Rinsing device for connection of the adhesive changer to the adhesive main channel

Abstract

The present invention relates to a rinsing device (100) for connection of a coating agent changer (200) to a coating agent main channel (201), preferably for continuous inflow of rinse agent (S2) into a flow of rinse air (S1), the rinsing device (100) comprising a main line (1) for conveying rinse air (S1) and a rinse agent line (2) for conveying rinse agent (S2). The invention is particularly characterized in that the rinse agent line (2) opens into the main line (1) via an outlet (2.1) to generate a flow, preferably a continuous flow, of a rinse air / rinse agent mixture (S3) to be introduced into the coating agent main channel (201). The invention also relates to a corresponding rinsing method.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a rinsing device for connecting a coating agent changer (e.g., a so-called color changer) to a coating agent main channel, e.g., for continuous inflow of rinsing agent into a stream of rinsing air. The present invention also relates to an associated rinsing method. [Background technology]

[0002] 12 and 13 show a rinsing device known in practice for rinsing sprayers and color changers for painting automobile bodies together with the associated rinsing program.

[0003] The rinsing device includes a pulsed air valve 10' through which pulsed air S1' is provided to rinse the color changer and the sprayer with the pulsed air S1'.

[0004] The rinse device further includes a rinse agent valve 20' through which rinse agent S2' is provided for rinsing the color changer and the sprayer with the rinse agent S2'.

[0005] Reference numeral 201' indicates diagrammatically the main paint channel of the color changer, through which different paints are fed to the atomizer via multiple paint supplies.

[0006] The rinsing process is carried out by alternate, and therefore cyclical, opening and closing of the pulsed air valve 10' and the rinse aid valve 20' according to Fig. 13. At the start of the rinsing process, a rinse with rinse aid S2' is usually carried out in order to dissolve the paint to be removed in the color changer and the sprayer with rinse aid S2'. At the end of the rinsing process, the main paint channel 201' of the color changer in particular is blown dry with pulsed air S1'.

[0007] The gear wheel of the metering pump, not shown in Figures 12 and 13, between the color changer and the sprayer is normally rinsed via a separate rinse agent connection.

[0008] A drawback of the periodic rinsing (switching) shown in FIG. 13 is, for example, the consumption of rinse aid.

[0009] Rinse agent consumption per color change is relatively large due to the periodic rinsing between pulsed air S1' and rinse agent S2' and due to the separate rinse agent connections on the metering pumps.

[0010] Not only is the consumption relatively high, but another drawback is that it is often not possible to blow all of the residual rinse agent out of the rinse circuit, for example, because periodic rinsing processes usually take up a large portion of the available rinsing time. When the next color is applied, the residual rinse agent can affect the new color, particularly by changing its concentration. Such affected paint cannot be used for painting and is therefore usually discarded.

[0011] Additionally, aqueous rinses for new coating systems tend to increase foaming in combination with pulsed air, which can be problematic with blast drying.

[0012] Also, although the pulse air valve 10' in Figure 12 is located directly on the paint circuit, it cannot be backwashed with rinse aid S2'. Only pulse air S1' passes through the valve seats 60'+61' due to its drying action. If paint residues accumulate there, they will dry and over time prevent the pulse air valve 10' from closing completely and tightly.

[0013] The valve seats 60' and valve closing elements 61' of the pulse air valve 10' and rinse aid valve 20' are tapered in the direction of flow, thus forming a "positive valve seat". The disadvantage of this is that, for example, excessive pressure (e.g., pressure surges) from the paint main channel 201' and / or a leak in the pulse air valve 10' can cause paint residue to find its way behind the valve seat 60' of the pulse air valve 10' and, for example, to become stuck there. If such a contamination fault continues, paint and rinse aid residue can get into the pulse air Backflow preventionIt may also adhere to the valve 11' and the resulting defect may allow it to penetrate into the airtight or control room (e.g., reach the solenoid valve) and even flood it, which may even lead to an explosion hazard. Furthermore, a leak in the pulse air valve 10' during the painting process may cause pulse air S1' to unintentionally enter the paint main channel 201' (processing error). Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0014] It is an object of the present invention to provide an alternative and / or improved rinsing device for rinsing an application agent changer and, preferably, a metering device and / or an application device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0015] This object is achieved by the features of the independent claims. Advantageous further developments of the invention are disclosed in the dependent claims and in the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention.

[0016] The present invention relates to a rinsing device for connecting a coating agent changer (e.g., a color changer) to a coating agent main channel and / or preferably for the continuous inflow of rinsing agent (e.g., by spraying, in particular by injection) into the rinsing air flow.

[0017] The rinse agent is preferably a rinse liquid.

[0018] The rinse air may be, for example, pulsed air (particularly pulsed rinse air), but is preferably continuous and / or non-pulsed rinse air. Thus, the rinse air flow may be, for example, a pulsed air flow or a non-pulsed rinse air flow.

[0019] The rinsing device comprises a main line for conveying rinsing air and a rinse agent line (particularly configured as a secondary line) for conveying rinsing agent.

[0020] The rinsing device is characterized in that the rinse agent line opens into the main line via an outlet (e.g. a nozzle, in particular a spray nozzle) in order to generate a (preferably continuous) flow of rinse air / rinse agent mixture, which is to be introduced in particular into the application agent main channel.

[0021] The rinse agent line is then preferably connected to the main line so that rinse agent can flow, in particular be injected, into the rinse air accordingly.

[0022] Upstream of the outlet, the main line preferably serves to carry rinse air (in particular only rinse air).

[0023] Downstream of the outlet, the main line may in particular serve to carry the rinse air / rinse agent mixture and may thus form, for example, a manifold for the rinse air and rinse agent and thus for the rinse air / rinse agent mixture.

[0024] The rinse device preferably allows for rinse operation without alternating rinses with one rinse air and another rinse agent.

[0025] In particular, this allows for continuous, preferably non-alternating, inflow of rinse agent into the rinse air stream (eg via a reduced cross-sectional area (nozzle)).

[0026] It is also possible for the rinse agent line to have a smaller cross-sectional flow area than the main line. Alternatively or additionally, the outlet may have a smaller cross-sectional flow area than the main line, in particular in the outlet area of ​​the outlet. The outlet may be formed, for example, as a spray nozzle. However, embodiments are also possible in which the main line and the rinse agent line have substantially the same cross-sectional flow area.

[0027] The rinse agent lines may, for example, have throttle points or nozzles, preferably with a (locally as appropriate) reduced or narrowed cross-sectional flow area.

[0028] The throttle point or nozzle may be located, for example, upstream of the outlet and / or downstream of the rinse agent valve. The outlet (e.g., configured as a spray nozzle) may be embodied as a throttle point or nozzle.

[0029] A smaller flow cross-sectional area, throttle point and / or outlet (preferably configured as a spray nozzle) may in particular make it possible to reduce the consumption of rinse agent and / or increase the rinse agent flow rate, which may preferably help to improve the aerosol effect (in particular the atomization effect).

[0030] The smaller flow cross-sectional area, throttle point and / or outlet (preferably configured as a spray nozzle) preferably opens substantially directly into the main line.

[0031] It is also possible that the rinse agent can be introduced, in particular injected (in particular via the outlet) into the rinse air flow and / or the main line in atomized form (e.g., as a spray) to advantageously create an aerosol from the rinse air and the rinse agent. To this end, the outlet may, for example, be configured as a spray nozzle to inject the rinse agent in atomized form (e.g., as a spray) into the rinse air flow and / or the main line. The aerosol is preferably generated by simultaneously opening the rinse air and rinse agent supplies and / or by spraying the rinse agent into the rinse air flow.

[0032] Spraying of the rinse agent may be made possible and / or facilitated in particular by the outlet, which may suitably be formed as a spray nozzle, a smaller flow cross-sectional area and / or a throttle point or nozzle.

[0033] The aerosol may be produced, inter alia, by spraying the rinse agent into a continuous stream of rinse air.

[0034] It is also possible that the rinse agent can be continuously introduced, in particular injected, in atomized form into the rinse air, in particular into the rinse air flow. To this end, the rinse device may, for example, comprise a valve control system, which suitably provides a switching position such that the rinse air and the rinse agent are simultaneously available for mixing. This allows, for example, a continuous inflow of rinse agent into the rinse air, thereby generating a continuous flow of rinse air / rinse agent mixture.

[0035] It is also possible for the rinse agent lines and / or outlets to open into the main line substantially parallel to the direction of flow in the main line, or to open into the main line at an angle to the direction of flow in the main line, which preferably allows the rinse agent to be introduced into the main line non-perpendicular to the direction of flow in the main line.

[0036] The outlet may, for example, be located substantially centrally within the flow cross section of the main line, or may conveniently open into the main line from the outside.

[0037] The rinsing device can have a valve closure element that widens in the direction of flow (e.g., substantially conically or stepwise) and is, in particular, a negative valve closure element. Alternatively or additionally, the rinsing device can include a valve seat that widens in the direction of flow (e.g., substantially conically or stepwise) and is, in particular, a negative valve seat. This allows, for example, the valve closure element to be pressed against the valve seat into a closed position in the event of excessive pressure (e.g., a pressure surge) from the application agent main channel.

[0038] The (especially negative) valve closure element and / or (especially negative) valve seat may be formed as appropriate in one or more of the valves described herein, for example, in the rinse air valve, rinse agent valve, release valve, and / or rinse valve.

