IT201900001969A1 - MACHINE AND PROCEDURE FOR AUTOMATICALLY DISPENSING FLUID PRODUCTS, IN PARTICULAR COLORING LIQUIDS - Google Patents

Description

Description of the invention having as title:

"MACHINE AND PROCEDURE FOR AUTOMATICALLY DISPENSING FLUID PRODUCTS, IN PARTICULAR COLORING LIQUIDS"

FIELD OF APPLICATION

The present invention relates to a machine and the related process for the automatic dispensing of fluid products, in particular coloring liquids, such as for example coloring liquids, paints, enamels, inks, or other fluid coloring substances, in a container in which, if necessary, a base product may already be present. However, the field of application of the present invention also includes other fields of the art, such as that of dispensing, or distribution, of beverages, detergent liquids, or other fluid, liquid or gaseous substances.

STATE OF THE TECHNIQUE

Dispensing or dispensing machines for fluid products are known, in particular, but not limited to, coloring liquids, capable of introducing a metered quantity of fluid substances, for example coloring pigments, into a container in which a base product, to obtain the desired coloring product.

From the international patent application WO-A-20 12/104723 a machine for dispensing fluid products is known which comprises a base structure, a base support, of circular shape, mounted on the base structure and a selectively rotating platform. with respect to the base support, around a central and vertical axis of rotation. Sixteen dispensing units for fluid products are mounted on the rotating platform, arranged in a circle around the rotation axis. Each dispensing unit comprises both a tank, in which a corresponding product to be dispensed is contained, and a dispensing nozzle. The selective rotation of the turntable allows each of the dispensing units to be positioned in a defined angular position, in which, on the base structure, a single actuation unit is arranged, so that the fluid product, contained in the corresponding tank can be delivered to a container arranged on the same base structure, in correspondence with the aforementioned defined angular position, for subsequent use, transport and storage. WO-A-2012/104723 also provides quick connection means for realizing both the removable connection of the base support with respect to the base structure, and the removable connection of the base support with respect to the sliding means configured to allow rotation of the platform. rotatable around the aforementioned rotation axis, in order to obtain their selective, but stable coupling, and at the same time prevent their reciprocal vertical movement parallel to the aforementioned rotation axis.

The known machine described in WO-A-2012/104723, although functional, however, has the drawback of being rather complex and of allowing the block removal of all the dispensing units with respect to the underlying base, moreover with an operation not easy to carry out, considering the weight of the whole assembly, but not the individual removal and replacement of each of the different dispensing units, including tank and dispensing nozzle.

An object of the present invention is to provide a machine and to develop the related process for the automatic dispensing of fluid products, in particular coloring liquids, but not only, for example towards a container, in which, in the face of a number of individual dispensing units present in the machine, for example higher than fifteen, each provided with a tank to contain a corresponding fluid product, a dispensing nozzle and associated pumping means, it is possible to have very simple actuation means that collaborate selectively with each of the dispensing units, to automatically dispense the selected fluid product. Another object of the present invention is to provide a machine and to perfect the related process for the automatic dispensing of fluid products, in particular coloring liquids, but not only, for example towards a container, which are reliable, functional and not only expensive, and which at the same time allow the removal and individual replacement of each dispensing unit with which the machine is equipped, with a simple operation, which can also be carried out by the non-expert user and without the use of any tools and / or device.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a machine and to develop the related process for the automatic dispensing of fluid products, in particular coloring liquids, but not only, for example towards a container, in which it is also possible to carry out the mixing of the fluid products inside each tank, in a simple and automatic way, without the need to motorize each dispensing unit.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a machine and to develop the related process for the automatic dispensing of fluid products, in particular coloring liquids, but not only, for example towards a container, in which it is also possible to carry out the recirculation of the fluid products inside the corresponding tanks, in a simple and automatic way, using substantially the same organs and components, suitably controlled, responsible for carrying out the metered delivery of the same fluid products.

In order to obviate the drawbacks of the known art and to obtain these and further objects and advantages, the Applicant has studied, tested and implemented the present invention.

EXPOSURE OF THE FOUND

The present invention is expressed and characterized in the independent claims.

The related dependent claims disclose other features of the present invention, or variants of the main solution idea.

In accordance with the aforementioned purposes, a machine according to the present invention, for the automatic dispensing of one or more fluid products, in particular coloring liquids, but not only, comprises a fixed structure, a rotating platform selectively with respect to the aforesaid fixed structure, around its own central axis, support means mounted on the aforementioned platform to rotate together with it and support a plurality of dispensing units, each comprising at least one tank, in which the aforesaid fluid product to be dispensed is contained, a dispensing nozzle and pumping means configured to selectively convey a desired quantity of fluid product from the aforesaid tank to the corresponding dispensing nozzle and from the latter to an external containment means.

In accordance with a characteristic of the present invention, the machine also comprises a single actuation unit arranged radially with respect to the aforesaid central axis in a dispensing area of the aforesaid fixed structure and configured to selectively and autonomously actuate both the aforesaid dispensing nozzle , and the aforesaid pumping means of the selected dispensing unit which is temporarily located in the aforesaid dispensing area, by means of the rotation of the aforesaid platform.

