JP5632452B2 - Cap and valve assembly for toner dispenser without pump - Google Patents

Description

  This specification relates to dispensing toner.

  Toner is a pure color of paint that includes several elements such as pigments, solvents, and resins. Liquid toners include fluids used for dyeing or coloring paints, inks, colorants, and other matrix materials. Toners are often mixed together to produce specific results. For example, automotive paints are typically produced using precise mixing of toner. The specific color mixture is defined by the recipe. The formulation table identifies the toner in addition to the amount of each toner. If the correct amount of toner is not mixed, for example, a paint that does not exactly match the desired color is obtained.

  Conventional paint mixing is a manual process. After a human user examines the recipe, each toner is manually loaded into a container (eg, on a scale) until a specified amount of each toner is charged. However, human input often results in inaccurate input, particularly when the exact amount of each toner is required to form a particular toner mixture.

  The motorized toner dispensing device typically uses one or more motors to control the spout of the toner container. However, conventional motorized toner dispensers do not adjust quickly and often add too much or too little toner. Conventional motorized toner dispensing devices use a type of pump that operates on a motor, compressed air, or electricity, for example, which sometimes needs calibration due to the nature of the pump. Since the toner contains a pigment that can be an abrasive, the pump is subject to wear and the pump needs to be calibrated. In addition, conventional spouts are imperfectly sealed and result in dripping and introduction of contaminants into the toner container in addition to curing of the toner in the container. Periodic cleaning is required for replacement.

  This specification describes techniques related to toner distribution.

  Broadly, one aspect of the subject matter described herein is a toner container and a cap and valve assembly coupled to the toner container, the cap and valve assembly having a first position and a second position. An assembly, a toner path, and an air inflow path, wherein the toner path and the air inflow path are closed at the first valve assembly position, and the toner path and the air inflow path are opened at the second valve assembly position. An air assembly including a valve assembly, a first air supply device coupled to the air path of the cap and valve assembly, and a second regulated air supply device coupled to the toner container, and for controlling the second air supply device And a control assembly.

  These and other embodiments can optionally include one or more of the following features. The toner dispensing system has a scale for measuring the toner dispensed from the cap and valve assembly and a flow rate that adjusts the second air supply to control the flow rate of toner through the toner path based on the scale measurement. And a control system. The toner flow control further includes adjusting the second adjustment air supply device to the toner container, and the flow rate of the toner passing through the toner path is determined by the air pressure of the toner container.

  The cap and valve assembly further includes an elongate outer tube and an elongate inner tube, the elongate inner tube is movable with respect to the outer tube, the elongate outer tube includes an opening for an air inflow path and a toner path; The inner tube includes an air inlet path and a toner path, and the movable valve assembly moves the inner pipe relative to the outer pipe so that the air inlet path and the toner path are aligned with respective openings in the outer pipe. The cap-and-valve assembly further includes a drip-proof cap that can move relative to the outlet of the toner path so that, in the first position, the outlet is opened and toner exits the toner path. In the second position, the outlet is closed and the toner path is sealed, preventing substantially all of the toner from passing through the outlet. The air inflow path allows air to be selectively injected into the toner container. The control assembly further controls the first air supply device to selectively place the movable valve assembly in the open and closed positions. The first air supply device and the second air supply device have a common supply source or separate supply sources.

  Broadly, one aspect of the subject matter described herein includes identifying a toner amount to be dispensed, initializing a scale to measure the amount of toner dispensed, and air when the valve is moved to a dispense position. Activating a first air supply configured to supply a toner container; activating a second air supply that moves a valve to a dispensing position so that toner is dispensed at a specified flow rate; A step of monitoring the scale to determine when the first toner threshold amount is distributed, a step of decreasing the toner flow rate when the toner threshold amount is distributed, and a second toner threshold amount by monitoring the scale. And a step of stopping the first air supply device when the second toner threshold amount is distributed and stopping the flow of toner by stopping the first air supply device. On the way It can be embodied in this household. Another embodiment of this aspect includes corresponding systems, devices, and computer program products.

  These and other embodiments can optionally include one or more of the following features. The method further includes the step of stopping the second air supply device when the second toner threshold amount has been dispensed, and causing the valve to move out of the dispensing position upon deactivation of the second air supply device. The method receives a user selected recipe, identifies the toner to which the recipe is to be dispensed, and a corresponding amount, dispenses a first toner in the recipe, and then dispenses a second toner from the recipe. A process. Reducing the flow rate includes reducing the pressure in the toner container applied by the first air supply device. When the valve moves to the dispensing position, the toner path and the air path are opened, air is injected into the toner container by the air path, and when moved to the closed position, the toner path is sealed and the air path is sealed.

  Broadly, one aspect of the subject matter described herein includes a movable valve assembly having a first position and a second position, a toner path configured to flow toner from a toner container to an output opening when opened, and an open And an air inflow path configured to connect an air supply source to the toner container, wherein the toner path and air inflow path are closed at the first valve assembly position, and the toner path and air inflow at the second valve assembly position. It can be embodied in a cap and valve assembly in which the path is opened.

  These and other embodiments can optionally include one or more of the following features. A cap and valve assembly includes a toner container coupler configured to secure the cap and valve assembly to the toner container, a coupler configured to couple the cap and valve assembly to one or more air supplies, and a cap. And an elongated body disposed between the coupler and the coupler, the elongated body defining a portion of the movable valve assembly such that a portion of the movable valve assembly can move within a lumen formed in the elongated body. Accommodate.

  The outlet opening is disposed with respect to the distal end of the elongate body and further includes a drip-proof cap coupled to the distal end of the elongate body.

