FR2813876A1 - DEVICE FOR DISPENSING ONE OR MORE PRODUCTS AND DISPENSING METHOD USING SUCH A DEVICE - Google Patents

Abstract

The dispenser has a dispenser part for each product and a single supply conduit (12) provided with a product withdrawal point (14,16,18). There are a pair of scrapers (28,30,32) which slide in a sealed manner in the conduit from a product admission post (24) in the conduit where the product is introduced between two scrapers, as far as a product dispensing part. Each withdrawal point is provided with a removable stop (40) against which the upstream scraper is supported during dispensing of the product. The product admission post also has means (34) for the introduction of a pressurized actuating fluid into the conduit for the transfer of the scrapers along the conduit.

Description

The present invention relates to a device for dispensing one or more

several products and a process

  distribution using such a device.

  It applies inter alia to the distribution of paint, in particular in different quantity, type and color. The devices for dispensing products of this type generally comprise at least one member for dispensing proper of the or each product and means for supplying the or each member with the product. When it is appropriate to distribute several types of products of different natures simultaneously, which should be kept separate, a distribution member is provided for each of these products. In this case, the means for supplying these distribution members are arranged in the form of respective pipes each supplying a distribution member. Consequently, the number of supply lines increases with the number of products that it is desired to distribute. Likewise, each line is completely filled with the product to be distributed at product distribution points distributed along a production line, so that the quantity of paint used is greater.

to the one actually needed.

  The object of the invention is to overcome these drawbacks. It therefore relates to a device for distributing products of the aforementioned type, characterized in that the supply means comprise a single supply line provided with at least one product withdrawal point at which the respective member or bodies dispensing devices are connected to the pipe, in that it comprises a set of at least one pair of scrapers mounted for sliding sliding in the pipe, from a product admission station in the pipe, at the level at which a predetermined volume of product is introduced between two adjacent scrapers, up to at least one product distribution member, the or each product sampling point being provided with a removable stop against which the downstream scraper comes to bear, by considering the direction of product flow in the pipe, during a product distribution phase, and in that the product intake station also includes means p or the introduction of pressurized working fluid into the line for the transfer of the scrapers along the

  conduct and said product volume.

  This distribution device can also include one or more of the following characteristics, taken in isolation according to all technically possible combinations: - each pair of scrapers is associated with an additional scraper, delimiting, with the upstream scraper of said pair, a volume for receiving the working fluid, and in that the product admission station further comprises means for the introduction of a purge fluid from the pipe upstream of the additional scraper; - It comprises several pairs of scrapers each associated with an additional scraper for the transfer of a train of different products separated from a volume of working fluid, the pipe being provided with several points for taking off products, the intake station of product comprising means for the introduction of respective products between the scrapers of each pair; - It comprises secondary pipes for supplying the pipe with working fluid and with bleeding and draining fluid from the latter, extending parallel to said pipe and in communication with the latter downstream of each product sampling point; the secondary supply and drain pipes and the product distribution members are connected to the pipe by means of valves, each product sampling point being provided with a scraper detection member, connected to means controlling the opening and closing of the valves as a function of the displacement of the scrapers in the pipe; - Each stop includes a plug with a passage adapted to let the scrapers pass and mounted movable in a connection in communication with the pipe, under the control of the control means, between a first position in which the plug constitutes a stop on which comes to bear a scraper and a second position in which the passage of the plug is coaxial with the pipe; each valve for connecting a distribution member to the pipe has a connector which is connected to the pipe and which has a channel opening out to the distribution member and a plug which has a passage suitable for allow the pigs to pass and which is slidably mounted in a chamber of the connector, under the control of the control means, between a rest position, in which it rests on a seat so as to close the channel and allow the circulation of the pigs through the passage, and an active position of opening of said channel, in which it prevents the passage of the scrapers; - The pipe is provided with means for the introduction of a pressurized fluid into the pipe, downstream of the product sampling points, so as to reposition the scrapers at the product admission station;

  - driving in a general form of loop.

  - the working fluid is a solvent for said at

minus one product.

