WO2004050259A1

WO2004050259A1 - Manifold mounting arrangement for supplying coating material to an application device

Info

Publication number: WO2004050259A1
Application number: PCT/US2003/037869
Authority: WO
Inventors: Joseph G Schroeder
Original assignee: Nordson Corporation
Priority date: 2002-11-27
Filing date: 2003-11-25
Publication date: 2004-06-17
Also published as: AU2003302604A1

Abstract

A manifold (14) mounting arrangement is provided to allow a user to selectively permit flow between a plurality of coating material supplies (A, B, C) and a coating material application device. The arrangement permits quick color change operations as well as purging functions. The arrangement includes a manifold block arrangement (14) that can be slideably positioned so as to align an inlet of the application device to a selected flow path that is in fluid communication with a respective coating material supply (A, B, C). A second sliding function can be used to then couple the selected flow path and the device inlet. Face seal arrangements can be used to have alignment and coupling with single axis movement. Translational movement can be manual or automated. An indexing function is provided to verify alignment. The invention can be used for quick color change operations for proximal and remote application device locations.

Description

MANIFOLD MOUNTING ARRANGEMENT FOR SUPPLYING

COATING MATERIAL TO AN APPLICATION DEVICE

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application claims the benefit of United States Provisional patent application serial no. 60/429,423 filed on November 27, 2002 for POWDER HOSE MANIFOLD, the entire disclosure of which is fully incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to apparatus for spraying articles, and more particularly to a manifold concept that can be used with such apparatus.

Many systems are known for spraying a coating material onto an article. For example, powder coating materials are commonly sprayed using either electrostatic or non-electrostatic spraying devices such as spray guns. Spray systems also typically include one or more devices for supplying coating material to the spray devices. For example, a Venturi pump often is used to supply powder from a hopper, box or other container to a powder spray gun.

Ever increasing demands are made to simplify and speed up color change operations. Color change operations are challenging because in some coating systems it is necessary to completely purge the coating material flow path of one color or type of coating material before the next type of coating material can be sprayed. Even if purging is not required for a particular coating material changeover, the changeover procedure itself is often cumbersome in known systems. Typically, the spray device must be manually disconnected from a first supply hose for a coating material being used and another hose attached that is connected to a second source of coating material. The spray device may need to be purged before the second hose is connected to the spray device. This tends to be a labor intensive and time consuming operation especially when there are many spray devices being used at the same time. Moreover, articles are commonly sprayed within a spray booth or other enclosure. Oftentimes there is a large number of spray guns, and these guns can be positioned in difficult positions to reach within the spray booth. For example, spray guns may be positioned rather high within a spray booth, well out of the reach of an operator other than by climbing a ladder or other structure.

The need exists for a simpler and faster technique for changing supplies to a spray device. Preferably such a technique will also facilitate quick color change operations.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to apparatus and methods for simplifying and increasing the speed of coating material changeovers for coating material application devices such as, for example, spray guns, pumps and so on. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a manifold mounting arrangement is provided by which an operator can quickly and easily establish a flow path between a coating material inlet of a spray device to a selectable one of two or more coating material supply lines. In one embodiment, a manifold block arrangement is provided by which two or more flow paths are each coupled at one end to a coating material supply and at another end to the device inlet. Selection is facilitated by having the block arrangement moveably mounted on a base, hi a specific embodiment the block arrangement is slideably mounted to the base. An operator can thus select the coating material supply by sliding the manifold block arrangement so that the desired flow path is in flow communication with the device inlet. The movable block arrangement can be positioned so that each flow path associated therewith is selectively alignable with the device inlet.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, connection or joining of each flow path to the device inlet can be facilitated by optionally including a slide mount associated with the base. The slide mount may be used to provide a mechanism by which the device inlet can be coupled to a selected flow path to establish flow communication therewith. The slide mount may be realized in the form of a plate that slideably supports the movable block arrangement, and which plate is also movable relative to the device inlet so as to permit selected coupling and uncoupling of the device inlet and a selected flow path. In one embodiment, the slide mount translates along an axis that is generally transverse an axis that the block arrangement translates. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, selected flow communication between the device inlet and each flow path can alternatively be realized without the use of a second slide, for example, by a sliding face seal arrangement between the device inlet and each flow path. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, such a configuration may also be used, for example, to provide a mounting arrangement for a pump.

