BR112012032594B1 - machine and method for the preparation and automatic distribution of at least one fluid coloring product contained in a receptacle containing an ink base ' - Google Patents

Abstract

machine and method for the preparation and automatic distribution of at least one fluid coloring product contained in a receptacle containing an ink base the present invention deals with a machine (10) for the automatic preparation and distribution of at least one coloring product of fluid contained in a receptacle (11) containing an ink base, comprising integrated, data entry device (50) capable of being activated by the user to choose the sizes and capacity of the receptacle (11), the type of base of paint and / or the color of the fluid coloring product to be obtained; a dispensing device (21) suitable for supplying coloring substances within the receptacle (11), according to the data fed by the user via the data entry device (50); a mixing device for mixing the ink base with the coloring substances; transfer device (30) suitable for transferring the receptacle (11) from a charging station (25) to the dispensing device (21) and from the latter to the mixing device (22) and vice versa; and a central control unit (59) associated with the data entry device (50) and suitable to control and selectively drive both the dispensing device (21) and the mixing device (22) and also the transfer device (30 ).

Description

MACHINE AND METHOD FOR THE PREPARATION AND AUTOMATIC DISTRIBUTION OF AT LEAST ONE FLUID COLORING PRODUCT CONTAINED IN A RECEPTACLE CONTAINING AN INK BASE

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a machine for the automatic preparation and distribution of fluid coloring products, for example, coloring liquids, bases for paints, varnishes, enamels, paints or other fluid coloring substances, each contained in a closed receptacle, such as, for example, any container, of any shape and size with a lid. The machine, according to the present invention, allows the user to select both the container and the ink base, the color, the shade to be obtained, and is able to automatically supply and mix the dye pigments, to obtain the product of coloration and make it available to the end user, ready to use.

HISTORY OF THE INVENTION

Machines for dispensing or supplying coloring products are known, capable of introducing a metered amount of coloring pigments into a receptacle containing an ink base, to obtain a desired coloring product.

Mixing machines are also known, different from dispensing machines, capable of mixing the coloring product obtained with the latter, mixing and homogenizing the coloring pigments and ink base.

In the current state of the art, however, there is a disadvantage that in order to obtain a fluid coloring product, starting from an ink base, it is necessary to have two different machines available, that is, a dispensing machine, which makes up the composition of the coloring product, inserting the coloring pigments into the ink base, and a mixing machine, which mixes the coloring product after being composed by the dispensing machine.

Another disadvantage is that each of the known machines, in order to operate correctly, requires the presence and intervention of a specific professional operator, who handles

2/18 the individual receptacles, also moving them from one machine to another, and which adjusts each machine, the dispensing or mixing machine, according to the fluid coloring product to be obtained. This has a negative effect on the time required to obtain the desired coloring product and considerably increases overall costs.

US-A-2008/0051936 describes a machine for preparing and dispensing fluid coloring products contained in closed receptacles, which comprises, aligned along a single horizontal geometric axis, a device for identifying and mixing the receptacle inserted into the machine through a side door; a device for closing the receptacle associated with a labeling station; a device for drilling a hole in the receptacle cover; a device for distributing and dosing coloring substances; a drilling device. A straight conveyor device is capable of transporting the receptacle from one of the devices listed above, in both directions, but along a single horizontal direction, and therefore this known machine, developing fully in length, is very bulky and the Different operations are very complex, so the preparation of the fluid staining product is very slow.

EP-A-2025393 describes an apparatus for dosing colored pigments in a container for paint or neutral enamel and for mixing the obtained mixture, in which the individual container is first arranged in a dispensing device, through an introduction port, and then the colored pigments are distributed into the container. Then, the container is first lowered with a vertical movement and then moved laterally with a horizontal movement towards a mixing device. When mixing is complete, the container is removed from the appliance through a removal port, different from the introduction port. This known device is too complex and complicated as well, especially because it requires moving the container first vertically and then horizontally, and because it provides two access doors, the introduction door and the removal door.

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The purpose of the present invention is to obtain a machine for the automatic preparation and distribution of a fluid coloring product contained in a closed container that is simple, compact and safe and that is capable of automatically preparing the coloring product and making it available for the user, according to the choices made by the latter directly and without needing a specific operator to manipulate the receptacle and control the machine.

The applicant devised, tested and incorporated the present invention to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art and obtain these and other purposes and advantages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is exposed and characterized in the independent claims, while the dependent claims describe other features of the invention or variants of the main inventive concept.

