Colorimeter provided with omptimized jugs and high precision mixing system

Abstract

Device for colorimetry comprising a support structure 10 provided with a plurality of housings 16 for jugs 1, a plurality of jugs, a dispenser 5, a plurality of peristaltic pumps 4 and electronic control means 7, characterized in that the jugs are shaped as a substantially prismatic hollow body, with hexagonal base, with two sides opposite to each other with dimensions greater than the other four, and in that said jugs comprise at least a rib 2 on the surfaces with greater extension configured to increase their moment of inertia, and in that each of said jugs is connected to the respective peristaltic pump by means of a flexible tube 17 comprising two distinct sections removably connected to each other by means of rapid connection means. The device, object of the present invention, is apt to guarantee the continuity of product flow, to improve the mixing precision, to eliminate the manual calibrations increasing the operational efficiency, to reduce product residues, allowing to use the whole content of the jug.

Description

[0001] COLORIMETER PROVIDED WITH OMPTIMIZED JUGS AND HIGH PRECISION MIXING SYSTEM

[0002] Description

[0003] The present invention relates to the technical field comprising devices for automatized preparation of coloring mixtures, with particular application in cosmetic industry and hair salons . In particular, it relates to a colorimeter designed to overcome the drawbacks linked to the continuous and precise dispensing of coloring products, with particular attention to vacuum functioning.

[0004] The colorimeter for hair is an automatized device designed to mix and prepare customized coloring formulas rapidly, precisely and without errors . It is a machine mainly used in hair salons, where the creation of colors for hair requires an accurate combination of different chemical ingredients, as pigments, bases and oxidants .

[0005] This technology allows hairdressers to reduce preparation times, to improve service quality and to guarantee formulas coherence session after session, thanks to digital storage of customized mixtures .

[0006] The colorimeter for hair is needed to automatize mixing by eliminating the need to manually prepare mixtures, thus reducing human errors; it allows tocustomize formulas allowing the hairdresser to create custom-made colors for each customer, considering the type of hair, the quantity of white hair and the desired result; it improves precision by guaranteeing that each formula has the exact proportions required, reducing the variations of the final color; it allows to save the customized formulas to be re-used, thus improving service quality; finally, it reduces waste thanks to the precision of dispensing, that uses only the needed quantity of product, avoiding useless consumption. To the best of the knowledge of the current inventor, the devices for automatized mixing coloring products use standard jugs, often made of flexible plastic material or aluminum containers . Some are described in Patents n° W003090914 and n° EP2003003633 . These devices often use pressure or vacuum systems to push the product through a dispensing circuit . Such configurations have significant technical disadvantages, as the deformation of the jug during use, especially when the product level is near half or at low levels, thus causing bends or compressions that block the product flow. The jug is indeed usually subj ected to bends or compressions of the side walls, due to product reduction or vacuum conditions, phenomenonthat can obstruct the continuous flow of the product compromising the dispensing uniformity. Moreover, interruptions of flow occur due to air inlet or to bubble formation in the circuit, that compromise mixing precision. The conventional devices require frequent manual recalibrations at each jug replacement, causing operational interruptions and product waste . Finally, they do not allow to use the whole content of the jug, leaving unusable residues that generate more waste . Moreover, in some known configurations, the connection between jug and dispensing circuit occurs by perforation ( for example by means of needles) of elastomeric closing elements ( for example rubber or silicone caps) . In presence of determined chemical ingredients ( for example solvents and / or cosmetic mixtures with specified bases) , such elastomeric elements can reduce their sealing capacity with time around the needle, with the consequent risk of micro-losses or dripping inside the machine and the need of maintenance or resets . Moreover, the introduction of the jug requires a correct alignment of the needle and a discrete strength for the introduction of the same, thus being difficult and, for some operators nothaving particular strength in the hands, practically impossible .

[0007] Aim of the present invention is to develop a device able to solve the common drawbacks of conventional colorimeters, as flow blocks, product waste and calibration difficulties, in addition to improve the reliability of the hydraulic connection between jug and peristaltic pump, thus reducing the risk of losses with time and facilitating the replacement operations .

[0008] This aim is reached by means of a device comprising the features described in the main claim. The dependent claims describe advantageous embodiments of the invention.

