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Apparatus for dosing colored pigments and for mixing the pigments with a predetermined quantity of paint or enamel to be coloured
EP1428569A2
European Patent Office
- Other languages
German French - Inventor
Ferdinando Sarti - Current Assignee
- Valpaint Srl
Worldwide applications
Application EP03028165A events
2003-12-08
2004-06-16
2004-08-25
Status
Withdrawn
Description
translated from
-
[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field concerning the production of paints or enamels of a selected color. -
[0002] In particular, the invention relates to an apparatus for coloring predetermined quantities of paints, enamels or similar products by using mixtures of colored pigments, in order to give to the above mentioned products a selected color. -
[0003] The fact that paints, enamels or other similar products can be supplied in ranges of colors obtained during their production, is well known. -
[0004] Usually, each color is indicated with a unique code, which identifies the kinds of pigments used for coloring and their proportions. -
[0005] Otherwise, the products are supplied in neutral colors, for example white, and the colored pigments are supplied separately, according to a standard range of basic colors. -
[0006] The final color of the product is obtained by adding one or more of the pigments to the neutral product in suitable proportions. -
[0007] A selected color tonality is obtained by a perfect dosage of the pigments composing it. -
[0008] Obviously, when a precise color tonality is to be obtained, the dosing cannot be performed manually, even if the kinds of pigments necessary to obtain the desired color are known. -
[0009] Therefore, there are apparatuses, commonly known pigment metering devices, which precisely dose and mix the pigments of the right basic color, and are controlled by a suitably skilled operator. -
[0010] The mixing is performed depending on the type and quantity of the neutral product to be colored, so as to obtain the desired color tonality. -
[0011] Known metering devices usually include a plurality of tanks for as many pigments as different colors are required and each of the tanks has a control unit for controlling the pigments flow, connected to a processing unit. -
[0012] Downstream of the flow control unit, there are a corresponding number of delivering nozzles, which open in a coloring chamber, housing a container with a neutral product to be colored. -
[0013] The processing unit has a suitable program for dosing and controlling the above mentioned flow control units, and communicates with an operator by means of a monitor and a keyboard. -
[0014] A spectrophotometer can also be connected to the processing unit for picking up the color tonality of a sample and send corresponding data to the processing unit. -
[0015] The above described metering devices are installed not only in assisted shops selling coloring products, but also in many cash and carry wholesaler and self-service retail sale centers, even not exclusively for paint products sale. -
[0016] In order to color a known quantity of product, the user must introduce the product container into the coloring chamber of the color metering device, after weighing it, in such a way that the container mouth (open) is situated under the delivering nozzles. -
[0017] Then, the user must enter data into the processing unit through the monitor and keyboard in order to set the records concerning the product weight and type, and the code of the desired color to be obtained. -
[0018] Otherwise, if there is the above mentioned spectrophotometer, the information about the desired color is entered into the processor by scanning with the spectrophotometer a sample of this color, after having suitably instructed the control program. -
[0019] The color metering device features also, situated in the coloring chamber, a device, which prints a bar code on the container external part. -
[0020] This code includes information used to define the coloring cost at the moment of the product payment. -
[0021] The operator communicates with the processing unit by means of a graphic interface, specific for the program being executed, which can be more or less complicated, and its use can require a more or less in-depth skill for the operator. -
[0022] In any case, it resulted that the presence of a skilled operator is necessary, not only in the assisted sale centers, but also in the large self-service centers. -
[0023] Actually, it has been verified that the medium client's approach to the operations of coloring of the neutral product is usually difficult and it could cause setting errors which result in wrong product coloring. -
[0024] This would result either in non-payment of the colored product, if the client notices his error in time, or in the subsequent returning of the product. -
[0025] In any case, it is more probable that the client, after having seen the complicated input-output interface of the color metering device, gives up immediately and switches his attention to other products, or buys the products in other shops to avoid waste of time. -
[0026] Another disadvantage derives from the fact that payment of the colored product could be delayed, mistaken, or facilitate illicit operations. -
[0027] Actually, the product container has always at least one bar code already printed on its external surface. -
