ES2198874T3 - LIQUID DOSAGE APPLIANCE. - Google Patents

Abstract

Liquid dosing apparatus, comprising: - a plurality of dispensing valves (6), each of which is in a position to dispense a liquid to be dosed, the valves (6) being arranged on a horizontal plane along a circumference, - a rotating base (7) that can be sent to rotate about an axis (xx) of vertical rotation, the base (7) being predisposed under the dispensing valve, - weighing means predisposed to weigh at least one container (15) located on the rotating base, the container being able to be located selectively under the valves to receive the liquid to be dosed, due to rotations of the base (7); characterized by the fact that: each valve is provided with a mobile element capable of assuming at least one closed position, in which dispensing is impossible, and an open position in which dispensing is possible; it comprises an actuator (17) of the dispensing valves (17) capable of sending the movement of the mobile elements of the dispensing valves from the closed position to the open position, said actuator (17) rotating jointly with the base rotating (7) and, being able to selectively locate in correspondence of a valve to actuate due to the rotations of the base (7).

Description

Apparatus for dosing liquids.

The present invention relates to an apparatus for liquid dosing according to the preamble of the claim 1.

An apparatus of this type is known, for example, to from the invention patent WO-A-99/06278.

Specifically, although not exclusively, the The present invention can be usefully applied in the dosage of paints, solvents and additives, especially for the preparation of packages of paint products.

The known technique publishes several devices for Instant preparation of paint products. For example, Italian invention patent application IT MO97A000126 describes a machine comprising a plurality of nozzles distributed in a straight line. Each nozzle can distribute a Liquid dosed from a tank. A balance is linked to a carriage of rectilinear motion that moves parallel to the line of nozzles; a container of accumulation of the dosed liquid, resting on the scale, it can be selectively placed below of the nozzles due to controlled translation of the carriage of way to receive dosed quantities of liquids under the command of a central unit that also reads the weight On the scale. During operation, the operator puts a empty container on the balance, after which the unit central performs the automatic container filling cycle so that the final product is exactly the same as the Operator has ordered during preselection.

However, dispensing devices known have several disadvantages and can be improved according to Several of its aspects.

First, the devices are relatively bulky in relation to the amount of liquids that can dose.

Second, to perform the cycle of filling a package of dosed product takes time  relatively high Sitting the above, it is impossible to reduce operating time beyond a certain limit since a exaggerated speed could impair the accuracy of the dosage, mainly because the inertia of the parts mobile devices could alter the reading of the weight that is On the scale.

Another drawback of known devices is the presence of flexible hoses in motion (for example, tubes that carry the operating fluids of the devices of opening and closing of the distribution valves), with a consequently high risk of damage or breakage of the same tubes.

In addition, other inconveniences of the devices known are represented by the limitation of the amount of liquids that can be dispensed and due to the low accuracy of the dispensing

The invention patent WO 99 06.278 publishes a apparatus as described in the preamble of claim 1,  suitable for the dispensed dosage of a plurality of pasty liquids or doughs to a receiving container; the device includes a first support device to support containers for the masses in fixed positions; an annular frame arranged from fixed way holds a plurality of dispensing nozzles controllable by a control device and each connectable individually to the containers through respective ducts; the receiving container, which is supported by a second support device controllable by the device control, can be moved along an annular path corresponding to the annular shape of the annular frame and can be place momentarily under a dispensing nozzle selected to receive the mass dispensed by the nozzle of selected dispensing; a weighing device is configured to support the receiving container and to supply weight signals to the control device; the weighing device is connected through the second support device to the control device using lucky cables that when the second support device advances through a path that the net torsion of the respective spreads through 360 Cables is substantially equal to zero.

The invention patent EP 715,883 publishes a device for automatic fluid mixing where a cylindrical support structure supports a first amount of angularly separated valves along a first circumference, and a second quantity of separate valves angularly along a second concentric circumference e internal to the first; the valves are of the three way type, and they have a control rod that extends axially from an extreme; the mixing device has a device shovel type selection that can be moved angularly around an axis that passes through the center of the circumferences, and that individually links a final portion of the rod control to move the rod axially and thus open the valve.

The invention patent US 4,473,173 publishes a low volume dispensing apparatus that includes a plurality of dye tanks that pass dyes and others ingredients through feed lines to a pump peristaltic that pumps the dyes towards the entrance of the three-way valves which can be moved individually between a dispensing modality and a modality of recirculation. In the recirculation mode the dyes pumped by the peristaltic pump will pass through lines of return to the tanks, from which the material has been originally emanated If the three-way valve is in the dispense mode the dye will be discharged within a Sample container to receive the dye mixture.