[0039] It is also possible for the rinse aid line to comprise several individual lines that open into the main line. For this purpose, the rinse aid line may be divided, for example, into several individual lines that connect to the main line. The different individual lines may preferably be realized in the same way as the rinse aid line.

[0040] The rinse device may, for example, comprise a preferably solid pipe body (eg a pipe block) through which the main line and the rinse agent line extend and / or through which an outlet is formed.

[0041] The inflow (in particular injection) of the rinse agent into the rinse air may preferably be realized within the pipe body.

[0042] The pipe body may be a metal or plastic body, for example manufactured by a casting or injection molding process or a 3D printing process.

[0043] The main line within the pipe body may be realized, for example, as a single line (suitably as a borehole) or as a plurality of individual lines (for example, individual boreholes). Alternatively or additionally, the rinse agent line within the pipe body may be realized, for example, as a single line (suitably as a borehole) or as a plurality of individual lines (for example, individual boreholes). The main line and / or the rinse agent line may then be divided into a plurality of individual lines as appropriate.

[0044] The different individual lines of the main line may preferably be realized in the same way as the main line.

[0045] The embodiment with separate lines preferably allows for stronger and more uniform spraying and / or mixing.

[0046] The pipe body together with the main line and the rinse aid line may be manufactured, for example, by a casting or injection molding process or a 3D printing process.

[0047] It is also possible that the outlets and / or rinse agent lines in the pipe body have a smaller cross-sectional flow area than the main line in the pipe body.

[0048] It is also possible for the main line to have a rinse air valve configured as a single valve for opening and closing the supply of rinse air. Alternatively or additionally, the rinse agent line may have a rinse agent valve configured as a separate valve for opening and closing the supply of rinse agent.

[0049] A rinse air valve and / or a rinse agent valve may be located, for example, upstream of the outlet and / or the pipework.

[0050] It is possible for the main line to have a rinse air / rinse agent valve (and optionally a release valve) configured as a single valve for opening and closing the supply of the rinse air / rinse agent mixture.

[0051] A rinse air / rinse agent valve may be located, for example, downstream of the outlet and / or the pipework.

[0052] A rinse air / rinse agent valve can be integrated into the coating agent changer, for example.

[0053] Alternatively or additionally, the pipe body and / or the rinse air valve and / or the rinse agent valve can be located outside the application agent changer, e.g., attached to it or spatially separated therefrom.

[0054] The rinse air valve, rinse agent valve, and / or rinse air / rinse agent valve may each preferably be configured as a single valve, such that the valves preferably each have their own valve body and / or may be spatially separated from one another.

[0055] The rinsing device may comprise a rinse valve, which is in particular realized as a single valve, and may also be configured as a rinse valve.

[0056] It is possible that the main line and / or the rinse agent line extend within the rinse valve, so that the rinse valve can form a common rinse valve for the main line and the rinse agent line.

[0057] Alternatively or additionally, the outlet may be preferably located in the rinse valve, which may be located, for example, external to the coating agent changer, for example, attached thereto or spatially separated therefrom, or may be at least partially integrated into the coating agent changer.

[0058] In embodiments comprising a rinse valve, the rinse device can be realized as a rinse valve (particularly configured as a single valve).

[0059] The rinse valve preferably includes at least one (e.g., elongated and / or groove-shaped) inlet for the main line and at least one (e.g., elongated and / or groove-shaped) inlet for the rinse agent line.

[0060] The rinse valve may be designed, for example, to open or close the supply of rinse air, preferably by opening or closing the inlet opening for the main line, thus realizing, for example, the function of a rinse air valve.

[0061] Alternatively or additionally, the rinse valve may be designed to open or close the supply of rinse agent, for example, preferably by opening or closing an inlet opening for the rinse agent line, thus realizing, for example, the function of a rinse agent valve.

[0062] The rinse valve may be configured to open and close a valve seat, for example, to dispense a rinse air / rinse agent mixture. The valve seat may be opened and closed, in particular, by a movable valve closing element, thereby realizing, for example, the functionality of a rinse air / rinse agent valve (in particular a release valve).

[0063] The rinse valve may, for example, have a preferably movable first valve plunger and / or a preferably movable second valve plunger (eg, a valve needle).

[0064] The first valve plunger and the second valve plunger may preferably be housed within a common valve body, in particular within a common valve housing.

[0065] The main line may extend through the first valve plunger (e.g., diagonally and / or non-axially) and / or through the second valve plunger (substantially axially), and may preferably extend inside the first valve plunger and / or inside the second valve plunger.

[0066] The rinse agent line may extend through the first valve plunger (e.g., diagonally and / or non-axially) and / or the outlet may be formed in the first valve plunger, preferably at least slightly spaced from the outer periphery of the second valve plunger.

[0067] It is also possible that the rinse agent line and / or the outlet in the first valve plunger has a smaller cross-sectional flow area than the main line in the first valve plunger and / or the second valve plunger.

[0068] The cross-sectional flow area of ​​the main line within the second valve plunger may preferably be larger than the cross-sectional flow area of ​​the rinse agent line and / or the main line within the first valve plunger.

[0069] The second valve plunger may, for example, extend through the first valve plunger.

[0070] The first valve plunger and the second valve plunger may, for example, be substantially coaxially arranged and / or movable relative to one another.

[0071] The first valve plunger may, for example, have a valve inlet opening for the main line and a valve inlet opening for the rinse agent line.

[0072] The first valve plunger may be configured to move to open or close at least one of the valve inlet openings (optionally the valve inlet opening for the main line and / or the valve inlet opening for the rinse agent line).

[0073] The main line and / or rinse agent line preferably connect to the first valve plunger via an outer surface of the first valve plunger.

[0074] The main line preferably leads into the second valve plunger via an outer surface thereof and then preferably extends substantially axially within the second valve plunger to the outlet opening.

[0075] The rinse valve may have, for example, a first control input, particularly in the form of a first control air connection, for moving a first valve plunger, and / or a second control input, particularly in the form of a second control air connection, for moving a second valve plunger.

[0076] For example, a first control input can cause the first valve plunger to move against the action of a return element (e.g., a spring element) to an open position so that the main line and / or the rinse agent line is opened.

[0077] The first valve plunger may, for example, be designed such that the main line or the rinse aid line is (in particular always) in an open position, preferably independently of the position of the first valve plunger, and for this purpose the inlet opening of the main line or the inlet opening of the rinse aid line may, for example, be of elongated and / or grooved design, in particular in the direction of movement of the first valve plunger.

[0078] For example, to open the valve seat by the valve closing element, a second control input can cause the second valve plunger to move against the action of a return element (e.g., a spring element) to an open position.

[0079] Rinse air and rinse agent, and preferably a rinse air / rinse agent mixture, may be introduced into the second valve plunger, for example, via an inlet opening, which is preferably formed in the outer surface of the second valve plunger.

[0080] The second valve plunger may, for example, have an outlet opening, particularly on its outer surface, through which the rinse air / rinse agent mixture can flow out.

[0081] The first valve plunger may, for example, be connected to at least one leakage opening, in particular to prevent undesired mixing, for example between the control air and the rinse air, between the rinse air and the rinse agent, etc.

[0082] The second valve plunger may, for example, have a valve closure element for opening and closing the valve seat.

[0083] The rinse device may, for example, have a seal, preferably a diaphragm seal, for sealing the valve plunger (e.g., valve needle). The use of a diaphragm seal, for example, instead of a wiping needle seal, can advantageously increase operational reliability, gas tightness, and therefore valve life.

[0084] A diaphragm seal may be used, for example, to seal, among other things, the second valve plunger.

[0085] The diaphragm seal may preferably surround the (especially second) valve plunger and / or be movable together with the (especially second) valve plunger, for example by being attached to the (especially second) valve plunger.

[0086] Backflow prevention A valve may be incorporated, for example, into the rinse valve, preferably into the second valve plunger. Backflow prevention The valve may, for example, be disposed between the inlet and outlet openings of the second valve plunger.

[0087] The main line within the first valve plunger may suitably comprise multiple individual lines. Alternatively or additionally, the rinse aid line may suitably comprise multiple individual lines within the first valve plunger.

[0088] The main line may have an intermediate chamber (e.g., an annular chamber) within the rinse valve, into which the outlet opens and / or through which the main line extends, for example, to allow rinse air and rinse agent to be introduced into the intermediate chamber, preferably to be mixed in the intermediate chamber and / or the second valve plunger.

[0089] The intermediate chamber is preferably disposed between the first valve plunger and the second valve plunger, and may be suitably bounded by the first valve plunger and the second valve plunger.

[0090] The introduction and / or mixing of the rinse agent into the rinse air may be carried out, for example, in the rinse valve, preferably in the intermediate chamber and / or in the second valve plunger.

[0091] The intermediate chamber may preferably form part of the main line.

[0092] The individual lines of the main line and / or the individual lines of the rinse agent line may for example open into the intermediate chamber or into or onto the second valve plunger (particularly its inlet opening).

[0093] The valve closure element may for example be fitted with a preferably circumferential and / or annular plastic or elastomeric seal, thus increasing the service life of the valve, since an increased sealing effect can preferably be achieved even when the seal seat begins to wear.