[0028] The code printed by the color metering device is added to the above code/s and moreover, it is printed in a random position, as it depends on the orientation of the container in the coloring chamber. -
[0029] When the buyer pays at the cash desk, it can be difficult for the cashier to find, identify and acquire not only the neutral code, but also the coloring one. -
[0030] Moreover, after having known the color metering device printing system, a dishonest user could easily apply a film (for example, adhesive tape) to a container in the printing position and remove it after the printing. -
[0031] In this way, the dishonest user could pay only for the neutral product, avoiding paying for the coloring. -
[0032] The main object of the present invention is to propose an apparatus for coloring paints, enamels and similar products, which is easy and immediate to use also by unskilled users. -
[0033] Another object of the present invention is to propose an apparatus, in which the possibility of data setting errors is reduced to minimum. -
[0034] A further object of the present invention is to minimize the possibility of errors or frauds concerning the payment of the coloring operations. -
[0035] The above mentioned objects are wholly obtained in accordance with the contents of the claims. -
[0036] The characteristic features of the invention, as they will result from the claims, are pointed out in the following detailed description with reference to the drawings, in which: - Figure 1 is a schematic view of the configuration, in its principal parts, of an apparatus for dosing colored pigments, and for mixing them to a prefixed quantity of a product to be colored (color metering device), obtained according to the present invention;
- Figure 2 is a schematic view of the above mentioned color metering device, equipped also with means for automating the payment for the coloring operations.
-
[0037] With reference to the above described figures, the color metering device, indicated as a whole with thereference numeral 100, includes a plurality oftanks 1, containing the above mentioned colored pigments. -
[0038] Obviously, thetanks 1 are situated inside a containing structure, suitably paneled, which is not shown, as it is not relevant to the invention. -
[0039] There is also acoloring chamber 4, opening outwards of thecolor metering device 100, aimed athousing containers 5 of the product to be colored. -
[0040] Thecontainers 5 are sold pre-packed in different shapes, and each of them contains a quantity of product with a predetermined weight. -
[0041] The containers are supplied closed hermetically with a cover, which must be removed before the introduction into thecoloring chamber 4. -
[0042] The products to be colored can be of different type: for example washable, transpiring, peeled paints paints, enamels, anti-rust paints and all other products which can be subjected to coloring. -
[0043] A plurality ofdelivery nozzles 3, each of which connected to arespective tank 1, are situated in the upper part of thecoloring chamber 4. -
[0044] Flow adjustment means 6 are situated between thetanks 1 and thecorresponding delivery nozzles 3 for adjusting the flow of colored pigments leaving thetanks 1. -
[0045] The flow adjustment means 6 are for example formed by high precision dosing pumps of known type and commonly used in the traditional color metering devices. -
[0046] Thepumps 6 are operated by aprocessing unit 7, which is connected to the pumps by suitable and known interfaces and is aimed at running a program for creating prefixed colors, according to techniques for combination and dosing of two or more basic colors, from among the colors contained in thetanks 1 and in relation to the data previously entered into the unit. -
[0047] Mass measuring means 8, situated inside thecoloring chamber 4, below thedelivery nozzles 3, are advantageously composed of a weighing machine, of the type equipped with a load cell, and are aimed at housing thecontainer 5 with the product to be colored, in order to define its weight. -
[0048] Theweighing machine 8 is electrically connected to theprocessing unit 7 by a suitable and known interface, in order to send information about the weight of the product to be colored, to theprocessing unit 7. -
[0049] First data input means 9 are situated in a position easily accessible from outside of thecolor metering device 100 and connected to theprocessing unit 7. -
[0050] The first data input means 9 are operated by an user to enter information about selected type of product to be colored and introduced inside the coloring chamber. -
[0051] The first data input means 9 substantially include a plurality of push buttons 91, each of which is connected to theprocessing unit 7 in such a way as to be unambiguously identified. -
[0052] Beside the push buttons 91, there arecorresponding labels 92 with the name of a type of product to be colored. -
[0053] The same connection between each button 91 and the type of product is present in the coloring program in operation in theprocessing unit 7. -
[0054] Thecolor metering device 100 includes also second data input means 31, 32, 33, likewise connected to theprocessing unit 7 and operated by the same user to communicate to the latter the selected color tonality. -
[0055] The second data input means 31, 32, 33 include substantially akeyboard 31, for entering an identifying code of the color chosen for the product coloring. -
