Methods and machines for dispensing fluid products

Abstract

A method for dispensing fluid products in a dispensing machine (10) by combining weight dispensing and volume dispensing techniques, the dispensing machine (10) comprising: at least one receiving unit (11) for receiving at least one fluid and equipped with a dispensing device; a dispensing station (12) including a dispensing head (13) fluidly connected to the receiving unit (11) and equipped with at least one dispensing nozzle (20); a user interface (14) for entering input data for preparing the fluid product; and a control unit (15) connected to the user interface and the dispensing device of the receiving unit (11) to command the dispensing of the fluid.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a method for dispensing fluid products.

[0002] The method of the present invention is suitable for implementation in machines that dispense fluid products automatically or semi-automatically, primarily for industrial or commercial use, and is particularly configured to dispense products based on a combination of gravimetric and volumetric techniques.

[0003] The embodiments described herein also relate to distribution machines suitable for implementing the methods. Background Technology

[0004] Known as dispensing machines for fluid products, primarily used in industrial or commercial applications, to dispense products such as paints, impregnating agents, and others to obtain a target dosage form by mixing, for example, appropriate chroma and amounts of base colors and pigments.

[0005] Typically, known dispensing machines are based on techniques for measuring the quantity of fluid products that are volumetric, gravimetric, or a combination of both.

[0006] For example, U.S. patent application publication number US2003 / 0019885 describes a dispensing machine based on weight technology and volume technology.

[0007] Volumetric dispensing machines control the volume of a product by controlling a volumetric pump configured to dispense the product or by means of a flow meter (mass, volume, etc.).

[0008] On the other hand, in weight-based dispensing machines, the weight of the dispensed product is detected by means of a weight measuring device (such as a balance) used to measure the weight of the product.

[0009] In addition, the dispensing machines can operate in a fully automatic or semi-automatic manner, and in these cases, operator intervention is required to manage different dispensing cycles.

[0010] The target dosage form of a fluid product is obtained by mixing at least one primary color and at least one pigment to achieve a predetermined chromaticity. The primary color is typically white or transparent, while the pigment has a defined color and is diluted in the primary color.

[0011] Typically, in the final fluid product, the proportion of base color is much greater than that of pigment; for example, pigment usually accounts for about 5% of the target dosage form. Specifically, for example, in a final product with a total volume of 10.5 kg, there are approximately 10 kg of base color and 0.5 kg of pigment.

[0012] Given the difference in the amount of base color and pigment to be dispensed, and in order to minimize the dispensing time while taking into account the characteristics of the target formulation, the base color is dispensed using a high-flow pump (e.g., diaphragm type), while the pigment is dispensed using other volumetric pumps (e.g., gear pumps or bellows pumps), which have lower flow rates but higher precision.

[0013] In known machines, the primary color and pigment of the same fluid product are sequentially distributed one after another using a combination of gravimetric techniques (primary color) and volumetric techniques (pigment).

[0014] One drawback of this prior art allocation method is that the total allocation time can be improved by being equal to the sum of the allocation time of the primary color and the allocation time of the pigment.

[0015] Another drawback of this known method is that, because the base color and pigment are dispensed one after another, they cannot be fully mixed, which subsequently leads to a longer mixing step after the container holding the fluid product is closed.

[0016] Therefore, there is a need to improve a method for distributing fluid products that can overcome at least one drawback of the prior art.

[0017] In particular, an object of the present invention is to improve a method for dispensing fluid products that allows for further reduction in dispensing time in order to improve the productivity of known dispensing machines.

[0018] Another objective is to provide a dispensing method that allows for optimization of subsequent mixing steps, since the base color and pigment have already mixed better with each other during the dispensing step.

[0019] The applicant has designed, tested and implemented the present invention to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art and to achieve these and other objectives and advantages. Summary of the Invention

[0020] The invention is set forth and characterized in the independent claims. The dependent claims describe other features of the invention or variations of the main inventive concept.

[0021] In accordance with the above objectives, this application describes a method for dispensing fluid products that overcomes the limitations of the prior art and eliminates its defects.

[0022] According to some embodiments, a method for dispensing a fluid product is provided, the fluid product comprising at least one base fluid dispensed using a gravimetric technique and at least one additional fluid, such as a coloring fluid, dispensed using a volumetric technique. The method can be particularly implemented on a dispensing machine comprising a dispensing station and correspondingly provided a dispensing head equipped with at least two dispensing nozzles.

