WO1998008615A1

WO1998008615A1 - Improved color changer manifold and valve

Info

Publication number: WO1998008615A1
Application number: PCT/US1997/015078
Authority: WO
Inventors: Richard D. Combs
Original assignee: Abb Flexible Automation Inc.
Priority date: 1996-08-27
Filing date: 1997-08-27
Publication date: 1998-03-05

Abstract

The present invention provides a manifold (112) as well as a plurality of valves (114a, 114b) removably and sealably connectable thereto. The manifold (112) includes a first surface (162) defining a fluid circulation passageway (22), a second surface defining a central passageway (120), and a third surface defining a flow regulating passageway (123) communicating with the fluid circulation passageway (22) and intersecting the central passageway (120) to define a port (180) therebetween that lies in a substantially flat plane. A valve housing (132) defines a longitudinal axis (138) and includes a first end defining a valve assembly outlet (160) controled by a valve member (148) and a plurality of bores (180) extending through the valve housing (132). A conical face (184) extends from the first end of the valve housing and diverges from the longitudinal axis (138).

Description

IMPROVED COLOR CHANGER MANIFOLD AND VALVE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Technical Field

This invention generally relates to an apparatus for selectively conveying fluid from at least one of a plurality of fluid supply lines to a fluid application device More particularly, the application concerns a color changer apparatus for selectively supplying at least one of a plurality of different paint colors to at least one paint atomizer and/or dispenser at a remote location

2. Discussion

Conventional paint color changer systems include a manifold having a central through-port for communicating selected paint from one of a plurality of fluid supply lines to an atomizer or dispenser Commonly, the manifold of a paint color changer system is further capable of being directly coupled to adjacent, like manifolds in a stack to supply paint to multiple atomizing devices using a single paint supply line for each color Modular color changer systems constructed in accordance with the teachings of the prior art effectively allow communication of one or several paint colors from the respective fluid supply lines to the atomizing device through the manipulation of the plurality of valves removably and sealably connected to the color changer manifold A first color is communicated to a selected atomizer by placing a selected one or more of the plurality of valves in an open position The communicated paint color may be changed by returning all of the valves of the selected color changer to a closed position, flushing the central through-port with purge air, solvent, or the like, and opening the selected one or more of the valves necessary to communicate a second selected color to the central through-port In order to provide the proper shade of paint after a color change it is important to ensure that the flush time, i e , the time interval during which the purge air and/or solvent are conveyed through the central through-port, is of a sufficient duration to expel substantially all of the first color from the manifold before the second color is introduced into the central through-port While complete flushing of the manifold between color application is essential, it should further be appreciated that the operating efficiency of the color changer is dependent upon the duration of the flush time Thus, it is desirable to minimize the flush time needed to adequately expel the first color from the manifold in order to increase the efficiency of the color changer A conventional paint color changer system substantially the same as the color changer shown and described in U.S. Patent No. 5,146,950 (the '950 patent) entitled "Modular Plastic Color Changer" is illustrated in FIG. 3 of the appended drawings. As is described in more detail hereinafter, the configuration of the prior art color changer manifold proximate to the central through-port or passageway creates areas of dead space, i.e., volumes communicating with the central through-port yet not within the defined flow area thereof. These dead spaces inhibit the flushing of the first paint color from the manifold. As a result, an extended flush time is required to adequately expel the paint from these dead spaces before a second color application may be communicated to the atomizer or dispenser. It is therefore desirable to provide a manifold that defines a central through-port and associated passageways that are more efficiently flushed during a color change.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a manifold for use in a fluid changer that communicates fluid from a supply line to an application device such as an atomizer or dispenser. The fluid changer includes the manifold as well as a plurality of valves removably and sealably connectable thereto. The manifold includes a first inner surface defining a fluid circulation passageway communicable with the fluid supply line, a second inner surface defining a central passageway extending along a longitudinal axis, and a third inner surface defining a flow regulating passageway communicating with the fluid circulation passageway and intersecting the central passageway to define a port therebetween that lies in a substantially flat plane.

The invention further provides a valve assembly that is connectable to a manifold, such as to the flow regulating passageway described above, wherein the valve assembly includes a valve housing, a valve apparatus, and a sealing member coupled to a conical face of the valve housing. More particularly, the valve housing defines a longitudinal axis and includes a first end defining a valve assembly outlet, a plurality of bores extending through the valve housing, and a conical face diverging from the longitudinal axis. The valve apparatus is coupled to the valve housing and communicates with the plurality of bores and with the first end of the valve housing so as to regulate flow from the fluid circulation passageway to the generally rectangular central passageway of the manifold. Finally, the valve apparatus includes a valve member and means for moving the valve member between an open position wherein the fluid flowing in the bores passes through the valve assembly outlet and a closed position wherein the valve member prevents flow from the bores through the valve assembly outlet.

