DISPENSING MACHINE, IN PARTICULAR FOR PRODUCING PAINT SAMPLES

Abstract

A dispensing machine for producing paint samples including a main delivery unit for delivering at least two main paints via at least two main pumps, and a colourant delivery unit for delivering a plurality of colourants via a corresponding plurality of colourant pumps. The main pumps are volumetric pumps each having a first swept volume. The colourant pumps are volumetric pumps each having a second swept volume, less than the first swept volume. The machine additionally includes at least one magazine for empty containers. The machine can include at least one magazine for container cover elements. A handling system conveys a container from the container magazine to a common delivery zone and from there to a capping station.

Claims

1. Dispensing machine for producing paint samples, comprising a main delivery unit for delivering at least two main paints by means of at least two respective main pumps and a colourant delivery unit for delivering a plurality of colourants by means of a corresponding plurality of colourant pumps, the dispensing machine further comprising at least one container magazine and a handling system with a member for supporting a container, which can move at least from the container magazine to a delivery zone common to the main delivery unit and the colourant delivery unit in order to convey an empty container from the container magazine to the delivery zone.

2. Dispensing machine according to claim 1, wherein the main pumps are volumetric pumps each having a first swept volume, the colourant pumps being volumetric pumps each having a second swept volume, less than the first swept volume.

3. Dispensing machine according to claim 1, wherein the main pumps and the colourant pumps deliver fluid products through respective main delivery conduits and colourant delivery conduits, all emerging into a delivery zone positioned within the dispensing machine.

4. Dispensing machine according to claim 1, wherein the main delivery unit comprises main paint tanks positioned below the colourant delivery unit.

5. Dispensing machine according to claim 1, wherein the container magazine comprises supports for truncated-cone-shaped containers stacked inside one another.

6. Dispensing machine according to claim 1, comprising a container extraction device for extracting one empty container at a time from the container magazine and transferring it to the support member of the handling system.

7. Dispensing machine according to claim 1, wherein the colourant delivery unit is supported by a support plate placed substantially at an intermediate height relative to the total height of the dispensing machine.

8. Dispensing machine according to claim 7, wherein the container magazine is supported by the support plate.

9. Dispensing machine according to claim 1 further comprising a magazine for container sealing elements, suitable for sealing the containers of the container magazine, the handling system further being movable from the delivery zone to the sealing element magazine, where the container into which at least one paint has been delivered in the delivery zone is sealed by a sealing element stored in the sealing element magazine.

10. Dispensing machine according to claim 9, wherein a capping unit comprises a system for lifting the container in order to press it against the bottom sealing element of a stack of sealing elements stored in the sealing element magazine.

11. Method for producing paint samples by means of a machine according to claim 1, comprising the phases of delivering at least one of the at least two main paints by means of the at least one respective main pump, and delivering at least one of the plurality of colourants by means of the at least one respective colourant pump.

12. Method for producing paint samples according to claim 11, comprising the phase of picking an empty container from a container magazine, transferring the empty container by means of a handling system to a common delivery zone for the main paints and the colourants, delivering at least one main paint into the empty container, filling it, transferring the full container by means of the handling system to a capping station for capping the container, and transferring the container into a delivery compartment accessible from outside the dispensing machine.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0044] Further features and advantages will become apparent from the following detailed description of some preferred embodiments of the invention, given purely by way of non-restrictive example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0045] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a dispensing machine according to the present invention;

[0046] FIG. 2 is a side view in elevation of the machine in FIG. 1, without its external bodywork;

[0047] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a support plate and work stations of the machine according to the present invention;

[0048] FIG. 4 is a view in elevation of the support plate and work stations in FIG. 3;

[0049] FIG. 5 is a side view in the direction of the arrow V in FIG. 4;

[0050] FIG. 6 is a plan view in the direction of the arrow VI in FIG. 4;

[0051] FIG. 7 is a view from below in the direction of the arrow VII in FIG. 4;

[0052] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a lower saddle for supporting paint tanks;

[0053] FIG. 9 is a view in front elevation of the lower saddle in FIG. 8;

[0054] FIG. 10 is a side view in the direction of the arrow X in FIG. 9;

[0055] FIG. 11 is a plan view in the direction of the arrow XI in FIG. 9;

[0056] FIG. 12 is a section through a volumetric pump used the machine of the present invention;

[0057] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a colourant delivery unit;

[0058] FIG. 14 is a side view in the direction of the arrow XIV in FIG. 13;

[0059] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a humidification unit of the nozzle centre;

[0060] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a handling unit;

[0061] FIG. 17 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 3, from which the illustration of the colourant delivery unit has been omitted for the sake of clarity;

[0062] FIG. 18 is a perspective view from below of the assembly of components in FIG. 17;

[0063] FIG. 19 is a view in side elevation of the assembly of components in FIGS. 17 and 18;

[0064] FIG. 20, 22, 24, 26 are perspective views, on an enlarged scale, of a member for picking empty containers, in four different operating phases;

[0065] FIG. 21, 23, 25, 27 are respectively sections through the views shown in FIG. 20, 22, 24, 26;

[0066] FIG. 28 is a section, on an enlarged scale, of a detail of the capping systems for the paint containers;

[0067] FIG. 29 is a plan view of the system for clamping a stack of caps in the capping system.

