EP2135668B1 - Device for storing, selecting and dispensing base colours for paint, in particular for automotive paint - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a device for storing, selecting and dosing basic colors for painting, in particular (but not limited to) for paints prepared on demand by automotive repair professionals.

In this field, bodybuilders develop the quantities of paint needed to repair a body by mixing a number of basic colors. Each mixture is determined from a formula defined by the paint manufacturer, this formula giving the mass of each base color to be incorporated for a given quantity of the mixture to be obtained. This preparation commonly involves mixing five to ten base shades to obtain the particular shade prescribed by the paint manufacturer.

Most technical dosing solutions used until now by bodybuilders are based on the principle of a dosing lid adapted to a rigid box-shaped container, as described for example in the WO 2006/027450 A2 (Fillon Investment).

Other systems use base shades packaged in single-use flexible pouch containers. These bags are equipped with a base for connecting them to a tube or a metering valve by means of a connector type quick coupling.

Also known, apart from the field of automotive repair, basic shade selection and mixing devices, for example a device such as that described in FIG. US 3,074,597 B1 (Felts) intended for the preparation of paints for use in the building, where pigments are added to a white paint to obtain a particular color, on demand. The device described in this document comprises a rotary element with horizontal axis on which are mounted in a radial configuration the various tanks storing the base colors. This rotating element is actuated so as to bring one or another reservoir to a sampling position from which the desired amount of pigment is ejected to a collection container under the action of a piston incorporated in the reservoir.

In the field of cosmetics, the WO 03/026458 A2 (IMX Labs, Inc.) and WO 2006/052863 A1 (Bartholoment et al. ) each describe a device having the same general configuration as the previous one, intended to prepare on demand, in outlets close to consumers, cosmetics such as nail polish.

In the field of automotive repair, the paints used, especially those of the latest generation, however, involve a number of additional constraints and precautions, due to their particular nature.

First of all, for the professional repairing only part of the bodywork, it is necessary to obtain an almost perfect color identity between the repaired part and the rest of the bodywork, which implies a dosage extremely precise relative of the different basic colors of the mixture.

On the other hand, current paints are more and more concentrated and covering, while the surfaces to be repaired are more and more reduced. As a result, the quantities of mixture to be prepared become very small, of the order of 30 to 50 g, and in order to obtain with these very small quantities of mixture the required colorimetric precision, the dosage accuracy of each basic shade must be of the order of the mass of a drop, ie about 0.03 to 0.1 g.

With regard to their composition, the basic colors used for automotive repair consist of a liquid matrix in which solid particles are incorporated. The liquid matrix contains binders, solvents, soluble organic inks and various additives, for a liquid density generally between 0.8 and 1. The solid particles, in turn, consist mainly of pigments, fillers and metal particles, the whole having a density generally between 2 and 4.

In the absence of any particular precaution, the difference between the density of the solid particles and that of the liquid matrix would lead, under the effect of gravity, to a deposit of these solid particles at the bottom of the paint container.

To mitigate this risk, in systems such as the one described in WO 2006/027450 A2 mentioned above where the basic colors are stored in rigid boxes, regular stirring is provided to maintain a good homogeneity of the basic shade. Each box is equipped for this purpose with a special lid equipped with a propeller driven by a rotational movement.

• l'hélice étant animée d'un mouvement de rotation par l'intermédiaire d'un axe traversant le couvercle de la boîte, ceci suppose une étanchéité dynamique autour de cet axe. Or, les teintes étant souvent corrosives et abrasives, cette étanchéité est difficile à assurer, conduisant à une pénétration d'air dans la boîte ou, inversement à des fuites de teinte hors de la boîte ;
• surtout, ce système implique qu'au fur et à mesure de la vidange de la boîte, de l'air est introduit à l'intérieur pour compenser les volumes de teinte utilisés. Cet air a tendance à oxyder certains constituants de la teinte, à évaporer une partie des solvants et à faire sécher la teinte en surface. De plus, lors des phases d'agitation où l'hélice est entraînée, ce phénomène est accentué car la teinte se trouve projetée sur les parois du couvercle, où elle sèche d'autant plus vite que son épaisseur est faible.

This makes it possible to keep the solid particles in suspension in the matrix but has two drawbacks:

• the propeller is driven by a rotational movement through an axis passing through the lid of the box, this assumes a dynamic seal around this axis. However, since the colors are often corrosive and abrasive, this seal is difficult to ensure, leading to air penetration into the box or, conversely, leakage of color out of the box;
• above all, this system implies that as the box is emptied, air is introduced inside to compensate for the hue volumes used. This air has a tendency to oxidize certain constituents of the hue, to evaporate some of the solvents and to dry the hue on the surface. In addition, during the stirring phases where the propeller is driven, this phenomenon is accentuated because the hue is projected on the walls of the lid, where it dries the faster as its thickness is low.