In accordance with another characteristic of the present invention, the aforesaid platform has a substantially annular shape and defines a central through cavity, the aforesaid plurality of dispensing units is arranged in a circle on the aforesaid platform and the aforesaid actuation unit comprises both a internal, mounted on the aforesaid fixed structure in the aforesaid central through cavity and configured to selectively activate the aforesaid pumping means, both an external part mounted on the aforesaid fixed structure, but outside the aforesaid platform and configured to selectively activate the aforesaid dispensing nozzle of the selected dispensing unit.

In accordance with another characteristic of the present invention, the aforesaid internal part comprises at least one mandrel configured to be selectively rotated around its own axis of rotation, and provided with first engagement means configured to be selectively coupled with corresponding second means for engaging the aforesaid pumping means of the aforesaid selected dispensing unit.

In accordance with another characteristic of the present invention, the aforesaid first engagement means comprise two small wheels arranged in the lower part of the aforesaid mandrel, on diametrically opposite and symmetrical parts with respect to the aforesaid axis of rotation of the latter, the aforesaid second means of engagement comprise two fins, parallel to each other and arranged in the upper part of a rotating disk inside a lower structure of the aforesaid dispensing unit, in which the aforesaid pumping means are also housed; moreover, the aforesaid two fins define between them a cavity configured to receive the aforesaid two small wheels, when the aforesaid selected dispensing unit is in correspondence with the aforesaid actuation unit.

In accordance with another characteristic of the present invention, the aforesaid disc is mounted eccentric with respect to its axis of rotation and cooperates with a piston for actuating the aforesaid pumping means, by means of a conditioning member which constantly holds the aforesaid piston of actuation against the peripheral surface of the aforesaid disc.

In accordance with another characteristic of the present invention, the aforesaid dispensing nozzle comprises both an external structure which defines an axial cavity having a dispensing orifice in its lower end part, and an axial stem disposed inside the aforesaid axial cavity and which is normally in a rest condition in which it keeps the aforesaid dispensing orifice closed, and the aforesaid external part of the aforesaid actuation unit comprises actuation means configured to cooperate with the aforesaid axial stem of the aforesaid dispensing nozzle when the aforesaid delivery unit selected dispensing is located in correspondence with the aforesaid actuation unit, to selectively bring it from the aforesaid rest condition to an operating condition, in which the aforesaid axial stem is raised and holds the aforesaid dispensing orifice open, and vice versa.

In accordance with another characteristic of the present invention, the aforesaid actuation means comprise a trolley mounted sliding along its own vertical axis and having two vertical arms provided below with two teeth which lie on the same horizontal plane and have their tips spaced apart from each other. them and equidistant from the aforesaid vertical axis of the aforesaid trolley, so as to allow the insertion between them of an upper end of the aforesaid axial stem to cooperate with a horizontal element integral with the latter.

In accordance with another characteristic of the present invention, the machine also comprises first motor means configured to selectively rotate said platform around said central axis, second motor means configured to selectively rotate said spindle around its own axis of rotation, and third motor means configured to selectively control said actuation means.

In accordance with another feature of the present invention, the machine also comprises quick coupling means configured to allow easy and simple positioning of each of the aforementioned dispensing units on the aforementioned support means and the equally easy and simple removal of each of the aforesaid dispensing units by the aforesaid support means.

In accordance with another characteristic of the present invention, the machine further comprises a single mixing unit, arranged radially with respect to the aforementioned central axis in a mixing area of the aforementioned fixed structure, angularly offset with respect to the aforesaid dispensing area and configured to selectively and autonomously mix the aforesaid fluid product contained in the aforementioned tank of the dispensing unit which is temporarily located in the aforesaid mixing zone, by means of the rotation of the aforesaid platform.

In accordance with another characteristic of the present invention, a method is provided for automatically dispensing at least one fluid product, in particular a coloring liquid, by means of a machine having a fixed structure, a platform which can selectively rotate with respect to the aforesaid fixed structure, around a own central axis, and support means mounted on said platform to rotate together with it and support a plurality of dispensing units each having a tank, in which the aforesaid fluid product to be dispensed is contained, a dispensing nozzle and pumping means configured to selectively convey a desired quantity of the aforesaid fluid product from the aforesaid tank to the aforesaid dispensing nozzle and from the latter to an external containment means, it comprises at least one delivery step of the aforesaid fluid product which takes place by means of a single configured actuation unit to selectively and autonomously implement both the said dispensing nozzle, and the aforementioned pumping means of the selected dispensing unit which is temporarily located in a dispensing area, through the rotation of the aforementioned platform.

In accordance with another characteristic of the present invention, the aforesaid method also comprises at least one recirculation phase of the aforesaid fluid product in the aforesaid tank, which occurs when the aforesaid selected dispensing unit is temporarily in the aforesaid dispensing area, by activating selectively said pumping means, while the corresponding delivery nozzle is kept in a rest condition, with its delivery orifice closed.

