WO2018185678A1

WO2018185678A1 - Dosing system for dosing a plurality of fluids

Info

Publication number: WO2018185678A1
Application number: PCT/IB2018/052326
Authority: WO
Inventors: Luca Drocco; Mario Drocco
Original assignee: Dromont S.P.A.
Priority date: 2017-04-07
Filing date: 2018-04-04
Publication date: 2018-10-11
Also published as: IT201700038593A1

Abstract

Dosing system (2) for dosing a plurality of fluids, the dosing system comprising a plurality of dosing devices (4). Each dosing device (4) comprises a first valve body (5); a duct (6) having a structure that can be connected to said first valve body (5); a second valve body (7) having a structure that can be connected to said duct (6), and is assembled in a modular manner. The dosing system (2) comprises a Peltier cell (81) and a cooling element (82). Said Peltier cell (81) is placed in direct contact with said cooling element (82), so that the Peltier cell (81) is able to subtract heat from said cooling element (82). Said cooling element (82) comprises a surface (83) with which said abutment surfaces (73) of the second valve bodies (7) comprised in said plurality of dosing devices (4) are placed in contact.

Description

DOSING SYSTEM FOR DOSING A PLURALITY OF FLUIDS

The present invention relates to a dosing system for dosing a plurality of fluids, comprising a plurality of dosing devices, wherein each dosing device is modular, and wherein cooling is provided for a portion of the dosing device .

Dosing systems are known which comprise a plurality of dosing elements which can be assembled in a modular manner in the system.

Systems are also known which are able to cool a portion of the dosing system, so as to control the temperature of the fluid to be dosed.

The dosing systems currently known in the art cannot propose solutions wherein there is the possibility to adapt the system to specific requirements, by assembling together elements which are per se standard ones, but which allow creating the desired dosing system, thus making assembly and maintenance simpler and minimizing system downtime.

The dosing systems known in the art try to optimize as much as possible the temperature and humidity control systems in the dosing head, in order to reduce to a minimum the problems caused by dried residual fluids in the final tract of the outlet duct after the dosing ph3.S Θ _f 3.S well as condensation of water vapour in proximity to the dosing head in order to prevent water drops from contaminating the product being dosed into a container, the latter being placed under the dosing head.

A system for controlling the temperature of the dosing head, based on cooling a portion of the dosing head, is already per se known, but the systems currently comprised in the state of the art are poorly efficient from an energetic viewpoint and/or require very expensive implementation solutions.

The currently known solutions do not allow for a homogeneous diffusion of the cooling effect, unless complex and/or costly solutions are adopted.

The present invention aims at solving the above- mentioned technical problems by providing a dosing system comprising a plurality of dosing devices having the features set out in the appended claim 1.

Secondary features of the present invention are set out in the appended dependent claims.

The features and advantages of the dosing system according to the present invention will become apparent from the following description of a preferred exemplary, but non-limiting, embodiment of the dosing system and from the annexed drawings, wherein:

• Figure 1 shows one possible embodiment of the dosing system according to the present invention, comprising twenty-four independent dosing devices;

• Figure 2 is a sectional view of the dosing system of Figure 1, which shows twelve distinct dosing systems, the device for actuating the pumps associated with the individual dosing devices, and a part of the system for cooling the dosing devices;

• Figure 3 shows a detailed image of the twelve dosing devices, in proximity to the dosage point, also referred to as dosing head, wherein the two nearest dosing devices are in turn sectioned to show, at least partly, the various components comprised in a dosing device; • Figure 4 shows a detailed sectional image, in a top view, of the dosing head and of the cooling system, wherein one can see the Peltier cell and the cooling element ;

• Figure 5 shows a detailed sectional image, in a bottom view, of the dosing head and of the cooling system, wherein one can see the Peltier cell and the cooling element ;

• Figure 6 shows an axonometric view of a dosing device associated with a container for the fluid to be delivered and a pump;

• Figure 7 shows a sectional detail of the dosing device of Figure 6, wherein one can see the first valve body, the duct and the second valve body;

• Figure 8 is an exploded view of the duct and the second valve body of the dosing device of Figure 6;

• Figure 9 shows a detail of the duct and of the second valve body, wherein the second shutter device is visible ;

• Figure 10 shows a top view of the dosing head;

• Figure 11 schematically shows the control system for controlling the temperature and humidity in proximity to the dosage point of the system;

• Figure 12 shows a sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the dosing device, the duct, the second valve body and the cooling element associated with a Peltier cell .

With reference to the above figures, the dosing system as a whole is designated by reference numeral 2. Dosing system 2 according to the present invention is particularly adapted for dosing a plurality of fluids, such as, for example, coloured liquids, paint bases, paints, enamels, inks, and other similar products.

System 2 according to the present invention comprises a plurality of dosing devices 4. Preferably, each one of dosing devices 4 is adapted to dose a fluidic product.

