EP0099252A2 - Apparatus for forming mixtures of fluids - Google Patents
Apparatus for forming mixtures of fluids Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP0099252A2 EP0099252A2 EP83303986A EP83303986A EP0099252A2 EP 0099252 A2 EP0099252 A2 EP 0099252A2 EP 83303986 A EP83303986 A EP 83303986A EP 83303986 A EP83303986 A EP 83303986A EP 0099252 A2 EP0099252 A2 EP 0099252A2
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- dispensing
- valve
- paint
- fluid
- receiving container
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B44—DECORATIVE ARTS
- B44D—PAINTING OR ARTISTIC DRAWING, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; PRESERVING PAINTINGS; SURFACE TREATMENT TO OBTAIN SPECIAL ARTISTIC SURFACE EFFECTS OR FINISHES
- B44D3/00—Accessories or implements for use in connection with painting or artistic drawing, not otherwise provided for; Methods or devices for colour determination, selection, or synthesis, e.g. use of colour tables
- B44D3/003—Methods or devices for colour determination, selection or synthesis, e.g. use of colour tables
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
- B01F33/00—Other mixers; Mixing plants; Combinations of mixers
- B01F33/80—Mixing plants; Combinations of mixers
- B01F33/84—Mixing plants with mixing receptacles receiving material dispensed from several component receptacles, e.g. paint tins
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
- B01F35/00—Accessories for mixers; Auxiliary operations or auxiliary devices; Parts or details of general application
- B01F35/80—Forming a predetermined ratio of the substances to be mixed
- B01F35/88—Forming a predetermined ratio of the substances to be mixed by feeding the materials batchwise
- B01F35/881—Forming a predetermined ratio of the substances to be mixed by feeding the materials batchwise by weighing, e.g. with automatic discharge
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
- B01F2101/00—Mixing characterised by the nature of the mixed materials or by the application field
- B01F2101/30—Mixing paints or paint ingredients, e.g. pigments, dyes, colours, lacquers or enamel
Abstract
An apparatus for metering required proportions of different fluid ingredients to make a required mixture (e.g. a colored paint) includes a rack of storage containers (20) for the ingredients, each provided with a valve-controlled outlet (33) and a receiving container (42) mounted on a weighing means (40) which is presentable by a support (41) to a chosen sequence of storage containers in turn to receive the required contribution from each.
Metering of the necessary ingredient additions is effected automatically by valve-actuating means (61) carried by the weighing means support (41). Data processing control to optimise operation is described.
Description
- This invention relates to forming mixtures of fluids particularly of viscous liquids such as paint. A wholesaler can not keep in stock all the shades of paint which he wishes to supply, most particularly for vehicle refinishing paint which has to match paint already on the vehicle. He keeps in stock a number of basic colored paints, for example 10 to 60 paints in all which can be mixed in proportions usually specified by the paint manufacturer to produce the shade of paint required. This system of mixing basic colored paints to produce a desired shade is also often used for decorative household paint. Mixing paints to form a correct shade is a time consuming procedure since the proportions of the basic colored paints have to be measured accurately. The paints are usually stored in cans arranged in a cabinet. The cans may be fitted with a lid adapted to form a pouring spout. The lid also usually has a stirrer passing through it since each basic paint must be stirred to ensure it is homogeneous before it is mixed to form the desired shade. The stirrers of all the cans may be kinematically linked and motor driven so that each basic paint is being stirred except when it is taken from the cabinet.
- Machines are known in which the cans of basic colored paint are arranged on a carousel which can be rotated manually or automatically to present successive selected cans at a mixing station. Such machines are described for example in British Patent Nos. 867,962, 867,963, 1,021,676, 1,433,710 and 1,548,965 and British Patent Application No. 2,039,471. A carousel however takes up more space in a warehouse than a flat cabinet which can be arranged against a wall. Moreover relatively heavy machinery is required to move the carousel loaded with cans of paint, particularly if it is movable vertically to present tins stored on different shelves to the mixing station.
- An apparatus according to the invention for forming, in a receiving container, a mixture in selected proportions of fluid ingredients selected from a number of such fluid ingredients stored in an array of storage containers each adapted to dispense a respective fluid ingredient , comprises weighing means adapted to support and continuously monitor the weight of the receiving container, a movable support for the weighing means so that the receiving container supported thereby can be moved to receive ingredients from successive selected storage containers, means for initiating dispensing of an ingredient from a selected storage container when the weighing means and supported receiving container are in a position to receive fluid from that storage container and means for stopping that dispensing of fluid when a predetermined weight of that ingredient has been dispensed into the receiving container.
- In an apparatus for forming mixtures of paints to achieve a desired shade, the storage containers are preferably paint cans adapted to dispense the paint therein so that a paint manufacturer can supply paint in the same cans to customers using or not using the apparatus of the invention. The apparatus preferably includes dispensing heads each of which fits onto the opened top of a paint can. The dispensing head has a dispensing outlet for the paint which can be opened by the means for initiating dispensing of paint. The dispensing outlet is preferably controlled by a valve which is opened by the means for initiating dispensing, so that dispensing of paint can be achieved without moving the paint can and dispensing head.
- In one preferred arrangement, the storage containers are paint cans arranged substantially horizontally and each is fitted with a dispensing head which has its dispensing outlet facing generally downwards, so that the paint! flows out under gravity when the dispensing outlet is opened. The dispensing outlet can for example be controlled by a valve mounted on a vertical spindle which can be raised to open the valve. Conveniently the spindle extends vertically through the dispensing head so that the valve can be opened and closed by means engaging with the top part of the spindle. Such means for raising the valve (initiating dispensing of paint) and lowering the valve (stopping the dispensing of paint) are preferably mounted on the movable support for the weighing means, although it can alternatively be mounted on the static framework of the apparatus.
