TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of tinting machines. More particularly the present disclosure relates to an efficient, cost-effective, and automated tinting machine with pumps having improved leakage-free life, which reduces the service and maintenance of the machine, thereby preventing disruption and downtime of the machine, and also reducing the operating cost.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present disclosure. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed disclosure, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

[0003] Tinting machines are colorant dispensers composed of various pumps and containers storing different colorants, which interact with each other to dispense particular colour. The colorants are dispensed through pumps attached to each canister. Progressive cavity pumps are generally used in tinting machines, which are specially designed for the paint and coating industry, where dispensing of colorant is controlled through a high-quality rotor, stator, and stepper motor. Progressive cavity pumps used in tinting machines are generally positive displacement that creates pressure within the pump, which draws in colorant from the container into the pump and then dispenses the colorant out of the pump. When the pump is in operation, the colorant moves within the pump through an intake end (inlet) of the pump, which is connected to the container. Further, the received colorant is pumped out of the pump through a discharge end (outlet) of the pump. Upon the rotation of the rotor by the motor, cavities are formed between the rotor and the stator, which moves the fluid towards the discharge end of the pump.

[0004] Existing progressive-cavity pumps have leakage issues after a few (between 100 to 200) litres of colorant dispensing depending on the quality of the colorant). This leakage occurs due to the abrasive pigments in the colorant and improper sealing arrangement in the pump body. Conventionally, a lip seal is used as a sealing arrangement between the rotor and the motor in the pump body. The lip seal has a plastic moulded part energized with a stainless steel spring. The seal also slowly wears out due to exposure to the abrasive pigments of the colorant. Besides, as the seal is stationary, the rotation of the shaft of the rotor generates friction/ heat which in turn damages the seal. Moreover, the steel spring also often comes out and gets damaged easily. Over a period of short time, the plastic part starts to wear out because of its exposure to the abrasive pigments as well as due to the rotor shaft of the pump, exposing the spring and damaging the other internal parts of the pump as well as the machine, thereby resulting in leakage of fluid out of the pump in a short time, which is undesirable.

[0005] There is, therefore, a need to overcome the above drawback, limitations, and shortcomings associated with the existing progressive cavity pumps and tinting machines, and provide a pump for tinting machines, which has improved leakage-free life and which reduces any disruption in operation and downtime of the machine as well as the overall operating cost of the machine.

OBJECTS OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE

[0006] Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfies are as listed herein below.

[0007] It is an object of the present disclosure to overcome the above drawback, limitations, and shortcomings associated with existing progressive cavity pumps used in existing tinting machines.

[0008] It is an object of the present disclosure to restrict leakage and provide proper sealing in existing progressive cavity pumps.

[0009] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide an improved and efficient sealing system in progressive cavity pumps, which does not wear out due to exposure to the abrasive pigments of the colorant or due to the rotation of the rotor.

[0010] It is an object of the present disclosure to reduce disruption and downtime of the tinting machine, thereby reducing the serviceability and maintenance required as well as the operating cost.

[0011] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide an efficient and cost- effective tinting machine with pumps having improved leakage-free life, which reduces the service and maintenance of the machine, thereby preventing disruption and downtime of the machine, and also reducing the operating cost.

SUMMARY

[0012] This present disclosure relates to an efficient and cost-effective tinting machine with pumps having improved leakage-free life, which reduces the service and maintenance of the machine, thereby preventing disruption and downtime of the machine, and also reducing the operating cost.