ILLUSTRATION OF DRAWINGS

These and other characteristics of the present invention will become clear from the following description of a preferential embodiment, given by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the attached drawings in which:

- fig. 1 is a front right perspective view which schematically illustrates a machine for automatically dispensing fluid products, in particular coloring liquids, according to the present invention; - fig. 2 is a first top view of the machine of fig. 1, in which some components have been removed to better illustrate some internal parts of the same;

- fig. 3 is a second top view of the machine of fig. 1, in which other further components have been removed to better illustrate some internal parts of the same;

- fig. 4 is a front perspective view of an enlarged detail of the machine of fig. 1;

- fig. 5 is a front view of one of the dispensing units of the machine of fig. 1;

- fig. 6 is a perspective view of one of the dispensing units of the machine of fig. 1, in which the cylindrical wall of the relative tank has been removed, to illustrate the mixing organ arranged inside the latter;

- fig. 7 is a side view of one of the dispensing units of the machine of fig. 1, in a position detached from the relative support member;

- fig. 8 is a perspective view of the dispensing unit of fig. 7, in the same position detached from the relative support member;

- fig. 9 is a left side view of the dispensing unit of figures 7 and 8, in a position hooked to the relative support member; - fig. 10 is a right side view of the dispensing unit of figures 7 and 8, in a position hooked to the relative support member; - fig. 11 is a front view of the support member of figures 7 to 10, highlighting the locking position of a corresponding locking member, which is part of the relative dispensing unit;

- fig. 12 is a front view of the support member of fig. 11, showing the unlocking position of the corresponding locking member;

- fig. 13 is a side view, slightly in perspective, of one of the dispensing units of the machine of fig. 1, positioned in correspondence with the only implementation unit of the latter;

- fig. 14 is a perspective view, taken from the inside of the machine of fig. 1, of the dispensing unit of fig. 13, positioned in correspondence with the only actuation unit;

- fig. 15 is a side view showing only the single actuation unit, without any delivery unit;

- fig. 16 is a perspective view of the actuation unit of fig. 15;

- fig. 17 is a perspective view showing only a front part of the actuation unit of fig. 15, on an enlarged scale;

- fig. 18 is a partially sectioned rear view of the front part of the actuation unit of fig. 17;

- fig. 19 is a longitudinal section of a nozzle of a dispensing unit of the machine of fig. 1, on an enlarged scale and in a closed or recirculation position;

- fig. 20 is a longitudinal section of the nozzle of fig. 19 in the open or dispensing position;

- fig. 21 is a top view of the dispensing unit of figures 7 and 8, from which the tank has been removed;

- fig. 22 is a perspective view of a part of the dispensing unit of fig. 21, which contains a volumetric pump;

- fig. 23 a top view of the part of the dispensing unit of

- fig. 24 is a perspective view of the single mixing unit of the machine of fig. 1, on an enlarged scale;

- fig. 25 is a top view of the single mixing unit of fig. 24.

It should be noted that in the present description and in the claims the terms vertical, horizontal, bottom, top, right, left, top and bottom, with their declinations, have the sole function of better illustrating the present invention with reference to the figures of the drawings and not they must in no way be used to limit the scope of the invention itself, or the scope of protection defined by the attached claims. For example, the term horizontal is intended to indicate a plane that can be either parallel to the horizon line, or inclined, even by several degrees, for example up to 30 °, with respect to the latter.

DESCRIPTION OF AN EMBODIMENT OF THE

PRESENT FOUND

With reference to fig. 1, a machine 10 according to the present invention, for the automatic dispensing of fluid products, in particular, but not limited to, coloring liquids, comprises a base structure 11, having a central vertical axis X1 and substantially constituted by a lower horizontal plate 12, on which four vertical uprights 13 are fixed, on which an upper horizontal plate 14 is fixed. For example, the fluid coloring products can be coloring liquids, paints, enamels, inks, or other fluid coloring substances, suitable for being contained in a suitable container of any type and not shown in the drawings, in which a basic product may already be optionally present. In turn, for example, the base product can be a neutral, transparent or white paint, to which a dye is then added, substantially formed by coloring pigments.

The upper horizontal plate 14, in a dispensing area 15, arranged in the front part of the machine 10, is provided with a central through cavity 16, under which, in any way, the aforementioned container is suitable for positioning.

On the upper horizontal plate 14, centered with respect to the central vertical axis XI, a platform 17 is rotatably mounted (Figures 3 and 4) having a substantially annular shape, which defines a central through cavity 18.

More specifically, the platform 17 is rotatably supported by a series of ten rails 19, each of which are rotatably mounted on a corresponding support 20 fixed on the upper surface of the upper horizontal plate 14. The rails 19 (fig. 3) are angularly positioned equidistant from each other and coaxial to the central vertical axis X1.

The lower part of the platform 17 is equipped with a circular toothed rack 21, concentric to the central vertical axis XI. A first toothed pinion 22, connected to the shaft of a first electric motor 23 (Figures 3 and 4), is constantly meshed with the circular toothed rack 21, to selectively rotate the platform 17, clockwise or counterclockwise, as will be described in detail later. On the upper part of the platform 17 there is fixed a plurality of support members 24 (figures 2, 4, 6, 7, 8, 11 and 12), which in the example given here are sixteen, which are arranged concentric to the central axis vertical X1 and angularly equidistant from each other.

