Paint mixing container and equipment

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a paint mixing container comprising a cup comprising a base portion and a sidewall portion and having an opening opposite the base portion, the opening being surrounded by a rim formed by an end of the sidewall portion remote from the base portion. The sidewall portion includes at least one elongated recess extending through the base portion and extending from the base portion toward the rim. The present disclosure also relates to a paint mixing apparatus comprising: at least one port portion configured to receive a paint mixing container; at least one guide element, wherein the at least one port portion is movably connected to the at least one guide element to permit translational movement of the contained paint mixing container; and at least one drive unit operatively coupled to the port portion, where the drive unit is configured to (i) rotate the port portion or a paint mixing container housed therein and (ii) move the port portion in a translational movement along at least a portion of the at least one guide element. The present disclosure also relates to a mold for forming the container by injection molding, a method of forming the container by injection molding, and a method for mixing paints.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a container for mixing paint, specifically for use with a spray gun in any type of painting operation. This disclosure also relates to a mold for forming the container and a process for forming the container, a paint mixing apparatus, and a process for mixing paint using the paint mixing container. Background Technology

[0002] Paints are typically composed of a mixture of multiple components to achieve desired color or other optical properties (e.g., glitter or other special effects) and / or certain application or curing characteristics. For example, in touch-up applications, such as in body repair shops for vehicle repair, paints must be provided that precisely match the color and visual appearance of an object (e.g., the vehicle being repaired) and are subsequently applied to it. For this purpose, paint mixing containers with cylindrical or conical cup shapes are widely used, typically having a volume of up to about 1 liter and a removable cap with an outlet that can be connected to a spray gun to apply the mixed paint to the workpiece to be painted. Typically, the dispensed paint components are manually mixed or blended in the paint mixing cup, usually using a mixing rod or a hand stirrer. However, such manual paint mixing requires valuable time from the painter and results in waste and contamination of the workspace due to splattering and / or spillage from used mixing rods or stirrers during the mixing process. Paint loss and associated contamination during manual mixing can affect product quality and / or color accuracy, and create an unsightly workspace that is unappealing for working in or presenting to potential customers. While mechanical mixing solutions incorporating automated mechanical stirrers are known in the art, such equipment does not overcome the problems of paint loss and workspace contamination.

[0003] To avoid the aforementioned drawbacks associated with manual paint mixing, automated dispensing machines and mixers have been developed. However, such equipment is relatively expensive and often unaffordable for small auto repair shops, for example. Currently, agitators of the type of roller mixer (e.g., the Collomix Rotogen 1000) are frequently used to mix the paint components dispensed into the paint mixing container. Roller mixers contain an inclined drive shaft. Therefore, during mixing, the paint components are thrown relatively far upwards, creating a risk of paint splashing from the paint mixing cup when filled to a high level. To prevent such spillage, the paint cup can be sealed with a cap. However, the risk that some paint components may adhere to the cap and / or simply not pass completely through the filter (usually integrated into the cap) back, preventing the paint components from being fully homogenized and affecting the properties of the resulting mixture, such as its hue.

[0004] Well-known mixing techniques, such as the use of mechanical agitator mixing blades, can further result in unsatisfactory mixing outcomes, especially when the paint to be mixed contains solid particles (such as "effect pigments"). Mechanical agitation using mixing blades is described, for example, in U.S. Patent No. 5,094,543, which is incorporated herein by reference. This patent further describes a paint mixing container with recesses used to secure the container within mixing equipment known in the art. This is because well-known techniques create rotational speed gradients or even "quiet zones" within the mixing container, where the paint is almost completely unmixed. This can lead to the accumulation or sedimentation of, for example, solid particles (such as effect pigments), or the accumulation of certain other components of the paint without proper distribution throughout the fluid. Consequently, the mixed paint may contain uneven distribution of some components, or may form undesirable color or viscosity gradients.

[0005] Therefore, it is desirable to provide a simple, inexpensive, and easy-to-use solution that mitigates or avoids at least some of the aforementioned problems of the prior art. Consequently, this disclosure specifically aims to provide an inexpensive and easy-to-use apparatus that allows for efficient, homogeneous, and automated mixing of paint components without spillage or contamination of the workspace, achieves improved homogenization of the mixed paint, and enables the direct application of the resulting mixture to the substrate to be painted. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This disclosure relates to a container for mixing paint, the container comprising a cup including a base portion and a sidewall portion enclosing a container volume, and having an opening opposite the base portion surrounded by an edge formed by an end of the sidewall portion remote from the base portion. As a solution to the above objective, the sidewall portion includes at least one elongated recess extending through the base portion and extending from the base portion toward the edge, wherein the at least one elongated recess has a curved cross-section and protrudes from an adjacent portion of the sidewall portion into the container volume.

[0007] This disclosure further relates to a mold configured for forming the aforementioned cup.

[0008] This disclosure also relates to a process for forming the cup, the process including injection molding. Preferably, the process utilizes the mold mentioned above.

[0009] This disclosure also relates to a paint mixing apparatus, comprising:

[0010] At least one port portion, said at least one port portion being configured to accommodate a paint mixing container,

[0011] At least one guiding element, wherein the at least one port portion is movably connected to the at least one guiding element to allow translational movement of the contained paint mixing container.

[0012] At least one drive unit is operatively connected to the port portion.

[0013] The drive unit is configured to (i) rotate the port portion or the paint mixing container contained therein and (ii) move the port portion in a translational manner along at least a portion of the at least one guide element.

[0014] It should be understood that, in the context of this disclosure, as used herein, the term "paint" refers to any kind of fluid or fluidizable (e.g., sprayable) material that can be applied to or coated a substrate. Therefore, as used herein, the term "paint" encompasses, for example, paints, varnishes, topcoats, and coating compositions for any kind of application. This includes, for example, industrial, architectural, optical, automotive, and aerospace coatings and paints, including primers, base coats, and topcoats, for manufacturing and touch-up purposes, such as in a body shop for vehicle repair. The "paint" according to this disclosure can impart color to a substrate, such as in the case of colored paint or colored coatings, or it can be transparent, such as in the case of transparent coatings. The "paint" according to this disclosure may further comprise solid particles, such as pigments. Such pigments can have a median diameter up to 100 μm, such as up to 50 μm, or up to 10 μm. "Paint" is typically water-based or solvent-based.

[0015] The paint mixing container with an integrated mixing device according to this disclosure enables efficient, uniform, and automated mixing via external paint mixing equipment without spillage or leakage of paint or contamination of the surrounding workspace, thereby achieving excellent homogenization of the paint components. The paint mixing container according to this disclosure is easy to use, thus avoiding painters' contact with paint or the generation of auxiliary paint-laden waste items (such as manual stirring rods or mixing blades), and therefore helps to keep the workspace clean and tidy. No additional specialized devices for preventing spills, such as intermediate covers, are required. The paint mixing container of this disclosure can be economically produced from low-cost materials, such as plastics or post-consumer recycled plastics or post-industrial recycled plastics or recycled plastics, which partially or fully meet the requirements of mass production, and the paint mixing container of this disclosure is configured to allow direct use with common applicators (such as spray guns), for example in a so-called inverted configuration, where the paint mixture is supplied from the container to the applicator under gravity. The material used can be transparent to allow the user to easily check the mixing progress, or it can be opaque to allow mixing of photosensitive materials. After use, the paint mixing container of this disclosure can be disposed of with any remaining paint safely encapsulated therein.

[0016] This disclosure will be described in further detail below, including additional optional aspects, features, and benefits.

[0017] Detailed description

[0018] As described above, this disclosure relates to a container for mixing paint. The container includes a cup comprising a base portion and a sidewall portion enclosing a container volume. The cup further has an opening opposite the base portion, wherein the opening is surrounded by an edge formed by an end of the sidewall portion remote from the base portion. The sidewall portion includes at least one elongated recess extending through the base portion and extending from the base portion toward the edge, wherein the at least one elongated recess has a curved cross-section and protrudes from an adjacent portion of the sidewall portion into the container volume.

[0019] The paint mixing container according to this disclosure further includes at least one elongated recess as a characteristic element, the elongated recess extending through the base portion and extending from the base portion toward the edge, wherein the at least one elongated recess has a curved cross-section and protrudes from an adjacent portion of the sidewall portion into the container volume. The inventors have surprisingly discovered that the recess is sufficient to generate disordered turbulence in the paint components to be mixed. Such disordered turbulence improves the mixing of any kind of paint components, regardless of whether these components are solid, viscous, or fluid.

[0020] While a single elongated recess has been found sufficient to achieve the desired effect, the paint mixing container may include at least two, such as at least three, elongated recesses. The presence of additional elongated recesses can further improve the mixing results. In cases where the cup includes more than one elongated recess, it is preferred that, if present, the more than one elongated recess is arranged symmetrically about the central longitudinal axis of the cup. The at least one elongated recess may extend from the base portion of the cup to at least half, i.e., 50%, such as at least three-quarters, i.e., 75%, of the cup's height. The at least one elongated recess may further extend up to 95%, such as 100%, of the cup's height. Those skilled in the art should understand that the height of the cup is understood as the distance between the base portion of the cup and the edge. The at least one elongated recess may protrude into the container volume to a depth of at least 5 mm (e.g., in the range of 5 mm to 10 mm, or 7 mm to 9 mm). Alternatively, or additionally, the at least one elongated recess may have a width of 5 mm to 10 mm. The at least one elongated recess may have a curved cross-sectional shape, such as a half-sine cross-sectional shape. Those skilled in the art will recognize that a half-sine cross-sectional shape is only similar to half a repeating unit of a sine curve. The at least one elongated recess may also have a mixed or non-uniform cross-sectional shape, such as half-curved and half-straight, or half-curved and half-square. This means that 50% of the width of the cross-section of the recess may have the aforementioned partial sine shape, while the other 50% may have a straight or square shape. The cross-sectional shape of the at least one recess ensures that no "quiet zone" is created in the immediate vicinity of the recess during mixing, where paint components may precipitate, separate, or separate, leading to poor mixing results. The at least one recess may protrude linearly from the base portion toward the edge. Therefore, the at least one recess does not need to be curved or "S-shaped." The linear protrusion of the at least one elongated recess can also help avoid the formation of "quiet zones."

