Administration process by alternate supply and related device

Abstract

To provide a measuring method for a multicomponent coating product for coating which enables improved mixing and is more simple.SOLUTION: A method includes: a step of providing a measuring pump (10) including a measuring pump (14) and each component product supply channels (16 and 18), in which each of the component product supply channels (16 and 18) are each provided with valves (34 and 36) having closed configurations and opened configurations, and an outlet (28) is suitable for being connected to a coating product coating device (13); and a step of sucking volumes by the measuring pump (14) during a suction stage of the measuring pump (14), in which at least the two valves of valves (34 and 36) alternately form the opened configurations during suction so that the volumes sucked during the suction stage alternately include a plurality of component products. Furthermore, there are provided a related measuring device and a coating device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a metering method and associated device for multi-component products. [Background technology]

[0002] A multi-component product, for example, consists of several components mixed together in particular given ratios.

[0003] US Patent No. 5,393,633 describes a method for controlling a metering device that includes a first pump for injecting a portion of a first component into a mixer and a second pump for injecting a portion of a second component into the mixer.

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

[0005] Moreover, mixing is performed only in the mixer. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] FR2928466A1 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] The object of the present invention is therefore to propose a simpler metering method which allows improved mixing. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] For this purpose, the subject of the present invention relates to a method for applying a multi-component coating product, the method comprising the following steps: - providing a metering device comprising a metering pump and a plurality of supply channels for respective component products, the metering pump having an inlet and an outlet, the inlet being connected to the plurality of supply channels for the respective component products, each component product supply channel being provided with a respective valve, each valve having at least one closed configuration in which the valve blocks passage of a corresponding component product to the inlet and at least one open configuration in which the valve allows passage of a corresponding component product to the inlet, the outlet being suitable for connection to a coating product applicator; - aspirating a volume by the metering pump during a suction phase of the metering pump, at least two of the respective valves being alternately in an open configuration during aspiration such that the volume aspirated during said suction phase alternately comprises the multiple component products.

[0009] The metering device includes only one metering pump, which makes the device simpler and the selective selection of the supply channels is achieved by selective opening of the corresponding supply channels. Moreover, the component products are already in contact in the metering pump. By alternating the component products in the inlet volume of the metering pump, it is possible to have the different components alternate cyclically directly, which promotes mixing.

[0010] According to other advantageous aspects of the invention, the weighing method comprises one or more of the following features, taken individually or according to all technically possible combinations, the features being: - the metering device comprises at least two supply channels for each component product, namely a gas supply channel and a solvent supply channel, the multi-component product consists of a given number of component products, the aspiration comprising, in the current order, the following steps: opening a first valve in the supply channel of a first component product, aspirating a first volume of the first component product by means of a metering pump, closing the first valve, opening a second valve in the supply channel of a second component product, aspirating a second volume of the second component product by means of a metering pump, closing the second valve, etc., until the given number of valves is reached, said aforementioned steps being repeated throughout the aspiration phase, - the aspiration includes an aspiration cycle, said aspiration cycle being repeated throughout the aspiration phase, and at least two of the respective valves being alternately in an open configuration during the aspiration cycle; - during a suction cycle, the volume of each respective component product aspirated is equal to the product of each respective predetermined fraction and the total volume of each respective component product aspirated during the suction cycle, the sum of the respective fractions being equal to 1; the metering process comprises detection of the aspirated volume during aspiration by the metering pump, more particularly by a sensor relative to the aspirated volume or a sensor relative to the movement of the metering pump; - The metering pump is a piston pump; - each component product supply channel of the metering device comprises a respective secondary pump, each secondary pump being suitable for pumping a respective component product to an inlet of the metering pump, each respective secondary pump being arranged upstream of a respective valve of the component product supply channel; and / or The metering device includes a mixer that is positioned downstream of the outlet of the metering pump, more specifically adjacent to the outlet of the metering pump.

[0011] The present invention further relates to a device for metering a multi-component product comprising a metering pump, a plurality of supply channels for respective component products, and a control module, the metering pump having an inlet and an outlet, the inlet being connected to the plurality of supply channels for the respective component products, each component product supply channel being provided with a respective valve, each valve having at least one closed configuration in which the valve blocks passage of a corresponding component product to the inlet and at least one open configuration in which the valve allows passage of a corresponding component product to the inlet, the outlets being suitable for connection to a coating product applicator, the control module being suitable for controlling the respective valves, the control module being configured to perform suction according to the suction step of the above-mentioned method.