[0013] In an aspect, the present disclosure pertains to a tinting machine that includes an enclosed frame accommodating multiple canisters storing different colorants, and a set of pumps connected to an outlet of each canister for dispensing the stored fluid (colorants) into a base can or a container that is already filled with a white base. The pump includes a housing having an inlet port and an outlet port, where the inlet port is connected to the outlet of the corresponding canister. The output ports of each of the pumps of the tinting machine may be configured with a dispensing tube. Further, a nozzle may be provided on each of the dispensing tubes. The pump includes a stator configured in the housing, and a rotor movably configured within the stator and connected to a stepper motor. The rotor and stator are profiled such that cavities are formed between the inner surface of the stator and an outer surface of the rotor, and rotation of the rotor causes these cavities to move and facilitate the inflow of the stored fluid into the pump and dispensing of the fluid through the outlet port. The pump can be configured with a mechanical seal between a connection region of the rotor and the motor of the pump, which allows the rotation of the rotor but prevents the leakage of the fluid from the housing.

[0014] The mechanical seal may have a rotating part configured with the rotor and a stationary part configured with the housing. In an aspect, the stationary part of the mechanical seal may be made from a heat and friction-resistant material In another aspect, the rotating part of the mechanical seal may be made from a chemical, wear, and heat resistant material. [0015] As the mechanical seal is made of heat and friction-resistant; as a result, the rotation of a shaft of the rotor does not generate friction/heat which in turn prevents the mechanical seal from wearing or damage. Further, the main sealing material also has good chemical, wear, and heat resistance. Thus, the mechanical seal of the pump used in the proposed tinting machine does not wear off over time and restricts any leakage of fluid from the pump, thereby preventing disruption and downtime of the machine, and also reducing the operating cost.

[0016] In an aspect, the stepper motor may be coupled to each of the rotors in the pump through a coupling assembly. A coupling disc and a set of couplings may be configured between the rotor and the mechanical seal for assistance in rotation. Additionally, a bottom coupling with a flange and a washer may be configured for assistance in rotation between the mechanical seal and the rotor. [0017] In an aspect, the tinting machine may be configured with a stirrer assembly in each of the canisters that may enable the stirring of the fluid in the canister. The stirrer assembly may have a set of stirrer panels connected to a longitudinal member in each of the canisters. This may enable adequate stirring by the stirrer panels, thereby restricting drying and settlement of the stored fluid, and maintaining homogeneity of the fluid.

[0018] In an aspect, a control unit may be configured with the stepper motor of each of the pumps, and with the stirrer motor. The control unit may control and enable independent actuation of the stepper motors and the corresponding pumps, as well as the stirrer assembly. This enables controlled and automated dispensing of a predefined amount of the fluid from the outlet port of the corresponding pumps into the base can for providing a required paint color.

[0019] Accordingly, the present disclosure provides an efficient, cost-effective, and automated tinting machine with pumps having improved leakage-free life, which reduces the service and maintenance of the machine, thereby preventing disruption and downtime of the machine, and also reducing the operating cost.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0020] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure. The diagrams are for illustration only, which thus is not a limitation of the present disclosure.

[0021] In the figures, similar components and/or features may have the same reference label. Further, various components of the same type may be distinguished by following the reference label with a second label that distinguishes among the similar components. If only the first reference label is used in the specification, the description is applicable to any one of the similar components having the same first reference label irrespective of the second reference label.

[0022] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary view of the proposed tinting machine, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIGs. 2A and 2B illustrate exemplary views of the ultra-progressive cavity pump used in the proposed tinting machine in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. [0024] FIG. 3A and 3B illustrate an exemplary view of the canister and stirrer assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary cross-section view of the mechanical seal used in the ultra-progressive cavity pump in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure depicted in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are in such detail as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of detail offered is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

[0027] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present invention. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that embodiments of the present invention may be practiced without some additional effort.

[0028] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an efficient and cost-effective tinting machine with pumps having improved leakage-free life, which reduces the service and maintenance of the machine, thereby preventing disruption and downtime of the machine, and also reducing the operating cost.