According to the above purpose, the machine according to the present invention for the preparation and automatic distribution of at least one fluid coloring product contained in a closed receptacle containing an ink base, comprises, integrally with each other, an inlet device. data, a charging station in which the user himself can position the selected receptacle, a device for dispensing coloring substances, a mixing device, device for transferring the selected receptacle from the charging station to the dispensing device and from there to the mixing device and vice versa, and a central control unit.

The data entry device can be directly activated by the user to choose one or more of the following characteristics: the sizes and capacity of the receptacle, type of paint base, that is, whether it is, for example, wood or metal paint, for indoor or outdoor, and the color and tone of the fluid coloring product to be obtained.

The dispensing device is capable of dispensing certain coloring substances in the receptacle, contained in appropriate tanks

4/18 machine, according to user input using

the device data entry. 0 device mixing is capable to shake O receptacle, mix the base ink with substances in 5 coloring. 0 device transfer is able in transfer the receptacle from from the station charge for O

distribution device and vice versa, along a first horizontal geometric axis, and from the distribution device to the mixing device and vice versa, along a second horizontal geometric axis that is substantially coplanar and substantially perpendicular to the first horizontal geometric axis.

The central control unit is associated with the data entry device and is able to control and actuate selectively and in a programmed mode both the dispensing device and the mixing device and the transfer device, to cause, in sequence: the movement from the receptacle from the charging station to the dispensing device along the first horizontal geometric axis; the distribution of coloring substances within the receptacle when activating the dispensing device; moving the receptacle from the dispensing device to the mixing device along the second longitudinal geometric axis; agitating the receptacle in order to mix the ink base with the coloring substances by means of the mixing device; moving the receptacle from the mixing device to the dispensing device along the second horizontal geometric axis; and moving the receptacle from the dispensing device 30 to the charging station along the first horizontal geometry axis.

In this way, the transfer devices are able to return the receptacle to the charging station when the mixing is completed, so that the user can pick up the receptacle containing the finished coloring product ready for use.

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According to a secondary feature of the present invention, the data entry device can comprise an interactive screen, through which the user can make his choices regarding the type of container and final product desired, and a printer capable of printing a label containing at least one code, for example, a barcode, with the characteristics chosen by the user. The alternative label or carrier, such as an RFID tag, is then capable of being inserted into, or associated from outside the machine by the user himself, so that the relative code is automatically recognized by the central control unit to perform the cycle distributing the coloring substances by means of the dispensing device, and the subsequent mixing by means of the mixing device, and also moving the receptacle from one to the other of the two devices.

According to another secondary feature of the present invention, the transfer device comprises a slider that is movable by means of a first linear actuator between the charging station and the dispensing device and vice versa. A centering element is mounted on the cursor, capable of centering the receptacle with respect to the dispensing device. The transfer device also comprises a second linear actuator capable of moving the receptacle, advantageously together with the centering element, between the dispensing device and the mixing device and vice versa.

In accordance with another secondary feature of the present invention, at least one first safety device is disposed between the dispensing device and the mixing device, to prevent the receptacle and / or the coloring product contained therein randomly or accidentally leaving the mixing device while the latter is running, and to damage the dispensing device or other parts of the machine. In some forms of embodiment, the first safety device is configured to physically separate the working environment of the dispensing device from that of the mixing device.

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According to another secondary feature of the present invention, at least a second safety device is provided at the charging station, to prevent the user from accessing the interior of the machine, in addition to the charging station itself, or to the charging station during the cycle. of operation, including the step of distributing the coloring substances and the mixing step.

According to another secondary feature of the present invention, the machine also comprises a verification device, which provides to verify that the receptacle has been correctly positioned by the user on the centering element, before transferring it to the dispensing device.

According to another secondary feature of the present invention, the machine is provided with an anti-drying device, which prevents the needles of the dispensing device that distribute the coloring substances from drying out when the machine is inactive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other characteristics of the present invention will become evident from the following description of a preferred form of modality, given as a non-restrictive example with reference to the attached drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic view of a machine according to the present invention for the automatic distribution of fluid coloring products contained in receptacles;

Figure 2 is a schematic view from above of the machine in Figure 1;

Figure 3 is an enlarged front view of a first detail of the machine in Figure 1;

Figure 4 is a schematic view of a label printed by the machine in Figure 1;

Figure 5 is a perspective view of a shelf on which the receptacles used by the machine in Figure 1 are stored;

Figure 6 is a second enlarged and sectional detail of the machine in Figure 1;

Figure 7 is a plan view, partial, enlarged and partially in section, of the machine in Figure 1.7 / 18

Figure 8 is a view from the right side, enlarged and partially in section of the machine in Figure 1 in a first operating condition;

Figure 9 is a view from the right, similar to the one in Figure 8, of the machine in Figure 1 in a second operating condition;

Figure 10 is a rear view, enlarged and partially in section, of the machine in Figure 1 in the second operating condition shown in Figure 9;

Figure 11 is a rear view, similar to Figure 10, of the machine in Figure 1 in a third operating condition.