[0068] FIG. 30 is a side view of a member for lifting a paint container under the delivery unit, in a lowered rest position;

[0069] FIG. 31 is a view similar to FIG. 30, with the lifting member in a position to start lifting the paint container towards the delivery nozzle centre;

[0070] FIG. 32 is a view similar to FIGS. 30 and 31, with the lifting member in a position for lifting the paint container up against the delivery nozzle centre;

[0071] FIG. 33 is a section through the nozzle centre comprising an integrated humidification system; and

[0072] FIG. 34 is a section through the nozzle centre in FIG. 33, along a different section plane.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0073] With reference now to the figures, the numeral 1 indicates a machine according to the invention for producing paint containers or pots, in particular samples of coloured paint. The machine comprises a bodywork 2 with an access door 3 into said machine, expediently kept locked shut to prevent unauthorised access. A video screen 4 is mounted on the bodywork 2, for user interface and to display information on the operation of the machine. The video screen 4 can be of the touch screen type and therefore also functions as a data entry device. Alternatively, other systems for data entry by users or service staff can be provided, such as a tablet, a latest generation telephone with Internet connection, a keyboard, a mouse, a joystick, a button panel and the like.

[0074] Under the video screen 4, in a convenient position for collection by a user, a collection compartment 6 is opened, into which, at the end of the production operations by the machine 1, the pot of paint requested by the user is delivered. On one side 5 of the bodywork 2 a colour chart 7 is preferably displayed, with the necessary codes and details so that a user can easily choose the desired colour tone. On the side 5 of the bodywork 2, a second video screen 8 can be mounted, for displaying advertising messages and/or for displaying the colour chart 7 in electronic form. The video screen 8 can be positioned vertically, also occupying the space of the colour chart in paper form 7.

[0075] As can be seen from FIG. 2, the bodywork 2 is supported by a frame 10 that rests on height-adjustable feet 11 in order to adapt and level the machine 1 for any unevenness of the flooring. The frame 10 comprises uprights 12 connected by cross-pieces 13. A support plate 14 is fixed to the uprights 12 in a substantially median position with respect to the overall height of the frame 10. As can be seen clearly also in FIGS. 3 to 7, the following are mounted on the support plate 14: a colourant delivery unit 15, a container magazine 16 and a capping station 17 comprising a magazine of caps or covers, and a capping unit, as described in more detail below. A handling unit 18 is fixed below the support plate 14 (see also FIG. 16). An electronic control unit 19 is mounted on the side of the frame 10.

[0076] In the lower portion of the frame 10, a saddle 20 is mounted, to support paint tanks indicated generically with the reference numeral 22. In the example in the figures, two paint tanks 22a, 22b are depicted, these being particularly suitable for actuating the method for producing paints by mixing fluid products as referred to in Italian patent application no BO2014A000562 from the same applicant, the contents of which are incorporated in their entirety into the present patent application. In this method a set of fluid products is provided, comprising at least a white paint, containing a predetermined percentage amount of titanium dioxide, and at least a neutral paint with no colourants. An empty container is then provided, which is filled with a predetermined amount of paint obtained by mixing the white paint and the neutral paint in proportions that can vary between 0% and 100%. This results in a paint with a titanium dioxide content selected between a maximum, corresponding to the titanium content of the white paint, and 0%, corresponding to the titanium content of the neutral paint. The two paint tanks 22a, 22b mounted on the saddle 20 can conveniently contain respectively the white paint and the neutral paint mentioned above. Naturally, the number of tanks 22 housed on the saddle 20 is not limited to two, since the machine 1 can easily be modified so as to house just one tank 22, or a plurality of tanks 22 greater than two, on the saddle 20. In this way the machine 1 can be adapted for producing paint according to methods other than that described in Italian patent application no BO2014A000562.

[0077] As can be seen more clearly in FIGS. 8 to 11, the saddle 20 is mounted on two sliding guides 24 positioned at its sides and fixed to the lower portion of the frame 10. A central support stem 26, provided with a wheel 27 at its end, is fixed in a frontal zone of the saddle 20, substantially equidistant from the two sliding guides 24. Thus, the weight of the saddle 20 is supported not only by the two sliding guides 24 but also by the central stem 26, which bears on the wheel 27. This is particularly advantageous when the tanks 22a, 22b are full of paint and the saddle 20 is in the extracted position, projecting out of the frame 10.