  The invention also relates to a method of dispensing at least one product by means of a dispensing device as defined above, characterized in that it comprises the steps consisting in: inserting at least one pair of scrapers into the driving; introducing a volume of product between the scrapers of each pair of scrapers; selectively injecting a pressurized working fluid upstream of the upstream scraper of at least one of the pairs of scrapers so as to transfer the corresponding scrapers and the volume of product introduced therebetween to a product sampling point; activate the corresponding dispenser so as to dispense a first quantity of product; and sequentially inject volumes of working fluid so as to successively transfer the pairs of scrapers to product withdrawal points and activate the corresponding distribution members so as to

  distribute successive quantities of product.

  Advantageously, the step or steps of injecting the working fluid consist in injecting a solvent under pressure into the line upstream of the upstream scraper of

  said at least one pair of scrapers.

  Preferably, after each phase of

  product distribution, the passage of the upstream scraper

  beyond the product sampling point and, in response to this detection, a sampling point is injected into the sampling point and into the corresponding dispensing member.

amount of solvent.

  After the product distribution steps, it is advantageous to purge the

  conducted by injecting a pressurized fluid.

  Finally, preferably, an additional injection of fluid is carried out in the line downstream of the scrapers so as to replace them at the level of the station.

product admission.

  Other features and benefits of

  the invention will emerge from the following description,

  given only by way of example, and made with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: - Figure 1 shows a schematic view of a product dispensing device according to the invention; - Figure 2 is a view, on a larger scale, of a part of the device of Figure 1, showing the product intake station; - Figure 3 is a sectional view of a stop fitting the pipe of the device of Figure 1; - Figure 4 is a sectional view of a dispensing member fitted to the pipe of the dispensing device of Figure 1; - Figures 5 to 9 illustrate different phases of operation of the dispensing device according to the invention; - Figures 10 to 14 show detailed views of an embodiment of the product distribution device according to the invention, particularly suitable for the distribution of products of different kinds; and - Figure 15 is a sectional view along the line

  XV-XV of the distribution member of FIG. 4.

  In Figure 1, there is shown a product distribution device according to the invention, designated

  by the general reference 10.

  In the embodiment considered, this device is intended for the distribution of quantities of paint. It is understood, however, that the invention applies

  to the distribution of all types of fluid products.

  More particularly, in the embodiment shown in the figures, the dispensing device is intended for supplying one or more

  several paint spray guns.

  As can be seen in FIG. 1, the device 10 mainly comprises a supply line 12 equipped with product sampling points, constituted by connectors, such as 14, 16 and 18, on each of which is connected a spray gun corresponding. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the supply line 12 is provided with two product withdrawal points for the connection of three spray guns, one of the

  sampling being provided with two connections 14 and 16.

  As will be appreciated, the pipe 12 can be provided with any number of such sampling points,

  depending on the intended application.

  Line 12 has a first end 20, constituting an upstream end, considering the direction of flow of product in line 12, and a

opposite end 22 downstream.

  The upstream end 20 is equipped with a product intake station 24, which will be described in detail by

the following.

  The downstream end 22, for its part, is provided with a set of nozzles, such as 26, allowing the purging of the line 12 and the connection of sources of supply of additional products, as will be mentioned by

the following.

  The device 10 also comprises a set of one or more pairs of scrapers 28 and 30 to each of which is associated an additional scraper 32, the number of pairs provided depending on the number of different products to be dispensed. In the exemplary embodiment visible in FIGS. 1 to 9, only one type of product is dispensed. The device therefore comprises a single pair of first and second scrapers 28 and 30, respectively downstream and upstream, associated with a third

  scraper 32, upstream of the second scraper 30.

  At rest, the scrapers 28, 30 and 32 are arranged

  at the upstream end 20 of the pipe 12.

  In this position, as shown in FIG. 2, a nozzle 34 for supplying product is positioned between the first and second scrapers 28 and 30, a second nozzle 36 for supplying the line 12 with working fluid, in this case a solvent corresponding to the product supplied by the nozzle 34, is positioned between the

  second scraper 30 and the third scraper 32.