The manifold and valve assembly disclosed herein provide a fluid changer adapted to more efficiently expel a first fluid from the central passageway of the manifold thereby deceasing the flush time of the changer. More particularly, the present invention provides a central passageway configured to cooperate with a valve assembly having a specific geometry that includes a distal end that is disposable substantially flush with a surface of the central passageway thereby eliminating the dead space that communicates with the central passageway in prior art color changers.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The object and features of the invention will become apparent from a reading of the detailed description taken in conjunction with the drawings, in which: FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a fluid changer illustrating a manifold and a plurality of valves associated therewith;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the fluid changer manifold and valves shown in FIG.

1 ;

FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along the line 3-3 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 and illustrating a prior art manifold and valve arrangement; and

FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along the line 4-4 in FIGS. 1 and 2 and illustrating an improved color changer manifold and valve arrangement in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged sectional view of the area indicated in FIG. 4; FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of the portion of the valve illustrated in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the prior art manifold shown in FIG. 3 illustrating the configuration of the manifold proximate to a central passageway; and

FIG. 8 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the manifold shown in FIG. 4 illustrating the configuration of the manifold proximate to a central passageway. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a top plan and side view, respectively, of a color changer portions of which are suitable for use with both the prior art color changer 10 illustrated in FIG. 3 and the color changer 110 of the present invention illustrated in FIGS. 4-6. More particularly, FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a color changer 1 10 including a plurality of valves 114 removably connected to the manifold 112 such as by cooperating threads formed in manifold 1 12 and valves 114. Color changer 10, 110 is generally configured in accordance with the color changer described in U.S. Patent No. 5,146,950 (the '950 patent) entitled "Modular Plastic Color Changer", issued September 15, 1992, assigned to the Assignee of this application, and incorporated herein by reference. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that a plurality of manifold segments such as manifold 112 may be interconnected as described in the '950 patent in order to provide a color changer capable of providing a fluid to a plurality of atomizers or dispensers. Manifold 112 includes first and second ports 1 6 and 1 18, respectively, for accommodating threaded fittings and seals (not shown) for connecting a plurality of manifolds 112 to one another so as to form a manifold assembly such as that described in the '950 patent. First port 1 16 is connectable to a plurality of air and solvent valves for flushing paint from manifold 1 12 during color change cycles. In a similar fashion, second port 1 18 may be connected to an atomizing device or other paint application member such as through threaded fittings and seals (not shown). A central passageway 20, 120 interconnects first and second ports 116 and 118, respectively, and communicates with each of the plurality of valves 114 as hereinafter described and as described in the '950 patent in order to convey the selected color to the atomizing device.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the following description while recited with reference to manifold 12 as shown in FIG. 3 is equally applicable to manifold 112 illustrated in FIGS. 4-6. As is most clearly illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, both the prior art manifold (FIG. 3) and the manifold configuration of the present invention (FIG. 4) include fluid circulation passageways communicable with fluid supply and return lines (not shown). Specifically, fluid circulation passageways 22 each include an inlet port 24 communicating with an inflow segment 28 and an outflow port 26 communicating with an outflow segment 30. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the inlet and outflow ports 24 and 26, respectively, may be oriented in a variety of manners such as perpendicular to inflow and outflow segments 28 and 30, respectively, as shown in the appended drawings or in alignment therewith as illustrated and described in the '950 patent.

Inflow segment 28 and outflow segment 30 are separated by a fluid regulating passageway indicated by reference numerals 23 in FIG. 3 and 123 in FIG. 4. Fluid regulating passageways 23, 123 each accommodate one of the plurality of va'ves 14a, 14b, 114a, and 114b, respectively, that are positionable between an open and closed position so as to govern the flow of fluid from inflow segment 28 to the central passageway indicated by reference numeral 20 in FIG. 3 and reference numeral 120 in FIG. 4. Specifically, when the valve is in its closed position, as indicated by first valve 14a in FIG. 3 and first valve 114a in FIG. 4, all of the fluid entering inlet port 24 passes through inflow segment 28, around valve 14a, 114a via an annular flow passage 31 cooperatively defined by valve 14a, 1 14a and fluid regulating passageway 23, 123, through outflow segment 30, and exits manifold 12 via outflow port 26. However, by placing the valve in a position other than its fully closed position as indicated by second valve 14b in FIG. 3 and second valve 1 14b in FIG. 4, at least a portion of the fluid flowing through inflow segment 28 passes through valve 14b, 114b and enters central passageway 20, 120.