Each dosing device 4 in turn comprises: a first valve body 5, comprising a first aperture 51, which can be connected to a tank 31 for containing fluidic products; a central body 50, in which a first shutter element 32 is located; a second aperture 52, to which a pump 33 can be connected for moving the fluid; and a third aperture 53, through which the fluid moved by said pump 33 can exit.

Said first shutter element 32 is adapted to selectively move between different operating configurations for selectively allowing the fluid coming from said tank to flow towards said third aperture 53. Said first shutter element 32 is moved by an actuator, e.g. a rotary or linear actuator. In a first preferred, but non-limiting, embodiment, said first shutter element 32 is shaped substantially as a rod having suitable protrusions for selectively putting said first aperture 51, said second aperture 52 and/or said third aperture 53 in communication with each other. Said actuator is adapted to move said first shutter 32, e.g. along the longitudinal axis of the same shutter 32.

In an alternative embodiment, said first shutter element 32 is shaped substantially as a rod having a plurality of holes and channels adapted for selectively putting said first aperture 51, said second aperture 52 and/or said third aperture 53 in communication with each other. Said actuator is adapted to rotate said first shutter 32, e.g. about the longitudinal axis of the same shutter 32.

In one possible embodiment, said first shutter element 32 is made of thermally conductive material. In alternative embodiments, said first shutter element 32 is made of plastic material.

Each dosing device 4 further comprises a duct 6 having a structure that can be connected to said first valve body 5.

Said duct 6 comprises a first end 61, fluidically connected with said third aperture 53 of the first valve body 5, and a second end 62, through which the fluid entered from said first end 61 can exit. Said duct 6 is adapted to carry the fluid from a zone in proximity to the first valve body 5 to a zone of the dosing system proximal to the dosage point, in particular in proximity to a second valve body 7.

Each dosing device 4 further comprises a second valve body 7 having a structure that can be connected to said duct 6. Said second valve body 7 comprises a first aperture 71, which can be connected to said second end 62 of duct 6 ; a central body 70, in which a second shutter element 34 is positioned; and a second aperture 72, through which the fluid can exit said dosing device 4.

Said second valve body 7 further comprises an abutment surface 73.

Said second shutter element 34 can selectively put said first aperture 71 and said second aperture 72 in communication with each other to allow a fluid to flow from said first aperture 71 towards said second aperture 72, so that it can be dosed into a container, e.g. a bucket or a can .

In one possible embodiment, said second shutter element 34 is moved by an actuator, e.g. a dedicated motor, or through a motoreducer connected to the actuator of the first shutter element 32.

Dosing system 2 according to the present invention comprises a Peltier cell 81 and a cooling element 82.

Said Peltier cell 81 is placed directly in contact, in particular in thermal contact, with said cooling element 82, such elements being preferably superimposed, so that Peltier cell 81 can subtract heat from said cooling element 82.

Said cooling element 82 comprises a surface 83.

Said abutment surfaces 73 of the second valve bodies 7 comprised in said plurality of dosing devices 4 are placed in contact with said surface 83 of cooling element 82.

The present solution allows creating modular dosing devices 4, which can be associated with and/or removed from dosing system 2.

In addition, in system 2 dosing elements 4 can individually come in contact with cooling element 82 through surface 83, thus putting abutment surface 73 of the second valve body 7 in thermal contact therewith. Therefore, depending on the characteristics of the fluid to be dosed by individual dosing device 4, it will be possible to create a structure of the same dosing device (5, 6, 7) that will make it optimal for dosing that specific fluid. For instance, in one possible embodiment it is possible to change the area of abutment surface 73 that will come in contact with surface 83 of cooling element 82.

In one preferred, but non-limiting, embodiment of dosing system 2, said first valve body 5 is made of plastic material .

In one preferred, but non-limiting, embodiment of dosing system 2, said duct 6 is made of plastic material. Even more preferably, said duct 6 is made of thermally insulating material.

In one preferred, but non-limiting, embodiment of dosing system 2, said second valve body 7 is at least partly made of thermally conductive material, e.g. metallic material, such as, for example, copper or steel and/or alloys .

In the preferred embodiment, said dosing devices 4 are arranged along at least one curvilinear line, e.g. at least one portion of a circumference and/or an ellipse. In the present embodiment, Peltier cell 81 and cooling element 82 are arranged in the concavity defined by said curvilinear line .

In this way, Peltier cell 81 and cooling element 82 can be positioned at the centre or focus of the circumference/parabola/circle along which dosing devices 4 are arranged, in order to ensure the utmost efficiency in subtracting heat from every single dosing device 4.

The present solution provides a more uniform cooling effect on individual dosing devices 4, avoiding undesired different heat subtraction effects among various dosing devices 4 included in dosing system 2. In particular, such a conformation allows obtaining better uniformity in the subtraction of heat from said cooling element 82. Assuming that all dosing devices 4 have the same structural characteristics, the cooling effect will be equally distributed, acting evenly upon all dosing devices 4.

