DISPERSOR FOR PREPARING FLUID PRODUCTS, SUCH AS PAINTS

Description

TITLE: “Disperser for preparing fluid products, such as paints” *** DESCRIPTION 5 Technical sector The present invention relates to a disperser to prepare to prepare fluid products, in particular paint, and to a system including such a disperser. Technological background 10 They are known in the paint production sector dispersers for mixing multiple fluid components, possibly with the addition of powdery substances, to in order to produce paints. Therefore, it is necessary mix the different components, in order to obtain a 15 finished or semi-finished product as homogeneous as possible. Containers containing inside are known agitators which are capable of agitating in a manner the fluid contained in such fluids is substantially continuous containers. The agitator is movable vertically in the 20 container to stir the fluid, and there are two columns which act as a guide for the stirrer. So the stirrer is capable of being moved vertically by sliding on such columns. This solution has several technical drawbacks, such as 25 the obstacle that the agitator encounters when moving on the columns. This is due to the fact that during the agitator lift, the agitator has a high mass, also due to the viscous fluid that accumulates on such a stirrer (e.g. on rotating blades). This creates 30 a mass cantilevered with respect to the columns. Therefore, the scrolling is difficult in some situations. Furthermore, the mass of the fluid that settles on the agitator A306307 It is difficult to estimate as it also varies depending on of the viscosity of the fluid. A further problem is given by the fact that the rotation of the agitator generates a torsion on the columns, 5 and this torsion also depends on the viscosity of the fluid. This can cause wear or malfunction of the columns and the sliding parts on them. Summary of the invention An object of the present invention is to 10 to build a disperser capable of solving this and other drawbacks of the known art, and which at the same time can be produced simply and economically. According to the present invention, this and other goals are achieved by means of a disperser having the 15 features cited in the attached claim independent. It is to be understood that the attached claims are an integral part of the technical teachings provided here in the detailed description that follows in 20 regarding the present invention. In particular, in the annexed dependent claims are defined as some preferred embodiments of the present invention which include optional technical features. Brief description of the drawings 25 Additional features and benefits of this invention will appear clear from the detailed description which follows, given purely as an example and not restrictive, with particular reference to drawings attachments, in which: 30 - Figure 1 is a perspective view of a disperser in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention; A306307 - figure 2 is a front view of the disperser figure 1; - figure 3a is a front section of the disperser shown in figure 2, where the agitator is completely 5 lowered into the container; - figure 3b corresponds to figure 3a where the stirrer is fully raised in the vessel; - figure 4 is a plan view of the disperser of figure 1. 10 Detailed description of the invention With reference to the figures, it is indicated in its complex a disperser 5 to prepare fluid products, which paints, including: - a vessel 12 for containing a fluid; 15 - an agitator 10 intended to be inserted at least partially into the container 12 to stir the fluid; - a motor 24 capable of setting in motion, in particular to rotate, the agitator 10; - a handling device capable of lifting 20 and lower such agitator 10 with respect to said container 12; - a first, a second, and a third column 1, 2, 3, such columns 1, 2, 3 being configured to drive the movement of the agitator 10. 25 So the three columns 1, 2, 3 are suitable to guide the raising and lowering of the agitator 10 with respect to the vessel 12. Preferably, the disperser 5 comprises only the three columns 1, 2, 3. In particular, the position of the three columns 1, 2, 3 remains fixed with respect to 30 to the agitator 10, in particular with reference to a plan view. The part of the 10 agitators destined to enter in A306307 contact with the fluid to agitate / mix it, also called agitator portion, can be made according to types known in themselves, such as shovels or blades 100 rotating around an agitation axis 102, movable blades, 5 protuberances, helical elements, etc. In particular, the 24 motor is designed to rotate the stirrer 10 for stirring contents in the vessel 12. In accordance with the preferred embodiment illustrated, the agitator 10 comprises a motor means, or motor 24, acting 10 to set the agitator 10 in motion, in particular the agitator portion intended to come into contact with the fluid to agitate / mix it. In particular, the engine 24 is able to rotate the agitation axis 102 and consequently the blades 100 associated with it. 15 The agitator axis 102 shown is a shaft of agitation. Preferably the 24 motor is electric, still more preferably brushless, however it is to be expected the use of other types of engines known in themselves. In the example, a 25 belt transmits motion from the engine 20 24 to the agitator 10, in particular to the rotation axis 102. For example, engine 24 has a crankshaft 26, and the agitator 10 has a pulley 28; the belt 25 connects the crankshaft 26 to the pulley 28 transmitting the motion. Optionally, at a lower end of the axis of 25 agitation 102, lower blades are placed 104 additional to the blades 100. The lower blades 104 are adapted to be located at the lower end of the container 12 inside such a container 12. In the example shown, the blades 100 are suitable to be placed in a position 30 substantially central in the container 12. In accordance with a convenient embodiment, the disperser 5 comprises connection means for receiving A306307 a power supply, in order to be able to operate. The power supply is preferably electric, however it can be pneumatic, hydraulic, mechanical, etc. The power supply is used in particular to operate the 5 rotation and vertical motion of the agitator 10. The power supply can in particular drive the motor 24 and / or the handling device. For example, the disperser 5 is suitable for connection to an electricity network external to operate its parts. 