Arrangement in a Mixer, Especially for Mixing Printing Color

The present invention relates to an arrangement in a mixer, especially for mixing printing color.

The present invention has been developed especially in connection with mixing of colors for offset-printing, such colors having a relatively high viscosity, but the invention is not limited to offset-color and can be used for mixing other colors, provided the invention can be used in connection with viscosity values associated with such further colors.

Generally, printing color is manufactured in the color factory in limited series from so-called base colors. On the basis of these base colors there exists a wide spectre of defined colors, i.e. with a prescription consisting of an accurate mixing ratio.

In order to achieve correct color, or color mixing, the prescription must be adhered to with great accuracy, since small deviations will give wrong color result.

It is today known that color mixing within the graphic industry or mixing of offset-colors takes place by a manual process, wherein the only auxiliary means during the color mixing is a scale. This is a time consuming and very difficult task if the result is to be a completely accurately prescribed end color.

Consequently, the prior art manual method is hampered with the following disadvantages:

inaccurate end colors,

long mixing time (which involves costly machine time on the printing machine),

difficulties in achieving the same result if several mixings are made,

more color than needed is to be mixed in order to secure enough quantity of color, which entails large wastage.

Besides, from GB-A-2 103 951 there is known a multi component valve serving to mix predetermined gas components received from separate pressure supply tanks, which valves not straight away can be used for mixing printing color.

From U.S. Pat. No. 4,688,944 there is known a mixing head for reactive mixture of two or more plastic components in a mixing chamber, there being used a respective dosage valve during a supply step and a respective recirculation valve in a later recirculation step.

From U.S. Pat. No. 4,944,599 there is know a system with closed feedback loop control for a high pressure mixing system. The system comprises a displaceable nozzle needle regulating pressure and volume as well as other parameters in the mixed product.

From U.S. Pat. No. 4,946,284 there is known a mixing head for mixing liquid state material, comprising supply channels to a mixing chamber and return channels. Besides, there is used a first valve for opening the inflow to the mixing chamber and a second valve for opening and closing the return channels.

None of said publication gives any information about valves comprising two or more color throughputting openings for crude and fine dosage of color, respectively.

The object underlying the present invention is to avoid the previously discussed disadvantages with which the prior art technique is hampered, for thereby providing an arrangement in a mixer whereby is achieved:

accurate mixing result each time mixing takes place,

only mixing of the required quantity of color,

accurate copying of the previously mixed color without deviation,

automatic process in a color mixer, such that the printer can be released for preparing the printing machine,

simplified buying routines comprising only base colors,

improved color logistic, there only being need for having base colors and no need for making special colors,

avoiding waiting time when ordering special colors from supplier,

saving mixing addition from color supplier,

all colors of the spectrum is automatically available, stored in a database.

These objects are achieved in an arrangement in a mixer of the type as stated in the preamble, which according to the invention is characterized in that the arrangement comprises a plurality of color containers each containing a base color, as well as output conduits through which base color can be delivered to a valve carrying distribution means which can be brought in communication with the individual color containers via said outlet conduits, as well as control means which according to a preset program influences the distribution means to let through a desired quantity of base color from preselected color containers to a common mixing vessel, preferably on a weight basis.

Further features and advantages in connection with the present invention will appear from the following description taking in connection with the appended drawings, as well as from the appended patent claims.

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view illustrating an example of how an arrangement in a mixer according to the invention can be implemented.

FIG. 2 illustrates, on a larger scale, an example of an operator panel which is used in the arrangement illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a schematic principle sketch illustrating a non-limiting embodiment of an arrangement according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a view as seen from above of a main member included in a special embodiment of a distribution means in an arrangement according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a side view of the main member illustrated in FIG. 4.

FIGS. 6A, 6B and 6C illustrate, on a larger scale, one of the valve sections included in the main member illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5.

FIG. 7 illustrates, on a larger scale, a view partly in section of a combined lid and piston illustrated in FIG. 3.