[0009] Vacuum functioning is a fundamental feature to guarantee the quality and efficiency of the colorimeter, since it prevents product oxidation by protecting the chemical ingredients as pigments and oxidants from air exposition, which otherwise could alter its composition, reduce the efficiency, modify the final color and reduce the storage time, increasing waste, keeping materials fresh and stable with time . Moreover, the vacuum system guarantees a continuous flow of product, emptying the jugs uniformly with no air inlet in the circuit, thus ensuring a constant and precisedispensing without interruptions and preventing the formation of air bubbles which could negatively influence the mixture and damage the peristaltic pumps . The vacuum allows to maximize the efficiency using the whole content of the jug, reducing product waste, improving economic efficiency and contributing to environmental sustainability. Finally, it facilitates jugs replacement, since their replacement occurs without product losses and without the need of manual calibrations, thanks to the configuration of the circuit which remains full and ready to be used also during replacement operations, as it is better described in the following, both by means of perforation configurations and by means of rapid connections which use the connecting elements according to the present invention.

[0010] According to an aim, the obj ect of the present invention is intended to guarantee the continuity of product flow by means of a jug geometry designed to prevent obstructions caused by deformation.

[0011] According to another aim, the obj ect of the present invention is intended to improve the mixing precision, thanks to high precision peristaltic pumps connected to an advanced digital control system.According to another aim, the obj ect of the present invention is intended to eliminate the manual calibrations, thus increasing operational efficiency.

[0012] Yet, according to another aim, the obj ect of the present invention is intended to reduce product residues, allowing to use the whole content of the jug.

[0013] According to another aim, the obj ect of the present invention is intended to improve the reliability and sealing of the hydraulic connection between jug and peristaltic pump with time, reducing the risk of losses caused by elastomeric elements deterioration, and to facilitate jug coupling / uncoupling during replacement operations . Therefore, obj ect of the present invention is a colorimeter comprising a jug with optimized geometry, a dispensing system with peristaltic pumps and a management software of the customized formulas, as well as a hydraulic connection system between jug and machine configurable in many modes, comprising a rapid, preferably self-sealing connection, in a preferred embodiment .

[0014] The obj ect of the present invention realizes the prefixed aims since it is a device for colorimetry comprising a support structure ( 10) provided with aplurality of housings ( 16 ) for j ugs , a plurality of j ugs ( 1 ) , a dispenser ( 5 ) , a plurality of peristaltic pumps ( 4 ) , electronic control means ( 7 ) , characteri zed in that said j ugs ( 1 ) are shaped as a substantially prismatic hollow body, with hexagonal base , with two opposite sides of greater dimension than the other four, in that said j ugs ( 1 ) comprise at least a rib ( 2 ) on the surfaces with larger extension configured to increase their moment of inertia and in that each of said j ugs ( 1 ) is connected to the respective peristaltic pump ( 4 ) by means of a flexible tube ( 17 ) comprising two distinct sections removably connected to each other by means of rapid connection means ( 12 , 13 ) .

[0015] The device comprises a main structure ( 10 ) , preferably reali zed in stainless steel to give it robustness and wear resistance , provided with a plurality of housings ( 16 ) , preferably eight , configured to house each a respective j ug ( 1 ) , inside which a speci fic chromatic or chemical component is contained .

[0016] Each of said j ugs ( 1 ) is associated to a respective peristaltic pump ( 4 ) , configured to withdraw the product contained inside the j ug ( 1 ) and to dispense it through a dispensing spout . The device comprises also a user interface and electroniccomputing means configured to control said peristaltic pumps .

[0017] The jugs ( 1 ) are preferably realized in high resistance polypropylene and are designed to work in vacuum conditions . It is to be specified that the word vacuum refers to a working condition in which, after that a portion of the liquid contained in the jug ( 1 ) goes out, and since it is not possible air inlet from outside inside the jug ( 1 ) , the pressure inside the jug ( 1 ) decreases to values lower than the atmospheric ones .