[0029] According to an aspect, the present disclosure elaborates upon a tinting machine for fluid dispensing. The tinting machine can have one or more pumps in fluid communication with each of the canisters. The canisters can be configured to store fluid within them. The pump can have housing with an inlet port and an outlet port, where the inlet port is fhiidically connected to the outlet port of the canister. The pump further can have a stator configured with the housing where a rotor is rotatably configured and extending longitudinally within the stator. The rotation of the rotor within the stator can enable the inflow of the fluid from the canister into the pump and can further enable the dispensing of fluid through the outlet port. A mechanical seal can be configured at a connecting region between the rotor and the housing of the pump, which allows rotation of the rotor and restricts leakage of the fluid from the housing. [0030] In an embodiment, the tinting machine can have a stepper motor operatively coupled to the rotor of each of the pumps. The stepper motor can be configured to rotate the rotor within the stator, resulting in dispensing of the fluid from the corresponding pump.

[0031] In an embodiment, the stepper motor can be connected to each of the pumps through a coupling assembly. The coupling assembly can have a set of couplings and a coupling disc configured between the rotor and the mechanical seal. The coupling assembly can further have a washer and a bottom coupling with a flange configured between the mechanical seal and the stepper motor.

[0032] In an embodiment, the tinting machine can have a mechanical seal with a rotating part configured with the rotor and a stationary part configured with the housing.

[0033] In an embodiment, the tinting machine can have a stationary part that is made of a heat and friction-resistant material.

[0034] In an embodiment, the tinting machine can have a rotating part that is made of a chemical, wear, and heat resistant material.

[0035] In an embodiment, the tinting machine can have a stirrer assembly configured with each of the canisters. The stirrer assembly can have a set of stirrer panels connected to a longitudinal member extending within the canister to be operated by a stirring motor which upon actuation enables the stirrer panels to stir the fluid stored within the canister, thereby restricting drying and settlement of the stored fluid, and maintaining homogeneity of the fluid.

[0036] In an embodiment, the tinting machine can have a fluid selected from a group comprising any or a combination of a colorant, varnish, paint, cleaning fluid, primer, and thinner.

[0037] In an embodiment, the tinting machine can have a dispensing tube attached to a nozzle on each of the outlet ports of the pump.

[0038] In an embodiment, the tinting machine can have a control unit operatively coupled to the stepper motor associated with each of the pumps. The control unit can be configured to enable controlled and independent actuation of each of the stepper motors or each of the pumps, which results in dispensing of a predefined amount of the fluid from the outlet port of the corresponding pumps.

[0039] In an embodiment, the stator and rotor of the tinting machine can be configured in any or a combination of S -geometry, and L-geometry, such that cavities are formed between the stator and rotor. The rotation of the rotor within the stator can cause the cavities to enable inflow of the fluid from the canister into the pump and further enables dispensing of the fluid through the outlet port

[0040] In an embodiment, the tinting machine can have a frame at least partially enclosed by an outer body of the machine, the frame adapted to accommodate and hold any or a combination of the control unit, the one or more pumps, and the corresponding stepper motors, the one or more canisters, and a platform for holding a container to be filled with a combination of the dispensed fluid.

[0041] In an embodiment, the tinting machine can have a set of sensors configured at the platform and operatively coupled to the control unit. The sensors can be configured to detect the placement of the container on the platform.

[0042] In an embodiment, the tinting machine can have an SMPS electrically coupled to the stirrer pumps, the stepper motors, the control unit, and the sensors.

[0043] In an embodiment, the machine can have an Autocap configured with the nozzle to cover the dispensing head of the nozzle and restrict drying of the nozzle to keep the nozzle head humidified.

