EP3938091B1 - Machine for distributing a liquid or pasty product and method for operating said machine - Google Patents

Machine for distributing a liquid or pasty product and method for operating said machine Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3938091B1
EP3938091B1 EP20725851.8A EP20725851A EP3938091B1 EP 3938091 B1 EP3938091 B1 EP 3938091B1 EP 20725851 A EP20725851 A EP 20725851A EP 3938091 B1 EP3938091 B1 EP 3938091B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
chamber
machine
container
enclosure
circuit
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
EP20725851.8A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP3938091C0 (en
EP3938091A2 (en
Inventor
Aurélien Brulé
Nicolas HIBLOT
Cyril PAPIN
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Fillon Technologies SAS
Original Assignee
Fillon Technologies SAS
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Fillon Technologies SAS filed Critical Fillon Technologies SAS
Publication of EP3938091A2 publication Critical patent/EP3938091A2/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP3938091B1 publication Critical patent/EP3938091B1/en
Publication of EP3938091C0 publication Critical patent/EP3938091C0/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B67D3/00—Apparatus or devices for controlling flow of liquids under gravity from storage containers for dispensing purposes
    • B67D3/0041—Apparatus or devices for controlling flow of liquids under gravity from storage containers for dispensing purposes with provisions for metering the liquid to be dispensed
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B08—CLEANING
    • B08B—CLEANING IN GENERAL; PREVENTION OF FOULING IN GENERAL
    • B08B15/00—Preventing escape of dirt or fumes from the area where they are produced; Collecting or removing dirt or fumes from that area
    • B08B15/02—Preventing escape of dirt or fumes from the area where they are produced; Collecting or removing dirt or fumes from that area using chambers or hoods covering the area
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
    • B01F33/00—Other mixers; Mixing plants; Combinations of mixers
    • B01F33/80—Mixing plants; Combinations of mixers
    • B01F33/84—Mixing plants with mixing receptacles receiving material dispensed from several component receptacles, e.g. paint tins
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
    • B01F35/00—Accessories for mixers; Auxiliary operations or auxiliary devices; Parts or details of general application
    • B01F35/181—Preventing generation of dust or dirt; Sieves; Filters
    • B01F35/189—Venting, degassing or ventilating of gases, fumes or toxic vapours during mixing
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
    • B01F35/00—Accessories for mixers; Auxiliary operations or auxiliary devices; Parts or details of general application
    • B01F35/71—Feed mechanisms
    • B01F35/717—Feed mechanisms characterised by the means for feeding the components to the mixer
    • B01F35/71745—Feed mechanisms characterised by the means for feeding the components to the mixer using pneumatic pressure, overpressure, gas or air pressure in a closed receptacle or circuit system
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
    • B01F35/00—Accessories for mixers; Auxiliary operations or auxiliary devices; Parts or details of general application
    • B01F35/71—Feed mechanisms
    • B01F35/717—Feed mechanisms characterised by the means for feeding the components to the mixer
    • B01F35/71795—Squeezing a flexible container
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B67D3/00—Apparatus or devices for controlling flow of liquids under gravity from storage containers for dispensing purposes
    • B67D3/0003—Apparatus or devices for controlling flow of liquids under gravity from storage containers for dispensing purposes provided with automatic fluid control means
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B67D7/00—Apparatus or devices for transferring liquids from bulk storage containers or reservoirs into vehicles or into portable containers, e.g. for retail sale purposes
    • B67D7/02—Apparatus or devices for transferring liquids from bulk storage containers or reservoirs into vehicles or into portable containers, e.g. for retail sale purposes for transferring liquids other than fuel or lubricants
    • B67D7/0288—Container connection means
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B67D7/00—Apparatus or devices for transferring liquids from bulk storage containers or reservoirs into vehicles or into portable containers, e.g. for retail sale purposes
    • B67D7/06—Details or accessories
    • B67D7/32—Arrangements of safety or warning devices; Means for preventing unauthorised delivery of liquid
    • B67D7/3227—Arrangements of safety or warning devices; Means for preventing unauthorised delivery of liquid relating to venting of a container during loading or unloading
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B67D7/00—Apparatus or devices for transferring liquids from bulk storage containers or reservoirs into vehicles or into portable containers, e.g. for retail sale purposes
    • B67D7/06—Details or accessories
    • B67D7/78—Arrangements of storage tanks, reservoirs or pipe-lines
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B08—CLEANING
    • B08B—CLEANING IN GENERAL; PREVENTION OF FOULING IN GENERAL
    • B08B2215/00—Preventing escape of dirt or fumes from the area where they are produced; Collecting or removing dirt or fumes from that area
    • B08B2215/003—Preventing escape of dirt or fumes from the area where they are produced; Collecting or removing dirt or fumes from that area with the assistance of blowing nozzles

