Metering method with alternating supply and related device

Abstract

Metering methods with alternating supply and related devices. The invention relates to a metering method for a multi-component coating product for coating, comprising the following steps: providing a metering device (10) comprising a metering pump (14) and a respective component product supply channel (16, 18), each component product supply channel (16, 18) being provided with a respective valve (34, 36) having a closed configuration and an open configuration, the outlet (28) is adapted to be connected to a coating product applicator (13); and during a suction phase of the metering pump (14), the metering pump (14) sucks a quantity, the at least two respective valves (34, 36) being alternately in an open configuration one after the other during suction so that the quantity suctioned during the suction phase alternately comprises a plurality of component products. The invention also relates to an associated dosing device and a coating device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a metering method and a related device for multi-component products.

[0002] Multicomponent products consist, for example, of a plurality of components which are mixed, in particular in a defined ratio. Background Art

[0003] Document FR 2 928 466 A1 describes a method for controlling a metering device comprising a first pump for injecting a dose of a first component into a mixer and a second pump for injecting a dose of a second component into the mixture.

[0004] However, such systems require pumps capable of metering each component of the multi-component product.

[0005] Furthermore, mixing takes place only in the mixer. Summary of the invention

[0006] The object of the present invention is then to provide a simpler metering method which makes improved mixing possible.

[0007] To this end, the subject of the present invention relates to a method for metering a multi-component coating product for coating, the method comprising the following steps:

[0008] - providing a metering and dosing device, the metering and dosing device comprising a metering pump and a plurality of supply channels for corresponding component products, the metering pump having an inlet and an outlet, the inlet being connected to the plurality of supply channels for corresponding component products, each component product supply channel being provided with a corresponding valve, each valve having: at least one closed configuration, in which the valve prevents the corresponding component product from passing to the inlet; and at least one open configuration, in which the valve allows the corresponding component product to pass to the inlet, the outlet being suitable for being connected to a coating product applicator, and

[0009] During a suction phase of the metering pump, a quantity is sucked in by the metering pump, at least two corresponding valves being alternately in an open configuration one after the other during suction, so that the quantity sucked in during the suction phase alternately comprises a plurality of component products.

[0010] The metering device comprises only one metering pump, so that the device is simpler, and the selective selection of the supply channel is realized by selectively opening the corresponding supply channel. In addition, the component products are already in contact in the metering pump. By making the component products alternately enter the inlet space of the metering pump, different components can be obtained directly one after another in a cyclic manner, thereby enhancing mixing.

[0011] According to further advantageous aspects of the invention, the metering method comprises one or more of the following features, taken alone or in all technically possible combinations:

[0012] - the metering device comprises at least two supply channels for the respective component products, a gas supply channel and a solvent supply channel;

[0013] - the multi-component product consists of a given number of component products, and the suction comprises the following steps in sequence: opening a first valve in a supply channel for a first component product, sucking a first amount of the first component product by means of a metering pump, closing the first valve, opening a second valve in a supply channel for a second component product, sucking a second amount of the second component product by means of a metering pump, closing the second valve, and so on, until a given number of valves are reached, and the aforementioned steps are repeated throughout the suction phase,

[0014] - the pumping comprises a pumping cycle which is repeated throughout the pumping phase, during which at least two corresponding valves are in the open configuration one after the other;

[0015] - during a puff cycle, the amount of each respective component product sucked in is equal to the product of the respective predetermined ratio and the total amount of the respective component product sucked in during the puff cycle, the sum of the respective predetermined ratios being equal to 1;

[0016] - the metering method comprises detecting the suction volume of the metering pump during suction, more specifically, the suction volume is detected by a suction volume sensor or a metering pump motion sensor;

[0017] - the metering pump is a piston pump;

[0018] - each component product supply channel of the metering device comprises a respective secondary pump adapted to pump the respective component product to the inlet of the metering pump, each respective secondary pump being arranged upstream of a respective valve of the component product supply channel; and / or

[0019] The metering device comprises a mixer which is situated downstream of the outlet of the metering pump, more particularly arranged in the vicinity of the outlet of the metering pump.