- The valve preferably comprises a cylindrical valve plug resting in a frusto-conical valve seat when the valve is closed, the cylindrical valve plug and the frusto-conical valve seat being substantially coaxial and the plug being arranged to move along its axis away from the valve seat to open the valve. Such a valve has the advantage that the flow of viscous fluid can be accurately controlled over a large range of flow rates through the valve, for example from 0.1 grams/second up to 200 grams/second or more. As the valve is opened, the size of the valve opening does not increase linearly with the axial distance moved by the cylindrical plug away from the frusto-conical valve seat. The valve opening increases only slowly when the cylindrical plug is moved within the cone of the valve seat to give accurate control at low flow, but high flow rates are possible when the plug is well clear of the valve seat.
- The valve plug and seat are preferably arranged so that their contact line when the valve is closed is near the lower tip of the frusto-conical valve seat. This has two advantages. Firstly initial opening movements of the plug are within the cone of the valve seat giving more accurate control at low flow as described above!. Secondly the area of the valve below the contact line which can be wetted by paint can be made very small so that dripping of paint after the valve is closed is minimised. The frusto-conical valve seat preferably protrudes downwards from the dispenser so that the contact line of the valve plug and seat is below the lowest level of paint in the dispenser. The valve spindle and plug are preferably biased towards the closed position, for example by a spring operating against the top of the dispenser. The valve can then be closed by disengaging the means for raising the valve from the spindle or otherwise ceasing to apply the lifting force. Alternatively the lifting means can drive the spindle downwards to stop dispensing, although biasing towards the closed position is preferred, to ensure that the valve is firmly closed when the dispenser is not in use.
- The valve plug is preferably made of a low friction material such as polytetrafluoroethylene. In this case the cylindrical valve plug is generally self-seating in the valve seat, that is it will move to its lowest position in the valve seat without being stopped by friction even if the plug and spindle are not precisely aligned with the valve seat.
- In dispensers having a downwardly facing outlet, the underside surface of the cylindrical valve plug is preferably recessed, most preferably over at least half its surface area, so that the lowest surface of the plug is defined by a narrow annulus. Paint will not generally wet the recessed face when the valve is opened so that the surface of the valve plug from which paint can drip when the valve is closed can be made very small. The frusto-conical valve seat is preferably formed so that it protrudes from the lower face of the dispenser and its lower tip surrounding the circular valve outlet is preferably narrow to minimise dripping of paint.
- The movable support for the weighing means preferably carries means for engaging the valve spindle to rotate it as the weighing means is moved into position under a dispenser. For example a pawl mounted on the movable support may engage a ratchet on the top part of the valve spindle. This rotary motion ruptures any paint film which may be bonding the valve plug to its seat, so that the subsequent valve operation is smoother and more controllable.
- A receptacle for drips of the fluid being dispensed is preferably positioned under the dispensing outlet of each storage container, the receptacle being movable along a path defined by guide means and having a wiping member arranged so that before and/or after dispensing of the fluid, the wiping member wipes away drips of fluid from the dispensing outlet. It is not essential that the wiping member has a wiping action at the dispensing outlet both when moving away from the dispenser before dispensing and when returning towards the dispenser after dispensing, although this will usually be the case. The movable support for the weighing means preferably includes means for engaging the drip receptacle to move it from its position under the dispensing outlet of the storage container as the receiving container is moved to the position in which the receiving container can receive fluid dispensed from the storage container. The apparatus preferably also includes means (for example springs), to return the drip receptacle to its position under the,dispensing outlet when the receiving container is no longer in position for receiving fluid dispensed from that storage container.
- The drip receptacle prevents drips of viscous liquid, for example paint, which have formed at the dispensing outlet from falling into the wrong container or from fouling the apparatus. The wiping member prevents the accumulation of dried paint at the dispensing outlet. When the drip receptacle is moved back into position after a paint dispensing operation, the wiping member removes freshly dispensed paint which has remained at the dispensing outlet, any drips being retained in the drip receptacle. There is thus much less chance of paint hardening at the dispensing outlet and blocking it sufficiently to give an irregular flow during the next dispensing. When the drip receptacle is moved away from the dispensing outlet before dispensing, the wiping member helps to remove any small amount of dry paint which has formed at the dispensing outlet, dropping it into the drip receptacle so that the paint dispensed is not marred by flakes of dried paint which might not redissolve.
- The drip receptacle is preferably in the form of a dish having a substantially flat base. The dish is preferably arranged so that there is only a narrow gap between the top of the side(s) of the dish and the bottom of the dispenser. The drip receptacle thus forms a compartment around the dispensing outlet when dispensing is not taking place. When the fluid to be dispensed is a solvent-based material such as paint, an atmosphere rich in solvent vapor is thus maintained around the dispensing outlet. The drip receptacle should have sufficient depth to give adequate clearance between the dispensing outlet and paint which has accumulated in the receptacle. Eventually this paint has to be discarded. The drip receptacle can be made inexpensive and disposable, for example of plastics material, or it may have a disposable liner for the base, preferably of an absorbent material, such as absorbent paper. Alternatively the dish can be lined with a material not readily wetted by paint, for example polytetrafluoroethylene or silicone, so that collected paint is easily removed therefrom.
- The wiping member can be any of a wide variety of types; for example it can be a wire, blade, brush or fibrous material or an absorbent material such as a sponge. It is generally arranged across the top of the drip receptacle. A brush can be fixed relative to the receptacle or can be in the form of a roller which rotates as the drip receptacle moves. A fibrous material can for example be a slightly abrasive felt arranged on a roller. The preferred wiping member is a wire which can be arranged so that its springiness urges it against the dispensing outlet to apply a wiping pressure. The wire is preferably mounted at an oblique angle to the direction of travel of the drip receptacle. It has been found that a wire perpendicular to the direction of travel may smear a very thin film of paint across the dispensing outlet. While such a thin film is insufficient to permanently block the outlet, it may lead to an irregular flow of paint, giving rise to difficulties in dispensing an accurately measured amount of paint. The wire is preferably mounted so that it is easily detachable from the drip receptacle.