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a machine for dispensing a liquid or pasty product, in particular a paint tint, stored in a container, for the preparation of specific formulas.
  • a machine for dispensing a product, in particular liquid, stored in a container comprising a storage zone delimiting a plurality of locations for receiving a container and a metering station delimiting an enclosure housing a support for receiving a collection container, this support being positioned directly above and below at least one access opening to the enclosure arranged in a so-called upper part of the enclosure, the machine further comprising a system for emptying each location receiving a container configured to, at each receiving location, empty the product content of a container occupying said location through the at least one access opening provided in the upper part of the enclosure of the station metering unit and a machine control unit.
  • Such a dispensing machine is known as illustrated for example by the patents EP 2 785 443 Or EP 2 135 668 of this applicant.
  • Such machines can now be used with products that may contain solvents. There is then a risk of creating an atex zone, that is to say a zone with an explosive atmosphere, and the possibility for an operator to inhale dangerous solvents when the latter extracts the collecting container from the machine.
  • the document WO 2018/198149 describes a product dispensing machine in accordance with the preamble of claim 1. Examples of dispensing machines are also provided in the documents US 2003/0060925 And US 2007/0084520 .
  • An object of the invention is to provide a machine of the aforementioned type, the design of which makes it possible to limit the risks mentioned above without harming the simplicity of the machine.
  • the subject of the invention is a machine for dispensing a product, in particular liquid, stored in a container, said machine comprising a storage zone delimiting a plurality of locations for receiving a container, a metering station delimiting an enclosure housing a support for receiving a collecting receptacle, this support being positioned directly above and below at least one access opening to the enclosure arranged in a so-called upper part of the enclosure, the machine further comprising a system for emptying each location for receiving a container through the at least one access opening provided in the upper part of the enclosure of the dosing station and a control unit of the machine, the station dosing unit comprising at least one sensor for detecting the presence of a collection container inside said enclosure, the control unit being configured to control the machine at least according to the data supplied by the presence detection sensor of a collecting container inside said enclosure and the metering station being equipped with a gaseous fluid circulation circuit communicating the enclosure with the outside of said enclosure, this fluid circulation circuit comprising a device forced air circulation device or being fitted
  • the presence of a sensor for detecting the presence of a collecting container inside the enclosure can make it possible, according to one embodiment of the invention, to avoid supplying the dosing station with product while the collection container is not present at the risk of generating an accumulation of product and consequently creating an explosive atmosphere inside the enclosure
  • the presence at the level of the enclosure, that is to say as close as possible to a potentially dangerous zone, of a circuit for the circulation of gaseous fluid opening outside the enclosure, and preferably at the outside the machine for circulation of the gaseous fluid in the direction of extraction of the gas from the enclosure can make it possible to avoid an accumulation of gas inside the enclosure at the risk again of creating an explosive atmosphere inside the enclosure.
  • the support for receiving a collecting container is mounted so as to move up and down inside the enclosure in the direction of bringing together or moving away from the at least one access opening to the enclosure provided in the upper part of the enclosure of the dosing station.
  • the production of a mobile support makes it possible to approach the bucket-type collecting container open at its upper end as close as possible to the access opening made in the upper part of the enclosure of the dosing station so as to confine the gas emanating from the product inside the collection container.
  • the machine comprises a device for holding the support for receiving a collecting receptacle for holding said support in at least one of the positions able to be taken by said support.
  • the senor for detecting the presence of a collection container is arranged at the level of the upper half of the enclosure of the dosing station
  • the support for receiving a collecting container is equipped with a weighing system and the or at least one of the sensors for detecting the presence of a collecting container is integrated into the system. weighing. This results in a simplification of the machine.
  • the senor for detecting the presence of a collecting receptacle is a sensor comprising two parts arranged facing each other at the level of the upper half of the enclosure of the dosage.
  • This sensor can be an optical sensor, an inductive sensor or other.
  • the gaseous fluid circulation circuit communicating the enclosure with the exterior of the enclosure comprises at least one member for closing the circuit and the control unit of the machine is configured to control the movement of the shutter member between a closed position and an open position. It is thus possible to avoid permanent extraction of the gases contained inside the enclosure.
  • control unit of the machine is configured to control the movement of the closure member of the gaseous fluid circulation circuit communicating the enclosure with the outside of said enclosure between a closed position and an open position at least as a function of data supplied by the sensor for detecting the presence of a collecting receptacle inside said enclosure.
  • the control unit of the machine is configured to control the movement of the closure member of the circuit for circulating gaseous fluid communicating the enclosure with the outside of said enclosure between a closed position and an open position depending at least on data provided by the weighing system.
  • the enclosure of the dosing station comprises a sensor for detecting volatile organic compounds and the control unit of the machine is configured to control the shutter member of the circulation circuit of communication gaseous fluid of the enclosure with the outside of said enclosure according to data supplied by the sensor for detecting volatile organic compounds inside said enclosure.
  • gas extraction can be activated only when necessary.
  • Emergency measures can also be triggered in the case of volatile organic compound concentration values above a predetermined threshold value.
  • the gaseous fluid circulation circuit communicating the enclosure with the outside of the enclosure comprises a connection branch of the circuit to a forced air circulation device, the The circuit blocking member is placed on said branch and this blockable branch of the circuit is equipped, in its zone for connection to a so-called main branch of the circuit, with a venturi system.
  • the gaseous fluid circulation circuit communicating the enclosure with the outside of said enclosure is connected to the enclosure at the level of the access opening to the enclosure arranged in the upper part of the enclosure. the enclosure and opens into said opening.
  • the support for receiving a collecting receptacle is mounted to move up and down to bring the collecting receptacle as close as possible to the access opening made in the upper part of the enclosure of the station.
  • the upper end of the collecting container such as a cup or the like, surrounds the access opening provided in the upper part of the enclosure.
  • the gases emanating from the product are thus confined inside the collecting container.
  • the forced circulation of gaseous fluid in the circuit opening into the enclosure in the access opening to the enclosure allows immediate extraction of the gases confined in the collecting container without the latter spreading in the enclosure. This results in increased efficiency of vapor extraction.
  • the locations for receiving a container are mounted on a support frame and the support frame and the enclosure of the metering station are mounted to move relative to each other.
  • the enclosure of the metering station is mounted so as to move up and down in the direction of approaching or moving away from the storage zone.
  • at least part of the drain system can be embedded in the enclosure. Draining only takes place when the enclosure is correctly positioned.
  • the emptying system comprises a device for controlling the opening/closing of a container arranged around the at least one access opening to the enclosure arranged in the upper part of the enclosure, and a pressurized air supply device connectable to a source of pressurized air and configured to supply pressurized air to the storage area.
  • Another subject of the invention is a method for operating a product dispensing machine of the aforementioned type, said method comprising at least one step of detecting the presence of a collecting container inside said enclosure and a step of forced circulation of gaseous fluid in the gaseous fluid circulation circuit communicating the enclosure with the outside of said enclosure, in particular with the outside of the machine.
  • the product dispensing machine 1 object of the invention, is more particularly intended to allow the dispensing of product, in particular liquid or pasty, stored in a container 30, and which may contain volatile organic compounds.
  • a machine 1 also allows the production of mixtures of products and finds an application in the preparation of paint colors from a series of paints each stored in a container 30.
  • This machine 1 comprises a storage area 2 delimiting a plurality of slots 4 each serving to receive a container 30. These slots 4 for receiving a container 30 are each arranged on a support frame 3 . These slots 4, such as cells, are arranged side by side on the support frame 3 which can have a large number of shapes.
  • this support frame 3 is a mobile frame equipped with a displacement drive system comprising at least one actuator, such as a motor or a jack.
  • the support frame 3 is mounted to move in translation following a to-and-fro movement while at the picture 2 , the support frame 3 is a rotary support frame 3 mounted for rotation about a so-called horizontal axis.
  • the support frame 3 has the shape of a wheel and the rotational drive system of the support frame 3 may be of the type described for example in the patent European EP-2.785.443 where motorized rotary gears fitted to the machine come into engagement with a toothing of the support frame 3.
  • Each container 30 that can be positioned inside a reception location 4 can comprise a flexible deformable pocket equipped with a drain valve 31 provided with an orifice expulsion of the fluid contained inside the pocket.
  • the drain valve may be of the type described in the patent EP-1.975.486 and the emptying of the flexible bag can take place by deformation of the flexible bag and opening of the emptying valve with the aid of an emptying system 10 fitted to the machine 1.
  • the machine 1 comprises, for the passage of the valve for emptying each container 30 from a closed position to an open position and vice versa, an opening/closing control device 11 and, for the deformation of the pocket of each container 30, a device 12 for supplying air under pressure connectable to a pressurized air source P and configured to supply pressurized air to the storage zone 2 via an air intake opening 32 made at each location on the container 30 or on the machine in the case of a container housed at least partially inside a closed cell.
  • a pressurized air supply device 12 able to allow the deformation of the pocket of the container 30 to be emptied is described in the patent EP-2.785.443 and will therefore not be detailed below.
  • the device 11 for controlling the opening/closing of a container 30 is arranged on a metering station 5 of the machine.
  • the product distribution machine 1 comprises, in addition to the container storage area 30, a metering station 5 delimiting an enclosure 6 housing a support 7 for receiving a collecting container 33, such as a bucket or similar, this support 7 being positioned directly above and below at least one opening 8 for access to the enclosure 6 arranged in a so-called upper part 61 of the enclosure 6 in the area called the ceiling of said pregnant 6.
  • the metering station 5 can be positioned inside the wheel.
  • the metering station 5 is disposed under the frame 3 support.
  • the system 10 for emptying each location 4 for receiving a container 30 is configured to allow the container to be emptied from each reception location 4 positioned opposite the access opening 8 provided in the upper part 61 of the enclosure 6.
  • the device 11 for controlling the opening /closure of a container 30 is arranged around the opening 8 for access to the enclosure 6 itself arranged in the upper part 61 of the enclosure 6.
  • This device 11 for controlling the opening/closing of the valve emptying fitted to the container 30 whose associated reception location is positioned above and facing the collecting container 33, such as a bucket, may comprise a cylindrical coil, such as a solenoid capable of inducing a magnetic field at the level of the emptying valve fitted to the container.
  • a cylindrical coil such as a solenoid capable of inducing a magnetic field at the level of the emptying valve fitted to the container.
  • the support frame 3 and the enclosure 6 of the metering station 5 are mounted movable relative to each other.
  • the support frame 3 can be mobile.
  • the enclosure 6 of the dosing station is also generally mounted to move up and down to allow the device 11 for controlling the opening/closing of a container, arranged on the enclosure 6 outside the enclosure 6, around of the access opening 8 provided in the upper part of the enclosure 6, to cap the emptying valve of the container to be emptied.
  • This up and down displacement drive of the enclosure 6 of the metering station 5 can take place using an actuator, such as a jack or a motor.
  • the machine 1 for dispensing the product also comprises a unit 14 for controlling the machine and in particular the system for driving the support frame 3 in displacement and the enclosure 6 of the metering station 5 and the drain system 10 .
  • This control unit 14 can be in the form of an electronic and computer system which includes for example a microprocessor and a working memory. According to a particular aspect, the control unit can take the form of a programmable automaton.
  • the functions and steps described can be implemented in the form of a computer program or via hardware components (eg networks of programmable gates).
  • the functions and steps performed by the control unit or its modules can be performed by instruction sets or computer modules implemented in a processor or controller or be performed by dedicated electronic components or components of the FPGA type or ASIC. It is also possible to combine computer parts and electronic parts.
  • the unit or means or modules of said unit are configured to carry out a given operation
  • the metering station 5 comprises at least one sensor 13 for detecting the presence of a collecting container 33 inside said enclosure 6.
  • This collecting container 33 is introduced into the enclosure 6 by an opening 9 of the enclosure 6 generally arranged in front of the enclosure 6.
  • the control unit 14 is configured to control the machine 1 at least according to the data supplied by the sensor 13 for detecting the presence of a container 33 collector inside said enclosure 6.
  • the control unit 14 is configured to prevent the operation of the emptying system 10 in the detected state of an absence of the collector container 33 inside said enclosure by the sensor 13 for detecting the presence of said container 33 collector.
  • This presence detection sensor 13 prevents the command to empty the container associated with a reception location 4 arranged opposite the access opening 8 of the enclosure 6 in the absence of a collector container 33 on the support 7 for receiving the container 33 collector.
  • this support 7 for receiving the collector container 33 is formed by a plate arranged inside the enclosure 6.
  • This support 7 for receiving a collector container 33 is equipped with a system 18 of weight, such as a load cell or load cell.
  • the detection sensor 13 can be arranged at the level of the upper half of the enclosure 6 of the metering station 5 as illustrated in Figure 1A .
  • the sensor 13 for detecting the presence of a collecting receptacle 33 is a sensor comprising two parts 131, 132 arranged facing each other at the level of the upper half of the enclosure 6 of the metering station 5.
  • This sensor is here an optical sensor but could, in an equivalent manner, be made in the form of an analog sensor.
  • the senor 13 can be integrated into the weighing system 18 .
  • the support 7 for receiving a collector container 33 is also mounted to move up and down inside the enclosure 6 in the direction of bringing the opening 8 closer to or further apart from the opening 8 for access to the enclosure 6 formed in the upper part 61 of the enclosure 6 of the metering station 5 vertically and above the support 7 for receiving the container 33 collector.
  • the up and down movement of the support 7 for receiving a collector container 33 makes it possible to bring the open top of the collector container 33 as close as possible to the ceiling of the enclosure 6 of the metering station 5 to prevent the vapors of compounds volatile organic matter spreads in the enclosure during the transfer of fluid from a location 4 for receiving a container of the support frame 3 towards the collecting container 33 of the enclosure 6 of the metering station 5 .
  • the up and down movement of the support 7 for receiving a collecting container 33 can be carried out manually, for example by sliding movement of the support 7 along so-called vertical rails arranged inside the enclosure. 6 and a device 23 for holding the support 7 in position can be provided.
  • This device 23 for holding in position the support for receiving a collecting container 33 can, as in the example shown in figure 1B , be formed by a spring button integral in movement with the support 7, this spring button being locked in one of the notches of a series of notches arranged on a wall of the enclosure along a line parallel to the direction of up and down movement of the support 7.
  • the support 7 for receiving a collecting container 33 can be mounted so as to move up and down using an actuator, such as a cylinder.
  • the actuator also acts as a device for holding support 7 in any of the positions capable of being taken by said support 7.
  • the metering station 5 of the product dispensing machine 1 is equipped with a gaseous fluid circulation circuit 15 communicating the enclosure 6 with the outside of said enclosure 6.
  • This circuit 15 fluid circulation comprises a forced air circulation device 16A or is equipped with a connector 17 connectable to a forced air circulation device 16B as illustrated in Figure 1A .
  • this forced air circulation device 16A can be formed by a simple fan arranged on the gaseous fluid circulation circuit 15 communicating the enclosure 6 with the outside of the enclosure 6.
  • this forced air circulation device 16B can be formed by a compressed air network or an air generator under pressure, such as a compressor.
  • the gaseous fluid circulation circuit 15 communicating the enclosure 6 with the outside of the enclosure 6, in particular with the outside of the machine is connected to the enclosure 6 at the level of the opening 8 for access to the enclosure arranged in the upper part of the enclosure and opens into said opening.
  • This circuit 15 for the circulation of gaseous fluid comprises at least one member 19 for closing the circuit 15 and the control unit 14 of the machine 1 is configured to control the movement of the member 19 for closing between a closed position and an open position, preferably, at least according to the data supplied by the sensor 13 for detecting the presence of a collecting container 33 inside said enclosure 6.
  • the control unit 14 can be configured to, in the absence of detection of a collecting receptacle 33 inside the enclosure 6, keeping the closure member 19 of the gaseous fluid circulation circuit 15 communicating the enclosure 6 with the outside of the enclosure 6 in position closed.
  • control unit 14 can be configured to control the operation of the fan only at the detected state of a collecting container 33 on the support 7 for receiving such a container.
  • the circuit 15 for the circulation of gaseous fluid communicating the enclosure 6 with the outside of the enclosure 6 in the direction of a circulation of the gaseous fluid towards the outside of the enclosure 6, in particular towards the exterior of the machine comprises a branch 151 for connecting the circuit 15 to a device 16B for forced air circulation.
  • the shutter member 19 of the circuit 15 is arranged on said branch 151.
  • This branch 151 that can be shut off from the circuit 15 is equipped, in its zone 21 for connection to a so-called main branch 152 of the circuit 15, with a venturi system 22.
  • the enclosure 6 of the metering station 5 may comprise a sensor 20 for detecting volatile organic compounds.
  • the machine control unit 14 is configured to control the shutter member 19 of the gaseous fluid circulation circuit 15 communicating the enclosure 6 with the outside of said enclosure 6 according to the data provided by the sensor 20 for detecting volatile organic compounds inside said enclosure.
  • the control method in operation of a dispensing machine 1, as described above, can therefore comprise at least one step of detecting the presence of a collecting container 33 inside said enclosure 6 and a step of forced circulation of gaseous fluid in the circuit 15 for circulation of gaseous fluid communicating enclosure 6 with the outside of said enclosure 6.
  • This method further comprises at least one step drive in movement in elevation of the support 7 for receiving a collector container 33 in the direction of approaching the access opening 8 provided in the upper part 61 of the enclosure 6 of the metering station 5 . This movement allows the top of the collector container 33 to bear against the ceiling of the enclosure 6 so that the solvent vapors are confined in the collector container 33 .
  • This method further comprises at least one step of driving the enclosure 6 of the metering station in elevation movement in the direction of bringing the storage zone 2 closer.
  • This method also comprises, for the implementation of the step of forced circulation of gaseous fluid in the gaseous fluid circulation circuit 15, at least one step of opening the closure member fitted to said circuit and if necessary , a step of starting the device 16A or 16B for forced air circulation.
  • a container has been preselected automatically by an operator via for example a man/machine interface fitted to said machine 1.
  • the location 4 for receiving the associated container 30 is positioned above and facing the opening 8 access provided in the upper part 61 of the enclosure 6 of the metering station 5 for the partial or total emptying of the container.
  • a collector container 33 is introduced inside the enclosure 6 via an inlet opening in the enclosure 6 and is placed inside the enclosure 6 on the support 7 for receiving a collector container 33 .
  • the support 7 is, if necessary, raised to bring the top of the collecting container 33 as close as possible to the ceiling of the enclosure 6 so that the edge of the opening of the collecting container 33 surrounds the access opening 8 provided in the upper part 61 of the enclosure 6 of the metering station 5.
  • This collecting container 33 is detected by the sensor 13 for presence detection.
  • the enclosure 6 of the dosing station is raised to allow the device 11 for controlling the opening/closing of a container 30 to surround the valve 31 for emptying the container, this valve 31 being partially housed in the access opening 8 of the enclosure 6. Compression is applied via the device 12 for supplying pressurized air to the pocket flexible constituent of the container 33 to allow its emptying in the open state of the container emptying valve controlled in opening by the device 11 for controlling opening / closing.
  • the valve is opened for a period controlled from the data resulting from the weighing carried out continuously by the weighing system 18 until the exact mass required is obtained.
  • the valve can then be closed.
  • the pressure is maintained on the flexible pocket of the container 30 at least throughout the emptying phase. Once the emptying is complete and the emptying valve 31 is closed, the enclosure 6 can be lowered. A new emptying can be carried out after selecting a new container by repeating the operations described above.
  • the forced air circulation device 16A or 16B can be activated and the closure member 19 of the gaseous fluid circulation circuit 15 communicating the enclosure 6 with the outside of the enclosure 6, when present, can be opened to allow evacuation of at least part of the contents of enclosure 6, that is to say the volume of enclosure 6 containing volatile organic compounds , outside the enclosure 6 to avoid any risk of explosion.
  • the control of the member 19 for closing the circuit 15 for the circulation of gaseous fluid communicating the enclosure 6 with the outside of the enclosure 6 and/or the device 16A or 16B for forced air circulation can be perfect using the sensor 20 for detecting volatile organic compounds when such a sensor is provided or using the weighing system 18.
  • the shutter member 19 of the circuit 15 for the circulation of gaseous fluid communicating the enclosure 6 with the outside of the enclosure 6 can thus be closed before the end of the weighing, when there are still a few grams left. weigh, to avoid air flows which could disturb or harm the accuracy of the dosage.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Toxicology (AREA)
  • Feeding, Discharge, Calcimining, Fusing, And Gas-Generation Devices (AREA)
  • Weight Measurement For Supplying Or Discharging Of Specified Amounts Of Material (AREA)
  • Loading And Unloading Of Fuel Tanks Or Ships (AREA)
  • Devices For Dispensing Beverages (AREA)