[0012] The present invention further relates to an application device for a multi-component coating product comprising the above-described metering device and a coating product applicator, the coating product applicator being connected to the outlet of the metering pump, whereby the metering pump supplies the coating product applicator.

[0013] The invention will become clearer on reading the following description, given purely as a non-limiting example, with reference to the drawings, in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an example of a metering device in operation according to a first embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of an example of a metering device in operation according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram of an example of a metering pump for a metering device in accordance with the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0015] A first example of a metering device 10 for a multi-component coating product for application according to a first embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to FIG.

[0016] A multi-component coating product is, for example, a paint.

[0017] Multi-component coating products, for example, have viscosities comprised between 100 Cps and 10,000 Cps.

[0018] The metering device 10 is herein contained within a coating product application device 12 .

[0019] The application device 12 further includes a coating product applicator 13 .

[0020] The metering device 10 includes a metering pump 14 and a number of delivery channels 16, 18 for each of the component products.

[0021] The metering device 10 further includes, herein, one gas supply channel 20 and / or at least one solvent supply channel 22, herein one gas supply channel 20 and at least one solvent supply channel 22, in the illustrated example one gas supply channel 20 and one solvent supply channel 22.

[0022] The metering device 10 herein further includes an electronic device 24 .

[0023] The metering pump 14 includes an inlet 26 and an outlet 28 .

[0024] A metering pump is suitable for pumping a given volume of a fluid, either a liquid or a gas.

[0025] The metering pump may have a stroke volume, for example, between 10 cc and 500 cc, inclusive.

[0026] The metering pump has at least one suction stage.

[0027] In one embodiment, the metering pump has an aspiration stage and a non-aspiration stage.

[0028] During the suction phase, a volume corresponding to the stroke volume of the metering pump enters the metering pump at the inlet, and in addition, during the suction phase, a volume corresponding to a first portion, here half, of the stroke volume of the pump leaves the pump at the outlet.

[0029] During the non-suction phase, no fluid enters the metering pump at the inlet. A volume corresponding to a first portion of the pump's stroke volume, here a second portion that is half-filled, leaves the pump at the outlet.

[0030] In the illustrated example, the metering pump 14 is a piston pump.

[0031] The piston pump operates in suction and non-suction phases as explained above.

[0032] An example of a piston pump used as metering pump 14 is shown in FIG. 3, for example, during the suction phase.

[0033] The metering pump, for example, includes a cylinder 70 and a piston head 72 that defines two chambers of variable volume within the cylinder, referred to as an upstream chamber 74 and a downstream chamber 76 .

[0034] The inlet 26 is disposed opposite the outlet 28 .

[0035] The inlet 26 opens into an upstream chamber 74 opposite a downstream chamber 76 , and the outlet 28 opens into the downstream chamber 76 opposite the upstream chamber 74 .

[0036] The piston head 72 is here provided with a drain valve 78 .

[0037] The piston head defines an opening 80 for the passage of fluid from the upstream chamber 74 to the downstream chamber 76 , and a drain valve 78 prevents the passage of fluid from the downstream chamber 76 to the upstream chamber 74 .

[0038] The exhaust valve 78 includes, for example, a seat 82 bounded by a head and surrounding an opening, and a ball 84 adapted to rest on the seat 82 .

[0039] The piston pump is further provided with a suction valve 86 disposed at the inlet 26 of the metering pump.

[0040] The suction valve prevents fluid from leaving the metering pump at inlet 26 .

[0041] The suction valve includes, for example, a seat 88 surrounding the inlet 26 and a ball 90 adapted to rest on the seat.

[0042] During the suction phase of the metering pump, the piston head 72 moves towards the outlet 28. The volume contained in the downstream chamber 76 is expelled via the outlet 28. Furthermore, a vacuum is created in the upstream chamber 74 and fluid is drawn in at the inlet 26, more specifically corresponding to the stroke volume of the pump.