[0020] The present invention also relates to a metering and dosing device for a multi-component product, which includes a metering pump, a plurality of supply channels for corresponding component products and a control module, wherein the metering pump has an inlet and an outlet, the inlet is connected to the plurality of supply channels for corresponding component products, each component product supply channel is provided with a corresponding valve, each valve having: at least one closed configuration, in which the valve prevents the corresponding component product from passing to the inlet; and at least one open configuration, in which the valve allows the corresponding component product to pass to the inlet, the outlet is suitable for being connected to a coating product applicator, the control module is capable of controlling the corresponding valve, and the control module is constructed to implement suction according to the suction step of the above-mentioned metering method.

[0021] The present invention also relates to a coating device for multi-component coating products, which comprises the above-mentioned metering and dosing device and a coating product applicator, wherein the coating product applicator is connected to the outlet of the metering pump so that the metering pump supplies the coating product applicator. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] The invention will become more apparent by reading the following description which is given by way of example only and not by way of limitation, and by referring to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0023] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an example of a metering and dosing device according to a first embodiment of the present invention during operation,

[0024] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of an example of a metering and dosing device according to a second embodiment of the present invention during operation,

[0025] Figure 3 is an example of a metering pump for the metering and dosing device according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] Now refer to Figure 1 A first example of a metering device 10 for a multi-component paint product for painting according to a first embodiment of the present invention is described.

[0027] Multi-component coating products are, for example, paints.

[0028] The viscosity of the multi-component coating product is, for example, between 100 Cps and 10,000 Cps.

[0029] The metering device 10 is included in this case in a coating product application device 12 .

[0030] The coating device 12 further comprises a coating product applicator 13 .

[0031] The metering device 10 comprises a metering pump 14 and a plurality of supply channels 16 , 18 for the respective component products.

[0032] The metering device 10 here also comprises a gas supply channel 20 and / or at least one solvent supply channel 22 , here comprises one gas supply channel 20 and at least one solvent supply channel 22 , in the example comprises one gas supply channel 20 and one solvent supply channel 22 .

[0033] The metering device 10 here also comprises an electronic system 24 .

[0034] The metering pump 14 includes an inlet 26 and an outlet 28 .

[0035] Metering pumps are capable of pumping a fixed amount of fluid, either liquid or gas.

[0036] The metering pump has, for example, a cylinder capacity of between 10 cc and 500 cc.

[0037] The metering pump has at least one suction phase.

[0038] In one embodiment, the metering pump has a suction phase and a non-suction phase.

[0039] During the suction phase, the fluid amount corresponding to the cylinder capacity of the metering pump enters the metering pump at the inlet. In addition, during the suction phase, the fluid amount corresponding to the first part (here half) of the cylinder capacity of the pump is discharged from the pump at the outlet.

[0040] During the non-suction phase, no fluid enters the metering pump at the inlet. An amount of fluid corresponding to the second part (the complement of the first part, here half) of the cylinder capacity of the pump is discharged from the pump at the outlet.

[0041] In the example, the metering pump 14 is a piston pump.

[0042] As mentioned above, piston pumps operate with a suction phase and a non-suction phase.

[0043] Figure 3 , for example, shows an example of a piston pump used as metering pump 14 during the suction phase.

[0044] The metering pump comprises, for example, a cylinder 70 and a piston head 72 which defines two chambers of variable volume in the cylinder, which are referred to as an upstream chamber 74 and a downstream chamber 76 .

[0045] The inlet 26 is arranged opposite the outlet 28 .

[0046] The inlet 26 opens into the upstream chamber 74 opposite to the downstream chamber 76 , and the outlet 28 opens into the downstream chamber 76 opposite to the upstream chamber 74 .

[0047] The piston head 72 is provided with a supply valve 78 .

[0048] The piston head defines an opening 80 for fluid to flow from the upstream chamber 74 to the downstream chamber 76 , and the drain valve 78 prevents fluid from flowing from the downstream chamber 76 to the upstream chamber 74 .

[0049] The discharge valve 78 includes, for example, a valve seat 82 which is defined by a piston head and surrounds an opening, and a valve ball 84 which can rest on the valve seat 82 .