Description

L'invention concerne une machine de distribution de produit liquide ou pâteux, notamment de teinte de peinture, stocké en conteneur, pour la préparation de formules spécifiques.The invention relates to a machine for dispensing a liquid or pasty product, in particular a paint tint, stored in a container, for the preparation of specific formulas.

Elle concerne plus particulièrement une machine de distribution de produit en particulier liquide, stocké en conteneur comprenant une zone de stockage délimitant une pluralité d'emplacements de réception d'un conteneur et un poste de dosage délimitant une enceinte logeant un support de réception d'un récipient collecteur, ce support étant positionné à l'aplomb et au-dessous d'au moins une ouverture d'accès à l'enceinte disposée dans une partie dite supérieure de l'enceinte, la machine comprenant encore un système de vidange de chaque emplacement de réception d'un conteneur configuré pour, au niveau de chaque emplacement de réception, vidanger le contenu en produit d'un conteneur occupant ledit emplacement à travers la au moins une ouverture d'accès ménagée dans la partie supérieure de l'enceinte du poste de dosage et une unité de pilotage de la machine.It relates more particularly to a machine for dispensing a product, in particular liquid, stored in a container, comprising a storage zone delimiting a plurality of locations for receiving a container and a metering station delimiting an enclosure housing a support for receiving a collection container, this support being positioned directly above and below at least one access opening to the enclosure arranged in a so-called upper part of the enclosure, the machine further comprising a system for emptying each location receiving a container configured to, at each receiving location, empty the product content of a container occupying said location through the at least one access opening provided in the upper part of the enclosure of the station metering unit and a machine control unit.

Une telle machine de distribution est connue comme l'illustrent par exemple les brevets EP 2 785 443 ou EP 2 135 668 du présent demandeur. De telles machines sont aujourd'hui utilisables avec des produits pouvant contenir des solvants. Il existe alors un risque de création d'une zone atex c'est-à-dire une zone à atmosphère explosive, et la possibilité pour un opérateur d'inhaler des solvants dangereux lorsque ce dernier extrait le récipient collecteur de la machine. Le document WO 2018/198149 décrit une machine de distribution de produit conforme au préambule de la revendication 1. Des exemples de machines de distribution sont également fournis dans les documents US 2003/0060925 et US 2007/0084520 .Such a dispensing machine is known as illustrated for example by the patents EP 2 785 443 Or EP 2 135 668 of this applicant. Such machines can now be used with products that may contain solvents. There is then a risk of creating an atex zone, that is to say a zone with an explosive atmosphere, and the possibility for an operator to inhale dangerous solvents when the latter extracts the collecting container from the machine. The document WO 2018/198149 describes a product dispensing machine in accordance with the preamble of claim 1. Examples of dispensing machines are also provided in the documents US 2003/0060925 And US 2007/0084520 .

Un but de l'invention est de proposer une machine du type précité dont la conception permet de limiter les risques mentionnés ci-dessus sans nuire à la simplicité de la machine.An object of the invention is to provide a machine of the aforementioned type, the design of which makes it possible to limit the risks mentioned above without harming the simplicity of the machine.

A cet effet, l'invention a pour objet une machine de distribution de produit, en particulier liquide, stocké en conteneur, ladite machine comprenant une zone de stockage délimitant une pluralité d'emplacements de réception d'un conteneur, un poste de dosage délimitant une enceinte logeant un support de réception d'un récipient collecteur, ce support étant positionné à l'aplomb et au-dessous d'au moins une ouverture d'accès à l'enceinte disposée dans une partie dite supérieure de l'enceinte, la machine comprenant encore un système de vidange de chaque emplacement de réception d'un conteneur à travers la au moins une ouverture d'accès ménagée dans la partie supérieure de l'enceinte du poste de dosage et une unité de pilotage de la machine, le poste de dosage comprenant au moins un capteur de détection de présence d'un récipient collecteur à l'intérieur de ladite enceinte , l'unité de pilotage étant configurée pour commander la machine au moins en fonction des données fournies par le capteur de détection de présence d'un récipient collecteur à l'intérieur de ladite enceinte et le poste de dosage étant équipé d'un circuit de circulation de fluide gazeux de communication de l'enceinte avec l'extérieur de ladite enceinte, ce circuit de circulation de fluide comprenant un dispositif de circulation forcée d'air ou étant équipé d'un raccord raccordable à un dispositif de circulation forcée d'air.To this end, the subject of the invention is a machine for dispensing a product, in particular liquid, stored in a container, said machine comprising a storage zone delimiting a plurality of locations for receiving a container, a metering station delimiting an enclosure housing a support for receiving a collecting receptacle, this support being positioned directly above and below at least one access opening to the enclosure arranged in a so-called upper part of the enclosure, the machine further comprising a system for emptying each location for receiving a container through the at least one access opening provided in the upper part of the enclosure of the dosing station and a control unit of the machine, the station dosing unit comprising at least one sensor for detecting the presence of a collection container inside said enclosure, the control unit being configured to control the machine at least according to the data supplied by the presence detection sensor of a collecting container inside said enclosure and the metering station being equipped with a gaseous fluid circulation circuit communicating the enclosure with the outside of said enclosure, this fluid circulation circuit comprising a device forced air circulation device or being fitted with a connection that can be connected to a forced air circulation device.

La présence d'un capteur de détection de la présence d'un récipient collecteur à l'intérieur de l'enceinte peut permettre, selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention, d'éviter un approvisionnement en produit du poste de dosage alors que le récipient collecteur n'est pas présent au risque de générer une accumulation de produit et par suite de créer une atmosphère explosive à l'intérieur de l'enceinteThe presence of a sensor for detecting the presence of a collecting container inside the enclosure can make it possible, according to one embodiment of the invention, to avoid supplying the dosing station with product while the collection container is not present at the risk of generating an accumulation of product and consequently creating an explosive atmosphere inside the enclosure

La présence au niveau de l'enceinte, c'est-à-dire au plus proche d'une zone potentiellement dangereuse, d'un circuit de circulation de fluide gazeux débouchant à l'extérieur de l'enceinte, et de préférence à l'extérieur de la machine pour une circulation du fluide gazeux dans le sens d'une extraction des gaz de l'enceinte peut permettre d'éviter une accumulation de gaz à l'intérieur de l'enceinte au risque à nouveau de créer une atmosphère explosive à l'intérieur de l'enceinte.The presence at the level of the enclosure, that is to say as close as possible to a potentially dangerous zone, of a circuit for the circulation of gaseous fluid opening outside the enclosure, and preferably at the outside the machine for circulation of the gaseous fluid in the direction of extraction of the gas from the enclosure can make it possible to avoid an accumulation of gas inside the enclosure at the risk again of creating an explosive atmosphere inside the enclosure.

Selon l'invention, le support de réception d'un récipient collecteur est monté mobile en monte et baisse à l'intérieur de l'enceinte dans le sens d'un rapprochement ou d'un écartement de la au moins une ouverture d'accès à l'enceinte ménagée dans la partie supérieure de l'enceinte du poste de dosage.According to the invention, the support for receiving a collecting container is mounted so as to move up and down inside the enclosure in the direction of bringing together or moving away from the at least one access opening to the enclosure provided in the upper part of the enclosure of the dosing station.

La réalisation d'un support mobile permet d'approcher le récipient collecteur de type godet ouvert à son extrémité supérieure au plus près de l'ouverture d'accès ménagée dans la partie supérieure de l'enceinte du poste de dosage de manière à confiner les gaz émanant du produit à l'intérieur du récipient collecteur.The production of a mobile support makes it possible to approach the bucket-type collecting container open at its upper end as close as possible to the access opening made in the upper part of the enclosure of the dosing station so as to confine the gas emanating from the product inside the collection container.

Selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention, la machine comprend un dispositif de maintien du support de réception d'un récipient collecteur pour le maintien dudit support dans au moins l'une des positions aptes à être prises par ledit support.According to one embodiment of the invention, the machine comprises a device for holding the support for receiving a collecting receptacle for holding said support in at least one of the positions able to be taken by said support.

Selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention, le capteur de détection de présence d'un récipient collecteur est disposé au niveau de la moitié supérieure de l'enceinte du poste de dosageAccording to one embodiment of the invention, the sensor for detecting the presence of a collection container is arranged at the level of the upper half of the enclosure of the dosing station

Selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention, le support de réception d'un récipient collecteur est équipé d'un système de pesée et le ou au moins l'un des capteurs de détection de présence d'un récipient collecteur est intégré au système de pesée. Il en résulte une simplification de la machine.According to one embodiment of the invention, the support for receiving a collecting container is equipped with a weighing system and the or at least one of the sensors for detecting the presence of a collecting container is integrated into the system. weighing. This results in a simplification of the machine.

Selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention, le capteur de détection de présence d'un récipient collecteur est un capteur comprenant deux parties disposées en regard l'une de l'autre au niveau de la moitié supérieure de l'enceinte du poste de dosage. Ce capteur peut être un capteur optique, un capteur inductif ou autre.According to one embodiment of the invention, the sensor for detecting the presence of a collecting receptacle is a sensor comprising two parts arranged facing each other at the level of the upper half of the enclosure of the dosage. This sensor can be an optical sensor, an inductive sensor or other.

Selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention, le circuit de circulation de fluide gazeux de communication de l'enceinte avec l'extérieur de l'enceinte comprend au moins un organe d'obturation du circuit et l'unité de pilotage de la machine est configurée pour commander le déplacement de l'organe d'obturation entre une position fermée et une position ouverte. Il est ainsi possible d'éviter une extraction permanente des gaz contenus à l'intérieur de l'enceinte.According to one embodiment of the invention, the gaseous fluid circulation circuit communicating the enclosure with the exterior of the enclosure comprises at least one member for closing the circuit and the control unit of the machine is configured to control the movement of the shutter member between a closed position and an open position. It is thus possible to avoid permanent extraction of the gases contained inside the enclosure.

Selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention, l'unité de pilotage de la machine est configurée pour commander le déplacement de l'organe d'obturation du circuit de circulation de fluide gazeux de communication de l'enceinte avec l'extérieur de ladite enceinte entre une position fermée et une position ouverte au moins en fonction de données fournies par le capteur de détection de présence d'un récipient collecteur à l'intérieur de ladite enceinte. Ainsi, une extraction des gaz de l'enceinte ne s'opère que lorsque le récipient collecteur est présent laissant à penser qu'un dosage est en train de s'opérer.According to one embodiment of the invention, the control unit of the machine is configured to control the movement of the closure member of the gaseous fluid circulation circuit communicating the enclosure with the outside of said enclosure between a closed position and an open position at least as a function of data supplied by the sensor for detecting the presence of a collecting receptacle inside said enclosure. Thus, an extraction of the gases from the enclosure takes place only when the collecting container is present, suggesting that a metering is in the process of taking place.

Selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention, le support de réception d'un récipient collecteur étant équipé d'un système de pesée, l'unité de pilotage de la machine est configurée pour commander le déplacement de l'organe d'obturation du circuit de circulation de fluide gazeux de communication de l'enceinte avec l'extérieur de ladite enceinte entre une position fermée et une position ouverte en fonction au moins de données fournies par le système de pesée.According to one embodiment of the invention, the support for receiving a collecting container being equipped with a weighing system, the control unit of the machine is configured to control the movement of the closure member of the circuit for circulating gaseous fluid communicating the enclosure with the outside of said enclosure between a closed position and an open position depending at least on data provided by the weighing system.

Selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention, l'enceinte du poste de dosage comprend un capteur de détection de composés organiques volatils et l'unité de pilotage de la machine est configurée pour commander l'organe d'obturation du circuit de circulation de fluide gazeux de communication de l'enceinte avec l'extérieur de ladite enceinte en fonction de données fournies par le capteur de détection de composés organiques volatils à l'intérieur de ladite enceinte.According to one embodiment of the invention, the enclosure of the dosing station comprises a sensor for detecting volatile organic compounds and the control unit of the machine is configured to control the shutter member of the circulation circuit of communication gaseous fluid of the enclosure with the outside of said enclosure according to data supplied by the sensor for detecting volatile organic compounds inside said enclosure.

Grâce à cette conception, l'extraction des gaz peut être activée uniquement lorsque cela est nécessaire. Des mesures d'urgence peuvent également être déclenchées dans le cas de valeurs de concentrations en composés organiques volatils supérieures à une valeur seuil prédéterminée.Thanks to this design, gas extraction can be activated only when necessary. Emergency measures can also be triggered in the case of volatile organic compound concentration values above a predetermined threshold value.

Selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention, le circuit de circulation de fluide gazeux de communication de l'enceinte avec l'extérieur de l'enceinte comprend une branche de raccordement du circuit à un dispositif de circulation forcée d'air, l'organe d'obturation du circuit est disposé sur ladite branche et cette branche obturable du circuit est équipée, dans sa zone de raccordement à une branche dite principale du circuit, d'un système venturi.According to one embodiment of the invention, the gaseous fluid circulation circuit communicating the enclosure with the outside of the enclosure comprises a connection branch of the circuit to a forced air circulation device, the The circuit blocking member is placed on said branch and this blockable branch of the circuit is equipped, in its zone for connection to a so-called main branch of the circuit, with a venturi system.

Selon l'invention, le circuit de circulation de fluide gazeux de communication de l'enceinte avec l'extérieur de ladite enceinte est raccordé à l'enceinte au niveau de l'ouverture d'accès à l'enceinte disposée dans la partie supérieure de l'enceinte et débouche dans ladite ouverture. Ainsi, il est possible, lorsque le support de réception d'un récipient collecteur est monté mobile en monte et baisse d'amener le récipient collecteur au plus près de l'ouverture d'accès ménagée dans la partie supérieure de l'enceinte du poste de dosage de sorte que l'extrémité supérieure du récipient collecteur, tel qu'un godet ou équivalent, entoure l'ouverture d'accès ménagée dans la partie supérieure de l'enceinte. Les gaz émanant du produit sont ainsi confinés à l'intérieur du récipient collecteur. La circulation forcée de fluide gazeux dans le circuit débouchant dans l'enceinte dans l'ouverture d'accès à l'enceinte permet une extraction immédiate des gaz confinés dans le récipient collecteur sans que ces derniers ne se répandent dans l'enceinte. Il en résulte une efficacité accrue de l'extraction des vapeurs.According to the invention, the gaseous fluid circulation circuit communicating the enclosure with the outside of said enclosure is connected to the enclosure at the level of the access opening to the enclosure arranged in the upper part of the enclosure. the enclosure and opens into said opening. Thus, it is possible, when the support for receiving a collecting receptacle is mounted to move up and down to bring the collecting receptacle as close as possible to the access opening made in the upper part of the enclosure of the station. metering so that the upper end of the collecting container, such as a cup or the like, surrounds the access opening provided in the upper part of the enclosure. The gases emanating from the product are thus confined inside the collecting container. The forced circulation of gaseous fluid in the circuit opening into the enclosure in the access opening to the enclosure allows immediate extraction of the gases confined in the collecting container without the latter spreading in the enclosure. This results in increased efficiency of vapor extraction.

Selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention, les emplacements de réception d'un conteneur sont montés sur un bâti support et le bâti support et l'enceinte du poste de dosage sont montés mobiles l'un par rapport à l'autre.According to one embodiment of the invention, the locations for receiving a container are mounted on a support frame and the support frame and the enclosure of the metering station are mounted to move relative to each other.

Selon un mode de réalisation, l'enceinte du poste de dosage est montée mobile en monte et baisse dans le sens d'un rapprochement ou d'un écartement de la zone de stockage. Ainsi, au moins une partie du système de vidange peut être embarquée sur l'enceinte. La vidange ne s'opère que lorsque l'enceinte est correctement positionnée.According to one embodiment, the enclosure of the metering station is mounted so as to move up and down in the direction of approaching or moving away from the storage zone. Thus, at least part of the drain system can be embedded in the enclosure. Draining only takes place when the enclosure is correctly positioned.

Selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention, le système de vidange comprend un dispositif de commande en ouverture/fermeture d'un conteneur disposé autour de la au moins une ouverture d'accès à l'enceinte disposée dans la partie supérieure de l'enceinte, et un dispositif d'alimentation en air sous pression raccordable à une source d'air sous pression et configuré pour alimenter en air sous pression la zone de stockage.According to one embodiment of the invention, the emptying system comprises a device for controlling the opening/closing of a container arranged around the at least one access opening to the enclosure arranged in the upper part of the enclosure, and a pressurized air supply device connectable to a source of pressurized air and configured to supply pressurized air to the storage area.

L'invention a encore pour objet un procédé de commande en fonctionnement d'une machine de distribution de produit du type précité, ledit procédé comprenant au moins une étape de détection de présence d'un récipient collecteur à l'intérieur de ladite enceinte et une étape de circulation forcée de fluide gazeux dans le circuit de circulation de fluide gazeux de communication de l'enceinte avec l'extérieur de ladite enceinte, en particulier avec l'extérieur de la machine.Another subject of the invention is a method for operating a product dispensing machine of the aforementioned type, said method comprising at least one step of detecting the presence of a collecting container inside said enclosure and a step of forced circulation of gaseous fluid in the gaseous fluid circulation circuit communicating the enclosure with the outside of said enclosure, in particular with the outside of the machine.

L'invention sera bien comprise à la lecture de la description suivante d'exemples de réalisation, en référence aux dessins annexés dans lesquels :

  • [Fig. 1A] représente une vue partielle en perspective d'une machine conforme à l'invention, le bâti support étant déplaçable en translation et le dispositif de circulation forcée d'air étant raccordable à la machine ;
  • [Fig. 1B] représente une vue partielle en perspective d'une machine conforme à l'invention, le bâti support étant déplaçable en translation et le dispositif de circulation forcée d'air étant intégré à la machine ;
  • [Fig. 2] représente une vue en perspective d'une machine conforme à l'invention, le bâti support étant déplaçable en rotation ;
  • [Fig. 3] représente une vue schématique partielle d'un poste de dosage en position haute du support de réception du récipient collecteur ;
  • [Fig. 4] représente une vue schématique partielle d'un poste de dosage en position basse du support de réception du récipient collecteur ;
  • [Fig. 5] représente une vue schématique partielle prise depuis l'intérieur du bâti support.
The invention will be better understood on reading the following description of exemplary embodiments, with reference to the appended drawings in which:
  • [ Fig. 1A ] shows a partial perspective view of a machine according to the invention, the support frame being movable in translation and the forced air circulation device being connectable to the machine;
  • [ Fig. 1B ] shows a partial perspective view of a machine according to the invention, the support frame being movable in translation and the forced air circulation device being integrated into the machine;
  • [ Fig. 2 ] shows a perspective view of a machine according to the invention, the support frame being movable in rotation;
  • [ Fig. 3 ] represents a partial schematic view of a dosing station in high position of the collecting container receiving support;
  • [ Fig. 4 ] shows a partial schematic view of a metering station in the lower position of the receiving support of the collecting container;
  • [ Fig. 5 ] shows a partial schematic view taken from inside the support frame.