In accordance with still a further aspect of the invention, a moveable manifold block arrangement includes an index to help the user identify when the selected flow path is aligned and in position to permit flow with the device inlet. In one embodiment the index is a mechanical index, h a specific embodiment the mechanical index is realized in the form of a detent. Alternative designs are available including but not limited to a visual index, electrical index, optical index and so on as well as various combinations thereof.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a movable manifold block arrangement may be manually movable or moved under control of a motive device such as a motor, piston and so on. Movement of the manifold block may be automatically controlled as another optional configuration by use of a programmed control function or a manually operated control function. The optional slide arrangement may also be positioned by use of a motive device and associated manual or automatic control function. For a fully automated configuration, the manifold block arrangement and the slide mount can be electronically controlled for alignment and connection of the device inlet to a selected flow path.

In accordance with further aspects of the invention, a mounting arrangement is provided that facilitates color change operations with a device such as a spray gun or pump. The mounting arrangement can be positioned near or adjacent to the device or remotely therefrom such as by the use of extension hoses or lines, for example. The present invention further contemplates various combinations of a mounting arrangement with a spraying system, such as a mounting arrangement with a spray gun, a Nenturi pump and so on.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a mounting arrangement is provided that can provide two or more flow paths that can be selectively positioned to permit flow with a device inlet. In one embodiment with two flow paths, each flow path maybe connectable to a source of different color or type of coating material, or one of the flow paths can be a purge air flow path. For a three or more flow path embodiment, the various paths can be connectable to different color sources, material types and/or a purge air source. The invention is particularly but not exclusively useful with powder coating materials.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a mounting arrangement is provided that facilitates source selection between a plurality of coating material supplies and an application device such as a spray gun for example. By simplifying the selection, connection and changeover process, quick color change operations are facilitated.

The invention further contemplates the methods embodied in the use of such exemplary apparatus, as well as a method for supplying a selectable coating material to an application device from a plurality of sources of coating material, h one embodiment the method includes the steps of coupling a plurality of coating material supplies to a corresponding plurality of respective flow paths, mounting the plurality of flow paths on a support, and aligning and/or fluidly coupling a selectable one of the flow paths to the device inlet by a sliding movement of the support relative to the device inlet. Other methods are contemplated by the invention as set forth below in the detailed description and claims.

These and other aspects and advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated and understood from the following detailed description of the invention in view of the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description Of The Drawings

Fig. 1 is an isometric illustration of a manifold mounting arrangement in accordance with the invention;

Fig. 2 is an exploded isometric illustration of the apparatus of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a side elevation of the apparatus of Fig. 1 including an exemplary application device installed therewith; Fig. 4A is a schematic representation of an alternative application having a remote application device;

Fig. 4B is a schematic representation of an alternative embodiment of an automated system; and

Fig. 5 is another embodiment of the invention for use with a pump as the coating material device.

Description Of The Invention

A. Introduction

With reference to Figs. 1 and 2, the numeral 10 generally indicates a manifold- style mounting arrangement for supplying coating material to a coating material application device. While the invention is described with particular reference to a selectable supply of a plurality of different powder coating materials such as, for example, different colors and/or types (e.g. metallic, polymeric and so on), for an exemplary application system such as a powder spray system, such description is intended to be exemplary in nature and should not be construed in a limiting sense. Those in the art will readily appreciate and understand that the invention may be used in many other application systems including but not limited to electrostatic (tribocharging and corona) spraying systems, non-electrostatic spraying systems, automatic spraying systems, manual spraying systems and so on. Additionally, various aspects of the invention are described herein and are embodied in the exemplary embodiments in illustrated combinations. These various aspects however may be realized in alternative embodiments either alone or in various combinations and sub-combinations thereof. Some of the many alternative embodiments will be described herein but such descriptions are not intended to be a complete or exhaustive list of available alternative embodiments. Those skilled in the art may readily adopt one or more of the aspects of the invention into additional embodiments within the scope of the present invention even if such embodiments are not expressly disclosed herein or are later developed. Additionally, even though some features may be described herein as being a preferred arrangement or method, such description is not intended to suggest that any such feature is required or necessary unless so expressly stated.