[0018] This configuration allows a continuous dispensing, avoiding interruptions also when the level of the product is finishing.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment shown in figure, the jug ( 1 ) is shaped as a substantially prismatic hollow body, with hexagonal base, with two sides opposite to each other, substantially greater than the other four . So, it is an elongated polygonal geometry, substantially symmetric to a longitudinal middle plane . In particular, the section is limited by a plurality of flat sides, mutually inclined with four obtuse angles and two acute angles .

[0020] These replace the typical right angles of a parallelepiped section. Moreover, the jug ( 1 ) does not have sharp edges but jointed or beveled edges,which contribute to increase the whole stiffness of the section and to reduce the stress concentrations under the compression loads caused by an inner depression .

[0021] So, the side walls are divided in reduced dimensioned sections, thus limiting the beginning of elastic instability phenomena caused by buckling .

[0022] The thus shaped section allows also a more uniform distribution of the stresses along the container perimeter, thus favoring a structural behavior similar to the one of a faceted shell, more resistant to inwards deformation with respect to a rectangular section of equal area and thickness . The provision of inclined surfaces and section variations along the side walls gives the container a behavior similar to the one of a shell structure, favoring the transformation of the compression stresses in membrane stresses, more efficient from a structural point of view with respect to walls bending .

[0023] The bottom of the container ( 14 ) , at the area of the fluid outlet area, has a thickened and shaped geometry, apt to increase local stiffness and to contrast the deformations caused by innerdepression, which tend to be concentrated in such area .

[0024] The just described embodiment allows as a whole to increase the critical collapse pressure with respect to a container of similar material, thickness and volume, but realized with traditional parallelepiped shape .

[0025] Moreover, in order to improve further the functioning in vacuum conditions as well, each jug ( 1 ) , on its surfaces with greater extension, is preferably provided with a rib (2 ) designed to increase the moment of inertia of the section and so to prevent deformations during usage and to guarantee a product continuous flow.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment, the housings ( 16) are configured to functionally interact with the geometry of the rib (2 ) , keeping the jugs ( 1 ) in position .

[0027] The hydraulic connection between each jug ( 1 ) and the respective suction / dispensing circuit can be realized according to many alternative or combinable configurations .

[0028] The jugs ( 1 ) comprise also an opening provided with a threaded neck ( 18 ) , on the surface facing downwards while in use .The threaded neck ( 18 ) , arranged centrally, is cylindrically shaped and preferably provided with outer thread for an airtight connection to the dispensing system . Plate 2 . Figure 2 .

[0029] According to a first configuration, a suction needle ( 6 ) , positioned in each housing of the main structure ( 10 ) and connected to the flexible tube ( 17 ) , can perforate an elastomeric closing element ( for example a cap in silicone or equivalent material ) arranged on the neck ( 18 ) of the j ug ( 1 ) . Such configuration can guarantee a sealing of the circuit and keep the same circuit full , preventing air inlet in the system .

[0030] According to a preferred configuration, the neck ( 18 ) of the j ug ( 1 ) is provided with outer thread and interacts with a screw cap ( 11 ) that provides an airtight closing; said screw cap ( 11 ) is provided with at least a passage for the fluid, with connection means ( 12 , 13 ) to a flexible tube ( 17 ) which connects it to the peristaltic pump ( 4 ) . Between the screw cap ( 11 ) and the neck ( 18 ) of the j ug ( 1 ) sealing means are preferably arranged, such as a rubber gas ket or other similar means . Said flexible tube ( 17 ) is divided in two portions by means of rapid connection means ( 12 , 13 ) , preferably of sel f-sealing kind, reali zed insuitable material for the contact with solvents and / or oily products .

[0031] The two rapid connection means ( 12, 13) are integral to the two portions of the flexible tube ( 17 ) , which are respectively connected to the screw cap ( 11 ) and to the peristaltic pump (4 ) associated to the jug ( 1 ) , and allow the coupling / uncoupling of the jug ( 1 ) simply and safely, thus reducing or eliminating product losses and keeping the isolation of the circuit from air during replacement operations .

[0032] In particular, the rapid connection means ( 12, 13) are preferably of valved / self-sealing kind and comprise each an inner closing organ ( for example an on-off valve, a shutter or an elastic membrane) configured to maintain the respective hydraulic passage closed when there is no coupling between the two means ( 12, 13) . Therefore, prior to coupling, the rapid connection means ( 12 ) integral to the screw cap ( 11 ) and the rapid connection means ( 13) integral to the machine are both closed, thus preventing air from going out and in the circuit .