[0094] It should be noted that the present invention includes, for example, embodiments in which rinse agent (and in particular only rinse agent) is preferably supplied at the start of the rinse operation, but also embodiments in which rinse air (and in particular only rinse air) is supplied at the start of the rinse operation. In particular, the present invention also includes embodiments in which rinse air and rinse agent are both supplied at the start of the rinse operation.

[0095] It should also be noted that the present invention includes embodiments in which, for example, the rinse valve and / or rinse air valve may preferably be spatially separated from the coating material main channel, which may advantageously at least reduce deposition of coating material on its valve seat.

[0096] The present invention includes as subject matter protection not only rinsing devices, but also arrangements comprising a rinsing device, a coating agent changer (e.g. a color changer) and preferably an application device (e.g. a sprayer or printhead) and / or a metering device (e.g. a metering pump).

[0097] The main line of the rinsing device preferably opens into the main coating material channel of the coating material changer.

[0098] The main line may then preferably be connected to the coating agent main channel of the coating agent changer, in particular for rinsing the coating device and / or the coating agent main channel, which is capable of supplying coating agent from the coating agent main channel (in particular at least one of its coating agent lines), with the rinse air / rinse agent mixture.

[0099] Alternatively or additionally, a main line may be connected to the metering device via the application agent main channel, for example, preferably for rinsing the metering device.

[0100] A rinsing device can be connected to the metering device for rinsing the latter. Rinsing of the metering device may, for example, involve alternately opening and closing a bypass valve in a bypass line bypassing the metering device, and preferably also opening a return valve in the return line of the metering device, via which, for example, rinsing air and / or rinsing agent (in particular a rinsing air / rinsing agent mixture) can be released into a suitable collection container. This means that a separate rinsing connection on the metering device can preferably be omitted.

[0101] In particular, the area between the flat gear wheel surfaces of the metering device can advantageously be rinsed free of application medium by (if appropriate) briefly opening the return valve.

[0102] The metering devices may be operated simultaneously (especially slowly) during the rinsing operation so that all interdental spaces of the metering devices can be cleaned in a timely manner.

[0103] In this case, the bypass line may be optionally supplied with a rinse air / rinse agent mixture.

[0104] It is preferred that the main rinse volume passes through the gear wheel pair of the metering device and then through the applicator into its return line, particularly when the bypass valve is closed and the return valve is closed.

[0105] The main line may, for example, be connected at its upstream end to the coating agent main channel, for example, at substantially the aft end of the coating agent main channel in the flow direction.

[0106] A main line may be connected to the coating agent main channel, for example, to rinse the entire coating agent main channel with the rinse air / rinse agent mixture and / or so that all coating agent supplies of the coating agent changer are downstream in the flow direction of the rinse air / rinse agent mixture.

[0107] The main line can be connected to an application device for applying a coating material (e.g., paint) via the coating material main channel, in order to rinse the application device, in particular with a rinse air / rinse agent mixture.

[0108] During the rinse operation, the rinse air / rinse agent mixture may be introduced, for example, into a closing valve (in particular the main needle valve) in the application device and may be led out again from the application device via a return line which preferably has a return valve.

[0109] The application device may be, for example, a sprayer, in particular a rotary sprayer (e.g., a bell-cup sprayer), or a printhead. The coating material to be applied is preferably a paint, in particular for painting automotive bodies and / or their accessories.

[0110] The metering device is preferably used to deliver the application material to be applied.

[0111] Rinsing is preferably carried out via the medium pressure of the rinsing air and the rinsing agent, where appropriate the metering devices may be operated simultaneously, for example only slowly, so that the interdental spaces in particular of the metering pumps can be cleaned.

[0112] The rinse device (e.g. a separate valve or a valve preferably configured as a rinse valve) continuously introduces, in particular injects, rinse agent into the rinse air, thereby allowing for a switching position in which rinse air and rinse agent are supplied simultaneously to generate a continuous flow of rinse air / rinse agent mixture.

[0113] The coating material changer (e.g., color changer) may have multiple coating material supplies, particularly for supplying different coating materials (especially coating materials of different colors), with individual coating material supplies opening into the coating material main channel.

[0114] It should be noted that the rinsing device may be used, for example, to rinse a docking color changer, at least one valve station in one or more paint application mechanisms, one or more piggable lines, for example in a specialty paint supply system, and / or a sprayer in a sprayer cleaning device.

[0115] In the context of the present invention, the feature "rinsing" may preferably also include the general term "cleaning." In the context of the present invention, the feature "rinsing air" may also include, where appropriate, other suitable gases, for example, in general.

[0116] The flow directions referred to herein preferably refer to the flow direction of rinse air, rinse agent, and / or rinse air / rinse agent mixture during a rinse operation.

[0117] The present invention also relates to a rinsing method that can be preferably implemented with the rinsing device described herein, the rinsing method, and in particular the rinsing device, being used in particular to rinse the main agent channel of the agent changer, and preferably comprising a continuous inflow (e.g., injection) of rinsing agent into the stream of rinsing air.

[0118] During the rinsing process, rinse air is conveyed in the main line and rinse agent is conveyed in the rinse agent line (eg, configured as a secondary line).

[0119] The rinsing method is particularly characterized in that the rinse agent line opens into the main line via an outlet so as to generate a flow, preferably a continuous flow, of the rinse air / rinse agent mixture which is to be introduced into the application agent main channel.

[0120] The present invention also includes as subject matter protection the rinse valve itself, and of course can also include in general what is, for example, in the form of a fluid valve (particularly a paint valve).

[0121] It should be noted that the present invention may also include, as subject matter of protection, the rinse valve itself, generally in the form of, for example, a fluid valve (particularly in the form of a paint valve), and therefore independent of the rinse function and rinse application specifically described herein.

[0122] The rinse air referred to herein may be replaced with, for example, a first paint or a first hardener, and the rinse agent referred to herein may be replaced with, for example, a second paint or a second hardener. The main line may be, for example, a first paint or hardener line. Alternatively or additionally, the rinse agent line may be, for example, a second paint or hardener line.

[0123] The fluid valve may be configured, for example, to alternate between two paint supply lines and / or to open one or the other connection downstream via a release valve. There may also be two different colors that are alternately released, so that the fluid valve functions as a color changer (like a miniature color changer). For example, it is also possible to provide two clear coats or two different hardeners, or to provide one (base) coat and one hardener together, for example, for mixing.

[0124] Fluid valves may be provided to allow mixing of, for example, two clear coats, or, for example, two different hardeners, or, for example, one base coat and one hardener.

[0125] The preferred embodiments and features of the invention described above may be combined with one another as appropriate. Further advantageous developments of the invention are set out in the dependent claims and result from the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0126] [Figure 1]1 shows a schematic diagram of a rinsing device according to one embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] 10 shows a schematic diagram of a rinsing device according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 4 shows a rinsing program for a rinsing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 1 shows a rinsing device including a coating material changer, a metering device, and a coating device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] 1 shows a schematic diagram of a rinsing device including, inter alia, a rinse air valve, a rinse agent valve, and a rinse air / rinse agent valve, according to one embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 6] 1 shows a rinsing device including a coating material changer, a metering device, and a coating device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 1 shows a rinsing device, in particular a rinse valve, according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] 8 shows the rinse apparatus of FIG. 7 with the valve seat closed, the rinse air line closed, and the rinse agent line open. [Figure 9] 7 and 8 are shown with the valve seats open, the rinse air lines closed, and the rinse agent lines open. [Figure 10] 7 to 9 show the rinse apparatus with the valve seat open, the rinse air line open, and the rinse aid line open. [Figure 11] 3 shows possible switching states of a rinsing device according to an embodiment of the invention; [Figure 12] 1 shows a prior art rinsing device. [Figure 13] 1 shows a prior art rinse program. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0127] The preferred embodiments of the present invention described with reference to the drawings are partially the same, and the same reference numerals are used for similar or identical parts, and reference is made to the descriptions of other embodiments for the description thereof.

[0128] FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a rinsing device 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0129] The rinsing device 100 (e.g., cleaning device) serves for connection to the main channel 201 of the coating agent changer 200 (e.g., Figures 4, 5, and 6) and, preferably, for continuous inflow of rinsing agent S2 into the flow of rinsing air S1. By means of the rinsing device 100, it is possible, in particular, to rinse the coating device 300 (e.g., sprayer or print head) and, for example, the metering device 400 (e.g., metering pump) (e.g., Figures 4, 5, and 6).

[0130] The rinsing device 100 comprises a main line 1 for conveying rinsing air S1 and a rinsing agent line 2, configured in particular as a secondary line, for conveying rinsing agent S2.

[0131] The rinse aid line 2 opens into the main line 1 by an outlet 2.1 so that rinse aid S2 can be injected into the rinse air S1. This allows a preferably continuous flow of the rinse air / rinse aid mixture S3 to be produced.

[0132] The directions of the arrows labeled S1, S2, and S3 indicate the corresponding flow directions during the rinse operation.

[0133] A rinse air / rinse agent mixture S3 is introduced into the coating agent main channel 201 to rinse the coating agent main channel 201 so that any coating agent residue contained in the coating agent main channel 201 can be rinsed away for a change of coating agent.

[0134] Upstream of the outlet 2.1, during the rinsing operation, the main line 1 preferably serves to carry only rinsing air S1. Downstream of the outlet 2.1, the main line 1 serves in particular to carry a rinsing air / rinsing agent mixture S3 during the rinsing operation.