[0021] To avoid creating a "quiet area" in the region where the sidewall portion and the base portion meet, the base portion and the sidewall portion can be joined by rounded edges. Specifically, the rounded edges can have a radius of curvature in the range of 5 mm to 15 mm, for example, 7 mm to 12 mm.

[0022] There are no particular limitations on the precise shape and form of the paint cup. Preferably, the paint cup has a rotationally symmetrical shape. For example, it can have a basic shape that is cylindrical, tubular, or truncated conical or truncated tubular. Thus, the basic tubular or truncated tubular shape can have a polygonal cross-section with four or more sides. For example, a truncated conical shape can allow multiple paint cups to be nested together, which can be advantageous in terms of saving storage and transport space. When the paint cup is used to dispense or mix the paint components therein, the paint cup is typically placed on its base portion. Therefore, the base portion can be configured to provide secure upright placement. For example, the base portion or a portion thereof can be configured to form a flat plane at its bottom end. Thus, the base portion can be flat on its bottom surface (i.e., the surface facing the outside of the paint cup, away from the container volume), for example, having a flat, circular bottom surface. The base portion may further include at least one second recess protruding into the container volume. The at least one second recess may be located at the center point of the base portion away from the sidewall portion. Therefore, the center point of the base portion can be the point where the central longitudinal axis of the paint cup intersects with the base portion. The at least one second recess can have any shape known in the art, such as circular, cross-shaped, rod-shaped, square, or triangular. If there is more than one second recess, these second recesses can be arranged in a rotationally symmetrical manner around the center point of the base portion, without necessarily being precisely located at the center point. The at least one second recess can have a generally circular or pointed cross-sectional shape. The at least one second recess can typically have a limited extension such that its maximum extension can be 5% to 50% of the outer diameter of the base portion of the paint cup, for example, 7.5% to 35%, for example, 10% to 30%. Those skilled in the art will recognize that, depending on the actual shape of the at least one second recess, the maximum extension can be the length, width, or diameter of the at least one second recess. If there is more than one second recess, this value is related to one of these recesses. Furthermore, the at least one second recess preferably does not directly contact at least one elongated recess present on the sidewall portion of the paint cup, or does not directly contact the sidewall portion itself. Independent of the at least one second recess, the base portion may further protrude completely or partially into the container volume, such that the paint cup rests on the circumferentially outer region of the base portion. Therefore, the protruding base portion should not be interpreted as having the aforementioned at least one second recess. This means that the aforementioned at least one second recess (if present) may also protrude from the protruding base portion into the container volume. The protruding base portion may also be flat near the longitudinal axis of the cup.The paint cup may further include a support element projecting outward from the base portion, the support element defining the container volume together with the sidewall portion. The projecting element can then provide a platform on which the paint cup can be placed. In this alternative embodiment, the at least one elongated recess may extend through the base portion and along the entire length of the projecting element. Therefore, a corresponding hollow space may also be formed through the base portion and along the entire length of the projecting element. For example, the paint cup may include a downwardly projecting edge at its bottom from the base portion. The edge may be continuous or discontinuous and may keep the base portion suspended above the ground. Therefore, the edge may surround a recessed volume at the bottom of the base portion.

[0023] The base and sidewalls of the paint cup are typically thin-walled, for example, with a thickness of 0.5 mm or less, such as 0.2 mm or less, and can tolerate some elastic deformation. One or more graduations may be provided on the sidewalls of the paint cup to help the user provide a defined amount of certain paint components in the container volume. The size and dimensions of the paint cup can vary and can be selected according to actual needs. Therefore, the container volume of the paint cup can typically range from 0.1 L to 2.0 L, for example, 0.2 L to 1.5 L, or 0.3 L to 1.0 L, for example, about 0.3 L, 0.5 L, 0.6 L, or 0.9 L. The range between any referenced values ​​is also covered by this disclosure. For most practical applications, a container volume below 0.1 L is too small because the amount of paint material required is usually large. Container volumes above 2.0 L may have disadvantages in terms of operability, for example, when the paint mixing container should be connected to and used with a handheld applicator (such as a spray gun).

[0024] The paint mixing container may be a single part or may include multiple parts, such as in the case of a support-liner assembly. For example, the paint mixing container may include a cup having at least the specific features described above, the cup acting as an outer support cup, combined with a removably insertable flexible liner having a corresponding shape when expanded. The flexible liner may be inserted into the cup to conform to the inner surface of the cup and may have a supporting lip to engage with the edge of the cup. For example, both the (support) cup and the liner (when expanded) may have a frustoconical shape, having a flat, circular base portion and sidewall portions extending from the base portion to define an internal volume. According to this variant, the liner forms the actual container volume in which paint is mixed. Those skilled in the art will understand that once paint or paint components are inserted into the liner, the liner expands and is pushed against the sidewall portions of the cup by the weight of the paint, thus resembling the shape of the sidewall portions facing the container volume, which includes at least one elongated recess protruding into the container volume. The container volume may be as described above. The liner has a slightly smaller size than the support cup so that it can be inserted into the support cup to form a nested structure. The support cup serves as a rigid support to house the liner. The liner may, for example, have a circumferential flange at its open end, which, in the nested structure, rests on the upper edge of the support cup. The support cup is typically reusable because it does not come into contact with paint components. On the other hand, the liner is typically disposable. In particular, the liner may be made of a flexible material, such as an elastic plastic material.

[0025] A paint mixing container according to this disclosure may include a lid that is detachably attached to the paint cup to close the opening of the paint cup. When detachable from the paint cup, the lid can be removed to allow paint components to be introduced into the container volume, and the opening of the cup can subsequently be closed for mixing the provided components to prevent spillage of the contents of the cup and contamination from the environment.

[0026] A detachable connection can be achieved using various connecting devices known in the art itself. For example, the sidewall portion may have external threads adjacent to the opening of the paint cup, and the cap may have internal threads that mate with the external threads on the paint cup to allow for a threaded connection. As an alternative to a threaded connection, a snap-fit ​​or pressure-locking mechanism may be used, for example. Typically, a sealant component is used to prevent leakage of the connection. For example, the cap may include a component that, when the cap is mounted on the paint cup, functions as a seal, for example, through elastic deformation.

[0027] The shape and size of the cap can vary widely and are typically adapted to cover the paint cup whose opening it should cover. For example, the cap may have a hemispherical, cylindrical, or truncated conical base shape, or a complex shape including portions of such or other kinds of geometry. The height of the cap is typically equal to a portion of the height of the paint cup, such as half or less, or one-third or less. Optionally, the cap may include an outlet for paint. The outlet may be specifically configured to allow connection to a paint application device, such as a spray gun. For example, the cap may include a hollow tube through which paint can flow from or be drawn from a closed paint container. The hollow tube may, for example, be located at the center of the cap and / or form its top end.

[0028] The applicator device can be connected in any suitable manner. For example, the applicator device can be directly connected to the outlet of the cap via a suitable connection (such as a threaded connection or a snap-fit ​​connection), or an adapter can be used to form a fluid connection between the outlet of the paint cup and the applicator device. The outlet (such as the hollow tube segment mentioned above) may include threads at its free end, for example, which allows for threaded connection to an applicator device equipped with matching threads or a suitable adapter.

[0029] The cover may also include one or more filters to prevent unwanted coarse particles from passing through. Suitable filters include, for example, sieves with appropriate mesh sizes. In particular, the filters may be made of plastic material. The filters may be disposed inside the cover, for example, held in a corresponding recess.

[0030] The paint mixing container according to this disclosure is particularly suitable as a so-called inverted paint cup for a spray gun. Here, the paint cup containing the mixed paint ready to be applied is closed using a cap with an outlet as described above, and the paint cup is connected to the spray gun in such a configuration that the cap with the outlet faces downwards, so that the contained paint mixture flows by gravity to the inlet of the spray gun. However, the scope of this disclosure is not limited to such inverted paint cups, but also covers paint mixing containers in which paint can be transferred from the paint mixing container to a suitable application device by any known means (e.g., by suction, hydraulic devices, pneumatic devices), or transferred to a separate paint reservoir of the application device.

[0031] The paint mixing container according to this disclosure may optionally further include a venting device. The venting device can be of any kind known in the art itself and may include, for example, a vent hole that can be closed by a valve. The venting device may also include a hollow tube extending outward from the cup. This variant is particularly useful when the paint mixing container includes a rigid support cup and a flexible liner. The venting mechanism enables pressure equalization and prevents the formation of a vacuum inside the closed container when paint is drawn from it, which could adversely affect, for example, the application performance of spraying characteristics. The valve of the venting mechanism is typically closed when the paint cup is filled with the paint component and when the paint component is mixed to prevent unwanted material leakage, and opens when paint is applied from the container to the substrate to be coated via an applicator device (e.g., a spray gun). The venting device may be disposed, for example, in the base portion of the paint cup, such as in the aforementioned protrusion or in the aforementioned recess surrounded by the edge at the bottom of the base portion. The venting mechanism (if present) can be located at the center of the base portion or in the peripheral region of the base portion. When a central configuration for driving the coupling device of the rotatable mixing element at the base portion is required, the arrangement of the venting mechanism in the peripheral region of the base portion may be preferred. Alternatively, the venting device can be located, for example, in the lid of the paint cup, such as at a distance from its center. A hollow tube can optionally be connected to the venting valve and extend into the container volume of the paint cup. The position, material, and length of the tube can be selected such that when the container is used in an inverted orientation, the tube does not interfere with at least one elongated recess protruding into the container volume, and the free end of the tube is above the typical filling level. Therefore, when the container is used in an inverted configuration, efficient pressure equalization can be achieved without the risk of paint leakage.