Each support member 24 is configured to removably support a corresponding dispensing unit 25 (Figures 1, 2 and 5 to 8), which comprises a tank 26 (Figures 1 and 5 to 8), configured to contain a fluid product, for example a coloring liquid, a dispensing nozzle 27, a volumetric pump 28, and a coupling member 29, which will be described in detail below. In the example provided here, the volumetric pump 28 is of the bellows type, but could be replaced with a piston pump, or with a rotary pump.

Each tank 26, for example, is of a known type and can have a substantially cylindrical shape, having a vertical axis X2, or with a double cylinder connected to a central joining part, as can be seen in fig. 1, where the tanks 26 with double connected cylinder are four and arranged at 90 ° with respect to each other.

On the upper horizontal plate 14, in a first fixed position, or dispensing position, in correspondence with the dispensing area 15 and so as not to interfere with the rotation of the platform 17, a single actuation unit 30 is mounted (Figures 1, 2 and 13 to 18) which will be described in detail below. In particular, the actuation unit 30 is arranged along a first radial axis Y1 (fig. 2) horizontal and passing through the central vertical axis X1.

Furthermore, the machine 10 also comprises a single mixing unit 31 (Figures 2, 24 and 25), mounted on the upper horizontal plate 14 and arranged in the central through cavity 18 (Figure 2) in a second fixed position, so as to not to interfere with the rotation of the platform 17. In particular, the mixing unit 31, which will also be described in detail below, is arranged along a second horizontal radial axis Y2, passing through the central vertical axis X1 and offset angularly, for example 90 °, with respect to the first radial axis Y1.

QUICK CONNECTION SYSTEM

One of the inventive aspects of the present invention is the quick coupling system, of the easily installable and removable type, of each dispensing unit 25 on one of the support members 24.

In fact, in particular, each support member 24 (Figures 7, 8, 11 and 12) comprises a rigid structure 32, made for example by molding, having a base plate 33 fixed on the platform 17, two lateral uprights 34 and a crossbar horizontal 35, which together define a through cavity 36, substantially horizontal. On the crosspiece 35 there is a fixed coupling element 37, perpendicular to the development of the latter and having a cylindrical end 38 protruding horizontally towards the outside of the machine 10. The end 38 is provided with a through hole 39 substantially cylindrical and parallel to the crosspiece 35, which defines a terminal tooth 40.

Each delivery unit 25, below the tank 26, on the other hand comprises a lower structure 41 (Figures 7 and 8) of the box-like type, substantially having the shape of a parallelepiped with horizontal development and in which the corresponding volumetric pump 28 is inserted. lower structure 41 is configured and sized to fit precisely into the through cavity 36 of the support member 24.

Furthermore, always below the tank 26, each dispensing unit 25 also comprises an intermediate structure 42 with vertical development, in which the dispensing ducts 43 and recirculation 44 (partially visible in figures 19 and 20) are made, which lead to communication, in a known way, the tank 26 with the volumetric pump 28 and the delivery nozzle 27, as will be described in detail below. In the same intermediate structure 42 there is also the coupling member 29 (Figures 11 and 12), which comprises an actuation element 45, which can be controlled manually and configured to cooperate selectively with the end 38 of the fixed coupling element 37. In in particular, the actuation element 45 (figures 11 and 12) has a substantially cylindrical shape, is axially movable inside a corresponding horizontal cylindrical cavity 46 (fig. 7) of the intermediate structure 42 and has both an internal part 47 , which has an external diameter slightly smaller than the diameter of the through hole 39 of the end 38 of the fixed coupling element 37, is an external part 48, of larger diameter, which protrudes at least partially from the intermediate structure 42, to be implemented manually. The internal part 47 is provided with a transversal cavity 49 of semi-cylindrical shape, which has a radius of curvature slightly greater than that of the end 38 of the fixed coupling element 37. A first helical spring 50 is arranged around the external part 48 and constantly pushes the actuation element 45 outwards, in a rest or locking position, schematically represented in fig. 11.

By applying, even with a single finger, a force on the external part 48, the actuation element 45 can be axially pushed inwards (towards the left in fig. 12) against the action of the first helical spring 50, to bring it into a operative or release position, in which the transverse cavity 49 is coaxial with the end 38 of the fixed coupling element 37.

The quick coupling of each dispensing unit 25 to the support member 24 takes place in a very simple and easy way to perform even by a non-expert person, such as the user of the machine 10 himself.

In fact, with the machine 10 stationary, by keeping the actuating element 45 pressed inwards in its operating position (fig. 12), the entire dispensing unit 25 can be precisely coupled to a support member 24, by means of the precise insertion of the lower structure 41 of the delivery unit 25 into the through cavity 36 of the support member 24, until the intermediate structure 42 abuts against the rigid structure 32 of the latter. This action will also cause the simultaneous insertion of the end 38 of the fixed coupling element 37 into the transverse cavity 49 of the actuation element 45. At this point, simply by removing the manual thrust on the external part 48 of the actuation element 45, this The latter will automatically move to its locking position (fig. 11), due to the action of the first helical spring 50, ie with its internal part 47 in cooperation with the terminal tooth 40.

The quick release of each dispensing unit 25 from the corresponding support member 24 takes place in an equally simple and easy to perform way. In fact, with the machine 10 stopped, it is sufficient to press the actuation element 45 inwards in its operating position (fig. 12) and remove the entire dispensing unit 25 outwards, extracting its lower structure 41 from the through cavity 36 of the support member 24.

