WO2000046506A1

WO2000046506A1 - Injection pump for dye dispensing machine

Info

Publication number: WO2000046506A1
Application number: PCT/MC1999/000001
Authority: WO
Inventors: Nickolas Bizzio
Original assignee: Corob International Ag
Priority date: 1999-02-02
Filing date: 1999-02-18
Publication date: 2000-08-10
Also published as: EP1068453A1; MC200005A1

Abstract

The invention concerns an injection pump for a dye dispensing machine, comprising a pumping section with bellows (23) and valves (30) capable of being selectively actuated to connect alternately the inner pumping chamber (24) with an access conduit (26) and a conduit dispensing (27) a dye. An indicator collar capable of being actuated is connected to the bellows (23) so as to selectively bring about expansion or contraction and cause the pumping section (24) to pass from a minimum volume to a desired maximum volume, and inversely. The position of the cursor is read by a sensor and transmitted to a high-tech electronic circuit comprising means for displaying a value concerning the position of the indicator collar.

Description

PATENT

Title of the invention:

INJECTION PUMP FOR DYE DISPENSING MACHINE

Name of depositor:

MONSIEUR BlZZIO, NlCKOLAS

Patent filed February 18, 1999

With the INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY DIVISION MC

International Application N °: PCT / MC99 / 00001

INJECTION PUMP FOR DYE DISPENSING MACHINE

The designated industrial invention refers to the sector of dye dispensing machines, in particular those comprising an injection pump system.

Such machines are used to dispense a predetermined quantity of dyes, which are mixed, according to predefined formulas, with basic products, of white or neutral color, in order to obtain finished paints of various colors. Generally, the amounts of dyes used represent only a small percentage of the weight or volume of the final paint. Thus the slightest variation in the amount of dye administered can give final colors that are completely different from each other.

The overriding requirement in the sector of dye dispensing machines is to provide very precise dosages which can be repeated over time to ensure always constant results.

Current vending machines, of the injection type, consist at least of a reservoir for each dye, a pump comprising a movable piston located in a cylinder and a valve which alternately connects the interior of the cylinder with the tank or with a distribution duct. When the piston lifts, the dye is drawn into the cylinder through the valve. Successively, this is switched to bring the cylinder into contact with the distribution conduit. Lowering the piston thus causes the dye to exit the cylinder towards the distribution duct. The quantity of dye distributed thus depends on the movement of the piston and the diameter of the cylinder.

When it comes to the distribution of dyes, the requirements for precision and stability depend on many factors including the connection between the piston and the cylinder as well as the precise positioning of the piston in its suction and distribution movement. Mounting between piston and cylinder generally requires rigorous data control dimensional and geometric of these two components and the choice of sliding and sealing joints thus preventing any possible flow of dye along the walls of the cylinder.

The precise definition of the trajectory of the piston, and thus of the quantity of dye aspirated and delivered in a single pass, is approached differently in this type of machine, via mechanical systems which include, for example, a limit stop and which can be fixed in a preset position to prevent the piston from being raised beyond a certain position. An example of such a solution is illustrated in US Pat. No. 5,511,695, which thus highlights a dual control adjustment mode, in which a first, more superficial adjustment can be carried out by means of a pivot inserted in a series. equidistant notches while a second more precise adjustment is obtained by means of a threaded element which can be maintained in predefined angle positions.

The major drawback of current injection dispensing machines of the type mentioned above, consists in the fact that, in order to guarantee high precision and constant repetition of the doses dispensed, regular and fairly expensive handling of the sealing system between the piston and the cylinder is essential. In particular, the majority of machines of this type require periodic replacement, for example, every six months, of the assembly seals between the piston and the cylinder. In addition, the need to obtain precise dimensional and geometrical tolerances of the cylinder and the piston imply high manufacturing costs.

On the other hand, if one wants to obtain high precision and continuity in the distribution of the product, it is then practically impossible or, at least, strongly discouraged from manufacturing the injection pump with plastic materials, which are, it is true relatively inexpensive, easy and quick to handle, but which cannot guarantee the essential precision which can be obtained, for example, with steel. Furthermore, the adjustment systems of current machines of this type are sometimes insufficient to guarantee the precise dosage of the quantity of dye necessary in order to obtain the desired paint shade. In any case, the steps of the piston movement between the two successive adjustment notches are small and discreet. It is generally impossible to obtain with precision that the stroke of the piston reaches an intermediate position between two successive notches. On the other hand, the steps for adjusting the movement of the piston are generally indicated in the unit of measurement referring to the quantity of dye dispensed. As a result, it is difficult to modify the unit of measurement to adapt the machine to the requirements of the various markets since it is necessary to modify the very structure of the machine.