In system 2 according to the present invention, the conformation of each dosing device 4 is modular by assembling together a first valve body 5; a duct 6, a second valve body 7, each one with the desired structural characteristics, in order to obtain the desired structural characteristics, depending on the characteristics of the fluid to be dosed, which are most suitable and/or optimal for dosing such fluids. For example, the conformation of the first valve body 5 and of duct 6 is such as to ensure optimum fluid flow, e.g. depending on the viscosity of the fluid itself. The second valve body 7 may be so shaped as to ensure optimum dosage of the fluid towards the container, e.g. depending on the viscosity of the fluid itself. Moreover, through said abutment surface 73 it is possible to obtain a desired cooling effect on each specific second valve body 7, thus being able to control the viscosity of the fluid to be delivered, in addition to being able to prevent any product residue remained in the second valve body 7 at the end of the fluid dosage operation from drying up.

In the preferred embodiment, said dosing devices 4 are arranged along a circumference. According to the embodiment illustrated in the drawings, it is possible to create a dosing system 2 comprising as many as twenty-four dosing devices 4, with a small dosing zone or dosing area that allows dosage into a low-volume container. In the preferred, but non-limiting, embodiment, said cooling element 82 has a shape that includes at least one discoid portion.

In general, said cooling element 82 preferably has said surface 83, which is arranged on the outer perimeter of a discoid portion of cooling element 82, as shown in and easily deducible from the drawings that illustrate an exemplary, but non-limiting, embodiment.

Preferably, said surface 83 is a solid of revolution around the normal of cooling element 82, generated by at least one straight line.

Preferably, said cooling element 82 is made as one body, monolithic, for maximized heat conduction.

Said cooling element 82 is made of a material having high thermal conductivity, e.g. a metal, preferably copper, or an alloy.

In general, the conformation of cooling element 82 is such as to ensure that said surface 83 will be cooled evenly, independently of the structural characteristics of Peltier cell 81. In this way, heat removal from the plurality of valve bodies 7 is maximized. In a first embodiment, as shown by way of example in Figures 4 and 5, said cooling element 82 has a substantially planar shape, e.g. a discoid shape.

In the alternative embodiment illustrated in Figure 12, said cooling element 82 has a substantially cylindrical shape, with two discoid portions in proximity to both ends of the cylindrical structure. Said Peltier cell 81 is coupled to the upper discoid portion, whereas the lower discoid portion comprises said surface 83, against which abutment surfaces 73 of the second valve bodies 7 abut. In one possible embodiment, said abutment surface 73 of the second valve body 7 has an inclined surface adapted to abut against a surface 83 of cooling element 82, thus at least partly matching therewith.

In this embodiment, the coupling between surface 83 and abutment surface 73 occurs on inclined planes in order to ensure an adequate degree of coupling between dosing device 4 and cooling element 82, in a modular dosing system 2 like the one of the present invention. Moreover, the present solution allows the cooling element to be brought sufficiently close to the second aperture 72 without contacting it, thus ensuring an adequate contact area between the two surfaces without however increasing the total spatial occupation.

In an alternative embodiment, said abutment surface 73 is a protrusion having at least one flat surface adapted for abutting against a surface 83 of the cooling element 82, thus at least partly matching therewith. In such an embodiment, the coupling between surface 83 and abutment surface 73 occurs on horizontal and/or vertical planes. Preferably, said surface 83 abuts on a horizontal surface generated by abutment surface 73.

Dosing system 2 according to the present invention comprises a control system 22.

Said control system 22 in turn comprises: at least one temperature sensor 24, e.g. a thermocouple or temperature sensors equally suitable for measuring a temperature within a range of 0° to 40°C, preferably 1°C to 35°C, e.g. with a resolution of one tenth of a degree, e.g. ±0.5°C. Said at least one temperature sensor 24 is arranged to measure the temperature of cooling element 82, preferably on said surface 83, more preferably in proximity to the point where it matches abutment surface 73. Said at least one temperature sensor 24 may possibly be adapted to measure the temperature of abutment surface 73 of a second valve body 7.

In a first embodiment, said control system 22 further comprises at least one humidity sensor 26, e.g. a hygrometer or sensors equally adapted for measuring relative humidity, e.g. a combination of two temperature sensors as known to the person skilled in the art. Said at least one humidity sensor 26 is adapted to measure the humidity in proximity to the second valve bodies 7.

In a second embodiment, said control system comprises at least one humidity sensor and one additional temperature sensor; or sensors equally adapted for measuring relative humidity, e.g. a combination of two temperature sensors as known to the person skilled in the art. Said at least one humidity sensor 26 and said additional temperature sensor are adapted to measure the humidity and the temperature in the environment where dosing system 2 is located.

Said control system 22 further comprises a processing unit 28, e.g. a microcontroller or computing devices equally suitable for processing a plurality of data.