According to a variant, not shown in the drawings, but easily understandable for a person skilled in the art, the actuation element 45 can be arranged so that it protrudes from the left side of the intermediate structure 42, i.e. from the side opposite to that shown in the drawings, in particular with reference to fig. 5.

It should be noted that, in consideration of the not excessive weight of each dispensing unit 25, which with the tank 26 full of fluid product is, for example, of the order of about a few kilograms, and the dimensions of the intermediate structure 42 and of the 'dispensing nozzle 27, the quick coupling and unhooking of each dispensing unit 25 to / from the support member 24 can be carried out by engaging a single hand of an adult person, who can be an operator, or the user himself of the machine 10, in particular the same hand with which the person supports the dispensing unit 25. In fact, thanks to the advantageous shape of its lower structure, the operator, or the user himself, can press the actuating element 45 with a single finger, for example the thumb, of the same hand with which it is supporting the dispensing unit 25. This is advantageous because the hooking and unhooking operation is convenient to perform, leaving the operator if necessary, or to the user, a free hand for other needs.

UNIT OF IMPLEMENTATION

Another of the inventive aspects of the present invention is represented by the actuation unit 30 (Figures 13 to 18), which is configured to selectively cooperate with a dispensing unit 25 at a time, when the latter, through the rotation of the platform 17 around the central vertical axis X1, is carried by the first electric motor 23 (fig. 3) in correspondence with the delivery area 15.

In particular, the actuation unit 30 is composed of an internal part 51 (fig. 2), fixed on the upper horizontal plate 14, inside the central through cavity 18, and of an external part 52, fixed on the upper horizontal plate 14, but outside the rotating platform 17, so as not to interfere with the latter.

The internal part 5 1 is configured to selectively activate the volumetric pump 28 (Figures 13 and 14), while the external part 52 is configured to selectively activate the dispensing nozzle 27 of the dispensing unit 25 which is temporarily located in the dispensing 15. The internal part 51 comprises a first vertical upright 53, which is fixed on the upper horizontal plate 14 (fig. 15) and supports a first horizontal support 54, which has a first end 55 on which a second electric motor 56 is mounted , with the relative speed reducer 57. A first toothed pulley 58 is keyed to the lower part of the shaft of the speed reducer 57 (fig. 14), which is configured to transmit the rotary motion, through a first toothed belt 59, to a second toothed pulley 60, which is pivoted on a second end 61 of the first horizontal support 54. The vertical axes of rotation X3 and X4 of the two toothed pulleys 58 and 60 intersect the pr i radial axis Yl.

In the lower part of the second toothed pulley 60 a spindle 62 is fixed, having, in its lower surface, two small wheels 63 (fig.

16) arranged on diametrically opposite and symmetrical parts with respect to the axis of vertical rotation X4 of the same second toothed pulley 60.

The spindle 62, in its upper part, is provided with a radial fin 64, projecting outwards and configured to cooperate with a first position sensor 65, supported by a vertical plate 66 fixed to the lower part of the first horizontal support 54 In a rest position the spindle 62 has its rollers 63 arranged perpendicular to the first radial axis Y1.

The two rollers 63 of the mandrel 62 are configured to cooperate with the internal part of two vertical fins 67 (Figures 13, 21, 22 and 23) of an eccentric disk 68, arranged in the lower structure 41 of the dispensing unit 25. In particular , the two vertical fins 67 are parallel to each other and arranged equidistant from an axis of vertical rotation X5 of the eccentric disk 68. Furthermore, the two vertical fins 67, in their angular rest position, are perpendicular to the first radial axis Y1 ( figures 21 and 23), to intercept the rollers 63 of the mandrel 62, which are arranged in the cavity defined between the same two vertical fins 67, without interfering with the latter, when the dispensing unit 25 goes into the dispensing position, i.e. in correspondence of the actuation unit 30.

In turn, the eccentric disc 68 cooperates with a piston 69, which is axially movable along the first radial axis Y1 and is configured to actuate a bellows 70 of the volumetric pump 28 in a known manner. A second helical spring 71 is arranged around the piston 69 to keep the latter constantly against the eccentric disk 68. Furthermore, the bellows 70 is in communication with the corresponding reservoir 26 through a suction duct 72, partially visible in fig. 21.

Furthermore, on the innermost part of the lower structure 41 there is a horizontal fin 73, protruding towards the interior of the machine 10, to cooperate with a second position sensor 74 (Figures 13, 15 and 16), mounted on the vertical plate 66 below the first position sensor 65.

The external part 52 of the actuation unit 30 (figures 13 to 18) comprises a support bracket 75 having both a horizontal part 76, fixed on the upper horizontal plate 14 (fig. 15) and provided with a through cavity 77 (fig. . 14) arranged in correspondence with the through cavity 16 (fig. 1), is a vertical part 78 (fig. 13 to 18), at the upper end of which a lifting mechanism 79 is mounted, configured to cooperate selectively with the dispensing nozzle 27 of the dispensing unit 25, when the latter is in its dispensing position, in correspondence with the actuation unit 30.