- The means for supporting the drip receptacle in its position under the dispensing outlet preferably also forms the guide means for the movement of the drip receptacle. For example the sides of the drip receptacle may have externally mounted guides forming a channel in which supporting bars can be arranged to slide. The drip receptacle can alternatively be arranged to move between guide rails on a supporting structure.
- The apparatus of the invention is particularly suitable for programmed control. A data processor can store, as input information, the position of each storage container and the bssic colored paint it contains. Infcrma- tion can be fed to the data processor concerning the basic colored paints to be mixed and the amount of each required to form a desired shade of paint. In a preferred fully automated apparatus, the data processor has a store of information concerning the basic colored paints and their relative proportions required to make any'of the shades of paint offered by a paint manufacturer so that the only manual input of information needed for each dispensing operation is a code for the shade required and the size of the receiving container to be filled. Information on the weights of each basic colored paint to be mixed can alternatively be fed to the data processor by manual keyboard or by punched card or bar code.
- The data processor preferably controls the movement of the weighing means and its support to successive storage containers containing the basic colored paints required. The presence of the weighing means and receiving container beneath a desired storage container may be ascertained by the data processor from information fed thereto concerning the position of each storage container and of the weighing means or by a sensing device on the weighing means or its support or on the storage container. When this has been ascertained, the data processor emits a signal to the means for initiating dispensing of the paint. The data processor records the weight of the receiving container before dispensing and calculates the required weight of that container after dispensing of that basic colored paint. The weighing means continuously monitors the weight of the receiving container during dispensing of the paint and passes this information to the data processor which compares it with the required weight of the receiving container. When the receiving container reaches the required weight, the data processor emits a signal to operate means for stopping dispensing of the paint. The data processor can, if desired, control the rate of dispensing of the paint according to the weight of the particular basic colored paint required. For example it can open a dispensing valve only a small extent to give a low dispensing rate !of basic colored paint which is to be used in a small amount so that the weight of that paint dispensed can be controlled more accurately. The data processor may control the degree to which the valve is opened during the dispensing operation in response to the measured rate of increase in weight of the receiving container during that dispensing operation.
- The rate at which paint is dispensed through a given valve opening depends mainly on the viscosity of the paint (which itself depends on the composition of the paint and on the ambient temperature at the dispensing apparatus) and on the head of paint in the storage container above the valve. When paint is to be dispensed, the data processor is given information on the weight of paint to be dispensed and measures the weight of the receiving container before dispensing and hence calculates the target weight of the receiving container after dispensing. Dispensing is then initiated by actuating the automatic opening means to open the valve plug a fixed amount. This is preferably arranged to correspond to a desired rate of flow of a relatively low viscosity paint from a full storage container on a warm day. The degree to which the valve is opened in this initial stage of dispensing can be the same for every separate dispensing operation, although the data processor may control the opening of the valve to be less, if only a small amount of paint is to be dispensed. The weighing means continuously measures the weight of the receiving container and feeds this information to the data processor. The weighing means can for example be a quartz fiber balance transmitting weight measurements at time intervals of 0.1 - 0.5 second for example every 0.2 second.
- From these successive weight measurments and the time between them, the data processor can calculate the flow rate of the paint dispensed through the valve. Dispensing is preferably allowed to take place with the initial valve opening for a time sufficient to allow a steady flow to develop. This time is preferably at least 1 second and can be up to 5 seconds or 'longer. The data processor is of course still monitoring the weight of the receiving container compared to the target weight and can close the valve in one operation when the target weight is reached, or by degrees as the target weight is approached. After allowing time for a steady flow to develop, the flow rate is measured and compared with a desired flow rate stored in or calculated by the data processor. In most cases the measured flow rate will be less than the desired flow rate because the paint is cold or has a relatively high viscosity or the storage container is not full. The data processor then calculates the factor by which the flow has to be accelerated to achieve the desired flow rate and actuates the automatic opening means to further open the valve by an appropriate amount.
- For most types of valve, including the preferred valve having a cylindrical valve plug in a conical valve seat, the flow rate of a given fluid through the valve is not in linear proportion to the distance moved by the valve plug away from the valve seat. This can give advantages in accuracy since a small valve opening giving a low flow of paint (individual drips) can be achieved without the need for a very sensitive control on the distance by which the valve spindle and plug are raised, while rapid flow can still be achieved by a larger valve opening. The data processor preferably stores information on the variation of flow rate with movement of the valve plug so that it can control the automatic opening means to open the valve to accelerate the flow of paint by the calculated factor.
- When the acceleration factor has been calculated and the valve has been opened to give the appropriate accelerated flow rate of paint, dispensing may continue at that flow rate until the target weight of the receiving container is approached or reached. Alternatively the data processor can continuously measure the flow rate of the paint and adjust the valve opening and hence the flow rate with each measurement if needed or at selected time intervals. Moreover the desired flow rate of the paint can be a fixed pre-determined flow rate or can depend on the difference between the target weight and the current measured weight of the receiving container so that the flow rate is continuously adjusted and is gradually reduced as the target weight is approached.
- Whether or not the flow rate is continuously adjusted in this manner it is preferably reduced as the target weight is approached. For example the data processor can be programmed to partly close the valve when the measured weight is within a certain weight of the target weight. Dispensing is then continued slowly to give increased accuracy and the valve is closed when the weight of the receiving container equals the target weight or is within a known tolerance of it to allow for paint which has passed the valve opening but has not yet reached the receiving container.
- One embodiment of apparatus for forming mixtures of paints will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which:
- Figure 1 is a front perspective view of the apparatus,
- Figure 2 is a front perspective view on an enlarged scale, of a partly cut away portion of the apparatus of Figure 1, showing paint being dispensed from a selected storage container,
- Figure 3 is a perspective view, partly cut away, of one of the storage containers of Figures 1 and 2,
- Figure 4 is an enlarged cross-section of the dispensing head of the storage container of Figure 3 taken along the line IV-IV thereof,
- Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of one of the drip receptacles shown in Figures 1 and 2 together with the means for moving it in use,
- Figure 6 is a side elevation, partly in section, showing the drip receptacle of Figure 5 in position under the outlet of a paint dispenser (of Figure 4), which is shown in enlarged cross-section, and
- Figure 7 is an algorithm showing the process steps used in the apparatus of Figures 1 and 2 during a dispensing operation controlled by a data processor.