An apparatus is published in WO9911474 to dispense a plurality of different liquids or masses pasty towards a receiving container that includes a device heavy on which a receiving container can be located, the which weighing device can supply weight signals to the control device; The receiving container can be moved to along an annular path and can be located momentarily under a dispensing nozzle selected to receive the mass dispensed by this dispensing nozzle; second means Support can be controlled through the control means to hold one of the receiving containers and can be directed rotating around a vertical axis by means of a drum cylindrical driving, around which a endless driving element for an entire amount of Revolutions

In FR 2,308,407 a device allows  prepare, precisely and hygienically, mixtures of dyes in variable amounts by precise mixing of dyes basic, additives, solvents, etc. tank contents superimposed, the device comprises a main body that is raised and supported by a support structure on which they have housed storage tanks for basic dyes equipped with loading openings and discharge openings connected through pipes and valves adapted to a distributor  central located above a weighing machine equipped with a sight glass and with an apparatus for actuating on said valves of download; The device is also equipped with at least one thickener storage tank, which can be connected to compressed air tanks

The invention patent FR 2,245,496 publishes a apparatus for mixing inks that has a supply rack in the shape of a "lazy-susan" and with a plurality of rotating supply shelves arranged vertically for the paint containers that hold the basic inks; supply shelves can be moved vertically and the lower shelves are provided in their hollow edges that are larger than the support platform of the scale and dodge this platform when the shelves Bottoms are moved in a vertical direction.

In the invention patent US 4,323,097 a rotating platform for dye dispensers supports rotating way a plurality of full paint containers under a conventional paint dye dispenser for allow sequential dispensing of an amount of dye inside each container from one of the dispensers.

In the invention patent EP 0.654.298 a apparatus for storage, delivery and mixing of substances Fluids is composed of a compact, pre-assembled operating unit and mobile, which allows the storage of a large amount of substances and the management of a large number of delivery points in an extremely small area; the apparatus comprises a conveyor and at least one set of storage tanks on a support frame along one or both sides of the conveyor; pumping means and a head have been provided delivery multi-valve to supply dosed quantities of the substances to be mixed, in a container located in a section of the conveyor above an electronic balance; the balance Electronic and corresponding conveyor section can be move laterally on a mobile shelf vertically to selectively place a mixing container under a multi-valve unit according to a governed operating program by a programmable control unit; a mixer is provided at the end of the conveyor opposite the unit multi-valve

The main objective of the present invention is that of avoiding the aforementioned inconveniences belonging to the known technique.

The objective of the present invention is to provide a dosing apparatus that is compact and relatively small in size, both in terms of Length as width.

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This objective is achieved according to the present invention by the apparatus as defined in the

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The dependent claims deal with special embodiments of the invention.

An advantage is that the invention provides a Simple and economical construction apparatus.

Another advantage is that the apparatus of the present invention can carry out a large number of operations of Dosage for a wide range of liquid products different.

Another advantage is that a dosage is obtained relatively accurate, along with a high speed of functioning.

Other advantages of the present invention are will show from the detailed description that follows, of a preferred but not exclusive embodiment of the invention, illustrated purely by way of example and not limited by the figures in the attached drawings, in the which:

- Figure 1 is a schematic side view in vertical lifting of an apparatus made according to the present invention;

- Figure 2 is a plan view from above of the apparatus of figure 1;

- Figures 3 and 4 show two details amplified from figure 1.

With reference to the figures mentioned above, numeral 1 denotes in its entirety an apparatus for liquid dosage, extremely useful for dosing paints, solvents and additives in order to produce at will A wide range of different paint products.

The apparatus (1) comprises a frame (2) which in its lower part has a basic platform (3) and at least one upright (4) that in its upper part supports a support plane horizontal (8) provided with a central opening.

A plurality of dispensing valves (6) are predisposed in the peripheral part of the support plane upper (8), each of which valves dispenses a liquid Batch The valves (6) are arranged in a circle on a horizontal plane. Each valve (6) has its own medium (of the known and not illustrated type) to supply liquid to dose, which means comprise for each valve (6), at less a container for a liquid product to be dosed and a tube supply for transferring the liquid from the container to the dispensing valve (6). Each valve also it is provided with a pumping device, of the known type and not illustrated, to transport the liquid product along the tube supply from the container to the valve. For him return of the liquid product from the valve (8) to the container, for each valve (6) a return tube has been provided (of the known and not illustrated type). With the valve closed, the tube return can be traversed by a volume of liquid generated,  continuously or at predetermined intervals, by the device pumping. The return flow reduces the risk of scale and obstructions in the dispensing valve (6).