[0135] The rinse aid line 2 and its outlet 2.1 have a smaller flow cross-sectional area, particularly in the outlet region, than the main line 1. Furthermore, the rinse aid line 2 may have, for example, a throttle point or nozzle 3 upstream of the outlet 2.1. In this way, the flow rate of the rinse aid S2 can be increased and / or controlled and rinse aid consumption can be further reduced.

[0136] To generate an aerosol and achieve effective mixing between the rinse agent S2 and the rinse air S1, and thus a well-mixed rinse air / rinse agent mixture S3, the rinse agent S2 may be continuously injected into the rinse air S1, for example in an atomized state.

[0137] The rinse aid line 2 may for example protrude into the main line 1 so that the rinse aid line 2, and in particular the outlet 2.1, is aligned substantially parallel to the direction of flow in the main line 1. The outlet 2.1 may for example be arranged substantially centrally within the flow cross section of the main line 1.

[0138] FIG. 2 shows a schematic diagram of a rinsing device 100 according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0139] Here, the rinse aid line 2 is connected to the main line 1 in such a way that the rinse aid line 2, and in particular the outlet 2.1, opens into the main line 1 at an angle in the direction of flow within the main line 1.

[0140] The reference number 2 in brackets indicates schematically an embodiment in which the rinse aid line 2 comprises a plurality of individual lines opening into the main line 1 so that mixing between the rinse air S1 and the rinse aid S2 can be improved. The individual lines may be realised in the same way as the rinse aid line 2 or may be suitably modified, e.g., have different spray nozzles.

[0141] 1 shows a rinse program for a rinse device 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0142] The rinse apparatus 100 includes a switching position for performing a rinse operation, in which rinse air S1 and rinse agent S2 are supplied simultaneously to produce a continuous inflow of rinse air S1 with rinse agent S2, and thus a continuous flow of rinse air / rinse agent mixture S3.

[0143] The continuous inflow of rinse agent S2 into the flow of rinse air 1 (particularly the non-pulsed continuous flow of rinse air) via the throttle point or nozzle 3 and outlet 2.1, and the continuous rinsing from a preferably aftmost position of the coating agent changer 200 in the flow direction to the return line 302 within the coating apparatus 300 (e.g., Figures 4, 5, and 6), advantageously results in a significant reduction in the consumption of rinse agent, which may also advantageously reduce the required rinsing time.

[0144] Particularly preferred is a continuous inflow of rinse agent S2 into the stream of rinse air S1 from the beginning of the rinse section to the end of the rinse section (e.g., Figures 4, 5, and 6), preferably without periodic switching between rinse air S1 and rinse agent S2.

[0145] FIG. 4 illustrates a rinsing device 100 including a coating material changer 200, a metering device 400 (e.g., a metering pump), and an application device 300 (e.g., a rotary sprayer with an external charge), according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0146] 4 shows a rinsing device 100, which includes a rinse air valve 10, a rinse aid valve 20, and a rinse air / rinse aid valve 30 (release valve). The rinse air valve 10, the rinse aid valve 20, and the rinse air / rinse aid valve 30 are each configured as individual valves.

[0147] A rinse air valve 10 is arranged in the main line 1 upstream of the outlet 2.1 and serves to open and close the supply of rinse air S1.

[0148] A rinse aid valve 20 is arranged in the rinse aid line 2 upstream of the outlet 2.1 and serves to open and close the supply of rinse aid S2.

[0149] The rinse air / rinse agent valve 30 is arranged in the main line 1 downstream of the outlet 2.1 and serves to open and close the supply of the rinse air / rinse agent mixture S3 to the agent main channel 201. The rinse air / rinse agent valve 30 may be integrated into the agent changer 200, for example.

[0150] The coating material changer 200 particularly includes a plurality of coating material supplies for supplying different coating materials (particularly coating materials of different colors), with the individual coating material supplies opening into the coating material main channel 201. The coating material to be applied may then be supplied via the coating material main channel 201 by the metering device 400 to the applicator device 300 for application.

[0151] During the rinse operation, the rinse air / rinse agent mixture S3 is introduced into a closing valve (e.g., a main needle valve) 301 in the application device 300 via the application agent main channel 201 and is again discharged from the application device 300 via a return line 302, which preferably includes a return valve 303, to, for example, a suitable collection container.

[0152] The rinsing device 100 is connected to the metered amount device 400 in such a way that the rinsing air / rinsing agent mixture S3 can also rinse the metered amount device 400. The metered amount device 400 may be rinsed in particular by alternately opening and closing a bypass valve 402 in a bypass line 401 bypassing the metered amount device 400, and preferably additionally by opening a return valve 404 in a return line 404 connected to the metered amount device 400. This means that a separate rinse connection on the metered amount device 400 can preferably be omitted. Either the rinse connection on the metered amount device 400 can be inactivated (e.g. closed) or the metered amount device 400 does not have a separate rinse connection.

[0153] The rinse device 100 includes a pipe body (e.g., a pipe block) 40 shown enlarged in Figure 5, through which the main line 1 and the rinse agent line 2 extend and through which an outlet 2.1 is formed. The rinse agent S2 may flow into the rinse air S2 within the pipe body 40.

[0154] The pipe body 40 is preferably a substantially solid plastic or metal body, which together with the main line 1 and the rinse agent line 2 may be manufactured, for example, by a casting or injection molding process or a 3D printing process.

[0155] Although the rinse air / rinse agent valve 30 is integrated into the coating material changer 200, it is possible for the rinse air valve 10 and the rinse agent valve 20 to be located external to the coating material changer 200, e.g., attached to it or spatially separated therefrom.

[0156] FIG. 6 shows a rinsing device 100 including a coating material changer 200, a metering device 400, and a coating device 300 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0157] FIG. 6 illustrates schematically a single rinse valve 50, which may advantageously provide the valve functions of the rinse air valve 10, the rinse agent valve 20, and the rinse air / rinse agent valve 30.

[0158] The rinse valve 50 will now be described with reference to Figures 7 to 10.

[0159] A special feature of the rinse valve 50 is that both the main line 1 and the rinse aid line 2 extend through the rinse valve 50, and preferably the outlet 2.1 is also formed in the rinse valve 50. Alternatively, the main line 1 and the rinse aid line 2 may extend through a common rinse valve 50.

[0160] The rinse valve 50 serves to open and close the supply of rinse air S1, in particular the valve inlet opening for the main line 1.

[0161] The rinse valve 50 serves to open and close the supply of rinse agent S2, in particular the valve inlet opening for rinse agent line 2.

[0162] The rinse valve 50 serves to open and close the valve seat 60 and thus the supply of rinse air / rinse agent mixture S3 by means of a valve closing element 61. The valve closing element 61 may optionally be fitted with a preferably circumferential and / or annular plastic or elastomeric seal.

[0163] A movable first valve plunger 51 and a movable second valve plunger 52 are incorporated into the rinse valve 50, and preferably the second valve plunger 52 extends substantially coaxially through the first valve plunger 51.

[0164] The first valve plunger 51 includes a valve inlet opening for the main line 1 and a valve inlet opening for the rinse aid line 2 .

[0165] The inlet opening for the rinse aid line 2 may, for example, be elongated and open independently of the switching position of the first valve plunger 51, while the inlet opening for the main line 1 may be opened and closed by moving the first valve plunger 51. However, embodiments are also possible in which the inlet opening for the main line 1 is elongated and open independently of the switching position of the first valve plunger 51, and in which the inlet opening for the rinse aid line 2 is opened and closed by moving the first valve plunger 51.

[0166] The second valve plunger 52 has a valve closing element 61 for opening and closing a valve seat 60. The second valve plunger 52 includes an inlet opening 62 on its outer surface, via which rinse air S1, rinse agent S2, and / or rinse air / rinse agent mixture S3 may be introduced into the second valve plunger 52. The second valve plunger 52 further includes an outlet opening 63 on its outer surface, via which rinse air / rinse agent mixture S3 may be led out of the second valve plunger 52.

[0167] The main line 1 first extends in the direction of flow within the first valve plunger 51 and then, as appropriate, indirectly or directly through the second valve plunger 52. Within the first valve plunger 51, the main line 1 may be provided in the form of one line (with an appropriately large flow cross-sectional area) or in the form of several individual lines (with appropriately small flow cross-sectional areas). The main line 1 may, for example, be provided in the form of one or several boreholes.

[0168] The rinse aid line 2 preferably extends only within the first valve plunger 51, so that the first valve plunger 51 may have the outlet 2.1. The rinse aid line 2 may be provided, for example, in the form of one line (with an appropriately large flow cross-sectional area) or in the form of several individual lines (with appropriately small flow cross-sectional areas). The rinse aid line 2 may be provided, for example, in the form of one or several boreholes.

[0169] The main line 1 preferably extends diagonally within the first valve plunger 51 and / or preferably extends as a plurality of individual lines within the first valve plunger 51 .

[0170] The rinse aid line 2 preferably extends diagonally within the first valve plunger 51 and / or preferably extends as a plurality of individual lines within the first valve plunger 51 .

[0171] The rinse agent line 2 and outlet 2.1 in the first valve plunger 51 have a smaller flow cross-sectional area than the main line 1 in the first valve plunger 51 and the second valve plunger 52.

[0172] The rinse valve 50 comprises a first control input 53, in particular in the form of a first control air connection, for moving a first valve plunger 51. The first valve plunger 51 can be moved against the action of a return element 55 in order to open the main line 1 (in particular its valve inlet opening).

