Fluid products dispensing machine and corresponding operating method

Abstract

Fluid coloring products dispensing machine (100) comprising one or more canisters (10; 10') able to contain a fluid product (P), wherein each canister (10; 10') comprises both a containing chamber (C) for containing the fluid product (P) closed at the top by a removable lid (20; 20'), and also recirculation means (11) configured to recirculate the fluid product (P). The machine (100) comprises emitting members (25) of ultraviolet radiation directed toward the containing chamber (C) so as to reach the fluid product (P), wherein the ultraviolet radiation emitting members (25) comprise one or more LEDs (26) configured to emit UV- A type ultraviolet radiation.

Description

[0001] “FLUID PRODUCTS DISPENSING MACHINE AND CORRESPONDING OPERATING METHOD”

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention concerns a fluid products dispensing machine comprising at least one canister containing fluid products, such as coloring liquids, paint bases, varnishes, enamels, inks and suchlike.

[0003] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0004] Within the context of dispensing fluid coloring products, dispensing machines capable of accurately dispensing a desired quantity of coloring product are known.

[0005] The coloring product is stored inside canisters closed at the top by a removable lid disposed on the canister’s upper aperture, through which it is possible to pour the fluid product into the canister. In correspondence with the bottom of each canister there is disposed a suction hole, operatively connected to a pump and to one or more valves that determine the controlled delivery of a desired quantity of fluid product through a dispensing nozzle. These canisters comprise inside them a fluid product stirring device, comprising a central shaft driven in rotation around its own axis, from which a plurality of suitably shaped blades project, configured to mix the fluid product. Known canisters can have a cylindrical shape, or an elliptical shape or even a figure 8 shape when viewed in plan from above, defined by the interpenetration of two cylinders. In the event that the canisters are elliptical or figure 8 shaped, two stirring devices are generally provided to recirculate as much product as possible.

[0006] There are different types of coloring products suitable to be contained in such canisters. The most common type is that of dyes for water-based paints, because of their reduced environmental impact, whose composition constitutes a breeding ground for microbiological activity, from which the growth of molds, bacteria or other microorganisms can arise.

[0007] This problem is accentuated by the long residence times of these products inside the canisters, in which the products can remain even for several weeks or months, depending on their consumption. If we consider that the products are dispensed in the form of small dispensations, typically of a few milliliters or centiliters, and that the canisters have considerable containing capacity, even up to several liters, it is clear that the residence times of the products in the canisters are very long.

[0008] To try to prevent this microbiological activity it is known to add preservatives to these fluid products, which have the function of chemically inhibiting the growth of molds and bacteria.

[0009] However, this solution is not welcome because the addition of preservatives makes these products more polluting for the environment and more dangerous for humans. The management and disposal of the products also becomes more complex and expensive. In addition, the preservatives are consumed over time as they gradually fulfil their bactericidal function.

[0010] In an attempt to find solutions capable of inhibiting microbiological activity without making the fluid products more polluting, alternative solutions have been developed which provide to equip the canisters with means for inhibiting the microbiological activity.

[0011] One of these solutions, described in patent documents EP 3.395.454 and EP 3.854.473, provides to equip the canisters with an ultraviolet radiation source. In particular, this source provides to emit UV-C type ultraviolet radiation, with a wavelength comprised between 185 and 254 nm in the case of EP 3.395.454, or comprised between 100 and 280 nm in the case of EP 3.854.473.

[0012] A disadvantage of these solutions is that prolonged exposure of operators to such UV-C-type ultraviolet radiation can be harmful to their health, since it can be harmful to the epidermis and sight in particular.

[0013] There is therefore the need to perfect a fluid coloring products dispensing machine, and to develop a corresponding operating method, that can overcome at least one of the disadvantages of the state of the art.

[0014] One purpose of the present invention is to provide a dispensing machine capable of preventing the formation and growth of microorganisms, such as mold or bacteria, in the fluid products contained inside the canisters.

[0015] Another purpose of the present invention is to provide a fluid products dispensing machine that does not provide the emission of ultraviolet UV-C radiation, having a wavelength that may be dangerous for operators’ health.

[0016] Another purpose of the present invention is to provide a fluid products dispensing machine capable of counteracting the formation and growth of microorganisms, such as bacteria and mold, both inside the fluid product and also on the canisters’ internal walls.

[0017] Another purpose of the present invention is to provide a dispensing machine equipped with canisters capable of guaranteeing a complete and effective mixing of the product contained inside them in order to cyclically take the entire volume of fluid product toward the most superficial layers.