[0044] Referring to FIG. 1, the proposed tinting machine (100) can include a canister assembly (104) including multiple canisters (also designated as 102, herein) storing different fluids such as but not limited to colorant, varnish, paint, cleaning fluid, primer, and thinner. The machine (100) further includes a pump assembly (104) including multiple pumps (also designated as pump 104, herein). Each pump (104) can be fluidically connected to one of the canisters (102) and an outlet of each pump (104) can be further connected to a dispensing tube (110) fitted with a nozzle. The machine (100) can include a platform (116) capable of accommodating a can base or a container (112) that is already filled with a white base. The machine (100) can include a stepper motor (106) connected to each pump (104), which enables the pumps (104) to dispense a predefined amount of the fluid stored in one or more canisters (102), into the can base (112) through the dispensing tube (100), which mixes with the white base in the can (110) to provide a paint of the desired colour. The components of the machine (100) can be accommodated over a frame, which can be further enclosed by an enclosure to protect the internal components from weathering and damage. In an exemplary embodiment, the canisters (104), the platform (116), and the outer enclosing of the machine (100) can be made from polymer, stainless polypropylene or acetal resin materials, and the like.

[0045] Referring to FIGs. 2A and 2B, the ultra-progressive cavity pump (104) (also referred to as pump (104), hereinafter) used in the proposed machine (100) can include a housing (202) having an inlet port (104-1) and an outlet port (104-2). Further, an L-shaped nozzle (218) can be attached to the outlet port (104-2). The pump (104) includes a stator (204) fixed in the housing (202), and a rotor (206) movably configured within the stator (204). Stator (204) can be metal tubes with moulded cavities of natural or synthetic rubber. Rotor (206) can form a uniform tight seal against the stator (204) such that cavities are formed therebetween and as the rotor (206) rotates, the cavities move and draw the fluid from the canister (102) into the pump (104) through the inlet port (104-1) and then carries the fluid towards the outlet port (104-2). A stepper motor (106) can be operatively coupled to the rotor (206) of the pump (104).

[0046] In an embodiment, the stator (204) and rotor (206) of the pump (104) can be configured in any or a combination of S -geometry, and L-geometry, such that cavities are formed between the stator (204) and rotor (206), and upon rotation of the rotor (206) within the stator (204), the cavities enable inflow of the fluid from the canister (102) into the pump (104) and further enables dispensing of the fluid through the outlet port (104-2).

[0047] The pump (104) can further include a mechanical seal (212) (explained in detail in FIG. 4) configured at a connection region between the rotor (206), and the stepper motor (106), which allows rotation of the rotor (206) but restricts leakage of fluid through the connection region between the rotor (206), and the stepper motor (106). The mechanical seal (212) can have a rotating part configured with the rotor (206) and a stationary part configured with the housing (202). In an exemplary embodiment, the stationary part of the mechanical seal (212) can be made from heat and friction-resistant material. In another exemplary embodiment, the rotating part of the mechanical seal (212) can be made from a chemical, wear, and heat resistant material. Referring to FIG. 4, a cross-section of the mechanical seal (212) is shown. The stationary part (416, 418) and rotating parts (412) can be pressed against each other using a spring force (406). The primary seal can be provided by the stationary member (416, 418).

[0048] As the mechanical seal (212) is made of heat and friction-resistant silicon carbide, as a result, the rotation of a shaft of the rotor (206) does not generate friction/heat which in turn prevents the mechanical seal (212) from wearing or damage. Further, the main sealing material also has good chemical, wear, and heat resistance, which protects the mechanical seal from exposure to abrasive pigments of the colorant (fluid). Thus, the mechanical seal (212) of the pump (104) used in the proposed tinting machine (100) does not wear off over time and restricts any leakage of fluid from the pump (104), thereby preventing disruption and downtime of the machine (212), and also reducing the operating cost. [0049] The operation of the pump (104) can be controlled and automated through a control unit, which can actuate the stepper motor (106) to enable the operation of the pump (104). The pump (104) can have a set of couplings (208) and a coupling disc (210) configured between the rotor (206) and the mechanical seal (212), where the coupling disc (210) is between the couplings (208). Further, a washer (214) and a bottom coupling with flange (216) can be configured between the mechanical seal (212) and the stepper motor (106).