To facilitate understanding, the same reference numbers were used, where possible, to identify identical common elements in the drawings. It is understood that elements and characteristics of one form of modality can be conveniently incorporated into other forms of modality without further clarification.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERENTIAL MODE

With reference to Figure 1, a machine 10 according to the present invention for the preparation and automatic distribution of fluid coloring products, contained in closed receptacles 11, comprises a support structure 12, substantially divided into three modular compartments 13, 14 and 15, adjacent and integrated with each other.

The receptacles 11 (Figure 5) can be of metal, such as steel, or plastic material and can be of cylindrical shape or any other shape, such as, for example, a parallelepiped, with a square or rectangular base. Each of them contains a fluid paint base, which can be, for example, transparent or white, to which a coloring substance is then added, substantially consisting of pigments. Each receptacle 11 is closed by a cap provided in the center with a membrane, of a known type, which has the characteristic of having a hole with one or more needles and closing automatically when each needle is removed.

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In the first compartment 13, which is one on the extreme left in Figures 1 and 2, a plurality of tanks 20 is arranged (Figure 2), which can be of any known type, for example, as described in European Patent EP-B-1,744 . 826, granted on October 17, 2007 to the present Claimant, in each of which a substance of different coloring is contained.

In the second compartment 14, that is, the central, a distribution device 21 is disposed, which can be of any known type, for example, as described in Italian Patent IT-B-1.370.076, known on January 26, 2010 to the present

Applicant. 0 distribution device 21 is connected to tanks 20 per through tubes 23 (Figure 8) of any. type known. In the third compartment 15 (Figure 2), one device in mix 22 is willing, that can be any known brand, for example, as described in the European Patent EP-

B-1,417,024, granted on September 21, 2005 to the present Claimant.

Advantageously, to prevent the vibrations produced by the mixing device 22 from spreading to the other two compartments 13 and 14, a plurality of anti-vibration elements 39, consisting, for example, of shock absorbers, are arranged between the compartments 13, 14 and 15.

At the front or front part of the central compartment 14 a loading station 25 is arranged (Figures 2 and 7) comprising a plate 26, for example, circular in shape, which functions as a support element and as a centering element for one receptacle 11 at a time. The loading station 25 has a first vertical axis Z1 (Figures 6 to 9).

The upper part of the plate 26 (Figures 6 and 7.) is provided with a plurality of seats 27 with steps decreasing from the periphery towards the center and having a circular or rectangular design, with the sizes of the bases of the different receptacles 11 that the machine 10 can process. In some forms of modality, not restricting the scope of the present invention, seats 27 are in this case seven in number. To optimize space, in some cases, as can be seen in Figure 7, two

9/18 different seats, one circular and one rectangular, intersect on the same horizontal plane.

Around the plate 26 and coaxial with the geometric axis Z1, an access door 29 is arranged, of semicircular shape and comprising in some forms of modalities two panels 29a and 29b, each of which has an angular development of 90 ^and . The access door 29 is selectively movable between an open position, shown in Figures 2 and 7, and a closed position, shown by dashes again in Figures 2 and 7. Thus, the access door 29 defines a bushing that rotates in around the vertical geometric axis Zl, whose movement between the two positions can be carried out manually by the user himself, or automatically by means of an electric motor of a known type and not shown in the drawings. The access door 29 in both its open and closed positions prevents the user from inserting his hands or another into the machine 10, in addition to the loading station 25, and consequently constitutes an effective safety device.

Transfer devices 30 (Figures 2 and 6 to 11) which comprise a cursor 31 and will be described in more detail below, are capable of transferring receptacle 11 selectively and automatically, together with plate 26, both from the transfer station load- 25 for the distribution device 21, along a first horizontal geometric axis X, and from the distribution device 21 for the mixing device 22 (without the cursor 31), along a second horizontal geometric axis Y , perpendicular to the geometric axis X, and vice versa, to return them to the loading station 25.