Said processing unit 28 is adapted to process the data received from said at least one temperature sensor 24 and from said at least one humidity sensor 26, and possibly from said additional temperature sensor. In particular, said data processing unit 28 is adapted to, among other things, determine the dew point, through a suitable mathematical algorithm, as a function of the data determined by said humidity sensor 26 and of the data obtained from the temperature sensors, as known to a person skilled in the art.

Preferably, said control system 22 is adapted to control and/or operate Peltier cell 81 by actuating it in an appropriate manner. In particular, control system 22 is adapted to drive Peltier cell 81 as a function of the data processed by data processing unit 28.

By controlling Peltier cell 81, said control system 22 allows adjusting, in particular lowering, the temperature of said cooling element 82.

In a preferred embodiment, said Peltier cell 81 is suitably activated in such a way that the temperature of cooling element 82 lies within a range of 0.5°C to 8°C, preferably 1°C to 5°C, e.g. 2.5°C above the dew point previously determined. It is thus ensured that in proximity to the second valve bodies 7 there will be a temperature close to the dew point, preferably a few degrees, or fractions of a degree, above the dew point. In this manner, there will be some humidity near the second valve bodies 7, and the latter will be kept at a temperature that will prevent the product to be dosed, contained therein, from drying up.

At the same time, the present solution ensures that the temperature of cooling element 82 and of the second valve bodies 7 will be such as to avoid any condensation of water vapour on their surfaces. This will prevent the fall of water drops into a container, when the latter is placed underneath the dosing head to receive a fluid.

Furthermore, as a function of the data processed by data processing unit 28, said control system 22 will appropriately activate said Peltier cell in order to avoid that said cooling element 82 might be cooled to a temperature below the frost point, i.e. below 0°C. This will avoid excessive cooling of the second valve body 7, thus preventing the fluid contained therein from freezing.

In general, by controlling the temperature of said cooling element 82, combined with the conformation of the same cooling element 82 and/or of dosing device 4, and in particular of abutment surface 73 of the second valve body 7, it is possible to ensure that each second valve body 7 will be at the optimal temperature for dosage and/or preservation of the fluid product contained therein.

The present solution guarantees optimal diffusion of the cooling effect of Peltier cell 81 thanks to the arrangement of the cell itself in system 2, the conformation of cooling element 82, the conformation of dosing device 4 and/or the conformation of abutment surface 73.

In one possible embodiment of system 2, said control unit 22 is a central control unit capable of managing entire system 2 by appropriately controlling and/or operating at least the actuator devices associated with said first shutter device 32, said second shutter device 34 and/or said pump 33.

In a preferred embodiment, not illustrated, said control unit 22 comprises an energy storage and control unit. When dosing system 2 is operating correctly, said unit can store energy, e.g. by charging a battery pack. Should the power supply to dosing system 2 fail, such as to stop the various electromechanical devices comprised in the same dosing system 2 and useful for dosing the fluids, said unit will be able to supply energy to dosing system 2. In particular, said energy storage and control unit will be able to supply power to said control unit 22, so that Peltier cell 81 will still be powered appropriately. Through said energy storage and control unit, said control unit 22 will be able to ensure the preservation of the cooling effect, avoiding that the fluids might dry up, at least near said second valve bodies 7. The energy accumulated in said battery pack by means of said energy storage and control unit will be supplied to said control unit 22, Peltier cell 81 and the elements connected thereto to ensure its proper operation, also in case of a prolonged power failure of the entire dosing system 2, even for a few hours .

The present solution for implementing system 2 allows using a Peltier cell having a small size and low cooling capacity, thus reducing the production and maintenance costs of system 2, while still ensuring high cooling efficiency for a large number of dosing devices 4.

In addition, due to the conformation and arrangement of Peltier cell 81 and of cooling element 82, the dimensions of the dosing head and of entire system 2 are small, even with a large number of dosing devices 4, thus ensuring that every dosing device 4 can receive the utmost benefits from control system 22 without any disadvantage to other dosing devices 4. The present solution guarantees uniformity of the cooling action on all dosing devices 4 comprised in system 2, regardless of the total number thereof. Said Peltier cell 81 can be selected among cells having an absorbed power rating in the range of 50W to 150 W, e.g. comprised between 60W and 85W. In general, in system 2 according to the present invention said second shutter element 34 is adapted to rotate about an axis perpendicular to the axis that connects said first aperture 71 to said second aperture 72.

Said second shutter element 34 is shaped substantially as a rod 340, having a through hole 342 that puts said first aperture 71 in communication with said second aperture 72 as a function of the rotation of the same shutter element 34. Preferably, said second shutter element 34 is made of thermally conductive material.

In general, said second valve body 7 and said second shutter element 34 contribute to preventing the fluidic product remained in the second valve body 7 and/ or in duct 6 at the end of the fluid dosage phase of system 2, in particular of the corresponding dosing device 4, from drying up.