[0043] More specifically, the ball 90 of the intake valve 86 moves away from the seat 88 due to the negative pressure created in the upstream chamber 74, and the ball 84 moves away from the exhaust valve 78 which rests on the seat 82 due to the overpressure in the downstream chamber.

[0044] 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 volume contained in the upstream chamber 74 moves towards the downstream chamber 76. A portion of the total pump volume, here half, is expelled from the downstream chamber 76 via the outlet 28.

[0045] More specifically, the ball 90 of the suction valve 86 rests on the seat 88 due to the overpressure created in the upstream chamber 74, and the ball 84 of the exhaust valve 78 moves away from the exhaust valve seat 82 due to the negative pressure in the downstream chamber 76, opening the aperture 80.

[0046] Herein, during the suction phase, a volume corresponding to the stroke volume of the metering pump enters the metering pump at the inlet and a volume corresponding to half the metering pump volume leaves the pump at the outlet, and during the non-suction phase, a volume corresponding to half the metering pump volume leaves the pump at the outlet and no fluid enters the metering pump at the inlet.

[0047] Alternatively, the metering pump comprises a piston with a head that does not have an opening and defines two non-communicating chambers including the 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 the pumping chamber opposite the other chamber separated by the head. The inlet and outlet are each provided, for example, with a non-return valve. The metering pump thus has an intake phase, during which the pump draws in a volume of fluid, for example corresponding to the stroke volume of the pump, and expels no fluid at all, and a non-exhaust phase, during which the pump expels said volume of fluid.

[0048] As an alternative to a piston pump, the metering pump is a diaphragm pump or a ball pump.

[0049] The outlet 28 is suitable for connection to a coating product applicator 13 so that the metering pump 14 supplies the coating product to the applicator.

[0050] The applicator 13 may be, for example, one or more spray guns, or one or more rotary spray balls, or one or more flow valves.

[0051] The inlets are connected to a respective plurality of component product supply channels 16, 18 and further connected to gas supply channels 20 and / or solvent supply channels 22, as required.

[0052] In the illustrated example, the connector is located at the inlet 26 .

[0053] The connector is, for example, a distribution unit.

[0054] A connector is connected to each of the supply channels.

[0055] Each component product supply channel 16, 18 is suitable for supplying a corresponding component product to the inlet of the metering pump 14, for example from a respective tank 30, 32 specific to said supply channel containing the corresponding component product.

[0056] The component product supply channels 16, 18 meet at a junction point upstream of the inlet, which is connected to the inlet.

[0057] The connection point may be adjacent to the inlet 26, for example.

[0058] Alternatively, each component product supply channel 16, 18 is connected to the inlet 26 separately from each other.

[0059] Each component product supply channel 16,18 is provided with a respective valve 34,36.

[0060] Each valve 34, 36 is positioned upstream of the inlet 26, and more specifically, upstream of the connection point, as desired.

[0061] Respective valves 34,36 are herein positioned downstream of respective tanks 30,32.

[0062] Each valve 34, 36 has at least one closed configuration in which the valve prevents the passage of the corresponding component product through the valve, i.e., towards the inlet 26 herein, and at least one open configuration in which the valve allows the passage of the corresponding component product through the valve, i.e., towards the inlet 26 herein.

[0063] Each valve 34, 36 herein has a closed configuration and multiple open configurations, with the flow rate of the corresponding component product through said valve being different depending on the open configuration.

[0064] Alternatively, each valve 34, 36 herein has only one closed and one open configuration.

[0065] Thus, the flow rate of the corresponding component product in the supply channel can be adjusted, for example, at another location on the supply channel, for example at the applicator 13 or on the outlet line 44, for example by means of a flow control valve.

[0066] The gas supply channel 20 is suitable for supplying a gas, more particularly air, for example compressed air, to an inlet 26 .

[0067] The solvent supply channel 22 is suitable for supplying solvent to the inlet 26, for example, from a solvent tank 38 containing the solvent.

[0068] In one embodiment, the solvent delivery channel is a component product delivery channel as described hereinabove, and the multi-component product comprises a solvent.

[0069] The gas supply channel 20 and the solvent supply channel 22 meet, for example, at a junction point upstream of the inlet, which is connected to the inlet. The junction point is, for example, the same as the junction point of the component product supply channels 16, 18, and all supply channels meet at said junction point.