[0023] This method provides the step of distributing a base fluid through a first nozzle of a dispensing head. The distribution of the base fluid is advantageously carried out with the aid of a first dispensing device (e.g., a pumping device) and is measured using a gravimetric technique to detect the weight of the fluid being delivered.

[0024] The process also includes dispensing additional fluid through a second nozzle on the dispensing head. The additional fluid is dispensed using a second dispensing device, preferably of a volumetric type. The dispensing of the additional fluid is based on a volumetric technique used to control the volume of the dispensed product.

[0025] According to the present invention, the distribution of the base fluid and the distribution of the additional fluid occur at least partially simultaneously.

[0026] According to one aspect of the invention, the total distribution of fluids constituting a fluid product is controlled by measuring the total weight of the base fluid and additional fluids using a weight measuring device (e.g., a balance).

[0027] The base fluid and the additional fluid are configured to mix together to form the target dosage form. This means that the base fluid and the additional fluid are dispensed using two nozzles of the same dispensing head corresponding to the same dispensing station, and appropriately dispensed into the same collection receiver. Alternatively, the base fluid and the additional fluid can be simultaneously dispensed into multiple receivers located on the same device, i.e., corresponding to the same dispensing station.

[0028] According to some embodiments, the aforementioned weight measuring device is placed in the aforementioned distribution station, and the base fluid and additional fluid are distributed to the same receiver or multiple receivers located on the weight measuring device.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment, the dispensing of the base fluid is performed after the dispensing of the additional fluid is completed. In other words, the dispensing of the target dosage form is preferably performed by dispensing the base fluid. Alternatively, the dispensing of the base fluid can be performed before the dispensing of the additional fluid is completed.

[0030] According to some embodiments, the dispensing of one of the base fluid or the additional fluid can be temporarily interrupted, so that the dispensing is completed after the dispensing of the other fluid has been completed. Preferably, the dispensing of the base fluid is interrupted, so that the dispensing of the base fluid is completed after the dispensing of the additional fluid has been completed.

[0031] Advantageously, the distribution of either the base fluid or the additional fluid occurs primarily as a background task during the distribution of the other fluid. More advantageously, the volumetric distribution of the additional fluid occurs as a background task during the weight distribution of the base fluid.

[0032] Preferably, the distribution of the base fluid and the distribution of the additional fluid each occur simultaneously for at least 50% of their respective durations.

[0033] Advantageously, the distribution of the base fluid provides a first duration, and the distribution of the additional fluid provides a second duration. The first duration and the second duration can be the same or different. Preferably, the first duration and the second duration are different. More preferably, the first duration for distributing the base fluid is longer than the second duration for distributing the additional fluid.

[0034] According to one aspect, a dispensing machine is also provided, comprising at least two containment units for containing at least one base fluid and at least one additional fluid. The containment units, particularly those capable of containing the base fluid, may be directly integrated into the machine or integrated externally to the dispensing machine, for example, configured as large-capacity tanks fluidly connected to the machine, where a large amount of the base fluid is required to be stored due to the high flow rate being dispensed.

[0035] The receiving unit is equipped with a weight distribution device for dispensing a base fluid and a volume distribution device for dispensing additional fluid. The machine also includes: a dispensing station comprising a dispensing head fluidly connected to the receiving unit and equipped with at least two dispensing nozzles for dispensing the base fluid and additional fluid; a user interface for inputting data to prepare a fluid product; and a control unit connected to the user interface and the dispensing device of the receiving unit to control the fluid dispensing based on the input data. The control unit is configured to command the base fluid and additional fluid to be dispensed at least partially simultaneously via the same dispensing head. Attached Figure Description

[0036] These and other aspects, features, and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of some embodiments given as non-limiting examples with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0037] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a dispensing machine for dispensing fluid products, applicable to implementing the method according to the present invention;

[0038] Figure 2 This is an enlarged, detailed perspective view of the distribution station and the container used to distribute the fluid products, the container being located in... Figure 1 The weight device on the support of the distribution machine is associated with it;

[0039] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a dispensing machine for dispensing fluid products, suitable for implementing the method according to the invention; and

[0040] Figures 4A-4H This is a schematic diagram illustrating the progression of the distribution of the base fluid and additional fluid over time.