[0050] The piston pump is further provided with a suction valve 86 arranged at the inlet 26 of the metering pump.

[0051] The suction valve prevents fluid from leaving the metering pump at the inlet 26 .

[0052] The intake valve comprises, for example, a valve seat 88 surrounding the inlet 26 and a valve ball 90 which can rest on the valve seat.

[0053] During the suction phase of the metering pump, the piston head 72 moves towards the outlet 28. The amount of fluid contained in the downstream chamber 76 is discharged via the outlet 28. Furthermore, a vacuum is created in the upstream chamber 74 and fluid is sucked in at the inlet 26, more specifically, fluid corresponding to the cylinder capacity of the pump.

[0054] More specifically, the valve ball 90 of the suction valve 86 moves away from the valve seat 88 due to the negative pressure generated in the upstream chamber 74 , and the moved-away valve ball 84 of the discharge valve 78 rests on the valve seat 82 due to the overpressure in the downstream chamber.

[0055] During the non-suction phase of the metering pump, the piston head moves towards the inlet 26. No fluid enters through the inlet 26. The entire amount of fluid contained in the upstream chamber 74 moves towards the downstream chamber 76. A portion of the total amount of the pump (here half) is discharged from the downstream chamber 76 through the outlet 28.

[0056] More specifically, due to the overpressure generated in the upstream chamber 74 , the valve ball 90 of the suction valve 86 rests on the valve seat 88 , while the valve ball 84 of the discharge valve 78 moves away from the valve seat 82 and releases the opening 80 due to the negative pressure in the downstream chamber 76 .

[0057] Here, during the suction phase, a quantity corresponding to the cylinder capacity of the metering pump enters the metering pump at the inlet, and a quantity corresponding to half of the quantity leaves the pump at the outlet, and during the non-suction phase, a quantity corresponding to half of the quantity of the metering pump leaves the pump at the outlet, and no fluid enters the metering pump at the inlet.

[0058] Alternatively, the metering pump comprises a piston comprising a head without an opening and defining two non-communicating chambers, including a pumping chamber. The inlet and outlet of the metering pump are arranged in the same pumping chamber. The inlet and outlet more specifically open into a pumping chamber opposite to another chamber defined by the head. For example, both the inlet and the outlet are equipped with non-return valves. The metering pump then has a suction phase and a non-suction phase, in which the pump sucks in a fluid amount equal to, for example, the cylinder capacity of the pump and does not discharge any fluid, and in the non-suction phase, the pump discharges said fluid amount.

[0059] As an alternative to piston pumps, metering pumps are diaphragm pumps or ball pumps.

[0060] The outlet 28 is adapted to be connected to the coating product applicator 13 so that the metering pump 14 supplies the coating product applicator.

[0061] The applicator 13 is, for example, one or more spray guns, or one or more rotating spray bowls, or one or more flow valves.

[0062] The inlet is connected to a respective plurality of component product supply channels 16 , 18 , and further to a gas supply channel 20 and / or a solvent supply channel 22 as appropriate.

[0063] In the example, the connector is arranged at the inlet 26 .

[0064] The connector is, for example, a distribution unit.

[0065] A connector is connected to each supply channel.

[0066] Each component product supply channel 16 , 18 is capable of supplying a corresponding component product to the inlet of the metering pump 14 , for example from a respective tank 30 , 32 containing the corresponding component product specific to the supply channel.

[0067] The component product supply channels 16, 18 merge at a connection point, for example upstream of the inlet, which is connected to the inlet.

[0068] The connection point is, for example, adjacent to the inlet 26 .

[0069] Alternatively, each component product supply channel 16 , 18 is connected to the inlet 26 separately from the others.

[0070] Each component product supply passage 16 , 18 is provided with a respective valve 34 , 36 .

[0071] The respective valve 34 , 36 is arranged upstream of the inlet 26 , more specifically, where appropriate, upstream of the connection point.

[0072] The respective valve 34 , 36 is arranged here downstream of the respective tank 30 , 32 .