[0032] The paint mixing container itself (the same paint mixing container) can be stackable to save space during production, transportation, and storage. To support this feature and to provide the ability to easily separate stacked cups, the cup may include a plurality of (e.g., at least two or at least three) spacers disposed on the outer surface of the cup. Alternatively, the at least one elongated recess may define a corresponding hollow space on the outer surface of the cup. When one cup is inserted into another, the hollow space may be adapted to mate with at least one elongated recess of the second cup. The plurality of spacers may be located within the corresponding hollow space formed by the at least one elongated recess on the outer space of the cup. The plurality of spacers may be located at or near the end of the at least one recess remote from the base portion. The at least one spacer may be a protrusion extending from the outer surface of the cup, such as a fin. Each of the plurality of spacers may individually have a length of 5 mm to 25 mm (e.g., 10 mm to 20 mm), and preferably, each of the plurality of spacers has the same length.

[0033] The materials of the paint mixing container and its components disclosed herein shall be compatible with solvent-based and water-based paint systems and comply with relevant official regulations, such as the EU ATEX Directive. Preferably, the paint mixing container and / or its components are made of recyclable or biodegradable materials (a variety of materials). In particular, suitable materials include plastic materials, such as, but not limited to, polyolefins, such as polyethylene (e.g., high-density polyethylene or low-density polyethylene), polypropylene, copolymers of two or more olefins (e.g., ethylene, propylene, and high-carbon-number olefins), polystyrene, and copolymers of styrene and other unsaturated monomers such as acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), polyesters (e.g., polyethylene terephthalate), polylactic acid, and polyhydroxyalkanoates (e.g., poly-3-hydroxybutyrate, polyhydroxyvalerate, and polyhydroxyhexanoate), polycaprolactone, polycarbonate, cellulose esters, halogenated polymers (e.g., polyvinyl chloride), polyamides, or combinations of any of the foregoing materials. The materials are preferably selected from polyethylene, polypropylene, and mixtures thereof. Preferably, the material of the paint mixing container is at least partially selected from recycled plastic materials (a variety of plastic materials). Therefore, it is preferred that the material of the paint mixing container comprises 25% to 100%, more preferably 40% to 100% recycled material. The paint mixing container and its components can be made of transparent, opaque, or colored materials. The various components of the paint mixing container can be made of the same or different materials, and / or have the same or different physical properties, such as color. The paint mixing container and its components of this disclosure can be produced by processes such as injection molding. Therefore, the paint mixing container of this disclosure can be provided economically based on low-cost materials and existing production technologies that meet the requirements of large-scale production. Thus, the paint mixing container can be produced at a cost level competitive with currently available paint mixing containers on the market.

[0034] Therefore, this disclosure relates to a mold configured for forming a cup, the cup including a base portion and a sidewall portion enclosing a container volume, and having an opening opposite the base portion surrounded by an edge formed by an end of the sidewall portion remote from the base portion, wherein the sidewall portion includes at least one elongated recess extending through the base portion and extending from the base portion toward the edge, the at least one elongated recess having a curved cross-section and projecting from an adjacent portion of the sidewall portion into the container volume. The mold may be made of metal, such as steel or aluminum. The mold may include an internal mold volume similar in shape to the cup described above. The mold may further include: a closable injection port through which molten composition can be injected; and a cooling device, such as coolant channels distributed throughout the mold, the cooling device allowing cooling of the injected composition. The mold may also include a plurality of parts that fit together tightly. This enables a leak-proof connection when the composition is injected into the mold, and also allows easy removal of the molded cup from the mold by separating the parts of the mold.

[0035] Furthermore, this disclosure relates to a method for manufacturing a container for mixing paint as described above, the method comprising injection molding at least one component of the container, particularly the cup. The previously described mold may be particularly useful for carrying out the method of manufacturing the container. The method may include the steps of: (a) providing a mold and a composition, respectively; (b) melting the composition; (c) injecting the molten composition into the mold; (d) cooling the mold to solidify the composition; and (e) removing the molded container from the mold.

[0036] The containers of this disclosure as described above can be used to mix and provide any kind of paint, such as paints, varnishes, topcoats, and coating compositions, including primers, base coats, topcoats, colored coats, and clear coats, for industrial, architectural, optical, and automotive applications, including original manufacturing and touch-up purposes, such as in body repair shops for vehicle maintenance. The prepared paints can be water-based or solvent-based liquids and are generally sprayable.

[0037] The container according to this disclosure can be configured to be compatible with all kinds of available applicator devices (such as spray guns) by means of a suitable adapter, the applicator device including, for example, a gravity feed system for applying the prepared paint to the substrate to be coated.

[0038] At least one elongated recess in the paint mixing container of this disclosure allows for efficient mixing of paint components supplied in the paint cup by an automated external device, without the need for manual mixing.

[0039] As previously mentioned, this disclosure also relates to a paint mixing apparatus. The apparatus includes at least one port portion configured to accommodate a paint mixing container, at least one guide element, and at least one drive unit operatively coupled to said port portion. The at least one port portion is movably connected to said at least one guide element to allow translational movement of the accommodated paint mixing container. Further, the drive unit is configured to (i) rotate the port portion or the paint mixing container accommodated therein and (ii) move the port portion in a translational manner along at least a portion of said at least one guide element.

[0040] The at least one drive unit may include one or more drives or actuators. The drive unit may include a first drive and a second drive, the first drive being coupled to the port portion and configured to rotate the port portion or the paint mixing container housed therein, and the second drive being configured to move the port portion along at least a portion of the length of the guide element. In particular, any one of the drives (multiple drives) or actuators (multiple actuators) may include an electrically or pneumatically driven drive. The torque generated by the drives may be sufficient to achieve proper mixing of the target paint material. Preferably, the drives or actuators are configured to allow a user to select and adjust the rotational speed and / or the duration of the mixing process. For safe operation, the device may be configured such that the drives or actuators are operable only when the paint mixing container is correctly mounted to the respective port portion. This may be controlled, for example, by at least one sensor.

[0041] Furthermore, the drive or actuator may include a connecting part, depending on the location of the coupling device on the paint mixing container, disposed at a portion of the port facing the base portion of the paint cup or facing the opening, which can be closed by the cap. The connecting part of the actuator is configured to releasably engage the coupling device of the paint mixing container, and thereby operatively connect the actuator and the rotatable mixing element to rotate the mixing element when the drive is actuated.

[0042] The drive or actuator may, for example, include a drive shaft. The drive shaft may be driven by an electric or pneumatic actuator to rotate about its long axis and has connecting parts configured to releasably engage at its free end with a coupling device of the paint mixing container as described above. The drive shaft may be arranged substantially vertically relative to a flat surface or at an angle. In this context, the term "substantially vertical" means that any deviation (if any) of the long axis of the drive shaft from an ideally vertical (90°) arrangement relative to a flat plane of the ground on which the paint mixing device is placed is less than 5 degrees, for example, less than 2.5 degrees. Therefore, with the paint cup in a substantially upright orientation, efficient mixing can be achieved using the paint mixing device.

[0043] The port portion and the driver (multiple drivers) or actuator (multiple actuators) can be arranged such that rotational and / or translational movements can be performed when the paint mixing container housed in the port portion is held at an angle. This configuration can further support the generation of disordered turbulence during mixing. The paint mixing container can be held at the angle in a direction substantially parallel or substantially perpendicular to the long axis of the guide element or drive member. Therefore, at least the port portion and at least a portion of the drive unit, such as the first driver or actuator, can be arranged to be tilted at an angle. The maximum tilt angle relative to the vertical long axis of the port portion can be from 5° to 20°, for example, from 7.5° to 15°. Therefore, at least the port portion and at least a portion of the drive unit, such as the first driver or actuator, can be held at an angle between 0° and 20° (e.g., between 0° and 15°, between 0° and 7.5°, or between 0° and 5°) relative to the vertical major axis of the port portion, where 0° may mean that the major axis of the port portion is vertically oriented relative to a flat ground. To enable tilting, at least the port portion and at least a portion of the drive unit can be arranged to be connected to an angle adjustment device, such as a rotary bearing, which can be adjusted to provide a desired tilt angle. Tilting can be performed parallel or perpendicular to the major axis of the guide element or drive member. Angle adjustment can be performed manually or automatically using a dedicated driver for adjusting the tilt angle, which can be independent of the aforementioned drive unit. The device may also include a locking mechanism to lock the angle of at least a portion of the port portion and the drive unit to prevent uncontrolled angular movement during device operation. The device may also include means such as one or more sensors to prevent device operation when the tilt angle is not locked by the locking mechanism. In the case of automatic adjustment, the tilt angle adjustment can also be controlled and / or visualized using an input device connected to the central control unit.

[0044] For ease of use, after the container has been secured inside the port, the paint mixing container can be manually or automatically set to this angle. Once mixing is complete, the container can be reset to a vertical position in the same manner. For example, the angle can be manually set via a lever or component for setting the predetermined angle. For example, automatic setting can be achieved by setting a drive or motor based on external input parameters.

[0045] Translational motion can also be driven by the same driver or actuator as described above, or by a second driver or actuator. The driver or actuator responsible for translational motion may, for example, include a drive wheel that can engage the guide element as described above. The device may include additional guide elements, such as tracks or components, to which the port portion and / or drive unit may be movably or slidably coupled to improve the stability of the port portion and the contained paint mixing container during movement. Such additional guide elements may have the sole purpose of providing stability, in which case a stabilizing member may movably engage the additional guide element, or may be movably engaged by one or more drivers. The device may also include one or more additional stabilizing members whose sole purpose is to increase the overall structural stability of the device. Therefore, such additional stabilizing members (multiple stabilizing members) may not be connected to any part of the drive mechanism.

[0046] When using a second driver or actuator, the second driver or actuator may include a drive pulley connected to a drive belt. The drive belt may engage the port portion such that, as the drive belt moves via the drive pulley connected to the second driver or actuator, a linear translational movement of the port portion is performed. The drive belt may be further connected to a second wheel, which may be unpowered or powered. In the latter case, the second driver or actuator may include two drivers or actuators, each configured to apply the same force to the drive belt.