[0041] For ease of understanding, the same reference numerals are used to identify the same common elements in the figures where possible. It will be understood that elements and features of one embodiment can be readily combined or incorporated into other embodiments without further explanation. Detailed Implementation

[0042] We will now refer in detail, by way of non-limiting description, to possible embodiments of the invention, one or more of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The wording and terminology used herein are also intended to provide non-limiting examples.

[0043] refer to Figure 1 The present invention describes a dispensing machine 10 for dispensing fluid products, comprising a plurality of receiving units 11, at least one dispensing station 12, at least one dispensing head 13 for dispensing fluid products positioned corresponding to the dispensing station 12, a user interface device 14, and a programmable control unit 15.

[0044] The distribution station 12, the distribution head 13, and the user interface device 14 are advantageously included in the command and distribution module 30 of the distribution machine 10.

[0045] The receiving unit 11 is preferably encapsulated in a suitable receiving module 31, which is configured to be connected to the command and distribution module. Figure 1 However, for example, if the volume of the fluid to be contained is larger than the internal volume of the containing module 31, one or more containing units 11 may be provided outside the containing module 31. Examples of external containing units are so-called drums, medium bulk containers (IBCs), or tanks.

[0046] Figure 1 The distribution machine 10 shown includes two receiving modules 31 (in Figure 1 The right and left sides of the housing module 31 are adjacent to the housing unit 11, and the control unit 15 is integrated therein. However, the control unit 15 can be placed in another way, for example, it can be integrated into the command and distribution module 30. It should be noted that the housing module 31 may be provided with a cover 32, for example, to cover the housing unit 11 housed therein.

[0047] Figure 1 The "standalone" type of dispensing machine 10 is shown as an example, i.e., configured for the temporary preparation of fluid products, for example, in a commercial establishment.

[0048] According to some embodiments, the control unit 15 of a type known in the prior art can be configured as a processor or a programmable microprocessor or other processor capable of storing and processing data.

[0049] The control unit 15 can contain a calculation algorithm for the control allocation process.

[0050] The computational algorithm can implement the method for distributing fluid products according to the present invention.

[0051] According to some embodiments, the user interface device 14 allows an operator to select the dosage form to be dispensed and control and display the dispensing status. The user interface device 14 may include a display, such as a touch screen, a mouse, or a keyboard, or other types of interfaces, such as audio interfaces, as long as they allow the user to command and control the control unit 15.

[0052] According to some embodiments, each of the receiving units 11 is configured to receive a corresponding fluid to be dispensed. In particular, at least one of the receiving units 11 contains a base fluid, and at least another of the receiving units 11 contains an additional fluid, such as a dye or pigment, to mix with or dilute in the base fluid.

[0053] Each containing unit 11 may include a container 16 for a corresponding fluid. The container 16 typically includes an upper orifice and one or more outlets 17. The upper orifice can be closed by means of a cap 26 and through which fluid can be introduced into the container 16. The outlets 17 can be selectively closed by a known suitable valve device. The outlets 17 for the fluid are connected to a dispensing head 13 by means of a conduit 18. Figure 1 ).

[0054] Container 16 may also have a containment body 19 or a tank, in which fluid is contained until it is dispensed. For example, for Figure 1 The dispensing machine 10 of the type shown has a container 19 with a volume between 100 ml and 5 liters.

[0055] The dispensing machine 10 also includes a dispensing device of a known type (not shown), which is operatively associated with the receiving unit 11 to dispense a certain amount of fluid contained therein. For example, the dispensing device may include a pump or pump unit of a type known in the prior art.

[0056] The weight distribution device is associated with the receiving unit 11 that contains the base fluid, and preferably has a high flow rate, such as a diaphragm pump. On the other hand, the volume distribution device, which is suitable for distributing a smaller flow rate, is associated with the receiving unit 11 that contains additional fluid, such as a gear pump or a bellows pump.

[0057] A weight distribution device refers to a distribution device controlled by weight technology. A volume distribution device refers to a distribution device controlled by volume technology.

[0058] According to some embodiments, the dispensing head 13 for dispensing fluid products includes at least two dispensing nozzles 20, preferably multiple dispensing nozzles 20, each dispensing nozzle being connected to its respective container 16 by means of a respective conduit 18. Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 Specifically, the first nozzle 20A is configured to dispense base fluid via a weight distribution device, and the second nozzle 20B is configured to dispense additional fluid via a volume distribution device. Figure 1 and Figure 3 ).