  The cap and valve assembly further includes a drip-proof cap that can move relative to the outlet opening of the toner path so that, in the first position, the outlet is opened and toner exits the toner path. In the second position, the outlet is closed and the toner path is sealed to prevent substantially all of the toner from passing through the outlet. When the drip-proof cap is in the second position, the drip-proof cap prevents air from entering the toner path through the outlet opening. The cap and valve assembly further includes an elongate body including an elongate outer tube and an elongate inner tube, the elongate inner tube being movable relative to the outer tube, the elongate outer tube being for the air inflow path and the toner path. The movable valve assembly is internal to the outer tube so that the inner tube includes an air inlet path and a toner path, and the air inlet path and the toner path are aligned with respective openings in the outer pipe. Move the tube. The inner tube includes a passage along a portion of the length of the inner tube that provides a toner path within the elongated body. The cap and valve assembly further includes a toner inlet tube connected to the toner path for directing toner from the bottom of the toner container to the toner path.

  Particular embodiments of the subject matter described herein can be implemented to realize one or more of the following advantages. The exact amount of toner may be dispensed using a toner dispensing system. The toner dispensing system provides high dispensing accuracy by using flow monitoring and a regulating dispenser coupled using a closed loop signal from an electronic scale. The toner distribution system replaces the container cap supplied by the toner manufacturer with a cap that includes a two-stage switching valve (eg, a shuttle valve) for pushing off the toner flow and the air pressure in the container. The valve cap also incorporates a movable wiping drip-proof cap that prevents dripping after dispensing and seals the end of the toner delivery device from air and storage to reduce toner curing. The toner dispenser guides the toner to dispense from the bottom of the toner container, avoiding dispensing from the top where partial curing can occur due to air exposure.

  The details of one or more embodiments of the subject matter described in this specification are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, aspects, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the description, drawings, and claims.

FIG. 3 is an isometric view of an example toner dispenser. FIG. 3 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an example cap and valve assembly in a closed position. FIG. 3 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an example cap and valve assembly in an open position. FIG. 3 is an isometric view of an example connector between a housing and a cap and valve assembly. FIG. 3 is an isometric view of an example connection between a housing and a cap and valve assembly with the cap and valve assembly inserted into the housing. FIG. 3 is an isometric view of an example connection between a housing and a cap and valve assembly with the cap and valve assembly secured to the housing. 6 is a flowchart of an example method for producing a toner mixture. 6 is a flowchart of an example method for dispensing toner. FIG. 3 is a plan view of an example toner dispenser. The side view of an example toner dispenser. The front view of an example toner dispenser. 1 is a schematic diagram of an example system configuration. FIG.

  Like reference numbers and designations in the various drawings indicate like elements.

  FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an example toner dispenser 100. The toner dispenser 100 includes first and second toner containers 102, first and second cap and valve assemblies 104, a scale 106, an optional scale control interface 108, and a housing 110.

  Each toner container 102 contains a large amount of each toner (eg, the color of each paint). The toner container 102 can have different dimensions (eg, 0.5 liter, 1 liter, and 2 liter container capacities) depending on the application. Larger sized containers can be stored remotely, and the use of adapters and tubing allows the contents of larger containers to be dispensed using the cap and valve assembly 104.

  Each toner container 102 is coupled to a respective cap and valve assembly 104 using a cap 114. Each cap and valve assembly 104 couples a respective toner container 102 to a horseshoe coupling device 112 so that a specific toner can be dispensed. In some implementations, each valve assembly 104 has a flange molded to the distal end of the shuttle valve that mates with the coupling device 112. The coupling device 112 is coupled to an air cylinder that drives a plunger of the valve assembly 104 so as to open and close the air path and the toner distribution port.

  In particular, the cap and valve assembly 104 provides toner for dispensing toner in addition to the air path from the housing 110 for injecting air or other gas (eg, inert gas) into the corresponding toner container 102. Provide each route. Injecting air or other gas creates pressure and moves the toner into the open toner path. The cap and valve assembly 104 includes an air regulating movable valve (eg, a shuttle valve) that can be controlled in synchronism with the air supplied to the toner container 102 to dispense an accurate amount of toner from the corresponding toner container 102. Including. The structure of the cap and valve assembly is described in detail below with respect to FIG.

  The scale 106 measures the weight of the distributed toner. Specifically, the scale 106 is arranged such that toner dispensed from the cap and valve assembly 104 is collected in a container located on the surface of the scale 106. The scale provides an accurate measurement of the amount of toner dispensed from one or more cap and valve assemblies 104. For example, dispensed toner can be controlled within one drop or approximately 1/25 gram. The scale 106 may be coupled to the control interface 108 so as to perform weight measurement on the scale control interface 108 at a specified frequency (for example, 100 times / second), for example.

  Additionally or alternatively, the scale 106 can include a separate display (eg, an LCD display of measured weight) that provides a reading of the measured value. The scale 106 or the scale control interface 108 may also include a reset function to zero the scale, for example, when an empty container is placed on the scale, or for calibration when each toner is dispensed. The scale can also provide information such as scale readings to the flow controller. The flow controller may be part of the scale control interface 108 or may be a separate flow controller (eg, in the housing 110).

  The housing 110 provides a host computer system that includes software from a toner manufacturer for storing one or more color recipes to an interface for controlling the toner distribution system 100. Alternatively, the host computer system may be incorporated within the housing 110 to provide a recipe, may be externally connected, or may be accessed over one or more computer networks.

  The toner mix recipe is a series of instructions for producing a specific toner mixture. The recipe contains the specific toner and the amount of each toner (either by weight or ratio). In some implementations, the recipe table identifies the component toners in a specific mixing order. In some implementations, the recipe includes other instructions for producing a toner mixture. For example, the recipe for 1989 Ford Performance White includes:

  1 [Toner 1, Bright White], [138.00 grams of toner 1]

  2 [Toner 2, Dark Black], [0.6 gram of toner 2]

  3 [Toner 3 Chrome Yellow], [2.5 grams of toner 3].

  In some implementations, the recipe is encoded in an XML format or the like that is readable by the dispensing system 100 (eg, by a flow controller) to dispense the amount of each identified toner. An example XML recipe for generating the “Dark High Green” color is reproduced below.