[0078] The tanks 22a, 22b are mounted raised above the bottom 28 of the saddle 20 by means of a support plate 30 which, on one side, has two hinged branches 32 that allow the support plate 30 to oscillate about a horizontal axis. The hinged branches are mounted so as to oscillate by means of hinges 33 connected to a transverse central wall 34 positioned on the centre-line of the saddle 20. On the side opposite the hinges 33, the support plate 30 has two support branches 36 that end in two horizontal tabs 37 that can bear on a raised side wall 38 positioned on one side of the saddle 20.

[0079] An indicator device 40 for indicating that a reserve level of the paint contained in the tank 22 has been reached is placed between the raised side wall 38 and the support plate 30, on the side of the support branches 36 opposite the hinged branches 32. The indicator device 40 comprises a resilient member, preferably but not restrictively a helical spring 42, which presses between the raised side wall 38 and an appendage 43 of the support plate 30, with an interposed thrust washer 44 fixed to the appendage 43 adjustably, by means of a threaded connection 45. The spring 42 remains compressed until the amount of fluid product in the tank 22, and therefore its total weight, is greater than a predetermined value, adjustable during calibration of the machine 1 by acting on the threaded connection 45. When the fluid product in the tank 22 falls below said predetermined value, the pressure from the spring 42 overcomes the total weight of the tank 22 and causes the horizontal tabs 37 to lift up from the raised side walls 38, causing the support plate 30 to oscillate. This oscillation causes a signal to be activated, for example by activation of a microswitch (not shown in the figures), which is intercepted by the electronics of the machine 1. The signal indicates that a predetermined minimum level of fluid product has been reached in the tank 22. The indicator device 40 is activated by a predetermined weight of fluid product contained in the tank 22. Once the specific weight of the fluid product is known, the electronics of the machine 1 is able to determine the volume of fluid product remaining in the tank 22. This information can be used for calculation purposes in the system for producing paint by means of the machine 1 and, where necessary, can be transmitted to remote systems, displayed on the video screen 4 and/or used to generate an alarm.

[0080] On the saddle 20, below the tank 22, main delivery pumps 50 are mounted, preferably of the volumetric type, and particularly, although non-restrictively, of the type described in the aforementioned Italian patent applications nos BO2014A000555, BO2014A000556 and BO2014A000557 made by the same applicant, the content of which is incorporated in its entirety into the present patent application. In particular, as can be seen in FIG. 12, each main delivery pump 50 comprises a pumping chamber 53 inside which a piston 55 is mounted slidably, the forward and backward movement of which is controlled so as to vary the effective volume of the pumping chamber 53. The pumping chamber 53 extends along a longitudinal axis K-K inclined relative to a horizontal plane, and has a peak zone 52 positioned at the highest part relative to a horizontal plane and in the region of which the pumping chamber 53 is put into communication with at least one suction conduit 51 for a fluid product contained in the tank 22. A respective feed conduit 58 extends from the respective main delivery unit pump 50 to a nozzle centre 59 (see FIG. 4) positioned at the centre of the colourant delivery unit 15 mounted on the support plate 14, with an interposed respective electrovalve 56 (see FIG. 6) fixed to the support plate 14, from which a recirculation conduit (not visible in the figures) branches off, returning the fluid product to the respective tank 22.

[0081] The colourant delivery unit 14 is composed of a plurality of colourant delivery modules 60 identical to each other and positioned radially around the nozzle centre 59. As can be seen more easily in FIGS. 13 and 14, each colourant delivery module 60 comprises a colourant tank 62 and a colourant delivery pump 64 controlled by a motor 66, itself controlled by an electronic device 68 connected to the general electronics of the machine 1. Each colourant delivery pump 64 is preferably of the volumetric type, and in particular, although non-restrictively, of the type described in the aforementioned Italian patent applications nos BO2014A000555, BO2014A000556 and BO2014A000557. In particular, it is expedient for the colourant delivery pumps 64 to have similar or identical structural and control characteristics to those of the main delivery pumps 50, but to be made with a smaller swept volume, since the amounts of colourants to be delivered in order to produce the finished paints with the machine 1, in particular according to the method described in the aforementioned Italian patent application BO2014A000562, are very much smaller than the amounts of white or neutral paint contained in the tank 22. The small swept volume of the colourant delivery pumps 64 makes it possible, on the other hand, to achieve very high-precision delivery of the colourants, with an appreciable result from the point of view of exactly reproducing a very large number of shades and colour tones. Furthermore, the larger swept volume of the main delivery pumps 50 permits outstanding speed when filling the finished paint containers and therefore high productivity of the machine 1, or at any rate a short time for the user to wait between requesting a particular paint and its delivery in a container that is delivered into the collection compartment 6 according to procedures that will be explained in greater detail below.