In FIG. 1 which schematically and perspectively is a view illustrating an example of how an arrangement in a mixer according to the invention can be implemented, the arrangement proper is stated by reference numeral 1. The present arrangement which is specifically developed in connection with the mixing of printing colors for graphics or offset-color, but which can also be used for mixing other appropriate colors, comprises a plurality of color containers 2a, 2b . . . 2n, each of which containing a so-called base color. The number of such color containers 2a, 2b . . . 2n can, of course, be varied within wide limits and an appropriate number in the embodiment according to FIG. 1, has been chosen as 17. Each of these 17 color containers 2a, 2b . . . 2n is connected to an individual output conduit 3a, 3b . . . 3n through which the base color can be passed to a valve carrying distribution means, which means will be further described in the following, but which can be brought in communication with the individual color containers 2a, 2b . . . 2n via said outlet conduits 3a, 3b . . . 3n, respectively. This communication is taken care of by control means 4 which according to a preset program, for example by means of a control panel 5, influences the mentioned distribution means to let through the desired quantity of base color from preselected color containers to a common mixing vessel 6, preferably on a scale basis.

By means of said control or operating panel 5 the operator can thus firstly chose the quantity of color which is desired, for example a batch quantity of 50-200 g to 2500 g. Thereafter, the operator punches in the percentage part corresponding to the color prescription, which can comprise for example five colors or more, the sum of said percentage parts summing up to 100%. Thereafter, the operator pushes on start and the arrangement according to the invention carries out the necessary operations so that the predetermined quantity of colors is taken out with the correct percentage part from the selected base color containers for the collection thereof in a common mixing vessel 6 in accordance with the selected colors prescription.

It is to be understood that within said batch sizes from approx. 50-200 g to 2500 g, the mixture may be fine adjusted with quantities of colors of quantity range 0,2 g, or less, which involves that most of the practical color prescriptions can be mixed very accurately both at the initial mixture and by repeating mixtures.

In FIG. 2 there is, on a larger scale, illustrated an example of how an operator panel 5 can be designed, especially for use in the arrangement which is schematically illustrated in FIG. 1. It is to be understood that together with the finished mixture in the mixing vessel 6 the control means 4 can print out the prescription as punched, which appropriately can be stored in the system, or be printed out as a delivery note together with the finished mixture.

In FIG. 3 there is depicted a schematic principle sketch giving an overview on how a non-limited embodiment of an arrangement according to the invention can be realized. In FIG. 3 one can once more find one of the color containers 2a which via its outlet conduit 3a is in stand-by connection with a previously discussed valve carrying distribution means 10 comprising a plurality of valve sections 11a-11n, preferably arranged in a ring, above the common previously discussed mixing vessel 6 illustrated in FIG. 3.

In FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrating a view as seen from above and a side view, respectively, of an assembled main member which is included in said distribution means 10, it appears herefrom that the distribution means 10 itself comprises for example 17 valve sections 11a-11n arranged in a ring, each valve section 11a-11n on the one side via appropriate inlet openings 13a-13n being connected to each individual of said mentioned outlet conduits 3a-3n extending from the respective color container 2a-2n, and on the other side being adapted to appropriately recessed valve housings 14a-14n to hold regulating valve.

In FIGS. 6A-6C there is, at a somewhat larger scale, illustrated one of the valve sections 11a with its valve housing 14a.

A valve which can be held by respective valve housings 14a-14n is illustrated in FIGS. 4, 5 and 6, here generally designated by reference numeral 15, said FIGS. 6A-6C illustrating the valve 15 in various operating positions, as this will be further discussed in the following.

It is once more referred to FIG. 3, and in connection with the embodiment illustrated there, it is to be understood that the distribution means 10 is substantially stationary provided, the latter encircling a valve control means which generally is designated by reference numeral 20, and which can be brought to selected position in relation to the individual valve section 11a-11n in order to contribute to a correct stroke length by opening/closing the respective valve 15 arranged therein, and then in accordance with the preprogramd color prescription.

The valve control means 20 can appropriately be connected to a drive means 21, for example a pneumatic drive means, for thereby displacing the valve control means 20 to preselected positions, which preselected positions are controlled by the previously discussed control means 4, see FIG. 1.

In FIG. 3 and FIG. 5 the drive means 21 is symbolized by means of a triple arrow, which will indicate that the valve control means in an appropriate embodiment can be given appropriate lowering motions, as well as one or more appropriate raising movements, all of which being adapted to the remaining shape of the valve control means 20 itself, and the manner in which it communicates with the respective valves 15 in the respective valve housings 14a-14n.