In particular, in the embodiment illustrated here by way of example, each delivery nozzle 27 (Figures 19 and 20) comprises an external structure 80, substantially tubular and having a vertical axis X6. Inside the external structure 80 there is an axial cavity 81, into which the delivery duct 43 arrives and which in its lower part ends in a delivery orifice 82, from which the fluid contained in the corresponding tank 26 can selectively exit. axial stem 83 is disposed in the axial cavity 81 and comprises both a lower end 84, flared and configured to cooperate with the delivery orifice 82, and an intermediate shutter 85 configured to cooperate with the lower end of a sleeve 86 inserted with precision in the axial cavity 8 1 and in turn having its own axial cavity 87, from which the recirculation duct 44 starts, ending inside the corresponding tank 26. Furthermore, each axial stem 83 has an upper end 88 which protrudes from the external structure 80 and is integral with a horizontal disk 89.

A third helical spring 90, located in the upper part of the external structure 80, constantly pushes the axial stem 83 downwards, so that the latter, in a rest condition, shown in fig. 19, with its lower end 84 keeps the delivery orifice 82 closed. Furthermore, in this rest condition, the intermediate shutter 85 is detached from the lower end of the sleeve 86, so that the delivery duct 43 is in communication fluidics with the recirculation duct 44.

The lifting mechanism 79 comprises a trolley 91 movable vertically along a vertical axis X7 inside a guide box element 92, fixed to the upper end of the vertical part 78 of the support bracket 75. In an operating condition of the control unit implementation 30, the vertical axis X6 of the dispensing nozzle 27 coincides with the vertical axis X7 of the trolley 91 (Fig. 13).

The trolley 91 comprises a horizontal sleeper 93 (Figures 15 to 18) and two vertical arms 94 each ending with a lower tooth 95. The two teeth 95 lie on the same horizontal plane and have their tips spaced apart and equidistant from each other. vertical axis X7, so as to allow the upper end 88 of the axial stem 83 to be inserted together. Furthermore, in a rest condition of the lifting mechanism 79, the vertical position of the two lower teeth 95, with respect to the horizontal plate 14 (fig. 15) and to the dispensing nozzle 27 (fig. 13), is such that the horizontal disc 89 of the latter will be positioned slightly above the two lower teeth 95.

The lifting mechanism 79 also comprises a third electric motor 96 (Figures 16 to 18) having a motor shaft 97 on which a central wheel 98 is eccentrically fixed, at a distance C (Figure 18), rotatably disposed under the horizontal sleeper 93 of the trolley 91. A fourth helical spring 99 (Figures 16 to 18), arranged inside the guide box element 92, constantly pushes the trolley 91 downwards. Two side rollers 100 are rotatably supported by the guide box element 92 to guide the trolley 91 from the inside.

The trolley 91 is also provided with a lateral flap 101 configured to cooperate with a third position sensor 102 mounted on the support bracket 75.

MIXING UNIT

Another of the inventive aspects of the present invention is represented by the mixing unit 31 (Figures 2, 24 and 25), which is configured to selectively cooperate with a dispensing unit 25 at a time, when the latter, by means of the rotation of the platform 17 around the central vertical axis X1, is carried by the first electric motor 23 (fig. 3) in correspondence with a mixing zone 103 (fig. 2), arranged along the second radial axis Y2.

The mixing unit 31 comprises a second vertical upright 104, which is fixed on the upper horizontal plate 14 (fig. 24) and supports a second horizontal support 105, which has a first end 106 on which a fourth electric motor 107 is mounted, coaxial to a vertical axis X8 (fig. 25) and having its own motor shaft 108 on which a third toothed pulley 109 is keyed, which is configured to transmit the rotary motion, through a second toothed belt 11, to a fourth pulley toothed 111, which is pivoted on a second end 112 of the second horizontal support 105. The vertical rotation axes X8 and X9 of the two toothed pulleys 109 and 111 intersect the second radial axis Y1.

On the upper part of the rotation shaft of the fourth toothed pulley 111 is keyed a second toothed pinion 113, which is configured to selectively mesh with a first toothed wheel 114 (fig. 7, 21, 25) rotatably mounted below each tank 26, coaxially with the vertical shaft X2 of the latter. The first toothed wheel 114 is keyed to a first axial shaft 115 (fig. 6) of the corresponding tank 26, provided with radial vanes 116 configured to carry out the mixing of the fluid product contained in the same tank 26, by means of the rotation of the axial shaft 115 .

Furthermore, in the example given here, each of the four tanks 26 with a double cylinder connected (fig. 1) is also provided at the bottom with a second toothed wheel 117 (fig. 2), equal and coplanar to the first toothed wheel 114, but rotatable about its own vertical axis X1 0, on which a second axial shaft is keyed, not shown in the drawings but equal to the first axial shaft 115 and also provided with radial fins.

So that the toothed wheels 114 and 117 (fig. 25) do not interfere with the meshing teeth of the second toothed pinion 113, when each dispensing unit 25 moves in correspondence with, or passes through the mixing unit 31, the same second toothed pinion 113 has two circular sectors 118, diametrically opposite, which have no meshing teeth. The angular width of each circular sector 118 is such as to allow the second toothed pinion 113, by rotating, to mesh with its own meshing teeth the meshing teeth of the first toothed wheel 114 and, when present, also those of the second wheel toothed 117.