- The apparatus illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 comprises a
cabinet 11 having aframework 12 supportingracks 13 to 16. A number of paint cans (storage containers) such as 20 and 20a are supported in rows by each rack. The uppermost rack is not shown in Figure 1, but can be seen in Figure 2. Each rack (such as 14) is positioned slightly to the rear of the rack (13) above. - Each paint can (such as 20) is fitted with a dispensing
head 25 clamped over the open top of the paint can by wing clamps 31 and 32. The dispensinghead 25 is formed with aboss 26 through which a bolt or pin passes to fix it to a supportingbracket 27 mounted on the rack .above. Each paint can rests on two supporting rods at each side of it, onerod 28 being visible at the end of each horizontal row in Figure 1. Each paint can is preferably supported as shown, so that it tilts slightly downwards towards.its dispensinghead 25. - Each dispensing head 25 (see Figure 4) has a dispensing
outlet 33 controlled by a valve which allows the paint to flow under gravity through theoutlet 33 when the valve is open. The dispenser valve comprises a circularcylindrical valve plug 81 and a frusto-conical valve seat 82. Thevalve plug 81 is preferably formed of a low friction material such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and thelower circumference 83 of the valve plug is rounded off so that thevalve plug 81 is self-seating in thevalve seat 82. Thevalve seat 82 is preferably made of metal, for example stainless steel, and is fastened to the body of the dispensinghead 25 bymating screw threads 84. Thevalve plug 81 is movable vertically by aspindle 35 which passes through the upper surface of the dispensinghead 25 through agland 36. Thegland 36 is preferably made of a material which resists wetting by paint for example PTFE or a silicone to prevent paint sticking to the spindle and/or the gland and thereby impeding their relative movement. Thespindle 35 can also be made of a material which resists wetting or can alternatively be made of a polished, relatively low friction, metal for example stainless steel. The upper end of thespindle 35 is formed with ahandle 37 which can be engaged by an automatic device to raise thevalve plug 81 and hence open the valve. Aspring 38 surrounds thespindle 35 within the. dispensinghead 25. The spring operates against the inner surface of the top of the dispensinghead 25 and against the top of thevalve plug 81 so that the valve plug is biased towards the closed position. Thespring 38 rapidly closes the valve when the force lifting the spindle is removed. - Figure 4 shows the valve in a partially open position. The
valve plug 81 is raised from its lowest position which is indicated by achain line 85. As the valve is opened, the area of the valve opening does not increase linearly with the vertical distance moved by thevalve plug 81. The valve opening is initially small as thevalve plug 81 is raised, so that a low flow rate of paint (individual drips) can be achieved without the need for a very sensitive control on the distance moved by the automatic device employed for raising thespindle 35. As thevalve plug 81 is raised further, the rate of opening of the valve increases and when the lower surface of thevalve plug 81 is above the upper surface of thevalve seat 82, rapid flow is achieved. - Figure 6 shows the
valve plug 81 and thevalve seat 82 with the valve in the closed position. Thevalve plug 81 is formed with arecess 86 over most of the area of its lower face. When thevalve plug 81 is raised to open the valve, paint generally does not enter therecess 86 and the circular recessedsurface 87 and cylindricalinner wall 88 will not drip paint after the valve is closed. The only downward facing surface which becomes wetted by paint and can drip, is the narrowannular surface 89. The frusto-conical valve seat 82 protrudes downwards from the main body of the dispensinghead 25 and its cross-section tapers to a narrowannular tip 90 so that the risk of dripping from a downwardly facing surface wetted by paint is again minimised. - The .apparatus (see Figure 2) includes a weighing
means 40 mounted on asupport 41 and adapted to continuously monitor the weight of a receivingcan 42. The weighing means is preferably of a type which is not sensitive to the vibrations caused by its movement so that hardly any delay is needed following a move before it can start monitoring the weight of the receiving can. A suitable weighing means is a quartz fiber balance. Thesupport 41 is independently movable in three mutually perpendicular directions. Amovable assembly 43, with itsshield 44 andtop housing 45 enclosingelectric motors racks 13 to 16 on linear bearings along anupper rail 48. Themovable assembly 43 is driven by themotor 46 through achain 49 anchored to theframework 12 of thecabinet 11. The lower part of theassembly 43 is constrained to move linearly along alower rail 50. Acarriage 51 is movable vertically on linear bearings along avertical rail 52 and is driven therealong by themotor 47 through achain 54. Thevertical rail 52 is attached to themovable assembly 43 by atop bracket 55 and a bottom bracket (not shown). Thesupport 41 is movable away from or towards thecarriage 51 on linear bearings by an electrically drivenscrew mechanism 56. The movement of thesupport 41 is preferably controlled so that its movement away from thecarriage 51 towards the dispensinghead 25 is made after it has been positioned opposite the desired paint can 20a. - The
support 41 for the weighingmeans 40 has anarm 60 terminating in afork 61 and is adapted to engage thehandle 37 at the top of thespindle 35 of the valve of the dispensinghead 25. Thefork 61 is pivotally mounted on thearm 60 and can be driven upwardly to raise thespindle 35. The drive mechanism may incorporate a device which senses when thefork 61 first contacts thehandle 37, so that the distance by which any given valve has been raised can be determined. The pivotingfork 61 _ is biased towards its lowest position so that when the fork is not being driven upwards, the spring on thespindle 35 rapidly closes the valve. - The
arm 60 also carried a spring-urged pawl (not shown but located just below the fork 61) adapted to engage a ratchet 39 (see Figures 3 and 4) fixed to the upper portion of the spindle '35. As thesupport 41 is moved towards a dispensinghead 25, the pawl engages theratchet 39 to rotate thespindle 35 and valve plug 81 before thefork 61 engages thehandle 37. This rotary movement ruptures any paint film which may be bonding thevalve plug 81 to thevalve seat 82 or thespindle 35 to thegland 36. - When a particular paint can, such as 20, is not dispensing paint, its dispensing
outlet 33 is surrounded by adrip receptacle 63 in the general form of a dish (see Figures 5 and 6). Thearm 60 of thesupport 41 carries arigid bar 64 terminating in twoprongs drip receptacle 63. - The