In the other technique of storing the various base colors in soft bags, the colors are always safe from the air but the absence of agitation involves finding a solution to keep the soluble particles in suspension.

The known solution to this problem is to incorporate in the liquid matrix certain additives such as dispersants (especially effective for small particles) and gelling agents (also effective for large particles).

These additives, however, have disadvantages in that they increase the viscosity of the base hue and thus make it more difficult to precise dosage. On the other hand, the physicochemical characteristics of the base color may be difficult to maintain over time because certain additives, especially gelling agents, are sensitive to certain parameters such as temperature and aging.

• les avantages des teintes conservées dans des conteneurs déformables ou des poches, isolant complètement la peinture de l'air, et
• les avantages des teintes dépourvues d'additifs tels que dispersants et gélifiants.

The object of the invention is to propose a new storage device, selection and dosing of basic colors that allows to accumulate:

• the benefits of tints stored in deformable containers or pouches, completely isolating the paint from the air, and
• the benefits of tints without additives such as dispersants and gelling agents.

• d'utiliser des teintes de base dépourvues d'additifs tels que dispersants ou gélifiants, donc sans les problèmes liés à une viscosité accrue de la teinte de base ou d'une viscosité dépendant de paramètres externes tels que la température ou le vieillissement ;
• tout en conservant une excellente homogénéité de la teinte de base ;
• et en protégeant cette teinte de base de tout contact avec l'air, de manière à éviter les phénomènes de pertes de solvants et d'altération des différents constituants.

In other words, the object of the invention is to propose such a device that allows:

• to use base colors without additives such as dispersants or gelling agents, so without the problems related to an increased viscosity of the base color or a viscosity dependent on external parameters such as temperature or aging;
• while maintaining an excellent homogeneity of the basic shade;
• and by protecting this base color from any contact with the air, so as to avoid the phenomena of loss of solvents and alteration of the various constituents.

The invention proposes for this purpose a device of the general type disclosed in FIG. WO 2006/052863 A1 above, corresponding to the preamble of claim 1, and comprising, according to the invention, the elements set forth in the characterizing part of this claim.

Subclaims 2 to 4 relate to subsidiary, advantageous embodiments.

• La Figure 1 est une vue générale d'un dispositif selon l'invention, comportant un élément en forme de carrousel rotatif selon un axe horizontal.
• La Figure 2 est une vue perspective éclatée montrant un conteneur pour teinte de base, constitué d'une poche déformable associée à un alvéole destiné à être monté sur le carrousel.
• La Figure 3 est homologue de la Figure 2, après insertion de la poche dans l'alvéole et fermeture de ce dernier.

An embodiment of the device of the invention will now be described with reference to the appended drawings in which the same reference numerals designate identical or functionally similar elements from one figure to another.

• The Figure 1 is a general view of a device according to the invention, comprising a carousel-shaped element rotating along a horizontal axis.
• The Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view showing a container for basic shade, consisting of a deformable pocket associated with a cell to be mounted on the carousel.
• The Figure 3 is counterpart of the Figure 2 , after insertion of the pocket into the cell and closure of the latter.

On the Figure 1 , reference numeral 10 designates a storage device, selection and dosage of basic colors according to the invention.

This device comprises a circular metal structure of horizontal axis such as a rim 12 on which are mounted a plurality of radial cells 14 for receiving and storing respective basic colors.

The assembly forms a carousel that can be rotated by appropriate indexing means (not shown), manual or automatic, for placing one of the cells 14 opposite a collecting container 16 intended to to successively receive several basic colors to achieve a mixture of colors for the preparation of a shade of paint on demand.

The collecting container 16 is placed on a support 18 comprising an electronic balance (not shown) making it possible to measure in real time the mass of basic tint introduced into this collecting container 16.

In addition to indexing for the selection of basic shades, the carousel has the function of preventing the sedimentation of the particles present in suspension in the shades. It is associated for this purpose with a motor for rotating the rim 12 about the horizontal axis 20 in a slow rotation (for example 1 turn / hour) and permanent movement. The permanent rotation is not necessarily continuous, it can be operated intermittently, since it makes it possible to maintain the homogeneity of the basic shades outside the periods of use of the device (sampling of hues) proper, this so that the device can be used immediately and at any time for the preparation of a mixture.