Furthermore, a fourth position sensor 119 is mounted on the second end 112 of the second horizontal support 105 to detect the angular position of the second toothed pinion 113.

In a rest position of the mixing unit 31, shown in Figures 2, 24 and 25, the two circular sectors 118 of the second toothed pinion 113 lie on the second radial axis Y2, so that the rotation of the platform 17 can take place without any interference with the mixing unit 31 itself. In an operative position of the mixing unit 31, the second toothed pinion 113 is made to rotate by activating the fourth electric motor 107, which sets in motion the third toothed pulley 109, the second toothed belt 110 and the fourth toothed pulley 111. In this operating position, not shown, the second toothed pinion 113, rotating, meshes with the first toothed wheel 114 and possibly, if present, with the second toothed wheel 117 to rotate the respective axial shafts so as to obtain the mixing of the fluid product.

Finally, the machine 10 also includes an electronic control unit 120, schematized in fig. 1 and which can be of any known type, or which will be developed in the future, which is configured to suitably control the four electric motors 23, 56, 96 and 107, in response to the signals coming at least from the position sensors 65, 74, 102 and 119 and by a control console, not shown in the drawings. The operation of the machine 10 described up to now, which substantially corresponds to the procedure for the automatic dispensing of fluid products according to the present invention, is as follows.

In an initial condition, represented in fig. 1, the machine 10 is with the platform 17 stationary.

In this position it is possible to carry out an installation step and / or a possible removal step of any of the dispensing units 25 which is not temporarily in correspondence with the actuation unit 30, by means of the simple manual actuation of the actuation element 45 , as described above.

Then follows a phase of dispensing the fluid product contained in a determined tank 26 of one of the dispensing units 25. This dispensing phase first of all comprises a sub-phase of angular positioning, in which the selected dispensing unit 25 is brought into correspondence the actuation unit 30 by means of the selective rotation of the platform 17 (fig. 3) by the first electric motor 23.

In this position, to dispense a desired quantity of fluid product, the first electric motor 23 is kept stationary, and consequently the platform 17, and the third electric motor 96 is activated (figures 16, 17 and 18), which performs a 180 ° rotation of its drive shaft 97; the latter, by means of the central wheel 98, causes the lifting of the trolley 91, which, with its lower teeth 95, raises the horizontal disc 89 (fig. 13) and the axial stem 83 (fig. 20) integral with it, whereby the delivery orifice 82 opens, which is in communication with the delivery duct 43, while, at the same time, the intermediate obturator 85 abuts against the lower part of the sleeve 86 and closes and insulates the recirculation duct 44 Furthermore, the second electric motor 56 (fig. 13) is also selectively operated, which activates the volumetric pump 28, by means of the rotation of the spindle 62, which has its small wheels 63 in engagement with the vertical fins 67 of the disc. eccentric 68.

It should be noted that, in this position, instead of dispensing a desired quantity of fluid product, it is also possible to recirculate the latter, simply by operating only the second electric motor 56, keeping the third electric motor 96 still in its position. starting position. In fact, in this condition the delivery orifice 82 remains closed and the actuation of the volumetric pump 28 will cause a recirculation of the fluid product in the tank 26, through the circuit created by the suction duct 72, the volumetric pump 28, the delivery duct 43, the axial cavities 81 and 87 of the delivery nozzle 27 and the recirculation duct 44 (Figures 19 and 21).

When it is desired to carry out a mixing of the fluid product contained inside one of the tanks 26, a mixing phase is carried out, bringing the corresponding dispensing unit 25 into the mixing area 103 (fig. 3), by activating the first electric motor 23 (fig. 3) which makes the platform 17 rotate until the first toothed wheel 114 (figures 24 and 25) and possibly also the second toothed wheel 117, if present, go in correspondence with the second toothed pinion 113 of the mixing unit 31. The fourth electric motor 107 is then activated to rotate the axial shaft 15 (fig. 6), which, with its radial vanes 117, mixes the fluid product, to prevent it from drying.

From the foregoing it is clear that all the phases of the operating cycle described above can be managed automatically by the electronic control unit 120 and that any removal and / or replacement of each of the dispensing units 25 can be carried out easily and with much effort. simplicity even by an unskilled person.

It is also clear that modifications and / or additions of parts can be made to the machine 10 and the relative process described up to now, without thereby departing from the scope of the present invention.

It is also clear that, although the present invention has been described with reference to a specific example of an embodiment, a person skilled in the art will certainly be able to realize many other equivalent forms of machines and methods for automatically dispensing fluid products, in particular coloring liquids, having the characteristics expressed in the claims and therefore all falling within the scope of protection defined therein.