[0082] In the example in the figures, the colourant delivery unit 14 comprises eleven colourant delivery modules 60, but naturally it is possible to increase or reduce the number thereof depending on the configuration requirements of the machine 1. Simply by way of example, the possibility can be mentioned of reducing the number of colourant delivery modules 60 to eight, though they could for example be increased to sixteen. As already stated, each colourant delivery module 60 comprises a colourant delivery pump 64 with a pump body 70 having a front portion 72 that is wedge-shaped so as to produce, together with the corresponding front portions 72 of the adjacent pump bodies 70, a very compact portion of a radial pattern, allowing the footprint of the machine 1 to be kept very small and also making it possible to reduce to the minimum the segment of delivery conduit 73 that emerges from the front portion 72 into the nozzle centre 59. The fact that the segment of the delivery conduit 73 is very short is advantageous because it allows losses of load during delivery of the colourants to be reduced to the minimum, consequently increasing the accuracy and repeatability of delivery. Furthermore, when a colourant is not being delivered, the short segment of delivery conduit 73 contains a very small amount thereof, which it is easier to keep homogeneously dispersed. The diameter of the delivery spout is very small in order to prevent the formation of a denser skin, according to methods described below, since these would impair the accuracy and repeatability of delivery of that colourant. It should be remembered that the amounts of colourants to be delivered in order to produce a particular shade of paint, specially a small amount of paint such as that contained in the colour samples produced by the machine of the present invention, are sometimes extremely small. The colourant delivery pump 60 used in the machine 1 of the present example is able to deliver very small quantities. To derive the full benefit from such high precision, it is advisable for the delivery conduit 73 be as short as possible.

[0083] The end of the delivery conduit 73 ends in a delivery spout 76. Preferably the delivery spout 76 can be dismounted and replaced. The nozzle centre 59 comprises a disc-shaped support 78 (see FIG. 15) with a plurality of holes 79 into which the delivery spouts 76 are embedded. Preferably the holes 79 are positioned along an annular crown on the disc-shaped support 78. The feed conduits 58 coming from the main delivery pumps 50 emerge at the centre of the annular crown formed by the holes 79.

[0084] The nozzle centre 59 is fixed to the support plate 14 in an opening therein, so that the delivery spouts 76 emerge below the support plate 14. A humidification device 80, whose characteristics will be described more precisely below, is fixed so that it can move under the support plate 14.

[0085] In each colourant delivery module 60, the pump body 70 is fixed to a base plate 82 that can be fixed to the support plate 14 so as to be easy to dismantle, for example for maintenance or replacement, for example by means of a screw 86. An electrovalve 88 is mounted on the pump body 70, said electrovalve putting the pumping chamber (not illustrated) of the colourant delivery conduit pump 64 into communication, when commanded, alternately with the delivery conduit 73, to deliver an amount of fluid contained in the pumping chamber to the delivery spout 76, or with a feed conduit 89 communicating with the colourant tank 62. In the situation where there is communication of fluid between the pumping chamber of the colourant delivery pump 64 and the colourant tank 62 it is possible, depending on the actuation of the colourant delivery pump 62, to produce either suction of colourant from the colourant tank 62 to the pumping chamber orconverselyrecirculation of colourant from the pumping chamber to the colourant tank 62.

[0086] The colourant tank 62 is fixed to an oscillating plate 92 articulated to the pump body 70 by means of a hinge 93. Similarly to what was seen for the main delivery pumps 50, each colourant delivery pump 64 is also provided with an indicator device 94 (see FIG. 14) that indicates that a minimum level of fluid colourant contained in the colourant tank 62 has been reached. The indicator device 94 comprises a resilient member, for example a helical spring 95 fixed to a rear portion 96 of the base plate 82 of the colourant delivery module 60, which presses against a rear end 97 of the oscillating plate 92. The oscillating plate 92 stays in a support position until the colourant tank 62 contains an amount of colourant fluid greater than a certain weight. When the amount of colourant fluid in the colourant tank 62 falls below a level predetermined by the loading of the helical spring 95, the latter pushes up the rear end 97 of the oscillating plate 92 that supports the colourant tank 90, triggering a signal, for example activated by a microswitch 98 mounted on the oscillating plate 92. Similarly to what was stated in relation to the indicator device 40 for the paint tanks 22, in this case too the electronic system of the machine 1 is able to provide information and/or carry out processing based on the residual volume of colourant fluid product remaining in the colourant tank 62, if the specific weight thereof is known.