For example, in the aforementioned patent US 5511695, the position of the notches, which are inserted the adjustment pivot and the pitch of the adjustment notches, is closely linked to the adjustment of the actual distribution of the product which is partially executed in fluid ounce. If you want to convert the settings to another measurement unit, for example in cubic centimeters, it would be necessary to modify not only the screen prints on the machine body but also the distance between the notches and the pitch of the notches. setting.

From a practical point of view, given the expensive aspect of the above-mentioned modifications, it is almost impossible to "locate" a dye dispensing machine which would adapt to the requirements of the markets and various consumers.

Said invention aims to solve the various problems raised by current machines 90 dispensers. In particular, that of supplying an injection type dispensing machine guaranteeing precision and consistency of results, without having to resort to incessant and expensive handling. The second object of said invention is to present a simple and economical vending machine which can be mass produced, even using plastic, without it being necessary to check in detail the 95 dimensional and geometric tolerances. Furthermore, said invention aims to guarantee the distribution of dyes in the desired quantity and in the chosen unit of measurement.

In order to achieve the objectives described above, the various properties of the invention, having as their object a dye dispensing machine of the injection type, are presented in the following 100 claims.

However, additional characteristics and advantages relating to the said invention will be raised by the subsequent description of a more suitable manufacturing version, referring to the appended drawing, given purely by way of non-exhaustive example, and in which:

105 Figure 1 shows a side view of an injection pump of a dye dispensing machine based on said invention.

Referring to the diagram, a pump (10) comprises a base support (11) in which is disposed 110 an access conduit (12) intended for the dye, which is generally connected to a reservoir of dyes (not illustrated) and a distribution duct (13). A valve (14) actuable by a lever (21) or a similar part, alternately connects either the access duct (12) or the distribution duct (13) with the internal chamber (15) of a pumping element to flexible walls which, in the version produced and illustrated, is a bellows (16). The bellows (16) is 115 contained inside a tubular control body (17) whose lower end (18) is fixed to the base support (11). The internal chamber (15) of the bellows (16) is preferably completely closed with the exception of an opening (22) made on the bottom (23), for a light (24) in contact with the valve.

120 (14) - the bottom (23) of the bellows (16) is fixed to the body of the support (11), while the upper end (25) is fixed to a hermetic mobile plate (26) located inside the tubular body (17). Because the internal chamber (15) of the bellows is closed in its upper part, it is unnecessary for the plate (26) to be hermetic to the walls of the tubular control body (17), which never comes into contact with the product. dye and maybe so

125 made with freely selected material, including plastic.

In the recommended embodiment of said invention, the bellows (16) has a plurality of relatively rigid walls (27) articulated by hinges (22). In the case where the bellows is made of plastic, for example Teflon or a similar, the 130 hinges (28) can be plastic hinges obtained from the rigid walls (27) of the bellows.

On the tubular control body (17), two vertical notches (19) are made from which appendages protrude (20) from the plate (26). These are connected in U-shape 135 to a slider (30), which is fixed to the outside of the tubular body and which is slidable on a straight rail (40). It can be selectively blocked in various positions by means of a braking device preferably controlled by two pushers (41).

A position sensor, linear encoder or any other similar device is fixed on the cursor 140 (30) so as to raise the position of the cursor itself, and thus of the plate (26) relative to the rail (40). The sensor may contain one or more transducers of a generally known model, which are of a resistant nature, and which has a large capacity, inductors, and linear differential transformers, photoelectric transducers, encoder or the like.