In the front part of the right compartment 15 (Figure 1) there is a data entry device 50, which in this case comprises an interactive screen 51, of the touch screen type, a label printer 52, an electronic code reader 53, for example. example, 'bar codes or RFID tags, and a possible electronic payment device 56, which in turn comprises an electronic reader of electronic payment cards 55, such as, for example, ATM cards, credit cards or prepaid cards paid, and a 57 numeric keypad.

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Each of the data input devices 50 is easily used by any user, to make their choices of the type of fluid staining product they wish to obtain from the machine 10, as will be described in more detail below.

Data input devices 50 are connected to a central control unit 59 (Figure 2), which is configured and programmed to selectively control and command the

device in distribution 21, the mixing device 22 and O device transfer 30. The station load 25 also comprises one device in verification 60 (Figure 6) to check O receptacle 11 setted up fur on board 26, and O

correct positioning of receptacle 11 on the corresponding seat.

In particular, the verification device 60 comprises a dimensional reading system, in this case comprising two position sensors 61 and 62, arranged in fixed positions on diametrically opposite sides with respect to the vertical geometric axis Zl, just above the plate 26, and a electronic reader 63 of bar codes or RFID tags, arranged in a fixed position above sensor 62. Position sensors 61 and 62 and electronic reader 63 of bar codes or RFID tags are connected to central control unit 59.

The verification device 60 also comprises an inactive transmission element temporarily connected to a drive element. In some forms of modality, the inactive transmission element comprises a gear wheel 65, fixed coaxially to the bottom part of the plate 26 and temporarily engaged with a toothed pinion 66 that acts as a driving element, in turn clamped on the axis of a electric motor 67, fixed to the frame 12 of the machine 10 and controlled by the central control unit 59. Two disks 68 and 69, of different diameter, also coaxial with the plate 26, are fixed to the bottom of the gear 65 and are divided by a circular notch 70. Discs 68 and 69 rest on the slider 31 so that they can rotate with respect to it, about the vertical geometric axis Z1. In particular, disk 69, with a smaller diameter than

11/18 that disk 68, is inserted into a horizontal notch 71 of the cursor

31, shaped like a T face down, parallel to the horizontal geometric axis Y and opened on one side (the right side in Figure 6, which is the left side in Figures 10 and 11). The operation of the verification device 60 is described below.

transfer device 30 (Figures 6 to 11) as well as the cursor 31, also comprises a horizontal bar

32, attached to the structure 12 of the machine 10 parallel to the geometric axis X. The cursor 31 is able to slide linearly with respect to the horizontal bar 32 (Figures 8 and 9), between the loading station 25 (first vertical geometric axis Zl), and the distribution device 21 (second vertical axis Z2) and vice versa, by means of two pairs of rollers 33, and is controlled by a first linear drive 34, which in this case comprises a transmission belt 35 connected to an electric motor 36 mounted on the fixed structure 12 and in turn controlled by the central control unit 59.

A second linear actuator 38 is provided to selectively transfer plate 26 (Figures 10 and 11), together with receptacle 11, from distribution device 21 (second vertical axis Z2), to mixing device 22 (third axis vertical geometric Z3) and vice versa, leaving the cursor 31 in correspondence with the distribution device 21 (second vertical geometric axis Z2). The second linear actuator 38, in this case electric, has at one end 40 a stop element or mechanical reference, in this case a cylindrical head 41, capable of rotating 90 ² to move from a horizontal position (Figure 8), in which · is inactive, to a vertical position (Figures 9, 10 and 11), in which it is actively inserted into a corresponding radial hollow part 42, made in the disc 68 attached to the plate 26. The 90 ² rotation of the linear actuator 38, and, therefore, the cylindrical head 41 is carried out by another driver, for example, an electric motor 43, in this case fixed to the structure 12. Both the linear drive 3 8 and the electric motor 43 are controlled by the central control unit 59.

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The transfer device 30 also comprises a fixed guide, having a horizontal notch 45 open on both sides and a cross section 'identical to that of the horizontal notch 71 of the slider 31. The horizontal notch 45 is parallel to the horizontal geometric axis Y (Figures 7, 10 and 11).

Another guide 46 (Figures 10 and 11) is attached to a lower plate 81 of the mixing device 22. The guide 46 has a horizontal notch 47 with a cross section identical to that of the notches 45 and 71, it is opened on one side only , that is, the one on the right in Figures 10 and 11, and is parallel to the horizontal geometric axis Y.

The dispensing device 21 (Figures 8 to 10) comprises a plate 73 on which a plurality of needles 74 are mounted, arranged parallel and concentric to the vertical geometric axis Z2 and each connected to a corresponding tube 23. Plate 73 is movable vertically along the vertical geometric axis Z2 by means of an electric motor, of a known type and not shown in the drawings, also controlled by the central control unit 59.