<? xml version = "1.0" encoding = "utf-8"? >
-<Tints>
-<BatchInfo>
<NexaRef> LFG2B </ NexaRef>
<Color> Dark High Green Green </ Color>
<Manufacture> Ford </ Manufacture>
<Code> PX </ Code>
<Volume> 6.0oz (0.18L) </ Volume>
<NumTints> 9 </ NumTints>
</ BatchInfo>
-<Tint>
<TintName> p425-954 </ TintName>
<NonCumulative> 27.6 </ NonCumulative>
<Actual> 0.0 </ Actual>
<Adjustment> 0.0 </ Adjustment>
</ Tint>
-<Tint>
<TintName> p420-982 </ TintName>
<NonCumulative> 23.3 </ NonCumulative>
<Actual> 0.0 </ Actual>
<Adjustment> 0.0 </ Adjustment>
</ Tint>
-<Tint>
<TintName> p425-984 </ TintName>
<NonCumulative> 4.6 </ NonCumulative>
<Actual> 0.0 </ Actual>
<Adjustment> 0.0 </ Adjustment>
</ Tint>
-<Tint>
<TintName> p420-942 </ TintName>
<Non Cumulative> 2.0 </ Non Cumulative>
<Actual> 0.0 </ Actual>
<Adjustment> 0.0 </ Adjustment>
</ Tint>
-<Tint>
<TintName> p425-900 </ TintName>
<NonCumulative> 0.9 </ NonCumulative>
<Actual> 0.0 </ Actual>
<Adjustment> 0.0 </ Adjustment>
</ Tint>
-<Tint>
<TintName> p425-957 </ TintName>
<Non Cumulative> 4.4 </ Non Cumulative>
<Actual> 0.0 </ Actual>
<Adjustment> 0.0 </ Adjustment>
</ Tint>
-<Tint>
<TintName> p420-938 </ TintName>
<NonCumulative> 10.6 </ NonCumulative>
<Actual> 0.0 </ Actual>
<Adjustment> 0.0 </ Adjustment>
</ Tint>
-<Tint>
<TintName> p425-950 </ TintName>
<NonCumulative> 24.6 </ NonCumulative>
<Actual> 0.0 </ Actual>
<Adjustment> 0.0 </ Adjustment>
</ Tint>
-<Tint>
<TintName> p192 to 5600 </ TintName>
<NonCumulative> 78.9 </ NonCumulative>
<Actual> 0.0 </ Actual>
<Adjustment> 0.0 </ Adjustment>
</ Tint>
</ Tints>

  In the XML recipe above, there are nine different toners that are used to produce a “Dark High Green” final production of 6 oz (0.18 L). Each toner has a designated identifier and a toner amount (eg, in grams). Thus, the dispensing system is used to dispense the correct amount of each toner to produce the final color.

  In some implementations, the housing 110 includes a flow control interface for controlling toner according to a selected recipe. The flow control interface can delay the dispensing of a particular toner until a user input is received that the dispensing can continue to be performed. For example, the user can verify that the particular toner to be dispensed is in place and secured within a particular dispensing station of the toner dispensing system 100.

  If there is more toner in the recipe than the containment of the dispensing system 100 (eg, more than two dispensing stations in the dispensing system 100), the scale or flow control interface can be used to resume dispensing after changing the toner. May be. Specifically, the predetermined cap and valve assembly and toner container combination can be replaced as a unit.

  The scale control interface 108 may be coupled to the flow controller to dispense the correct amount of toner when initiated by the user. The flow controller is coupled to one or more air supply devices that are used to control the dispensing of toner from a particular toner container in accordance with recipe information and scale data.

  The housing 110 supports the toner dispenser 100. The housing 110 houses control lines that contain electrical circuitry that provides information to be transmitted and received to various components of the distribution system. For example, a communication line between the scale 110 and the scale control interface 108 and communication from the scale 110 or the scale control interface 108 to the flow control. In addition, the housing 110 may include one or more air lines that supply air to each cap and valve assembly 104 from an air supply device (eg, a compressed air reservoir, an air compressor, or an external air supply connection). it can. In some implementations, a single air supply (air supply device) is used to supply air to the system. The supply device may be divided into one or more regulation paths to control various components (e.g., incoming air flow to each movable valve and toner container).

  The housing 110 also houses the support structure of the distribution system 100. For example, the housing 110 includes legs that form a stable foundation for the dispensing system 100. Other support structures may provide a support for securing the components of the dispensing system 100 including the toner reservoir, the scale control interface 108, and the flow controller in place. Further, the housing 110 can include various computer circuits, for example, as part of a flow controller. For example, the housing may include one or more processors and a computer readable storage device, and the one or more computer readable storage devices may manage a flow controller or scale control interface when executed by one or more processors. In addition to instructions for performing operations including 108 management, a toner mixture recipe can also be included.

  The housing 110 can also provide an external access connection for coupling the distribution system 100 to one or more power sources, air sources, and computer or networking sources. For example, the scale control interface 108 can acquire a toner mixing recipe from an external computer via a network interface.

  2A-2B are longitudinal cross-sectional views of an example of a cap and valve assembly 200 in a closed position and a cap and valve assembly 201 in an open position. The cap and valve assembly 200 includes a toner container coupler 202, a housing coupler 204, an inflow air path 206, a toner path 208, a movable valve 210, and a drip-proof cap 212. The cap and valve assembly 200 is coupled between a toner container 214 (partially shown) and a dispensing system housing (eg, the housing 110 of the dispensing system 100 of FIG. 1). The cap and valve assembly 200 provides an elongate portion 224 for dispensing an accurate amount of toner from the distal end of the elongate portion 224 to a container, for example, measured to mix several toners together according to a recipe. To do.