[0087] The humidification device 80 can be seen in detail in FIG. 15, and comprises a frame 99 mounted so as to slide on a guide support 100 fixed underneath the support plate 14. The forward and backward movement of the frame 99 is controlled by a linear actuator 102 actuated by a motor 104. A humidification basin 108 is produced on the frame 99. The humidification basin 108 houses a sponge or similar, which is periodically soaked in water by an operator so as to create a humid atmosphere, when it is positioned below the nozzle centre 59, substantially hermetically. The frame 99 also has an opening 110 that allows one or more colourants to be delivered into a container placed under the nozzle centre 59 and under the humidification device 80. The frame 99 also supports a drainage container 106, into which small amounts of colourant are drained during the programmed drainage operations of the delivery conduits 73 and the delivery spouts 76. Preferably, the drainage container 106 is removable, so that an operator can easily remove it to clean or replace it.

[0088] In particular conditions of use, in addition to or instead of the humidification device 80, which acts at times when no delivery is taking place, it is possible to provide a humidification system 300 incorporated into the nozzle centre 59 itself, as can be seen in FIGS. 33 and 34, which can effect the humidification of the delivery spouts 76 substantially continuously, even when for reasons of high productivity the humidification device 80 necessarily remains open for a prolonged period. The nozzle centre 59 advantageously comprises an annular body 301, in which housings 302 are made for the colourant delivery spouts 76. A central cylindrical portion 303 is housed in the central hole 304 of the annular body 301. The outer cylindrical shell of the central cylindrical portion 303 has two different diameters. A first, upper segment 311 has a diameter corresponding substantially to the central hole 304 of the annular body 301, such that the annular body 301 and the central cylindrical portion 303 can be assembled and fixed together with a certain amount of intervention. The remaining, second segment 312 of the central cylindrical portion 303, closer to the delivery zone of the delivery spouts 76, has a slightly smaller diameter than the hole in the annular body 301, so that, when in the assembled condition, a slim annular chamber 313 is produced.

[0089] Housings 304 for the delivery spouts 76 of the main paints or base paints are made in the central cylindrical portion 303. The housings 304 are arranged symmetrically about the axis of the nozzle centre 59. In line with the axis of the nozzle centre 59, in the central cylindrical portion 303, a conduit 305 is made for introducing humidified air, coming from a tank not illustrated in the figures. The conduit 305 penetrates into the central cylindrical portion 303 and communicates with a series of radial canals 306 that emerge into the slim annular chamber 313. The central cylindrical portion 303 has at its lower end a disc-type protuberance 314 shaped like a small plate and operating as a deflector, positioned a short distance from an inner wall 315 of a delivery chamber 316 produced in the annular body 301, into which the ends of all the delivery spouts emerge. If need be, humidified air is introduced into the conduit 305 and reaches the slim annular chamber 313 through the radial conduits 306. From the slim annular chamber 313, the humidified air is deflected sideways from the disc-type protuberance 314 so as to be diffused into the delivery chamber 316 and affect the ends of all the delivery spouts, humidifying them.

[0090] As can be seen more clearly in FIG. 34, inside the central cylindrical portion 303 a lead-through 320 is also made, to be used if necessary as an outlet for excess humidified air.

[0091] The handling unit 18 is mounted below the support plate 14 (see FIG. 16), said handling unit comprising a main arm 120, mounted on the frame 10 or on said support plate 14 and that can move in a first direction over a horizontal plane, and a secondary arm 122, mounted on the main arm 120 and movable in a second direction, orthogonal to the first direction, over a horizontal plane. A support member 124 for a container 130 is mounted on the secondary arm 122, said support member comprising for example a ring 126 (see FIG. 21) with an inner surface 128 shaped as a truncated cone to accommodate a corresponding container 130 in the form of a truncated cone. Overall, the handling unit 18 can effect positioning of the container 130 along Cartesian axes X-Y in the horizontal plane. The main arm 120 and the secondary arm 122 are actuated by respective motors.

[0092] As can be seen clearly also in FIGS. 17 to 19, in which the colourant delivery unit 15 has not been depicted for clarity of illustration, the container magazine 16 can accommodate a plurality of empty containers 130, arranged stacked in several arrays. In the example in the figures there are four arrays of containers 130 in a line, but naturally the number and reciprocal positioning of the arrays of containers 130 can vary, according to storage requirements, the intended autonomy of the machine 1, and the space available inside the bodywork 2. The container magazine 16 comprises a plurality of columns 135 fixed to the support plate 14 positioned parallel to each other so as to hold four stacks 136 of containers 130 laterally. A cover 138 mounted on the upper end of the column 135 closes off the spaces containing the stacks 136 at the top. The support plate 14 has four openings corresponding to the stacks 136, to allow the containers 130 to move down onto the support member 124 of the handling unit 18.