[0173] The rinse valve 50 includes a second control input 54, particularly in the form of a second control air connection, for moving a second valve plunger 52. The second valve plunger 52 can be moved to an open position against the action of a return element 56 in order to open a valve seat 60 by means of a valve closing element 61 and allow the supply of rinse air / rinse agent mixture S3 (particularly a release valve function).

[0174] The first valve plunger 51 may be connected to one or more leakage openings 57 to prevent undesired mixing of different fluids (eg, control air, rinse air, rinse agent, etc.).

[0175] At least one leak opening 57 is suitably arranged between the control connection 53 and the main line 1 extending through the first valve plunger 51, and at least one leak opening 57 is suitably arranged between the main line 1 and the rinse air line 2 extending through the first valve plunger 51 to prevent mixing thereof in the event of a seal failure.

[0176] A seal 58 in the form of a diaphragm seal surrounds the second valve plunger 52 and is connected to the second valve plunger 52 so as to be movable therewith.

[0177] Backflow prevention The valve 59 may be incorporated into the rinse valve 50 , and in particular into the second valve plunger 52 .

[0178] The main line 1 may optionally include an intermediate chamber 64 (e.g., an annular chamber) in the rinse valve 50, into which the outlet 2.1 may open or through which the main line 1 may extend. Both the rinse air S1 and the rinse agent S2 may then be introduced into the intermediate chamber 64 for mixing in the intermediate chamber 64 and / or the second valve plunger 52. The intermediate chamber 64 is preferably bounded by an inner area of ​​the first valve plunger 51 and an outer area of ​​the second valve plunger 52.

[0179] 8 to 10 illustrate the mode of operation, particularly with different switching positions of the rinse valve 50.

[0180] FIG. 8 shows the rinse valve 50 with the valve seat 60 closed by the valve closing element 61 and the valve inlet opening for the main line 1 closed by the first valve plunger 51 .

[0181] The valve inlet opening for the rinse aid line 2 is open regardless of the switching position of the first valve plunger 51 .

[0182] FIG. 9 shows the rinse valve 50 with the valve seat 60 opened by the valve closing element 61 and the valve inlet opening for the main line 1 closed by the first valve plunger 51 .

[0183] The valve inlet opening for rinse aid line 2 is open regardless of the switch position of rinse valve 50, allowing rinse aid S2 to flow through rinse valve 50. This allows valve seat 60 to be backwashed with rinse aid S2 so that deposits within valve seat 60 are rinsed away.

[0184] The second valve plunger 52 is moved to the right in FIG. 9 by the control connection 54 against the action of the return element 56 so that the valve closing element 61 opens the valve seat 60 .

[0185] FIG. 10 shows the rinse valve 50 with the valve seat 60 opened by the valve closing element 61 and the valve inlet opening for the main line 1 opened by the first valve plunger 51 .

[0186] The first valve plunger 51 is moved to the right in FIG. 10 by the control connection 53 against the action of the return element 55, so that the inlet opening for the main line 1 is opened.

[0187] Since the valve inlet opening for the rinse aid line 2 is elongated in the direction of movement of the first valve plunger 51, the valve inlet opening of the rinse aid line 2 remains open regardless of the switching position of the first valve plunger 51 and therefore regardless of its movement.

[0188] The rinse aid line 2 opens by its outlet 2.1 into the main line 1, in particular into the intermediate chamber 64 of the main line 1, through which the rinse air S2 flows.

[0189] The continuous injection of rinse agent S2 into rinse air S1 then takes place in main line 1 within rinse valve 50, preferably in intermediate chamber 64. Mixing may take place in intermediate chamber 64 and / or second valve plunger 52.

[0190] The control connection 54 serves in particular to open the valve seat 60 by moving the second valve plunger 52 so that the rinse agent S2 can first flow into the application agent main channel 201.

[0191] The control connection 53 serves in particular to open the inlet opening for the main channel 1 by moving the first valve plunger 51 so that rinsing air S1 is then supplied in addition to the rinsing agent S2. This may allow a continuous flow of the rinsing agent S2 into the rinsing air S1 within the rinse valve 50 itself in order to achieve a flow, in particular a continuous flow, of the rinsing air / rinsing agent mixture S3 from the rinse valve 50 towards the application agent main channel 201.

[0192] In particular, the valve functions of valves 10, 20 and 30 can be realized by rinse valve 50, which represents a compact, particularly space-saving and easy-to-install embodiment.

[0193] In the idle state (in particular when no control air is supplied via the control connections 53 and 54), the rinse valve 50 is preferably (rigidly) closed by a spring force, which is suitably realised by return elements 55 and 56.

[0194] Another particular feature of the rinse valve 50 is that the valve seat 60 and the valve closure element 61 widen in the direction of flow (e.g., suitably stepped or substantially continuously, e.g., conically, radially increasing), and in particular form a negative valve seat 60. In particular, this allows the valve closure element 61 to be pushed into the closed position in the event of overpressure (e.g., a pressure surge) from the coating material main channel 201, thereby reducing the risk of coating material entering the rinse valve 50 from the coating material main channel 201.

[0195] It should be noted that the main line 1 and rinse agent line 2 running through the first valve plunger 51 may be interchanged, so that when the valve seat 60 is opened, rinse air S1 flows through the rinse valve 50, and when the valve inlet opening for rinse agent line 2 is additionally opened by the first valve plunger 51, rinse agent S2 can be introduced into the flow of rinse air S1.

[0196] The present invention includes not only an embodiment in which rinse agent is supplied at the start of the rinse operation, but also an embodiment in which rinse air is supplied at the start of the rinse operation, and even an embodiment in which rinse air and rinse agent are supplied simultaneously at the start of the rinse operation.

[0197] Furthermore, it should be noted that the elongated valve inlet opening for the rinse aid line 2 seen in Figures 7 to 10 may be made shorter or narrower accordingly, so that when the first valve plunger 51 is released and pulled, the rinse aid line 2 and the main line 1 cannot be opened simultaneously, and so that the rinse valve 50 is structurally more robust.

[0198] It should also be noted that the rinse valve 50 described with reference to Figures 7 to 10 may be configured, for example, as a pulsed rinse valve (with preferably multiple and / or alternating alternations between rinse air, particularly pulsed air, and rinse agent).

[0199] It should also be noted that the rinse valve 50 described with reference to Figures 7 to 10 may be used in other applications, such as a fluid valve in general, and a paint valve in particular.

[0200] FIG. 11 shows possible switching states of the rinse device 100, in particular of the rinse valve 50.

[0201] The present invention is not limited to the above-described preferred embodiment. Rather, numerous variations and modifications are possible using the concept of the present invention, and these are also within the scope of protection. Furthermore, the present invention claims protection for the subject matter and features of the dependent claims independently of the features and claims to which they refer.

[0202] [Note] [Appendix 1] A rinsing device (100) for connection to a main channel (201) of a coating agent changer (200), preferably for continuous inflow of a rinse agent (S2) into a stream of rinsing air (S1), comprising: a main line (1) for carrying rinse air (S1); a rinse aid line (2) for carrying rinse aid (S2); Equipped with A rinsing device (100), characterized in that the rinse agent line (2) opens into the main line (1) via an outlet (2.1) to generate a flow, preferably a continuous flow, of a rinse air / rinse agent mixture (S3) to be introduced into the application agent main channel (201).

[0203] [Appendix 2] 2. The rinse device (100) of claim 1, wherein the rinse agent line (2) has a smaller cross-sectional flow area than the main line (1).

[0204] [Appendix 3] 3. The rinsing device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the outlet (2.1) has a smaller cross-sectional flow area than the main line (1) and / or is formed as a spray nozzle.

[0205] [Appendix 4] 4. The rinsing device (100) of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the rinse aid line (2) has a throttle point or nozzle (3).

[0206] [Appendix 5] 5. The rinsing device (100) of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the rinsing agent (S2) is introduced into the stream of rinsing air (S2) and / or the main line (1) in atomized form.

[0207] [Appendix 6] 6. The rinsing device (100) according to any one of clauses 1 to 5, wherein the rinsing agent (S2) is continuously introduced into the stream, preferably a continuous stream, of the rinsing air (S1).

[0208] [Appendix 7] 7. The rinsing device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the rinse aid line (2) and / or the outlet (2.1) open into the main line (1) substantially parallel to the direction of flow in the main line (1) or open into the main line (1) at an angle to the direction of flow in the main line (1).

[0209] [Appendix 8] 8. The rinsing device (100) of any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising a valve seat (60) and a valve closing element (61) that expands in the direction of flow so as to be pushed into a closed position in the event of overpressure from the application agent main channel (201).

[0210] [Appendix 9] 9. The rinsing device (100) of any one of clauses 1 to 8, wherein the rinse agent line (2) comprises a plurality of individual lines opening into the main line (1).

[0211] [Appendix 10] 10. The rinsing device (100) according to any one of appendices 1 to 9, wherein the rinsing device (100) comprises a pipe (40) through which the main line (1) and the rinse agent line (2) extend and through which the outlet (2.1) is formed, and preferably, an inflow of rinse agent (S2) into the rinse air (S1) occurs within the pipe (40).

[0212] [Appendix 11] 11. The rinsing device (100) of claim 10, wherein the main line (1) and / or the rinse aid line (2) in the pipe body (40) comprises a plurality of individual lines.