It is to be understood that said control means 4 cooperate with the valves 15 arranged in the distribution means 10 in such a way that when a color prescription has been punched for each valve 15 in question or valve housing 14a-14n in question, there can be effected both crude dosage and/or fine dosage for achieving an accurate color mixture. If there is a need for only one crude dosage and one fine dosage, then the individual valves 15 can be designed as this is illustrated in detail in FIGS. 4, 5 and 6A-6C, namely with at least two color throughput openings, respectively a larger throughput opening 24 serving for crude dosage of the color in question, as well as a smaller opening 25 serving for fine dosage of the color in question. Examples of diameter of the openings can be 8 mm and 1,5 mm, respectively, but these dimensions can of course vary within wide limits.

In FIGS. 4, 5 and 6A-6C it is illustrated that each valve 15 is provided in a respective valve housing, 14a-14n, each valve 15 comprising a substantially cylinder-shaped main member 16 having a first end portion 27 which is provided with a substantially inclined control surface 28 which is adapted to cooperate with an oppositely inclined surface 34 on the valve control means 20 in dependence of the position which the associated raising/lowering mechanism 21 has communicated to the valve control means 20. Further, from FIGS. 3, 4, 5 and 6A-6C it appears that the individual valve 15 is in a valve housing 14a-14n which is connected to a pipe piece 40 for the supply of pressure air 41, which pressure air will be supplied via appropriate not illustrated individual hoses, which can have a common pressure air source or compressed air generator.

An example of a dosing course can be read from FIGS. 6A-6C, and in connection with FIG. 5, FIG. 6A illustrating a position in which both throughput openings or dosing openings 24 and 25 are in a retracted position, i.e. closed position, see also FIG. 5.

In case a dosage through the largest opening 24 is desired, then compressed air 41a will be communicated via the pipe piece 40, as this is illustrated in FIG. 6C, and the compressed air will then guide a piston 41 in a piston chamber 42 from the right position illustrated in FIG. 6A to the outermost left position illustrated in FIG. 6C, in which the inclined surface 28 of the piston body 16 itself will rest against the inclined surface 34 on the previously discussed valve control means 20. This displacement of the valve 15 will then entail that the thoroughgoing opening 24 for the crude dosage is flush with a respective outlet opening 30a-30n for the respective valve section 11a-11n, here section 11a, see especially FIG. 6C. In accordance with the preprogrammed crude dosage quantity, this flush position of the thoroughgoing opening 24 and the outlet opening 30a remain until the crude dosage quantity has been let through and ended up in the previously discussed mixing vessel 6, see FIG. 3.

If thereafter a fine dosage is wanted, i.e. a dosage through the lesser throughput opening 25, the program will order the drive means 21 of the valve control means 20, such that the valve control means 20 is lowered to an intermediate position which entails that the inclined surface 34 of the valve control means 20 will force the valve 15 to return into the valve housing 14a with a distance corresponding to the flushing of the lesser throughput opening 25 with the previously discussed outlet opening 30a which communicates with the corresponding supply hose 3a, the larger throughput opening 24 now being pulled into the valve housing 14a to a passive position, see especially FIG. 6B.

Said displacement of the inclined surface 34 of the valve control means 20 will thus bring the valve 15 to a position wherein the throughput opening 25 for fine dosage will match the corresponding outlet opening 30a-30n on the bottom side of the distribution means 10, such that an appropriately dosed color quantity 31, see FIG. 3, can mix with the previously filled color 32 in said collecting vessel 6.

It is to be understood that during the up till now discussed two operational steps the compressed air 41a will continuously be supplied through the supply piece 40, such that the lowering movement of the inclined surface 34 of the valve control means 20 will press the valve 15 into the valve housing 14a towards the air pressure acting on the piston 41 in the respective valve housing, see FIGS. 6C and 6B.