[0047] The drive unit may be controlled by a central control unit, which may be present. The paint mixing device may further include one or more input devices, which may include an input panel and / or external input devices. The central control unit may receive input data and encoded signals from the one or more input devices and transmit them to the drive unit, for example, via internal wiring. The paint mixing device may be configured to allow a user to select from a predetermined mixing program and / or manually define and optionally save mixing conditions via the one or more input devices. The selected mixing program and / or conditions are transmitted from the input devices to the central control unit, which controls the drive unit (multiple drive units) to perform rotational and translational movements of the paint mixing container according to the selected program and / or conditions. For example, the predetermined mixing program may include a mixing program for primer, undercoat, and / or clear coat paint formulations. The paint mixing device may include a storage device operatively connected to the central control unit and the input devices, which stores the predetermined mixing program and optional user-defined mixing programs. The one or more input devices may be, for example, an input panel located on the outside of the paint mixing device and / or external input devices, such as a computer, smartphone, or tablet device. The paint mixing device may include an input panel positioned on the outside of the paint mixing device and further configured to receive input data from an external input device. This can be via a wired or wireless connection (such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth). ® The paint mixing device receives input data from an external input device. Input data can be transmitted to the paint mixing device using a software application installed on the external input device. The application can be configured to allow the user to select and / or manually define and optionally save mixing conditions from, for example, a predetermined mixing program stored in the paint mixing device's storage. Therefore, the paint mixing device may include Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. ®An antenna and / or at least one data input interface, such as a recessed USB connector or a recessed RJ-45 connector. The input panel, located on the outside of the device, can be any design and technology known in the art, such as a touchscreen display. The input panel, located on the outside of the device (such as the touchscreen display), may additionally include a display device for displaying information to the user. In this way, the input panel can allow the user to input and receive information about, for example, the power status of the paint mixing device, the connection status with external input devices, and / or the selection of predetermined and optional user-defined mixing programs. The input panel may, for example, include or display pictograms related to, for example, the mixing program, connection status, and / or power status of the paint mixing device. This can make operating the device easier and more user-friendly. The input panel is typically located at the front of the paint mixing device so that the user can easily access and see it. For example, the front of the input panel of a touchscreen display may be made of and / or coated with a chemically resistant material, such as glass. This ensures that the input panel can be easily cleaned and resists the corrosive components of paint. The input panel can also be configured to display different QR codes, which, when scanned, can, for example, direct the user to online information, such as an online user manual. For instance, different QR codes can be displayed on the input panel based on the status of the paint mixing equipment, allowing the user to find specific information about the equipment's status when scanning the QR code, such as explanations and solutions for malfunctions of the equipment.

[0048] As previously described, the device is configured to allow the port portion to move in a translational motion along at least a portion of the at least one guide element. The guide element or drive member is preferably linear and may, for example, include at least one guide rail.

[0049] The aforementioned port portion may further include a retainer into which the paint mixing container described above can be inserted. The paint mixing device may include the paint mixing container described above, and the port portion may include a retainer into which the paint mixing container can be inserted. To simplify the operation of the device while maintaining maximum flexibility, the port portion is preferably configured to accommodate paint mixing containers of different sizes, i.e., paint mixing containers of the possible sizes described above. In conjunction with or independently of this configuration of the port portion, the port portion may be configured to prevent the accommodation of paint mixing containers according to this disclosure. This may be beneficial in ensuring that paint mixing containers incompatible with the device according to this disclosure are not used, thereby avoiding unsatisfactory mixing results for consumers. For example, this can be achieved by providing at least one retaining element for the retainer of the port portion. The retaining element may include an elastic member configured to engage a matching structural element on the outer surface of the paint mixing container, the matching structural element preferably matching at least one hollow space on the outer side of the aforementioned paint cup. Thus, the elastic member may be an elongated recess that matches at least one hollow space on the outer side of the aforementioned paint cup. This has the beneficial effect of improving force transmission from the port to the cup, enabling efficient and safe acceleration and deceleration of the paint mixing container during the mixing process. The port containing the retainer may have a height of at least 10 cm, such as at least 15 cm, at least 18 cm, or at least 20 cm, wherein the height is measured from the opening of the retainer to the bottom portion of the port, at which the port is connected to the drive shaft.

[0050] The retainer may include a base portion and a sidewall portion enclosing an internal retainer volume, with the elongated retaining element protruding into the internal retainer volume. The retainer may further include an opening at its top end through which a paint cup, preferably as described above, can be inserted into the internal volume of the retainer. The sidewall portion of the retainer may further include at least one hole to allow a user to visually inspect the secure assembly of the cup within the internal volume of the retainer and the mixing result. The hole (or multiple holes) can be of any shape, such as circular or rectangular. The retainer may include more than one hole, such as two or three holes, which may be arranged symmetrically around the sidewall portion of the retainer.

[0051] The device may optionally include a connecting member to which at least a portion of the drive unit and the port portion can be mounted. The central control unit may also be mounted to the connecting member. The connecting member may be further movably connected to at least one guide rail. If the drive unit includes a driver or actuator, the drive unit may be mounted to the connecting member; in this case, the drive unit may include at least one drive wheel engaging at least one guide rail. Alternatively, if the drive unit includes a first driver or actuator responsible for powering rotational motion and a second driver or actuator responsible for powering translational motion, only the first driver or actuator may be mounted to the connecting member. In this variant of the present disclosure, the connecting member may, for example, engage a drive belt that is moved by the second driver or actuator by means of a drive wheel. The connecting member having the central control unit, the port portion, and the first driver or actuator can then accelerate and decelerate along at least a portion of the length of a path defined, for example, by a guide rail. Figure 7B The examples illustrate exemplary variants of this disclosure related to paint mixing equipment including connecting components.

[0052] The at least one driver or actuator may be configured to reverse the direction and / or speed of rotational and / or translational motion at predetermined time intervals. Such time intervals may be part of at least one blending program that can be selected by a user via the one or more input devices. For example, in the case where the drive unit includes first and second drivers, the first driver may be configured to reverse the direction of rotation and / or adjust the speed of rotation according to a predetermined rotational program; and / or the second driver may be configured to reverse the direction of movement of the port portion along at least a portion of the length of the guide element and / or adjust the speed of the movement according to a predetermined translational program. This may also include a change in the length of the translational motion.

[0053] The paint mixing apparatus according to this disclosure may further include a housing. The housing preferably encloses the port portion, the drive unit, the guide element, and a space sufficient to accommodate the paint mixing container when it is properly inserted into the retainer of the port portion. The housing prevents paint that ultimately leaks from the moving and rotating paint mixing container from spilling outside the housing. The housing may include elements (such as a top plate) covering the input panel positioned on the outside of the apparatus to allow the user to see and access the input panel and to at least partially protect the input panel from spills of, for example, paint and paint components. The housing may include a transparent viewing section to allow the user to visually inspect the mixing progress. The housing is preferably configured to include a closable opening or a removable portion to provide sufficient access to the port portion to secure the paint mixing container to the port portion. For safe operation, in addition to the aforementioned safety features of the port portion, the housing may be configured such that the apparatus is only operable when the housing is fully closed, thereby preventing contact with the paint mixing container during rotation and / or movement. Therefore, the paint mixing device may include at least one sensor for detecting the closure or proper installation of a reversibly openable or removable portion of the housing. The mixing device may be configured to stop the rotation and movement of the port or the paint mixing container housed therein when the at least one sensor detects that a reversibly openable or removable portion of the housing has been opened or removed. In this way, user safety can be increased when operating the paint mixing device. The closable opening or removable portion may include the transparent viewing portion of the housing. The paint mixing device may include a closing mechanism that ensures the closable opening or removable portion closes gently to avoid damage to the device and / or strong impacts. The housing may include components, may be made entirely of antistatic materials, or may be coated with antistatic materials to prevent electrostatic discharge that could cause ignition sparks. Furthermore, the housing, the components, or their coatings may be chemically resistant, for example, resistant to organic solvents and / or corrosive solvents, so that material degradation does not occur upon contact with paint or its components. For example, the housing may include components or may be made entirely of glass or plastic materials. Suitable plastic materials include, for example, polycarbonate / polybutylene terephthalate alloys. Such alloys are typically, or can be, made antistatic, chemically resistant, UV-stable, and flame-retardant. Alternatively or additionally, the housing may be entirely coated with a hard coating, or components of the housing may be coated with a hard coating.For example, the transparent viewing portion of the housing can be made of polycarbonate with a hard coating that provides, for example, antistatic properties and high resistance to damage (mar) and abrasion. Such hard-coated polycarbonate sheets can be obtained, for example, from ESLON®-DC as ESD polycarbonate. The paint mixing device can independently have a width of 25 cm to 70 cm, preferably 30 cm to 50 cm; a depth of 15 cm to 50 cm, preferably 20 cm to 40 cm; and / or a height of 20 cm to 50 cm, preferably 25 cm to 40 cm. These values ​​can optionally be associated with the device including the housing.

[0054] The paint mixing device may include a status indicator indicating the state of the paint mixing device. For example, the status indicator may be configured to indicate the progress of the paint mixing process and / or whether the paint mixing device is in an operating state, a ready state, and / or an error mode. The status indicator may also be configured to indicate whether the closable opening or removable portion properly closes the housing. The status indicator may be integrated, for example, into the input panel of a touchscreen display or the housing, or the status indicator may be arranged within a space enclosed by the housing, as long as the user can see the status indicator, for example, through a transparent viewing portion. The status indicator may be light-driven. For example, the status indicator may include linearly arranged, individually controllable LEDs. The status indicator may be controlled, for example, by the control unit, to indicate different states of the paint mixing device, for example, by illuminating them with different colors, spatial light distributions, and / or temporal sequences. The status indicator can be configured to indicate the progress of the paint mixing process by displaying a progress bar, in which, for example, in a linear arrangement of controllable LEDs, the LEDs begin to light up from left to right and the progress bar becomes longer and longer according to the progress of the mixing process until the mixing process is complete. The status indicator can also be configured to indicate error states in the paint mixing process, for example, by illuminating the indicator with different colors or color combinations. For example, red could be associated with an error state of the paint mixing equipment, while green could be associated with the state when the paint mixing equipment has completed the mixing process. In this way, the user can conveniently obtain information about the status of the paint mixing equipment.