To prevent the tips of the needles 74 from drying out, when the machine 10 is inactive, an anti-drying device 75 is provided, comprising a mechanical arm 76, pivoted on a vertical pin 77 and having at one end a support plate 78, regulated by heat, for example, thanks to an electrical resistance integrated in it, in which a container or can 7 9 is removably disposed, similar to one of the closed receptacles 11 and containing a liquid substance, for example, water and / or steam. The mechanical arm 76 is rotatable, by means of an electric motor 80, controlled by the central control unit 59, between a first operating position in which it is aligned with the horizontal geometric axis Y (Figures 7 and 8), and a second position of operation rotated by 90 ² with respect to the first, that is, parallel to the horizontal geometric axis X (Figures 9 to 11 and shown by the lines in Figure 7). In the first operational position (Figures 7 and 8), the container 79 is coaxial to the second vertical geometric axis Z2 and the plate 73 is lowered against the can 79 (Figure 8) so that the tips of the needles 74 are inside the last ones, remaining

13/18 wet thanks to the liquid and / or steam contained in them. In the second operational position (Figures 7 and 9 to 11), the container 79 is coaxial with a fourth vertical geometric axis Z4, outside the volume of plate 26 and plate 73.

The mixing device 22 (Figures 10 and 11), as well as the bottom plate 81, also comprises an upper fixing plate 82, which is capable of selectively fixing the receptacle 11 in a known manner with a determined fixing force. The upper fixing plate 82 is controlled by an electric motor of a known type and not shown in the drawings, also controlled by the central control unit 59. The two plates 81 and 82 are part of a mobile frame 83, which is elastically supported with with respect to a fixed frame 84, and can be made to oscillate or rotate with respect to the latter, by means of known means not shown in the drawings.

Between the dispensing device 21 and the mixing device 22, in correspondence with the fixed guide 44 (Figures 7, 10 and 11), a wall 85 is advantageously arranged in metal, which is vertically movable on side guides 86, between a lowered position (Figure 11) and an elevated position (Figure 10) and vice versa, by means of an electric motor 87, fixed to the frame 12 and connected to a toothed pinion 88, constantly engaging with a rack 89, fixed to a lateral side metal wall 85. The electric motor 87 is also controlled by the central control unit 59.

The movable wall 85 is normally closed, and is raised only to get the receptacle 11 into the mixing device 22, or to get out of it. It therefore prevents the receptacle 11 from leaving the mixing device 22 during the mixing step and from damaging the dispensing device 21 or other parts of the machine 10, and therefore constitutes another effective safety device.

The method that machine 10 as described above uses is as follows.

First, there is a stage in which the user, through the data entry device 50, chooses and selects the characteristics of the specific fluid product that

14/18 intends to buy. In particular, the interactive screen 51, for example, divided into three parts (Figure 3), has the possibility to choose, through four buttons on the upper left, one of the four ink bases, that is, type A (ink for interiors), type B (exterior paint), type C (wood paint) or type D (metal paint). Using four other buttons, positioned on the upper right, the user can choose the size or capacity of the receptacle 11 (for example, 0.5 liters, 1.0 liter, 2.5 liters or 5.0 liters). Finally, you can choose the type and tone of the desired color, using one of the buttons, each colored in a different tone, located in the lower half of the interactive screen 51.

In some forms of modality of the present invention, to increase the productivity of the machine and prevent it from being occupied by a single user for too long, the entire step of choosing and deciding could be moved to a station of choice, such as a cab , or a series of interactive booths, located close by and communicating with the machine itself.

When the user has completed this step of choosing the fluid staining product, the machine 10 automatically performs a printing step, during which the label printer 52 (Figure 1) issues an adhesive label, which has the characteristics chosen by the user. user, in a user-readable mode (Figure 4), for example: red color; 2-15-3 color code; type A, receptacle capacity 2.5. The label also has a corresponding bar code and, on the right, a colored rectangle with the tone of the chosen color.

The user is then invited to take, for example, a shelf (Figure 5) divided into four compartments (A, B, C and D), the type of receptacle 11 that contains the ink base (A, B, C and D ) and which has the capacity he chose, and position it on the charging station 25 (Figure 2), centering it on the corresponding seat 27 (Figure 6) of the plate 26. Each receptacle 11, on a peripheral surface, has printed a corresponding bar code, identifying its characteristics and content or an RFID tag.