[0070] Alternatively, each supply channel 16, 18, 20, 22 is connected to the inlet 26 separately from each other.

[0071] The gas supply channel 20 is provided with a gas valve 40 .

[0072] More specifically, in the illustrated example, gas valve 40 is disposed at the upstream end of gas supply channel 20 .

[0073] The gas valve 40 is for example suitable for obtaining gas, more particularly air, from the atmosphere surrounding the metering device 10 .

[0074] A gas valve 40 is optionally positioned upstream of the inlet 26, and more specifically, upstream of the connection point.

[0075] Gas valve 40 has at least one closed configuration in which the valve prevents the passage of gas through valve 40 toward inlet 26 and at least one open configuration in which the valve allows the passage of gas through valve 40 toward inlet 26.

[0076] As described hereinabove with reference to valves 34, 36, gas valve 40 may, for example, have one closed configuration and multiple open configurations, or alternatively, have only one closed configuration and one open configuration.

[0077] The solvent supply channel 22 is provided with a solvent valve 42 .

[0078] A solvent valve 42 is optionally positioned upstream of the inlet 26, and more specifically, upstream of the connection point.

[0079] The solvent valve 42 is herein located downstream of the solvent tank 38 .

[0080] The solvent valve 42 has at least one closed configuration in which the valve prevents the passage of solvent through the valve 42 toward the inlet and at least one open configuration in which the valve allows the passage of solvent through the valve 42 toward the inlet 26.

[0081] As described above with reference to valves 34, 36, solvent valve 42 may, for example, have one closed configuration and multiple open configurations, or alternatively, have only one closed configuration and one open configuration.

[0082] The application device 12 further includes an outlet line 44 .

[0083] An outlet line 44 herein extends between the upstream and downstream ends.

[0084] The outlet line 44 , more specifically the upstream end, is connected to the outlet 28 of the metering pump 14 .

[0085] The downstream end is connected to an applicator 13 .

[0086] More specifically, metering pump 14 expels the product contained therein into outlet line 44 .

[0087] The metering device 10 further includes a mixer 45, herein a mechanical mixer, more specifically a static mixer, disposed downstream of the metering pump outlet 28, more specifically adjacent to the metering pump outlet 28.

[0088] The mixer 45 is herein disposed within the outlet line 44 , more specifically at the upstream end of the outlet line 44 .

[0089] The metering device 10 is here further provided with a sensor 46 of the volume entering the metering pump 14 or a sensor of the movement of the metering pump 14 .

[0090] In the illustrated example, the sensor 46 is suitable and positioned to measure the movement of the piston of the metering pump 14 .

[0091] Alternatively, the sensor 46 is suitable for detecting a parameter related to the metering pump, said parameter being directly dependent on the volume entering the metering pump 14 .

[0092] Additionally or alternatively, a sensor 46 may be disposed at the inlet 26 to measure the volume of fluid entering the metering pump 14 via the inlet 26 .

[0093] The sensor 46 provides, for example, an analog signal, such as an incoming volume or piston movement.

[0094] Alternatively, the sensor 46 provides a digital signal, for example a notch or signal corresponding to a threshold of piston movement or incoming volume.

[0095] The electronic device 24 includes an information processing unit, for example consisting of a memory and a processor associated with the memory.

[0096] The electronic device 24 includes a control module 48 .

[0097] The control module 48 is adapted to control the valves 34, 36 of each of the supply channels, as will be described more specifically below.

[0098] The control module 48 is, for example, connected to the valves 34, 36, for example by wires or by a remote connection.

[0099] The control module 48 is further adapted to control the gas valve 40 and the solvent valve 42, as required.

[0100] The control module 48 is, for example, connected to the valves 40, 42, for example by wires or by a remote connection.

[0101] The response time from a command of the control module 48 for each of the valves 34, 36, 40, 42 is comprised between 100 and 250 milliseconds.

[0102] The control module 48 is configured to perform the aspiration as described in the metering method described below.

[0103] The control device 24 further includes a monitoring module 50 .

[0104] The monitoring module 50 is connected to the control module 48 .

[0105] The monitoring module 50 is further connected to the sensor 46, for example by wire or by a remote connection.