[0050] Referring to FIGs. 3A and 3B, each of the canisters (102) can be configured with a stirrer assembly. The stirrer assembly can include a set of stirrer panels (304) connected to a longitudinal member (302) extending within the canister (102) as shown in FIG. 3B. Further, a stirring motor (108) can be operatively coupled to the longitudinal member (302) and the set of stirrer panels (304) such that the actuation of the stirrer motor (108) enables the stirrer panels (304) to rotate about their axis and stir the fluid stored within the canister (102), thereby restricting drying and settlement of the stored fluid, and maintaining homogeneity of the fluid. Further, the outlet (102-1) of the canister (102) can be connected to the inlet port (104-1) of the pump (104) and the outlet port (104-1) of the pump (104) can be connected to the dispensing tube (110) fitted with a nozzle (114).

[0051] In an embodiment, the pump (104) can be configured to dispense fluid from the corresponding canister (102) upon getting a command from the control unit that can be operatively coupled to the stepper motor associated with each of the pumps (104), and the stirrer pump (108). The control unit can be configured to enable a controlled and independent actuation of each of the stepper motors (106) or each of the pumps (104), which may result in automated dispensing of a predefined amount of the fluid from the outlet port (104-2) of the pumps (104) into the can base (112).

[0052] In an embodiment, the fluid dispensing command can be provided through a mobile communication device, personal computer to a logic board. The logic board can be configured to check the fluid as per the formulation. Based on the availability of the fluid an Autocap can be configured with the nozzle (114) to cover the dispensing head of the nozzle (114), and restrict drying of the nozzle (114) to keep the nozzle head humidified. An alarm can be provided in the absence of the can base or container on the platform (116).

[0053] In an exemplary embodiment, the stepper motor (106) used can be a 5 volt bipolar stepper motor with a L293D motor driver with an AT89C51 control unit. The command from the personal computer can be updated to a cloud database to be analyzed for efficiency. The machine (100) can include a set of sensors configured at the platform (116) and operatively coupled to the control unit, where the sensors can be configured to detect the placement of the can base (112) on the platform (116). Further, the machine (100) can include an SMPS or a power supply unit electrically coupled to the stirrer pumps (108), the stepper motors (106), the control unit, and the sensors.

[0054] Accordingly, the present disclosure provides an efficient, cost-effective, and automated tinting machine with pumps having improved leakage-free life, which reduces the service and maintenance of the machine, thereby preventing disruption and downtime of the machine, and also reducing the operating cost.

[0055] It is to be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that while various embodiments of the present disclosure have been elaborated for tinting machine (100) dispensing colorants, however, the teachings of the present disclosure are also applicable for other types of fluids as well, and all such embodiments are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Further, while various embodiments of the present disclosure have been elaborated for the pump (104) being used in a tinting machine (100), however, the proposed pump (104) with mechanical seal (212) is also equally implementable in other industries such as in dosing machines and dispensing machines as well, and all such embodiments are well within the scope of the present disclosure without any limitation.

[0056] Moreover, in interpreting the specification, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms “comprises” and “comprising” should be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly referenced.

[0057] While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the disclosure, other and further embodiments of the disclosure may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. The scope of the disclosure is determined by the claims that follow. The invention is not limited to the described embodiments, versions or examples, which are included to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the disclosure when combined with information and knowledge available to the person having ordinary skill in the art. ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

[0058] The proposed invention overcomes the above drawback, limitations, and shortcomings associated with existing progressive cavity pumps and existing tinting machines. [0059] The proposed invention restricts leakage and provides proper sealing in existing progressive cavity pumps.

[0060] The proposed invention provides an improved and efficient sealing system in ultra-progressive cavity pumps, which does not wear out due to exposure to the abrasive pigments of the colorant or due to the rotation of the rotor. [0061] The proposed invention reduces the disruption and downtime of the tinting machine, thereby reducing the serviceability and maintenance required as well as reducing the operating cost.

[0062] The proposed invention provides an efficient and cost-effective tinting machine with pumps having improved leakage-free life, which reduces the service and maintenance of the machine, thereby preventing disruption and downtime of the machine as well as the operating cost.