Each valve (6) is provided with an element mobile that can assume at least one lower closed position in the  which prevents the dispensing of liquid, and an open position upper in which the valve can dispense liquid. In the given example the mobile element comprises a lower shutter that can close a valve dispensing mouth (6) and a rod, linked in solidarity with the shutter, having a vertical axis, and provided at its top with a head for hold on to the mobile element with an actuator.

The apparatus (1) comprises a base (7) that can be turned, under control, with respect to the frame (2) around a vertical rotation axis (x-x). The base (7) is predisposed under the dispensing valves (8). The base (7) it comprises a flat support, substantially circular in shape, of whose lower side is threaded through a body cylindrical. The body (8) has a diameter smaller than that of the flat support The lower body (8) has a surface cylindrical peripheral that is coaxial to the axis of rotation (x-x) of the base (7). The peripheral surface is rotatably coupled, for example by means of a series of spheres (9) or other elements that have a support function with bearing, to an internal diameter of a crown wheel (10), of ring shape, screwed to the frame (2).

The rotating base (7) is rotated by one unit driving force that is solidarity in rotation with the same base. the same motor (11) is preferably electric and acts, preferably at through a gearmotor (12), at least one pinion (13) that has a vertical axle that meshes with the fixed crown wheel (10) coaxial to the swivel base (7). The pinion (13) is supported on a lower end of a rotating shaft protruding from the reducer (12) and passing through an opening provided in the support base plane (7). The entire drive unit is located above of the rotating base (7) and is included in the volume radial of the same base. The motor shaft direction is substantially radial with respect to the base (7). The engine (11) extends in a substantially horizontal direction, perpendicular to the axis of rotation (x-x) of the base swivel (7). The tree that supports the pinion (13) protruding from the reducer has a vertical rotation axis. The engine (11) is located in a space between the axis of vertical rotation of the pinion (13) and the vertical rotation axis (x-x) of the rotating base (7). A housing (14) protects the unit impeller in its upper and lateral part.

The apparatus (1) comprises means for weighing predisposed to weigh at least one container (15) located on the swivel base (7). In the case described the weighing means they comprise a balance (16) of the known type that is integral with rotation with the rotating base (7) and is located in a position diametrically opposed to the driving unit (11 and 12). The balance (16) has an upper plane to place and weigh a container (15) that includes the dosed product. The plane of heavy is predisposed in an opening obtained in the housing (14). Due to the rotations of the base (7) the container (15) can be selectively located under several valves (6) in order to receive the dispensed liquid dispensed.

The apparatus has at least one organ of valve actuation (17) able to move, under control, the moving elements of the valves (6) of a position closed to an open position. The actuator (17) it is placed on a support column (18) that rises vertically and coaxially from the rotating base (7). The organ of drive (17), which is substantially located on the vertical line of the balance (16), is in solidarity with the rotation swivel base (7). In the illustrated embodiment the organ of drive (17) comprises a hydraulic linear actuator that It has a vertical line of action to send displacements verticals of a clamping element capable of interacting with the head of the stem of a valve (6). By the effect of rotations  of the base (7) and, therefore, of the support column (18), the actuator (17) can be selectively located from according to the various valves to actuate. The actuator can comprise three coaxial cylinders arranged in series one over the other; in another embodiment the actuator of the valve can comprise a lifting device of the shutters that can be sent, for example, by means of a encoder to allow adjustable opening of the valves in a plurality of intermediate mouth opening positions dispensers

The actuator of the actuator (17) is commanded by means of a transmission operating circuit of the fluid that has a fixed part and a solidarity mobile part in movement with the column (18) of the rotating support. The fixed part and the rotating part of the fluid circuit are interconnected by means of a coupling (19) comprising a distributor of rotating fluid of the known and schematically represented type in figure 4. The fixed part of the fluid circuit ends in one or several ducts obtained in the internal part of a body fixed cylindrical (20) located above and coaxially to the column of support (18). The coupling (19) is located between the body fixed internal (20) and an external tubular body (21) coupled with rotating way to the fixed body (20). To the rotating tubular body (21) at least one fluid supply conduit is directed pressurized (22), which conduit (22) is connected from the end opposite of the actuator of the actuator (17).