145 Naturally the configuration illustrated in the diagram is given only by way of example, so the sensor can be fixed in other positions, for example between the body

150 tubular (17), depending on the physical properties of the sensor itself, the financial advantages and the economic nature relating to the production of the pump (10). The position signal detected by the sensor is sent to an electrical circuit comprising a viewer (31), for example of the type with seven segments illustrated in the figure. Despite the bellows (16) which already provides by itself a substantially linear relationship between the axial movement of the cursor (30) and the

155 volume of the chamber (15), the electronic circuit makes it possible to correct any non-linear behaviors of the bellows, particularly linked to the state of extension and compression.

The electronic circuit makes it possible in particular to convert, by internal conversion tables, 160 the index of the linear displacement of the cursor (30) or of the plate (26). This is noted on said sensor, in the index of the volume of dye contained in the compartment (15) or in a corresponding value indicated in the units of measurement chosen. In addition, by current techniques for reading and measuring the displacement of the plate (26), and by the sensor fixed on the cursor (30), it is possible to obtain a precise indication of your choice - at 165 less than a physical resolution of the sensor - of the amount derived from dye contained in the compartment (15), which can thus reach a higher degree of precision in obtaining the final shade of the paint. The consistency of the results is ensured by the fact that the movable parts of the pump (10) are not in contact with the dye, which remains confined in the conduits of the base support and inside the bellows (16) .

170

In any case, despite the absence of the electronic system, it is possible to obtain high dosing accuracy by adapting one of the current measurement systems relating to the quantities to be dispensed, which are based, for example, on graduated gauges or a similar system, thanks to the fact that the pump does not provide sliding seals. Thus following the description above, it can easily be seen that the injection pump of 180 said invention is not subject to wear phenomena and therefore offers the precision and consistency relating to the amount of dye dispensed, without use expensive pump handling. The simplicity of construction as well as great ease of use make this pump a particularly suitable model, however, not exclusively, for use on dye dispensing devices, of small size and with manual operation.

All the forms of updating and the characteristics of embodiment may vary widely from what has been described and illustrated above, without however leaving the field and the principle of said invention.

190

Claims

CLAIMS 195

1. Injection pump for dye dispensing machine, comprising an internal pumping chamber (15) and valves (14) selectively actuable for alternately connecting the pumping compartment (15) with an access duct (12) and a distribution conduit (13), of a dye, which is characterized by the fact that it

200 comprises a pumping part with walls (27,28) at least partially flexible which define the pumping compartment of the moving parts (26,30) selectively causing the extension and the folding of the walls in order to bring the internal pumping chamber (15) from a minimum volume to a desired maximum volume, and vice versa.

205

2. Injection pump according to the description in point 1, characterized in that the pumping part is a bellows (16).

3. Injection pump according to the description in point 2, characterized in that the bellows 210 (16) has a plurality of relatively rigid walls (27) articulated with each other by hinges (28).

4. Injection pump according to the description in point 3, characterized in that the bellows (16) is located during extension and compression inside a tubular body

215 (17).

5. Injection pump according to the description in point 4, characterized in that the tubular body is fixed to a base support (11) in which the valves (14) and the access conduits (12) and distribution (13) of the dye.

220

6. Injection pump according to the description in point 2, characterized in that the actuating parts (26,30) comprise a movable plate (26) fixed to the first end (25) of the bellows. 225

7. Injection pump according to the descriptions in points 4 and 5, characterized in that a second end (23) of the bellows, on which there is an opening (22) intended for the passage of the dye, is fixed symmetrically to the end of the tubular body (17) in turn fixed to the base support (11).

230

8. Injection pump for dye dispensing apparatus, comprising a basic structure (11), a tubular body (17) inside which is defined a compartment intended for pumping (15) and valves (14) selectively actuable for connect the pumping chamber (15) respectively to the access conduit (12) and to the

235 distribution (13) for a dye. The internal passage chamber is characterized by the fact that it comprises actuatable parts (26, 30) which selectively cause an increase or a decrease in the volume of the pumping chamber in order to reach from a minimum volume to a maximum desired volume and vice versa, by means of sensors recording the displacement of the means of execution

240 (26,30) and transmitting a position signal to an electronic circuit which has display means (31).

9. Injection pump according to point 7, characterized in that the electronic circuit has the ability to process the signal from sensors in order to translate

245 the measurement referring to the linear position of the executing means (26,30) in a corresponding value. Such values are indicated by the display means (31).

10. A dye dispensing apparatus, comprising at least one injection pump (10) 250 according to one of the claims indicated above.