In fact, leaving out of consideration the operation of the Peltier cell and its effect of controlling the temperature of the same second valve body 7, the conformation of central body 70 and of the second shutter element 34 is such as to prevent air from flowing from the outside towards said central body 70 and/or towards said first aperture 71, thus contributing to avoiding that the residual product contained in the second valve body 7 and/or in duct 6 might dry up, e.g. by evaporation.

In one possible embodiment of system 2 according to the present invention, said cooling element 82 is not in thermal contact with the second valve body 7, and more in general with one or more dosing devices 4. Such an embodiment is implemented whenever the physical characteristics of the fluid to be dosed by one or more of the plurality of dosing devices 4 may be impaired by the cooling effect.

In another possible embodiment (not shown), system 2 comprises a heating element in thermal contact with the opposite face of the Peltier cell, relative to said cooling element, against which a suitable surface, in combination with or as an alternative to the abutment surface, of the second valve body can abut, so that the second valve body can be heated should the dosing device be arranged to dispense a fluid requiring that a given temperature above room temperature be maintained.

In one possible embodiment of dosing system 2, cooling element 82 is not in direct contact with said duct 6, as shown by way of example in Figures 4 and 5.

In an alternative embodiment, said duct 6 is made of insulating material and is placed in contact with said cooling element 82.

In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 12, said duct 6 is adapted to act as an insulating element for part of cooling element 82. In particular, in the illustrated embodiment the structure of duct 6 performs an insulating function in order to insulate the cylindrical portion of the cooling element, interposed between the two discoid portions, from the outside environment.

In such an embodiment, the structure of duct 6 avoids excessive dispersion of the cold being conducted by the cooling element, in particular between the portion in contact with Peltier cell 81 and surface 83, against which abutment surfaces 73 of the second valve bodies 7 abut. Duct 6 does not, therefore, perform a function as a cooling element for the fluid that may flow therethrough. Figure 1 shows one possible embodiment of dosing system 2 according to the present invention. The illustrated embodiment represents one possible exemplary, but non-limiting, embodiment comprising twenty-four independent dosing devices 4, each one adapted to deliver a fluidic product. To the different dosing devices 4, different types of containers or tanks 31 may be connected. In general, the volume of tanks 31 is selected on the basis of the importance and dosage frequency of the fluid. The same tanks may comprise internal stirring devices for preventing the fluids from drying up within the same tank 31.

In the present embodiment, system 2 is centred around the dosing head, which surrounds Peltier cell 81 and cooling element 82.

From the present figure it can be understood that each dosing device 4 has a slice-like shape, so that it can be appropriately positioned along a curved line, e.g. along a circumference .

Figure 2 shows a section of one half of system 2 relative to a vertical plane. In this figure, twelve distinct dosing devices 4 are visible, in addition to the actuator device for pumps 33 associated with the individual dosing devices 4.

In the illustrated embodiment, said actuator device is adapted to simultaneously activate all pumps 33 comprised in system 2. By controlling the first shutter device 32, it is possible to decide whether the fluid being moved by pump 33 should reach the second valve body 7 or recirculate towards the respective tank 31, in this latter case contributing to preventing the fluidic product contained in tank 31 from drying up.

The actuator device for pumps 33 is arranged in the central part of system 2, preferably above Peltier cell 81.

Figure 3 shows a detailed image of the twelve dosing devices 4, in proximity to the dosing head.

This figure shows a sectional view of two dosing devices 4 in order to allow understanding one possible embodiment of dosing devices 4, since it shows, at least partly, the various elements comprised in a dosing device 4.

In this drawing, one can also appreciate that Peltier cell 81 and cooling element 82 have reduced dimensions, so that system 2 can be miniaturized and made compact. System 2 will comprise a cooling system for the dosing head, which will have a very low impact on the total spatial occupation of dosing system 2.

Figure 4 shows a detailed sectional image, in a top view, of the dosing head and of the cooling system according to one possible exemplary, but non-limiting, embodiment. In this image, one can see Peltier cell 81 placed in direct contact with cooling element 82 in its central part .

The images do not show the system for cooling the hot portion of Peltier cell 81, which can dissipate the heat generated by the face of Peltier cell 81 opposite to that in direct contact with cooling element 82.

In the illustrated embodiment, Peltier cell 81 has a circular, in particular annular, shape. Such a conformation of the Peltier cell maximizes the effect of even distribution of the cooling effect to cooling element 82, and hence to the second valve bodies 7.

In general, the conformation of Peltier cell 81 and of cooling element 82 is such as to optimize the cooling effect towards the second valve bodies 7.

In alternative embodiments, e.g. as shown in Figure 12, said Peltier cell 81 has different shapes, e.g. square, which are easier to implement. By appropriately shaping said second cooling element 82, it will however be possible to maintain an even cooling effect towards all the second valve bodies 7.