[0018] The Applicant has devised, tested and embodied the present invention to overcome the shortcomings of the state of the art and to obtain these and other purposes and advantages.

[0019] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is set forth and characterized in the independent claims. The dependent claims describe other characteristics of the present invention or variants to the main inventive idea.

[0020] In accordance with the above purposes and to resolve the technical problem described above in a new and original way, also achieving considerable advantages compared to the state of the prior art, a fluid coloring products dispensing machine is provided comprising one or more canisters able to contain a fluid product, wherein each of such canisters comprises both a containing chamber for containing the fluid product, and also a removable lid that closes the containing chamber at the top. Each canister also comprises recirculation means configured to mix the fluid product, and emitting members of ultraviolet radiation directed toward the containing chamber so as to reach the fluid product.

[0021] According to one aspect of the invention, the ultraviolet radiation emitting members comprise one or more LEDs configured to emit UV-A type ultraviolet radiation having a wavelength comprised between 320 and 450 nm. Radiation with these wavelengths is significantly less harmful to human health than UV-C radiation, known to be used in the state of the art.

[0022] Moreover, this radiation can reach the fluid product more effectively, even if disposed at greater distances from the emitting members than the solutions known in the state of the art, since it has been verified that the power of radiation with these wavelengths tends to decrease as the distance increases with a significantly lower gradient than UV-C radiation. In other words, while irradiation with UV-C radiation allows to reach only the surface layers of the fluid product, with irradiation using UV-A type ultraviolet radiation the radiation penetrates more deeply into the fluid product and does not stop at the surface layer.

[0023] According to one aspect of the invention, the one or more LEDs are configured to emit UV-A type ultraviolet radiation having a wavelength equal to approximately 415 nm.

[0024] According to another aspect of the invention, the recirculation means comprise a plurality of blades which project into the containing chamber from a support shaft rotating around its own longitudinal axis.

[0025] The presence of the recirculation means advantageously allows to take, on each occasion, different portions of the fluid product to be exposed to the ultraviolet radiation emitted by the emitting members.

[0026] According to one aspect of the invention, the machine comprises fixed supports on which the emitting members are placed, wherein the fixed supports are placed in proximity to the lid so that the ultraviolet radiation can reach the containing chamber.

[0027] According to one aspect of the invention, the lid comprises at least one portion made of transparent material and configured to ensure that the ultraviolet radiation reaches the fluid product in the containing chamber.

[0028] According to one embodiment, this portion can be configured as one or more windows made on a top wall of the lid. According to a variant, this portion can coincide with the entire lid, in the event the latter is printed with a transparent plastic material.

[0029] Advantageously, the radiation with these wavelengths is able to pass through a transparent material without significant power losses, regardless of the nature and type of the material.

[0030] One advantage of this embodiment, in which the emitting members are external to the canister, is that these emitting members are not exposed to the coloring product’s splashes and / or vapors, which could compromise their correct functionality over time.

[0031] Another advantage of this embodiment is that it is possible to provide a desired number of emitting members that is suited to the overall configuration of the machine, without any constraint of correspondence between the number of emitting members and canisters, the former being able to be fewer in number than the latter. Another advantage of this embodiment is that the canisters’ lids do not need to be electrically powered. This is advantageous because it makes the machine simpler and more efficient; furthermore, in the event the machine is of the rotary table type, sliding contacts caused by the rotation of the rotary table on which the canisters are mounted are avoided. According to one aspect of the invention, the emitting members are attached to the lid.

[0032] According to one aspect of the invention, the canister comprises a support element for the emitting members which is attached to the lid, in particular it is disposed on an internal face of the lid that faces the containing chamber. According to one aspect of the invention, the support element comprises one or more seatings, each configured to receive a plate on which a plurality of the LEDs is disposed.

[0033] According to one aspect of the invention, the seatings are inclined with respect to a horizontal reference plane by an angle comprised between 0° and 30°, in particular equal to approximately 15°.

[0034] According to one aspect of the invention, the containing chamber is delimited laterally by lateral walls, and at the lower part by a bottom wall.

[0035] According to one aspect of the invention, the inclination of the plates follows that of the seatings, so that the LEDs are oriented in such a way as to emit the ultraviolet radiation toward an upper portion of the lateral walls which is not covered by the fluid product.

[0036] Thanks to this inclined disposition of the seatings, and consequently of the plates carrying the emitting members, the ultraviolet radiation is able to reach not only the fluid product disposed in the containing chamber, but also to reach any product residues that remain adhered to the lateral walls of the canister more effectively.