[0056] Usually, a numerical pad keyboard is enough, because the identifying codes are composed of sequences of numbers. -
[0057] However, it is possible to provide alphanumeric keys in case it is advisable to use codes containing one or more letters. -
[0058] The second data input means include also aspectrophotometer 32, which detects the color tonality from a sample and sends the information about it to theprocessing unit 7. -
[0059] They include also abar code scanner 33, which reads identifying codes of color samples from a set of samples, in which each tonality is coded with this technique. -
[0060] The above mentionedkeyboard 31,spectrophotometer 32 and thebar code scanner 33 can be present in thecolor metering device 100, separately or integral in one body, according to the specific needs. -
[0061] Thecolor metering device 100 includes adisplay 10, which is situated near the data input means and connected to theprocessing unit 7, and which is aimed at displaying information issued by theprocessing unit 7. -
[0062] The information usually consists of the repetition of codes entered by the user and of simple messages of confirmation or error in the operations execution. -
[0063] The information can be also supplied by vocal messages, through a suitable acoustic transducer, in a known way. -
[0064] Anoptional printing device 35 is operated by theprocessing unit 7 for printing information concerning the executed operations. -
[0065] For example, the code of the obtained color can be printed, possibly on auto-adhesive paper, in order to allow the user to reproduce it in future. -
[0066] Thecolor metering device 100 includes also collectingmeans processing unit 7 and aimed at collectingcorresponding credit instruments color metering device 100 user, in order to activate the coloring operations. -
[0067] In particular, atoken acceptor device 41 is provided for accepting tokens and/orcoins 51 of suitable shape or value, until the cost of operation to be executed is reached. -
[0068] The structure and working of the above mentioned token acceptor device will not be described in detail, since it is known and commercially accessible. -
[0069] These devices are supplied with characteristics which enable their connection with electronics for driving their operation and receiving enabling signals therefrom. -
[0070] Thecolor metering device 100 includes also, together with or instead of thetoken acceptor 41, apaper currency validator 42, which identifies and acceptsnotes 52. -
[0071] Thevalidator 42, likewise of known type, is connected to theprocessing unit 7 according to validator proper interface characteristics, and is aimed at receiving, from theprocessing unit 7, information about the total cost of a coloring operation set by a user and at transmitting to theprocessing unit 7 information to execute the coloring operation after having collectednotes 52 for a value sufficient to cover the total cost. -
[0072] Achange dispensing device 44 is optionally associated to thenote acceptor 42 for dispensing coins, whose value corresponds to the difference between the sum collected by the notes validator 42 and the cost of the coloring operation. -
[0073] Together with or instead of the previously mentionedtoken acceptor 41 andnote validator 42, thecolor metering device 100 includes acredit card reader 43, aimed at crediting the cost of coloring operation charging it to thecredit card 53 introduced by the user. -
[0074] A board-supportedalphanumeric display 60, situated near the collecting means 41, 42, 43, is connected to theprocessing unit 7 and is aimed at receiving from the latter and at visualizing instruction and information for the user of thecolor metering device 100. -
[0075] Otherwise, incolor metering device 100 equipped with an input-output terminal formed by a monitor and a corresponding keyboard, the instructions and information can be displayed on the monitor. -
[0076] -
[0077] The above mentionedprinter 35 can be also used for printing information concerning the coloring payment. -
[0078] In particular, the printer is aimed at printing the receipts for the payments with thecredit card 43. -
[0079] Also in this case, there can be aseparate printing unit 61, aimed exclusively at printing the above receipts or in case of an invoice request. -
[0080] The use of the above describedcolor metering device 100 is particularly simple due to the presence of the weighingmachine 8 and the first data input means 9 and second data input means 31, 32, 33. -
[0081] Actually, the user, who is going to obtain a particular color for a vessel of product with neutral color, must only place the product container, already opened, in thecoloring chamber 4, on the weighingmachine 8. -
[0082] The latter weighs the container and transmits its weight to theprocessing unit 7. -
[0083] It is simple for theprocessing unit 7 to define the exact weight of the product contained in the vessel, beginning from the gross weight of the vessel, because there are sizes of vessels containing prefixed quantities of product (for example, half kilo, one kilo, five kilos, etc.). -
[0084] Thus, the user pushes the button 91 corresponding to the product present in the vessel and then he enters the code of the desired color by thekeyboard 31, taking it from the sample set or from a previous vessel of colored product. -
[0085] Otherwise, there can be used the spectrophotometer 32 (in case a sample of desired color is available) or abar code scanner 33, for entering information about the color tonality. -