10 Conveniently, you can dose one or more fluids inside said container 12 at the same time to shaking. In this case it is possible to dose more components of a fluid substance (e.g. colored fluids, solvents, powders, etc.) and simultaneously shake them 15 substances in container 12, in order to obtain a product more homogeneous fluid, limiting defects to a minimum resulting from agglomeration and segregation phenomena. product obtained after mixing can be a fluid. In particular, in the case of the production of 20 paints, the fluid that is obtained by stirring in the container 12 may be a paint; in that case the paint is a final product ready to be packaged for the user. Alternatively, from container 12 you get a fluid that requires further processing and / or 25 additional components (e.g. liquid or solid) that must be added to them; such additions or further processing can be made at different processing stations from disperser 5. Therefore, disperser 58 can be a intermediate station in the production of fluids, and in 30 detail of paints. Preferably, the handling device includes a linear actuator, such as a jack A306307 hydraulic 39, to raise and lower the agitator 10. In in particular, the illustrated handling device is capable of raising and lowering the agitator 10 around along a zz-axis, which is preferably substantially 5 vertical. This agitator 10, and in particular the axis of rotation 102, is configured to rotate around the axis zz. Thus, the agitator 10 is able to rotate around, and to translate along, the zz axis, which is preferably vertical. Figures 3a and 3b show the agitator 10 in two 10 limit positions, respectively maximum lowering and of maximum lifting. The handling device is then configured to move the agitator 10 between these two limit positions. Preferably, with reference to figure 4, the 15 distance d3 between the third column 3 and said stirrer 10 is greater than the distances d1, d2 between the first and the second column 1, 2 and said agitator 10, in particular with reference to a plan view. So d3>d1 and d3>d2. In the example shown, the first and second columns 20 1, 2 are equidistant from the agitator 10 (so d1=d2), in detail with reference to a plan view. The three columns 1, 2, 3 are parallel. The three columns 1, 2, 3 are preferably vertical. In particular, the distance d1, d2, d3 between a column 1, 2, 3 and the stirrer 10 is the 25 distance between the respective longitudinal axis of such column 1, 2, 3 and the zz axis around which it rotates the agitator 10. In general, the three columns 1, 2, 3 do not are equidistant from the agitator 10, in particular from the axis zz around which the agitator 10 rotates. In others 30 terms, the three columns 1, 2, 3 are not arranged on one circumference having as its center the agitator 10, in particular having as its center the zz axis around which A306307 rotate the agitator 10. The terms “vertical”, “horizontal”, “superior”, “inferior” refers to a condition in which the disperser 5 is placed on a flat surface 5 horizontal, such as a floor, as in the attached figures. Preferably, in general, the three columns 1, 2, 3 they are not aligned along a straight line, in particular with reference to a plan view. So, preferably, the three columns 1, 2, 3 are not aligned 10 along a straight line, with reference to a plane perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of such columns 1, 2, 3. In particular, the three columns 1, 2, 3 are arranged according to a triangle, which in the preferred example shown is equilateral or isosceles. 15 In particular, the agitator 10 is arranged in a cantilevered manner with respect to the three columns 1, 2, 3. This generates on the columns 1, 2, 3 a reversing pair that columns 1, 2, 3 must counter. The three columns 1, 2, 3 have the following advantages: 20 - greater area available to tolerate the variation in the position of the center of gravity due to the mass of fluid product that adheres to the agitator 10 (e.g. to the blades 100), which generates a bending in columns 1, 2, 3 in a plane 25 vertical; - greater length of the force-resistant arms mixing and scraping tangentials (which generate a torsional couple about the vertical axis zz), compared to the solution with only two columns 30 1, 2. The presence of a third column 3 therefore reduces the efforts on columns 1, 2, 3, decreasing accordingly A306307 the risk of jamming and wear of the components. Preferably, the disperser 5 comprises a head 30 to which said agitator 10 is mounted and on which said handling device is configured to act. 5 So, the handling device is configured to move the head 30 and consequently the agitator 10. The header 30 is configured to slide relative to the columns 1, 2, 3 and includes three openings 51, 52, 53 to accommodate slide the respective three columns 1, 2, 3. 10 In the example, the head 30 houses the belt inside it 25, crankshaft 26, and pulley 28. In particular example shown, the 30 head is predominantly two-dimensional. In the example, the head 30 has a shape of parallelepiped. In particular, the head 30 is arranged 15 horizontally. In the example, the agitator 10 and the motor 24 protrude from the bottom of the head 30. Preferably, the handling device is configured to move the agitator 10 (and in particular, the head 30) vertically. 