[0033] After coupling between the rapid connection means ( 12, 13) , the respective closing means are automatically brought in opening position, allowingthe passage of product along the circuit towards the peristaltic pump (4 ) . During the uncoupling step, said closing organs are automatically brought back in closing position, preventing air inlet and reducing at minimum the product going out .

[0034] As a consequence, the hydraulic circuit comprised between jug ( 1 ) and peristaltic pump (4 ) remains substantially full of product also during the replacement of the jug ( 1 ) , guaranteeing functioning continuity and reducing or eliminating the need of drain and / or recalibration operations . Preferably, the rapid connection means ( 12, 13) do not work as check valves, but as self-sealing on-off valves; anyway, in other variants, the circuit can comprise also one or more check valves, apt to prevent product reflows in particular operational conditions .

[0035] In such a way, the jug ( 1) is removable and replaceable by the operator ergonomically and immediately, without the need to perforate and with few residual drops while detaching.

[0036] The colorimeter is provided with a plurality of peristaltic pumps (4 ) , each one dedicated to a respective jug ( 1 ) . Each peristaltic pump (4 ) is associated to an electronic encoder ( 19) to measure the dispensed quantity.The encoder ( 19) measures the revolutions or the revolution fractions carried out by the peristaltic pump (4 ) it is associated to, and the electronic control means (7 ) are configured to acquire the value measured by said encoders ( 19) and to calculate the quantity of fluid dispensed by each peristaltic pump (4 ) .

[0037] The pumps (4 ) work simultaneously, reducing mixing times about 20 seconds on average, while the mixing circuit (5) connects the peristaltic pumps (4 ) to guarantee the homogeneity of the mixtures .

[0038] The electronic control means (7 ) monitor the level of the product by means of a plurality of level sensors ( 8 ) , each one configured to measure the level of the liquid contained in a respective jug ( 1 ) •

[0039] Moreover, the electronic control means (7 ) comprise a plurality of electronic encoders ( 19) , each connected to a respective peristaltic pump (4 ) , each one configured to measure the revolutions or the revolution fractions carried out by the respective peristaltic pumps (4 ) to calculate the quantity of fluid dispensed by each one of the jugs ( 1 ) •

[0040] The front panel is provided with a touchscreen monitor ( 9) , which provides an intuitive interfaceand allows the selection of pre-set formulas or the customization of the mixtures based on parameters as the desired color, the hair structure and the percentage of white hair, plate 1, fig. 1 and plate 2 f ig . 2 .

[0041] The device is provided with electronic computing means configured to receive in inlet, by means of the interface, information about the quantity of product of each jug ( 1 ) to be dispensed, and to control said peristaltic pumps (4 ) associated to said jugs ( 1 ) so to dispense the pre-set quantities .

[0042] Said electronic computing means (7 ) are also configured :

[0043] - to store the quantities of product dispensed by each peristaltic pump,

[0044] to calculate the residual quantity of product inside each jug ( 1 ) ,

[0045] - to send a warning signal to the user by means of said user interface at reaching a residual product threshold inside a jug ( 1 ) .

[0046] The threshold allowable before the warning is preferably under 30% . The vacuum system of the colorimeter preserves the chemical ingredients from oxidation, guaranteeing the product stability and alonger duration in comparison to the systems based on pressurized nitrogen.

[0047] Each jug ( 1 ) is provided with a prismatic geometry, designed to guarantee stability, optimal functionality and efficient usage of the product . In particular, said jugs ( 1 ) are shaped as a hollow body with hexagonal base, with two sides opposite to each other of greater dimensions than the other four .

[0048] The material of the jug ( 1 ) is plastic, preferably polypropylene, with high mechanical and chemical resistance, specifically designed to work in vacuum. The surface is matte and resistant, optimized to preserve the chemical features of the product . The jug ( 1 ) is also designed with rounded edges, which favor the complete flow of the product towards the withdrawal point, eliminating the risk of residual accumulations and allowing the whole usage of the content .