B. General Description

With continued reference to Figs. 1 and 2, the manifold mounting arrangement 10 includes two basic sections, namely a base or support 12, and a moveable manifold arrangement 14. The manifold arrangement 14 is moveable or translatable along a first axis (labeled Y in the drawings). A third optional but very useful section in many applications is a slide mechanism 16. The slide mechanism 16 in the exemplary embodiment provides translational movement of the manifold arrangement 14 along a second axis X that is generally transverse the first axis Y. The movements along each of the axes X and y can be effected separately and independently of each other or done together as needed for a particular system.

The base 12 is provided with a suitable support or mount 18 that can be used to join the manifold mounting arrangement 10 to another device (shown in Fig. 3) such as, for example, a spray gun. Typical spray guns include a coating material inlet, such as for example the coating material inlet end of a feed tube or hose. A connector is often provided at the device coating material inlet for simple push to connect operation. The support 18 may be configured in any suitable manner to mount with a spray gun body, for example. In some cases, an example of which is provided herein, the application device may include a support block or other suitable structure that can conveniently be mounted with the manifold arrangement, such as a pump that has a manifold mounting block and so on. For purposes of the invention, the salient point is that the manifold mounting arrangement 10 is provided with a suitable configuration to allow support of an application device such as a spray gun, pump and so on to permit at least one translational axis of movement of the manifold block arrangement 14 relative to the device inlet, and alternatively when desired a second translational axis relative to the device inlet. It is sufficient that the support 18 position the device inlet so that the inlet can be aligned with and fluid communication established with a selected one of a plurality of flow paths 70, such as with conduits or flow path devices 20, by simple translational movement of the manifold block arrangement 14. Depending on the selected configuration the translational movement may be single axis or two axis. A three axis translational movement arrangement can also readily be realized by the use of a second slide mechanism as will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Each flow path device 20 can be coupled, such as for example via a suitable hose or line, to its own supply of coating material (not shown).

In the exemplary embodiment then of Figs.1 and 2, the application device (shown in Fig. 3) can be installed on the support 18 which fixes the position of the device coating material inlet relative to the manifold arrangement 14. The manifold block arrangement 14 can then be selectively moved along the Y axis so as to align a selected one of the flow paths 70 with the device inlet. The user can thus easily and quickly select and change the source of coating material in fluid communication with the device. In the exemplary embodiment, two axis translational movement is provided in that the manifold arrangement 14 can also be translated along the X axis to permit flow between the selected flow path 70 and the application device (Fig. 3) inlet 80, thereby coupling the application device S to the selected coating material supply. The movement along the X axis may be effected after the movement along the Y axis to align the selected flow path with the device inlet. A clamp or latch mechanism 22 may be provided to securely hold the device inlet with the selected flow path 20 device.

Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that the translational movement of the manifold block arrangement 14, whether along one or more of the translational axes, may be effected manually or alternatively under control of a motive device such as an electric motor, pneumatic piston, rack and pinion and so on, with appropriate electronic position controls as are well known in the art or manually controlled electrical functions.

In the illustrated embodiment there are three flow path devices 20a, 20b and 20c that are supported with the manifold block arrangement 14, however, additional flow paths may be used and as few as two may be used. Each flow path device may be connected to a coating material supply, or one of the flow path devices 20 may be in fluid communication with a source of purge air (not shown). Purge air can then be used to purge the device as part of a color change operation.

The exemplary embodiments illustrate a manifold mounting arrangement 14 that is preferably positioned near the device inlet. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that alternatively an inlet can be provided on the base 12 and connected to a remotely positioned application device via a run of hose or line between the device and the manifold arrangement 10. This would allow coating material changes from a remote location from the application device, although typically such a configuration would require a purge function for the hose run.

Still further, the mounting arrangement 10 may be suitably configured so as to be installable on a support for the application device. For example, for an application device such as a spray gun the apparatus 10 can be adapted for installation onto a gun mover, or a robot in the case of automatic spray gun configurations. The apparatus 10 could be incorporated with a manual spray gun with appropriate use of lightweight materials. Manually held and operated spray guns may also be tethered to such the apparatus 10 by a supply hose run as noted above.

C. Detailed Description

With continued reference to Figs. 1 and 2, the exemplary embodiment will now be described in more detail.