  Finally, a third nozzle 38 is positioned between the upstream end of the pipe 12 and the third scraper 32, for the introduction of a purge fluid from

driving 12.

  The scrapers 28, 30 and 32 are mounted with sealed sliding inside the pipe 12, under the action of the working fluid introduced between the second scraper 30 and the third scraper 32, and of the purging fluid introduced by means of the third nozzle 38. More particularly, the scrapers 28, 30 and 32 run, in operation, from the upstream end 20, to the downstream end 22, passing through the points of

  sampling of products 14 and 16, and 18.

  Referring also to FIG. 3, it can be seen that each product sampling point is provided, downstream, with a removable stop 40 against which the downstream scraper of the pair of scrapers 28 and 30 comes to bear, namely the first scraper 28, during a

product distribution phase.

  Each stop 40 is constituted by a valve and has a connector 42 which is connected to the line 12 and which is provided with a passage 44 in communication with the latter, which passage 44 is shaped so as to be able to let the scrapers pass.

28, 30 and 32.

  A plug 46 provided with a passage 48 corresponding to the passage 44 of the connector 42 is mounted angularly displaceable in the connector, under the control of a suitable drive means 50, between a first angular position, in which the valve 46 constitutes a stop on which comes to bear on the downstream scraper 28, and a second angular position, visible in FIG. 3, in which the passage 48 of the plug is coaxial with the pipe and therefore authorizes the passage of the

  scrapers 28, 30 and 32 through the stop.

  Referring now to Figure 4, each product sampling point 14 and 16, and 18 is provided with a valve 52 by means of which the guns

  sprayers are connected to line 12.

  Each valve 52 has a tee fitting 54 connected to the pipe 12, a first branch 56 of which is provided with a passage 58 in communication with the pipe 12, and the other branch 60 of which has a channel 62 opening out to the dispensing gun which

is associated.

  A plug 64 is mounted displaceable in the connector 54 between a rest position, visible in FIG. 4, in which it rests on a seat 66, constituted by the edge of the channel 62, so as to close the latter, and an active position opening of channel 62 (not shown)

  in which the distribution of products is authorized.

  The displacement of the plug 64 is carried out by means

  a control mechanism 68 mounted on the connector 54.

  The control mechanism 68 includes a chamber 70 in which is axially displaceable a plate 72 carrying a control rod 74 on

which is fixed the plug 64.

  The chamber 70 is moreover provided with a pipe 76 for admitting an appropriate control fluid so as to move the plate 72 from a low position, which corresponds to the rest position of the plug 64 towards a high position, which corresponds to the active position of the plug 64, a spring 78 urging the plate 72 and the plug 64 in the rest position and

obturation of channel 62.

  Furthermore, the plug 64 is provided with a through passage 80 extending, in the rest position of the plug 64, coaxially with the passage 58 of the connector 54. This passage is shaped so as to allow the scrapers 28, 30 to pass. and 32, in the rest position of the plug 64, and preventing the passage of the latter when the plug is in the active position

opening of channel 62.

  It will be noted that the valves constituting the stops 40 and the valves equipping the product sampling points are controlled, at the opening and at the closing, by control means constituted by one or more control systems (not shown) controlling the motor means 50 of the stops and the admission of the control fluid into the valve of the sampling points, as a function of the position of the scrapers in the pipe and of the cycle

  scheduled product distribution.

  We will now describe, with reference to Figures 1 to 9, the operation of the product distribution device 10 according to the invention, in the context of the above example. First of all, during a first phase, the scrapers 28, 30 and 32 are introduced into the pipe 12, in the upstream end 20 of the latter. The device is then in the position shown

in figure 1.

  A predetermined volume of products is then introduced between the scrapers 28 and 30 of the pair of

scrapers (Figure 5).

  During the next phase, solvent is introduced under pressure, by means of the second supply nozzle 36, so as to move the scrapers 28 and 30 and the volume of products which they enclose up to the first sampling point ( Figure 6), that is until the downstream scraper 28 bears against the

corresponding stop 40.

  A product distribution phase is then carried out by the sampling points 14 and 16. To do this, the distributing valve 52 is actuated so as to open the channel 62 and authorize operation of the

  corresponding spray gun.