The overall components and operation of the valve preferably used with manifold 112 is also known in the art. However, for the sake of clarity, the valve components are shown in FIG. 4 and described herein. Specifically, a first valve 1 14a is illustrated in a closed position and a second valve 114b is shown in an open position. Each valve 114a and 114b includes a valve housing 132 including a cap 134 and a seal retainer 136 formed concentric about a longitudinal axis 138 of valve housing 132. Cap 134 defines a cavity 140 having an opening 142 adapted to accommodate a compressed air supply (not shown) for actuating the valve assembly from and between its fully closed and fully open positions in a manner known in the art. While the valve assembly is illustrated and described herein as being pneumatically actuated, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various other actuation techniques such as electrical or mechanical actuation may be used without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

Seal retainer 136 defines a longitudinal cavity 144 that cooperates with cavity 140 of cap 134 to accommodate a valve assembly generally indicated by reference numeral 146 Valve assembly 146 includes a sealing head 148 integral with a valve needle 150 that is coupled to a piston 152 A spring 154 is in contacting engagement with piston 152 and the seal retainer 136 via a sleeve 156 It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that spring 154 normally biases piston 152 axially away from seal retainer 136 such that sealing head 148 engages a distal end 158 of seal retainer 136 thereby closing a valve outlet 160 so as to prevent fluid flow from the valve

Notwithstanding the structural differences between the prior art color changer and the present invention described in detail hereinafter, the movement of fluid through an open valve, \ e , valves 14b and 1 14b in FIGS 3 and 4, respectively, in each changer is generally the same Thus, those skilled in the art will appreciate that while the following description is recited with reference to FIGS 5 and 6, a similar flow sequence occurs through the pπor art valves 14 shown in FIG 3

As best seen in FIGS 5 and 6, each of the plurality of valves 114 are disposable within fluid regulating passageways 123, connectable to manifold 12, and include valve housing 132 as previously described In the preferred embodiment, valve housing 132 defines a plurality of bores 180 that communicate with fluid circulation passageways 122 and cavity 144 so as to selectively convey fluid from fluid circulation passageways 122 to central passageway 120 by the selective positioning of sealing head 148 Specifically, when valve 114b is in the open position as shown in FIG 5, fluid flowing in inflow segment 128 of fluid circulation passageway 122 enters bores 180 and passes through retainer cavity 144 and valve outlet 160 (FIG 6) thereby entering central passageway 120 It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that when valve assembly 146 is positioned such that sealing head 148 contacts distal end 158 of valve housing 132 (FIG 6) thereby closing valve outlet 160, fluid flowing in inflow segment 128 passes around valve 1 14 and to outlet segment 130 via annular flow passage 131 (FIG 5)

The structural distinctions between the manifold and valves of the prior art color changer illustrated in FIG 3 and the present invention shown in FIGS 4-6 include the configuration of central passageway 20 and 120, respectively, as well as the cooperating valve housing and manifold sealing arrangement allowing the present invention to provide at least the above recited advantages

As shown in FIGS 3 and 7, the configuration of manifold 12 of prior art color changer 10 proximate to central passageway 20 includes a cylindrical connecting passage 21 connecting central passageway 20 to fluid regulating passageway 23. Additionally, fluid regulating passageway 23 includes a terminal end surface 25 that is substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis 65. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that cylindrical connecting passageway 21 creates a "dead space" 27 between the radial periphery 29 of the circular cross section of central passageway 20 and the terminal end surface 25 of fluid regulating passageway 23 or the distal end 58 of valve 14a (FIG 3). Those skilled in the art will appreciate that dead space 27 is normally filled with the fluid conveyed through central passageway 20 and that dead space 27 inhibits the flushing of the fluid from manifold 12 when the fluid color is changed. As a result, the time required to completely flush the manifold system is undesirably extended.