[0059] Dispensing head 13 is positioned correspondingly to dispensing station 12, in which one or more receivers 21 are typically provided, into which the fluid product can be dispensed. Receivers 21 are advantageously open at the top and have a capacity suitable for holding a specified amount of the desired target dosage form; for example, they can be constructed as canisters or other containers, typically cylindrical or truncated conical in shape, such as standard pigment canisters.

[0060] According to some embodiments, the dispensing head 13 may include a plurality of valves (not shown) configured to regulate and control the flow of fluid products.

[0061] Advantageously, the distribution area 12 may have a support device 22 configured to stably receive one or more receivers 21 and / or one or more measuring devices 23, wherein the one or more receivers 21 may be placed on the measuring device 23. Figure 1 and Figure 2 ).

[0062] The support device 22 may include a shelf, which is configured such that its support surface 24 is substantially parallel to the floor, i.e. preferably horizontal, so that the measuring device 23 can function more accurately.

[0063] Preferably, the measuring device 23 is weight-type. It is capable of being connected to the control unit 15 to provide the control unit 15 with data related to the amount or mass of fluid dispensed into the receiver 21. Obviously, the control unit 15 is preferably configured to control the dispensing based on the amount or weight of the dispensed fluid. In particular, the control unit 15 is configured to automatically stop dispensing fluid when the dispensed fluid reaches a predetermined total weight. For this purpose, it is obvious that the control unit 15 is operatively connected to the first and second dispensing devices.

[0064] exist Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the example shown, measuring device 23 includes a balance as a non-limiting example of a measuring device suitable for measuring the weight of a dispensed fluid. For example, the balance may be a digital balance of a type known in the art, having a resolution of 0.02 grams or better, such as 0.01 grams.

[0065] The measuring device 23 advantageously includes a support plane 25 on which a receiver 21 can be placed, and different fluids are dispensed into the receiver 21 to obtain the target dosage form.

[0066] In an alternative embodiment, the measuring device 23 includes one or more weighing sensors or similar measuring devices.

[0067] Figure 3 A second embodiment of a dispensing machine 10 configured for industrial use is also shown. Specifically, the dispensing machine 10 includes a plurality of receiving modules 31, each receiving module 31 including one or more receiving units 11 as described above. Preferably, one of the receiving modules 31 includes a control unit 15, but the control unit 15 may also be integrated into the command and dispensing module 30.

[0068] It should be noted that in the second embodiment of the dispensing machine 10, the container 16 may have a larger volume than in the first embodiment described above, for example, 20 liters or more.

[0069] In this embodiment, the distribution machine 10 further includes a conveying device 40, at least one section of which passes through the distribution station 12. Figure 3 This allows it to transmit receivers 21 to distribution station 12, enabling them to be filled, and then remove them from distribution station 12.

[0070] Preferably, the conveying device 40 can be configured as a roller conveyor, such as... Figure 3 As shown. Receiver 21 can have a larger capacity than the tank provided in the first embodiment.

[0071] Similarly, in this embodiment, the dispensing machine 10 includes a measuring device 23 corresponding to the dispensing station 12, suitable for measuring the weight of the dispensed fluid, for example configured as a balance, preferably digital, and is entirely similar to the previous reference. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The balance described may be configured as a load cell. The measuring device 23 is integrated into the conveying device 40 in a manner known to those skilled in the art.

[0072] Special Reference Figures 4A-4H This describes a possible embodiment of a method for dispensing fluid products, which can be implemented, for example, on the dispensing machine 10 described above for dispensing fluid products.

[0073] According to some embodiments, the dispensing method preferably includes receiving a target dosage form selected by an operator via user interface 14 as input data, the target dosage form comprising at least one base fluid and an additional fluid, each of which will be dispensed in a predetermined amount to obtain the target dosage form.

[0074] After the input data is entered, the control unit 15 advantageously calculates the dose associated with each fluid to be dispensed, in proportions required to obtain the target dosage form.

[0075] Specifically, after calculating the dosage, the control unit 15 calculates the first duration T1 of the first time period for distributing the base fluid by weight through the first nozzle 20A and the second duration T2 of the second time period for distributing the additional fluid by volume through the second nozzle 20B.