  The toner container coupler 202 connects the cap and valve assembly 200 to the toner container 214. In one implementation, the toner container coupler 202 includes a threaded coupler configured to allow a threaded toner container bottle to be screwed onto the threaded coupler. For example, the aqueous toner may be stored in a toner container made of plastic and having a threaded stopper. Alternatively, in another implementation, the toner container coupler 202 includes a clamping coupler for securely sealing the toner container to the cap and valve assembly 200 (eg, for solvent toners and other toners).

  Housing coupler 204 couples cap and valve assembly 200 to the housing of the dispensing system. In some implementations, the housing coupler 204 is configured to slide into the housing receptacle. The housing receptacle includes a valve coupler for connecting the housing to the movable valve 210 and an inflow air coupler for connecting the inflow air path 206 to the housing. In some implementations, the inflow air coupler provides an airtight seal between the housing and the inflow air path 206 and only when the cap and valve assembly 200 is secured to the housing. Includes poppet valve to supply. The housing coupler 204 is described in detail below with respect to the housing side of the coupler of FIG.

  The inflow air path 206 provides a path from the housing to the toner container 214 when the movable valve 210 is in the open position. Specifically, the housing coupler 204 aligns the air line in the housing with the opening of the inflow air path 206. When the movable valve 210 is in the open position (FIG. 2B), air can travel from the air line in the housing through the first opening entering the inflow air path 206 to the second opening and into the toner container 214. . Due to the increased air pressure in the toner container 214, the toner moves to the toner path 208 at a specific flow rate. When the movable valve 210 is in the closed position (FIG. 2A), the inflow air path 206 is closed so that air cannot flow into the toner container 214. The air pressure applied through the inflow air path 206 can be adjusted to control the flow rate of toner through the toner path 208. Therefore, the higher the air pressure applied to the toner container 214, the greater the flow rate through the toner path 208. Therefore, the regulated air supply allows the flow rate to be controlled.

  The toner path 208 extends from the toner container 214 along the path along the movable valve 210 within the elongated portion 224 of the cap and valve assembly 200 when the movable valve 210 is in the open position. A path to 216 (eg, an opening in elongate portion 224) is provided. In particular, the toner path 208 is formed by a passage formed between the outside of the elongated body and the movable valve 210. If desired, the valve body sealant 228 can form the end of the toner path 208.

  Specifically, the toner inflow tube 218 is connected to a toner passage 220 that runs along the interior of the elongated portion 224 of the cap and valve assembly 200. In some implementations, the toner inlet tube 218 is part of the cap and valve assembly 200. In other implementations, the toner inlet tube 218 is a part of the toner container or is a separate component connected to the cap and valve assembly 200. In some implementations, the toner inlet tube 218 extends substantially to the bottom of the toner container 214. When the toner inflow tube 218 is placed near the bottom of the toner container, the toner container may have a surface coating that is formed by toner curing (eg, by exposure to air in the container or through evaporation with aqueous toner). The toner can be guided from the bottom instead of the top.

  In some implementations, a filter is placed in the toner path 208 to prevent impurities from passing through the toner path. For example, the filter may be connected to the toner inflow tube 218. Since toner enters the toner path 208 from the toner container, a filter may be attached to the bottom of the toner inlet tube 218. Alternatively, the filter may be connected between the toner inflow tube 218 and the toner passage 220.

  When the cap and valve assembly 200 is coupled to the toner container, the toner can travel to the toner path 208. However, when the movable valve 210 is in the closed position (FIG. 2A), the output unit 216 is closed and toner cannot pass through the output unit 216. When the movable valve 210 is in the open position (FIG. 2B), toner can flow along the toner path 208 and is distributed through the output 216. Specifically, the toner travels along the toner passage 220 through the toner inflow pipe 218 and exits from the opening of the output unit 216.

  The movable valve 210 moves between an open position and a closed position. In the open position, the toner flows out from the output unit 216 through the toner path 208. Specifically, the open position pressurizes the toner container with air so that the toner flows up the toner inflow pipe 218 and flows along the toner path 208. The closed position of the movable valve 210 prevents air from entering the toner container and prevents toner from passing through the toner path 208. The position of the movable valve 210 is controlled by applying air pressure.

  The movable valve 210 is connected to the movable plunger 226 within a gap formed in the cap and valve assembly 200. In particular, the movable valve 210 slides along the elongated portion of the cap and valve assembly 200 in response to the air pressure applied to the movable valve 210. The amount of toner discharged through the output unit 216 is adjusted by the amount of air pressure in the toner container. When a scale (eg, scale 106 in FIG. 1) measures a dispense amount in the collection container that is close to the amount of toner in the recipe, the programmable pressure regulator reduces the air pressure to reduce the amount of toner released from the continuous flow. Reduce to toner droplets. When a specific weight of toner is weighed by the scale, the programmable pressure regulator lowers the pressure in the toner container to zero by venting to the atmosphere, and a solenoid valve in the housing moves the movable plunger to the closed position. Thereby closing both the air path and the toner path. In some implementations, the maximum displacement of the movable valve 210 is approximately 10 mm.

  The flow rates of the various toners depend on the air pressure in the toner container and the viscosity of the toner. Therefore, the toner flow rate can be controlled by controlling the air pressure into the toner container for toner having a known viscosity. When air is not applied or is applied below the threshold pressure, the toner flow rate is zero.

  When the movable valve 210 moves to the open position, the path in the movable valve 210 is aligned with the inflow air path 206 and the toner path 208 by a specified amount. Specifically, the toner passage 220 of the toner passage 208 moves with the movable valve 210 (for example, the toner passage 220 formed in the plunger of the movable valve). In the open position, the toner passage 220 is moved as part of the movable valve 210 and aligned with the output 216 formed in the elongated body 224 of the cap and valve assembly 200. When the movable valve 210 is in the closed position, the toner passage 220 is not aligned with the output portion 216 so that toner does not travel from the toner passage 220 to the output portion 216.

