# US 2013/0153066 A1 · Color changer module and color changer > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 2013/0153066 A1 - Document ID: US20130153066A1 - Status: Published application - Kind: A1 - Application number: 13/720,180 - Filed: 2012-12-19 - Published: 2013-06-20 - Earliest claimed: 2011-12-20 - Assignees: ABB Technology AG - Inventors: Ole-Morten LARSEN; Arnulf KROGEDAL - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US20130153066A1 ## CPC - F16L 55/00: Devices or appurtenances for use in, or in connection with, pipes or pipe systems (F16L1/00 - F16L53/00, F16L57/00, F16L59/00 take precedence; repairing or joining pipes on or under water F16L1/26; cleaning of pipes B08B9/02, e.g. removal of blockages B08B9/027; devices for preventing bursting of water pipes by freezing E03B7/10) - B05B 12/149: {characterised by colour change manifolds or valves therefor (B05B12/1409 takes precedence)} - B05B 15/55: using cleaning fluids - Y10T 137/87925: Separable flow path section, valve or closure in each - F16L: PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL - B05B: SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES (spray-mixers with nozzles B01F25/72; processes for applying liquids or other fluent materials to surfaces by spraying B05D) - Y10T: TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION ## Abstract Exemplary embodiments relate to a color changer module including an inlet channel, an outlet channel, a duct channel arranged between them to form a fluidic connection, and a first valve for interrupting the duct channel. A docking valve, lies fluidically in series with the first valve and with which the duct channel can also be interrupted. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A color changer module comprising: an inlet channel and an outlet channel; a duct channel arranged between the inlet and outlet channels to form a fluidic connection; a first valve means for interrupting the duct channel; and a docking valve in series with the first valve means and with which the duct channel can also be interrupted. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The color changer module according to claim 1, wherein the docking valve has a first valve part which encompasses the inlet channel and a second valve part, wherein at least the first valve part is movable so that, through a coupling movement, both valve parts can be hermetically coupled to one another at coupling surfaces or completely separated from one another. ### Claim 3 (depends on 2) The color changer module according to claim 2, wherein the coupling movement includes a linear movement that is substantially perpendicular to the respective coupling surfaces. ### Claim 4 (depends on 2) The color changer module according to claim 2, wherein the first moving valve part is configured to connect to a paint supply line which opens out fluidically into the inlet channel. ### Claim 5 (depends on 4) The color changer module according to claim 4, wherein the first moving valve part is configured to connect to a return line which opens out into the inlet channel, so that a material circulation from the paint supply line into the return line is enabled at least when the docking valve is closed. ### Claim 6 (depends on 1) The color changer module as claimed in claim 1, comprising: a second valve means for supplying air and/or a cleaning fluid into the duct channel. ### Claim 7 (depends on 1) The color changer module according to claim 1, comprising: a central return channel and a third valve means for connecting the duct channel to the central return channel. ### Claim 8 (depends on 1) The color changer module according to claim 1, wherein the module is a disc-like design, wherein a plurality of identical or at least similar color changer modules can be arranged next to one another in a row, and wherein a continuous outlet channel, which extends transversely over the row of color changer modules, to form a continuous central return channel. ### Claim 9 A color changer comprising: a plurality of color changer modules arranged next to one another in a row, wherein each color change module including: an inlet channel and an outlet channel; a duct channel arranged between them to form a fluidic connection; a first valve means for interrupting the duct channel; and a docking valve in series with the first valve means and with which the duct channel can also be interrupted. ### Claim 10 (depends on 9) The color changer according to claim 9, comprising: a lock or locking mechanism that interlocks each respective docking valve against another docking valve. ### Claim 11 (depends on 10) The color changer according to claim 10, wherein the lock or locking mechanism is at least one of a mechanical, mechanical-pneumatic, electrical, and program controlled device. ### Claim 12 (depends on 11) The color changer according to claim 11, wherein the first valve part of a respective docking valve includes: a depression and a respective interlocking channel that opens out opposite the depression; a respective contact means, which is pushed out of the depression into one end of the respective interlocking channel when the respective docking valve opens, so that a free internal volume of the respective interlocking channel is reduced by a switching volume, wherein, at another end, the respective interlocking channel extends into a common closed central interlocking channel which extends over all color changer modules. ### Claim 13 (depends on 12) The color changer according to claim 12, wherein the closed and interconnected interlocking channels are filled with an incompressible medium which fills all interlocking channels less one switching volume when the docking valves are closed. ### Claim 14 (depends on 13) The color changer according to claim 13, wherein the incompressible medium is at least partially formed by balls a diameter of which is matched to a diameter of the interlocking channels. ### Claim 15 (depends on 13) The color changer according to claim 13, wherein the incompressible medium is at least partially formed by a hydraulic fluid. ### Claim 16 (depends on 13) The color changer according to claim 13, wherein the incompressible medium is at least partially formed by a rod. ### Claim 17 (depends on 9) The color changer according to claim 9, wherein the color changer modules are arranged in a housing body which spans the modules.