Claims (12)

CLAIMS 1. Machine (10) for automatically dispensing at least one fluid product, in particular a coloring liquid, comprising a fixed structure (11, 14), a platform (17) selectively rotatable with respect to said fixed structure (11, 14), around its own central axis (XI), and support means (24) mounted on said platform (17) to rotate together with it and support a plurality of dispensing units (25), each comprising at least one tank (26), in which it contains said fluid product to be dispensed, a dispensing nozzle (27) and pumping means (28) configured to selectively convey a desired quantity of said fluid product from said tank (26) to said dispensing nozzle (27) and from this last to an external containment means, characterized in that it also comprises a single actuation unit (30) arranged radially with respect to said central axis (XI) in a dispensing area (15) of said fixed structure (11 , 14) and configur adapted to selectively and autonomously actuate both said dispensing nozzle (27) and said pumping means (28) of the selected dispensing unit (25) which is temporarily located in said dispensing area (15), by means of the rotation of said platform (17). 2. Machine (10) as in claim 1, characterized in that said platform (17) has a substantially annular shape and defines a central through cavity (16), which said plurality of dispensing units (25) is arranged in a circle on said platform (17) and that said actuation unit (30) comprises both an internal part (51), mounted on said fixed structure (11, 14) in said central through cavity (16) and configured to selectively activate said pumping means (28), is an external part (52) mounted on said fixed structure (11, 14) but outside said platform (17) and configured to selectively activate said dispensing nozzle (27) of said dispensing unit (25 ) selected. 3. Machine (10) as in claim 2, characterized in that said internal part (51) comprises at least one spindle (62) configured to be selectively rotated around its own axis of rotation (X4) and provided with first engagement means (63) configured to be selectively coupled with corresponding second engagement means (67) of said pumping means (28) of said selected dispensing unit (25). 4. Machine (10) as in claim 3, characterized in that said first engagement means comprise two wheels (63) arranged in the lower part of said mandrel (62), on diametrically opposite and symmetrical parts with respect to said rotation axis ( X4) of the latter, that said second engagement means comprise two fins (67), parallel to each other and arranged in the upper part of a rotatable disk (68) inside a lower structure (41) of said dispensing unit (25), in which said pumping means (28) are also housed, and which said two fins (67) define between them a cavity configured to receive said two wheels (63) when said selected dispensing unit (25) is at said actuation unit (30). 5. Machine (10) as in claim 4, characterized in that said disc (68) is mounted eccentric with respect to its axis of rotation (X5) and cooperates with an actuation piston (69) of said pumping means (28) , by means of a conditioning member (70) which constantly holds said actuation piston (69) against the peripheral surface of said disk (68). Machine (10) as in any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that said dispensing nozzle (27) comprises both an external structure (80) which defines an axial cavity (81) having a dispensing orifice ( 82) in its lower terminal part, is an axial stem (83) disposed within said axial cavity (81) and which is normally in a rest condition in which it holds said delivery orifice (82) closed, and which said external part (52) of said actuation unit (30) comprises actuation means (79) configured to cooperate with said axial stem (83) of said dispensing nozzle (27), when said selected dispensing unit (25) is at said actuation unit (30), to selectively bring it from said rest condition into an operating condition, in which said axial stem (83) is raised and holds said delivery orifice (82) open, and vice versa. 7. Machine (10) as in claim 6, characterized in that said actuation means (79) comprise a trolley (91) mounted sliding along its own vertical axis (X7) and having two vertical arms (94) provided below with two teeth (95) which lie on the same horizontal plane and have their tips spaced apart and equidistant from said vertical axis (X7) of said trolley (91), so as to allow the insertion of an upper end between them ( 88) of said axial stem (83) to cooperate with a horizontal element (89) integral with the latter. 8. Machine (10) as in claims 3 and 6, characterized in that it also comprises first motor means (23) configured to selectively rotate said platform (17) around said central axis (XI), second motor means (56) configured to selectively rotate said spindle (62) around said axis of rotation (X4), and third motor means (96) configured to selectively control said actuation means (79). Machine (10) as in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it also comprises quick coupling means (29, 37-40, 45-50) configured to allow easy and simple positioning of each of said units dispensing unit (25) on said support means (24) and the equally easy and simple removal of each of said dispensing unit (25) from said support means (24). Machine (10) as in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it also comprises a single mixing unit (31), arranged radially with respect to said central axis (XI) in a mixing area (103) of said fixed structure (11, 14), angularly offset with respect to said dispensing area (15), and configured to selectively and autonomously mix said fluid product contained in said tank (26) of the dispensing unit (25) which is temporarily in said mixing zone (103), through the rotation of said platform (17). 11. Process for automatically dispensing at least one fluid product, in particular a coloring liquid, by means of a machine (10) having a fixed structure (11, 14), a platform (17) selectively rotatable with respect to said fixed structure (11, 14) , around its own central axis (XI), and support means (24) mounted on said platform (17) to rotate together with it and support a plurality of dispensing units (25) each having a tank (26), in the which contains said fluid product to be dispensed, a dispensing nozzle (27) and pumping means (28) configured to selectively convey a desired quantity of said fluid product from said tank (26) to said dispensing nozzle (27) and from the latter to an external containment means, characterized in that it comprises at least one delivery step of said fluid product which takes place by means of a single actuation unit (30) configured to selectively and autonomously actuate both said delivery nozzle (27), and said pumping means (28) of the selected delivery unit (25) which is temporarily located in a delivery area (15), through the rotation of said platform (17). 12. Process as in claim 11, characterized in that it further comprises at least one recirculation phase of said fluid product in said tank (26), which takes place when said selected dispensing unit (25) is temporarily in said delivery zone dispensing (15), by selectively operating said pumping means (28), while the corresponding dispensing nozzle (27) is kept in a rest condition, with its dispensing orifice (82) closed.