This figure allows understanding how said cooling element 82 can be implemented according to a first possible embodiment .

In the same figure, one can see that abutment surface 73 of one or more, or all in the case shown, second valve bodies 7 rest on surface 83 of cooling element 82. Both surfaces (73, 83) are inclined by an angle of 30° to 60°.

The same figure also shows the second valve bodies 7 and the second shutter elements 34, allowing a person skilled in the art to understand how they can be implemented .

Figure 5 shows a detailed sectional image, in a bottom view, of the dosing head and of the cooling system.

The present figure shows how the arrangement of the various dosing devices 4 allows the second apertures 72 of the second valve bodies 7 to be disposed along a curved line, e.g. an arc of circumference, in particular a circumference .

In the same figure it is possible to appreciate one possible embodiment of Peltier cell 81, and in particular of cooling element 82 and of the structure defining surface 83.

Preferably, said cooling element 82 has no dispersive elements, such as through holes, which might impair the heat transfer efficiency between the second valve bodies 7 and Peltier cell 81.

In the illustrated embodiment of system 2 according to the present invention, it is apparent that cooling element 82 does not come in direct contact with the fluid to be delivered .

In Figure 5 it can also be determined how the second actuator element 34 can be moved in order to put said first aperture 71 and said second aperture 72 of the second valve body 7 in communication with each other.

Figure 6 shows an axonometric view of a dosing device 4, associated with a container 31 for the fluid to be delivered and a pump 33. This figure allows appreciating one possible conformation of dosing device 4, which can be suitably implemented in modular form by appropriately combining said first valve body 5, said duct 6 and said second valve body 7, for the purpose of creating a dosing device 4 which is optimal for the fluidic product to be dispensed. Moreover, a plurality of dosing devices 4 can be combined together in modular form in order to create a dosing system 2 according to the present invention.

Figure 7 shows a sectional detail of dosing device 4 of Figure 6, wherein one can see the first valve body 5, duct 6 and the second valve body 7. In particular, the present image allows appreciating one possible embodiment of the first valve body 5, in particular the conformation of the first aperture 51 and how it communicates with central body 50; the conformation of the second aperture 52 and how it communicates with central body 50; the conformation of the third aperture 53 and how it communicates with central body 50. In the same image one can appreciate one possible embodiment of the first shutter element 32.

From Figure 7 one can understand that said first shutter element 32 is adapted to selectively move between a first configuration, in which it allows the fluid to flow from said first aperture 51 towards said second aperture 52 and vice versa, and a second configuration, in which it allows the fluid to flow from said second aperture 52 towards said third aperture 53.

Figure 8 shows an exploded view of duct 6 and of the second valve body 7 of dosing device 4 illustrated in Figure 6.

In this figure it is possible to appreciate the conformation of duct 6, and in particular the conformation of the first end 61, which must interface to the third aperture 53 of the first valve body 5.

In the same figure one can appreciate the conformation of the second end 62 of duct 6 and of the first aperture 71 of the second valve body 7.

In the same figure one can see the second shutter element 34. One possible embodiment thereof can be appreciated in this drawing, wherein it is shaped as a rod, and the same second shutter element 34 comprises a through hole 342.

In the same figure, one possible conformation of the second valve body 7 can be easily appreciated. In the present figure, one can appreciate that its dimensions are compact when compared with those of duct 6. Therefore, the present solution allows manufacturing most of the structure of dosing device 4 from easy-to-process and low-cost plastic material, while only the second valve body 7, small in size, may be made of thermally conductive material.

Figure 9 shows a detail of duct 6, and in particular the second end 62 thereof, as well as the second valve body 7, wherein one can see the second shutter element 34.

In the present figure one can appreciate the conformation of the first aperture 71 and of the central body 70, in which said second shutter element 34 is positioned. The figure also shows the second aperture 72 of the second valve body 7, through which the fluid can exit, during the delivery phase, towards a container.

In the present figure one can appreciate that the second valve body 7 is solid in proximity to said abutment surface 73, for the purpose of maximizing the heat transfer and controlling the temperature of the second valve body, in particular allowing heat removal, so as to cool the second valve body 7 when abutment surface 73 is in proximity to, e.g. in contact with, said surface 83 of the cooling element 82.

Figure 10 shows a top view of the dosing head, wherein one can see the sunburst arrangement of the various dosing devices 4; in particular, it can be appreciated that only the second valve body 7, and in particular said abutment surface 73, is in thermal contact with said cooling element 82.

Preferably, said cooling element 82 is compact, since it has no through holes that might impair the heat transfer efficiency between the second valve bodies 7 and Peltier cell 81.

Figure 11 schematically shows control system 22 for controlling the temperature and relative humidity near the dosage point of system 2.

As a function of the data obtained from one or more temperature sensors 24 and from humidity sensor 26, suitably processed by processing unit 28, control system 22 can appropriately operate and/or control said Peltier cell 81 in order to cool said cooling element 82.