[0213] [Appendix 12] 12. The rinsing device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the main line (1) comprises a rinse air valve (10) designed as a separate valve for opening and closing the supply of rinse air (S1), and the rinse agent line (2) comprises a rinse agent valve (20) designed as a separate valve for opening and closing the supply of rinse agent (S2).

[0214] [Appendix 13] 13. The rinsing device (100) according to claim 12, wherein the rinse air valve (10) and the rinse agent valve (20) are formed upstream of the outlet (2.1) and / or upstream of the pipe body (40).

[0215] [Appendix 14] 14. The rinsing device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the main line (1) comprises a rinse air / rinse agent valve (30) designed as a separate valve for opening and closing the supply of the rinse air / rinse agent mixture (S3), and preferably the rinse air / rinse agent valve (30) is formed downstream of the outlet (2.1) and / or downstream of the pipe body (40).

[0216] [Appendix 15] 10. The rinsing device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the rinsing device (100) comprises a rinse valve (50) through which the main line (1) and the rinse agent line (2), preferably together, extend, and preferably the rinse valve (50) is formed with the outlet (2.1).

[0217] [Appendix 16] 16. The rinsing device (100) of claim 15, wherein the rinse valve (50) is configured to open and close the supply of rinse air (S1) and the supply of rinse agent (S2), preferably by opening and closing a valve seat (60) by means of a valve closing element (61).

[0218] [Appendix 17] 17. The rinsing device (100) of claim 15 or 16, wherein the rinse valve (50) comprises a movable first valve plunger (51) and / or a movable second valve plunger (52).

[0219] [Appendix 18] 18. The rinsing device (100) according to claim 17, wherein the main line (1) extends into the first valve plunger (51) and into the second valve plunger (52).

[0220] [Appendix 19] 19. The rinsing device (100) according to claim 17 or 18, wherein the rinse aid line (2) extends into the first valve plunger (51) and / or the outlet (2.1) is formed in the first valve plunger (51).

[0221] [Appendix 20] 20. The rinsing device (100) of any one of claims 17 to 19, wherein the second valve plunger (52) extends through the first valve plunger (51), and / or the first valve plunger (51) and the second valve plunger (52) are arranged coaxially.

[0222] [Appendix 21] 21. The rinsing device (100) of any one of claims 17 to 20, wherein the first valve plunger (51) has a valve inlet opening for the main line (1) and a valve inlet opening for the rinse agent line (2), and is configured to open and close at least one of the valve inlet openings upon movement.

[0223] [Appendix 22] The rinse valve (50) a first control input (53), in particular in the form of a first control air connection, for moving the first valve plunger (51); and / or a second control input (54), in particular in the form of a second control air connection, for moving said second valve plunger (52); having 22. The rinsing device (100) of any one of clauses 15 to 21.

[0224] [Appendix 23] the first control input (53) can move the first valve plunger (51) against the action of a return element (55) into an open position so that the main line (1) and / or the rinse aid line (2) is opened; and / or The second control input (54) can move the second valve plunger (52) to an open position against the action of a return element (56) so that the valve seat (60) is opened. 23. The rinsing device (100) of claim 22.

[0225] [Appendix 24] The second valve plunger (52) - has an inlet opening (62) on its outer surface; and / or having an outlet opening (63) on its outer surface, 24. The rinsing device (100) of any one of clauses 17 to 23.

[0226] [Appendix 25] 25. The rinsing device (100) of any one of clauses 17 to 24, wherein the first valve plunger (51) is connected to at least one leakage opening (57).

[0227] [Appendix 26] 26. The rinsing device (100) of any one of clauses 17 to 25, wherein the second valve plunger (52) has a valve closing element (61) for opening and closing a valve seat (60).

[0228] [Appendix 27] 27. The rinsing device (100) of any one of claims 17 to 26, wherein the main line (1) and / or the rinse agent line (2) have a plurality of individual lines within the first valve plunger (51).

[0229] [Appendix 28] 28. The rinsing device (100) according to any one of claims 15 to 27, wherein a rinse agent (S2) is introduced into the rinse air (S1) in the rinse valve (50), preferably in an intermediate chamber (64) of the main line (1) and / or in the second valve plunger (52).

[0230] [Appendix 29] 29. The rinsing device (100) of any one of claims 1 to 28, wherein the rinsing device (100) comprises a diaphragm seal (58).

[0231] [Appendix 30] Clause 29. The rinse device (100) of clause 29, wherein the diaphragm seal (58) surrounds the second valve plunger (52) and / or is movable with the second valve plunger (52).

[0232] [Appendix 31] Backflow prevention 31. The rinsing device (100) of any one of clauses 15 to 30, wherein a valve (59) is integrated into the rinse valve (50), preferably into the second valve plunger (52).

[0233] [Appendix 32] 32. The rinsing device (100) of any one of clauses 8 to 31, wherein the valve-closing element (60) is fitted with a plastic or elastomeric seal.

[0234] [Appendix 33] 33. The rinsing device (100) of any one of claims 1 to 32, wherein the main line (1) is connected to a main agent channel (201) of an agent changer (200).

[0235] [Appendix 34] 34. The rinsing device (100) of claim 33, wherein the main line (1) connects upstream to the coating agent main channel (201).

[0236] [Appendix 35] 35. The rinsing device (100) of claim 33 or 34, wherein the main line (1) is connected to the coating agent main channel (201) in order to rinse the entire coating agent main channel (201) with the rinse air / rinse agent mixture (S3) and / or such that all coating agent supplies of the coating agent changer (200) are downstream in the flow direction of the rinse air / rinse agent mixture (S3).

[0237] [Appendix 36] 36. The rinsing device (100) according to any one of appendices 33 to 35, wherein the main line (1) is connected to an applicator (300) for applying an application agent via the application agent main channel (201) and preferably via a metering device (400) for rinsing the application device (300) and / or the metering device (400).

[0238] [Appendix 37] 37. The rinsing device (100) of claim 36, wherein during a rinsing operation, the rinsing air / rinsing agent mixture (S3) is introduced into a closing valve (301) in the applicator (300) and is again discharged from the applicator (300) via a return line (302), preferably having a return valve (303).

[0239] [Appendix 38] 38. The rinsing device (100) of any one of claims 1 to 37, wherein the rinsing device (100) is connected to the metered amount device (400) for rinsing the metered amount device (400), the rinsing of the metered amount device (400) involving alternate opening and closing of a bypass valve (402) in a bypass line (401) bypassing the metered amount device (400) and additionally opening a return valve (404) in a return line (403) of the metered amount device (400).

[0240] [Appendix 39] 39. The rinsing device (100) of any one of claims 1 to 38, wherein the rinsing device (100) has a switching position in which the rinsing air (S1) and the rinsing agent (S2) are supplied simultaneously to provide a continuous inflow of the rinsing air (S1) with the rinsing agent (S2) and thus a continuous flow of the rinsing air / rinsing agent mixture (S3).

[0241] [Appendix 40] 40. A rinsing method preferably implemented in a rinsing device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 39 for rinsing a main channel (201) of a rinsing agent changer (200), preferably for continuous inflow of a rinsing agent (S2) into a stream of rinsing air (S1), comprising: Transport of rinse air (S1) in the main line (1), and Transport of rinse aid (S2) in rinse aid line (2), Equipped with The method, characterized in that the rinse aid line (2) opens into the main line (1) via an outlet (2.1) so as to generate a flow, preferably a continuous flow, of the rinse air / rinse aid mixture (S3) which is to be introduced into the application agent main channel (201). [Explanation of symbols]

[0242] 1 Main Line 2 Rinse aid lines, especially sub-lines 2.1 Outlet 3 Throttle point or nozzle S1 Rinse Air S2 Rinse aid, especially rinse solution S3 Rinse air / rinse aid mixture 10 Rinse air valve 20 Rinse aid valve 30 Rinse air / rinse aid valves, especially release valves 40 Pipe body 50 Rinse valve 51 First valve plunger 52 second valve plunger, in particular valve needle 53 Control Connection 54 Control Connection 55 Return element 56 Return element 57 Leak hole 58 Seals, especially diaphragm seals 59 Backflow prevention valve 60 Valve seat 61 Valve Closure Element 62 Entrance opening 63 Exit opening 64 Intermediate Room 100 Rinse device 200 Coating material changer, especially color changer 201 Main channel for lacquer 300 Application device, especially sprayer or printhead 301 Valves, especially main needle valves 302 Return Line 303 Return valve 400 Metering devices, especially metering pumps 401 Bypass Line 402 Bypass valve 403 Return 404 Return valve

Claims

1. A rinsing device (100) for connection to a main channel (201) of a coating material changer (200), comprising: a main line (1) for carrying rinse air (S1); a rinse aid line (2) for carrying rinse aid (S2); a valve seat (60); a valve closing element (61) that expands in the direction of flow so as to be pushed into a closed position in the event of overpressure from said application agent main channel (201); Equipped with 1. A rinsing device (100) characterized in that the rinse agent line (2) opens into the main line (1) via an outlet (2.1) to generate a flow of a rinse air / rinse agent mixture (S3) to be introduced into the application agent main channel (201).

2. 2. The rinsing device (100) of claim 1, for continuous inflow of the rinse agent (S2) into the flow of the rinse air (S1).