[0076] The first duration T1 is calculated based on the operating parameters of the pumping device as described above, which is configured as a first weight distribution device, specifically based on its flow rate, i.e., based on the fluid distributed over time.

[0077] The second duration T2 is calculated based on the volume of fluid dispensed by the volumetric pump in each dispensing cycle and the execution time of that cycle, which in turn is a function of the speed of the pumping components. The control unit 15 then commands the dispensing of the base fluid and the additional fluid such that they are dispensed at least partially simultaneously.

[0078] In other words, after calculating the first duration T1 and the second duration T2, the control unit 15 commands the allocation of the base fluid and the additional fluid, such that the first and second time periods at least partially overlap or coincide. Figures 4A-4H ).

[0079] This can shorten the fluid dispensing time required to prepare the target dosage form. For example, tests and experiments have shown that the dispensing time for preparing 10.5 kg of fluid product is approximately 55 seconds, while sequential dispensing requires 1 minute and 30 seconds.

[0080] The method also provides for controlling the total distribution of the allocated fluid by means of a measuring device 23 connected to the control unit 15 to measure the total weight of the base fluid and the additional fluid.

[0081] In a preferred embodiment, the measuring device 23 transmits data related to the detected total weight of the dispensed fluid constituting the fluid to be dispensed to the control unit 15 in real time. The control unit 15 then commands the dispensing of the base fluid and additional fluid according to a feedback control mode based on the data received from the measuring device 23. This is advantageous because it allows for more precise and reliable control of the dispensing compared to solutions known in the prior art, which are configured to check the total weight only at the end of the dispensing cycle.

[0082] According to the first embodiment, the distribution of the base fluid and the additional fluid begins simultaneously. Figure 4A , Figure 4B and Figure 4CIf the first duration T1 and the second duration T2 are the same, the assignment operation ends simultaneously.

[0083] On the other hand, if the first duration T1 and the second duration T2 are different, then obviously the two allocation operations will end at two different times. If the first duration T1 is shorter than the second duration T2, then the allocation of the additional fluid ends after the allocation of the base fluid. Figure 4B Conversely, if the first duration T1 is longer than the second duration T2, the distribution of the base fluid ends after the distribution of the additional fluid. Figure 4C ).

[0084] It can also provide the ability to start two assignment operations at two different times, for example, ensuring that the two time periods end simultaneously even though the first duration T1 and the second duration T2 are different, or to make one of the assignment operations end before or after the other.

[0085] A possible variation of this method is to make the first duration T1 longer than the second duration T2, and to begin distributing additional fluid after the basic fluid distribution has started, but to end before the basic fluid distribution has finished. Figure 4D Thus, the allocation of additional fluid occurs as a background task, and the total duration of fluid allocation corresponds to the first duration T1. This corresponds to the condition for maximum productivity.

[0086] Alternatively, it can be configured such that, although the first duration T1 is longer than the second duration T2, the additional fluid is started after the base fluid is allocated, and is terminated after the allocation of the base fluid is completed. Figure 4E ).

[0087] In another embodiment, the first duration T1 is shorter than the second duration T2. ​​In this case, it can be configured such that the base fluid is allocated as a background task during the allocation of the additional fluid, starting after the allocation of the additional fluid begins and ending before the allocation of the additional fluid ends. Figure 4F Alternatively, it can be configured to begin distributing the base fluid after the distribution of the additional fluid has started and end after the distribution of the additional fluid has finished. Figure 4G ).

[0088] In any case, the start time of each allocation operation can be selected without considering the first allocation duration T1 and the second allocation duration T2, so that they end in the desired manner, i.e., one after another or simultaneously as required.

[0089] The fact that the distribution of the base fluid ends after the distribution of the additional fluid has the advantage of enabling more precise and faster distribution. In fact, by ending with the distribution of the base fluid, the termination of the overall distribution of the two fluids can be controlled based on the weight of the fluid in receiver 21.

[0090] Therefore, if a user notices, based on durations T1 and T2, that the basic fluid distribution will end before the additional fluid distribution is completed, they can temporarily and proactively interrupt the basic fluid distribution and restart it at a later time, thus ending it after the additional fluid distribution is finished. Figure 4H As shown. Alternatively, it can be set to temporarily interrupt the distribution of additional fluid, thus completing it after the distribution of the basic fluid is finished.