Figure 11 shows a control system 22 that is also electrically connected to said first shutter element 32, said second shutter element 34 and said pump 33, in particular to the respective actuator devices adapted to move them. In this embodiment, control system 22 can also, therefore, operate and/or control the actuator devices associated with the devices comprised in dosing system 2 according to the present invention.

Figure 12 shows a sectional view of an alternative embodiment of dosing device 4. This figure illustrates some embodiments, which are alternative to those shown in the preceding figures, of duct 6, of the second valve body 7, and of cooling element 82 associated with a Peltier cell 81.

Figure 12 shows a detailed sectional front view of the dosing head and of the cooling system. In this image one can see Peltier cell 81 placed in direct contact with cooling element 82 in its central part, in particular at the upper discoid portion.

In the same figure, one can see that a heat sink is coupled to Peltier cell 81, which can dissipate the heat generated by the face of Peltier cell 81 opposite to that in direct contact with cooling element 82.

In the illustrated embodiment, Peltier cell 81 has a square base. The conformation of cooling element 82 coupled to Peltier cell 81 maximizes the effect of even distribution of the cooling effect to the second valve bodies 7.

The cylindrical portion adapted to join the two discoid portions is preferably hollow in order to convey the cooling effect evenly towards the lower discoid portion, which comprises said surface 83 against which abutment surfaces 73 of the second valve bodies 7 abut.

In this figure, it can be seen that the cylindrical portion of the cooling element 82 is surrounded by elements made of insulating material, for the purpose of insulating said portion of cooling element 82 from the outside environment and avoiding any dispersion.

From this drawing, one can also understand how to position temperature sensor 24 for measuring the temperature of cooling element 82.

One possible method for controlling the Peltier cell 81 comprised in a dosing system 2 according to the present invention comprises the following steps, preferably to be carried out in succession:

• measuring the temperature of cooling element 82 by means of one or more temperature sensors 24;

• measuring the relative humidity of the air in proximity to the second valve bodies 7, and/or the temperature and humidity of the environment where dosing system 2 is located, e.g. by means of one or more humidity and/or temperature sensors 26; • calculating, by means of said processing unit 28 of control system 22, the dew point of the environment where dosing system 2 is located;

• comparing the temperature measured on cooling element 82 with the previously calculated dew point by means of said processing unit 28;

• optionally, comparing the humidity measured in proximity to the second valve bodies 7 with a first predefined humidity value by means of said processing unit 28 of control system 22;

• if the measured temperature is higher than said calculated dew point, activating Peltier cell 81;

• if the temperature measured on cooling element 82 is lower than a suitably calculated temperature value, deactivating Peltier cell 81;

• optionally, if the measured humidity is higher than said first predefined humidity value, deactivating Peltier cell 81.

Preferably, after the dew point has been calculated, a range of values is determined around said dew point, within which the temperature of cooling element 82 should be kept in order to prevent the fluids from drying up and/or water vapour from condensing. Said range of values corresponds to a range of 0.5°C to 8°C, preferably 1°C to 5°C, e.g. 2.5°C, above the dew point. Within this range, a temperature value is determined below which Peltier cell 81 needs to be activated. As is known, the dew point value will change as a function of time and of the environmental conditions in which dosing system 2 operates.

In addition, processing unit 28 of control system 22 will evaluate if the calculated dew point is below the frost point. If the calculated dew point corresponds to a temperature below the frost point, i.e. below 0°C, the above-mentioned range of values will correspond to a range of 0.5°C to 8°C, preferably 1°C to 5°C, e.g. 2.5°C, above the frost point.

Preferably, said first predefined humidity value is a humidity value of approx. 99% of the relative humidity. In this manner, it will be avoided that, even if the temperature of cooling element 82 is above the dew point and the suitably calculated temperature, as previously specified, a microclimate might be created which would bring the humidity near the dosing head to 100% humidity.

The present method allows maintaining an atmosphere in proximity to the second valve bodies 7 at a humidity and temperature value such that no condensation of water vapour will occur on cooling element 82 and/or on the second valve body 7, in the parts thereof facing towards the container into which the fluidic product is to be dosed. At the same time, it will be avoided that the fluid contained in the second valve bodies 7 might freeze.

The present method allows cooling element 82 and the various second valve bodies 7 to be kept at a predefined temperature, which will always be above the water vapour condensation temperature, or dew point, and the frost temperature. It will thus be avoided that condensation of water vapour might occur on cooling element 82 and/or on the second valve body 7 in the part thereof facing towards the container into which the fluidic product is to be dosed, and/or that the fluid might freeze in the second valve bodies 7. Therefore, one will be certain that the residual fluid that remains in said second valve body 7 and/or in said duct 6 will be kept at the optimum temperature, thereby reducing the risk that the residual fluid might dry up.