20 According to possible embodiments, the device movement includes a linear actuator, for example a hydraulic jack. In the example, there is a second motor 38 to lift and lower the agitator 10. In particular, the second 25 motor 38 is designed to raise and lower the head 30 and then the agitator 10 associated with it. Preferably, the second engine 38 provides power to a system hydraulic configured to lift the agitator 10. In the example shown, there is a hydraulic jack 39 30 which is configured to be powered by the second engine 38 and to lower and raise the agitator 10. In particular, a first end of the hydraulic jack A306307 39 is integral with the container 12 (in the example, it is mounted on the cover 34) and a second end of the jack hydraulic 39 is integral with the head 30. Optionally, the disperser 5 includes a scraper 5 60 configured to rotate in the vessel 12 and for scrape at least some of the content that may be is deposited on the internal walls of the container 12. In In particular, the scraper 60 has scraper elements (e.g., blades, shovels, or rods) that are configured to 10 crawl against, or move in proximity to (eg a 1-5 mm distance), the internal walls of the container 12. So, the scraper 60 has the purpose of moving the content from the periphery to the center of the container 12, to in order to improve the mixing of substances that 15 make up the fluid to be prepared. With particular referring to the example illustrated in figures 3a, 3b, the scraper 60 is compliant with most, in in particular substantially all, the internal walls of the container 12, with reference to a front section. In 20 other terms, the scraper 60 is configured to scrape or rotate in proximity of most, in in particular substantially all, the internal walls of the container 12. In the example, there is a third motor 32 to rotate the 25 scraper 60. For example, third engine 32 and scraper 60 are connected via a strap that engages on pulleys. The third motor 32 may be known in itself, such as a pneumatic motor or an electric motor. Optionally, on the container 12 is mounted, 30 preferably removable, a lid 34. Ad example, screws, bolts, or quick-release fasteners, allow assembly between them 12, 34. A306307 In particular, the agitator 10, the motor 24, the handling device, the three columns 1, 2, 3, are mounted on or near an upper area of ​​the container 12. In the example, the head 30 is mounted on top of the 5 container 12. In the particular embodiment shown, the agitator 10, the motor 24, the device movement, the three columns 1, 2, 3, are mounted on the lid 34. 10 In the example, there are a plurality of legs 36 mounted to container 12 and configured to support the disperser 5 on a supporting surface, such as a floor. Preferably, the vessel 12 has an opening of exit 22 to allow the exit of substances, in 15 particular the fluid, from the container 12. In detail, the outlet opening 22 is located on a lower part of container 12. In the example, container 12 has a lower part tapered downwards, and the opening of outlet 22 is at the lower end of container 12. 20 Preferably, the exit opening 22 is openable selectively, for example via a lid or a valve. At the end of the processing in container 12, it is it is possible to evacuate the fluid from the container 12 via the exit opening 22. 25 Preferably, at least one container 12 is associated with it. an entrance opening 20 to allow the entry of substances (e.g. powders, granules, liquids, fluids, etc.) in the container 12. There may be one or more inlet openings 20. In the non-limiting example shown, the lid 34 30 comprises the at least one input opening 20. Optionally, the at least one inlet opening 20 is selectively openable, for example via a lid 18 A306307 or a valve. Optionally, the container 12 and / or the lid 34 comprises one or more openings 40, 42, 44 through which it is It is possible to introduce 12 liquids or powders into the container. 5 In the example, each opening 40, 42, 44 is associated with a respective valve device 50, 56, 54 to control the introduction of fluids or powders into the container 12. The valve device 50, 56, 54 can be automatic or manual. In particular, the one or more openings 40, 42, 44 10 are on lid 34. One or more of the motors 24, 32, 38 can be of known, such as a pneumatic motor or a motor electric. Preferably, a control unit is configured 15 to supervise one or more functions of the disperser 5. For example, the control unit is configured to control the operation of one or more of: motor 24, second engine 38, third engine 32, agitator 10, opening of input 20, output opening 22, device of 20 movement, tested 30, one or more of the devices valves 50, 56, 54. The control unit can be included in the disperser 5, or can be placed remotely and operationally connected to the disperser (e.g. via wireless connection). The control unit can 25 be known in itself, for example it may belong to a CPU, a PLC, a computer, an electronic device portable (e.g. smartphone or tablet). For example, the unit control is configured to command the opening or the closing of the entrance opening 20 or the opening of 30 output 22, for example by acting on a valve device associated with the respective opening 20, 22. Optionally, the disperser has one or more sensors for A306307 detect the functioning or state of its parts, including e.g. motor 24, agitator 10, inlet opening 20, outlet opening 22, handling device, header 30. According to possible embodiments, the sensors 5 are operationally connected to the control unit. Preferably, the control unit is configured to provide the user with feedback (e.g. by issuing (of a visual and / or acoustic signal) in case of anomalies in the disperser 5, for example depending on the detection of a 10 or more of said sensors. The disperser 5 which is the object of the present invention can be included in a fluid production plant, such as paints, dyes, solvents, and the like, having a plurality of stations and equipment known in themselves, 15 even if not mentioned in the description. It is also the object of the invention is a plant for the production of paints, comprising a disperser 5 in accordance with one or several variants. The invention also relates to a method for the production of paints, including the use of a 20 disperser 5 in accordance with one or more variants. Naturally, without prejudice to the principle of the invention, the embodiments and the details of realization may be widely varied with respect to what is described and illustrated purely by way of example does not 25 restrictive, without thereby departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. A306307 Legend: First column 1 Second column 2 5 Third column 3 Mixer 5 Agitator 10 Container 12 Lid 18 10 Entrance opening 20 Exit opening 22 Engine 24 Belt 25 Crankshaft 26 15 Pulley 28 Header 30 Third engine 32 Lid 34 Legs 36 20 Second engine 38 Hydraulic jack 39 Openings 40, 42, 44 Valve devices 50, 56, 54 Openings for columns 51, 52, 53 25 Scraper 60 Pale 100 Agitation axis 102 Lower blades 104 / LT A306307