[0055] The paint mixing equipment may also include an emergency stop button, which is typically located at the front of the equipment for easy access by the user. For example, in the event of a equipment malfunction, pressing the emergency stop button instantly interrupts the operation and power supply to the paint mixing equipment.

[0056] As previously mentioned, a process for mixing paint using the paint mixing container of this disclosure is also within the scope of this disclosure. For this purpose, the paint mixing container of this disclosure as described above is provided, and one or more paint components to be mixed are introduced into the paint cup in a desired amount. For example, in the case of pre-formulated paint, a single component may be used, and the pre-formulated paint should be homogenized before use. However, typically, the process involves adding two or more paint components to the paint cup in a predetermined amount or proportion to prepare a target paint according to a selected formulation. After all the desired components have been quantitatively added, the opening of the paint cup is preferably closed using a matching cap as previously described. The paint components contained in the paint cup are then mixed by subjecting the paint mixing container to (i) a rotational motion and (ii) a translational motion in at least one spatial direction. The at least one spatial direction may be substantially perpendicular to the central axis of the rotational motion. The term "substantially perpendicular" herein means that any deviation (if any) of the long axis of the port portion from the direction of the translational motion from an ideally perpendicular (90°) arrangement is less than 5 degrees, for example, less than 2.5 degrees. During the mixing step of the process, the paint mixing container housed in the port portion can also be held at a fixed angle. The maximum angle relative to the vertical major axis of the port portion can be 5° to 20°, for example, 7.5° to 15°. Therefore, the paint mixing container housed in the port portion can be held at a fixed angle relative to the vertical major axis of the port portion, said fixed angle being 0° to 20°, for example, 0° to 15°, or 0° to 7.5°, or 0° to 5°, where 0° may mean that the major axis of the port portion is vertically oriented relative to a flat ground.

[0057] Specifically, such mixing can be performed automatically using an external paint mixing device as described above, to which the paint mixing container is attached. The resulting mixed paint can then be used according to its intended application, for example, by feeding it to an application device for performing a painting operation. Feeding can be performed directly from the container according to this application, as the container can be connected to the application device as described above. Alternatively, the paint can be transferred from the container to any other vessel, reservoir, or container used for the application device for the painting operation.

[0058] The rotational motion may preferably include rotating the paint mixing container about its central longitudinal axis. The aforementioned step of mixing the paint components may further include subjecting the paint mixing container to simultaneous rotational and translational motions. In a preferred embodiment, the translational motion may include linear translational motion. More preferably, the linear translational motion may include moving the paint mixing container back and forth along a linear path. The length of the linear path may be in the range of 5 cm to 20 cm, for example, 10 cm to 15 cm. During the mixing step, the direction of rotation is preferably reversed at least once. Reversing the direction of rotation can induce additional disordered turbulence within the paint components to be mixed, thereby further supporting efficient mixing of the paint components. The length of the linear translational motion may vary during the paint mixing process. Therefore, the linear translational motion may include moving the paint mixing container back and forth along a portion of the aforementioned length of the linear path or along the entire length of the linear path. The back-and-forth linear translational motion may be continuous or discontinuous. This means that during the mixing process, the linear translational motion may be prohibited at predetermined time points and at predetermined time intervals.

[0059] The maximum rotational speed can be from 500 rpm to 2000 rpm, for example, 800 rpm to 1600 rpm. Simultaneously, or alternatively, the maximum speed of translational motion can be from 50,000 mm / min to 100,000 mm / min, for example, 60,000 mm / min to 80,000 mm / min. The acceleration of the rotational motion can be 40 revolutions per second. 2 Up to 150 rpm 2 For example, 55 revolutions per second 2 Up to 100 revolutions per second 2 The acceleration of translational motion can be 20,000 mm / s². 2 Up to 300,000 mm / s 2 For example, 50,000 mm / s 2 Up to 150,000 mm / s 2 Typically, properly mixed paint can be obtained within a relatively short mixing time of 30 seconds to 5 minutes, such as 45 seconds to 4 minutes, or 1 minute to 3 minutes. Rotational and translational movements can occur in at least partially overlapping periods, or the rotational and translational movements can be independent of each other.

[0060] The described method and the optional additional steps can be performed using the paint mixing apparatus as described above. Furthermore, the paint mixing container can be the paint mixing container as described above. The paint mixing apparatus and paint mixing process according to this disclosure can be further distinguished from conventional laboratory shakers known in the art by the type of motion used. While laboratory shakers typically use orbital motion, the apparatus and process according to this disclosure use a combination of the disclosed rotational and translational motions. Conversely, orbital motion is considered by those skilled in the art to be a motion pattern following an elliptical path without rotation. Attached Figure Description

[0061] The present disclosure will be further illustrated below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0062] Figure 1 A schematic bottom view of a paint mixing cup with an elongated recess; the elongated recess forms a corresponding hollow space on the outside of the cup;

[0063] Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of a paint mixing cup with a narrow, elongated recess.

[0064] Figure 3 A schematic bottom view of a paint mixing cup with three elongated recesses; the three elongated recesses form three corresponding hollow spaces on the outside of the cup;

[0065] Figure 4 A schematic side-view bottom view of a paint mixing cup with three elongated recesses; the three elongated recesses form corresponding hollow spaces on the outer side of the cup, and spacers are located in each hollow space;

[0066] Figure 5A A schematic cross-sectional view of a lid for a paint mixing container, the paint mixing container including external threads for securing the lid to the cup by screwing;

[0067] Figure 5B A schematic cross-sectional view of a lid for a paint mixing container, the lid including a filter, a valve for pressure equalization, and a snap-fit ​​connector for connecting the lid to the cup;

[0068] Figure 6 A schematic cross-sectional view of a paint mixing container, the paint mixing container including a support cup with an elongated recess and a flexible liner;

[0069] Figure 7A A schematic side view of a paint mixing apparatus according to this disclosure shows that the paint mixing apparatus includes a port portion;

[0070] Figure 7B A schematic top view of a paint mixing apparatus according to this disclosure shows that the paint mixing apparatus includes a port section;

[0071] Figure 8 A schematic diagram illustrating the operating principle of a paint mixing device; and

[0072] Figure 9 An exemplary input panel representing a paint mixing device.

[0073] These accompanying drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are therefore not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure in any way. Detailed Implementation

[0074] Figure 1 and 2 The paint mixing container 1 shown includes a paint cup 2 with a truncated conical shape, the truncated conical shape being symmetrical with respect to the central axis of rotation R shown. The paint cup 2 has a circular base portion 3 and sidewall portions 4, the sidewall portions extending from the base portion 3 to define a container volume 5 inside the cup 2. The container volume 5 can have a volume, for example, in the range of 0.1 L to 2.0 L, such as 0.2 L to 1.5 L, or 0.3 L to 1.0 L. The cup 2 is open at its top (i.e., opposite the base portion), having a corresponding opening 6 through which the paint components to be mixed are introduced into the container volume 5. The opening is surrounded by an edge 11 formed by the end of the sidewall portion away from the base portion. The cup includes an elongated recess 7 forming a corresponding hollow space 8 on the outside of the cup. The elongated recess 7 extends linearly from the base portion 3 toward the opening 6 for approximately 90% of the height of the cup and has a semi-sine shape. The side wall portion 4 and the base portion 3 are joined by a rounded edge 10 with a radius of 5 mm to 15 mm. Figure 2 A further example illustrates that the paint cup can be placed on a rounded edge 10, which is formed in the area where the base portion 3 and the sidewall portion 4 meet. The base portion 3, extending from the rounded edge 10, protrudes into the container volume but has a flat shape near the cup's longitudinal axis R.

[0075] Figure 3 and Figure 4 The exemplary paint mixing container 1a shown is with Figure 1 and Figure 2 The difference between the container 1 shown is that the cup 2a includes three elongated recesses 7b, 7c. These recesses have... Figure 1 and Figure 2 The recesses shown have similar shapes and heights, and are arranged symmetrically around the sidewall portion 4, forming corresponding hollow spaces 8a, 8b, and 8c on the outer side of the cup. Figure 4 The image further shows spacers 9a and 9c located in the corresponding hollow spaces on the outside of the cup.

[0076] Containers 1 and 1a may include a lid 20 for sealing the opening 6 of paint cups 2 and 2a. The lid 20 is... Figure 5A and Figure 5B As shown in the figure. For this purpose, the cover 20 has an annular portion 21 at its lower end, the annular portion having a snap-fit ​​connector 22a or a thread 22b on its inner surface, the thread 22b matching and engaging with an external thread (not shown) on the upper end of the sidewall 4 of the cups 2, 2a. Furthermore, a sealing lip 23 is formed at the annular portion 21, which engages with the inner surface of the sidewall 4 of the cups 2, 2a when the cover 20 is mounted on the cups 2, 2a to seal them. Additionally, the cover 20 includes a conical wall portion 24 that tapers from the annular portion 21 to a tubular outlet 25. The tubular outlet 25 may be provided with a thread 26, for example, as shown on its outer surface, to allow direct or indirect connection to a paint application device (not shown) via a suitable adapter. For example, a filter 28 in the form of a circular plastic sieve can be fixed inside the cover 20, for example, by mounting to or pressing it into an annular groove or a matching receiving portion 29 in the conical wall portion 24. Figure 5A and Figure 5B In the illustrated embodiment, the cap 20 is also symmetrical about the central axis of rotation R. The cap may further include a positioned tubular opening 30 in which a valve 31 can be fitted to provide ventilation when cups 2, 2a are emptied while the cap is closed. The opening 30 may include external threads 32 for detachable connection to other appliances or threaded caps to protect the valve during transport and storage with the cap.

[0077] Paint mixing containers 1, 1a and their components, such as... Figures 1-4 The cups 2 and 2a shown, the lid 20 shown in FIG. 5, and the connecting device 29 can be made, for example, by injection molding from a plastic material, preferably a recycled plastic material, such as any of the previously mentioned materials. The exemplary paint mixing container illustrated can be, in particular, disposable.