[0093] The container magazine 16 also comprises a picking device 140 placed on one side of the arrays of containers 130. The containers 130 each comprise at the top a collar 131 that is advantageously used for the picking operations. The picking device 140 comprises a plurality (four in the example in the figures) of picking members 141 mounted rotatably on a support 142, each having its rotation controlled by a respective motor 144 fixed to the support plate 14. As can be seen more clearly in FIGS. 20 to 27, a picking member 141 comprises a lower disc 145 and an upper disc 146, of the same diameter, mounted coaxially and vertically separated from each other on a control spindle 147 controlled by the motor 144. A tab 149 is mounted above the upper disc 146 and interacts with a sensor 150 to identify a given angular position thereof, corresponding to a storage position of the picking member. A half-moon shaped curved portion 151 is taken out of the lower disc 145. On one side of the curved portion 151, the lower disc 145 is bent upwards to form a detachment tooth 152 close to the lower face of the upper disc 146. The upper disc 146 itself also has a half-moon shaped curved portion 153, similar to the curved portion 151 of the lower disc 145 and offset at a 90 angle to the latter.

[0094] The capping station 17 (see FIGS. 17 to 19) comprises two stacks 171 each comprising a plurality of caps 170 suitable for hermetically sealing the containers 130 at the end of the operations of delivering fluid products into them, to produce the finished, full container, ready for delivery to the end user. In the example in the figures, each of the two stacks 171 is supported by four columns 172 fixed to the support plate 14. The bottom cap in each stack 171 faces a corresponding opening made on the support plate 14 so as to be accessible from below the latter, where a capping unit 180 for each stack 171 of caps 170 is positioned. Each stack 171 of caps is supported from below by flexible tabs 181 (see FIG. 28) that hold the edge of the bottom cap 170 in the stack 180. A weight 176 is placed on top of each stack 171 of caps 170.

[0095] Each capping unit 180 comprises a lifting platform 182 mounted so as to slide on vertical guides 183 and actuated in upward and downward displacement by a rod-crank unit 184 underneath it, controlled by a motor 185. The lifting platform is connected to a shaft 186, the upper end 187 of which interacts with the stems 188 of the two jaws 190 for clamping the lower portion of the stack 171 of caps 170.

[0096] As can be seen more clearly in FIG. 29, the clamping jaws 190 are articulated together with a pivot 191 opposite the stems 188. The clamping jaws 190 are driven into the clamped position illustrated in the figure by a spring 193 mounted on a shaft 194. Two facing notches 195 are made on the stems 188, between which notches the wedge-shaped upper end 187 of the shaft 186 is inserted. The raising of the shaft 186 caused by the upward displacement of the lifting platform 182 causes the wedge on the end 187 to move away from the notches 195, which therefore come closer through the action of the spring 193 exerting a clamping pressure on the lower portion of the stack 171 of caps 170. The lowering of the shaft 186 caused by the downward displacement of the lifting platform 182 causes the wedge on the end 187 to return into the notches 195, consequently moving the clamping jaws 190 away from the lower portion of the stack 171 of caps 170.

[0097] The capping station could also be different from that illustrated in the example in the figures and could for example comprise a device of a generally known type for applying a heat-sealed film over the mouth of the container 130 full of fluid product. Another possible alternative is to position a cap 170 on the mouth of the container, and to drag the latter in a horizontal direction under a locator that presses on the cap, to fasten it. The locator can be fixed, for example a wedge-shaped plane, or movable, for example one or more rollers. The movement of the container under the locator for capping can be effected by said handling unit 18 over the horizontal plane X-Y that is used to transfer the container from the magazine to the nozzle centre.

[0098] Inside the machine 1 there is also a zone or container for collecting waste, into which the handling unit 18 effects the transfer of any part-full containers, or ones that have to be discarded in the event of malfunction or unexpected stoppage of the operations of the machine 1.

[0099] As can be seen in greater detail in FIGS. 30 to 32, the support member 124 for a container 130 can incorporate a lifting member 200, to bring the container 130 nearer to the nozzle centre 59, preferably bringing the mouth of the container 130 close to the nozzle centre 59 until it comes into contact with the latter. In this way any spillage of fluid product from the container can be prevented. The advantages are both that of keeping the inside of the machine clean, and more importantly that of producing the exact formulation of paint without spilling any drops of colourant or fluid product that could alter the expected and desired result. As can be seen in FIG. 30 to 32, the lifting member 200 comprises a support body 201 with an appendage 202 that can move in rotation, for example by means of a motor incorporated into the support body 201. The end of the appendage 202 is provided with a small plate 203 capable of pressing on the bottom of the container 130 to convey it selectively towards (FIG. 31) and away from (FIG. 32) the nozzle centre 59. When the appendage 202 is in the rest position (FIG. 30) the lower portion of the container 130 is completely free from the appendage 202 and its small plate 203, such that it can be manipulated in the next phases, for example by the capping unit 180.