[0073] Each valve 34, 36 has at least one closed configuration and at least one open configuration. In the closed configuration, the valve prevents the corresponding component product from passing through the valve, that is, it prevents the corresponding component product from passing through the inlet 26. In the open configuration, the valve allows the corresponding component product to pass through the valve, that is, it allows the corresponding component product to pass through the inlet 26.

[0074] Each valve 34, 36 has a closed configuration and a plurality of open configurations. The flow rate of the respective component product through the valve differs depending on the open configuration.

[0075] Alternatively, each valve 34 , 36 here has only one closed configuration and one open configuration.

[0076] The flow rates of the respective component products in the supply channel can then be adjusted, for example, at another location outside the supply channel, for example using a flow control valve, for example at the applicator 13 or on the outlet line 44 .

[0077] The gas supply channel 20 is capable of supplying gas, more particularly air, such as compressed air, to the inlet 26 .

[0078] The solvent supply passage 22 can supply solvent to the inlet 26 , for example, from a solvent tank 38 containing the solvent.

[0079] In one embodiment, the solvent supply channel is a component supply channel as described above, and the multi-component product contains a solvent.

[0080] The gas supply channel 20 and the solvent supply channel 22 meet at a connection point upstream of the inlet, for example, which is connected to the inlet. The connection point is, for example, the same as the connection point of the component product supply channels 16, 18, where all supply channels meet.

[0081] Alternatively, each supply channel 16 , 18 , 20 , 22 is connected to the inlet 26 separately from each other.

[0082] The gas supply passage 20 is provided with a gas valve 40 .

[0083] More specifically, in the example, the gas valve 40 is arranged at the upstream end of the gas supply passage 20 .

[0084] The gas valve 40 can, for example, take in gas, more particularly air, from the atmosphere surrounding the metering device 10 .

[0085] Where appropriate, the gas valve 40 is arranged upstream of the inlet 26, more specifically upstream of the connection point.

[0086] The gas valve 40 has at least one closed configuration in which the gas valve prevents gas from passing through the gas valve 40 to the inlet 26 and at least one open configuration in which the gas valve allows gas to pass through the gas valve 40 to the inlet 26 .

[0087] As described above with respect to valves 34 , 36 , the gas valve 40 has, for example, one closed configuration and multiple open configurations, or alternatively has only one closed configuration and one open configuration.

[0088] The solvent supply passage 22 is provided with a solvent valve 42 .

[0089] The solvent valve 42 is arranged upstream of the inlet 26 , more specifically, where appropriate, upstream of the connection point.

[0090] The solvent valve 42 is arranged here downstream of the solvent tank 38 .

[0091] The solvent valve 42 has at least one closed configuration in which the solvent valve prevents solvent from passing through the valve 42 to the inlet and at least one open configuration in which the solvent valve allows solvent to pass through the valve 42 to the inlet 26 .

[0092] As described above with respect to valves 34, 36, solvent valve 42 has, for example, one closed configuration and multiple open configurations, or alternatively has only one closed configuration and one open configuration.

[0093] The coating device 12 also includes an outlet line 44 .

[0094] The outlet line 44 here extends between an upstream end and a downstream end.

[0095] The outlet line 44 , more specifically its upstream end, is connected to the outlet 28 of the metering pump 14 .

[0096] The downstream end is connected to the coater 13 .

[0097] More specifically, the metering pump 14 discharges the product contained in the metering pump into the outlet line 44 .

[0098] The metering device 10 further comprises a mixer 45 , here a mechanical mixer, more particularly a static mixer, which is situated downstream of the outlet 28 of the metering pump, more particularly arranged in the vicinity of the outlet 28 of the metering pump.

[0099] The mixer 45 is here arranged in the outlet line 44 , more specifically at the upstream end of the outlet line 44 .

[0100] The metering device 10 is also provided with a sensor 46 for the amount of fluid entering the metering pump 14 or a sensor for the movement of the metering pump 14 .

[0101] In the example, the sensor 46 is capable and arranged to measure the movement of a piston of the metering pump 14 .

[0102] Alternatively, the sensor 46 can detect a parameter related to the metering pump that is directly dependent on the amount of fluid entering the metering pump 14 .

[0103] Additionally or alternatively, a sensor 46 is disposed at the inlet 26 and measures the amount of fluid entering the metering pump 14 via the inlet 26 .

