening (6a) into the channel (6) in the second element (2) sealingly resting against the first element, and through the line (10) to the colour- or varnish-metering pump (8) acting again in the first working direction and from there to the colour-transfer device (9), characterised in that after closing the colour connection (4) associated with the first colour and prior to the end of the first varnishing step detergent is introduced, during the continuation of the first varnishing step, into the lines (6, 8, 9, 10) downstream of the colour connection (4).
- The method for changing the colour according to claim 14, characterised in that the actuating device (5) and/or the colour- or varnish-metering pump (8) is controlled by the control device such that the first varnishing step, after closing the colour connection (4) associated with the first colour is continued until substantially all colour has been discharged by the colour-transfer device (9) from the line (6, 8, 9) downstream of the colour connection (4).
- The method for changing the colour according to one of claims 12 to 15, characterised in that the relative movement of the two elements (1, 2) comprises the following steps:- distancing the two elements (1, 21) from each other and subsequent rotating and/or displacing of the two elements (1, 2) relative to each other, until a second colour connection of a second colour lies opposite the channel (6),- bringing the two elements (1, 2) closer together until these or at least their seal(s) come to rest against each other.
- The method for changing the colour according to one of claims 13, 14 or 15, characterised in that the detergent is directed initially together with any residues of the first colour as far as a valve upstream of the colour-transfer device (9) and from their into a collecting reservoir and is not directed into and/or via the colour-transfer device (9) until after cleaning the line (6, 8, 9, 10) downstream of the colour connection (4) by a switch-over of the valve.
- The method for changing the colour according to one of claims 12 to 17, characterised in that the colour- or varnish-metering pump (8) is operated at a higher pressure, preferably up to approximately 70 bar, than the pressure prevalent in the supply channels, preferably up to approximately 20 bar.
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
ES07025177T ES2399882T3 (en) | 2007-12-28 | 2007-12-28 | Paint color changer system and procedure to change a paint color |
EP07025177A EP2075073B1 (en) | 2007-12-28 | 2007-12-28 | Colour change system and method for changing colours |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP07025177A EP2075073B1 (en) | 2007-12-28 | 2007-12-28 | Colour change system and method for changing colours |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP2075073A1 EP2075073A1 (en) | 2009-07-01 |
EP2075073B1 true EP2075073B1 (en) | 2012-10-03 |
Family
ID=39361393
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP07025177A Active EP2075073B1 (en) | 2007-12-28 | 2007-12-28 | Colour change system and method for changing colours |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP2075073B1 (en) |
ES (1) | ES2399882T3 (en) |
Families Citing this family (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE102013006219A1 (en) * | 2013-04-11 | 2014-10-16 | Eisenmann Ag | Changing device for coating media and coating system for coating objects |
EP3283231B1 (en) | 2015-04-15 | 2020-07-29 | Apson Lackiertechnik GmbH | Colour change system |
DE102015008845A1 (en) * | 2015-07-13 | 2017-01-19 | Eisenmann Se | Changing device and coating system for coating objects |
DE102016113505A1 (en) | 2016-07-21 | 2018-01-25 | Apson Lackiertechnik Gmbh | Color Change System |
Family Cites Families (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE19962220C2 (en) * | 1999-12-22 | 2002-01-24 | Fraunhofer Ges Forschung | Coating material changing system and coating system for automated coating technology as well as processes for automated coating |
DE10115471B4 (en) * | 2001-03-29 | 2010-05-27 | Dürr Systems GmbH | Color change system for a coating system |
DE10115463A1 (en) * | 2001-03-29 | 2002-10-02 | Duerr Systems Gmbh | Atomizer for a coating system and process for its material supply |
DE502004009952D1 (en) * | 2003-07-28 | 2009-10-08 | Duerr Systems Gmbh | Spray device with color changer for serial coating of workpieces |
DE102006005341A1 (en) * | 2006-02-07 | 2007-08-09 | Volkswagen Ag | Painting device e.g. for painting device, has robot and moveable arm and a at movable arm application part is provided for color which can be applied |
-
2007
- 2007-12-28 ES ES07025177T patent/ES2399882T3/en active Active
- 2007-12-28 EP EP07025177A patent/EP2075073B1/en active Active
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
ES2399882T3 (en) | 2013-04-04 |
EP2075073A1 (en) | 2009-07-01 |
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