Claims

1. Disperser (5) for preparing fluid products, such as paints, comprising: a vessel (12) for containing a fluid; an agitator (10) designed to be inserted at least partially into the vessel (12) to agitate the fluid; a motor (24) for rotating the agitator (10); a movement device for raising and lowering said agitator (10) relative to said vessel (12); a first and a second column (1, 2) configured to guide the movement of the agitator (10); characterised in that it comprises a third column (3) configured to guide the movement of the agitator (10).

2. Disperser (5) according to claim 1, wherein the three columns (1, 2, 3) are not aligned along a straight line, with reference to a plan view.

3. Disperser (5) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the three columns (1, 2, 3) are not equidistant from the agitator (10).

4. Disperser (5) according to claim 3, wherein the first and second columns (1, 2) are equidistant from the agitator (10), and the distance (d3) between the third column (3) and said agitator (10) is greater than the distances (d1, d2) between the other columns (1, 2) and said agitator (10).

5. Disperser (5) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the agitator (10) is arranged cantilevered with respect to the three columns (1, 2, 3).

6. Disperser (5) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said movement device comprises a linear actuator.

7. Disperser (5) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the stirrer (10), the motor (24), the moving device, the columns (1, 2, 3) are mounted above or near an upper area of ​​the vessel (12).

8. Disperser (5) according to claim 7, wherein a lid (34) is mounted on the vessel (12); the stirrer (10), the motor (24), the moving device, the columns (1, 2, 3) are mounted on the lid (34).

9. Disperser (5) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the vessel (12) comprises at least one inlet opening (20) to allow the entry of substances into the vessel (12), and an outlet opening (22) to allow the exit of substances from the vessel (12).

10. Disperser (5) according to any of the preceding claims, comprising a head (30) to which said agitator (10) is mounted and on which said handling device is configured to act; the head (30) is configured to slide with respect to the columns (1, 2, 3) and includes three openings (51, 52, 53) to slidably accommodate the respective three columns (1, 2, 3).

11. Plant for the production of paints, comprising a disperser (5) according to any of the preceding claims.

12. A method for producing paints, comprising the use of a disperser (5) according to any of claims 1 to 10.