  At the end of this distribution phase, during which a predetermined quantity of products has been withdrawn from the volume enclosed between the scrapers 28 and 30, the stop 40 is opened so as to allow the scrapers 28 and 30 to pass and cause them to move consecutively to the second product collection point 18, at which a second

  product sampling phase can be carried out.

  To do this, as mentioned above, as soon as the downstream scraper 28 bears against the stop 40, the dispensing valve 52 is activated so as to place the plug 64 in the active position for dispensing

product (Figure 7).

  It will be noted that, during these different phases, pressurized solvent is permanently injected via the second supply nozzle 36. Likewise a nozzle 26, equipping the downstream end of the pipe 12, is open so as to expel the fluid,

  pushed by the scraper train, filling the pipe.

  At the end of this second sampling phase, the stop 40 of the second sampling point 18 is open so as to allow passage of the scrapers, which causes the latter to pass consecutively.

  to the downstream end 22 of the pipe 12 (Figure 8).

  Referring now to FIG. 9, as soon as the scrapers 28 and 30 have reached this downstream end 22, and therefore as soon as the pipe 12 is filled with solvent, purge fluid is introduced into the pipe 12 at

  means of the third supply nozzle 38.

  It will be noted that, during this phase, corresponding purge nozzles 26 are successively opened, so as to evacuate the remainder of product enclosed between the scrapers 28 and 30, on the one hand, and evacuate the solvent upstream of the scraper 30 upstream, on the other hand. When the line 12 is purged, it is simply necessary to inject, by means of a corresponding nozzle 26, fluid into the line, between the first scraper 28 and the downstream end 22, so as to reposition all of the scrapers at post level

admission 24.

  As will be appreciated, the invention which has just been described applies to the distribution of all types of fluid, liquid or gaseous products. It allows the transfer of one or more product volumes from a product intake point, at which one or more predetermined product volumes are introduced into the pipe, up to different sampling points, without the need to plan pipes in a number corresponding to the number of sampling points or

products used.

  It will also be noted that, in the embodiment which has just been described, a single volume of

  product is introduced into line 12.

  As mentioned previously, it would also be possible, as a variant, to provide several scraper trains each enclosing a volume of product.

  predetermined, separated by a volume of solvent.

  It is thus possible, for example, to provide distribution cycles for products of different natures, for example distribution cycles of

painting in different colors.

  There is shown in Figures 10 to 14, an embodiment specifically adapted for applications in which products of different natures are successively delivered at points

product collection.

  In these figures, only a portion of pipe 82 has

been represented.

  As in the embodiment described above, the pipe portion 82 has upstream and downstream ends (not shown), at the level of which, respectively, products are successively introduced between scrapers of successive pairs, and the working fluid and the if necessary, the remaining products are eliminated from the pipeline. In particular, at the upstream end, the pipe is provided with nozzles making it possible to introduce a volume of

  specific product between the scrapers of each pair.

  As in the embodiment described above, the pipe 82 is provided with product sampling points 84 and 86, at each of which is connected a spray gun, respectively 88 and 90, by means of a valve

distributor 92 and 94.

  Furthermore, the device is provided with secondary pipes for supplying the pipe with working fluid and with bleeding and draining fluid from the latter, designated respectively by the

numerical references 96 and 98.

  These pipes are respectively connected to line 82, downstream of each product sampling point 84 and 86, by means of first and second control valves 100, 102 and 104, 106. A solenoid valve, such as 107, is provided between the valves of each pair of first and second valves 100 and

  102, on the one hand, and 104 and 106, on the other.

  In addition, each product sampling point is provided with a stop, constituted by one of the connection valves of the secondary pipes, namely the valves designated by the reference numerals 100 and

102.

  Finally, downstream, the pipe 82 is provided with detectors 108 and 110, adapted to detect the passage

scrapers.

  According to this exemplary embodiment, the device operates in the following manner. First of all, as in the embodiment described above, it is necessary to introduce the scrapers in the pipe, to introduce the product between two adjacent scrapers then solvent so as to

provide a driving force.