[0104] The sensor 46 provides, for example, an analog signal, such as intake or piston movement.

[0105] Alternatively, the sensor 46 provides a digital signal, such as a notch or threshold corresponding to the amount of entry or piston movement.

[0106] The electronic device 24 includes an information processing unit including, for example, a memory and a processor associated with the memory.

[0107] The electronic device 24 includes a control module 48 .

[0108] As described more specifically below, the control module 48 is capable of controlling the respective valves 34 , 36 of the supply passages.

[0109] For example, the control module 48 is connected to the valves 34 , 36 , such as by a wired or remote connection.

[0110] The control module 48 is also capable of controlling the gas valve 40 and the solvent valve 42 as appropriate.

[0111] For example, the control module 48 is connected to the valves 40 , 42 , such as by a wired or remote connection.

[0112] The response time of each valve 34 , 36 , 40 , 42 to the commands of the control module 48 is between 100 and 250 milliseconds.

[0113] The control module 48 is configured to implement the aspiration as described in the metering method described below.

[0114] The control device 24 further comprises a monitoring module 50 .

[0115] The monitoring module 50 is connected to the control module 48 .

[0116] The monitoring module 50 is also connected to the sensor 46 , such as by a wired or remote connection.

[0117] More specifically, the monitoring module 50 is adapted to receive information from the sensor 46 , more specifically, to receive signals provided by the sensor 46 comprising measurements made by the sensor 46 .

[0118] The monitoring module 50 is able to determine the amount of fluid entering the metering pump 14 and the nature of the fluid entering the pump 14 based on the configuration of each valve.

[0119] The monitoring module 50 is then able to determine the amount of each fluid that enters the metering pump 14 in sequence.

[0120] The control module 48 and, if appropriate, the monitoring module 50 are both made in the form of software or software blocks executable by the processor. The memory of the electronic device can store the control software and the monitoring software. The processor can execute each software program in the control software and the monitoring software.

[0121] In a variant (not shown), the control module 48 and, if appropriate, the monitoring module 50 are made in the form of programmable logic components such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) or in the form of an integrated circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit).

[0122] When the electronic device is made in the form of one or more software programs, i.e. in the form of a computer program, it can also be recorded on a computer-readable medium (not shown). A computer-readable medium is, for example, a medium capable of storing electronic instructions and coupled to a bus of a computer system. For example, the readable medium is an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a ROM, a RAM, any type of non-volatile memory (e.g., FLASH or NVRAM), or a magnetic card. The computer program containing the software instructions is stored on a readable medium.

[0123] exist Figure 1 In the example shown, the metering pump 14 draws fluid during the suction phase by so-called passive suction, i.e. during the suction phase, the metering pump 4 generates a negative pressure at its inlet 26, thereby sucking fluid, more specifically fluid from the channels whose corresponding valves are in the open configuration.

[0124] This arrangement is particularly simple.

[0125] Now refer to Figure 2 A second example of a metering device 110 for a multi-component coating product for coating according to a second embodiment of the present invention is described.

[0126] Only the features of the second embodiment that are different from the first embodiment will be described in the following description. In addition, except for these features, the metering and dosing device 110 is the same as the metering and dosing device of the first example.

[0127] The same or similar components are denoted by the same reference numerals followed by 100.

[0128] In the second embodiment, each component product supply channel 116 , 118 includes a respective secondary pump 160 , 162 adapted to pump the respective component product to the inlet 126 of the metering pump 114 .

[0129] Each respective secondary pump 160 , 162 is arranged upstream of a respective valve 134 , 136 of the supply passage 116 , 118 .

[0130] Each respective secondary pump 160 , 162 is, for example, arranged downstream of a respective tank (not shown).

[0131] The gas supply channel 120 is provided with a compressor 164 adapted to compress the gas towards the inlet 126 of the metering pump 114 .

[0132] Compressor 164 is arranged upstream of gas valve 140 .

[0133] More specifically, the compressor 164 is capable of taking gas, more specifically air, from the atmosphere surrounding it and compressing the gas in the gas supply passage 120 upstream of the gas valve 140 .