With this method, therefore, the fluidic product in dosing devices 4, in particular in proximity to the second valve body 7, will be prevented from drying up, and no water drops will form which might fall into the container into which the fluid is to be dosed, while also preventing the fluidic product from freezing in proximity to the second valve bodies 7.

Any alternative embodiments of the system and method, which may be easily conceived in the light of the present description and of the annexed drawings, shall be considered as falling within the protection scope of the present patent application.

REFERENCE NUMERALS

Dosing system 2

Control system 22

Temperature sensor 24

Humidity sensor 26

Data processing unit 28

Tank 31

Pipe 312

First shutter element 32

Rod 322

Pump 33

Second shutter element 34

Rod 340 Through hole 342

Dosing device 4

First valve body 5

Central body 50

First aperture 51

Second aperture 52

Third aperture 53

Duct 6

First end 61

Second end 62

Second valve body 7

Central body 70

First aperture 71

Second aperture 72

Abutment surface 73

Peltier cell 81

Cooling element 82

Surface 83

Claims

CLAIMS :

1. Dosing system (2) for dosing a plurality of fluids, comprising a plurality of dosing devices (4);

each dosing device (4) is comprising:

- a first valve body (5) comprising: a first aperture (51), which can be connected to a tank (31) containing fluidic products; a central body (50), in which a first shutter element is located (32); a second aperture (52), to which a pump (33) can be connected for moving the fluid; and a third aperture (53), through which the fluid moved by said pump (33) can exit; said first shutter element (32) being adapted to selectively move between different operating configurations for selectively allowing the fluid coming from said tank (31) to flow towards said third aperture (53) ;

- a duct (6) having a structure that can be connected to said first valve body (5); said duct (6) comprising: a first end (61), fluidically connected with said third aperture (53) of the first valve body (5); and a second end (62), through which the fluid entered from said first end (61) can exit;

- a second valve body (7) having a structure that can be connected to said duct (6); said second valve body (7) comprising: a first aperture (71), fluidically connected to said second end (62) of the duct (6); a central body (70), which includes a second shutter element (34); a second aperture (72), through which the fluid can exit said dosing device (4); and an abutment surface (73); said second shutter element (34) being capable of selectively putting said first aperture (71) in communication with said second aperture (72) to allow a fluid to flow; said dosing system (2) comprising: a Peltier cell (81); and a cooling element (82);

said Peltier cell (81) being placed in direct contact with said cooling element (82), so that the Peltier cell (81) is able to subtract heat from said cooling element (82);

said cooling element (82) comprising a surface (83);

said abutment surfaces (73) of the second valve bodies (7) comprised in said plurality of dosing devices (4) are placed in contact with said surface (83) of the cooling element (82).

2. System according to claim 1, wherein said dosing devices (4) are arranged along at least one curvilinear line, wherein the Peltier cell (81) and the cooling element (82) are at least partly arranged in the concavity defined by said curvilinear line.

3. System according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the conformation of each dosing device (4) is modular by assembling together a first valve body (5); a duct (6); a second valve body (7), in order to obtain the desired structural characteristics depending on the characteristics of the fluid to be dosed.

4. System according to one of the preceding claims, wherein said dosing devices (4) are arranged along a circumference .

5. System according to claim 4, wherein said cooling element (82) has a shape including at least one discoid portion, said surface (83) being arranged on the outer perimeter of the discoid portion of the cooling element

(82) .

6. System according to claim 5, wherein said surface

(83) is a solid of revolution around the normal of the cooling element (82), at least generated by at least one straight line.

7. System according to claim 6, wherein said cooling element (82) is made as one body, monolithic.

8. System according to one of the preceding claims, wherein said abutment surface (73) of the second valve body (7) is a surface, e.g. an inclined surface, adapted to abut against a surface (83) of the cooling element (82), thus at least partly matching therewith.

9. System according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a control system (22) comprising:

- at least one temperature sensor (24) adapted to measure the temperature of the cooling element (82) and/or the temperature of the environment where the system (2) is located;

- at least one humidity sensor (26) adapted to measure the humidity in the proximity of the second valve bodies (7) and/or the relative humidity of the environment where the system (2) is located;

a processing unit (28) adapted to process the data received from said at least one temperature sensor (24) and said at least one humidity sensor (26);

said control system (22) being adapted to control and/or operate the Peltier cell in order to adjust the temperature of said cooling element (82) .

10. System according to claim 1, wherein said second shutter element (34) is adapted to rotate about an axis perpendicular to the axis that connects said first aperture (71) to said second aperture (72); said shutter element (34) is shaped substantially as a rod having a through hole (342) that puts said first aperture (71) in communication with said second aperture (72) as a function of the rotation of the shutter element (34) .

11. System according to one of the preceding claims, wherein said cooling element (82) is not directly in contact with said duct (6) .

12. System according to one of claims 1 to 10, wherein said duct (6) is made of insulating material, thus insulating part of the cooling element (82) .

/EB