[0106] More specifically, the monitoring module 50 is adapted to receive information from the sensor 46 , more specifically a signal provided by the sensor 46 and including a measurement result made by the sensor 46 .

[0107] The monitoring module 50 is adapted to determine the amount of volume entering the metering pump 14 and the nature of the fluid entering the pump 14 depending on the respective configuration of the valves.

[0108] The monitoring module 50 is therefore adapted to subsequently determine the amount of each fluid that enters the metering pump 14 .

[0109] The control module 48 and, optionally, the monitoring module 50 are each created in the form of software or software bricks that can be executed by a processor. The memory of the electronic device is therefore suitable for storing the control software and the monitoring software. The processor is therefore suitable for executing each of the software programs among the control software and the monitoring software.

[0110] In a variant (not shown), the control module 48 and, if desired, the monitoring module 50 are each made in the form of a programmable logic component, such as an FPGA (field programmable gate array), or else an integrated circuit, such as an ASIC (application specific integrated circuit).

[0111] When the electronic device is created in the form of one or more software programs, i.e. in the form of computer programs, the electronic device is further suitable for being recorded on a computer-readable medium (not shown). The computer-readable medium is suitable for storing, for example, electronic instructions and for being coupled to the bus of a computer system. As an 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 thus stored on a readable medium.

[0112] In the example shown in FIG. 1, the fluid is aspirated by the metering pump 14 during a suction phase by so-called passive suction, i.e. during the suction phase, the metering pump 14 creates a negative pressure at its inlet 26, which draws in the fluid, more specifically the fluid coming from the channels whose corresponding valves are in the open configuration.

[0113] Such a device is particularly simple.

[0114] A second example of a metering device 110 for a multi-component coating product for application according to a second embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to FIG.

[0115] Only the features in which the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment are explained in the following description. Apart from such features, the metering device 110 is further identical to the first example of the metering device.

[0116] Identical or similar elements will have the same reference number plus 100.

[0117] In the second embodiment, each component product supply channel 116 , 118 includes a respective secondary pump 160 , 162 adapted to pump a respective component product towards the inlet 126 of the metering pump 114 .

[0118] Each respective secondary pump 160,162 is disposed in the supply channels 116,118 upstream of the respective valves 134,136.

[0119] Each respective secondary pump 160, 162 is disposed, for example, downstream of a respective tank (not shown).

[0120] The gas supply channel 120 is provided with a compressor 164 , which is suitable for compressing gas directed to the inlet 126 of the metering pump 114 .

[0121] The compressor 164 is disposed upstream of the gas valve 140 .

[0122] More specifically, the compressor 164 is suitable for taking gas, more specifically air, from the atmosphere surrounding the compressor and compressing said gas in the gas supply channel 120 upstream of the gas valve 140 .

[0123] The solvent supply channel 122 is provided with a secondary solvent pump 166 that is adapted to pump solvent towards the inlet 126 of the metering pump 114 .

[0124] A secondary solvent pump 166 is disposed upstream of the solvent valve 142 .

[0125] The secondary solvent pump 166 is located, for example, downstream of a solvent tank (not shown).

[0126] 2, the fluid is aspirated during the suction phase by the metering pump 114 by so-called active suction, i.e. the fluid is pushed towards the inlet 126 by a corresponding secondary pump or compressor. During the suction phase, the metering pump 114 thus aspirates the pushed fluid, more specifically the fluid coming from the channels whose corresponding valves are in the open configuration.

[0127] Next, a method for metering the multi-component coating product for application is described.

[0128] The weighing method includes the following steps: - providing a metering device 10, 110, for example as described above, - aspirating a volume by the metering pump 14, 114 during a suction phase of the metering pump 14, 114, Includes.

[0129] More specifically, the metering method includes such aspiration steps during each of the suction phases of the metering pumps 14,114.

[0130] During aspiration, at least two of the valves 34, 36, 134, 136 of each of the delivery channels 16, 18, 116, 118 are alternately in an open configuration, so that the aspirated volume alternately during said aspiration phase contains a multiple component product.

[0131] The control module 48, 148 performs the aspiration steps by sequential control of the valves.

[0132] A plurality of component products form a multi-component product.