[0134] The solvent supply channel 122 is provided with a secondary solvent pump 166 adapted to pump the solvent to the inlet 126 of the metering pump 114 .

[0135] The secondary solvent pump 166 is arranged upstream of the solvent valve 142 .

[0136] The secondary solvent pump 166 is, for example, arranged downstream of a solvent tank (not shown).

[0137] exist Figure 2 In the example shown, the metering pump 114 draws in the fluid during the suction phase by so-called active suction, i.e. the fluid is pushed by the corresponding secondary pump or compressor towards the inlet 126. During the suction phase, the metering pump 114 then draws in the pushed fluid, more specifically, one or more fluids from the channels whose corresponding valves are in the open configuration.

[0138] The metering method for the multi-component coating product for coating will now be described.

[0139] The measurement method includes the following steps:

[0140] - providing a metering device 10, 110 as described above,

[0141] During the suction phase of the metering pumps 14 , 114 , a certain amount is sucked in by the metering pumps 14 and 114 .

[0142] More specifically, the metering method comprises such a pumping step during each pumping phase of the metering pump 14 , 114 .

[0143] During suction, at least two corresponding valves 34, 36, 134, 136 of the supply channels 16, 18, 116, 118 are alternately in an open configuration one after the other, so that the amount sucked in during this suction phase alternately comprises a plurality of component products.

[0144] The control module 48 , 148 implements the suction step by controlling the valves sequentially.

[0145] A plurality of component products form the multi-component product.

[0146] In this case, a multicomponent product consists of a given number of component products.

[0147] In a particular embodiment, the multi-component product here consists of given quantities of component products in predetermined ratios.

[0148] During the pumping process, the valves 34 , 36 , 134 , 136 of the supply channels 16 , 18 , 116 , 118 corresponding to the component products of the given quantity of component products are set alternately one after the other in the open configuration.

[0149] The minimum intake of one component product or solvent during the valve opening period is, for example, greater than or equal to 0.5 cubic centimeters, more particularly greater than or equal to 1 cubic centimeter, and more particularly between 1 and 20 cubic centimeters.

[0150] The maximum intake of one component product or solvent during the valve opening period is, for example, less than or equal to 1000 cubic centimeters, more particularly between 100 and 1000 cubic centimeters.

[0151] At any time, no more than one valve in a gas or solvent supply channel may be open at a time.

[0152] Here, the pumping comprises the following steps in the current order:

[0153] - opening a first valve in the supply channel for the first component product,

[0154] - pumping the first component product through a metering pump to suck in a first amount of the first component product,

[0155] - Close the first valve,

[0156] - opening the second valve in the supply channel for the second component product,

[0157] - pumping the second component product through the metering pump to suck in a second amount of the second component product,

[0158] - Close the second valve,

[0159] And so on, until a given number of valves is reached, the above steps are repeated throughout the entire suction phase.

[0160] In this case, the first quantity and the second quantity each remain the same between repetitions of the preceding steps.

[0161] Alternatively, the inhalation step is performed in durations: the first component product is inhaled during a first duration and the second component product is inhaled during a second duration, the first duration and the second duration respectively remaining the same between repetitions of the step.

[0162] During the suction phase, each valve of the products making up the multi-component product is opened and then closed in sequence, this process being repeated throughout the duration of the suction phase of the metering pump 14 , 114 .

[0163] In this case, suction includes suction cycles.

[0164] During an inhalation cycle, at least two corresponding valves are sequentially placed in the open configuration.

[0165] More specifically, during an inhalation cycle, at least two corresponding valves are sequentially opened and then closed.

[0166] The pumping cycle is repeated throughout the pumping phase.

[0167] The quantity sucked in by the metering pump 14 , 114 during each suction phase of the metering pump thus comprises the component products in the form of slices which occur alternately and repeatedly along the suction quantity.

[0168] If a puff cycle is in progress at the end of a puff phase, the puff cycle will resume where it left off during the following puff phase.