The apparatus 10 includes the base assembly 12 which in this case includes an application device support 18 in the form of two clamp halves 18a and 18b which can be secured together by any suitable means such as bolts 18c. The support 18 clamps around the body of a spray gun S (Fig. 3) or other suitable coating material application or transfer device thereby supporting the gun and the apparatus 10 together. The particular form of the support 18 will depend on the design of the application device.

The base 12 also includes a slide mechanism 16. The slide mechanism 16 includes a slide plate 24 that slideably overlays a base member 26. A suitable mechanism is provide for maintaining the slide 24 and base member 26 in alignment and together, such as, for example, a conventional dovetail type tongue 28 and mating groove 30 design.

It is noted at this time that the apparatus 10 may be made of any suitable materials including but not limited to nylon for strength and light weight. Other materials may be used for specific required properties.

The slide plate 24 along its inner edge 32 includes a lengthwise recess 34. One or more stop members 36 are inserted through the plate 24 such that their ends extend into the recess 34 (see Fig. 3). The stop members 36 are positioned so as to interfere with the inner edges 38 of the tongues 28 to prevent the slide 24 from sliding completely off of the base member 26 during normal use.

A flexible strap or catch 44 of the latch mechanism 22 is fixedly or hingedly mounted at one end 44a thereof to the base member 26 via cooperating bolts 40 and holes 42. The strap 44 is made of a suitable flexible somewhat stretchable material such as rubber and is provided with a graspable handle 46 on the free end thereof. The strap 44 includes a hole 44b that cooperates with a latch post 48 that is installed on the slide 24 via a suitable mechanism such as cooperating bolt 50 and hole 52. Thus, the strap 44 is used to securely but releasably hold the slide 24 and base member 26 together tightly when the strap is slipped onto the post 48 by inserting the post 48 into the strap hole 44b. When the strap is released the slide 24 is free to move along the tongue and groove engagement 28/30. When the strap 44 is attached to the post 48, the slide 24 is held in its most forward position with its forward edge 32 abutting a retaining wall 54 of the base.

The slide 24 also includes an upper lengthwise dovetail groove 60 that cooperates with a respective tongue 62 on each of a plurality of manifold blocks 64 that when assembled together form the slideably mounted manifold arrangement 14. Although three blocks 64a,b,c are illustrated, two blocks or four or more blocks may be used. Still further, a single block may be used that supports or includes the flow paths 70. For the case of individual or separable blocks, each block includes a through hole 66 so that a single bolt 68 can be used to securely bolt the blocks together to effectively form a single yet easy to disassemble block. The use of separate blocks provides a modular design in which the number of blocks and flow paths can easily be increased or decreased or replaced as desired.

Each block 64 includes a coating material flow path device 20. hi the exemplary embodiment each flow path device 20 provides or defines a flow path or passageway 70 through a respective hose connector 72. Each connector can include a conventional nipple 74 for attachment of a feed hose or line (FH) which is coupled to a respective source of coating material (Fig. 1). The connectors 72 may be threadably or otherwise suitably mounted on the respective manifold blocks 64. Note that any individual block can carry with it one or more flow paths and not all the blocks need be the same. There is a tremendous variety in types of flow path devices 20, connectors, couplings and other connections that may be used to provide a flow path 70 between each coating material supply and the application device S, far too many to describe or list herein. However, a particular alternative to note is that a suitable face seal arrangement may be used as described in connection with a pump embodiment described hereinafter. The salient feature is that the manifold block arrangement 14 includes a plurality of such flow paths 70 each of which is selectively alignable with an inlet to the application device S (Fig. 3) by translational movement along an axis so as to permit flow between the associated supply of coating material and the application device S.

Note that the first dovetail arrangement 28/30 of the slide 24 provides for translation along the X axis and the second dovetail arrangement 60/62 provides for translation along the generally transverse axis Y. The reference frame of X, Y and Z is merely for convenience and denotes no particular spatial orientation of use.

The translational movement of the manifold block arrangement 14 along the X axis is used to allow a user to selectively align one of the flow paths 70 with an inlet 80 to the application device S (see Fig. 3). In this example another hose connector 82 is used to provide an inlet to the application device (spray gun for example) as is well lαiown. The device connector 82 includes a nipple portion 84 that inserts into an aligned opening of the associated flow path device 20 for the selected flow path 70.