  When the downstream scraper reaches the stop 100 of the first product sampling point, the corresponding dispensing valve 92 is activated so as to allow the withdrawal of a certain amount of

products.

  In this position, the solenoid valve 107 and the

  second control valve 102 are open (Figure 10).

  During the next phase, visible in FIG. 11, after the spraying has stopped, the dispensing valve 92, the control valves 100, 102, and the solenoid valve 107 are open so as to allow

the passage of the scrapers.

  After detection of the upstream scraper by the detector 108, the distributor valve 92 is activated and the first control valve 100 is closed so as to cause

  rinsing the corresponding dispensing member 88.

  During this operation, the solenoid valve 107 is closed and the second control valve 102 is opened so as to generate a driving force and propel the scrapers with the

  level of the second sampling point 86 (FIG. 11).

  As soon as the downstream scraper reaches the stop 104 of this second sampling point, the corresponding dispensing valve 94 is actuated so as to allow a sampling of products, the control valves 104, 106

  and the solenoid valve 107 being closed.

  It will be noted that, in this case, the solenoid valve 107 of the first product sampling point, located upstream is closed, the working fluid being supplied via the control valve 102 placed in

downstream of it.

  Similarly, the stop 100, placed upstream, is in its first position so that another pair of scrapers can reach the point of removal of

84 matching products.

  The solvent contained in the line between the product sampling point 84 and the spray gun 88 is removed by injecting an appropriate fluid, coming from a corresponding secondary supply line 112, into the dispensing valve. 92, via a channel 114 provided for this purpose in the dispensing valve (FIG.

15).

  It will be noted that, during this displacement, the solvent, displaced by the pair of incident scrapers, can escape via the pipeline.

  secondary 98 for purging line 82 (FIG. 12).

  In this position, product withdrawals at points 84 and 86 are independent, the withdrawal can be interrupted at one of the points without the need to interrupt

  direct debit at the other direct debit point.

  When the product sampling is completed at the second sampling point 86, the dispensing valve 94, the control valves 104 and 106 and the solenoid valve 107 are open so as to leave

pass the scrapers.

  After the latter have passed, the solenoid valve 107 is closed and the second control valve 106 is actuated so as to introduce solvent downstream from the product sampling point 86 and thus propel the scrapers to a third sampling point.

products.

  The first control valve 104 is then closed and the control valve 94 is actuated so as to inject solvent towards the sprayer 90 and proceed

  rinsing the latter (Figures 13 and 14).

  After rinsing, the control valve 94 is deactivated. The solvent contained in the line between the product sampling point 86 and the spray gun 90 is eliminated by injecting a suitable fluid, coming from the corresponding secondary supply line 112, into the dispensing valve 94 , via channel 114 provided

  for this purpose in the valve (Figure 15).

  The cycle then continues in a similar fashion for

  each of the product sampling points.

  Finally, it should be noted that the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and shown. Indeed, while the distribution devices described above comprise a pipe provided with an upstream end and a downstream end, it is also possible, as a variant, to produce the pipe in the form of a loop comprising constituent portions of the

  product inlet and drain areas.

Claims (16)