More particularly, manifold 12 is flushed by placing all of the valves 14 into their fully closed positions as indicated by valve 14a (FIG. 3) and conveying purge air and/or a solvent through central passageway 20. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that additional flush time is required to expel fluid from areas communicating with central passageway 20 but not within the flow area of the passageway. Reference may be made to the '950 patent for a more detailed illustration and discussion of the valve members connectable to manifold 12 for effecting the fluid color changing sequence. Turning now to the structural configuration of the color changer of the present invention, FIG. 5 illustrates an enlarged sectional view of the manifold 112 proximate to central passageway 120. In this figure, valve 114a has been removed to more clearly illustrate that central passageway 120 communicates with fluid circulation passageway 122 via fluid regulating passageway 123. More particularly, a first surface 162 within manifold 12 defines the preferably cylindrical inflow and outflow segments 128 and 130, respectively, of fluid circulation passageway 122 that intersect a cylindrical surface 164 formed about longitudinal axis 165 and that, along with a conical surface 166, defines fluid regulating passageway 123.

Conical surface 166 intersects a first side surface 168 of central passageway 120, extends in the direction of longitudinal axis 165, and diverges from longitudinal axis 165 thereby defining a sealing surface engageable by a sealing member of valve 114 to prevent flow from fluid circulation passageway 122 to central passageway 120 other than through valve 114. Correspondingly, each of the plurality of valves 114 include, as best illustrated in FIG. 6, a sealing member 186 and a conical sealing surface 184 cooperative with conical surface 166 of fluid regulating passageways 123 In the preferred embodiment, valve housing 132 defines a circumferential groove 188 in conical sealing surface 184 for accommodating a sealing member such as O-πng 186 It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that conical sealing surface 184 of valve housing 132 extends axially away from distal end 158 thereof and diverges from longitudinal axis 138 preferably at the same angle that conical surface 166 of fluid regulating passageway 123 diverges from longitudinal axis 165 thereof In the preferred embodiment, both conical surface 166 and conical sealing surface 184 diverge from longitudinal axes 165 and 138, respectively, at a 45 degree angle

It will further be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the specific configuration of manifold 112 proximate to central passageway 120 allows a first color to be efficiently and effectively flushed from central passageway 120 as hereinafter described The preferred configuration of manifold 1 2 includes central passageway 120 defining a longitudinal axis 171 at the intersection of a first axis 172 and a second axis 174 First side walls 168 of central passageway 120 are preferably parallel to first axis 172 whereas a pair of second side walls 170 are preferably perpendicular to first axis 172 and parallel to second axis 174 Central passageway 120 further preferably includes a plurality of fillets 176 interconnecting each of first and second side walls 168 and 170, respectively, thereby defining a pair of points of curvature 178 for each of said plurality of fillets 176 In the preferred embodiment, conical surface 166 of flow regulating passageways 123 intersect first sides 168 of central passageway 120 at points of curvature 178 as shown in FIG 5 The present invention eliminates the dead space between central passageway 120 and the distal end 158 of valve 114a, 1 14b by providing a cooperating manifold and valve assembly structure More particularly, central passageway 120 and flow regulating passageway 123 intersect to define a port 180 therebetween (FIG 5) that lies in a substantially flat plane, such as along one of the first sides 168 A portion of the preferred embodiment of port 180 is illustrated in FIG 8 as a semi-circle lying in the flat plane defined by first side 168 of central passage 120 Valve 1 14a, 114b is connectable to manifold 112 such that the cooperatively configured distal end 158 of the valve 114a, 114b is substantially flush with the first side 168 (FIG 4) Accordingly, when air or a flushing solvent is conveyed through central passageway 120 as heretofore described, the first color fluid within passageway 120 is efficiently removed therefrom Thus, the time required to flush the color changer of the present invention is reduced in comparison with prior art color changers. While the specific embodiment of the fluid type changer manifold and valve disclosed herein has been shown and described in detail, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the present invention may be embodied in other forms without departing from the principals and fair scope thereof. It is anticipated that various other advantages and modifications will become apparent to one skilled in the art after having the benefit of studying the teachings of the specification, the drawings, and the following claims

Claims

1 A manifold for use in a fluid changer that communicates fluid from a supply line to a device, the fluid changer including the manifold and a valve removably and sealably connectable to said manifold, said manifold comprising a first inner surface defining a fluid circulation passageway communicable with the fluid supply line, a second inner surface defining a central passageway extending along a longitudinal axis, and a third inner surface defining a flow regulating passageway communicating with said fluid circulation passageway, said flow regulating passageway intersecting said central passageway to define a port therebetween such that the port lies in a substantially flat plane

2 The manifold of claim 1 wherein said central passageway has a generally rectangular cross section

3 The manifold of Claim 2 wherein said central passageway includes a pair of first walls parallel to one another and parallel to a first axis and a pair of second walls parallel to each other and parallel to a second axis