After the fine dosage has also been terminated, the raising/lowering mechanism 21 will once more be activated, and then in such a manner that the valve control means 20 will be brought to its bottom lower position, which entails that the upper part of the inclined surface 34 will force the piston 15 all the way into the valve housing 14a, for complete closing of the valve, i.e. back to the starting point illustrated in FIG. 6A. At this stage the compressed air can be released and the used valve 15 will then remain in the valve housing 14a also after the retrieval of the valve control means 20 to its initial position, as this is illustrated in FIG. 5, namely to its position illustrated with solid lines, wherein the lower portion of the inclined surface 34 is spaced from the corresponding inclined surface 28 of the respective valve 15, but still so far down that the inclined surface 34 can constitute a counter means if, in connection with the next valve, start-up will be with a crude dosage.

If, in connection with a valve, only a fine dosage is to be effected, i.e. only the lesser opening 25 shall be effective, i.e. is to be brought flush with the outlet opening 30a, there will initially be given a signal to the valve control means 20 for this to be lowered to its intermediate position, see especially FIG. 6B, before pressure air 41a is supplied via the supply piece 40 for influencing the piston 41 in the piston chamber 42, for thereby bringing the valve 15 to said fine dosage position.

Since the valve control means 20 has a lower part having conical portions 34, it is sufficient that the valve control means 20 is given a raising and lowering movement when the respective valves are to execute their dosage operations, i.e. turning of the valve control means 20 is avoided since the respective operation of the valves 15 is taken care of by separate compressed air supplies, see reference 40 in FIGS. 3, 4, 5 and 6A-6C.

It is further to be understood that in the discussed embodiment in a valve control means 20 in the form of a raisable/lowerable large piston having inclined surfaces 34, it is possible in a simple manner to perform maintenance and tests of the mixing arrangement itself. For example, a test program can be inserted for cleaning or control of the displaceability of the pistons or valves, namely the valves 15, in that the valve control means 20 is lowered to its intermediate position, i.e. the position for fine dosage, whereafter compressed air is supplied to all piston chambers 42 for advancing all valves 15 a little distance until the respective inclined surfaces 28 of the valves 15 will abut against the inclined surface 34 of the valve control means 20, see for example FIG. 6B, whereafter the valve control means 20 in the course of a fraction of a second is lowered to its bottom position for retrieving all pistons, i.e. so quickly that color does not leak out through the dosage openings. Thereafter the compressed air is shut off and the valve control means 20 is raised to its initial position, see FIG. 5.

As mentioned, the distribution means 10 is appropriately arranged in a ring around the valve control means 20, and a further appropriate manner in which to design the distribution means 10 is as a tiltable arrangement, which will render inspection and maintenance easier.

In FIGS. 5 and 6A-6C there is also illustrated O-rings 45 and 46 arranged in opposite circumferential recesses for appropriate sealing of the respective valves 15, respectively their valve bodies 16 in respective valve housings 14a-14n for the intermediate portion housing the graduated valve openings 24 and 25.

A variant of an embodiment of distribution means can be reside in letting the valve control means being provided without bottom inclined surfaces, but only as a substantially cylindrical piston which can take only two positions, namely an upper position allowing full stroke of the respective valve for bringing the largest throughput opening to flush with the outlet opening above the mixing vessel, as well as a lower position allowing for the valve only to have a reduced stroke bringing the lesser throughput opening to flush with the respective outlet opening in the valve section in question.

Such a variant will require a two-way pneumatic or hydraulic control of the valve which is arranged in the individual valve section or valve chamber, namely either a double supply of compressed air hoses to the piston chambers for the control of compressed air "behind" and "ahead of" said piston, or a special two-way valve with associated control means for controlling the same compressed air on the one or second side of the piston.

A mixing course can then take place by the following steps:

a) the valve control means is in an upper position,

b) compressed air is supplied "behind" the piston in the piston chamber in the valve section in question,

c) the piston is driven to its end stroke and brings the crude dosage opening of the valve to be flush with the outlet hose and outlet opening respectively for crude outlet dosage of preselected quantity of color to a collecting vessel,

d) the piston in the piston chamber receives compressed air "ahead of" the piston, whereas compressed air "behind" the piston is reduced or removed, and the piston is returned to its rear initial position, whereafter pressure air "ahead of" the piston is removed,

e) the control means is lowered to its bottom position, also designated as abutting position,

f) compressed air is supplied once more "behind" the piston which is driven out to an intermediate stroke of the valve, wherein the fine dosage opening is brought flush with the respective outlet house and outlet opening for fine output dosage of preselected quantity of color to the collecting vessel,

g) compressed air is supplied "ahead of" the piston, and compressed air "behind" the piston is reduced, such that the piston with its valve is brought to its rear initial position in the corresponding piston chamber,

h) the valve control means is raised to its non-abutting position.