With reference to Figs. 2 and 3, the slide plate 24 and the manifold blocks 64 include a cooperating indexing mechanism. In the exemplary embodiment the indexing mechanism is realized in the form of a detent mechanism that includes a pin 86 that is installed in a hole 87 in the slide plate 24. Each of the manifold blocks 64 includes an appropriately positioned detent recess or hole 88 which engages with the distal end of pin 86, that protrudes out of the hole 87, when the manifold is in a selectable position that aligns along the X axis the selected block 64 with the inlet of the application device S. The pin can be spring loaded or simply an interference fit that can be forcibly overridden. When a block is properly aligned the user can feel a definite "catch" that the block is in position. Other mechanical indexes and detent mechanisms may be used.

The aforementioned detent mechanism is but one example of many different types of indexing mechanisms that can be used. Besides a mechanical indexing mechanism such as, for example, the detent design, a visual index could be used. Optical or electrical position sensors and detectors may also be used as required, especially for automated systems. Various combinations may also be used for systems that will be manually and automatically operated.

Movement of the manifold block arrangement 14 along the X axis is used to selectively align (and in some configurations establish fluid communication) the selected flow path 70 of the associated flow path device 20 (i.e. coating material supply) with the inlet 80 of the application device. During such movement the strap 44 has been released and the slide plate 24 backed away from the application device (along the Y axis) to uncouple the device connector 82 from the previously used or connected flow path device 20. Such is the position shown in Fig. 3. The detent or other indexing mechanism is used to verify or detect good alignment, after which the slide plate 24 is moved towards the inlet 80 along the Y axis so as to engage the selected flow path device 20 and the inlet com ector 82 of the application device. The slide 24 is thus moved relative to the inlet 80 along the Y axis to selectively permit (connect and disconnect) flow (i.e. establish flow communication or a flow path) between the selected flow path 70 and the device inlet 80. The strap 44 can then be secured to hold the assembly tightly together during a spraying operation. Again, one of the flow paths 70 can be coupled to a source of purge air to clean the application device during a color change or material change procedure.

As noted hereinbefore the slide plate 24 and the manifold block arrangement 14 can be moved manually or by a motive device such as a motor and so on. h such a design there would likely be no need for the retaining strap 44 although a mechanical or electromechanical latch could be provided if so desired. Such linear motion controls and devices are well known to those skilled in the art and need not be described herein in detail.

Although in the exemplary embodiments herein the slide plate 24 is moved and carries with it the manifold block arrangement 14 to establish fluid communication between the flow path 70 and the device inlet 80, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the application device alternatively could be mounted on the slide plate. Thus, the invention more broadly contemplates relative movement between selectable flow paths and the device inlet to permit flow therebetween and is not limited necessarily to which portions are moved.

Figs. 4A-B illustrate in simplified schematic form additional embodiments. In Fig. 4 A, a hose connector 90 or other suitable mechanism is mounted on the support 18. This connector 90 with an inlet 92 can be mated or coupled to a selected flow path device 20 as described hereinabove. A hose or line run 94 can then be used to connect to a remotely located application device (hot shown). Fig. 4B illustrates an example of an automated system in which an X axis control function 96 is provided to position and control movement of the slide plate 24 towards and away from the inlet of the application device S to make connection between the device S inlet and the flow path device 20. A Y axis control function 98 may also be provided to position and control movement of the manifold block assembly 14 along the Y axis so as to align a selected flow path device 20 with the application device S inlet. The embodiment of Fig. 4B can also conveniently be extended to use with a remote application device S connected by a hose run 94 as in Fig. 4A. These position and control functions may be easily implemented with well known linear drive mechanisms and controls for example. The control functions 96/98 may thus take many forms including manual, electronic, electromechanical and so on including various combinations thereof.

As noted hereinbefore, sliding face seal type arrangements may be used in lieu of mated connectors (an example with a flow pump follows herein), h such a case, the movement of the manifold block arrangement 14 not only establishes proper alignment but also establishes the fluid communication between the selected flow path 70 and the inlet to the application device S. Although the exemplary embodiment of this concept is for a pump, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the embodiment herein of a spray gun or other application device can be easily modified in view of the teachings herein to provide a face seal type slide block interface between the manifold selectable flow paths and the device S inlet.