[0100] In a preferred embodiment the machine 1 for producing pots or containers of paint, in particular samples of coloured paints, is configured by filling the paint tanks 22 respectively with white paint and neutral paint which, in varying proportions, can create a continuous range of paints with different degrees of whiteness, which can then expediently be coloured by adding colourant fluid products stored in the colourant tanks 90, in the desired combination according to formulations provided in an internal or external memory of the computerised electronic system of the machine 1.

[0101] At least one stack of empty containers 130 and at least one stack of caps 170 are also provided, respectively in the container magazine 16 and the capping station 17. In a rest condition, the humidification device 80 is arranged in such a way that the humidification basin 106 is positioned below the nozzle centre 59.

[0102] When a container of particular paint is required, for example through a request entered and displayed beforehand by means of the screen 4, the electronics of the machine 1 commands the handling unit 18 to move towards the container magazine 16, so that the ring 126 of the support member 124 is positioned under a stack of empty containers.

[0103] In a storage position, each stack 136 of containers 130 is supported by the peripheral edge of the lower disc 145 of the respective support member 124, as can be seen in FIGS. 20 to 26, on which the collar 131 of the bottom container in the stack 136 bears. The upper disc 146 is positioned in such a way that its curved portion 153 is facing the stack 136. In this configuration, therefore, the peripheral edge of the upper disc 146 does not engage the collar 131 of any container 130.

[0104] When it is wished to pick the lower container 130 of a stack 136, the support member 124 of the handling unit 18 is carried underneath that stack 136. The motor 144 of the picking member 141 is then actuated so as to rotate the lower 145 and upper 146 discs by 90 until they reach the position illustrated in FIGS. 22 and 23. In this picking position, the upper disc 146 has rotated in such a way that its peripheral edge has engaged the collar 131 of the penultimate container 130. The lower disc 145 has rotated in such a way that its curved portion 151 is facing the stack 136 of containers. In this picking position, therefore, the peripheral edge of the lower disc 145 no longer engages the collar 131 of the last container 130, which remains free to fall into the ring 126 of the support member 124 positioned underneath the support plate 14. To prevent the bottom container 130 from remaining hanging from the stack 136, the picking member 141 is actuated in rotation by a further few degrees, as can be seen in FIGS. 24 and 25, so that the detachment tooth 152 of the lower disc 145 is inserted between the collar 131 of the last and penultimate containers. A further rotation, as can be seen in FIGS. 26 and 27, causes the containers to separate completely and the last container in the stack 136 to fall into the support member 124. After the last container 130 has been detached and has fallen into the ring 126 of the support member 124, the penultimate container supported by the upper disc 146 becomes the last one in the stack 136. At this point the picking member is returned to its initial storage position, in which the collar 131 of the new last container 130 is let go by the upper disc 146 because it is level with the curved portion 153 and can therefore fall, pushed down by the weight of the whole stack 136 of containers above the latter, on the peripheral edge of the lower disc 145.

[0105] The container 130 picked from the container magazine 16 can then be taken under the nozzle centre 59 to be filled by means of delivery of fluid products taken from the paint tanks 22 (22a and/or 22b) and of colourants taken from one or more colourant tanks 90, according to predetermined colorimetric formulas stored in a central or remote memory of the electronic system of the machine 1.

[0106] Before delivery of fluid products into the empty container 130 brought under the nozzle centre 59 of the handling unit 18, the humidification device 80 is activated so as to release the nozzle centre 59 from the humidification basin 108, bringing the opening 110 into alignment with the latter. In the event that, based on the requested formulation, use has to be made of one or more colourants not used for some time, the electronic system could first command those colourant conduits to be drained, having first positioned under the nozzle centre 59 the drainage container 106 carried by the humidification device 80.

[0107] Preferably, before delivery, the empty container 130 is raised by the lifting member 200 and brought nearer to the lower wall of the nozzle centre 59, preferably until it touches it, so that the mouth of the empty container 130 is sealed by the nozzle centre 59 itself. In this way the complete delivery of all the fluid products provided is ensured, into the container 130. At the end of delivery, the container 130, full of liquids, is brought back to its rest position for subsequent handling, following the lowering of the lifting member 200 and its return to the rest position illustrated in FIG. 30.

[0108] Delivery takes place preferably according to a method allowing the most homogeneous distribution of fluids inside the container 130, so as to make the mixing of the fluid products much faster, for example manually after delivery of the full container to the end user or by means of an agitating mixer of a generally known type. Furthermore, the method for delivering fluids makes it possible to reduce, or even completely prevent, the colourants from bathing the walls of the container, thus preventing poor and inconsistent distribution of said colourants into the finished paint.