[0091] One advantage derived from this characteristic is that the initial mixing of the two fluids begins from the moment they are dispensed. This allows for a shorter mixing time after the receiver 21 is closed, thereby improving the productivity of the dispensing machine 10 (especially in industrial applications).

[0092] In this sense, it is advantageous that the second distribution duration T2 of the additional fluid is shorter than the first distribution duration T1 of the base fluid, thereby allowing for various time configurations for distributing the two fluids, which in any case allows the total distribution to be concluded by the distribution of the base fluid.

[0093] It is evident that modifications and / or additions can be made to the dispensing method and dispensing machine as described above without departing from the scope and range of the invention as defined by the claims. In the appended claims, the reference numerals enclosed in parentheses serve only for ease of reading: they should not be considered as limiting factors of the scope claimed in any particular claim.

Claims

1. A method for dispensing fluid products, comprising: The method uses a dispensing head (13) equipped with at least two dispensing nozzles (20) to dispense at least one base fluid and at least one additional fluid, wherein a first nozzle (20A) is configured to dispense the at least one base fluid by weight in a first weight dispensing step, and a second nozzle (20B) is configured to dispense the at least one additional fluid by volume in a second volume dispensing step, characterized in that the weight dispensing of the at least one base fluid and the volume dispensing of the at least one additional fluid occur at least partially simultaneously. The weight distribution of the base fluid occurs during the first duration. The volume distribution of the additional fluid occurs during the second duration. Wherein the first duration is longer than the second duration, and The volumetric distribution of the additional fluid occurs as a background task during the weight distribution of the base fluid. The method is further characterized in that the total distribution of the fluids constituting the fluid product is controlled by measuring the total weight of the base fluid and the additional fluids using a weight measuring device (23).

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The at least one base fluid and the at least one additional fluid are distributed to the same receiver (21) or to multiple receivers (21), which are located corresponding to the same distribution station (12) that includes the distribution head (13).

3. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The method provides a way to complete the weight distribution of the at least one base fluid before completing the volume distribution of the at least one additional fluid.

4. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The method provides a method for performing weight distribution of the at least one base fluid after the volume distribution of the at least one additional fluid has been completed.

5. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method provides for temporarily interrupting the distribution of one of the at least one basic fluid or the at least one additional fluid, and restarting it at a later time, thereby completing the distribution after the distribution of the other of the at least one basic fluid or the at least one additional fluid has been completed.

6. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, At least a portion of the base fluid and the additional fluid are simultaneously assigned commands by the control unit (15) connected to the weight measuring device (23).

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The control unit (15) is configured to control the distribution based on the weight of the distributed fluid and to automatically interrupt the distribution of the fluid when the total weight of the distributed fluid is reached.

8. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The weight measuring device (23) transmits data related to the total weight to the control unit (15) in real time. The control unit (15) then commands the weight distribution of the base fluid and the volume distribution of the additional fluid according to the feedback control mode based on the data received from the weight measuring device (23).

9. A distribution machine (10) comprising: At least two receiving units (11) for receiving at least one base fluid and at least one additional fluid, and each equipped with a weight distribution device for weight distribution of the at least one base fluid and a volume distribution device for volume distribution of the at least one additional fluid; a dispensing station (12) including a dispensing head (13) fluidly connected to the receiving units (11) and equipped with at least two dispensing nozzles (20), wherein a first nozzle (20A) is configured to weight distribute the at least one base fluid and a second nozzle (20B) is configured to volume distribute the at least one additional fluid; a user interface (14) for inputting input... The dispensing machine (10) is characterized by: input data for preparing fluid products; and a control unit (15) connected to the user interface and the dispensing device of the receiving unit (11) to command the weight dispensing of the at least one base fluid and the volume dispensing of the at least one additional fluid. The control unit (15) is configured to command the weight dispensing of the base fluid during a first duration and the volume dispensing of the additional fluid during a second duration, wherein the first duration is longer than the second duration, and wherein the control unit (15) is further configured to command the volume dispensing of the additional fluid to occur entirely during the weight dispensing of the base fluid. The distribution machine (10) is further characterized in that it includes a weight measuring device (23) disposed corresponding to the distribution station (12) and connected to the control unit (15), wherein the control unit (15) is configured to control the weight distribution of the base fluid and the volume distribution of the additional fluid based on the total weight of the distributed fluid.

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