With reference then to Fig. 5, the invention may be used with coating material application devices other than application devices such as spray guns, this example, the invention is used with a pump such as a Nenturi pump that is commonly used to feed coating material from a container such as a box or hopper to an application device like a spray gun. Fig. 5 is generally schematic in form since the pump device is well known, such as available from Nordson Corporation, Westlake, Ohio. The only modification of a conventional pump is to provide a mounting block for supporting the pump on the apparatus 10.

Thus, a Nenturi pump 100 includes a body 102 having typically a flow air inlet 104 and an atomizing air inlet 106 although such are not always required in all pumps. The pump also includes an outlet 108 that is connectable to an application device such as a spray gun via a feed hose (not shown). The particular internal design of the pump 100 is not critical to the invention. All that is needed is an inlet to the pump for the coating material to enter. In this example, the inlet is in the form of an orifice 101.

In accordance with the invention, the pump 100 is slideably mounted on a manifold block 110 that includes a plurality of inlet arrangements 112. Each inlet is adapted to be connectable to a respective coating material supply, such as through a pick up tube or hose (not shown). One of the inlets may be a purge air source.

The manifold 110 further includes a respective outlet arrangement 114 for each of the inlets 112. A simple through passage 116 can connect each respective inlet/outlet pair. Each outlet arrangement in this example is the same as the others and includes an outlet orifice 118 formed in a recess or counterbore 120 in the surface 122 that faces the pump 100 and across which the pump 100 slides. An appropriate seal device 124, such as for example, an o-ring, may be used to seal each connection between each outlet 114 and the inlet 101 to the pump. At each aligned position between the pump inlet 101 and each outlet 114 a fluid tight face seal is formed. Alignment of the pump inlet orifice 101 and each outlet 114 can be realized with a proper indexing function as described hereinbefore. The pump 100 can be manually positioned and moved or moved under motive force. A single axis movement can be used because alignment and flow path connection are accomplished in the same step. The manifold 110 may be a single block or an assembly of multiple blocks to allow for modular expansion and changes. Note that purge air can be used to purge the pump as well as the downstream application device and connecting hose run if so desired.

Quick color change is effected by use of the invention in the various embodiments by virtue of the simplicity of changing flow paths connectable to the device inlet by sliding translational movement, either manually or electromechanically, along with the optional use of a purge flow path. The modular design of the manifold and ease of changeover permits quick color change even in cases where the application device(s) may be physically located in an otherwise difficult to access location.

The invention has been described with reference to the preferred embodiment. Modifications and alterations will occur to others upon a reading and understanding of this specification. It is intended to include all such modifications and alterations insofar as they come within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof.

Claims

CLAIMSHaving thus described the invention, we claim:

1. A manifold for a coating material device having an inlet for receiving a flow of coating material, the manifold comprising:

a manifold block having at least two flow paths with each flow path providing a separate flow path; said manifold block being movable between at least two positions to selectively align at each said position a respective one of said flow paths and said device inlet to permit flow therebetween.

2. The mamfold of claim 1 wherein said manifold block is slideably mounted on a base.

3. The manifold of claim 2 wherein said base is supported with the device.

4. The manifold of claim 2 wherein said base supports a flow line that is connectable at one end to the device inlet to permit said manifold block and base to be positioned a distance from the device.

5. The manifold of claim 1 wherein said manifold block is manually movable.

6. The manifold of claim 1 wherein said manifold block is moved between said positions by a motive device.

7. The manifold of claim 1 wherein each said flow path receives coating material from a respective one of a plurality of coating material supplies.

8. The manifold of claim 1 wherein said coating material supplies respectively contain light or dark powder coating material.

9. The manifold of claim 8 wherein at least one of said coating material supplies contains metallic powder.

10. The manifold of claim 1 wherein said manifold block comprises at least three flow paths and is movable between at least three positions.

11. The manifold of claim 1 wherein said manifold block has an index to indicate to a user correct positioning of said mamfold block at each of said positions.

12. The manifold of claim 11 wherein said index comprises a mechanical index.

13. The manifold of claim 12 wherein said mechanical index comprises a detent.

14. The manifold of claim 11 wherein said index is visual.

15. The manifold of claim 1 wherein said manifold block is movable on a base that is supported with a powder spray gun.

16. The manifold of claim 15 wherein said spray gun is a manually held spray gun.

17. The manifold of claim 1 wherein said manifold block is movable on a base that is supported with a powder pump.

18. The manifold of claim 1 wherein the coating material is powder.

19. The manifold of claim 1 wherein alignment and flow communication between said flow paths and said device inlet are established by translational movement of said manifold block with respect to said device inlet along a single axis.