Comme mentionné ci-dessus, la machine 1 de distribution de produit, objet de l'invention, est plus particulièrement destinée à permettre la distribution de produit, en particulier liquide ou pâteux, stocké en conteneur 30, et pouvant contenir des composés organiques volatils. Une telle machine 1 permet encore la réalisation de mélanges de produits et trouve une application dans la préparation de teinte de peinture à partir d'une série de peintures stockées chacune dans un conteneur 30.As mentioned above, the product dispensing machine 1, object of the invention, is more particularly intended to allow the dispensing of product, in particular liquid or pasty, stored in a container 30, and which may contain volatile organic compounds. Such a machine 1 also allows the production of mixtures of products and finds an application in the preparation of paint colors from a series of paints each stored in a container 30.

Cette machine 1 comprend une zone 2 de stockage délimitant une pluralité d'emplacements 4 servant chacun à la réception d'un conteneur 30. Ces emplacements 4 de réception d'un conteneur 30 sont disposés chacun sur un bâti 3 support. Ces emplacements 4, tels que des alvéoles, sont disposés côte à côte sur le bâti 3 support qui peut affecter un grand nombre de formes. Généralement, ce bâti 3 support est un bâti mobile équipé d'un système d'entraînement en déplacement comprenant au moins un actionneur, tel qu'un moteur ou un vérin. Dans l'exemple représenté aux figures 1A et 1B, le bâti 3 support est monté mobile en translation suivant un mouvement de va-et-vient tandis qu'à la figure 2, le bâti 3 support est un bâti 3 support rotatif monté à rotation autour d'un axe dit horizontal. Dans ce mode de réalisation, le bâti 3 support affecte la forme d'une roue et le système d'entraînement en rotation du bâti 3 support peut-être du type de celui décrit par exemple dans le brevet européen EP-2.785.443 où des pignons rotatifs motorisés équipant la machine viennent en prise avec une denture du bâti 3 support. Chaque conteneur 30 positionnable à l'intérieur d'un emplacement 4 de réception peut comprendre une poche souple déformable équipée d'une valve 31 de vidange munie d'un orifice d'expulsion du fluide contenu à l'intérieur de la poche. La valve de vidange peut être du type de celle décrite dans le brevet EP-1.975.486 et la vidange de la poche souple peut s'opérer par déformation de la poche souple et ouverture de la valve de vidange à l'aide d'un système 10 de vidange équipant la machine 1. La machine 1 comprend, pour le passage de la valve de vidange de chaque conteneur 30 d'une position fermée à une position ouverte et inversement, un dispositif 11 de commande en ouverture/fermeture et, pour la déformation de la poche de chaque conteneur 30, un dispositif 12 d'alimentation en air sous pression raccordable à une source P d'air sous pression et configuré pour alimenter en air sous pression la zone 2 de stockage via une ouverture 32 d'admission d'air ménagée au niveau de chaque emplacement sur le conteneur 30 ou sur la machine dans le cas d'un conteneur logé au moins partiellement à l'intérieur d'une alvéole fermée. Un exemple d'un tel dispositif 12 d'alimentation en air sous pression apte à permettre la déformation de la poche du conteneur 30 devant être vidangée est décrit dans le brevet EP-2.785.443 et ne sera donc pas détaillé ci-après.This machine 1 comprises a storage area 2 delimiting a plurality of slots 4 each serving to receive a container 30. These slots 4 for receiving a container 30 are each arranged on a support frame 3 . These slots 4, such as cells, are arranged side by side on the support frame 3 which can have a large number of shapes. Generally, this support frame 3 is a mobile frame equipped with a displacement drive system comprising at least one actuator, such as a motor or a jack. In the example shown in figure 1A And 1B , the support frame 3 is mounted to move in translation following a to-and-fro movement while at the picture 2 , the support frame 3 is a rotary support frame 3 mounted for rotation about a so-called horizontal axis. In this embodiment, the support frame 3 has the shape of a wheel and the rotational drive system of the support frame 3 may be of the type described for example in the patent European EP-2.785.443 where motorized rotary gears fitted to the machine come into engagement with a toothing of the support frame 3. Each container 30 that can be positioned inside a reception location 4 can comprise a flexible deformable pocket equipped with a drain valve 31 provided with an orifice expulsion of the fluid contained inside the pocket. The drain valve may be of the type described in the patent EP-1.975.486 and the emptying of the flexible bag can take place by deformation of the flexible bag and opening of the emptying valve with the aid of an emptying system 10 fitted to the machine 1. The machine 1 comprises, for the passage of the valve for emptying each container 30 from a closed position to an open position and vice versa, an opening/closing control device 11 and, for the deformation of the pocket of each container 30, a device 12 for supplying air under pressure connectable to a pressurized air source P and configured to supply pressurized air to the storage zone 2 via an air intake opening 32 made at each location on the container 30 or on the machine in the case of a container housed at least partially inside a closed cell. An example of such a pressurized air supply device 12 able to allow the deformation of the pocket of the container 30 to be emptied is described in the patent EP-2.785.443 and will therefore not be detailed below.

Le dispositif 11 de commande en ouverture/fermeture d'un conteneur 30 est quant à lui disposé sur un poste 5 de dosage de la machine. En effet, la machine 1 de distribution de produits comprend, en sus de la zone de stockage des conteneurs 30, un poste 5 de dosage délimitant une enceinte 6 logeant un support 7 de réception d'un récipient 33 collecteur, tel qu'un godet ou similaire, ce support 7 étant positionné à l'aplomb et au-dessous d'au moins une ouverture 8 d'accès à l'enceinte 6 disposée dans une partie 61 dite supérieure de l'enceinte 6 dans la zone appelée plafond de ladite enceinte 6.The device 11 for controlling the opening/closing of a container 30 is arranged on a metering station 5 of the machine. Indeed, the product distribution machine 1 comprises, in addition to the container storage area 30, a metering station 5 delimiting an enclosure 6 housing a support 7 for receiving a collecting container 33, such as a bucket or similar, this support 7 being positioned directly above and below at least one opening 8 for access to the enclosure 6 arranged in a so-called upper part 61 of the enclosure 6 in the area called the ceiling of said pregnant 6.

Dans le cas d'un bâti 3 support en forme de roue, le poste 5 de dosage peut être positionné à l'intérieur de la roue.In the case of a support frame 3 in the form of a wheel, the metering station 5 can be positioned inside the wheel.

Dans le cas d'un bâti 3 support monté mobile en va-et-vient et formé d'une pluralité d'emplacements 4 de réception d'un conteneur 30 disposés côte à côte en suivant une ligne horizontale, le poste 5 de dosage est disposé sous le bâti 3 support. Le système 10 de vidange de chaque emplacement 4 de réception d'un conteneur 30 est configuré pour permettre la vidange du conteneur de chaque emplacement 4 de réception positionné en regard de l'ouverture 8 d'accès ménagée dans la partie 61 supérieure de l'enceinte 6. A cet effet, le dispositif 11 de commande en ouverture/fermeture d'un conteneur 30 est disposé autour de l'ouverture 8 d'accès à l'enceinte 6 elle-même disposée dans la partie 61 supérieure de l'enceinte 6. Ce dispositif 11 de commande en ouverture/fermeture de la valve de vidange équipant le conteneur 30 dont l'emplacement de réception associé est positionné au-dessus et en regard du récipient 33 collecteur, tel qu'un godet, peut comprendre une bobine cylindrique, telle qu'un solénoïde capable d'induire un champ magnétique au niveau de la valve de vidange équipant le conteneur. Le détail du fonctionnement d'un tel dispositif est décrit dans le brevet EP-1.975.486 .In the case of a support frame 3 mounted to move back and forth and formed of a plurality of slots 4 for receiving a container 30 arranged side by side along a horizontal line, the metering station 5 is disposed under the frame 3 support. The system 10 for emptying each location 4 for receiving a container 30 is configured to allow the container to be emptied from each reception location 4 positioned opposite the access opening 8 provided in the upper part 61 of the enclosure 6. To this end, the device 11 for controlling the opening /closure of a container 30 is arranged around the opening 8 for access to the enclosure 6 itself arranged in the upper part 61 of the enclosure 6. This device 11 for controlling the opening/closing of the valve emptying fitted to the container 30 whose associated reception location is positioned above and facing the collecting container 33, such as a bucket, may comprise a cylindrical coil, such as a solenoid capable of inducing a magnetic field at the level of the emptying valve fitted to the container. The detail of the operation of such a device is described in the patent EP-1.975.486 .

Pour permettre l'amenée en position de l'un quelconque des emplacements 4 de réception d'un conteneur en regard de l'ouverture 8 d'accès ménagée dans la partie 61 supérieure de l'enceinte 6 du poste 5 de dosage en vue d'une vidange du conteneur associé audit emplacement 4 de réception, le bâti 3 support et l'enceinte 6 du poste 5 de dosage sont montés mobiles l'un par rapport à l'autre.To allow any of the locations 4 for receiving a container to be brought into position opposite the access opening 8 provided in the upper part 61 of the enclosure 6 of the metering station 5 with a view to an emptying of the container associated with said reception location 4, the support frame 3 and the enclosure 6 of the metering station 5 are mounted movable relative to each other.

Comme décrit ci-dessus, le bâti 3 support peut être mobile. L'enceinte 6 du poste de dosage est également généralement montée mobile en monte et baisse pour permettre au dispositif 11 de commande en ouverture/fermeture d'un conteneur, disposé sur l'enceinte 6 à l'extérieur de l'enceinte 6, autour de l'ouverture 8 d'accès ménagée dans la partie supérieure de l'enceinte 6, de venir coiffer la valve de vidange du conteneur à vidanger. Cet entraînement en déplacement en monte et baisse de l'enceinte 6 du poste 5 de dosage peut s'opérer à l'aide d'un actionneur, tel qu'un vérin ou un moteur.As described above, the support frame 3 can be mobile. The enclosure 6 of the dosing station is also generally mounted to move up and down to allow the device 11 for controlling the opening/closing of a container, arranged on the enclosure 6 outside the enclosure 6, around of the access opening 8 provided in the upper part of the enclosure 6, to cap the emptying valve of the container to be emptied. This up and down displacement drive of the enclosure 6 of the metering station 5 can take place using an actuator, such as a jack or a motor.

La machine 1 de distribution de produit comprend encore une unité 14 de pilotage de la machine et en particulier du système d'entraînement en déplacement du bâti 3 support et de l'enceinte 6 du poste 5 de dosage et du système 10 de vidange. Cette unité 14 de pilotage peut se présenter sous la forme d'un système électronique et informatique qui comprend par exemple un microprocesseur et une mémoire de travail. Selon un aspect particulier, l'unité de pilotage peut se présenter sous la forme d'un automate programmable.The machine 1 for dispensing the product also comprises a unit 14 for controlling the machine and in particular the system for driving the support frame 3 in displacement and the enclosure 6 of the metering station 5 and the drain system 10 . This control unit 14 can be in the form of an electronic and computer system which includes for example a microprocessor and a working memory. According to a particular aspect, the control unit can take the form of a programmable automaton.