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The user is also invited to insert in the electronic reader 53 of the bar codes or RFID tags (Figure 1) the label previously printed by the label printer 52.

Optionally, the user can pay for the purchase of the chosen fluid staining product using the electronic payment device 55.

Access door 29 (Figures 2 and 7) is closed (manually by the user, or automatically by an appropriate button, not shown in the drawings), so that the two panels 29a and 29b are arranged in front of the receptacle 11 (position shown by the dashes in Figures 2 and 7) and so that no one can access the charging station 25 until the operating cycle is completed.

The central control unit 59 then automatically performs a verification step, using the verification device 60 (Figure 6), to verify that the container 11 is of the type chosen by the user, through the electronic barcode reader 63 or RFID tags, and also that it is centered on the corresponding seat 27, using position sensors 61 and 62. To do this, the plate 26 is rotated by a complete rotation around the vertical geometric axis Z1 by the electric motor 67, for example toothed pinion 66 and toothed wheel 65.

If the verification device 60 detects the presence of an error in the type of receptacle 11 introduced in the charging station 25 and / or its centering, the user is invited to correct it.

Conversely, if the verification step provides a positive result, the central control unit 59 automatically performs a preparation step for the dispensing device 21, first lifting the plate 73 (Figure 9) and then rotating the mechanical arm 76 by 90 ² in a clockwise direction (Figure 7) by means of the electric motor 80, until taking it, together with the container 79, to the second operating position, aligned with the vertical geometric axis Z4.

Subsequently, a step of distribution of the coloring substances in the receptacle 11 is performed, under the

16/18 control of the central control unit 59. In some forms of modality, the plate 26 is secured in the dispensing position by the solid cylindrical head 41 with the linear actuator 38. In particular, to keep the plate 26 stationary (Figure 9) , the electric motor 43 is controlled, which takes the cylindrical head 41 into the radial hollow part 42 of the disc 68, by rotating it by 90 ² in a counterclockwise direction. Then the plate 73 of the dispensing device 21 is lowered until the needles 74 enter with their points in the receptacle 11 (position shown by dashes in Figure 9). The tubes 23 then transfer into the receptacle 11, using volumetric pumps of a known type and not shown in the drawings, the necessary quantity of coloring substances contained in the tanks 20, in order to obtain the color tone chosen by the. user. When delivery is complete, plate 73 is raised.

The central control unit 59 then automatically performs a second step of transferring the receptacle 11 (Figures 10 and 11) from the dispensing device 21 (vertical axis Z2) to the mixing device 22 (vertical axis Z3). To do this, first the movable wall 85 is raised (Figure 10), by means of the electric motor 87, the toothed pinion 88 and the rack 89, and then the linear drive 38 is controlled, which moves the plate 26 linearly with the disc 69 guided in sequence in the three horizontal notches 71, 45 and 47, aligned with each other parallel to the horizontal geometric axis Y, until taken in correspondence with the vertical geometric axis Z3.

The central control unit 59 then commands the electric motor 43 to return the cylinder head 41, in this case spinning the same at 90 ² in a clockwise direction (Figure 9) outside of the radially hollow portion 42 of the disc 68, and then the actuator linear 38, to return the cylindrical head 41 back again. Subsequently, the movable wall 85 is lowered again, controlling the corresponding electric motor 87.

The central control unit 59 then performs a step of mixing the product inside the receptacle 11 (ink base plus coloring substances), commanding the

17/18 mixing device 22 in a known manner, which shakes the receptacle 11 for a predetermined time.

When the mixing step ends, the central control unit 59 controls the reverse operations, until the receptacle 11 is returned to the loading station 25. In particular, the movable wall 85 is raised again; the cylindrical head 41 is returned to engage the radial hollow portion 42 of the disc 68; the linear actuator 38 returns the plate 26 at the cursor 31, which, meanwhile, had remained aligned under the distribution device 21 (vertical geometric axis Z2); the movable wall 85 is lowered again; the electric motor 36 and the belt 35 return the cursor 31, together with the plate 26, to the initial position (vertical geometric axis Zl); the electric motor 80 returns the container 79 to the first operating position, aligned with the vertical geometric axis Z2; the plate 73 of the dispensing device 21 is lowered to return the tips of the needles 74 inside the container 79 and thereby prevent the possible residual coloring pigments from drying out.

It is then possible to return panels 29a and 29b (manually or automatically) to their initial condition (Figures 2 and 7) behind the plate 26. At that point a message appears on the interactive screen 51 inviting the user to take the receptacle 11 containing the fluid staining product he ordered.