  Similarly, when the movable valve 210 is in the open position, the portion of the movable valve 210 that forms the air inflow path 206 is elongated in the cap and valve assembly 200 so that air is advanced through the cap and valve assembly to the toner container. Aligned with the part formed in part 224. When the movable valve 210 is in the closed position, the portion of the movable valve 210 that forms the air inflow path is an elongated portion 224 of the cap and valve assembly 200 that prevents air from passing through the cap and valve assembly 200 to the toner container. Is not aligned with the part formed in

  The drip-proof cap 212 is disposed at the distal portion of the movable valve 210 and moves in cooperation with the movable valve 210. The drip-proof cap 212 is connected to the movable valve 210 and includes a sealing portion that wraps around the outer periphery of the elongated portion 224. The drip-proof cap 212 is a movable sliding cap that prevents dripping after dispensing and seals the distal end of the cap and valve assembly from air and storage. When the movable valve 210 is in the closed position, the drip-proof cap 212 extends along the outside of the elongated portion 224 beyond the output 216 of the toner path. Therefore, the output unit 216 is blocked from both sides because the movable valve 210 is not aligned in addition to the drip-proof cap 212. Sealing the outer surface of the output unit 216 prevents excessive toner from dripping from the output unit 216 when the movable valve 210 is in the closed position. Further, the drip-proof cap 212 may include one or more sealing materials 230 (eg, O-rings or other sealing structures).

  When the movable valve 210 is in one of the open positions, the drip-proof cap 212 is disposed along the elongated portion 224 so that the output 216 opens. In addition, the drip-proof cap 212 seals the output unit 216 so that the toner in the toner path 208 does not dry or harden. Specifically, the sealed output portion 216 can prevent evaporation of specific toner (for example, aqueous toner). In some implementations, an air cylinder is incorporated into the cap for use in controlling movement of the movable valve 210 and the corresponding drip-proof cap 212.

  FIG. 3A is an isometric view 300 of an example connector between the housing 302 and the cap and valve assembly 304. Specifically, the housing coupler 306 of the cap and valve assembly 304 is shown being inserted into the receptacle 308 of the housing 302 as indicated by the arrows. The receptacle 308 includes a valve coupler 310 that couples the housing 302 to the movable valve of the cap and valve assembly 304 (eg, the movable valve 210 of FIGS. 2A-2B). The valve coupler 310 forms a seal between the movable valve and the valve coupler 310. Specifically, the movable valve moves to communicate with the valve coupler 310, and the valve coupler 310 has a horseshoe-shaped recess that connects a flange at the distal end of the movable valve 210. The valve coupler may include a T-slot connected to the air cylinder. Further, the valve coupler 310 can move in response to the applied air pressure, so that the valve coupler 310 and the movable valve 210 move in concert with each other.

  The receiver 308 also includes a clamp 312 that is controlled by a lever 316. The lever 316 is actuated to secure the housing 302 to the cap and valve assembly 304. The lever 316 also operates an air valve (eg, a poppet valve). Alternatively, instead of a poppet valve, one or more additional valves can be used to control the air flow to the toner container. However, the use of poppet valves reduces assembly costs by eliminating the cost of electropneumatic valves and circuits for operating the valves. The operation of lever 316 is described in detail below with respect to FIGS. 3B and 3C. The air valve allows air to flow into the cap and valve assembly 304, specifically the inflow air path. In some implementations, the air pressure is adjusted by sending an analog electrical signal to the transformer regulator. The signal is generated using pulse width modulation (PWM) and low pass filtering of the flow controller. The signal is frequently adjusted during distribution.

  FIG. 3B is an isometric view 301 of an example connector between the housing 302 and the cap and valve assembly 304 with the cap and valve assembly 304 inserted into the housing 302. However, the lever 316 is not actuated and the housing 302 and the cap and valve assembly 304 are not fixed together. Accordingly, the cap and valve assembly 304 is disposed within the receptacle 308 but is not secured to the housing 302.

  FIG. 3C is an isometric view 303 of an example connector between the housing 302 and the cap and valve assembly 304 with the cap and valve assembly 304 secured to the housing 302. Specifically, the lever 316 is joined to a closed position that secures the cap and valve assembly 304 to the housing 302. Specifically, when the lever 316 is operated, the clamp 312 is operated, and the housing 302 is fixed to the cap and valve assembly 304 by an operation of fixing the clamp 312 downward.

  Further, actuation of lever 316 activates the air path in housing 302 to the inflow air path of cap and valve assembly 304. For example, the housing can include a poppet valve that is opened when the lever 316 is joined such that the lever 316 is actuated. When the poppet valve is opened, air can travel along the path from the inflow air line to the inflow air path of the cap and valve assembly 304. However, air does not flow into the inflow air path of the cap and valve assembly 304 until the movable valve is in the open position.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart of an example method 400 for generating a color mixture. For convenience, the method 400 will be described with respect to a system that performs the method 400 (eg, the toner distribution system 100 of FIG. 1).

  The system receives the selection of the color mixing recipe (402). Receiving the selection may include receiving user input via navigation through a collection of color mixing recipes. The recipe lists identify the number of toners and quantities to produce a particular color mixture. In some implementations, the recipe is identified by a specific code for the synthesized color mixture. The code can be identified through a user interface to the system or alternatively using a book or other written series. Thus, the user can select a recipe by entering a code into the system.

  The system obtains the selected recipe (404). Multiple recipes can be stored in a series of recipes. A series of recipes can be stored locally on the system or placed remotely. Thus, obtaining a selected recipe can include communicating with a remote server or other computing device for requesting the recipe and receiving the delivered recipe. In some implementations, the received recipe is simply a collection of numbered recipe tables rows, each row identifying toner for mixing and toner weight to dispense.

  The system receives the input and initiates toner distribution (406). For example, the user can subsequently enter at the control interface on the dispensing system. Input may include selecting a “Start” button on the control interface.

  The system identifies the current row of the recipe (408). The current row identifies a specific toner and toner amount (eg, weight of toner to be dispensed). In general, the current row identified first is the first row of the recipe.