Autrement dit, les fonctions et étapes décrites peuvent être mise en oeuvre sous forme de programme informatique ou via des composants matériels (p. ex. des réseaux de portes programmables). En particulier, les fonctions et étapes opérées par l'unité de pilotage ou ses modules peuvent être réalisées par des jeux d'instructions ou modules informatiques implémentés dans un processeur ou contrôleur ou être réalisées par des composants électroniques dédiés ou des composants de type FPGA ou ASIC. Il est aussi possible de combiner des parties informatiques et des parties électroniques.In other words, the functions and steps described can be implemented in the form of a computer program or via hardware components (eg networks of programmable gates). In particular, the functions and steps performed by the control unit or its modules can be performed by instruction sets or computer modules implemented in a processor or controller or be performed by dedicated electronic components or components of the FPGA type or ASIC. It is also possible to combine computer parts and electronic parts.

Lorsqu'il est précisé que l'unité ou des moyens ou modules de ladite unité sont configurés pour réaliser une opération donnée, cela signifie que l'unité comprend des instructions informatiques et les moyens d'exécution correspondants qui permettent de réaliser ladite opération et/ou que l'unité comprend des composants électroniques correspondants.When it is specified that the unit or means or modules of said unit are configured to carry out a given operation, this means that the unit comprises computer instructions and the corresponding means of execution which make it possible to carry out said operation and/ or that the unit includes corresponding electronic components.

De manière caractéristique à l'invention, le poste 5 de dosage comprend au moins un capteur 13 de détection de présence d'un récipient 33 collecteur à l'intérieur de ladite enceinte 6. Ce récipient 33 collecteur est introduit dans l'enceinte 6 par une ouverture 9 de l'enceinte 6 disposée généralement en façade de l'enceinte 6. L'unité 14 de pilotage est configurée pour commander la machine 1 au moins en fonction des données fournies par le capteur 13 de détection de présence d'un récipient 33 collecteur à l'intérieur de ladite enceinte 6. En particulier, l'unité 14 de pilotage est configurée pour empêcher le fonctionnement du système 10 de vidange à l'état détecté d'une absence du récipient 33 collecteur à l'intérieur de ladite enceinte par le capteur 13 de détection de présence dudit récipient 33 collecteur. Ce capteur 13 de détection de présence empêche la commande d'une vidange du conteneur associé à un emplacement 4 de réception disposé en regard de l'ouverture 8 d'accès de l'enceinte 6 en l'absence d'un récipient 33 collecteur sur le support 7 de réception du récipient 33 collecteur.Characteristically to the invention, the metering station 5 comprises at least one sensor 13 for detecting the presence of a collecting container 33 inside said enclosure 6. This collecting container 33 is introduced into the enclosure 6 by an opening 9 of the enclosure 6 generally arranged in front of the enclosure 6. The control unit 14 is configured to control the machine 1 at least according to the data supplied by the sensor 13 for detecting the presence of a container 33 collector inside said enclosure 6. In particular, the control unit 14 is configured to prevent the operation of the emptying system 10 in the detected state of an absence of the collector container 33 inside said enclosure by the sensor 13 for detecting the presence of said container 33 collector. This presence detection sensor 13 prevents the command to empty the container associated with a reception location 4 arranged opposite the access opening 8 of the enclosure 6 in the absence of a collector container 33 on the support 7 for receiving the container 33 collector.

Dans l'exemple représenté, ce support 7 de réception du récipient 33 collecteur est formé par un plateau disposé à l'intérieur de l'enceinte 6. Ce support 7 de réception d'un récipient 33 collecteur est équipé d'un système 18 de pesée, tel qu'un peson ou un capteur de pesée. Le capteur 13 de détection peut être disposé au niveau de la moitié supérieure de l'enceinte 6 du poste 5 de dosage comme illustré à la figure 1A. Dans ce mode de réalisation, le capteur 13 de détection de présence d'un récipient 33 collecteur est un capteur comprenant deux parties 131, 132 disposées en regard l'une de l'autre au niveau de la moitié supérieure de l'enceinte 6 du poste 5 de dosage. Ce capteur est ici un capteur optique mais aurait pu, de manière équivalente, être réalisé sous forme d'un capteur analogique.In the example shown, this support 7 for receiving the collector container 33 is formed by a plate arranged inside the enclosure 6. This support 7 for receiving a collector container 33 is equipped with a system 18 of weight, such as a load cell or load cell. The detection sensor 13 can be arranged at the level of the upper half of the enclosure 6 of the metering station 5 as illustrated in Figure 1A . In this embodiment, the sensor 13 for detecting the presence of a collecting receptacle 33 is a sensor comprising two parts 131, 132 arranged facing each other at the level of the upper half of the enclosure 6 of the metering station 5. This sensor is here an optical sensor but could, in an equivalent manner, be made in the form of an analog sensor.

En variante ou en complément, le capteur 13 peut être intégré au système 18 de pesée. Le support 7 de réception d'un récipient 33 collecteur est également monté mobile en monte et baisse à l'intérieur de l'enceinte 6 dans le sens d'un rapprochement ou d'un écartement de l'ouverture 8 d'accès à l'enceinte 6 ménagée dans la partie 61 supérieure de l'enceinte 6 du poste 5 de dosage à la verticale et au-dessus du support 7 de réception du récipient 33 collecteur. Le déplacement en monte et baisse du support 7 de réception d'un récipient 33 collecteur permet d'amener le dessus ouvert du récipient 33 collecteur au plus près du plafond de l'enceinte 6 du poste 5 de dosage pour éviter que des vapeurs de composés organiques volatils se répandent dans l'enceinte pendant le transfert de fluide depuis un emplacement 4 de réception d'un conteneur du bâti 3 support vers le récipient 33 collecteur de l'enceinte 6 du poste 5 de dosage. L'entraînement en déplacement en monte et baisse du support 7 de réception d'un récipient 33 collecteur peut s'opérer manuellement, par exemple par déplacement à coulissement du support 7 le long de rails dits verticaux disposés à l'intérieur de l'enceinte 6 et un dispositif 23 de maintien en position du support 7 peut être prévu. Ce dispositif 23 de maintien en position du support de réception d'un récipient 33 collecteur peut, comme dans l'exemple représenté à la figure 1B, être formé par un bouton à ressort solidaire en déplacement du support 7, ce bouton à ressort venant se verrouiller dans l'un des crans d'une série de crans disposés sur une paroi de l'enceinte le long d'une ligne parallèle à la direction de déplacement en monte et baisse du support 7. En variante, le support 7 de réception d'un récipient 33 collecteur peut être monté mobile en monte et baisse à l'aide d'un actionneur, tel qu'un vérin. Dans ce cas, l'actionneur fait également office de dispositif de maintien du support 7 dans l'une quelconque des positions aptes à être prises par ledit support 7.As a variant or in addition, the sensor 13 can be integrated into the weighing system 18 . The support 7 for receiving a collector container 33 is also mounted to move up and down inside the enclosure 6 in the direction of bringing the opening 8 closer to or further apart from the opening 8 for access to the enclosure 6 formed in the upper part 61 of the enclosure 6 of the metering station 5 vertically and above the support 7 for receiving the container 33 collector. The up and down movement of the support 7 for receiving a collector container 33 makes it possible to bring the open top of the collector container 33 as close as possible to the ceiling of the enclosure 6 of the metering station 5 to prevent the vapors of compounds volatile organic matter spreads in the enclosure during the transfer of fluid from a location 4 for receiving a container of the support frame 3 towards the collecting container 33 of the enclosure 6 of the metering station 5 . The up and down movement of the support 7 for receiving a collecting container 33 can be carried out manually, for example by sliding movement of the support 7 along so-called vertical rails arranged inside the enclosure. 6 and a device 23 for holding the support 7 in position can be provided. This device 23 for holding in position the support for receiving a collecting container 33 can, as in the example shown in figure 1B , be formed by a spring button integral in movement with the support 7, this spring button being locked in one of the notches of a series of notches arranged on a wall of the enclosure along a line parallel to the direction of up and down movement of the support 7. Alternatively, the support 7 for receiving a collecting container 33 can be mounted so as to move up and down using an actuator, such as a cylinder. In this case, the actuator also acts as a device for holding support 7 in any of the positions capable of being taken by said support 7.

Pour parfaire l'ensemble, le poste 5 de dosage de la machine 1 de distribution de produit est équipé d'un circuit 15 de circulation de fluide gazeux de communication de l'enceinte 6 avec l'extérieur de ladite enceinte 6. Ce circuit 15 de circulation de fluide comprend un dispositif 16A de circulation forcée d'air ou est équipé d'un raccord 17 raccordable à un dispositif 16B de circulation forcée d'air comme illustré à la figure 1A. Dans le cas d'un dispositif 16A de circulation forcée d'air intégré à la machine 1 de distribution comme illustré à la figure 1B, ce dispositif 16A de circulation forcée d'air peut être formé par un simple ventilateur disposé sur le circuit 15 de circulation de fluide gazeux de communication de l'enceinte 6 avec l'extérieur de l'enceinte 6.To complete the assembly, the metering station 5 of the product dispensing machine 1 is equipped with a gaseous fluid circulation circuit 15 communicating the enclosure 6 with the outside of said enclosure 6. This circuit 15 fluid circulation comprises a forced air circulation device 16A or is equipped with a connector 17 connectable to a forced air circulation device 16B as illustrated in Figure 1A . In the case of a forced air circulation device 16A integrated into the dispensing machine 1 as illustrated in figure 1B , this forced air circulation device 16A can be formed by a simple fan arranged on the gaseous fluid circulation circuit 15 communicating the enclosure 6 with the outside of the enclosure 6.

Dans le cas d'un dispositif 16B de circulation forcée d'air raccordable à la machine 1 de distribution de produits, ce dispositif 16B de circulation forcée d'air peut être formé par un réseau d'air comprimé ou un générateur d'air sous pression, tel qu'un compresseur. Indépendamment de la conception du dispositif 16Aou 16B de circulation forcée d'air, le circuit 15 de circulation de fluide gazeux de communication de l'enceinte 6 avec l'extérieur de l'enceinte 6, en particulier avec l'extérieur de la machine, est raccordée à l'enceinte 6 au niveau de l'ouverture 8 d'accès à l'enceinte disposée dans la partie supérieure de l'enceinte et débouche dans ladite ouverture. Ce circuit 15 de circulation de fluide gazeux comprend au moins un organe 19 d'obturation du circuit 15 et l'unité 14 de pilotage de la machine 1 est configurée pour commander le déplacement de l'organe 19 d'obturation entre une position fermée et une position ouverte, de préférence, au moins en fonction des données fournies par le capteur 13 de détection de présence d'un récipient 33 collecteur à l'intérieur de ladite enceinte 6. Ainsi, l'unité 14 de pilotage peut être configurée pour, en l'absence de détection d'un récipient 33 collecteur à l'intérieur de l'enceinte 6, maintenir l'organe 19 d'obturation du circuit 15 de circulation de fluide gazeux de communication de l'enceinte 6 avec l'extérieur de l'enceinte 6 en position fermée.In the case of a forced air circulation device 16B connectable to the product distribution machine 1, this forced air circulation device 16B can be formed by a compressed air network or an air generator under pressure, such as a compressor. Independently of the design of the forced air circulation device 16A or 16B, the gaseous fluid circulation circuit 15 communicating the enclosure 6 with the outside of the enclosure 6, in particular with the outside of the machine, is connected to the enclosure 6 at the level of the opening 8 for access to the enclosure arranged in the upper part of the enclosure and opens into said opening. This circuit 15 for the circulation of gaseous fluid comprises at least one member 19 for closing the circuit 15 and the control unit 14 of the machine 1 is configured to control the movement of the member 19 for closing between a closed position and an open position, preferably, at least according to the data supplied by the sensor 13 for detecting the presence of a collecting container 33 inside said enclosure 6. Thus, the control unit 14 can be configured to, in the absence of detection of a collecting receptacle 33 inside the enclosure 6, keeping the closure member 19 of the gaseous fluid circulation circuit 15 communicating the enclosure 6 with the outside of the enclosure 6 in position closed.