It is thus clear that all stages of the operation cycle were automatically managed by machine 10, with the intervention of the user alone, without requiring a specialized operator to be present.

It is evident that modifications and / or additions of parts can be made to the machine 10 and relative method as previously described, without departing from the field and scope of the present invention.

For example, instead of having a 90 ² rotation of the cylindrical head 41 of the linear actuator 38 to engage the plate 26, it is possible to have a linear translation driven by an electromagnet.

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It is also evident that although the present invention has been described with reference to some specific examples, a knowledgeable person will certainly be able to obtain many other equivalent forms of machine for the automatic distribution of 5 fluid coloring products contained in closed receptacles, and method relative, having the characteristics as exposed in the claims and consequently all within the protection field defined by them.

Claims (14)

CLAIMS S 1. Machine for the preparation and automatic distribution of at least one fluid staining product contained in a receptacle (11) containing an ink base, comprising, integrating with each other: user input device (50) operable to choose the sizes and capacity of the receptacle (11), the type of the ink base and / or the color of the fluid coloring product to be obtained; a loading station (25) in which the user himself can position the selected receptacle (11), the loading station (25) being arranged along a first vertical geometric axis (Z1) and having a support element (26) to support the receptacle (11); a dispensing device (21) arranged along a second vertical geometric axis (Z2) to supply coloring substances within the receptacle (11), according to the data fed by the user via the data entry device (50) ; a mixing device (22) arranged along a third vertical geometric axis (Z3) for agitating the receptacle (11) for mixing the ink base with the coloring substances; transfer device (30) for transferring the receptacle (11) from the charging station (25) to the dispensing device (21) and vice versa along a first horizontal geometric axis (X), and a control unit central 59 associated with the data entry device (50) to control and actuate, selectively and in a programmed mode, both the distribution device (21) and the mixing device (22), characterized by the transfer device (30) comprise a cursor (31) movable selectively by a first actuator (34) with respect to the fixed horizontal bar (32) parallel to the first horizontal geometric axis (X) to transfer the support element (26) and the receptacle (11) from from the charging station (25) corresponding to the first vertical geometric axis (Z1) to the distribution device (21) corresponding to the second vertical geometric axis (Z2), in which the transfer device (30) comprises additionally a fixed guide (44) parallel to a second horizontal geometric axis (Y) coplanar and perpendicular to the first horizontal geometric axis (X) to selectively transfer by Petition 870190044343, of 05/10/2019, p. 9/35 2/6 middle of a second actuator (38) the support element (26) and the receptacle (11) from the cursor (31) positioned in correspondence to the second vertical geometric axis (Z2) for the mixing device (22) in correspondence to the third vertical geometric axis (Z3) and vice versa along the second horizontal geometric axis (Y) and in which the central control unit (59) is also connected to the first and second actuators (34, 38) of the device transfer (30) to cause, in sequence, the movement of the support element (26) and the receptacle (11) from the charging station (25) to the dispensing device (21) along the first horizontal geometric axis (X), the distribution of coloring substances within the receptacle (11) by actuation of the dispensing device (21), the movement of the support element (26) and the receptacle (11) from the dispensing device (21) to the mixing device (22) along of the second horizontal geometric axis (Y), the agitation of the receptacle (11) in order to mix the ink base with the coloring substances by means of the mixing device (22), the movement of the support element (26) and the receptacle (11) from the mixing device (22) to the dispensing device (21) along the second horizontal geometric axis (Y), and the movement of the support element (26) and the receptacle (11) from from the distribution device (21) to the charging station (25) along the first horizontal geometric axis (X). 2. Machine, according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the data entry device (50) comprises an interactive screen (51), through which the user is able to make his own choices regarding the type of the receptacle (11) and the desired final product. Machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the data entry device (50) comprises a printer (52) capable of printing a label that contains at least one identification code of the choices made by the user. 4. Machine according to claim 3, characterized by the fact that the data entry device (50) also comprises an electronic reader (53) capable of reading the Petition 870190044343, of 05/10/2019, p. 10/35 3/6 code and activate the central control unit (59) to execute the distribution cycle of the coloring substances, by means of the dispensing device (21), and the subsequent mixing by means of the mixing device (22), as well how to move the receptacle (11) from one to the other of the two devices (21, 22). 5. Machine according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the first driver comprises a first linear driver (34). 6. Machine according to claim 5, characterized by the fact that the support element comprises a plate (26) provided in its upper part with a plurality of seats (27) with decreasing steps from the periphery towards the center and having a circular or rectangular design, with different sizes of the bases of the receptacles (11), which the machine can process. 