  The system determines whether the current row number is odd or even (410). When the current row number is odd, the system instructs the user to prepare the identified toner at the first dispensing station (412). The system can instruct the user, for example, using a screen display of a control interface that identifies toner and toner dispensing stations. The color may be identified by name, code, or some other identifier. In some alternative implementations, the system provides voice instructions instead of or in addition to displaying instructions.

  Although the system can identify and dispense each toner at a time, the information in the recipe can be presented to the user in advance, for example, as a list of toners required for a particular toner mixture. As a result, the user can obtain the necessary toner and be ready to install the toner in the appropriate dispensing station when needed.

  When the current row is odd, the method 400 continues by receiving a confirmation that toner is ready at the first dispensing station (416). For example, the user can provide input to a control interface indicating that the toner is ready for dispensing. For example, a button can be provided on the control interface indicating that, when selected, distribution of the first station is started. Upon receipt of the confirmation, the system dispenses toner at the first dispensing station (418).

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart of an example method 500 for dispensing toner. For convenience, the method 500 will be described with respect to a system that performs the method 500 (eg, the toner distribution system 100 of FIG. 1).

  The system activates the scale to measure the amount of toner dispensed in the container (502). Scale operation may include, for example, resetting the scale prior to dispensing the first toner. In some implementations, the scale is reset before each toner in the recipe is dispensed. Alternatively, the scale maintains a total amount relative to the final weight of previously dispensed toner.

  The system activates (504) one or more air streams to the first distribution station. For example, the inflow air path and the air for controlling the movable valve are separate airflows having separate air supply sources. Alternatively, a single air flow that is divided into an inflow air path and a movable valve is used. In some implementations, the air flow to the incoming air path is always on. However, since the inflow air path in the cap and valve assembly is closed and the valve in the housing is also closed, air does not enter the toner container (eg, a poppet valve that is not opened until the lever is actuated).

  The air flow to the movable valve is adjusted to drive the movable valve using a controllable amount of air. In particular, the flow controller controls the air path so that the movable valve can be controllably moved between an open position and a closed position.

  The air flow may be ordinary air that is simply compressed outside air (eg, “factory air”). However, in another implementation, the gas used for the one or more air streams is different from the outside air. For example, a low-reactive gas can be used in the air flow into the toner container (eg, nitrogen, argon) to reduce adverse reactions due to the interaction between the gas and the toner.

  The system actuates the movable valve to the dispensing position and opens the air inflow path to pressurize the toner container (506). In addition, the flow controller pressurizes the toner container by adding a specified amount of regulated air flow to the toner container so that toner can flow up the inflow tube from the toner container and flow along the toner path to the output.

  The system monitors the scale weight during toner dispensing (508). Scale weight monitoring frequently provides updated data regarding the amount of toner dispensed. In some implementations, the system identifies the scale weight 100 times per second.

  The system determines 510 that the first toner threshold amount has been dispensed. In some implementations, the first threshold is a specified weight threshold relative to the weight of toner identified in the recipe. For example, the threshold can be identified when the remaining toner dispensed reaches 0.5 grams. In some alternative implementations, the dispensing system gradually reduces the flow rate over a range of weight data to a first threshold amount (eg, initially dispensed by 1.0 grams, with a first threshold of 0.5 grams). finish).

  When the threshold is reached, the flow controller reduces the flow of toner being dispensed. Specifically, the air regulator lowers the air pressure in the toner container. Air is reduced to provide a specific flow rate (eg, 2 drops / second) based on the air required to flow the toner taking into account the known properties of the toner being dispensed (eg, toner viscosity) Is done. Specifically, fluid property data specifying the flow rate for a particular output opening is acquired for each toner dispensed. The characteristic information may be stored locally in the distribution system or may be obtained from a remote location when needed.

  The system determines that the second toner threshold amount has been distributed (512). Once the second toner threshold amount has been dispensed, the system stops one or more airflows and ends toner dispensing. Specifically, by closing the movable valve, a drip-proof cap is fitted to prevent further distribution. In some implementations, the air in the toner container is exhausted through the inflow air path before the movable valve is closed. In some implementations, the second threshold is a specified weight threshold relative to the weight of toner identified in the recipe. For example, the second threshold can be identified when the remaining toner dispensed reaches 0.05 grams.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the system determines whether the dispensed toner was in the last row of the recipe (420). If the system determines that the last row of toner has been dispensed, it displays that the dispensing is complete (422).

  If the system determines that the last row is not distributed, it increments the recipe table row and returns to decision 410 whether the recipe row number is odd or even (424).

  If the system determines that the row number in the recipe is even, the system instructs the user to prepare the identified toner at the second dispensing station (426). For example, the user can attach the identified toner to the second dispensing station using a corresponding cap and valve assembly.

  The system receives feedback that toner is being prepared for the first dispensing station (428). For example, the user can provide input to a control interface indicating that the toner is ready for dispensing. For example, a button can be provided that indicates the start of distribution of the first station.

  The system dispenses (430) toner at the second dispensing station. The toner can be dispensed in a similar manner as shown in FIG. 5 above.

  The system again determines if the dispensed toner was in the last row of the recipe (420). If the system determines that the last row of toner has been dispensed, it displays that the dispensing is complete (422).

  If the system determines that the last row is not distributed, it increments the recipe table row again and returns to decision 410 whether the recipe table row number is odd or even (424). The method is then repeated as described above until the last row of the recipe has been dispensed.

  FIG. 6 is a front view 600 of an example toner dispenser 100. Front view 600 shows toner container 102, cap and valve assembly 104, scale control interface 108, and scale 106. Front view 600 also shows respective levers (eg, lever 312 in FIG. 3) for securing cap and valve assembly 104 to housing 110.