drip receptacle 63 is in the form of a dish having a flat base (covered with aremovable liner 111, for example of absorbent paper) andvertical walls wire 112 is fixed to extend between the tops ofopposite side walls drip receptacle 63 to act as a wiping member. Thewire 112 is formed withshort portions side walls central wiping portion 117 arranged obliquely across the top of the drip receptacle. Thedrip_ receptacle 63 is supported onrails receptacle 63 is moved. Therails guide channels 122 formed on theside walls receptacle 63. Therails springs rails drip receptacle 63 can be easily fitted on and off theguide rails disposable liner 111 needs to be changed. - When the
drip receptacle 63 is positioned under adispenser 25, the tops of theside walls drip receptacle 63 are substantially level with thelower tip 90 of thevalve seat 33 so that thedrip receptacle 63, in the forward position shown in Figure 6, to some extent forms an isolated compartment surrounding the dispensingoutlet 33 and theportion 117 of thewire 112 is at a level to wipe the lower surface of the dispensing outlet. - Each paint can (20) contains a
stirrer 70 as seen in Figure 3. All thestirrers 70 are driven from the same electric motor (not shown) and are operated intermittently, for example every hour, so that any paint dispensed is well stirred. Thestirrer 70 shown is in the shape of a spiral scroll but many other shapes are suitable, for example a V-bladed stirrer. Each stirrer (70) passes through a bush (71) in the dispensinghead 25. All thestirrers 70 in the row of paint cans on one rack are driven through acommon shaft 72 passing behind the row of cans. Abelt 73 driven by theshaft 72 drives ashaft 74 substantially parallel to the axis of each paint can. Eachshaft 74 passes throughsupports bevel gears - In use of the apparatus shown, dispensing of paint is controlled by programmed instructions. A data processor selects the paint cans (20) which are needed to dispense paint to be mixed together to form a desired shade formulation in the receiving can 42 and controls the movement of the weighing means 40 to the vicinity of each of these paint cans. With the
support 41 retracted near to thecarriage 51, theassembly 43 is moved laterally along therails rail 52 until it is positioned opposite the desired paint can (say the can 20a in Figure 2). The lateral and vertical movements may be successive or simultaneous. Thesupport 41 is then moved away from thecarriage 51 until! the receiving can 42 is positioned under the dispensingoutlet 33. As thesupport 41 is moved towards the dispensinghead 25, theratchet 39 is partially turned and thebar 64 pushes theappropriate drip receptacle 63 back so that it is clear of therespective dispensing outlet 33. Thewire 117 included in thedrip receptacle 63 wipes the lower surface of the dispensing outlet 33 (that is thelower tip 90 of thevalve seat 82 and therim 89 of valve plug 81). This wiping action helps to remove any small amount of dry paint which has formed on these surfaces, dropping it intodrip receptacle 63. - When the data processor registers that the position of the weighing
means 40, and hence the receiving can 42, is correctly under the required dispensinghead 25, dispensing of paint is initiated by raising thefork 61 now engaging thehandle 37 of theappropriate spindle 35, so that thevalve plug 81 is moved upwards to open the dispensingoutlet 33. Thedrip receptacle 63 is clear of the dispensingoutlet 33 during dispensing and the paint is dispensed by gravity feed, falling between theprongs - The procedure for dispensing is as indicated in Figure 7. The data processor first circulates the target weight for the receiving can 42 by adding the current weight of the receiving can and the weight of paint required to be dispensed from the particular storage container (say 20a). The data processor then follows the programme indicated by path P1. A weight measurement Ml is recorded and two calculations Cl and C2 are made. C1 calculates the actual flow rate from the difference between the current weight measured at Ml and the previous weight measurement. C2 calculates the further weight of paint required, that is the difference between the target weight and the current weight measured at M1. (Calculations Cl and C2 are superfluous at the start of dispensing except as a check that there is no unexpected flow). The data processor then checks at Dl whether the difference measured at C2 is less than the tolerance of the weighing system. If it is, the data processor follows a path P2 to take action A1 to actuate the
fork 61 to close the valve. This is the end of the dispensing process. If check Dl shows that continued dispensing of paint is required, the programme follows path P3 and calculates at C3 the desired rate of flow of paint, which will be high if the difference measured at C2 is large but will be low, to give good dispensing accuracy, if the difference measured at C2 is small. - The programme checks at D2 whether the time elapsed since the start of dispensing from that container is more or less than the time allowed to develop a steady flow, for example 3 seconds. If it is more, the programme makes a further check D3 to determine whether the weight difference measured at C2 is more or less than a predetermined lower amount, for example 10 grams. If the time is less than the limit in D2, or the weight difference is less than the limit in D3, the programme follows path P4 and P5 to operate a flag A2 which prevents the data processor from calculating a factor for accelerating the flow.
- If the checks D2 and D3 show that the elapsed time and the weight difference are each more than the appropriate limit, the programme follows path P6 to make a further check D4 whether dispensing is already being carried out under a calculated acceleration factor. If it is, the programme follows path P7 and makes no further calculation of an acceleration factor. If it is not, the programme follows path P8 and makes a further check D5 on the ratio of the flow required (calculated at C3) to the measured flow (calculated at C1). If this ratio is above a predetermined high limit, the programme follows path'P9 and will not accelerate the flow (too high a ratio probably indicates that the measured flow is nil or very small despite the time control at D2). If the ratio of required flow to measured flow is less than this maximum, the programme follows path P10 and calculates at C4 the factor by which flow must be accelerated. The data processor then actuates a flag at A3 which allows acceleration of the flow to take place and informs check D4 that accelerated flow is taking place. The programme then makes a final calculation C5 of the flow required which will be accelerated flow if the programme has followed path P10 but will be the existing flow if the programme follows path P4, P5, P7 or P9.