Insofar as the permanent rotation is slow, a micromotor of low power (of the order of 1 watt) suitably geared up is sufficient, despite the relatively high mass of the carousel loaded with all the basic colors. In addition to the low energy consumption, the use of such a micromotor provides high security: the passage of a hand in the carousel would only cause a blockage of the micromotor, without risk of injury to the person.

During the periods of use, for indexing up to the sampling position of the selected container the rotation of the rim can be performed either motorized and automatic, or manually by the operator. In the latter case, there is provided means for disengaging the drive micromotor in permanent rotation, so that the operator can freely rotate the rim to the selected position.

Various other configurations can be envisaged for the overall structure of the carousel.

So, on the Figure 1 the rim 12 is shown in the inner position of the carousel (cells radiating outwardly from the rim), but it may also, alternatively or in addition, be provided outside the ring of cells. In the same way, the collecting container 16, located in the center of the carousel on the Figure 1 may be disposed below the latter, the expulsion of the basic shade dose being then in a radial outward direction, the direction of the cells being reversed relative to that of the Figure 1 .

In yet another embodiment, the collecting container may be laterally disposed, the expulsion system comprising an angled member for directing the expelled tint in the proper direction.

Finally, it will be noted that the radiating configuration of the example described, in which the cells extend radially with respect to the axis of rotation of the carousel, is not limiting and that the cells may extend in another direction, since the axis of rotation of the carousel is a horizontal axis.

The Figures 2 and 3 illustrate how basic tints are stored in the device.

Each shade is stored in a flexible deformable pouch 22, disposable.

On this pocket is mounted a valve 24. The valve is for example of the type described in the patent application EP 07 290369.3 of March 28, 2007 titled "Valve dosing", on behalf of Fillon Technologies, subsequently published under no. EP 1 975 486 A1 . This valve can be mounted on the flexible bag 22 via a quick connector.

The pocket 22 provided with its valve 24 is introduced into a respective cell 14. Each cell comprises at one of its ends an orifice 26 allowing the passage of the bottom wall of the cell by the valve 24, so that it protrudes out of the cell 14 to be accessible from the outside as shown on the Figure 3 . The tightness of the closed volume defined by the cell is provided by a seal 28 around the orifice 26 and by a closure cap 30 at the opposite end. Once the flexible pouch has been inserted into the cell, the pouch 22 / alveolus 14 forms an individual container storing a given base shade.

Each cell 14 further comprises a passage 32 for placing the closed interior volume of the cell in communication with a pressure source P (not shown), for example a source of compressed air of the device 10. The cell also comprises means 34 for mounting on the rim 12.

When the pocket assembly 22 / cell 14 is assembled (as shown in FIG. Figure 3 ) the internal volume of the cell can be pressurized by applying the pressure P. This has the effect of compressing the deformable flexible pouch 22 housed inside the cell, so that the contents of this pocket, that is to say, the base color, will be at a pressure higher than the atmospheric pressure.

This pressurization can be permanent. It can also be preferably performed only at the moment of use, after selection of the basic shade. In this case, the pressure P is applied only when the corresponding cell is placed in the sampling position, to the right of the collecting container 16.

The device is then ready to ensure the expulsion of the base color to the collecting container.

This expulsion is carried out by controlling the valve 24, this valve being open for a controlled period of time - automatically or manually - from the data resulting from the weighing carried out continuously by the balance associated with the support plate 18 receiving the collecting container 16, until you get the exact mass required.

The pressure in the cell being maintained at least during this entire sampling phase, the delivery of the base color can be performed under perfectly reproducible conditions, and without any risk of air entering the bag at the time of closing valve (the contents of the bag is always at a pressure greater than or equal to atmospheric pressure).

The device which has just been described makes it possible, apart from the sampling periods, to preserve the homogeneity of the base shades by the continuous rotation of the carousel and, during the sampling, to ensure a particularly precise and reproducible dosage by the controlled pressurization of the cell containing the pocket storing the selected base shade.

In addition, with such a device the risk of soil is virtually nonexistent.

Indeed, with the pocket configuration 22 / cell 14 that has just been described, the valve 24, which is the only element susceptible to primary contamination, is connected to the bag 22 for single use, so the consumable part. In contrast, the cell 14, which remains permanently mounted on the rim 12, forms a separable element of the bag assembly 22 / valve 24.

The source of pressure (source of compressed air) and the pressurizing means of the pocket (the cell forming a closed volume) are therefore an integral part of the device itself (excluding consumables) and are normally never contact with the base shade (confined to the pocket 22 and the valve 24) - unlike the devices where the paint is stored in a piston-type movable bottom container or, even more, devices based on rigid boxes equipped with a metering lid equipped with a stirring propeller.