  As shown in the front view, the scales 106 are disposed between the dispensing stations so that each cap and valve assembly 104 can dispense toner to the same container disposed on the scale 106. Further, the front view 600 shows that the toner container 102 is suspended by the cap and valve assembly 104. Accordingly, the scale 106 can be disposed under the toner container 102. As a result, the toner containers are disposed closer to each other, and the size of the toner dispenser 100 can be reduced.

  FIG. 7 is a plan view 700 of an example toner dispenser 100. Plan view 700 shows scale 106, housing 110, and scale control interface 108. Further, the elongated portions of the cap and valve assembly 104, including the toner container 102, are shown extending toward each other at an angle toward the center of the scale 106. Thus, a single container located in the center of the scale 106 can be used to obtain dispensed toner from each cap and valve assembly 104.

  Plan view 700 also illustrates the operation of the respective levers connecting each cap and valve assembly 104. In particular, lever 702 is shown in the first position and lever 704 is shown in the second position. The first position can be used when cap and valve assembly 104 is installed and removed. The joining of the lever to the second position shown for lever 704 can be used to secure the cap and valve assembly to the housing as described above.

  FIG. 8 is a side view 800 of an example toner dispenser 100. Side view 800 shows toner container 102, cap and valve assembly 104, scale 106, scale control interface 108, and housing 110. In addition, levers 702 and 704 for each toner station are shown. Further, the side view 800 shows that each toner container 102 can be suspended over the scale 106 so that the scale can be placed under the toner container 102 and the cap and valve assembly 104.

  In some implementations, the distribution system can have various numbers of distribution stations. For example, a dispensing system can have one dispensing station that connects one cap and valve assembly. Alternatively, a housing can include multiple dispensing stations that can be used to supply additional toner to produce a mixture without changing toner in addition to the two dispensing stations. Further, in some implementations, a multi-station distribution system can be used in combination with additional scales to simultaneously produce one or more mixtures.

  In some implementations, the dispensing system can be configured to dispense toner using differently oriented toner containers. For example, the toner container may be turned upside down, or the housing may be modified so that the cap and valve assembly is inserted into the housing receiver while the toner container is turned upside down.

  The dispensing system can be applied to dispense a variety of toners including different types of paints such as water-based and solvent-borne paints. In addition, inks, dyes, and other fluids can be dispensed as well. In particular, for various toners, flow control requirements during distribution can be determined in consideration of specific characteristics (for example, viscosity).

  FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of an example system configuration 900. For example, the system configuration 900 can be used to identify a toner mixture recipe, monitor scale measurements, and provide cap and valve assembly flow control.

  The system configuration 900 can perform an operation of dispensing toner. Configuration 900 includes one or more processors 902 (eg, IBM PowerPC, Intel Pentium® 4, etc.), one or more display devices 904 (eg, CRT, LCD), graphics processing device 906 (eg, NVIDIA DIForce). ), A network interface 908 (eg, Ethernet, FireWire, USB, etc.), an input device 910 (eg, keyboard, mouse, control interface, etc.), and one or more computer readable media 912. These components exchange communication and data using one or more buses 914 (eg, EISA, PCI, PCI Express, etc.).

  The term “computer-readable medium” refers to any medium that participates in providing instructions to processor 902 for execution. The computer readable medium 912 further includes an operating system 916 (eg, Mac OS®, Windows®, Linux®, etc.), a network communication module 918, a distribution module 922, and other applications 924. Including. The operating system 916 may be multi-user, multi-processing, multi-tasking, multi-threading, real-time, etc. The operating system 916 recognizes input from the input device 910, sends output to the display device 904, maintains track of files and directories on a computer readable medium 912 (eg, memory or storage device), and peripheral devices ( But perform basic tasks such as, but not limited to, controlling disk drives, printers, etc.) and managing traffic on one or more buses 914. The network communication module 918 includes various components for establishing and maintaining network connections (eg, software for implementing communication protocols such as TCP / IP, HTTP, Ethernet, etc.).

  The dispensing module 920 identifies various recipes for mixing toner and provides various functions for dispensing the toner identified in the recipe, such as providing flow monitoring and control as described with respect to FIGS. Various software components are provided to implement The recipe can be saved on the computer readable medium 912 as a recipe for future use (eg, to perform further dispensing operations). Flow monitoring can include receiving an input indicating a measured value of toner dispensed from the scale. The flow rate control includes controlling the air pressure in the toner container so as to supply a designated flow rate, and controlling the movement of the movable valve.

  The dispensing operation can be electronically controlled. Embodiments of the content and operation described herein may be implemented in digital electronic circuitry or in computer software, firmware, or hardware (the structures disclosed herein and their structural equivalents, or their Including one or more combinations). An embodiment of the subject matter described herein is one or more computer programs (ie, one or more computer programs) encoded on a computer storage medium for execution by a data processing device or for controlling operation of the data processing device. It may be implemented as one or more module computer program instructions). Alternatively or additionally, the program instructions may be artificially generated propagation signals (e.g., by a machine) that are generated to encode information for transmission to a suitable receiving device for execution by the data processing device. May be encoded on the generated electrical, optical, or electromagnetic signal. The computer storage medium may be or be included in a computer readable storage device, a computer readable storage substrate, a random or sequential access memory array or device, or one or more combinations thereof. Further, the computer storage medium may be a source or destination of computer program instructions that are not propagation signals but are encoded with artificially generated propagation signals. A computer storage medium may also be or be included in one or more separate physical components or media (eg, multiple CDs, disks, or other storage devices).

  The operations described herein may be implemented as operations performed by a data processing device based on data stored in or received from one or more computer-readable storage devices. .

  The term “data processing device” refers to all types of devices, equipment, and machines for data processing, including by way of example a programmable processor, a computer, a system on a chip, or a plurality or a combination of the foregoing. Is included. The device may include dedicated logic circuitry, such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) or an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). In addition to hardware, the device can generate code that generates an execution environment for the computer program, eg, processor firmware, protocol stack, database management system, operating system, cross-platform runtime environment, virtual machine, or one of them. The code which comprises the above combination can also be included. The device and execution environment can implement a variety of different computing model infrastructures such as web services, distributed computing and grid computing infrastructures.