[0078] Figure 6This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram illustrating another exemplary embodiment of the paint mixing container 1 according to the present disclosure, wherein paint cups 2, 2a include an outer support cup 40 and an inner liner 50. Both the support cup 40 and the liner 50 have a frustoconical shape, symmetrical about the central axis of rotation R shown, and both have a flat, circular base portion 3 and a sidewall portion 4 extending from the circular base portion to define an internal volume 5. The end opposite the base portion is open. The liner 50 has a slightly smaller dimension than the support cup 40 so that it can be inserted into the support cup 40 to form a nested configuration. The liner 50 has a circumferential flange 51 at its open end 6, which, in the nested configuration, rests on the upper edge 41 of the support cup 40. The cap 20 has a shape and size that allows it to fit onto the liner 50 to close its opening 6. For example, the bottom end of the cap 20 may have an annular portion 21 having a generally L-shaped cross-section, which rests on the flange 51 when the cap is mounted on the liner 50. A leak-proof connection of the assemblies of the cap 20, liner 50, and support cup 40 can be achieved by means of a sleeve-nut-like connector 33 having an annular shape with a generally L-shaped cross-section and an internal thread 34 that matches an external thread 42 located on the outer side of the edge 41 of the support cup 40. By tightening the connector 33 via the threaded connection on the support cup 40, a compressive force is applied, pressing the annular portion 21 of the cap 20, the flange 51 of the liner 50, and the edge 41 of the support cup together to form a leak-proof connection. According to... Figure 6 In one embodiment, the internal volume of the liner 50 forms a container volume 5 in which the paint components to be mixed are received. The container volume 5 may have a volume in the range of, for example, 0.1 L to 2.0 L, such as 0.2 L to 1.5 L or 0.3 L to 1.0 L.

[0079] Figure 7A A schematic side view of a variant of the paint mixing apparatus 100 according to this disclosure is shown. Figure 7B A schematic top view of a variant of the paint mixing apparatus 100 according to this disclosure is shown. For clarity, optional housings surrounding the central control unit and drive unit, as well as optional housings surrounding the entire apparatus, are omitted from these figures. The apparatus 100 includes a base plate 116, a central control unit 101, a drive unit 103, and a port section 104. Figure 7A and Figure 7BIn a variant of the device 100 illustrated, the drive unit 103 includes a driver or actuator 103a for driving the rotational motion of the port portion 104 and a driver or actuator 103b for driving the linear translational motion of the port portion. The port portion 104 is rotatably connected to the driver or actuator 103a by means of a rotation shaft 105. The port portion 104 includes a retainer 117 having a sidewall portion 112 enclosing an internal space 113 of the retainer 117, and at least one retaining element in the form of an elongated recess 106 protruding into the internal space 113 of the retainer 117. The at least one elongated recess 106 has a semi-sine shape. Regarding the number of retaining elements, Figure 7A Examples illustrating variations of this disclosure include a retaining element 117 comprising a holding element in the form of an elongated recess 106, while Figure 7B Examples illustrating variations of this disclosure include a retainer 117 comprising three retaining elements arranged symmetrically in the form of elongated recesses 106a, 106b, and 106c. The shapes of the recesses (multiple recesses) 106, 106a, 106b, and 106c correspond to the corresponding hollow spaces (multiple hollow spaces) 8, 8a, 8b, and 8c on the outer sides of the paint cups 2 and 2a. This allows the paint mixing containers 1 and 1a of this disclosure to be inserted into the retainer 117 through an opening 107 on the upper side of the retainer 117, the opening 107 being positioned away from the driver or actuator 103a. The elongated recesses (multiple elongated recesses) 106, 106a, 106b, and 106c at the port portion are adapted to fit snugly into the corresponding hollow spaces (multiple hollow spaces) 8, 8a, 8b, and 8c of the paint cups 2 and 2a. Figure 7A and 7B (Not shown in the image) so that when the port portion 104 is rotated by the driver or actuator 103a, the rotational force can be efficiently transmitted from the port portion 104 to the containers 1, 1a. The port portion 104, including the retainer 117, the drive shaft 105, and the driver or actuator 103a are in... Figure 7A The portion is shown as being at a 0° angle to the vertical major axis X of the port portion 104 relative to the flat ground. According to... Figure 7A The retainer 117 of the variant illustrated further includes an opening 111 on its sidewall portion 112. As shown... Figure 7BAs shown, the retainer 117 according to this variant includes three openings 111a, 111b, and 111c, which are positioned symmetrically around the sidewall portion 112. A driver or actuator 103b for driving linear translational motion of the port portion is further shown. The driver or actuator 103b includes a drive wheel 108 connected to a drive belt 109. The drive belt 109 is further connected to a non-powered wheel 113 and the port portion 104 to enable the port portion to translate along a linear path L. The linear motion is further supported by a guide rail 110, to which the port portion is slidably connected. Above the guide rail, a support member 114 (only...) Figure 7A (As shown in the image) is positioned to provide additional stability to the device's construction. According to... Figure 7B The device 100 in the variant shown further includes a connecting member 115. The connecting member 115 is adapted to support the central control unit 101, the driver or actuator 103a, and the port portion 104. The connecting member 115 further provides a connection between the drive belt 109 and the port portion 104.

[0080] Figure 8 A schematic diagram illustrating the operating principle of a paint mixing apparatus 100 according to this disclosure is shown. A central control unit 101 receives input from an input device 102. The input device may be, for example, an input panel located on the outside of the paint mixing apparatus or an external input device, such as a computer, smartphone, or tablet computer. Input can be received via a wired or wireless connection (e.g., Wi-Fi or Bluetooth). ® It receives input data from external input devices. The central control unit then encodes signals for the drive unit 103. Figure 8 In the variant illustrated, the drive unit includes a driver or actuator 103a for driving the rotational motion of the port portion 104 and a driver or actuator 103b for driving the linear translational motion of the port portion. The linear translational motion can be driven, for example, using at least one drive wheel that movably engages a guide element, which can be a guide rail.

[0081] Figure 9An exemplary input panel of the paint mixing apparatus 100 of this disclosure, in the form of a touchscreen display, is shown. The touchscreen display is positioned on the outside of the apparatus and includes display means for displaying information to a user. Thus, the input panel allows the user to input and receive information. The touchscreen display displays pictograms indicating the power status of the paint mixing apparatus, the connection status of the paint mixing apparatus, and the selection of a mixing program. The input panel is also configured to display QR codes that, when scanned, direct the user to online information, such as an online user manual. For example, specific QR codes may be displayed on the input panel according to the status of the paint mixing apparatus, so that the user can find specific information, such as explanations and solutions for malfunctions of the apparatus, when scanning the QR code. Furthermore, a status indicator in the form of a progress bar is integrated into the touchscreen display, indicating the progress of the mixing process.

[0082] Although exemplary specific variations may have been described in the foregoing disclosure for illustrative purposes, it should be understood that this disclosure should be interpreted within the full scope of the appended claims, including any variations of the appended claims under the doctrine of equivalents.

[0083] This disclosure further relates to the following aspects.

[0084] 1. A container for mixing paint, comprising:

[0085] A cup comprising a base portion and a sidewall portion enclosing a container volume, and having an opening opposite the base portion, the opening being surrounded by an edge formed by an end of the sidewall portion remote from the base portion, characterized in that the sidewall portion includes at least one elongated recess extending through the base portion and extending from the base portion toward the edge, wherein the at least one elongated recess has a curved cross-section and protrudes from an adjacent portion of the sidewall portion into the container volume.

[0086] 2. The container according to aspect 1, wherein the cup includes at least two, preferably at least three, elongated recesses, wherein the elongated recesses are preferably arranged symmetrically about the central longitudinal axis of the cup.

[0087] 3. The container according to any of the foregoing aspects, wherein the at least one elongated recess extends from the base portion to at least half the height of the cup, for example, up to 100% of the height of the cup.

[0088] 4. A container according to any of the foregoing aspects, wherein the cup has a basic shape that is cylindrical, tubular, or truncated conical or truncated tubular, wherein the basic shape that is tubular or truncated tubular may have a polygonal cross-section having four or more sides.

[0089] 5. The container according to any of the foregoing aspects, wherein the edge is circular or a polygon with four or more sides, preferably circular.

[0090] 6. A container according to any of the foregoing aspects, wherein the at least one elongated recess protrudes into the container volume to a depth of at least 5 mm, for example, in the range of 5 mm to 10 mm, and / or has a width of 5 mm to 10 mm.

[0091] 7. The container according to any of the foregoing aspects, wherein the at least one elongated recess has a half-sine cross-sectional shape.

[0092] 8. A container according to any of the foregoing aspects, wherein the at least one elongated recess extends linearly from the base portion toward the edge.

[0093] 9. A container according to any of the foregoing aspects, wherein the at least one elongated recess defines a corresponding hollow space on the outer surface of the cup.

[0094] 10. A container according to any of the foregoing aspects, wherein the cup includes a plurality of, preferably at least two, spacers disposed on the outer surface of the cup.

[0095] 11. The container according to aspect 10, wherein the plurality of spacers are located in a corresponding hollow space formed by one or more elongated recesses on the outer surface of the cup, preferably the plurality of spacers are located at or near the end of the recess away from the base portion.

[0096] 12. The container according to aspect 10 or 11, wherein the at least one spacer is a protrusion extending from the outer surface of the cup, such as a fin.

[0097] 13. The container according to any of the foregoing aspects, wherein the base portion and the sidewall portion are joined by rounded edges.

[0098] 14. The container according to aspect 13, wherein the rounded edge has a curvature in the range of 5 mm to 15 mm.

[0099] 15. The container according to any of the foregoing aspects, wherein the container volume is in the range of 0.1 L to 2.0 L, for example, 0.2 L to 1.5 L or in the range of 0.3 L to 1.0 L.

[0100] 16. The container according to any of the foregoing aspects further includes a flexible liner that is insertable into the cup to conform to the inner surface of the cup and has a supporting lip to engage with the edge of the cup.

[0101] 17. A container according to any one of aspects 1 to 15, wherein the rim of the cup includes a supporting lip.

[0102] 18. A container according to any one of aspects 16 or 17, wherein the cup is a rigid support container and the liner is insertable into the rigid support container with the support lip of the liner detachably connected to the rigid support container.