In FIG. 3 it is illustrated that each of said color containers, here the color container 2a, comprises a displaceable piston 50 operating as a lid and at its center portion being provided with an outlet opening 51 which in turn via a hollow piston rod 52 is connected to the previously discussed outlet conduit 3a.

The piston rod 52 is connected to a drive means which generally is designated by reference numeral 53, and which cooperates with said control means 4, for thereby being able to be influenced by means of a power cylinder 54 and via a lowering jib 55 to move the piston 50 down into or into the selected color container 2a for pressing out therefrom an appropriate quantity of color 56 from the color container 2a and through the hollow piston rod 52 and corresponding outlet conduit 3a to the previously discussed distribution means 10, namely via the associated supply opening 13n to the respective valve housing 14n, and for via the outlet opening 30n of the valve housing in the form of a color string 31 which ends up in the collection vessel 6.

The piston rod 52 can further be provided with an engaging mechanism 57 which will be effective when the corresponding color container 2a is to deliver a certain quantity of color to the distribution means 10, which entails that the lowering jib 55 will serve only the piston rod 52 and associated piston 50 for the selected color container 2a, whereas the remaining color containers remain non-influenced. Appropriately, the same mechanism 57 may be effective when the piston 50 has been guided all the way to the bottom of the respective color container 2a, which indicates an empty color container 2a, such that the piston 50 thereafter can be guided all the way out of the empty box for replacement respectively filling up of the same.

In order to secure that the piston 50 will empty the box 2a completely of color, even if the box 2a is provided with inclined, upwardly extending walls 2aa, the piston 50 is around its circumference appropriately provided with a flexible gasket 50a having such dimensions and being of such a material that all the time there will be executed a sealed pressing out of color 56, which is also illustrated, on a larger scale, in FIG. 7.

In order to ensure that the desired respective preset quantity of color will be let through the distribution means 10, the quantity of color 32 which has been collected in the collecting vessel 6, is subjected to control weighing by means of one or more weighing cells 60 which appropriately are positioned between the mixing vessel 6 and a displaceable rack 61. It is to be understood that this control weighing can be effected in cooperation with said control means 4, based on the outfeeding string of color 31 by means of an adaptive adjustment or lag adaption of expected outfeed of color quantity. This adaptive adjustment or lag adaption can be based on the outfeed of color string weight and/or time for pressing color through the associated valve, respective valve opening.

Since the mixing vessel 6 and the weighing cell or weighing cells 60 are arranged on a displaceable rack 61, preferably a rack 61 comprising not illustrated raising/lowering means, the distance between the mixing vessel bottom 6a or color surface 32a of already supplied color 32, can be regulated such that the color string 31 which is fed out through the valve 15, will have an approximately equal extension when hitting the mixing vessel bottom 6a or the color surface 32a.

Said control means 4 can thus after signal from the weighing cells 60 accomplish an accurately monitored mixing operation, said control means both compensating for tara weight and calculated lag of color. Said control means 4 control all movements, inter alia the individual valves, such that a larger quantity of color will pass through the large valve opening, whereas finishing fine dosage takes place through a lesser valve opening.

As an example of crude dosage there will, having an appropriate valve opening, pass from approximately 6 minutes in connection with dosage of approximately 2,5 kg color to approximately 15 seconds for dosage of 50 g color. Fine dosage of 2 g can take approximately 2,0 seconds. In connection with fine dosage of the range 0,2 g the weight of the color string can be precalculated either adaptably or as a lag.

It is to be understood that the number of valve sections can be varied within wide limits, depending on the practical number of base color including boxes in question. Further, it is to be understood that the output of color from the individual base color boxes can take place by means of other drive means than piston mechanisms, depending on the viscosity of the color in question. In connection with offset-color the viscosity can correspond to the consistency of vaseline or grease, but in connection with finely-fluid colors, there may be contemplated for example supply of color by gravitation, possibly in combination with a pumping supply through appropriate conduits and valves.