A multicolor powder center is disclosed for supplying at least one powder spraying device with different types of coating powder as required. The multicolor powder center has a first powder container for receiving a first type of coating powder, at least one second powder container for receiving a second type of coating powder, and at least one pump unit comprising at least one powder pump. The pressure side of the at least one powder pump is fluidically connected or can be fluidically connected to the powder inlet of a powder spraying device. The at least one pump unit and/or the powder container can be moved relative to each other such that the suction side of the at least one powder pump is fluidically connected or can be fluidically connected either to the interior of the first powder container or the interior of the at least one second powder container as required.

This invention provides a valve-module that is operative with relatively low-pressure pilot-air despite its small size and has excellent durability with less performance-variations than among other similar products. The valve-module of the present invention includes a pilot-port and a biasing-means for biasing the piston-portion in the opposite direction, and controls the opening and closing of the valve by supplying and discharging pilot-air. The first-permanent magnet is held by the first magnet-holder of the valve-rod, and the second-permanent magnet is held by the second magnet-holder of the piston housing. A magnetic-attraction force acts between both permanent magnets and drives the piston in the first direction and increases with the mutual approach of both magnets. Due to the presence of the thin-walled first-and-second collision-avoidance portions, an arrangement-relationship is set between the two permanent magnets such that the end-faces do not directly collide with each other, even when they are closest to each other.

The disclosure relates to a supply system for supplying multiple consumers with a substance to be applied, preferably paint, for application to motor vehicle bodies and/or add-on parts thereof. The supply system comprises a feed line, a return line, a first consumer device which comprises a first consumer, the first consumer being connected to the feed line and the return line and preferably forming a first consumer of the feed line in the flow direction of the substance to be applied, and a further consumer device which comprises a further consumer, the further consumer being connected to the feed line and the return line and preferably forming a last consumer of the feed line in the flow direction of the substance to be applied and/or being arranged after the first consumer in the flow direction of the substance to be applied. The supply system is distinguished in particular in that the feed line is connected to the return line via a connecting line. The disclosure relates further to an associated coating installation and to an associated supply method.

The disclosure relates to an application device for applying an application medium onto a component, preferably for application of a coating onto a motor vehicle body component. The application device includes a print head for preferably serial and/or permanent application of the application medium, wherein the print head has: a nozzle plate, at least one nozzle in the nozzle plate in order to discharge the application medium, at least one valve element, which is movable relative to the nozzle plate, for control of the application medium discharge through the at least one nozzle, wherein the at least one movable valve element closes the at least one nozzle in a closing position and releases it in an opening position, and at least one drive for moving the at least one valve element. The application device is characterised in particular in that it includes at least one temperature control apparatus for reducing heating of the at least one drive during application of the application medium.

The disclosure concerns a coating device for coating components with a coating agent, in particular for painting motor vehicle body components with a paint, with a printhead for applying the coating agent to the component, and with a coating agent supply for supplying the printhead with the coating agent to be applied, wherein the coating agent flows from the coating agent supply to the printhead at a specific coating agent pressure and a specific flow rate. The disclosure provides that the coating supply will control the coating agent pressure and/or the flow rate of the coating agent. Furthermore, the disclosure includes an associated operating method.

A method of actuating a double-action pump assembly with a reciprocating plunger includes signaling the reciprocating plunger to stop for a changeover period; while the pump is stopping, signaling the first inlet and outlet valves to close; while the first inlet and outlet valves are closing, signaling the second inlet and outlet valves to open, such that the second inlet and outlet valves begin to mechanically open at least a dwell period after the first inlet and outlet valves have entirely closed; and signaling the reciprocating plunger to begin moving while the second inlet and outlet valves are closing.

A color change system includes a stator having a plurality of media valves where each of the plurality of media valves has a valve closing body disposed within a valve chamber that is formed in the stator. A fluid connection is provided which emanates a plurality of control channels which lead to a respective control pressure chamber of the media valves where a respective mechanically operable switch valve is located in each of the plurality of control channels. Mechanical actuators are disposed such that only one switch valve is activatable selectively dependent on a relative position of a selector head to the stator.

A method for a system having a plurality of primary fluid sources and a fluid output with a common pump includes halting pumping of a first fluid, isolating the common pump from the fluid output and the primary fluid sources, connecting an inlet of the common pump to a solvent source and a compressed air source, and an outlet of the common pump to a waste fluid dump, filling the common pump with a first purge volume of solvent, cycling the common pump in a flush mode, operating the common pump in a timed flow mode, and connecting an inlet of the common pump to a second primary fluid source, and an outlet of the common pump to the output line, and starting pumping of a second fluid from the second primary fluid source through the output line.

A state determination device determines a state of a paint device including an air motor that rotates by a supply of a gas, a rotational shaft that serves as a rotational center of the air motor, and a rotary atomizer head that is connected to the rotational shaft and sprays paint. The paint device further includes a vibration detection unit that detects a vibration of the paint device, and the state determination device includes a frequency component acquisition unit and an abnormality determination unit. The frequency component acquisition unit acquires a frequency component caused by a contact between the rotational shaft and the air motor from a detection result by the vibration detection unit. The abnormality determination unit determines whether an abnormality of the air motor exists or not based on an acquisition result by the frequency component acquisition unit.

An inkjet coating machine is provided to prevent the components in the paint from precipitating. The inkjet coating machine includes: a robot arm having a chuck at a front end and a nozzle head unit detachably mounted on the chuck. The nozzle head unit includes a nozzle head having a nozzle for spraying the paint, a nozzle control unit for controlling driving of the nozzle, and a head-side circulation path enabling the paint to circulate within the nozzle head. The nozzle head, the nozzle control unit and the head-side circulation path are integrally configured. The coating machine further includes a standby holding unit that holds at least one nozzle head unit in standby and a head replacement unit that replaces the nozzle head unit.