- As described above, the check D4 operates to give a single accelerated flow rate for a given dispensing cycle until the target weight is approached. Alternatively the check D4 can be a time check so that the programme follows path P7 if it is less than a given time since the last adjustment to the flow rate, but follows path P8 otherwise. This given time is preferably more than one second as unstable flow may result if too rapid adjustments are made. The acceleration factor for the flow rate is preferably recalculated every 2 to 10 seconds, for example every 4 to 5 seconds.
- As mentioned above, the flow rate through the preferred type of valve having a
cylindrical plug 81 resting in a frusto-conical valve seat 82 is not linearly proportional to the axial distance moved by the plug away from the seat. A good approximation however can be obtained by supposing that there are three modes of flow through the valve depending on how far it is open, each of which can be represented by a linear equation. The programme thus first checks at D6 whether the flow required is less than a given low level, for example 4 grams per second. If it is, the programme follows path Pll and the required valve opening is calculated at C6 using an equation for flow rate against distance moved by thevalve spindle 35 appropriate for a slight opening of the valve. If the flow required is higher than this, the programme follows path P14 and the valve opening is calculated at C8 according to an appropriate equation for a valve opening towards its full extent. The programme then incorporates a further check at D8 in case the required opening of the valve calculated is greater than its maximum. If it is, then the programme follows path P15 and introduces a control at A4 that the valve should be opened by its maximum extent. If the calculated opening is less than the maximum, the programme follows path P16; in either case the next step is that the data processor actuates thefork 61 to open the valve by the calculated amount at A5. - The programme incorporates a check at D9 on the total time taken to dispense paint from a particular storage container 20a. If this time exceeds a predetermined limit, the programme follows path P17 and the data processor in step A6 actuates the
fork 61 to shut the valve completely and emits a warning signal. The most probable reason for exceeding the time limit is no flow of paint either because the storage container 20a is empty or because the dispensingoutlet 33 has become blocked. Further implementation of the programme is postponed until this has been put right. - If the elapsed time is within the pre-set limit, the programme follows path P18 and receives another weight measurement from the weighing means 40 in the step M1. The cycle is then repeated dispensing from the next container (20) in the sequence.
- When the
fork 61 has closed the valve at step A1 of Figure 7 after a dispensing operation, the weighing means! 40 and its supported receiving can 42 are moved on, after a short delay to allow paint to drain from thevalve outlet 33 into thecan 42. The weighing means 40 and itssupport 41 initially move, after a dispensing operation, back towards thecarriage 51. As they are so retracted, the pawl (not shown) on thearm 60 snaps past theratchet 39 without further rotating it and thedrip receptacle 63 is urged by thesprings guide rails outlet 33. As it does so, thewire 112 again wipes thesurfaces wire 112 are retained in thedrip receptacle 63. - This dispensing process is repeated until all the basic paints required to mix a desired shade formulation have been dispensed into the
can 42. The data processor may emit a visible and/or audible signal indicating that dispensing is complete so that the receiving can 42 can be removed from the weighingmeans 40. - The data processor is also preferably programmed to emit a warning signal when a particular paint can (20) is practically empty. The data processor may store information relating to the total weight of paint dispensed from each paint can since it was last renewed, or it may be programmed to emit the warning signal when substantially no flow of paint occurs from a paint can that has its dispensing valve opened. Any empty paint can (20) can then be removed from the apparatus, together with its dispensing
head 25 andstirrer 70, while disengaging the drive between thegears head 25 is then removed together with the stirrer (70) from the empty can (20) by undoing theclamps cabinet 11.
Claims (11)
1. An apparatus (11) for forming, in a receiving container (42) a mixture in selected proportions of fluid ingredients selected from a number of such fluid ingredients stored in an array of storage containers (20, 20a) each adapted to dispense a respective fluid ingredient, characterised in that the appratus (11) comprises weighing means (40) adapted to support and continuously monitor the weight of the receiving container (42), a movable support (41) for the weighing means (40) so that a receiving_ container (42) supported thereby can be moved to receive- fluid-from successive selected storage containers (20, 20a), means (61, 37, 35, 81, 82) for initiating dispensing of an ingredient from a slected storage container when the weighing means (40) and supported receiving container (42) are in a position to receive fluid from that storage container and means (61, 37, 35, 81, 82) for stopping the dispensing of fluid when a predetermined weight of that ingredient has been dispensed into the receiving container (42).
2. An apparatus according to claim 1 for forming mixtures of paint, characterised in that the storage containers (20, 20a) are paint cans each fitted with a dispensing head (25) having a dispensing outlet (33) for the paint which is controlled by a valve (81) and which can be opened by the means (61, 37) for initiating dispensing of paint so that dispensing of paint can be achieved without moving the paint can (20, 20a) and dispensing head (25).
3. An apparatus according to claim 2, characterised in that the dispensing head (25) has its dispensing outlet (33) facing generally downwards and the outlet (33) is controlled by a valve (81) mounted on a substantially vertical spindle (35, 37), and in that the means (61) engaging the spindle (35, 37) to raise the valve (81) to initiate dispensing of paint and to lower the valve (81) to stop the dispensing of paint, is mounted on the movable support (41) for the weighing means (40).
4. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, characterised in that the dispensing of each fluid ingredient is controlled by a valve (81) comprising a cylindrical valve plug resting in a frusto-conical valve seat (82) when the valve is closed, the cylindrical valve plug (81) and the frusto-conical valve seat (82) being substantially coaxial and the plug being arranged to move along its axis away from the valve seat to open the valve.
5. An apparatus according to claim 4, characterised in that the valve plug (81) and valve seat (82) are arranged so that their contact line (85) when the valve is closed is near the lower tip of the frusto-conical valve seat (82).