[0169] For example, for a pump suction volume of 100cc, if the amount of the first component product to be sucked is 1cc and the amount of the second component product is 51cc, during the first suction phase, for example, 1cc of the first component product, 51cc of the second component product, 1cc of the first component product, and then only 47cc of the second component product are sucked in sequence. Therefore, the second suction phase begins with sucking 4cc of the second component product first, then resuming a suction cycle, and so on.

[0170] In a particular embodiment, during a puff cycle, the amount of each respective component product inhaled is equal to the product of the respective predetermined ratio and the total amount of the respective component product inhaled during the puff cycle, and the sum of the respective ratios is equal to 1.

[0171] The respective ratios correspond to predetermined proportions of the component products in the multi-component product.

[0172] More specifically, the valve of the aspirated component product is moved into the closed configuration, more specifically by the control module 48, when the amount of the component product equals the product of the respective predetermined ratio and the total amount of the respective component product aspirated during the aspiration cycle.

[0173] The product at the outlet 28, 128 of the metering pump 14, 114 is then in the desired proportions for the multi-component product.

[0174] For example, for a multi-component product comprising products A and B in a ratio of 1:100, the corresponding ratio for product A is 1 / 101 and the corresponding ratio for product B is 100 / 101. If a given amount of product A is inhaled, 100 times the given amount of product B is inhaled.

[0175] The metering method advantageously comprises detecting the volume sucked in by the metering pump 14 , 114 during the suction process, more particularly by means of the sensor 46 , 146 .

[0176] During the pumping period, the monitoring module 50 , 150 of the electronic device 24 , 124 can then determine the amount of each fluid that enters the metering pump 14 , 114 in turn.

[0177] During the suction process, when the metering pumps 14, 114 suck in a component product, when the amount of the sucked component product monitored by the monitoring modules 50, 150 reaches the required amount, the control modules 48, 148 send an instruction to the corresponding valve to switch it to a closed configuration, and then, for example, send an instruction to the next valve to switch it to an open configuration.

[0178] In the above example, during the suction process, the metering pump 14 , 114 further discharges a portion of the fluid at the outlet 28 , 128 towards the outlet line 44 , 144 , which portion of the fluid is here half the cylinder capacity of the metering pump.

[0179] When the metering pump includes a suction phase and a non-suction phase, during the non-suction phase, if the target amount has been successfully sucked during the previous suction phase, the valve 34, 36, 134, 136, and when applicable, the valve 40, 42, 140, 142, is in a closed configuration. More specifically, if the relevant valve is not already in the closed configuration, the control module 48, 148 sends a signal to the valve 34, 36, 134, 136, and when applicable, the valve 40, 42, 140, 142 to move the valve to the closed configuration.

[0180] If the target amount of fluid to be inhaled at the end of a suction phase is not inhaled during a suction phase, the corresponding valve remains open during the non-suction phase until a supplementary amount is inhaled as soon as the next suction phase begins.

[0181] The metering method thus alternately comprises suction steps and suction-free steps.

[0182] In the above example, during the non-suction step, the metering pump discharges at the outlet 28 a supplementary portion of the fluid portion that has been discharged during suction, here half the cylinder capacity of the metering pump.

[0183] In the above example, during the suction process, the metering pump 14, 114 also discharges a portion of the fluid at the outlet 28, where the portion of the fluid is half of the cylinder capacity of the metering pump.

[0184] By allowing the component products to enter the inlet space of the metering pump alternately, the different components can be obtained directly one after the other in a cyclic manner, thereby enhancing the mixing.

[0185] More specifically, in the case of a piston pump as described above, the movement of the piston head already creates a premixing between the slices in the metering pump.

[0186] This thus makes it possible to improve the mixing of multi-component products.