[0037] According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of operation of a fluid coloring products dispensing machine, comprising the steps of:

[0038] - pouring the fluid product inside a containing chamber defined in a canister able to contain the fluid product and closed at the top by a removable lid, after having temporarily removed the lid,

[0039] - periodically re-mixing the fluid product by means of recirculation means comprised in the canister to ensure that the entire volume of fluid product is taken cyclically toward the surface layers closest to the lid,

[0040] - emitting ultraviolet radiation directed toward the containing chamber by means of ultraviolet radiation emitting members, wherein this step provides to emit UV- A type radiation having a wavelength comprised between 320 and 450 nm, in particular equal to approximately 415 nm.

[0041] DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0042] These and other aspects, characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of some embodiments, given as a non-restrictive example with reference to the attached drawings wherein:

[0043] - fig. 1 is a partial and schematic three-dimensional view of a fluid products dispensing machine in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0044] - fig. 2 is a bottom front view of a removable lid associated with the canisters comprised in the machine of fig. 1 ;

[0045] - fig. 3 is a three-dimensional view of a canister for fluid products which is able to be installed in a fluid products dispensing machine in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0046] - fig. 4 is a bottom front view of a removable lid comprised in the canister of fig. 3;

[0047] - fig. 5 is a section view of the lid of fig. 4 taken according to the cut plane V-V.

[0048] We must clarify that the phraseology and terminology used in the present description, as well as the figures in the attached drawings also in relation as to how described, have the sole function of better illustrating and explaining the present invention, their purpose being to provide a non-limiting example of the invention itself, since the scope of protection is defined by the claims.

[0049] To facilitate comprehension, the same reference numbers have been used, where possible, to identify identical common elements in the drawings. It is understood that elements and characteristics of one embodiment can be conveniently combined or incorporated into other embodiments without further clarifications.

[0050] DESCRIPTION OF SOME EMBODIMENTS

[0051] We will now refer in detail to the possible embodiments of the invention, of which one or more examples are shown in the attached drawings, by way of a nonlimiting illustration. The phraseology and terminology used here is also for the purposes of providing non-limiting examples.

[0052] With reference to the attached drawings, a substantially cylindrical shaped canister 10 is described, which comprises a containing chamber C able to contain fluid coloring products P.

[0053] The canister 10 according to the present invention is configured to be installed in a fluid coloring products dispensing machine (fig. 1).

[0054] The fluid coloring products dispensing machine in which the canister 10 according to the present invention is installed can be a so-called “rotary table” type machine, comprising a plurality of canisters, each containing a different fluid coloring product, disposed on a rotary table, the rotation of which takes, on each occasion, the canister containing the fluid product to be dispensed in correspondence with a dispensing station.

[0055] An example of this type of dispensing machine is described in patent application WO2012 / 104723 of the same Applicant. ft is understood that in other embodiments, all included in the scope of protection of the present invention, the dispensing machine can also be without a rotary table, according to other configurations well known in the state of the art.

[0056] Hereafter we describe the characteristics of the canister 10 that are common to all the embodiments of the present invention.

[0057] The canister 10 comprises means for recirculating the fluid product, indicated as a whole with reference number 11 and schematized with a dashed line in figs. 1 and 3.

[0058] The fluid product recirculation means 11 in the example given here are configured as a stirring device comprising a plurality of stirring blades 12 of the fluid which are attached to a support shaft 13 rotatable by means of corresponding drive means 14, schematically shown in figs. 1 and 3. The drive means 14, for example an electric motor or other, are typically disposed below the container 10.

[0059] The support shaft 13 develops around a substantially vertical axis Y, around which the support shaft 13 can rotate, as indicated by the arrow R in fig. 3. Preferably, the axis Y coincides with the central axis of symmetry of the canister 10.

[0060] Each blade 12 can be rectangular, triangular or trapezoidal in shape, or have other irregular shapes. In the example given here, the plurality of blades 12 is disposed on the support shaft 13 according to a regular disposition, whereby the blades 12 are homogeneously distributed on the support shaft 13 in a longitudinal direction, parallel to the axis Y.

[0061] This allows for an effective mixing of the fluid product.

[0062] Preferably, the blades 12 are equally distanced in this longitudinal direction.

[0063] In other alternative embodiments, not shown, the fluid product recirculation means 11 can be configured differently, for example comprising a pumping system that withdraws the product from the low part of the canister 10 and pours it into the canister itself at a higher point of the containing chamber C.