[0133] A multi-component product, as used herein, consists of a given number of component products.

[0134] In certain embodiments, a multi-component product as used herein consists of a given number of component products in a given ratio.

[0135] During aspiration, the valves 34, 36, 134, 136 of the supply channels 16, 18, 116, 118 corresponding to said component products of a given number of component products are alternately set to an open configuration.

[0136] The minimum suction volume of one of the component products or solvents while the valve is open may be, for example, 0.5 cubic centimeters or more, more specifically 1 cubic centimeters or more, and more specifically including between 1 cubic centimeter and 20 cubic centimeters.

[0137] The maximum suction volume of one of the component products or solvents while the valve is open can be, for example, up to 1000 cubic centimeters, more specifically including between 100 and 1000 cubic centimeters.

[0138] At any time, at most one valve in the gas or solvent supply channel is open at a time.

[0139] Here, the aspiration involves the following steps in the current order: - opening a first valve in a supply channel of a first component product; - aspirating a first component product with a metering pump to aspirate a first volume; - closing the first valve; - opening a second valve in the supply channel of the second component product; - aspirating a second component product by a metering pump to aspirate a second volume; - closing the second valve; etc. until a given number of valves is reached, and the aforementioned steps are repeated throughout the aspiration phase.

[0140] The first volume and the second volume herein each remain the same during the iterations of the aforementioned steps.

[0141] Alternatively, the suction steps are performed according to durations, i.e. the first component product is suctioned for a first duration and the second component product is suctioned for a second duration, the first duration and the second duration, respectively, remaining the same between repetitions of the steps.

[0142] During the aspiration phase, each valve of the product comprising the multi-component product is sequentially opened and then closed, repeating throughout the duration of the aspiration phase of the metering pump 14,114.

[0143] Aspiration, as used herein, includes aspiration cycles.

[0144] During a suction cycle, at least two of the respective valves are sequentially in an open configuration.

[0145] More specifically, during a suction cycle, at least two of the respective valves are sequentially opened and then closed.

[0146] The aspiration cycle is repeated throughout the aspiration phase.

[0147] Thereby, the volume aspirated by the metering pump 14, 114 during each of its aspiration phases contains alternating component products in the form of slices, which are repeated along the aspirated volume.

[0148] If at the end of the aspiration phase a suction cycle is in progress, the aspiration cycle will be restarted from where it was stopped during the next aspiration phase.

[0149] For example, if the volume of the first component product aspirated is 1 cc and the volume of the second component product is 51 cc for a pump suction volume of 100 cc, then during the first suction phase only the following volumes are aspirated in sequence, for example 1 cc of the first component product, 51 cc of the second component product, 1 cc of the first component product, then 47 cc of the second component product, etc. The second suction phase thereby begins with the aspirating of 4 cc of the second component product, then the suction cycle begins again, and so on.

[0150] In certain embodiments, the volume of each respective component product aspirated during a suction cycle is equal to the product of the respective predetermined fraction and the total volume of the respective component product aspirated during the suction cycle, the sum of the respective fractions being equal to one.

[0151] Each percentage corresponds to a given ratio of said component product within the multi-component product.

[0152] More specifically, the valves of the component products being aspirated are transitioned to a closed configuration by the control module 48 when the volume of said component products is equal to the product of the respective predetermined percentages and the total volume of each component product aspirated during the aspiration cycle.

[0153] The product at the outlet 28, 128 of the metering pump 14, 114 is therefore in the desired ratio for a multi-component product.

[0154] For example, for a multi-ingredient product containing products A and B in a ratio of 1:100, the respective ratios herein are 1 / 101 for product A and 100 / 101 for product B. When a given volume of product A is aspirated, it is therefore aspirated 100 times said given volume of product B.

[0155] The metering method advantageously involves detection by the metering pump 14,114, and more specifically by the sensor 46,146, of the volume aspirated during aspiration.

[0156] During aspiration, the monitoring module 50 , 150 of the electronic device 24 , 124 is therefore adapted to determine the amount of each fluid that subsequently enters the metering pump 14 , 114 .

[0157] During aspiration, when the component product is aspirated by the metering pump 14, 114, when the amount of aspirated component product reaches a desired amount, as monitored by the monitoring module 50, 150, the control module 48, 148 sends a command to the corresponding valve to switch to a closed configuration, and then sends a command to the next valve, for example, to switch to an open configuration.