7. Machine according to claim 5 or 6, characterized by the fact that the second driver comprises a second linear driver (38). 8. Machine according to claim 5, 6 or 7, characterized by the fact that it also comprises a verification device (60) capable of verifying that the receptacle (11) has been correctly positioned by the user on the support element (26) , before transferring it towards the distribution device (21). 9. Machine according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that at least one first safety device (85) is arranged between the dispensing device (21) and the mixing device (22), to prevent the receptacle (11) and / or the product contained therein randomly leaves the mixing device (22), during operation of the latter. 10. Machine according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by the fact that at least one second safety device (29) is provided in correspondence with the charging station (25), to prevent the user from having access inside the machine (10), in addition to the charging station (25) or even the charging station (25) during the Petition 870190044343, of 05/10/2019, p. 11/35 4/6 operation, including the steps of distributing the coloring and mixing substances. 11. Machine according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that it comprises an anti-drying device (75), capable of preventing the tips of the dispensing needles (74) of the coloring substances from drying out, when the machine (10 ) is inactive. 12. Machine according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that it comprises a support structure (12), substantially divided into three modular compartments (13, 14 and 15), adjacent and integrated with each other, which in one first compartment (13) of the three compartments, a plurality of tanks (20) is arranged, in each of which a coloring substance is contained, that in a second compartment (14) of the three compartments the dispensing device (21) is arranged, and in which a third compartment (15) of the three compartments, the mixing device (22) is arranged, the second compartment (14) being arranged between the first compartment (13) and the third compartment (15). 13. Machine according to claim 12, characterized by the fact that an anti-vibration device (39) is interposed between the third compartment (15) and the second compartment (14), to prevent vibrations produced by the mixing device ( 22) spread to the other compartments (13, 14). 14. Method for the preparation and automatic distribution of at least one fluid coloring product contained in a receptacle (11) containing an ink base, comprising a first stage in which, by means of a data entry device (50) capable of be activated by the user, the user chooses the sizes and capacity of the receptacle (11), the type of the ink base and / or the color of the fluid coloring product to be obtained; a second stage in which the receptacle (11) is positioned, even by the user himself, on a support element (26) of a loading station (25) arranged along a first vertical geometric axis (Z1); a third stage in which, by means of Petition 870190044343, of 05/10/2019, p. 12/35 5/6 a distribution device (21) arranged along a second vertical geometric axis (Z2), coloring substances are inserted into the receptacle (11), according to the data fed by the user during the first stage and under control a central control unit (59) associated with the data entry device (50); a fourth stage in which the receptacle (11) is shaken under the control of a central control unit (59) by a mixing device (22) arranged along a third vertical geometric axis (Z3), to mix the base of ink with coloring substances, characterized in that it also comprises a transfer step during which a transfer device (30), comprising a cursor (31) selectively movable by a first actuator (34) in relation to the fixed horizontal bar (32) parallel to the first horizontal geometric axis (X) and by a second actuator (38) with respect to a fixed guide (44) parallel to a second horizontal geometric axis (Y) coplanar and perpendicular to the first horizontal geometric axis (X), transfer the support element (26) and receptacle (11) from the charging station (25) corresponding to the first vertical geometry axis (Z1) to the distribution device (21) corresponding to the second ge axis vertical isometric (Z2) and vice versa along the first horizontal geometric axis (X), and the support element (26) and the receptacle (11) from the cursor (31) positioned in correspondence to the second vertical geometric axis ( Z2) for the mixing device (22) corresponding to the third vertical geometric axis (Z3) and vice versa along the second horizontal geometric axis (Y), the central control unit (59) also controls and drives the first and second actuators (34, 38) of the transfer device (30) to cause, in sequence, the movement of the support element (26) and the receptacle (11) from the charging station (25) to the distribution device (21) along the first horizontal geometric axis (X), the distribution of coloring substances within the receptacle (11) by actuation of the dispensing device (21), the movement of the support element (26) and the receptacle (11) from of the distribution device the (21) to the mixing device Petition 870190044343, of 05/10/2019, p. 13/35 6/6 (22) along the second horizontal geometric axis (Y), the agitation of the receptacle (11) in order to mix the ink base with the coloring substances by means of the mixing device (22), the movement of the support element (26) and receptacle 5 (11) from the mixing device (22) to the distribution device (21) along the second horizontal geometric axis (Y), and the movement of the support element (26 ) and the receptacle (11) from the dispensing device (21) to the charging station (25) along the first horizontal geometric axis (X).