[0064] The canister 10 comprises a lateral wall 15 and a bottom wall 16, which cooperate to delimit the containing chamber C.

[0065] The lateral wall 15 comprises an upper edge 17 defining an upper mouth of the canister 10, through which the fluid product P can be poured into the containing chamber C in order to fill the canister 10, when necessary.

[0066] The canister 10 comprises a removable lid 20 which is configured to close the containing chamber C at the top. In particular, the lid 20 engages with the lateral wall 15 to temporarily close the canister’s upper mouth. When the fluid product P inside the canister has been delivered, or when it is about to end, it is provided that the operator removes the lid 20 to pour an additional volume of fluid product into the containing chamber C.

[0067] The lid 20 comprises a top wall 21, provided with a central dome 22, and an annular wall 23, which projects from the top wall 21 on the opposite side with respect to the central dome 22.

[0068] When the lid 20 is disposed on the canister 10, the top wall 21 rests against the upper edge 17, while the annular wall 23 overlaps with an upper portion of the lateral wall 15 adjacent to the upper edge 17.

[0069] In the first embodiment, shown in figs. 1 and 2, the dispensing machine 100 in the example described here is a rotary table type machine comprising twelve canisters 10, homogeneously distributed along the circular peripheral edge of the rotary table.

[0070] The machine 100 comprises one or more fixed supports 101 configured to support ultraviolet radiation emitting members 25. In the examples given here, the emitting members 25 comprise a plurality of LEDs 26 configured to emit UV-A type ultraviolet radiation with a wavelength comprised between 320 and 450 nm.

[0071] In a preferred embodiment, the plurality of LEDs 26 is configured to emit UV- A type ultraviolet radiation with a wavelength of approximately 415 nm.

[0072] The LEDs 26 are electrically powered according to modalities known in the state of the art.

[0073] The fixed supports 101, schematically indicated in fig. 1, are disposed in such a way that the LEDs 26 are placed in proximity to the lid 20.

[0074] In the example described here, two fixed supports 101 are provided, but it is evident that in other variants, not shown, a different number of fixed supports can be provided. For example, a number of fixed supports 101 equal to the number of canisters 10, or a single fixed support 101 shaped so as to be placed in proximity to a plurality of lids 20, or even their entirety, can be provided.

[0075] The canister 10 comprises the characteristics common to all the embodiments of the present invention described heretofore, and is characterized by the lid 20.

[0076] The lid 20 comprises one or more windows 30 made of transparent material, such as glass or plastic material.

[0077] In the example shown, the lid 20 comprises four windows 30, but it is evident that in other variants a different number of windows can be provided, higher or lower than four. The position and size of the windows 30 are also entirely exemplary and can differ from what is shown. For example, the windows 30 can be wider and cover most of the surface of the lid 20.

[0078] The windows 30 are made on the top wall 21, for example equally distanced angularly with respect to the axis Y, by an angle of about 90°.

[0079] Thanks to the presence of the windows 30, the lids 20 allow the ultraviolet radiation emitted by the LEDs 26 to pass inside the containing chamber C so that the radiation can effectively reach the fluid product P disposed therein.

[0080] In one variant, the lid 20 can be entirely made of a transparent plastic material, such as PP or PPMA for example. In this case, the top wall 21, the central dome 22 and the annular wall 23 can all be made of such transparent plastic material. According to another variant, it is provided that only the top wall 21 is made of a transparent plastic material. In accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention, the dispensing machine 100 is without the fixed supports 101 described above. In this embodiment, the machine comprises a canister 10’, shown in figs. 1-3.

[0081] The canister 10’ comprises a lid 20’, to which the ultraviolet radiation emitting members 25 are attached.

[0082] Also in this embodiment, the emitting members 25 comprise a plurality of LEDs 26 configured to emit UV-A type ultraviolet radiation with a wavelength comprised between 320 and 450 nm.

[0083] In a preferred embodiment, the plurality of LEDs 26 is configured to emit UV- A type ultraviolet radiation with a wavelength of approximately 415 nm.

[0084] The lid 20’ comprises a support element 27 attached to the top wall 21.

[0085] The support element 27 comprises one or more seatings 28, each configured to receive a respective plate 29 on which the LEDs 26 are disposed.

[0086] In the example shown, four seatings 28 are provided for as many plates 29, according to a configuration whereby seatings and plates are disposed at an angular pitch of 90°.