6. An apparatus according to any of claims 3 to 5, characterised in that the underside surface of the valve plug (81) is recessed (at 86) over at least half its surface area.
7. An apparatus according to any of claims 3 to 6, characterised in that means (39) is provided on the valve spindle (35) to rotate the valve spindle and the plug (81Y and further means is mounted on the movable support (41) for the weighing means (40) so that the valve spindle (35) and plug (81) are rotated as the weighing means (40) and its support (41) are moved into position under the dispensing outlet (33).
8. An apparatus according to any of claims 3 to 7, characterised in that a receptacle (63) for drips of the respective fluid ingredient is positioned under the dispensing outlet (33) of each storage container (20, 20a), the receptacle (63) being movable along a path defined by guide means (122) and having a wiping member (112) arranged so that when the receptacle (63) is moved along the path defined by the guide means (122) the wiping member (112) wipes away drips of fluid from the dispensing outlet (33).
9. An apparatus according to claim 8, characterised in that the drip receptacle (63) is in the form of a dish having a substantially flat base arranged so that there is only a narrow gap between the top of the sides (113, 114t of the dish (63) and the dispensing outlet (33) so that the drip receptacle (63) forms a compartment around the dispensing outlet (33) when dispensing is not taking place.
10. An apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 9, characterised in that a data processor controls the movement of the weighing means (40) and its support (41) to successive storage containers (20, 20a), ascertains the correct diposition of the weighing means (40) and receiving container (42) relative to the desired storage container, emits a signal to the means (61) for initiating dispensing of the fluid when such correct disposition has been ascertained, and in that the data processor is adapted to receive information of the weight of the receiving container (42) from the weighing means (40) during dispensing of the fluid ingredient, and emits a signal to operate means (61) for stopping dispensing of the paint when the receiving container (42) has reached the required weight.
11. An apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 10, characterised in that dispensing is controlled by a data processor which continually receives, during dispensing, information from the weighing means (40) of the weight of the receiving container (42) and controls the degree to which the valve (81) is opened during the dispensing operation in response to the measured rate of increase in weight of the receiving container (42) during that dispensing operation and closes the valve (81) to stop dispensing the fluid ingredient when the receiving container (42) has reached the desired weight known from information stored by the data processor.
Applications Claiming Priority (8)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
GB8219906 | 1982-07-09 | ||
GB8219906 | 1982-07-09 | ||
GB8220027 | 1982-07-09 | ||
GB8220028 | 1982-07-09 | ||
GB8219907 | 1982-07-09 | ||
GB8220028 | 1982-07-09 | ||
GB8219907 | 1982-07-09 | ||
GB8220027 | 1982-07-09 |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP0099252A2 true EP0099252A2 (en) | 1984-01-25 |
Family
ID=27449367
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP83303986A Withdrawn EP0099252A2 (en) | 1982-07-09 | 1983-07-08 | Apparatus for forming mixtures of fluids |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP0099252A2 (en) |
Cited By (20)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
FR2549201A1 (en) * | 1983-07-12 | 1985-01-18 | Steinmueller Gmbh L & C | PROCESS FOR ENSURING THE COMBUSTION OF OIL COKE DUST IN A BURNER FLAME |
EP0287708A2 (en) * | 1987-04-22 | 1988-10-26 | Color Service Srl | Automatic weighing plant for powdery products |
EP0427497A1 (en) * | 1989-11-06 | 1991-05-15 | Dunn-Edwards Corporation | Process of formulating paint |
EP0461371A1 (en) * | 1990-06-07 | 1991-12-18 | Wella Aktiengesellschaft | Device for optionally proportioning different flowable paint masses |
US5163484A (en) * | 1989-11-06 | 1992-11-17 | Dunn Edwards, Corp. & Fluid Management Ltd. Part. | Process and apparatus for dispensing liquid colorants into a paint can, and quality control therefor |
US5203387A (en) * | 1989-11-06 | 1993-04-20 | Dunn Edwards Corp. & Fluid Management Ltd. Part. | Process and apparatus for dispensing liquid colorants into a paint can, and quality control therefor |
EP0646418A1 (en) * | 1993-10-05 | 1995-04-05 | Ykk Corporation | Full automatic coating system for coating various types of products produced in small quantities |
EP0648527A1 (en) * | 1993-10-14 | 1995-04-19 | ITALTINTO S.r.l. | Delivery device, especially for colours and paints |
WO2000054875A1 (en) * | 1999-03-17 | 2000-09-21 | Enrica Somenzi | Device for delivering and dispensing colours or chemical compounds in general |
EP0870960A3 (en) * | 1997-04-08 | 2000-09-27 | Fricke Abfülltechnik GmbH & Co. | Coupling device for a control valve in a multi-component metering installation |
EP1208041A2 (en) * | 1998-11-10 | 2002-05-29 | X-Pert Paint Mixing Systems, Inc. | Semi-automated system for dispensing automotive paint |
EP1263000A1 (en) * | 2001-06-01 | 2002-12-04 | The Furukawa Electric Co., Ltd. | Flat cable |
WO2003009930A1 (en) * | 2001-07-25 | 2003-02-06 | Imperial Chemical Industries Plc | Method for ensuring that coating compositions have the correct colour |