[0049] In a preferred, but not limiting, embodiment, the capacity of the jug ( 1 ) is between 3, 000 ml and 3, 100 ml, with an extra margin of at least 50 ml to guarantee the dispensing continuity even near the end of the content . This configuration, combined with the optimal positioning of the withdrawal needle ( 6) and / or with a corresponding withdrawalduct connected to the cap ( 11 ) , guarantees that the withdrawal point remains immerged in the product, preventing the air inlet in the circuit and keeping the reliability of the dispensing system.

[0050] The simultaneous dispensing system allows a more rapid and more precise mixing in comparison to competitors using sequential dispensing systems based on rotating motors . Moreover, the customization of the formula is made possible by a software integrating intelligent algorithms to calculate the ideal proportions automatically, based on the specified features of the customer, as the selected color and the hair kind.

[0051] The invention is characterized by the efficiency of the flow, guaranteed by the rib (2 ) integrated in the jugs ( 1 ) , which guarantees a continuous flow of the product with no air bubbles, avoiding interruptions and waste . The replacement of the jugs ( 1 ) does not require manual calibrations, reducing the time needed for maintenance and guaranteeing a more fluid management . Moreover, thanks to the vacuum configuration and to the absence of exposition to air, the jugs ( 1 ) maintain unaltered the chemical properties of the components . The present invention represents a significant improvement in the field of haircoloration, offering a solution which is highly technological, customizable and environmentally friendly, thanks to the reduction of waste and to the optimization of resources .

[0052] The present invention provides significant advantages in comparison to existing systems, starting from the elimination of flow blocks thanks to the provision of the rib (2 ) , which guarantees a continuous dispensing of the product, independently of the filling level . The optimized design allows also to reduce the waste at minimum, allowing to use completely the content of the jug ( 1 ) and leaving few residues . Mixing precision is ensured by the usage of peristaltic pumps (4 ) and advanced algorithms, which guarantee a millimetric dispensing of the formulas, while the automatic configuration eliminates the need of manual calibrations, simplifying remarkably the operator work .

[0053] In particular, the usage of the screw cap ( 11 ) with rapid connection ( 12 ) , preferably with normally closed fastening means, allows to avoid sealing deterioration associable to elastomeric elements perforated and subj ected to prolonged contact with determined chemical substances, reducing the risk of dripping inside the machine and improving thereliability with time . Moreover, the rapid connection allows the replacement of jugs ( 1 ) by an operator ergonomically and immediately, reducing the complexity of the introduction operations and improving safety and cleanliness while in use .

[0054] With rapid connection ( 12 ) to normally closed fastening means it is meant a connection provided with at least a inner closing organ ( for example a valve, shutter or elastic membrane) , configured to keep the passage closed when the connection is uncoupled and to open automatically in coupling condition to the corresponding complementary element ( 13) , realizing a self-sealing coupling which limits or avoids the product going out and reduces or avoids the air inlet in the circuit during the coupling and uncoupling steps .

[0055] Finally, the use of fillable jugs ( 1 ) and optimized materials contributes to environmental sustainability, reducing the environmental impact and favoring a responsible waste management . So, this device represents a significant improvement in the field of cosmetics and hair salons, resolving the technical problems and offering an avantgarde solution .A preferred embodiment of the present invention will be now described with reference to the appended drawings .

[0056] Plate 1, fig. 1 shows a perspective view of the invention with all its essential elements .

[0057] Plate 2, fig. 2 shows a front view of the invention in its functioning configuration.

[0058] Plate 3, fig. 3 shows a perspective view of the jug ( 1 ) provided with a screw cap ( 11 ) and rapid connection ( 12 ) , couplable to a corresponding complementary element ( 13) integral to the machine and connected to the suction circuit of a peristaltic pump (4 ) .

[0059] Plate 3, fig. 4 shows a view of the jug ( 1 ) with structural details represented by means of two sections . The invention has been previously described with reference to a preferred embodiment thereof . Anyway, it is clear that the invention can have many variants comprised in its scope, in the contest of technical equivalents .