Dans le cas d'un dispositif 16A de circulation forcée d'air intégré à la machine 1 de distribution de produits et formé par au moins un ventilateur, l'unité 14 de pilotage peut être configurée pour commander le fonctionnement du ventilateur uniquement à l'état détecté d'un récipient 33 collecteur sur le support 7 de réception d'un tel récipient.In the case of a forced air circulation device 16A integrated into the product distribution machine 1 and formed by at least one fan, the control unit 14 can be configured to control the operation of the fan only at the detected state of a collecting container 33 on the support 7 for receiving such a container.

Dans l'exemple représenté à la figure 1A, le circuit 15 de circulation de fluide gazeux de communication de l'enceinte 6 avec l'extérieur de l'enceinte 6 dans le sens d'une circulation du fluide gazeux vers l'extérieur de l'enceinte 6, en particulier vers l'extérieur de la machine comprend une branche 151 de raccordement du circuit 15 à un dispositif 16B de circulation forcée d'air. L'organe 19 d'obturation du circuit 15 est disposé sur ladite branche 151. Cette branche 151 obturable du circuit 15 est équipée, dans sa zone 21 de raccordement à une branche 152 dite principale du circuit 15, d'un système venturi 22.In the example shown in Figure 1A , the circuit 15 for the circulation of gaseous fluid communicating the enclosure 6 with the outside of the enclosure 6 in the direction of a circulation of the gaseous fluid towards the outside of the enclosure 6, in particular towards the exterior of the machine comprises a branch 151 for connecting the circuit 15 to a device 16B for forced air circulation. The shutter member 19 of the circuit 15 is arranged on said branch 151. This branch 151 that can be shut off from the circuit 15 is equipped, in its zone 21 for connection to a so-called main branch 152 of the circuit 15, with a venturi system 22.

Pour parfaire l'ensemble, l'enceinte 6 du poste 5 de dosage peut comprendre un capteur 20 de détection de composés organiques volatils. Dans ce cas, l'unité 14 de pilotage de la machine est configurée pour commander l'organe 19 d'obturation du circuit 15 de circulation de fluide gazeux de communication de l'enceinte 6 avec l'extérieur de ladite enceinte 6 en fonction des données fournies par le capteur 20 de détection de composés organiques volatils à l'intérieur de ladite enceinte.To complete the assembly, the enclosure 6 of the metering station 5 may comprise a sensor 20 for detecting volatile organic compounds. In this case, the machine control unit 14 is configured to control the shutter member 19 of the gaseous fluid circulation circuit 15 communicating the enclosure 6 with the outside of said enclosure 6 according to the data provided by the sensor 20 for detecting volatile organic compounds inside said enclosure.

Le procédé de commande en fonctionnement d'une machine 1 de distribution, telle que décrite ci-dessus, peut donc comprendre au moins une étape de détection de présence d'un récipient 33 collecteur à l'intérieur de ladite enceinte 6 et une étape de circulation forcée de fluide gazeux dans le circuit 15 de circulation de fluide gazeux de communication de l'enceinte 6 avec l'extérieur de ladite enceinte 6. Ce procédé comprend encore au moins une étape d'entraînement en déplacement en élévation du support 7 de réception d'un récipient 33 collecteur dans le sens d'un rapprochement de l'ouverture 8 d'accès ménagée dans la partie 61 supérieure de l'enceinte 6 du poste 5 de dosage. Ce déplacement permet l'amenée en appui du dessus du récipient 33 collecteur sur le plafond de l'enceinte 6 de sorte que les vapeurs de solvant sont confinées dans le récipient 33 collecteur.The control method in operation of a dispensing machine 1, as described above, can therefore comprise at least one step of detecting the presence of a collecting container 33 inside said enclosure 6 and a step of forced circulation of gaseous fluid in the circuit 15 for circulation of gaseous fluid communicating enclosure 6 with the outside of said enclosure 6. This method further comprises at least one step drive in movement in elevation of the support 7 for receiving a collector container 33 in the direction of approaching the access opening 8 provided in the upper part 61 of the enclosure 6 of the metering station 5 . This movement allows the top of the collector container 33 to bear against the ceiling of the enclosure 6 so that the solvent vapors are confined in the collector container 33 .

Ce procédé comprend encore au moins une étape d'entraînement en déplacement en élévation de l'enceinte 6 du poste de dosage dans le sens d'un rapprochement de la zone 2 de stockage.This method further comprises at least one step of driving the enclosure 6 of the metering station in elevation movement in the direction of bringing the storage zone 2 closer.

Ce procédé comprend également, pour la mise en oeuvre de l'étape de circulation forcée de fluide gazeux dans le circuit 15 de circulation de fluide gazeux, au moins une étape d'ouverture de l'organe d'obturation équipant ledit circuit et si nécessaire, une étape de mise en marche du dispositif 16A ou 16B de circulation forcée d'air.This method also comprises, for the implementation of the step of forced circulation of gaseous fluid in the gaseous fluid circulation circuit 15, at least one step of opening the closure member fitted to said circuit and if necessary , a step of starting the device 16A or 16B for forced air circulation.

Dans le détail, le fonctionnement d'une machine de distribution, telle que décrite ci-dessus, peut être tel que suit. On suppose qu'un conteneur a été présélectionné de manière automatique par un opérateur via par exemple une interface homme/machine équipant ladite machine 1. L'emplacement 4 de réception du conteneur 30 associé est positionné au-dessus et en regard de l'ouverture 8 d'accès ménagée dans la partie supérieure 61 de l'enceinte 6 du poste 5 de dosage en vue de la vidange partielle ou totale du conteneur. Un récipient 33 collecteur est introduit à l'intérieur de l'enceinte 6 via une ouverture d'entrée dans l'enceinte 6 et est disposé à l'intérieur de l'enceinte 6 sur le support 7 de réception d'un récipient 33 collecteur. Le support 7 est, si nécessaire, élevé pour amener le haut du récipient 33 collecteur au plus proche du plafond de l'enceinte 6 de sorte que le bord de l'ouverture du récipient 33 collecteur entoure l'ouverture 8 d'accès ménagée dans la partie 61 supérieure de l'enceinte 6 du poste 5 de dosage. Ce récipient 33 collecteur est détecté par le capteur 13 de détection de présence. L'enceinte 6 du poste de dosage est élevée pour permettre au dispositif 11 de commande en ouverture/fermeture d'un conteneur 30 de venir entourer la valve 31 de vidange du conteneur, cette valve 31 se logeant partiellement dans l'ouverture 8 d'accès de l'enceinte 6. Une compression est appliquée via le dispositif 12 d'alimentation en air sous pression sur la poche souple constitutive du conteneur 33 pour en permettre sa vidange à l'état ouvert de la valve de vidange du conteneur commandée en ouverture par le dispositif 11 de commande en ouverture/fermeture. La valve est ouverte pendant une durée contrôlée à partir des données issues du pesage opéré en continu par le système 18 de pesée jusqu'à obtenir la masse exacte requise. La valve peut alors être fermée. La pression est maintenue sur la poche souple du conteneur 30 au moins pendant toute la phase de vidange. Une fois la vidange achevée et la valve 31 de vidange fermée, l'enceinte 6 peut être rabaissée. Une nouvelle vidange peut être opérée après sélection d'un nouveau conteneur par répétition des opérations décrites ci-dessus. Au cours d'une vidange, le dispositif 16A ou 16B de circulation forcée d'air peut être activé et l'organe 19 d'obturation du circuit 15 de circulation de fluide gazeux de communication de l'enceinte 6 avec l'extérieur de l'enceinte 6, lorsqu'il est présent, peut être ouvert pour permettre une évacuation d'au moins une partie du contenu de l'enceinte 6, c'est-à-dire du volume de l'enceinte 6 contenant des composés organiques volatils, à l'extérieur de l'enceinte 6 pour éviter tout risque d'explosion. Le pilotage de l'organe 19 d'obturation du circuit 15 de circulation de fluide gazeux de communication de l'enceinte 6 avec l'extérieur de l'enceinte 6 et/ou du dispositif 16A ou 16B de circulation forcée d'air peuvent être parfaits à l'aide du capteur 20 de détection de composés organiques volatils lorsqu'un tel capteur est prévu ou à l'aide du système 18 de pesée.In detail, the operation of a dispensing machine as described above may be as follows. It is assumed that a container has been preselected automatically by an operator via for example a man/machine interface fitted to said machine 1. The location 4 for receiving the associated container 30 is positioned above and facing the opening 8 access provided in the upper part 61 of the enclosure 6 of the metering station 5 for the partial or total emptying of the container. A collector container 33 is introduced inside the enclosure 6 via an inlet opening in the enclosure 6 and is placed inside the enclosure 6 on the support 7 for receiving a collector container 33 . The support 7 is, if necessary, raised to bring the top of the collecting container 33 as close as possible to the ceiling of the enclosure 6 so that the edge of the opening of the collecting container 33 surrounds the access opening 8 provided in the upper part 61 of the enclosure 6 of the metering station 5. This collecting container 33 is detected by the sensor 13 for presence detection. The enclosure 6 of the dosing station is raised to allow the device 11 for controlling the opening/closing of a container 30 to surround the valve 31 for emptying the container, this valve 31 being partially housed in the access opening 8 of the enclosure 6. Compression is applied via the device 12 for supplying pressurized air to the pocket flexible constituent of the container 33 to allow its emptying in the open state of the container emptying valve controlled in opening by the device 11 for controlling opening / closing. The valve is opened for a period controlled from the data resulting from the weighing carried out continuously by the weighing system 18 until the exact mass required is obtained. The valve can then be closed. The pressure is maintained on the flexible pocket of the container 30 at least throughout the emptying phase. Once the emptying is complete and the emptying valve 31 is closed, the enclosure 6 can be lowered. A new emptying can be carried out after selecting a new container by repeating the operations described above. During an emptying, the forced air circulation device 16A or 16B can be activated and the closure member 19 of the gaseous fluid circulation circuit 15 communicating the enclosure 6 with the outside of the enclosure 6, when present, can be opened to allow evacuation of at least part of the contents of enclosure 6, that is to say the volume of enclosure 6 containing volatile organic compounds , outside the enclosure 6 to avoid any risk of explosion. The control of the member 19 for closing the circuit 15 for the circulation of gaseous fluid communicating the enclosure 6 with the outside of the enclosure 6 and/or the device 16A or 16B for forced air circulation can be perfect using the sensor 20 for detecting volatile organic compounds when such a sensor is provided or using the weighing system 18.