The risk of staining and corrosion due to projections of basic colors are thus avoided, so that the device can be permanently installed and used without special precautions in a clean environment, which is an important additional advantage for professionals.

• poche souple 22 amovible : les alvéoles 14 sont montés de manière permanente sur le carrousel, et les poches souples sont introduites dans les alvéoles respectifs du dispositif (comme illustré sur la Figure 2 par exemple) ;
• cartouche rigide ou semi-rigide (non représentée) constituant un su-remballage enfermant une poche souple 22, faisant partie intégrante de la cartouche amovible : les alvéoles sont montés de manière permanente sur le carrousel, et les cartouches sont introduites dans les alvéoles respectifs du dispositif (par "semi-rigide", on entendra une cartouche qui peut être déformée, mais reprend ensuite sa forme initiale) ;
• alvéole 14 enfermant une poche souple 22, le tout correspondant au conteneur illustré sur la Figure 3 par exemple : les alvéoles sont alors montés de manière amovible sur le carrousel.

Finally, it should be noted that the consumable part, that is to say that which is changed, can take various forms:

• flexible pouch 22 removable: the cells 14 are permanently mounted on the carousel, and the flexible bags are introduced into the respective cells of the device (as shown in FIG. Figure 2 for example) ;
• rigid or semi-rigid cartridge (not shown) constituting a su-repackaging enclosing a flexible bag 22, forming an integral part of the removable cartridge: the cells are permanently mounted on the carousel, and the cartridges are introduced into the respective cells of the device ("semi-rigid" means a cartridge that can be deformed, but then resumes its original shape);
• cell 14 enclosing a flexible pouch 22, the whole corresponding to the container illustrated on the Figure 3 for example: the cells are then removably mounted on the carousel.

Claims (8)

1. A device (10) for storing, selecting and dispensing base colors for paint, in particular for automotive paint, said device comprising:

   - a plurality of containers storing different respective colors, each container comprising a flexible deformable pouch containing a base color and comprising a valve with an expulsion port for the color,

   - a carrousel with a horizontal axis with permanent rotation, supporting said containers arranged in a circumferential configuration;

   - a holder (18) for a collector container (16);

   - indexing means, to rotate the carrousel to a removal position where the expulsion port of a selected container is positioned across from the collector container;

   - dosing means, capable of commanding the controlled opening of the expulsion port into the removal position, to expel a predetermined dose of color in the collector container;

   - means for rotating the carrousel permanently, whether continuously or at intervals, to avoid sedimentation of the particles suspended in the colors; and

   - a pressure source (P),

   characterized in that:

   - each container of said plurality of containers is formed by the association of:

   ○ said flexible deformable pouch (22) with

   ○ a cell (14) defining an enclosed inner volume,

   - said cell is separable from the assembly formed by the deformable pouch and said valve (24), and said flexible pouch can be inserted and sealably housed in said enclosed inner volume of the cell,
   said cell comprising, at one of its ends, a port (26) allowing the valve to pass sealably through the bottom wall of the cell such that said valve protrudes outside the cell; and
   the assembly formed by the cell and the flexible pouch inserted into said cell forming said individual container storing a given base color, and

   - the device further comprises means (32), at least for the selected container in the removal position, for putting said pressure source in communication with said enclosed inner volume of the cell to compress the flexible pouch housed inside the cell.
2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the cells (14) are radial cells with the expulsion port of each container oriented radially with respect to the axis of the carrousel.
3. The device according to claim 1, wherein the cells are permanently mounted on the carrousel, the device being able to be loaded by said removable flexible pouches containing the base colors, said flexible pouches being inserted to that end into the respective cells of the device.
4. The device according to claim 1, wherein the cells are permanently mounted on the carrousel, the device being able to be loaded by rigid or semi-rigid cartridges containing said flexible pouches containing the base colors, said cartridges being inserted to that end into the respective cells of the device.
5. The device according to claim 1, wherein the cells are removably mounted on the carrousel, the device being able to be loaded by the removable cells containing said flexible pouches in turn containing the base colors.
6. The device according to claim 1, wherein the holder (18) for the collector container (16) is positioned in the central part of the carrousel.
7. The device according to claim 1, wherein the holder (18) for the collector container further comprises weighing means.
8. The device according to claim 1, wherein:

   - the indexing means comprise means for rotating the carrousel, and

   - the device comprises means for separating, during said rotation, said means for permanently rotating the carrousel.

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