[0109] In producing finished paints according to the invention the colourants are delivered in variable quantities according to the desired shade, but in any case always in substantially smaller quantities than the amounts of the mix of white and neutral paint coming from the tanks 22. According to the optimised method of the present invention, the colourants are delivered at a delivery speed given by the operating speed of the respective colourant pumps 64, in proportion to the total volumetric quantity of colourant required by the specific formulation requested. Moreover, the speed of delivery of the colourants is calibrated so as to end up being distributed as uniformly as possible in the mixture of white and neutral paint delivered into the container 130. The same principle of proportionality can be for delivery of the white paint and the neutral paint.

[0110] For example, where 100 mL of finished paint has to be produced, in which the formulation provides for the delivery of 90 mL white paint and 10 mL black colourant, the delivery can preferably, although not exclusively, take place as follows. First a small amount of white paint, for example 10 mL, is delivered, to cover the bottom of the empty container 130 and prevent the black colourant adhering thereto. Next, 70 mL of white paint is delivered, preferably at the highest delivery speed provided by the main delivery pump 50 and at the same time as the 10 mL of black colourant is delivered over the same period. This is favoured by the swept volume of the colourant delivery pump 64, which is less than the swept volume of the main delivery pump 50. In view of the different swept volumes of the two pumps, the delivery speed of black colourant is regulated, if necessary making it lower than the maximum speed that can be achieved with the colourant delivery pump 64. Naturally, where the colourant delivery pump 64 does not manage to keep up with the main delivery pump 50 because of the difference in swept volume between the pumps and the amount of colourant requested, the speed of delivery of the white paint will be reduced. Al the end of delivering the 10 mL of black colourant there will also be an amount of white paint equal to 80 mL in the container 130. The last 10 mL of white paint is therefore delivered in such a way as to cover the black colourant and prevent the latter from touching the cap, at the time of sealing the container 130.

[0111] To give another, slightly more complex example, so as to clarify the principle of optimised delivery, the production of a paint with a formulation providing for the delivery of 30 mL white paint, 50 mL neutral paint, 15 mL yellow colourant and 5 mL red colourant can be considered. In this case the white and neutral paints are delivered together, the neutral paint pump preferably being commanded to operate at the highest possible speed and the white paint pump at a speed 40% lower, so that they take the same time to complete delivery of the intended quantities of the two paints. The first step is to deliver, for example, 5 mL of neutral paint and, simultaneously, 3 mL of white paint, which together cover the bottom of the empty container 130. Continuing to deliver the two paints in the same proportions and at the same speeds, simultaneous delivery of the yellow and red colourants is then started, at delivery speeds such that the same time is taken to deliver the 15 mL of yellow colourant and the 5 mL of red colourant. The speed of the pump used for the red colourant will therefore be regulated so that it is one-third slower than the speed of the pump used for the yellow colourant. The latter will be regulated so that, considering that the swept volume is different from that of the main delivery pumps 50, delivery of all the yellow colourant (and consequently all the red colourant) takes place within the time used for delivery of almost the whole amount of white and neutral paint except, for example, for the last 5 mL of neutral paint and the last 3 mL of white paint, which are delivered at the end, to cover the colourants and prevent them from coming into contact with the sealing cap 170.

[0112] At the end of delivery, the handling unit 18 moves the container 130, now full of paint, away from the nozzle centre 59, which is once again covered by the humidification basin 106 of the humidification device 90. In the event of delivery problems, for example through unexpected opening of the bodywork 2, or through any stoppage of the power supply, or otherwise, the machine 1 discards the container 130 and takes it to the waste zone before resetting itself to the condition of awaiting instructions from a user.

[0113] If there are no hitches, the production of paint continues with the transfer of the container 130 to the capping station. In particular, the handling unit positions the support member 124 such that the bottom of the container 130 is aligned above the lifting platform 182. The motor 185 that actuates the rod-crank unit 184 is then activated, and the latter raises the lifting platform 182, which lifts the container 130 up, towards the bottom cap 170 in a stack 171 of caps. Simultaneously, the raising of the lifting platform 182 causes the raising of the shaft 186, the upper wedge-shaped end 187 of which, releasing the notches 195 of the stems 188, allows the jaws 190 to be clamped over the lower portion of the stack 171 of caps. In this way the container 130 can be pressed against the bottom cap 170 of the stack 171, which remains stable. The pressure against the bottom cap 170 causes the container 130 to be sealed. The lowering of the lifting platform causes the container 130 to be dragged away with the cap sealing it, which cap is released from the resilient tabs that hold it on the stack 171. The stack 171 moves down, pushed by the weight on it, so that the penultimate cap now appears in the last position, ready for the capping of a subsequent container.

[0114] The capped container 130 is then conveyed to the collection compartment 6 where it is released for delivery outside the machine 1.

[0115] Naturally, without prejudice to the principle of the invention, the embodiments and the implementation details can vary greatly from what is described and illustrated while remaining within the scope of the present invention.