L'organe 19 d'obturation du circuit 15 de circulation de fluide gazeux de communication de l'enceinte 6 avec l'extérieur de l'enceinte 6 peut ainsi être fermé avant la fin de la pesée, lorsqu'il reste encore quelques grammes à peser, pour éviter des flux d'air qui pourraient perturber ou nuire à la précision du dosage.The shutter member 19 of the circuit 15 for the circulation of gaseous fluid communicating the enclosure 6 with the outside of the enclosure 6 can thus be closed before the end of the weighing, when there are still a few grams left. weigh, to avoid air flows which could disturb or harm the accuracy of the dosage.

Claims (13)

  1. A machine (1) for dispensing a product, in particular liquid, stored in a container (30), said machine (1) comprising a storage zone (2) delimiting a plurality of locations (4) for receiving a container (30), a metering station (5) delimiting a chamber (6) housing a support (7) for receiving a collecting vessel (33), this support (7) being positioned vertically aligned with and below at least one opening (8) providing access to the chamber (6), positioned in a so-called top part (61) of the chamber (6), the machine (1) also comprising a system (10) for emptying each location (4) for receiving a container (30) through the at least one access opening (8) formed in the top part (61) of the chamber (6) of the metering station (5) and a unit (14) for driving the machine (1), the metering station (5) comprising at least one sensor (13) for detecting the presence of a collecting vessel (33) inside said chamber (6), the driving unit (14) being configured to control the machine (1) at least as a function of the data supplied by the sensor (13) for detecting the presence of a collecting vessel (33) inside said chamber (6) and the metering station (5) being equipped with a gaseous fluid circulation circuit (15), the gaseous fluid circulation circuit (15) being a circuit (15) for connecting the chamber (6) with the outside of said chamber (6), this fluid circulation circuit (15) comprising a forced air circulation device (16A) or being equipped with a coupling (17) that can be connected to a forced air circulation device (16B), characterized in that the support (7) for receiving a collecting vessel (33) is mounted to be movable up and down inside the chamber (6) in the direction toward or away from the at least one opening (8) providing access to the chamber (6) formed in the top part (61) of the chamber (6) of the metering station (5), in that the gaseous fluid circulation circuit (15) connecting the chamber (6) with the outside of said chamber (6) is connected to the chamber (6) at the opening (8) providing access to the chamber (6) positioned in the top part (61) of the chamber (6) and emerges in said opening (8).
  2. The machine (1) for dispensing fluid product stored in a container (30) according to claim 1, characterized in that the sensor (13) for detecting the presence of a collecting vessel (33) is positioned in the top half of the chamber (6) of the metering station (5).
  3. The machine (1) for dispensing fluid product stored in a container (30) according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the support (7) for receiving a collecting vessel (33) is equipped with a weighing system (18) and in that the or at least one of the sensors (13) for detecting the presence of a collecting vessel is incorporated in the weighing system (18).
  4. The machine (1) for dispensing fluid product stored in a container (30) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the sensor (13) for detecting the presence of a collecting vessel (33) is a sensor comprising two parts (131, 132) positioned facing one another in the top half of the chamber (6) of the metering station (5).
  5. The machine (1) for dispensing fluid product stored in a container (30) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the gaseous fluid circulation circuit (15) connecting the chamber (6) with the outside of the chamber (6) comprises at least one member (19) for blocking off the circuit (15) and in that the unit (14) driving the machine (1) is configured to control the displacement of the blocking member (19) between a closed position and an open position.
  6. The machine (1) for dispensing fluid product stored in a container (30) according to claim 5, characterized in that the unit (14) driving the machine (1) is configured to control the displacement of the member (19) for blocking off the gaseous fluid circulation circuit (15) connecting the chamber with the outside of said chamber (6) between a closed position and an open position as a function of data supplied by the sensor (13) for detecting the presence of a collecting vessel (33) inside said chamber (6).
  7. The machine (1) for dispensing fluid product stored in a container (30) according to one of claims 5 or 6, characterized in that, the support (7) for receiving a collecting vessel (33) being equipped with a weighing system (18), the unit (14) driving the machine (1) is configured to control the displacement of the member (19) for blocking off the gaseous fluid circulation circuit (15) connecting the chamber with the outside of said chamber (6) between a closed position and an open position as a function of at least data supplied by the weighing system (18).
  8. The machine (1) for dispensing fluid product stored in a container (30) according to one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that the chamber (6) of the metering station (5) comprises a sensor (20) for detecting volatile organic compounds and in that the unit (14) driving the machine (1) is configured to control the member (19) for blocking off the gaseous fluid circulation circuit (15) connecting the chamber (6) with the outside of said chamber (6) as a function of data supplied by the sensor (20) for detecting volatile organic compounds inside said chamber (6).
  9. The machine (1) for dispensing fluid product stored in a container (30) according to one of claims 5 to 8, characterized in that the gaseous fluid circulation circuit (15) connecting the chamber (6) with the outside of the chamber(6) comprises a branch (151) connecting the circuit (15) to a forced air circulation device (16B), in that the member (19) for blocking off the circuit (15) is positioned on said branch (151) and in that this blockable branch (151) of the circuit (15) is equipped, in its zone (21) of connection to a so-called main branch (152) of the circuit (15), with a venturi system (22).
  10. The machine (1) for dispensing fluid product stored in a container (30) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the locations (4) for receiving a container are mounted on a support frame (3) and in that the support frame (3) and the chamber (6) of the metering station (5) are mounted to be movable relative to one another.
  11. The machine (1) for dispensing fluid product stored in a container (30) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the chamber (6) of the metering station (5) is mounted to be movable up and down in the direction toward or away from the storage zone (2).
  12. The machine (1) for dispensing fluid product stored in a container (30) according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the emptying system (10) comprises a device (11) for controlling the opening/closing of a container (30) positioned around the at least one opening (8) providing access to the chamber (6) positioned in the top part (61) of the chamber (6), and a device (12) for supplying pressurized air that can be connected to a source (P) of pressurized air and that is configured to supply pressurized air to the storage zone (2).
  13. A method for controlling the operation of a product dispensing machine (1) according to one of claims 1 to 12, said method comprising at least a step of detecting the presence of a collecting vessel (33) inside said chamber (6) and a step of forced circulation of gaseous fluid in the gaseous fluid circulation circuit (15) connecting the chamber (6) with the outside of said chamber (6).
EP20725851.8A 2019-03-11 2020-03-09 Machine for distributing a liquid or pasty product and method for operating said machine Active EP3938091B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR1902441A FR3093712B1 (en) 2019-03-11 2019-03-11 liquid or pasty product dispensing machine
PCT/FR2020/050470 WO2020183098A2 (en) 2019-03-11 2020-03-09 Machine for distributing a liquid or pasty product

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP3938091A2 EP3938091A2 (en) 2022-01-19
EP3938091B1 true EP3938091B1 (en) 2023-07-12
EP3938091C0 EP3938091C0 (en) 2023-07-12

Family

ID=67514783

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP20725851.8A Active EP3938091B1 (en) 2019-03-11 2020-03-09 Machine for distributing a liquid or pasty product and method for operating said machine

Country Status (6)

Country Link
US (1) US11634315B2 (en)
EP (1) EP3938091B1 (en)
CN (1) CN216444977U (en)
AU (1) AU2020236716A1 (en)
FR (1) FR3093712B1 (en)
WO (1) WO2020183098A2 (en)

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IT1199500B (en) * 1984-10-12 1988-12-30 Corob Srl METHOD FOR VOLUME DOSING OF DYES IN PAINT PRODUCTS AND RELATED MACHINE
US5038839A (en) * 1988-07-18 1991-08-13 Takeda Chemical Industries, Ltd. Filling apparatus
IT1227523B (en) * 1988-12-06 1991-04-12 Attilio Silvestri EQUIPMENT FOR THE REGULATION OF THE CONTEMPORARY FEEDING OF MORE PIGMENTED LIQUIDS IN A PLANT FOR THE PREPARATION OF PAINTING PRODUCTS
IT240441Y1 (en) * 1996-02-09 2001-04-02 Italtinto Srl DOSING MACHINE IN PARTICULAR FOR DYES
US6672341B2 (en) * 2001-09-24 2004-01-06 Imx Labs, Inc. Apparatus and method for custom cosmetic dispensing
US6615881B2 (en) * 2001-09-24 2003-09-09 Imx Labs, Inc. Apparatus and method for custom cosmetic dispensing
US7347344B2 (en) * 2003-10-27 2008-03-25 Fluid Management Operation Llc Apparatus for dispensing a plurality of fluids and container for use in the same
US7527078B2 (en) * 2005-10-13 2009-05-05 Fluid Management, Llc Apparatuses for dispensing materials volumetrically and gravimetrically based on a stored formula and methods of dispensing formulas using the same
ATE511082T1 (en) * 2007-02-13 2011-06-15 Mettler Toledo Ag DOSING DEVICE WITH IMPACT
EP2916054A2 (en) 2007-03-28 2015-09-09 Fillon Technologies Dispensing valve
EP2135668B1 (en) 2008-06-20 2013-08-21 Fillon Technologies Device for storing, selecting and dispensing base colours for paint, in particular for automotive paint
EP2184590B1 (en) * 2008-11-10 2012-08-22 Mettler-Toledo AG Dosing device with an exchangeable device for dosing units
FR2983089B1 (en) 2011-11-28 2013-12-27 Fillon Technologies STORAGE DEVICE FOR SELECTING AND DISPENSING A PLURALITY OF PACKAGED PRODUCTS EACH IN A CONTAINER PROVIDED WITH AN EVICTION ORIFICE
US10464030B2 (en) * 2017-04-03 2019-11-05 L'oreal System for forming a cosmetic composition
DE202017102439U1 (en) * 2017-04-25 2017-05-15 Düperthal Sicherheitstechnik Gmbh & Co. Kg Mixing station for especially liquid hazardous substances
IT201700045903A1 (en) * 2017-04-27 2018-10-27 Riccardo Barnia INTEGRATED TECHNOLOGICAL SYSTEM FOR HAIR TREATMENT BY AUTOMATIC MIXER FOR COLOR PREPARATION

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
FR3093712A1 (en) 2020-09-18
US11634315B2 (en) 2023-04-25
EP3938091C0 (en) 2023-07-12
FR3093712B1 (en) 2021-04-09
CN216444977U (en) 2022-05-06
US20220055887A1 (en) 2022-02-24
WO2020183098A3 (en) 2020-11-05
AU2020236716A1 (en) 2021-08-26
EP3938091A2 (en) 2022-01-19
WO2020183098A2 (en) 2020-09-17

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