4 The manifold of Claim 3 wherein said third inner surface includes a conical sealing surface intersecting one of said first walls of said central passageway and diverging from each of said first axis and said second axis

5 The manifold of Claim 4 wherein said conical sealing surface extends from one of said first walls of said central passageway and diverges at a 45 degree angle relative to each of said first axis and said second axis

6 The manifold of Claim 3 wherein said central passageway further includes a plurality of arcuate segments interconnecting said first and second walls

7 The manifold of Claim 6 wherein said third inner surface includes a conical sealing surface intersecting one of said first walls of said central passageway proximate to said arcuate segments, said conical sealing surface extending from said one of said first walls of said central passageway and diverging from each of said first axis and said second axis at a 45 degree angle.

8. In a fluid changer having at least one manifold segment connectable to form a manifold assembly for supplying at least one device with fluid from a single fluid supply line, the manifold assembly including at least one outlet passage for supplying fluid to the at least one device, a fluid circulation line extending through the manifold assembly and communicating with the fluid supply line, a valve assembly connected to said manifold assembly for selectively coupling the fluid circulation line to the at least one outlet passage and for separately controlling flow of fluid from the circulation line to the outlet passage, each of said manifold segments providing at least a portion of said at least one outlet passage and at least a portion said fluid circulation line, the improvement comprising: each of said manifold segments including an inner surface and a fluid regulating passageway, said inner surface defining an outlet passage, said fluid regulating passageway including a conical sealing surface and interconnecting said outlet passage and at least a portion of said fluid circulation line; and said valve assembly including a valve body defining a longitudinal axis, an outlet face, and a seal face, a valving apparatus coupled to said valve body and communicating with the at least a portion of said fluid circulation line and said outlet passage, and a sealing member coupled to said seal face, said sealing member adapted to sealingly engage said conical sealing surface whereby said valve assembly controls the flow of fluid from the circulation line to said outlet passage.

9. The fluid changer of claim 8 wherein said valve assembly is coupled to said manifold assembly such that said outlet face is substantially flush with said inner surface.

10. The fluid changer of claim 9 wherein said outlet passage has a generally rectangular cross section. 11 The fluid changer of Claim 10 wherein said inner surface defining said outlet passage includes a pair of first walls parallel to one another and parallel to a first axis and a pair of second walls parallel to each other and parallel to a second

12 The fluid changer of Claim 1 1 wherein said conical sealing surface intersects said inner surface defining said outlet passage and diverges from each of said first axis and said second axis

13 The fluid changer of Claim 12 wherein said conical sealing surface diverges from each of said first axis and said second axis at a 45 degree angle

14 The fluid changer of Claim 11 wherein said inner surface defining said outlet passage section further includes a plurality of arcuate segments interconnecting said first and second walls

15 The fluid changer of Claim 14 wherein said conical sealing surface intersects one of said first walls of said outlet passage proximate to said arcuate segments, said conical sealing surface extending from said one of said first walls of said outlet passage section and diverging from each of said first axis and said second axis

16 The fluid changer of Claim 8 wherein said seal face defines a conical face extending from said outlet face and diverging from said longitudinal axis of said valve body

17 The fluid changer of Claim 16 wherein said conical face diverges from said longitudinal axis at a 45 degree angle relative thereto

18 The fluid changer of Claim 17 wherein said seal face defines a groove and wherein said sealing member includes an 0-rιng partially disposed within said groove 19 A valve assembly for use in a fluid type changer that selectively communicates fluid from a supply line, through a manifold, and to at least one device, the manifold having connecting means for removably connecting a valve assembly thereto, said valve assembly comprising a valve housing defining a longitudinal axis and including a first end defining a valve assembly outlet, a conical face diverging from said longitudinal axis, and a plurality of bores extending through said valve housing, a valve apparatus connected to said valve housing and communicating with said plurality of bores and with said first end of said valve housing, said valve apparatus including a valve member movable between an open position wherein fluid flowing in said bores passes through said valve assembly outlet and a closed position wherein said valve member prevents flow from said bores through said valve assembly outlet, said valve apparatus further including means for moving said valve member between said open position and said closed position, and a sealing member coupled to said conical face

20 The valve assembly of Claim 19 wherein said conical face extends from said first end of said valve housing and diverges from said longitudinal axis at a 45 degree angle

21 The valve assembly of Claim 20 wherein said conical face defines a circumferential groove and wherein said sealing member includes an O-πng at least partially disposed within said circumferential groove