The central control unit, of the known type, governs the operation of the device, which unit can drive the drive unit that rotates the base (7) and the actuator fluid to open the valves (8). The control unit is predisposed to receive information about the weight of the container (15) read by the weighing means (16).

During operation, on the balance (18) a container (15) is placed; the liquids will be dosed according to desired within the container (15). The drive unit is operated with consequent rotation of the base (7), of the column (18), of the balance (16), container (15) and actuator (17) of the valves. Once the container (15) has been located under a predetermined dispensing valve (6), the actuator (17) opens the valve for a while predetermined way of pouring into the container the desired amount of liquid. During this stage the element of organ fixation (17) couples the valve head selected and then sent by the actuator to move towards above, raising the respective rod, with a consequent valve opening and a liquid dispensing. When the control unit receives information from the balance (16) that the container has reached a predetermined weight, it imparts the actuator descent order, which closes the valve (6) with consequent interruption of the dispensing of liquid. Successively the aforementioned series of operations (location of the container (15) under a valve (6) preselected and dosed filling of the same container (15)) is repeated according to a work cycle that is ordered by the unit control center and that can be predefined by the operator of way to achieve a dosed mixture as desired.

In another embodiment, not illustrated, the means for weighing they are predisposed to weigh two containers located at diametrically opposite points of the rotating base. In in this case the means for weighing can comprise two scales, as in figure 1, each of which can receive a respective container for the dosed product. In this realization the machine is provided with two actuator organs, located on diametrically opposite sides of the support column, each of which is operatively associated with a balance. In this embodiment the machine can produce two containers fully dosed at the same time, with a significant saving of time. With this embodiment it is preferable that around the nozzle circumference, on opposite sides of the circumference, there is a nozzle that dispenses the same product, possibly also with the same supply speed. This would allow the production of two identical dosed products simultaneously, or even two liquid products containing the same ingredients but dosed differently.

In other embodiments, three could be included means for weighing to weigh three containers located on three scales arranged on the basis at distances of 120E with with respect to the axis of rotation (x-x) of the same base (7). In this case, three rotating organs of drive, which rotate together with the base (7) and arranged above of each scale. In other embodiments it might be possible predispose four or even more scales, equidistant angularly around the circumference with respect to the axis of base rotation (7).

Thanks to the invention the inertia of the means for the location of the container it has only a very effect reduced upon reading the weight of the same container.

Weighing errors can be reduced considerably due to the vessel's movement system. In addition, the device leads to a saving of time since the weight it can be read exactly as soon as the container is located below of the dispensing valve, without a significant waiting time for the vessel's weighing system to stabilize and Provide adequate weight reading.

Claims (6)

1. Apparatus for dosing liquids, which understands: - a plurality of dispensing valves (6), each of which is able to dispense a liquid to be dosed, the valves (6) being arranged on a plane horizontal according to a circle, - a rotating base (7) that can be sent to rotate around an axis (x-x) of rotation vertical, the base (7) being predisposed under the valve dispenser, - means for heavy predisposed to weigh the minus a container (15) located on the rotating base, the container being able to selectively place under the valves to receive the liquid to be dosed, as a result of rotations of the base (7); characterized by the fact that: each valve is provided with a moving element in a position to assume at least one closed position, in which dispensing is impossible, and an open position in which the dispensing is possible; it comprises an actuator (17) of the dispensing valves (17) able to send the movement of the mobile elements of the dispensing valves from the closed position to the open position, said organ of drive (17) rotating in solidarity with the swivel base (7) and, being able to selectively place in correspondence of a valve to actuate due to the base rotations (7). 2. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the rotating base (7) is rotated by a driving unit (11, 12) which rotates jointly with the base (7). 3. Apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that it comprises at least one pinion (13) that can be turned by the driving unit (11, 12) and which meshes with a crown-type wheel (10) fixed coaxial to the swivel base (7). 4. Apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that the rotating base (7) is rotatably coupled to an internal circumference of the crown wheel (10). 5. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the weighing means are predisposed to weigh a plurality of containers located in angularly equidistant zones with respect to the axis of rotation of the base (7). 6. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each valve (6) is provided with feeding means of a liquid to be dosed, which feeding means comprise a return conduit which, with the valve ( 6) in the closed position, it can be traversed by a return flow that returns from the valve to a liquid container.