[0060] In other variants, the rapid connection element ( 12 ) can be directly integrated in the cap ( 11 ) (direct connection) , eliminating an intermediate tube section, or it can have different diameters as a function of the product viscosity. In other applications, the same dispensing architecture withperistaltic pumps can be used for preparing and dispensing other liquid or semiliquid cosmetic products, such for example shampoo, masks or treatments, according to stored and / or customized formulas .

[0061] These features, together with the whole structure of the invention, allow to obtain relevant advantages from an economic and operational point of view, since both the mechanical components and the electronic ones can be easily realized in series, and at the same time, do not require particular maintenance with time .

Claims

CLAIMS1 . Device for colorimetry comprising :a support structure ( 10 ) provided with a plurality of housings ( 16 ) for j ugs ,- a plurality of j ugs ( 1 ) ,- a dispenser ( 5 ) ,- a plurality of peristaltic pumps ( 4 ) , each one being hydraulically connected to a respective j ug ( 1 ) and to said dispenser ( 5 ) ,- electronic control means ( 7 ) ,characteri zed in thatsaid j ugs ( 1 ) are shaped as a substantially prismatic hollow body, with hexagonal base , with two sides opposite to each other with dimensions greater than the other four,in thatsaid j ugs ( 1 ) comprise at least a rib ( 2 ) on the surfaces with greater extension configured to increase their moment of inertia,and in thateach of said j ugs ( 1 ) is connected to the respective peristaltic pump ( 4 ) by means of a flexible tube ( 17 ) comprising two distinct sections removably connected to each other by means of rapid connection means ( 12 , 13 ) .

2. Device for colorimetry according to claim 1 , characterized in that said housings for jugs ( 16) have a geometry configured to interact with the geometry of said ribs (2 ) in order to keep said jugs ( 1 ) in position.

3. Device for colorimetry according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said rapid connection means ( 12, 13) are configured to keep closed the portion of said flexible tube, to which they are connected when uncoupled and to open said portion of said flexible tube to which they are connected when coupled to each other, preventing the content of said jugs ( 1 ) from going out during coupling and uncoupling steps .

4. Device for colorimetry according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a plurality of level sensors ( 8 ) , each one configured to measure the level of the liquid contained in a respective jug ( 1 ) , characterized in thatsaid electronic control means (7 ) are configured to acquire the level value measured by said level sensors ( 8 ) and in that said electronic control means (7 ) comprise a plurality of electronic encoders ( 19) each connected to a respectiveperistaltic pump ( 4 ) , said encoders ( 19 ) being configured to measure the revolutions or the revolution fractions carried out by the respective peristaltic pumps ( 4 ) , said electronic control means ( 7 ) being configured to acquire the value measured by said encoders ( 19 ) and to calculate the flow quantity dispensed by each peristaltic pump ( 4 ) .5 . Device for colorimetry according to claim 4 , characteri zed in that said electronic computing means are also configured :- to store the quantities of product dispensed by each peristaltic pump ( 4 ) ,to calculate the residual quantity of product inside each j ug ( 1 ) ,- to send a warning signal to the user by means of said user interface at reaching a residual product threshold inside a j ug ( 1 ) .6 . Device for colorimetry according to claim 5 , characteri zed in that said threshold corresponds to the quantity of content of said j ug ( 1 ) equal to 30% of the nominal volume of said j ug ( 1 ) .. Device for colorimetry according to one of the preceding claims , characteri zed in that said j ugs ( 1 ) , on the surface facing downwards while in use , comprise an opening provided with a threaded neck ( 18 ) configured to interact with a respective screw cap ( 11 ) to which said flexible tube ( 7 ) is connected .8 . Device for colorimetry according to claim 7 , characteri zed in that each j ug comprises a cap reali zed in elastomeric material and in that each flexible tube ( 17 ) is associated to a respective suction needle ( 6 ) , the connection of said flexible tube ( 17 ) to said cap ( 11 ) being obtained by perforating said elastomeric material by means of said suction needle ( 6 ) .9 . Device for colorimetry according to one of the preceding claims , characteri zed in that said j ugs ( 1 ) have a nominal volume between 3 , 000 ml and 3 , 100 ml .10 . Device for colorimetry according to claim 1 , characteri zed in that said j ugs ( 1 ) are reali zed in plastic .

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