  A computer program (also known as a program, software, software application, script, or code) can be written in any form of programming language, such as a compiler or interpreter language, a declaration or procedural language, or an independent program Or as a unit suitable for use in a module, component, subroutine, object, or other computing environment. A computer program may correspond to a file in a file system, but is not necessarily equivalent. A program can be part of a file that holds other programs or data (eg, one or more scripts stored in a marked language document), a single file dedicated to the program, or multiple adjustment files (eg, One or more modules, subprograms, or files that store portions of code). The computer program may be distributed to be executed on a single computer or on a plurality of computers that are located at one location or distributed at multiple locations and interconnected by a communication network.

  The processes and logic flows described herein are performed by one or more programmable processors that execute one or more computer programs to perform operations by generating operations and generating output based on input data. be able to. The process and logic flow can also be performed by dedicated logic circuits, such as FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) or ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), and the device can also be implemented as dedicated logic circuits.

  Processors suitable for executing computer programs include, by way of example, both general and special purpose microprocessors and any one or more processors of any kind of digital computer. Generally, a processor will receive instructions and data from a read-only memory or a random access memory or both. The main components of a computer are a processor for performing operations in accordance with instructions and one or more memory devices for storing instructions and data. Also, in general, a computer includes one or more mass storage devices (eg, magnetic disks, magneto-optical disks, or optical discs) for storing data, or is effectively connected to one or more mass storage devices. And / or both. However, a computer does not necessarily have such a device. In addition, the computer may be another device, such as a mobile phone, personal digital assistant (PDA), portable audio or video player, game console, global positioning system (GPS) receiver, or portable to name a few. It can also be incorporated into a storage device (eg, Universal Serial Bus (USB) flash drive). Suitable devices for storing computer program instructions and data include all forms of non-volatile memory, media, and memory devices, such as semiconductor memory devices such as EPROM, EEPROM, and flash memory devices. Magnetic disks, such as internal hard disks or removable disks; magneto-optical disks; and CD-ROM and DVD-ROM disks. The processor and memory may be supplemented by, or incorporated in, dedicated logic circuitry.

  In order to provide user interaction, embodiments described herein include display devices for displaying information to the user, such as CRT (CRT) or LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) monitors, and keyboards and It can be implemented on a pointing device, such as a computer with a mouse or trackball that allows the user to provide input to the computer. Other types of devices can be used to provide user interaction as well, for example, the feedback provided to the user can be any form of sensory feedback, such as visual feedback, auditory feedback, or haptics. It may be feedback and the input from the user may be received in any form such as acoustic input, voice input, or haptic input. In addition, the computer can send and receive documents to and from the device used by the user, for example by sending a web page to the web browser in response to a request received from the web browser on the user's client device. You can interact with.

  Embodiments of the subject matter described herein include a backend component (eg, as a data server), or include a middleware component (eg, an application server), or a front end component (eg, as described herein) A computing system comprising a graphical user interface or a client computer having a web browser with which a user can interact with the implementation of the content, or comprising any combination of one or more of such backend, middleware, or frontend components Can be implemented. The components of the system can be interconnected by any form or medium of digital data communication (eg, a communication network). Examples of communication networks include local area networks (“LAN”) and wide area networks (“WAN”), internetworks (eg, the Internet), and peer-to-peer networks (eg, ad hoc peer-to-peer networks).

  A computing system can enclose clients and servers. A client and server are generally remote from each other and typically interact through a communication network. The client-server relationship occurs based on computer programs that run on each computer and have a client-server relationship with each other. In some embodiments, the server forwards data (eg, HTML pages) to the client device (eg, for displaying data to a user interacting with the client device and receiving user input from the user). Data generated at the client device (eg, the result of a user interaction) can be received at the server from the client device.

  This specification contains many specific implementation details, which should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention or what may be claimed, but rather on specific embodiments of the invention. It should be interpreted as an explanation of the specific features. Certain features that are described in this specification in the context of separate embodiments can also be implemented in combination in one embodiment. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of one embodiment can also be implemented in multiple embodiments separately or in any suitable partial combination. In addition, features are described above to function in a particular combination and may be initially claimed as such, but one or more features claimed in combination may be deleted from the combination in some cases. In addition, the claimed combinations may be intended for some combinations or variations of some combinations.

  Similarly, operations are shown in the drawings in a particular order, but such operations may be performed in the particular order or sequence shown or all examples illustrated to achieve the desired result. It should not be understood that it is necessary to perform the operation. In certain situations, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Furthermore, the separation of various system components in the above embodiments should not be understood as requiring such separation in all embodiments, and the described program components and systems are generally combined into one software product. It should be understood that they can be incorporated together or packaged into multiple software products.

  Accordingly, specific embodiments of the present invention have been described. Other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims. In some cases, the actions recited in the claims can achieve more desirable results when performed in a different order. Further, the processes shown in the attached drawings do not necessarily require the particular order or sequence shown to achieve the desired results. In certain implementations, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous.

Claims (1)

A movable valve assembly comprising an elongated outer tube and an elongated inner tube and having a first position and a second position;
A toner path formed between the outer tube and the inner tube and configured to allow toner to flow from the toner container to the output opening when opened;
An air inflow path configured to connect an air supply source to the toner container when open, and
The outer pipe includes openings for the toner path and the air inflow path, and the inner pipe is aligned with the respective openings in the outer pipe where the toner path and the air inflow path are located. And can move along the lumen formed in the outer tube,
In the first position of the movable valve assembly, the toner path and the air inflow path are not aligned with the respective openings in the outer tube, so the toner path and the air inflow path are closed, and the movable path assembly is moved. In the second position of the valve assembly, the toner path and the air inflow path are aligned with the respective openings in the outer tube so that the toner path and the air inflow path are opened. Valve assembly.

Images