[0103] 19. The container according to any of the foregoing aspects further includes a lid detachably attached to the rim of the cup to close the opening of the container.

[0104] 20. The container according to aspect 19, wherein the cover includes an outlet for paint, the outlet being configured to allow connection to a paint applicator device.

[0105] 21. The container according to any one of aspects 19 or 20, wherein the filter is installed inside the cover.

[0106] 22. The container according to any of the foregoing aspects, wherein at least one component of the container includes means for pressure equalization.

[0107] 23. A container according to any of the foregoing aspects, wherein the container or at least one component thereof is disposable and / or made of a plastic material, preferably a thermoplastic material, more preferably polypropylene.

[0108] 24. The container according to aspect 23, wherein the container or at least one component thereof is made of a plastic material comprising 25% to 100%, preferably 40% to 100% recycled plastic material.

[0109] 25. A container according to any of the foregoing aspects, wherein the base portion of the paint cup includes a center point away from the sidewall portion, and the paint cup further includes at least one second recess protruding into the container volume, wherein the at least one second recess is located at the center point of the base portion, wherein optionally, the base portion further protrudes into the container volume.

[0110] 26. A mold configured for forming a cup, the cup including a base portion and a sidewall portion enclosing a container volume, and having an opening opposite the base portion, the opening being surrounded by an edge formed by an end of the sidewall portion remote from the base portion, wherein the sidewall portion includes at least one elongated recess extending through the base portion and extending from the base portion toward the edge, the at least one elongated recess having a curved cross-section and protruding from an adjacent portion of the sidewall portion into the container volume.

[0111] 27. A method for manufacturing a container for mixing paint according to any one of aspects 1 to 25, comprising preferably injection molding at least one component of the container, particularly the cup, using a mold as defined in aspect 26.

[0112] 28. A paint mixing device, comprising:

[0113] At least one port portion, said at least one port portion being configured to accommodate a paint mixing container,

[0114] At least one guiding element, wherein the at least one port portion is movably connected to the at least one guiding element to allow translational movement of the contained paint mixing container.

[0115] At least one drive unit is operatively connected to the port portion.

[0116] The drive unit is configured to (i) rotate the port portion or the paint mixing container contained therein and (ii) move the port portion in a translational manner along at least a portion of the at least one guide element.

[0117] 29. The paint mixing apparatus according to aspect 28, wherein the port portion includes a retainer into which a paint mixing container according to any one of aspects 1 to 25 can be inserted, wherein the retainer is preferably configured to accommodate paint mixing containers of different sizes and / or not to accommodate paint mixing containers other than those paint mixing containers according to any one of aspects 1 to 25.

[0118] 30. The paint mixing apparatus according to aspect 28 or 29, wherein the port portion includes at least one retaining element for securing the paint mixing container in the port portion.

[0119] 31. The paint mixing apparatus according to aspect 30, wherein the at least one retaining element comprises an elastic member configured to engage a matching structural element on the outer surface of the paint mixing container, wherein the matching structural element preferably comprises a hollow space on the outer surface of the cup of the paint mixing container, the hollow space corresponding to an elongated recess on a sidewall portion of the cup.

[0120] 32. The paint mixing apparatus according to any one of aspects 28 to 31, wherein the guiding element is a linear guiding element, and / or the apparatus is configured to allow the paint mixing container housed in the port portion to rotate about the central longitudinal axis of the paint mixing container.

[0121] 33. The paint mixing apparatus according to any one of aspects 28 to 32, wherein the travel length of the port portion movably connected to the at least one guide element is 5 cm to 20 cm, for example, 10 cm to 15 cm.

[0122] 34. A paint mixing apparatus according to any one of aspects 28 to 33, wherein the drive unit includes a first driver and a second driver, the first driver being coupled to the port portion and configured to rotate the port portion or a paint mixing container disposed therein, and the second driver being configured to move the port portion along at least a portion of the length of the guide element.

[0123] 35. The paint mixing apparatus according to aspect 34, wherein the first drive is configured to reverse the direction of rotation and / or adjust the rotation speed according to a predetermined rotation program, and / or wherein the second drive is configured to reverse the direction of movement of the port portion along at least a portion of the length of the guide element and / or adjust the speed of the movement and / or adjust the length of the movement according to a predetermined translation program.

[0124] 36. The paint mixing apparatus according to any one of aspects 28 to 35, further comprising a housing that accommodates the at least one port portion, at least one guide element, and at least one drive unit.

[0125] 37. The paint mixing apparatus according to aspect 36, wherein the housing includes a transparent viewing portion.

[0126] 38. The paint mixing apparatus according to aspect 36 or 37, wherein the housing includes a reversibly openable or removable portion for access to the port portion.

[0127] 39. The paint mixing apparatus according to any one of aspects 28 to 38, further comprising at least one sensor for detecting the paint mixing container installed in the port portion and / or for detecting the closure or proper installation of the reversibly openable or removable portion of the housing.

[0128] 40. The paint mixing apparatus according to any one of aspects 28 to 39, wherein the paint mixing apparatus includes means for securing the apparatus to a tabletop and / or a wall.

[0129] 41. The paint mixing apparatus according to any one of aspects 28 to 40, comprising:

[0130] Width of 25 cm to 70 cm, preferably 30 cm to 50 cm;

[0131] A depth of 15 cm to 50 cm, preferably 20 cm to 40 cm; and

[0132] The height is 20 cm to 50 cm, preferably 25 cm to 40 cm.

[0133] 42. The paint mixing apparatus according to any one of aspects 28 to 41, further comprising a control unit for controlling the operation of the drive unit.

[0134] 43. The paint mixing equipment according to any one of aspects 28 to 42, further comprising a user control device and / or an interface for communicating with external electronic devices, such as an interface for wired communication and / or an interface for wireless communication.

[0135] 44. A process for mixing paints, comprising:

[0136] One or more paint components to be mixed are provided in a desired amount to a paint mixing container, preferably to a paint mixing container as defined in any one of aspects 1 to 25.

[0137] Optionally, the paint mixing container can be sealed with a lid, and

[0138] Preferably, the paint mixing apparatus according to any one of aspects 28 to 43 and 52 to 72 is used to subject the paint mixing container to (i) rotational motion and (ii) translational motion in at least one spatial direction for mixing the paint components.

[0139] 45. The process according to aspect 44, wherein the rotational motion and translational motion occur in at least partially overlapping time periods.

[0140] 46. ​​The process according to aspect 44 or 45, wherein, during the mixing of the paint components, the paint mixing container is subjected to the rotational motion and translational motion simultaneously.

[0141] 47. The process according to any one of aspects 44 to 46, wherein the rotational motion includes rotating the paint mixing container about its central longitudinal axis.

[0142] 48. The process according to any one of aspects 44 to 47, wherein the translational motion includes linear translational motion, wherein the linear translational motion preferably includes repeatedly moving the paint mixing container back and forth along a linear path, and / or wherein the length of the linear path preferably has a length in the range of 5 cm to 20 cm, for example 10 cm to 15 cm.

[0143] 49. The process according to any one of aspects 44 to 48, wherein the rotation direction is reversed at least once during the mixing step.

[0144] 50. The process according to any one of aspects 44 to 49, wherein the maximum speed of the rotary motion is from 500 rpm to 2000 rpm, and / or the maximum speed of the translational motion is from 50.000 mm / min to 100.000 mm / min, and / or the rotational acceleration is 40 rpm. 2 Up to 150 rpm 2 and / or translational acceleration of 40 revolutions per second 2 Up to 150 rpm 2 .

[0145] 51. The process according to any one of aspects 44 to 50, wherein the mixing is carried out for a duration of 30 seconds to 5 minutes.

[0146] 52. The paint mixing apparatus according to aspect 38, wherein the reversibly openable or removable portion includes a transparent observation portion.

[0147] 53. The paint mixing apparatus according to aspect 38 or 52 further includes at least one sensor for detecting the closure or proper installation of the reversibly openable or removable portion of the housing.

[0148] 54. The paint mixing apparatus according to aspect 53, wherein the mixing apparatus is configured to stop the rotation and movement of the port portion or the paint mixing container contained therein when at least one sensor detects that the reversibly openable or removable portion of the housing is opened or removed.

[0149] 55. The paint mixing apparatus according to any one of aspects 36 to 38 and 52 to 54, wherein the housing or its components are made of or coated with a material that is antistatic and / or chemically resistant to organic solvents and corrosive solvents.

[0150] 56. The paint mixing apparatus according to any one of aspects 36 to 38 and 52 to 55, wherein the housing is made entirely of glass or plastic material or comprises elements made of glass or plastic material, such as polycarbonate or a polycarbonate / polybutylene terephthalate alloy.

[0151] 57. The paint mixing apparatus according to any one of aspects 36 to 38 and 52 to 56, wherein the housing is completely coated with a hard coating or includes elements coated with a hard coating.

[0152] 58. A paint mixing apparatus according to any one of aspects 36 to 38 and 52 to 57, wherein the paint mixing apparatus includes a closing mechanism that ensures that the closable opening or removable portion closes gently to prevent damage to the apparatus.

[0153] 59. The paint mixing apparatus according to any one of aspects 28 to 43 and 52 to 58, further comprising a status indicator indicating the status of the paint mixing apparatus.

[0154] 60. The paint mixing apparatus according to aspect 58, wherein the status indicator is configured to indicate the progress of the paint mixing process and / or indicate whether the paint mixing apparatus is in an operating state, a work-ready state, and / or an error mode.

[0155] 61. The paint mixing apparatus according to aspect 59 or 60, wherein the status indicator comprises linearly arranged, individually controllable LEDs.

[0156] 62. The paint mixing apparatus according to aspect 42, further comprising one or more input devices, wherein the control unit receives input data from the one or more input devices.

[0157] 63. The paint mixing apparatus according to aspect 62, wherein the one or more input devices include an input panel and / or an external input device.

[0158] 64. The paint mixing apparatus according to aspect 63, wherein the input panel is located outside the paint mixing apparatus.

