Anti-drying device

Abstract

An anti-drying device ( 10 ) is to humidify a delivery unit ( 21 ) for fluid and semi-fluid products, pastes, gels, creams such as for example coloring products, pigments or paints, of a machine ( 75 ) for the automatic delivery of a fluid product in a closed container ( 11 ). A closed container or receptacle ( 79 ) inside which there is a fluid, liquid and/or vapor. The container ( 79 ) is configured to house, inside it, the delivery unit ( 21 ) to prevent the delivery unit from drying out.

1 . Anti-drying device to humidify delivery means for fluid and semi-fluid products, pastes, gels, creams such as for example coloring products, pigments or paints, of a machine at least for the automatic delivery of at least a fluid product in a closed container comprising:
 a container or receptacle hermetically closed by a closing lid and which has an inner volume inside which there is a fluid, liquid and/or vapor, said closing lid being configured to confine the liquid and/or vapor inside said container and also to introduce, at least through one portion, at least ends of said delivery means inside said closed container, so that the delivery means are in contact with said liquid and/or vapor to prevent from drying up.   
     
     
         2 . Anti-drying device as in  claim 1 , wherein said portion of the closing lid is made, at least partly, with a membrane of an elastic material able to dilate, when said delivery means are inserted through the lid to be kept damp, during performance of anti-drying action, and to re-compact, when said delivery means are extracted, preventing the liquid contained therein from coming out. 
     
     
         3 . Anti-drying device as in  claim 1 , comprises a support plate for the container. 
     
     
         4 . Anti-drying device as in  claim 3 , comprising a mechanical arm, pivoted on a vertical pin which bears said support plate at one end, said mechanical arm being rotatable between a first operating position in which said container is in cooperation with said delivery means for anti-drying action, and a second operating position, rotated with respect to the first, where said container is disengaged. 
     
     
         5 . Anti-drying device as in  claim 3 , wherein said container comprises releasable attachment means for attachment to said support plate. 
     
     
         6 . Anti-drying device as in  claim 1 , comprising heating means to generate and maintain a desired quantity of liquid and/or vapor inside said container. 
     
     
         7 . Anti-drying device as in that  claim 3 , wherein said heating means comprise an electric resistance integrated in said support plate. 
     
     
         8 . Anti-drying device as in  claim 1 , comprising a sponge cleaning element associated above said closing lid. 
     
     
         9 . Anti-drying device as in  claim 1 , comprising sensor means able to signal presence or absence of the container. 
     
     
         10 . Anti-drying device as in  claim 1 , wherein said container is disposable and is located in a fixed external container. 
     
     
         11 . Machine at least for the automatic delivery of at least a fluid product in a closed container, comprising an anti-drying device as in  claim 1 . 
     
     
         12 . Method to humidify delivery means for fluid and semi-fluid products, pastes, gels, creams for coloring products, pigments or paints, of a machine at least for automatic delivery of at least a fluid product in a closed container, comprising a step of introducing into a container or receptacle hermetically closed by a closing lid and which has an internal volume in which there is a fluid, liquid and/or vapor, at least the ends of said delivery means through a portion of said closing lid, confining the liquid and/or vapor inside said container so that at least the ends of said delivery means are in contact with said liquid and/or vapor, to prevent them from drying out.