  1. Device for dispensing at least one product, comprising at least one dispensing member (88, 90) proper of the or each product and means for supplying the or each member with product, characterized in that the supply means comprise a single supply line (12; 82) provided with at least one product sampling point (14, 16, 18; 84, 86) at which the respective product distribution member or organs are connected to the pipe (12; 82), in that it comprises a set of at least one pair of scrapers (28, 30) mounted for sliding sliding in the pipe (12; 82), from a product inlet station (24) in the pipe, at which a predetermined volume of product is introduced between two adjacent scrapers, until at least one product distribution member (88, 90), the or each point of product sample being provided with a removable stop (40; 100, 104) against which comes re support the downstream scraper (28), considering the direction of product flow in the pipe, during a product distribution phase, and in that the product admission station further comprises means (36 ) for the introduction of a pressurized working fluid into the line for the transfer of the scrapers (28, 30)   along the pipeline and said product volume.   2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that each pair of scrapers is associated with an additional scraper (32), delimiting, with the upstream scraper of said pair, a volume for receiving the working fluid, and in that the product admission station further comprises means (38) for the introduction of a purge fluid from the pipe upstream of the scraper additional (32).   3. Device according to one of claims 1 and   2, characterized in that it comprises several pairs of scrapers (28, 30) each associated with an additional scraper (32) for the transfer of a train of different products separated from a volume of working fluid, the pipe being provided of several product sampling points (14, 16, 18; 84, 86), and in that the product admission station includes means for the introduction of respective products between the scrapers of each pair.   4. Device according to any one of   Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it comprises   secondary pipes (96, 98, 112) supplying the pipe (12; 82) with working fluid and with bleeding and draining fluid from the latter, extending parallel to said pipe and in communication with the latter in downstream of each point product sampling.   5. Device according to claim 4, characterized in that the secondary supply and drain pipes and the product distribution members are connected to the pipe by means of valves (100, 102, 104, 106) and in each product sampling point is provided with a scraper detection member (108), connected to means for controlling the opening and closing of the valves as a function   displacement of the scrapers in the pipe.   6. Device according to claim 5, characterized in that each stop comprises a plug (46) provided with a passage (48) adapted to let the scrapers pass and mounted movably in a fitting (44) in communication with the pipe, under the control of the control means, between a first position in which the plug (46) constitutes a stop on which a scraper comes to bear and a second position in which the passage of the plug is coaxial with the conduct.   7. Device according to one of claims 5 and   6, characterized in that each valve for connecting a distribution member to the pipe has a connector (54) which is connected to the pipe and which has a channel (62) opening out towards the distribution member and a plug (64) which is provided with a passage adapted to allow the scrapers to pass and which is slidably mounted in a chamber of the connector, under the control of the control means, between a rest position, in which it rests on a seat (66) so as to close the channel (62) and allow the circulation of the scrapers through the passage, and an active position for opening said channel, in which it prevents the passage of the scrapers.   8. Device according to any one of   Claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the pipe   is provided with means (26) for introducing a pressurized fluid into the pipe, downstream of the product sampling points, so as to reposition the   scrapers at the product intake station.   9. Device according to any one of   Claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the pipe has a general form of loop.   10. Device according to any one of   Claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the fluid   engine is a solvent for said at least one product.   11. Method for distributing at least one product, by means of a distribution device according to one   any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that   that it includes the steps of: - inserting at least one pair of scrapers (28, 30) in the pipe (12; 82); - introducing a volume of product between the scrapers (28, 30) of each pair of scrapers; selectively injecting a pressurized working fluid upstream of the upstream scraper (30) of at least one of the pairs of scrapers so as to transfer the corresponding scrapers and the volume of product introduced between them towards a point (14, 16, 18; 84, 86) of product sampling; activate the corresponding dispenser so as to dispense a first quantity of product; and - sequentially injecting volumes of working fluid so as to successively transfer the pairs of scrapers to product sampling points and activate the corresponding distribution members so as to distribute successive quantities of product.   12. Method according to claim 11, characterized in that the step or steps of injecting the working fluid consist in injecting a solvent under pressure into the line (12; 82) upstream of the scraper upstream of said au minus a pair of scrapers.   13. Method according to claim 12, characterized in that it further comprises a step consisting in detecting, after each product distribution phase, the passage of the upstream scraper beyond the product sampling point and, in response to this detection, inject into the sampling point and into the   distribution corresponding to an amount of solvent.   14. Method according to any one of   claims 11 to 13, characterized in that,   after the product distribution steps, the pipe (12; 82) is purged by injecting a pressurized fluid and a purge of a supply line extending between a sampling point product and a corresponding distribution unit. 15. Method according to any one of   claims 11 to 14, characterized in that,   after the product distribution steps, a supply line is purged extending between a product sampling point and a corresponding distribution member by injection of a fluid under pressure.   16. Method according to one of claims 14 and   , characterized in that after the fluid injection step, an additional fluid injection is carried out in the line downstream of the scrapers so as to replace them at the level of the station product admission.