[0159] 65. The paint mixing apparatus according to aspect 62 or 63, wherein the input panel is a touch screen display.

[0160] 66. The paint mixing apparatus according to any one of aspects 62 to 64, wherein, for example, the input panel of a touch screen display includes a display device for displaying information to a user.

[0161] 67. The paint mixing apparatus according to aspect 66, wherein the input panel is configured to allow a user to input and receive information regarding the power status of the paint mixing apparatus, the connection status with external input devices, and / or the selection of predetermined and optional user-defined mixing programs.

[0162] 68. The paint mixing apparatus according to aspect 66 or 67, wherein the input panel is configured to display different QR codes, which, when scanned, direct the user to online information, such as an online user manual.

[0163] 69. A paint mixing device according to any one of aspects 66 to 68, wherein the input panel is configured to display different QR codes depending on the status of the paint mixing device, so that when a user scans the QR code, he / she is directed to specific information about the device status, such as an explanation and solution for an error state of the device.

[0164] 70. A paint mixing apparatus according to any one of aspects 62 to 68, wherein the paint mixing apparatus is configured to allow a user to select and / or manually define, and optionally save, mixing conditions from a predetermined mixing program via one or more input devices.

[0165] 71. The paint mixing apparatus according to any one of aspects 59 to 61 and 63 to 70, wherein the status indicator is integrated into the input panel.

[0166] 72. The paint mixing apparatus according to any one of aspects 28 to 43 and 52 to 71, further comprising an emergency stop button disposed at the front of the paint mixing apparatus.

[0167] 73. A paint mixing apparatus according to any one of aspects 28 to 43 and 52 to 72, wherein the paint mixing apparatus includes a paint mixing container according to any one of aspects 1 to 25, and wherein the port portion includes a retainer into which the paint mixing container can be inserted.

Claims

1. A container for mixing paint, the container comprising: A cup comprising a base portion and a sidewall portion enclosing a container volume, and the cup having an opening opposite the base portion, the opening being surrounded by an edge formed by an end of the sidewall portion remote from the base portion, characterized in that the sidewall portion includes at least one elongated recess extending through the base portion and extending from the base portion toward the edge, wherein the at least one elongated recess has a curved cross-section and protrudes from an adjacent portion of the sidewall portion into the container volume.

2. The container according to claim 1, wherein, The cup includes at least two, preferably at least three, elongated recesses, wherein the elongated recesses are preferably arranged symmetrically about the central longitudinal axis of the cup, and / or The at least one elongated recess extends from the base portion to at least half the height of the cup, for example, up to 100% of the height of the cup; and / or The cup has a basic shape that is cylindrical, tubular, or truncated conical or truncated tubular, preferably wherein the basic shape that is tubular or truncated tubular has a polygonal cross-section having four or more sides.

3. The container according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The edges are circular or polygons with four or more sides, preferably circular; and / or The at least one elongated recess protrudes into the container volume to a depth of at least 5 mm, for example, in the range of 5 mm to 10 mm, and / or the at least one elongated recess has a width of 5 mm to 10 mm, and / or The at least one elongated recess has a semi-sine cross-sectional shape, wherein the at least one elongated recess extends linearly from the base portion toward the edge, and / or The at least one elongated recess extends linearly from the base portion toward the edge; and / or The at least one elongated recess defines a corresponding hollow space on the outer surface of the cup.

4. The container according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, - The cup includes a plurality of, preferably at least two, spacers disposed on the outer surface of the cup. Preferably, the plurality of spacers are located in corresponding hollow spaces formed by one or more elongated recesses on the outer surface of the cup, preferably at or near the ends of the elongated recesses away from the base portion. More preferably, at least one spacer is a protrusion extending from the outer surface of the cup, such as a fin, and / or - The base portion and the sidewall portion are joined by rounded edges, preferably wherein the rounded edges have a curvature in the range of 5 mm to 15 mm; and / or - The container volume is in the range of 0.1 L to 2.0 L, for example, 0.2 L to 1.5 L or in the range of 0.3 L to 1.0 L.

5. The container according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The container includes a flexible liner that can be inserted into the cup to conform to the inner surface of the cup and has a supporting lip to engage with the edge of the cup; and / or wherein the edge of the cup includes a supporting lip, preferably wherein the cup is a rigid support container, and the liner can be inserted into the rigid support container with its supporting lip detachably connected to the rigid support container.

6. The container according to any one of the preceding claims, the container further comprising a lid detachably attached to the rim of the cup to close the opening of the container, preferably wherein the lid includes an outlet for paint, the outlet being configured to allow connection to a paint applicator device, and / or wherein a filter is installed inside the lid.

7. The container according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, - At least one component of the container includes a device for pressure equalization; and / or - The container or at least one component of the container is disposable and / or made of a plastic material, preferably a thermoplastic material, more preferably polypropylene, and more preferably wherein the container or at least one component of the container is made of a plastic material comprising 25% to 100%, more preferably 40% to 100% recycled plastic material; and / or - The base portion of the paint cup includes a center point away from the sidewall portion, and the paint cup further includes at least one second recess protruding into the container volume, wherein the at least one second recess is located at the center point of the base portion, wherein optionally the base portion further protrudes into the container volume.

8. A mold configured for forming a cup, the cup including a base portion and a sidewall portion enclosing a container volume, and the cup having an opening opposite the base portion, the opening being surrounded by an edge formed by an end of the sidewall portion remote from the base portion, wherein the sidewall portion includes at least one elongated recess extending through the base portion and extending from the base portion toward the edge, the at least one elongated recess having a curved cross-section and protruding from an adjacent portion of the sidewall portion into the container volume.

9. A method for manufacturing a container for mixing paint according to any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising preferably injection molding at least one component of the container, particularly the cup, using a mold as defined in claim 8.

10. A paint mixing apparatus, the paint mixing apparatus comprising: At least one port portion, said at least one port portion being configured to accommodate a paint mixing container, At least one guiding element, wherein the at least one port portion is movably connected to the at least one guiding element to allow translational movement of the contained paint mixing container. At least one drive unit is operatively connected to the port portion. The drive unit is configured to (i) rotate the port portion or the paint mixing container housed in the port portion and (ii) move the port portion in a translational manner along at least a portion of the at least one guide element.

11. The paint mixing equipment according to claim 10, wherein, - The port portion includes a retainer into which the paint mixing container according to any one of claims 1 to 7 can be inserted, wherein the retainer is preferably configured to accommodate paint mixing containers of different sizes and / or not to accommodate paint mixing containers other than those according to any one of claims 1 to 7; and / or - The port portion includes at least one retaining element for securing the paint mixing container in the port portion, preferably wherein the at least one retaining element includes an elastic member configured to engage a matching structural element on the outer surface of the paint mixing container, wherein the matching structural element preferably includes a hollow space on the outer surface of the cup of the paint mixing container, the hollow space corresponding to an elongated recess on the sidewall portion of the cup.

12. The paint mixing apparatus according to any one of claims 10 to 11, wherein, - The guiding element is a linear guiding element; and / or -The paint mixing device is configured such that a paint mixing container housed in the port portion rotates about the central longitudinal axis of the paint mixing container; and / or - The travel length of the port portion movably connected to the at least one guide element is 5 cm to 20 cm, preferably 10 cm to 15 cm; and / or - The drive unit includes a first driver and a second driver, the first driver being coupled to the port portion and configured to rotate the port portion or a paint mixing container contained therein, the second driver being configured to move the port portion along at least a portion of the length of the guide element, preferably wherein the first driver is configured to reverse the rotation direction and / or adjust the rotation speed according to a predetermined rotation program, and / or wherein the second driver is configured to reverse the direction of movement of the port portion along at least a portion of the length of the guide element and / or adjust the speed of the movement and / or adjust the length of the movement according to a predetermined translation program.

13. The paint mixing apparatus according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein, The paint mixing equipment: - Includes a housing that accommodates the at least one port portion, the at least one guiding element, and the at least one drive unit, preferably wherein the housing includes a transparent viewing portion and / or a reversibly openable or removable portion for access to the port portion; and / or - Includes at least one sensor for detecting the paint mixing container installed in the port portion and / or for detecting the closure or proper installation of the reversibly openable or detachable portion of the housing; and / or -Including means for securing the paint mixing equipment to a tabletop and / or wall; and / or Having a width of 25 cm to 70 cm, preferably 30 cm to 50 cm; and / or Having a depth of 15 cm to 50 cm, preferably 20 cm to 40 cm; and / or Having a height of 20 cm to 50 cm, preferably 25 cm to 40 cm; and / or Includes a control unit for controlling the operation of the drive unit; and / or - Includes user control devices and / or interfaces for communicating with external electronic devices, such as interfaces for wired communication and / or interfaces for wireless communication.

14. A method for mixing paint, comprising: One or more paint components to be mixed are provided in a desired amount to a paint mixing container, preferably to a paint mixing container as defined in any one of claims 1 to 7. Optionally, the paint mixing container can be sealed with a lid, and Preferably, the paint mixing apparatus according to any one of claims 10 to 13 is used, wherein the paint mixing container is subjected to (i) rotational motion and (ii) translational motion in at least one spatial direction for mixing the paint components.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein, - The rotational motion and the translational motion occur at least partially in time; and / or - During the mixing of the paint components, the paint mixing container is subjected to both the rotational motion and the translational motion simultaneously; and / or - The rotational motion includes rotating the paint mixing container about its central longitudinal axis; and / or - The translational motion includes linear translational motion, wherein the linear translational motion preferably includes repeatedly moving the paint mixing container back and forth along a linear path; and / or - The length of the linear path is preferably in the range of 5 cm to 20 cm, for example, 10 cm to 15 cm; and / or - During the mixing step, the direction of rotation is reversed at least once; and / or The maximum speed of the rotational motion is 500 rpm to 2000 rpm, the maximum speed of the translational motion is 50.000 mm / min to 100.000 mm / min, and the rotational acceleration is 40 rpm. 2 Up to 150 rpm 2 and / or translational acceleration of 40 revolutions per second 2 Up to 150 rpm 2 ; and / or - The mixture can last from 30 seconds to 5 minutes.

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