Claims

1. A method for metering a multi-component coating product for coating, comprising the following steps: - providing a metering and dosing device (10; 110), the metering and dosing device comprising a metering pump (14; 114) and a plurality of corresponding component product supply channels (16, 18; 116, 118), the metering pump (14; 114) having an inlet (26; 126) and an outlet (28; 128), the inlet (26; 126) being connected to the plurality of corresponding component product supply channels (16, 18; 116, 118), each component product supply channel (16, 18; 116, 118) being provided with a corresponding valves (34, 36; 134, 136), each valve (34, 36; 134, 136) having: at least one closed configuration, in which the valve (34, 36; 134, 136) prevents the corresponding component product from passing to the inlet (26; 126); and at least one open configuration, in which the valve (34, 36; 134, 136) allows the corresponding component product to pass to the inlet (26; 126), the outlet (28; 128) being adapted to be connected to a coating product applicator (13), and - during a suction phase of the metering pump (14; 114), a certain amount is sucked in by the metering pump (14; 114), at least two corresponding valves (34, 36; 134, 136) being alternately in an open configuration one after the other during the suction phase, so that the amount sucked in during the suction phase alternately comprises a plurality of component products, wherein the pumping comprises a pumping cycle which is repeated throughout the pumping phase, during which at least two corresponding valves (16, 18; 116, 118) are in an open configuration one after the other, and If, at the end of a suction phase, a suction cycle is in progress, the suction cycle is resumed at the point of interruption during the following suction phase.

2. The measuring method according to claim 1, wherein: The metering device (10; 110) comprises at least two corresponding component product supply channels (16, 18; 116, 118), a gas supply channel (20; 120) and a solvent supply channel (22; 122).

3. The measuring method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The multi-component coating product is composed of a given number of component products, and the suction comprises the following steps in sequence: opening a first valve in a first component product supply channel, sucking a first amount of the first component product through a metering pump (14; 114), closing the first valve, opening a second valve in a second component product supply channel, sucking a second amount of the second component product through a metering pump (14; 114), closing the second valve, and so on, until a given number of valves are reached, and the aforementioned steps are repeated throughout the entire suction stage.

4. The measuring method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: During the suction cycle, the amount of each respective component product inhaled is equal to the product of the respective predetermined ratio and the total amount of the respective component product inhaled during the suction cycle, and the sum of the respective predetermined ratios is equal to 1.

5. The measuring method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The metering method comprises detecting the suction volume of a metering pump (14; 114) during suction.

6. The measuring method according to claim 5, wherein: The suction volume is detected by a suction volume sensor or a metering pump movement sensor (46; 146).

7. The measuring method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The metering pump (14; 114) is a piston pump.

8. The measuring method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: Each component product supply channel (116, 118) of the metering and dosing device (110) includes a corresponding secondary pump (160, 162), which is suitable for pumping the corresponding component product to the inlet (126) of the metering pump (114), and each corresponding secondary pump (160, 162) is arranged upstream of the corresponding valve (134, 136) of the component product supply channel (116, 118).

9. The measuring method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The metering device (10; 110) comprises a mixer (45; 145) located downstream of an outlet (28; 128) of a metering pump (14; 114).

10. The measuring method according to claim 9, wherein: The mixer (45; 145) is arranged near the outlet (28; 128) of the metering pump (14; 114).

11. A metering and dosing device (10; 110) for a multi-component product, comprising a metering pump (14; 114), a plurality of corresponding component product supply channels (16, 18; 116, 118), and a control module (48; 148), wherein the metering pump (14; 114) has an inlet (26; 126) and an outlet (28; 128), wherein the inlet (26; 126) is connected to the plurality of corresponding component product supply channels (16, 18; 116, 118), each component product supply channel (16, 18; 116, 118) is provided with a corresponding valve (34, 36; 134, 136), each valve (34, 36; 134, 136) 34, 136) having: at least one closed configuration, in the closed configuration, the valve (34, 36; 134, 136) prevents the corresponding component product from passing to the inlet (26; 126); and at least one open configuration, in the open configuration, the valve (34, 36; 134, 136) allows the corresponding component product to pass to the inlet (26; 126), the outlet (28; 128) is suitable for being connected to a coating product applicator (13), the control module (48; 148) is suitable for controlling the corresponding valve (34, 36; 134, 136), and the control module (48; 148) is constructed to implement suction according to the suction step of the metering method according to claim 1 or 2.

12. A coating device (12) for a multi-component coating product, comprising a metering device (10; 110) according to claim 11 and a coating product applicator (13; 113), the coating product applicator (13; 113) being connected to an outlet (28; 128) of a metering pump (14; 114) so ​​that the metering pump (14; 14) feeds the coating product applicator (13; 113).

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