3. 3. The rinsing device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the rinse agent line (2) opens into the main line (1) via the outlet (2.1) in order to generate a continuous flow of the rinse air / rinse agent mixture (S3).

4. 4. The rinsing device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the rinse agent line (2) has a smaller cross-sectional flow area than the main line (1).

5. 5. The rinsing device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the outlet (2.1) has a smaller flow cross-section than the main line (1) and / or is formed as a spray nozzle.

6. 6. The rinsing device (100) of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the rinse aid line (2) comprises a throttle point or nozzle (3).

7. 7. The rinsing device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rinse agent (S2) is introduced into the stream of rinse air (S1) and / or into the main line (1) in atomized form.

8. 8. The rinsing device (100) of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the rinse agent (S2) is continuously introduced into the continuous flow of rinse air (S1).

9. 9. The rinsing device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the rinse aid line (2) and / or the outlet (2.1) open into the main line (1) substantially parallel to the direction of flow in the main line (1) or open into the main line (1) at an angle to the direction of flow in the main line (1).

10. 10. The rinsing device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the valve closing element (61) is fitted with a plastic or elastomeric seal.

11. 11. The rinsing device (100) of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the rinse aid line (2) comprises a plurality of individual lines opening into the main line (1).

12. 12. The rinsing device (100) according to claim 1, further comprising a pipe (40) through which the main line (1) and the rinse agent line (2) extend, and in which the outlet (2.1) is formed.

13. 13. The rinsing device (100) according to claim 12, wherein the inflow of the rinsing agent (S2) into the rinsing air (S1) occurs within the pipe body (40).

14. 14. The rinsing device (100) according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the main line (1) and / or the rinse aid line (2) in the pipe body (40) comprises a plurality of individual lines.

15. 15. The rinsing device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the main line (1) has a rinse air valve (10) designed as a separate valve for opening and closing the supply of the rinse air (S1), and the rinse agent line (2) has a rinse agent valve (20) designed as a separate valve for opening and closing the supply of the rinse agent (S2).

16. 16. The rinsing device (100) according to claim 15, wherein the rinse air valve (10) and the rinse agent valve (20) are arranged upstream of the outlet (2.1) and / or upstream of the pipe body (40).

17. 17. The rinsing device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the main line (1) has a rinse air / rinse agent valve (30) designed as a separate valve for opening and closing the supply of the rinse air / rinse agent mixture (S3).

18. 18. The rinsing device (100) according to claim 17, wherein the rinse air / rinse agent valve (30) is formed downstream of the outlet (2.1) and / or downstream of the pipe body (40).

19. The rinsing device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the rinsing device (100) has a rinse valve (50), and the main line (1) and the rinse agent line (2) extend through the rinse valve (50).

20. 20. The rinsing device (100) according to claim 19, wherein the main line (1) and the rinse agent line (2) extend together through the rinse valve (50) and / or the outlet (2.1) is formed in the rinse valve (50).

21. 21. The rinsing device (100) according to claim 19 or 20, wherein the rinse valve (50) is configured to open and close the supply of rinse air (S1), to open and close the supply of rinse agent (S2), and to open and close a valve seat (60) by means of a valve closing element (61).

22. A rinse device (100) as described in any one of claims 19 to 21, wherein the rinse valve (50) includes a movable first valve plunger (51) and / or a movable second valve plunger (52).

23. 23. The rinsing device (100) of claim 22, wherein the main line (1) extends into the first valve plunger (51) and into the second valve plunger (52).

24. 24. The rinsing device (100) according to claim 22 or 23, wherein the rinse agent line (2) extends into the first valve plunger (51) and / or the outlet (2.1) is formed in the first valve plunger (51).

25. 25. The rinsing device (100) of any one of claims 22 to 24, wherein the second valve plunger (52) extends through the first valve plunger (51), and / or the first valve plunger (51) and the second valve plunger (52) are arranged coaxially.

26. 26. The rinsing device (100) according to any one of claims 22 to 25, wherein the first valve plunger (51) has a valve inlet opening for the main line (1) and a valve inlet opening for the rinse agent line (2) and is configured to open and close at least one of the valve inlet openings by movement.

27. The rinse valve (50) a first control input (53) for moving the first valve plunger (51); and / or a second control input (54) for moving the second valve plunger (52); having 27. A rinsing device (100) according to any one of claims 22 to 26.

28. the first control input (53) can move the first valve plunger (51) against the action of a return element (55) to an open position so that the main line (1) and / or the rinse aid line (2) is opened; and / or the second control input (54) can move the second valve plunger (52) to an open position against the action of a return element (56) so that the valve seat (60) is opened; 28. The rinsing device (100) of claim 27.

29. The second valve plunger (52) - has an inlet opening (62) on its outer surface; and / or - has an outlet opening (63) on its outer surface; 29. A rinsing device (100) according to any one of claims 22 to 28.

30. 30. The rinsing device (100) according to any one of claims 22 to 29, wherein the first valve plunger (51) is connected to at least one leakage opening (57).

31. 31. The rinsing device (100) of any one of claims 22 to 30, wherein the second valve plunger (52) has a valve closing element (61) for opening and closing the valve seat (60).

32. 32. The rinsing device (100) according to any one of claims 22 to 31, wherein the main line (1) and / or the rinse agent line (2) comprises a plurality of individual lines within the first valve plunger (51).

33. A rinsing device (100) as described in any one of claims 22 to 32, wherein a backflow prevention valve (59) is incorporated into the second valve plunger (52).

34. A rinsing device (100) as described in any one of claims 22 to 33, wherein the rinsing device (100) has a diaphragm seal (58) that surrounds the second valve plunger (52) and / or is movable together with the second valve plunger (52).

35. 35. The rinsing device (100) according to any one of claims 19 to 34, wherein the rinse agent (S2) is introduced into the rinse air (S1) in the rinse valve (50), in particular in an intermediate chamber (64) of the main line (1) and / or in a second valve plunger (52).

36. A rinsing device (100) as described in any one of claims 19 to 35, wherein a backflow prevention valve (59) is incorporated into the rinse valve (50).

37. The rinsing device (100) of any one of claims 1 to 36, wherein the rinsing device (100) comprises a diaphragm seal (58).

38. 38. The rinsing device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 37, wherein the main line (1) is connected to a main agent channel (201) of a coating agent changer (200).

39. 39. The rinsing device (100) of claim 38, wherein the main line (1) connects to the main coating agent channel (201) at an upstream end of the main coating agent channel (201).

40. 40. The rinsing device (100) according to claim 38 or 39, wherein the main line (1) is connected to the coating agent main channel (201) in order to rinse the entire coating agent main channel (201) with the rinse air / rinse agent mixture (S3) and / or so that all coating agent supplies of the coating agent changer (200) are downstream in the flow direction of the rinse air / rinse agent mixture (S3).

41. 41. The rinsing device (100) according to any one of claims 38 to 40, wherein the main line (1) is connected to an application device (300) for applying an application agent via the application agent main channel (201) for rinsing the application device (300) and / or a metering device (400).

42. 42. The rinsing device (100) of claim 41, wherein the main line (1) is connected to the application device (300) via the application agent main channel (201) and a metering device (400) for rinsing the application device (300) and / or the metering device (400).

43. 43. The rinsing device (100) according to claim 41 or 42, wherein during the rinsing operation, the rinsing air / rinsing agent mixture (S3) is introduced into a closing valve (301) in the application device (300) and is again led out of the application device (300) via a return line (302) having a return valve (303).

44. 44. The rinsing device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 43, wherein the rinsing device (100) is connected to a metering device (400) for rinsing the metering device (400), and the rinsing of the metering device (400) involves alternate opening and closing of a bypass valve (402) in a bypass line (401) bypassing the metering device (400) and additionally opening a return valve (404) in a return line (403) of the metering device (400).

45. 45. The rinsing device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 44, wherein the rinsing device (100) has a switching position in which the rinsing air (S1) and the rinsing agent (S2) are supplied simultaneously to provide a continuous inflow of the rinsing air (S1) with the rinsing agent (S2) and thus a continuous flow of the rinsing air / rinsing agent mixture (S3).

46. A rinsing device (100) for connection to a main channel (201) of a coating material changer (200), comprising: a main line (1) for carrying rinse air (S1); a rinse aid line (2) for carrying rinse aid (S2); a rinse valve (50) through which the main line (1) and the rinse agent line (2) extend; Equipped with the rinse aid line (2) opens into the main line (1) via an outlet (2.1) to generate a flow of rinse air / rinse aid mixture (S3) to be introduced into the application agent main channel (201), The rinse valve (50) is configured to open and close the supply of the rinse air (S1) and to open and close the supply of the rinse agent (S2).

47. A rinsing device (100) for connection to a main channel (201) of a coating material changer (200), comprising: a main line (1) for carrying rinse air (S1); a rinse aid line (2) for carrying rinse aid (S2); a rinse valve (50) through which the main line (1) and the rinse agent line (2) extend; Equipped with the rinse aid line (2) opens into the main line (1) via an outlet (2.1) to generate a flow of rinse air / rinse aid mixture (S3) to be introduced into the application agent main channel (201), The rinse valve (50) a first control input (53) for moving the first valve plunger (51); and / or a second control input (54) for moving the second valve plunger (52); A rinsing device (100) comprising:

48. A rinsing device (100) for connection to a main channel (201) of a coating material changer (200), comprising: a main line (1) for carrying rinse air (S1); a rinse aid line (2) for carrying rinse aid (S2); a rinse valve (50) through which the main line (1) and the rinse agent line (2) extend; Equipped with the rinse aid line (2) opens into the main line (1) via an outlet (2.1) to generate a flow of rinse air / rinse aid mixture (S3) to be introduced into the application agent main channel (201), A rinsing device (100) characterized in that the rinse agent (S2) is introduced into the rinse air (S1) in the rinse valve (50).