US6957672B2 (en) | 2001-07-25 | 2005-10-25 | Imperial Chemical Industries Plc | Method for ensuring that coating compositions have correct color |
FR2910452A1 (en) * | 2006-12-22 | 2008-06-27 | Jean Pierre Solignac | MACHINE FOR THE AUTOMATED PRODUCTION OF RAW MATERIAL COMPOSITIONS SUCH AS LIQUIDS; POWDERS OR PASTA IN A TRANSPORTABLE TANK. |
ITTO20080968A1 (en) * | 2008-12-22 | 2010-06-23 | Lawer S P A | AUTOMATIC PREPARER OF TITRATED SOLUTIONS AND / OR DISSOLUTION OF POWDER DYES FOR LABORATORY DYEING AND PRODUCTION |
ITTO20110232A1 (en) * | 2011-03-14 | 2011-06-13 | Hero Europ S R L | AUTOMATIC TINTING. |
US8490893B2 (en) | 2009-04-07 | 2013-07-23 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | Pump-less toner dispenser |
US8662357B2 (en) | 2009-04-07 | 2014-03-04 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | Pump-less toner dispensing cap |
CN116222669A (en) * | 2023-04-23 | 2023-06-06 | 乐山市计量测试所 | Water quality and weight real-time monitoring system and monitoring method of automatic water vending machine |
-
1983
- 1983-07-08 EP EP83303986A patent/EP0099252A2/en not_active Withdrawn
Cited By (29)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
FR2549201A1 (en) * | 1983-07-12 | 1985-01-18 | Steinmueller Gmbh L & C | PROCESS FOR ENSURING THE COMBUSTION OF OIL COKE DUST IN A BURNER FLAME |
EP0287708A2 (en) * | 1987-04-22 | 1988-10-26 | Color Service Srl | Automatic weighing plant for powdery products |
EP0287708A3 (en) * | 1987-04-22 | 1990-01-10 | Color Service Srl | Automatic weighing plant for powdery products |
US5006995A (en) * | 1987-04-22 | 1991-04-09 | Color Service S.R.L. | Automatic weighing plant for dyes in powder form |
EP0427497A1 (en) * | 1989-11-06 | 1991-05-15 | Dunn-Edwards Corporation | Process of formulating paint |
US5163484A (en) * | 1989-11-06 | 1992-11-17 | Dunn Edwards, Corp. & Fluid Management Ltd. Part. | Process and apparatus for dispensing liquid colorants into a paint can, and quality control therefor |
US5203387A (en) * | 1989-11-06 | 1993-04-20 | Dunn Edwards Corp. & Fluid Management Ltd. Part. | Process and apparatus for dispensing liquid colorants into a paint can, and quality control therefor |
EP0461371A1 (en) * | 1990-06-07 | 1991-12-18 | Wella Aktiengesellschaft | Device for optionally proportioning different flowable paint masses |
EP0646418A1 (en) * | 1993-10-05 | 1995-04-05 | Ykk Corporation | Full automatic coating system for coating various types of products produced in small quantities |
EP0648527A1 (en) * | 1993-10-14 | 1995-04-19 | ITALTINTO S.r.l. | Delivery device, especially for colours and paints |
EP0870960A3 (en) * | 1997-04-08 | 2000-09-27 | Fricke Abfülltechnik GmbH & Co. | Coupling device for a control valve in a multi-component metering installation |
EP1208041A2 (en) * | 1998-11-10 | 2002-05-29 | X-Pert Paint Mixing Systems, Inc. | Semi-automated system for dispensing automotive paint |
EP1208041A4 (en) * | 1998-11-10 | 2003-03-19 | Pert Paint Mixing Systems Inc | Semi-automated system for dispensing automotive paint |
WO2000054875A1 (en) * | 1999-03-17 | 2000-09-21 | Enrica Somenzi | Device for delivering and dispensing colours or chemical compounds in general |
EP1263000A1 (en) * | 2001-06-01 | 2002-12-04 | The Furukawa Electric Co., Ltd. | Flat cable |
US6608256B2 (en) | 2001-06-01 | 2003-08-19 | The Furukawa Electric Co., Ltd. | Flat cable |
WO2003009930A1 (en) * | 2001-07-25 | 2003-02-06 | Imperial Chemical Industries Plc | Method for ensuring that coating compositions have the correct colour |
US6701977B2 (en) | 2001-07-25 | 2004-03-09 | Imperial Chemical Industries, Plc | Tinting machine for coating compositions, especially paints |
US6957672B2 (en) | 2001-07-25 | 2005-10-25 | Imperial Chemical Industries Plc | Method for ensuring that coating compositions have correct color |
FR2910452A1 (en) * | 2006-12-22 | 2008-06-27 | Jean Pierre Solignac | MACHINE FOR THE AUTOMATED PRODUCTION OF RAW MATERIAL COMPOSITIONS SUCH AS LIQUIDS; POWDERS OR PASTA IN A TRANSPORTABLE TANK. |
WO2008077960A1 (en) * | 2006-12-22 | 2008-07-03 | Jean-Pierre Solignac | Machine for the automated production of raw materials compositions such as liquids, powders or pastes in a portable vat |
US8256950B2 (en) | 2006-12-22 | 2012-09-04 | Jean-Pierre Solignac | Machine for the automated production of compositions of raw materials such as liquids, powders or pastes in a mobile tank |
ITTO20080968A1 (en) * | 2008-12-22 | 2010-06-23 | Lawer S P A | AUTOMATIC PREPARER OF TITRATED SOLUTIONS AND / OR DISSOLUTION OF POWDER DYES FOR LABORATORY DYEING AND PRODUCTION |
US8490893B2 (en) | 2009-04-07 | 2013-07-23 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | Pump-less toner dispenser |
US8662357B2 (en) | 2009-04-07 | 2014-03-04 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | Pump-less toner dispensing cap |
ITTO20110232A1 (en) * | 2011-03-14 | 2011-06-13 | Hero Europ S R L | AUTOMATIC TINTING. |
WO2012123977A3 (en) * | 2011-03-14 | 2012-11-15 | Hero Europe S.R.L. | Automatic dye-meter |
CN116222669A (en) * | 2023-04-23 | 2023-06-06 | 乐山市计量测试所 | Water quality and weight real-time monitoring system and monitoring method of automatic water vending machine |
CN116222669B (en) * | 2023-04-23 | 2023-10-24 | 乐山市计量测试所 | Water quality and weight real-time monitoring system and monitoring method of automatic water vending machine |
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Inventor name: MILLER, ANNE TREGONING Inventor name: HARRISON, WILLIAM JOHN Inventor name: REYNOLDS, ANDREW JOHN Inventor name: KELLAWAY, MICHAEL JOHN Inventor name: MACMICHAEL, DONALD BRUCE ATHERTON |