20. The manifold of claim 1 wherein alignment between said flow paths and said device inlet is established by translational movement of said manifold block with respect to said device inlet along a first axis, and flow communication between said flow paths and said device inlet is established by translational movement of said manifold block with respect to said device inlet along a second axis.

21. The manifold of claim 20 wherein said first axis and said second axis are generally transverse with respect to each other.

22. The manifold of claim 1 wherein said manifold block comprises a plurality of individual blocks secured together as a single unit, each said individual block carrying one or more of said flow paths.

23. The manifold of claim 1 wherein said manifold block comprises at least three flow paths and wherein one of said flow paths conveys purge air.

24. A manifold for a coating material device of the type having an inlet for receiving coating material from a supply, the manifold comprising:

at least two separate flow paths, each said flow path having a first end adapted to receive coating material from a respective coating material supply, each said flow path having a second end alignable with the inlet of the device that uses the coating material;

a manifold, said flow paths being supported on said manifold, said manifold being movable between at least two positions; wherein at each of said positions a respective one of said flow paths can establish fluid communication with the device inlet for flow therebetween.

25. The manifold of claim 24 wherein said manifold can selectively translate along two orthogonal axes to align and establish flow between each of said flow paths and the device inlet.

26. The manifold of claim 24 wherein said manifold can translate along a single axis to align and establish flow selectively between each of said flow paths and the device inlet.

27. A manifold for a coating material device having an inlet for receiving coating material, comprising:

a manifold block having a first flow path and a second flow path; said first flow path having an inlet for receiving coating material from a first coating material supply, and an outlet for coating material to flow to the device inlet; said second flow path having an inlet for receiving coating material from a second coating material supply, and an outlet for coating material to flow to the device inlet; said manifold block being movable between first and second positions relative to the device inlet to selectively permit flow between each of said flow paths and said device inlet.

28. The manifold of claim 1 comprising a control function for controlling said movement of said manifold.

29. The manifold of claim 28 wherein said control function is manual.

30. The manifold of claim 28 wherein said control function comprises electronic linear motion control.

31. The manifold of claim 1 comprising a latch for holding said manifold in position during a coating material application operation.

32. The manifold of claim 31 wherein said latch is manually operated.

33. A manifold mounting arrangement comprising:

a manifold having a first flow path and a second flow path; said first flow path having an inlet for receiving coating material from a first coating material supply, and an outlet for coating material to flow to the device inlet; said second flow path having an inlet for receiving coating material from a second coating material supply, and an outlet for coating material to flow to the device inlet;

a coating material device having an inlet for receiving a flow of coating material;

said manifold being movable between first and second positions relative to said device inlet to selectively permit flow between each of said flow paths and said device inlet.

34. The apparatus of claim 33 wherein said device comprises a powder spray gun.

35. The apparatus of claim 33 wherein said device comprises a powder line connectable at one end to a powder application device.

36. The apparatus of claim 35 wherein said powder application device comprises a powder spray gun.

37. The apparatus of claim 33 wherein said device comprises a powder pump.

38. A manifold mounting anangement comprising:

a spray gun having an inlet for receiving a flow of coating material;

said manifold being movable between first and second positions relative to said spray gun inlet to selectively permit flow between each of said flow paths and said spray gun inlet.

39. The apparatus of claim 38 wherein said manifold can translate independently along two axes.

40. A manifold mounting anangement comprising:

a pump having an inlet for receiving a flow of coating material;

said manifold being movable between first and second positions relative to said pump inlet to selectively permit flow between each of said flow paths and said pump inlet.

41. Quick change method for coating material supply to an application device, comprising the steps of: providing a plurality of flow paths on a support,

providing a coating material inlet to the device;

establishing flow communication between each said flow path and a respective source of coating material; and

translating said support along an axis to selectively permit flow between a selected flow path and the device inlet by movement of the support relative to the device inlet.

42. The method of claim 41 comprising the step of translating the support along two different axes respectively to align and couple a selected flow path to the device inlet.