[0087] In other variants, not shown, a different number of seatings, and therefore of plates, can of course be provided. For example, two seatings 28 disposed at 180° to each other, or three seatings 28 disposed at 120° to each other, or even five seatings 28 or more can be provided.

[0088] The seatings 28 are disposed so as to define an angle of inclination a with respect to a horizontal plane that is comprised between 0° and 30°, preferably equal to about 15°.

[0089] The plates 29 are configured as a flat element of a substantially rectangular shape having a thickness that is approximately equal to the thickness of the seatings 28 designated to accommodate them.

[0090] Thanks to the inclined disposition of the seatings 28, and therefore of the plates 29, the LEDs 26 are oriented in such a way that the ultraviolet radiation emitted reaches not only the underlying fluid product, but also the lateral walls 15, on which residues of this product can be deposited.

[0091] It is clear that modifications and / or additions of parts or steps may be made to the machine and method as described heretofore, without thereby departing from the field and scope of the present invention, as defined by the claims. It is also clear that, although the present invention has been described with reference to some specific examples, a person of skill in the art will be able to achieve other equivalent forms of machine or method, having the characteristics as set forth in the claims and hence all coming within the field of protection defined thereby.

[0092] In the following claims, the sole purpose of the references in brackets is to facilitate their reading and they must not be considered as restrictive factors with regard to the field of protection defined by the claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Fluid coloring products dispensing machine (100) comprising one or more canisters (10; 10’) able to contain a fluid product (P), wherein said one or more canisters (10; 10’) each comprise both a containing chamber (C) for containing said fluid product (P) closed at the top by a removable lid (20; 20’), and also recirculation means (11) configured to recirculate said fluid product (P), wherein said dispensing machine (100) comprises emitting members (25) of ultraviolet radiation directed toward said containing chamber (C) so as to reach at least said fluid product (P) and is characterized in that said emitting members (25) comprise one or more LEDs (26) configured to emit UV-A type ultraviolet radiation having a wavelength comprised between 320 and 450 nm.

2. Machine (100) as in claim 1, characterized in that said one or more LEDs (26) are configured to emit UV-A type ultraviolet radiation having a wavelength equal to approximately 415 nm.

3. Machine ( 100) as in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said recirculation means (11) comprise a plurality of blades (12) which project into said containing chamber (C) from a support shaft (13) rotating around its own longitudinal axis (Y).

4. Machine (100) as in any claim hereinbefore, characterized in that it comprises fixed supports (101) on which said emitting members (25) are placed, said fixed supports (101) being placed in proximity to said lid (20) so that ultraviolet radiation can reach said containing chamber (C).

5. Machine (100) as in any claim hereinbefore, characterized in that said lid (20) comprises at least one portion (30) made of transparent material and configured to ensure that the ultraviolet radiation reaches the fluid product (P) in said containing chamber (C).

6. Machine as in any claim 1-3, characterized in that said emitting members (25) are attached to said lid (20’).

7. Machine as in claim 6, characterized in that it comprises a support element (27) for said emitting members (25) which is attached to said lid (20), in particular disposed on a top wall (21) of said lid (20) and facing said containing chamber (C).

8. Machine (10) as in claim 7, characterized in that said support element (27) comprises one or more seatings (28), each configured to receive a plate (29) on which a plurality of said LEDs (26) is disposed.

9. Machine (10) as in claim 8, characterized in that said seatings (28) are inclined with respect to a horizontal reference plane by an angle (a) comprised between 0° and 30°, in particular equal to approximately 15°, and in that the inclination of said plates (29) is the same as that of said seatings (28), so that said LEDs (26) are oriented in such a way as to emit the ultraviolet radiation toward an upper portion of lateral walls (15) of said containing chamber (C) which is not covered by said fluid product (P).

10. Method of operation of a fluid coloring products dispensing machine (100) as in any claim hereinbefore, comprising the steps of:- pouring the fluid product (P) inside a containing chamber (C) defined in a canister (10; 10’) able to contain the fluid product (P) and closed at the top by a removable lid (20; 20’),- periodically re-mixing said fluid product (P) by means of recirculation means (11) comprised in said canister (10; 10’) to ensure that the entire volume of fluid product (P) is taken cyclically toward the surface layers closest to said lid (20; 20’),- emitting ultraviolet radiation directed toward said containing chamber (C) by means of ultraviolet radiation emitting members (25), said method being characterized in that said step of emitting ultraviolet radiation provides to emit UV-A type radiation having a wavelength comprised between 320 and 450 nm, in particular equal to approximately 415 nm.

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