[0086] At this point, thecolor metering device 100 can perform the coloring, according to known techniques, and then print the relative information by theprinter 35. -
[0087] Moreover, thecolor metering device 100 obtained according to the invention allows the user to pay directly the sum for the coloring operation of a neutral product, such as paint or enamel, thus paying immediately the costs connected to the coloring operation, and releasing the cashier from the verifying if the payment has been executed or not. -
[0088] In this case, at the cash desk, only the cost of the neutral product pack is to be paid, independently from the fact that the buyer has colored it or not. -
[0089] The advantages of the present invention are evident. First of all, the color metering device setting operations are particularly simplified for an unskilled user. -
[0090] Actually, it is necessary to execute only two simple steps, immediately comprehensible and rapid, to set completely thecolor metering device 100. -
[0091] Another advantage results from the improvement of the unskilled user's approach to the machine. -
[0092] In fact, because no monitor, keyboard and showy and complicated user interface are present, even an user, who is less skilled in the use of processors, is able to execute easily and safely the setting operations. Thus error possibilities are reduces to a minimum.
Claims (14)
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Claims (14)
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- Apparatus for dosing colored pigments and for introduction thereof into a selected quantity of product to be colored, characterized in that in includes: a plurality of tanks (1) containing said colored pigments; a plurality of nozzles (3) delivering said colored pigments, situated in a coloring chamber (4), for housing containers (5) of a product to be colored; flow adjustment means (6), situated between said tanks (1) and said delivery nozzles (3), for adjusting the flow of said colored pigments going toward said delivery nozzles (3); a processing unit (7), connected with said flow adjustment means (6) for operating the latter selectively, so as to adjust the flow of said colored pigments toward said delivery nozzles (3) in relation to data, which has been previously input in the processing unit (7); mass measuring means (8), connected to said processing unit (7), for acquiring information about the mass of the product to be colored and at making it accessible to the processing unit (7); first data input means (9), connected to said processing unit (7) and operated by a user to communicate the selected type of product to be colored; second data input means (31, 32, 33), connected to said processing unit (7) and operated by the user to communicate the selected color tonality; display means (10, 60), connected to said processing unit (7) for displaying information coming therefrom.
- Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that said mass measuring means (8) are situated inside said coloring chamber (4), below said delivery nozzles (3).
- Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that said mass measuring means (8) include a weighing machine of the type equipped with a load cell.
- Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that said first data input means (9) include a plurality of push buttons (91), each of which identifies a different type of product to be colored, and for each of said push buttons (91) there is provided at least one label (92), carrying information about the type of product.
- Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that said second data input means include a panel-supported keyboard (31), aimed at entering identifying codes of pre-selected colors.
- Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that said second data input means include at least one spectrophotometer (32), which detects the color tonality from a sample.
- Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that said second data input means include a bar code scanner (33), which reads identifying codes of color samples from a set of samples.
- Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that it includes a printing device (35), operated by said processing unit (7) to print information about the executed operations.
- Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that it includes also collecting means (41, 42, 43), connected to said processing unit (7) and aimed at collecting corresponding credit instruments from a user of said color metering device (100) before activating the execution of the operations of said neutral product coloring.
- Apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that said collecting means (41) include a token acceptor, which identifies and collects tokens or coins (51).
- Apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that said collecting means (42) include a note validator, which identifies and collects notes (52).
- Apparatus according to claim 11, characterized in that it includes also a change dispensing device (44).
- Apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that said collecting means (43) include a credit card reader.
- Apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that it includes also a dedicated printer (61), connected to said processing unit (7) and aimed at printing information about the coloring payment.