49. A rinsing device (100) for connection to a main channel (201) of a coating material changer (200), comprising: a main line (1) for carrying rinse air (S1); a rinse aid line (2) for carrying rinse aid (S2); a diaphragm seal (58); Equipped with 1. A rinsing device (100) characterized in that the rinse agent line (2) opens into the main line (1) via an outlet (2.1) to generate a flow of a rinse air / rinse agent mixture (S3) to be introduced into the application agent main channel (201).

50. A rinsing device (100) for connection to a main channel (201) of a coating material changer (200), comprising: a main line (1) for carrying rinse air (S1); a rinse aid line (2) for carrying rinse aid (S2); a rinse valve (50) through which the main line (1) and the rinse agent line (2) extend; Equipped with the rinse aid line (2) opens into the main line (1) via an outlet (2.1) to generate a flow of rinse air / rinse aid mixture (S3) to be introduced into the application agent main channel (201), A rinsing device (100) characterized in that a backflow prevention valve (59) is incorporated into the rinse valve (50).

51. A rinsing device (100) for connection to a main channel (201) of a coating material changer (200), comprising: a main line (1) for carrying rinse air (S1); a rinse aid line (2) for carrying rinse aid (S2); Equipped with the rinse aid line (2) opens into the main line (1) via an outlet (2.1) to generate a flow of rinse air / rinse aid mixture (S3) to be introduced into the application agent main channel (201), The rinsing device (100) is connected to a metered amount device (400) for rinsing the metered amount device (400), characterized in that the rinsing of the metered amount device (400) involves alternate opening and closing of a bypass valve (402) in a bypass line (401) bypassing the metered amount device (400) and additionally opening of a return valve (404) in a return line (403) of the metered amount device (400).

52. A rinsing device (100) for connection to a main channel (201) of a coating agent switcher (200), comprising: a main line (1) for carrying rinse air (S1); a rinse aid line (2) for carrying rinse aid (S2); a rinse valve (50) through which the main line (1) and the rinse agent line (2) extend; Equipped with the rinse aid line (2) opens into the main line (1) via an outlet (2.1) to generate a flow of rinse air / rinse aid mixture (S3) to be introduced into the application agent main channel (201), The rinse valve (50) includes a movable first valve plunger (51) and / or a movable second valve plunger (52); A rinsing device (100) characterized in that the rinse agent line (2) comprises a plurality of individual lines opening into the main line (1).

53. A rinsing device (100) for connection to a main channel (201) of a coating agent switcher (200), comprising: a main line (1) for carrying rinse air (S1); a rinse aid line (2) for carrying rinse aid (S2); a rinse valve (50) through which the main line (1) and the rinse agent line (2) extend; a pipe body (40) through which the main line (1) and the rinse agent line (2) extend and which has an outlet (2.1) formed therein; Equipped with the rinse aid line (2) opens into the main line (1) via the outlet (2.1) in order to generate a flow of rinse air / rinse aid mixture (S3) to be introduced into the application agent main channel (201), The rinse valve (50) includes a movable first valve plunger (51) and / or a movable second valve plunger (52); A rinsing device (100) characterized in that the main line (1) and / or the rinse agent line (2) in the pipe body (40) comprises a plurality of individual lines.

54. A rinsing device (100) for connection to a main channel (201) of a coating agent switcher (200), comprising: a main line (1) for carrying rinse air (S1); a rinse aid line (2) for carrying rinse aid (S2); a rinse valve (50) through which the main line (1) and the rinse agent line (2) extend; Equipped with the rinse aid line (2) opens into the main line (1) via an outlet (2.1) to generate a flow of rinse air / rinse aid mixture (S3) to be introduced into the application agent main channel (201), The rinse valve (50) includes a movable first valve plunger (51) and a movable second valve plunger (52); A rinsing device (100) characterized in that the main line (1) extends into the first valve plunger (51) and into the second valve plunger (52).

55. A rinsing device (100) for connection to a main channel (201) of a coating agent switcher (200), comprising: a main line (1) for carrying rinse air (S1); a rinse aid line (2) for carrying rinse aid (S2); a rinse valve (50) through which the main line (1) and the rinse agent line (2) extend; Equipped with the rinse aid line (2) opens into the main line (1) via an outlet (2.1) to generate a flow of rinse air / rinse aid mixture (S3) to be introduced into the application agent main channel (201), The rinse valve (50) includes a movable first valve plunger (51); 1. A rinsing device (100) characterized in that the rinse agent line (2) extends into the first valve plunger (51) and / or the outlet (2.1) is formed in the first valve plunger (51).

56. A rinsing device (100) for connection to a main channel (201) of a coating agent switcher (200), comprising: a main line (1) for carrying rinse air (S1); a rinse aid line (2) for carrying rinse aid (S2); a rinse valve (50) through which the main line (1) and the rinse agent line (2) extend; Equipped with the rinse aid line (2) opens into the main line (1) via an outlet (2.1) to generate a flow of rinse air / rinse aid mixture (S3) to be introduced into the application agent main channel (201), The rinse valve (50) includes a movable first valve plunger (51) and a movable second valve plunger (52); The rinse device (100) is characterized in that the second valve plunger (52) extends through the first valve plunger (51), and / or the first valve plunger (51) and the second valve plunger (52) are arranged coaxially.

57. A rinsing device (100) for connection to a main channel (201) of a coating agent switcher (200), comprising: a main line (1) for carrying rinse air (S1); a rinse aid line (2) for carrying rinse aid (S2); a rinse valve (50) through which the main line (1) and the rinse agent line (2) extend; Equipped with the rinse aid line (2) opens into the main line (1) via an outlet (2.1) to generate a flow of rinse air / rinse aid mixture (S3) to be introduced into the application agent main channel (201), The rinse valve (50) includes a movable first valve plunger (51); 1. A rinsing device (100) comprising: a first valve plunger (51) having a valve inlet opening for the main line (1) and a valve inlet opening for the rinse agent line (2), and configured to open and close at least one of the valve inlet openings by movement.

58. A rinsing device (100) for connection to a grease main channel (201) of a grease changer (200), comprising: a main line (1) for carrying rinse air (S1); a rinse aid line (2) for carrying rinse aid (S2); a rinse valve (50) through which the main line (1) and the rinse agent line (2) extend; Equipped with the rinse aid line (2) opens into the main line (1) via an outlet (2.1) to generate a flow of rinse air / rinse aid mixture (S3) to be introduced into the application agent main channel (201), The rinse valve (50) includes a movable second valve plunger (52); The second valve plunger (52) - has an inlet opening (62) on its outer surface; and / or - has an outlet opening (63) on its outer surface; A rinsing device (100) characterized in that:

59. A rinsing device (100) for connection to a main channel (201) of a coating agent switcher (200), comprising: a main line (1) for carrying rinse air (S1); a rinse aid line (2) for carrying rinse aid (S2); a rinse valve (50) through which the main line (1) and the rinse agent line (2) extend; Equipped with the rinse aid line (2) opens into the main line (1) via an outlet (2.1) to generate a flow of rinse air / rinse aid mixture (S3) to be introduced into the application agent main channel (201), The rinse valve (50) includes a movable first valve plunger (51); A rinsing device (100) characterized in that the first valve plunger (51) is connected to at least one leakage opening (57).

60. A rinsing device (100) for connection to a main channel (201) of a coating agent switcher (200), comprising: a main line (1) for carrying rinse air (S1); a rinse aid line (2) for carrying rinse aid (S2); a rinse valve (50) through which the main line (1) and the rinse agent line (2) extend; Equipped with the rinse aid line (2) opens into the main line (1) via an outlet (2.1) to generate a flow of rinse air / rinse aid mixture (S3) to be introduced into the application agent main channel (201), The rinse valve (50) includes a movable second valve plunger (52); A rinsing device (100) characterized in that the second valve plunger (52) has a valve closing element (61) for opening and closing a valve seat (60).

61. A rinsing device (100) for connection to a main channel (201) of a coating agent switcher (200), comprising: a main line (1) for carrying rinse air (S1); a rinse aid line (2) for carrying rinse aid (S2); a rinse valve (50) through which the main line (1) and the rinse agent line (2) extend; Equipped with the rinse aid line (2) opens into the main line (1) via an outlet (2.1) to generate a flow of rinse air / rinse aid mixture (S3) to be introduced into the application agent main channel (201), The rinse valve (50) includes a movable first valve plunger (51); A rinsing device (100) characterized in that the main line (1) and / or the rinse agent line (2) comprise a plurality of individual lines within the first valve plunger (51).

62. 62. A rinsing method for rinsing a main channel (201) of a coating agent changer (200) implemented in a rinsing device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 61, comprising: Transport of rinse air (S1) in the main line (1), and Transport of rinse aid (S2) in the rinse aid line (2), Equipped with - method, characterized in that the rinse aid line (2) opens into the main line (1) via an outlet (2.1) so that a flow of rinse air / rinse aid mixture (S3) is generated.

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