[0158] In the examples described above, during aspiration, the metering pump 14,114 further expels a portion of the fluid, here half the stroke volume of the metering pump, at the outlet 28,128 towards the outlet line 44,144.

[0159] When the metering pump includes aspiration and non-aspiration phases, valves 34, 36, 134, 136 and, as appropriate, 40, 42, 140, 142 are in a closed configuration during a non-aspiration phase if the target volume was successfully aspirated during the preceding aspiration phase. More specifically, control module 48, 148 sends signals to valves 34, 36, 134, 136 and, as appropriate, 40, 42, 140, 142 to transition to a closed configuration if the valves are not already in the closed configuration.

[0160] If the target volume of fluid to be aspirated at the end of the aspiration phase has not been aspirated during the aspiration phase, the corresponding valve remains open during the non-aspiration phase immediately after the next aspiration phase begins until the replenishment is aspirated.

[0161] Thereby, the metering method comprises alternating aspiration and non-aspiration steps.

[0162] During the non-aspiration step, in the example described above, the metering pump discharges a replacement portion of the fluid at outlet 28 that was discharged during aspiration, here half the stroke volume of the metering pump.

[0163] In the example described above, during aspiration, the metering pump 14, 114 also expels a portion of the fluid at the outlet 28, here half the stroke volume of the metering pump.

[0164] By alternating the component products in the inlet volume of the metering pump, it is possible to have different components alternate directly in a cyclical manner, which enhances mixing.

[0165] More specifically, in the case of the piston pump described above, the movement of the piston head already causes pre-mixing between the slices within the metering pump.

[0166] This allows for improved mixing of multi-component products. [Explanation of symbols]

[0167] 10. Metering Devices 12 Coating device 13 Coating product applicator 14 Metering pump 16 Ingredient Product Supply Channel 18 Ingredient Product Supply Channel 20 Gas Supply Channel 22 Solvent Supply Channel 24 Electronic Devices 26 Entrance 28 Exit 30 Tank 32 Tank 34 Valve 36 Valves 38 Solvent Tank 40 Gas valve 42 Solvent valve 44 Exit Line 45 Mixer 46 Sensors 48 Control Module 50 Monitoring Module 70 cylinders 72 Piston head 74 Upstream Chamber 76 Downstream Chamber 78 Exhaust valve 80 aperture 82 seats 84 Ball 86 Suction valve 88 seats 90 Ball 110 Metering Devices 112 Coating Device 113 Coating product applicator 114 Metering pump 116 Ingredient Product Supply Channel 118 Ingredient Product Supply Channel 120 Gas Supply Channel 122 Solvent supply channel 124 Electronic Devices 126 Entrance 128 Exit 134 Valve 136 Valve 140 Gas valve 142 Solvent valve 144 Exit Line 145 Mixer 146 Sensors 148 Control Module 150 Monitoring Module 160 Secondary Pump 162 Secondary Pump 164 Compressor 166 Secondary Solvent Pump

Claims

1. 1. A metering method for a multi-component coating product for application, comprising the following steps: Providing a metering device (10, 110) including a metering pump (14, 114) and a plurality of respective component product supply channels (16, 18, 116, 118), said metering pump (14, 114) having an inlet (26, 126) and an outlet (28, 128), said inlet (26, 126) connected to said respective plurality of component product supply channels (16, 18, 116, 118), each component product supply channel (16, 18, 116, 118) having a respective valve (34, 36, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 100, 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 110, 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116, 118 , 134, 136), each valve (34, 36, 134, 136) having at least one closed configuration in which the valve (34, 36, 134, 136) blocks passage of a corresponding component product to the inlet (26, 126) and at least one open configuration in which the valve (34, 36, 134, 136) allows passage of the corresponding component product to the inlet (26, 126), and the outlet (28, 128) is suitable for connection to a coating product applicator (13, 113); aspirating a volume by said metering pump (14, 114) during a suction phase of said metering pump (14, 114), wherein at least two of said respective valves (34, 36, 134, 136) are alternately in said open configuration during aspiration, whereby said volume aspirated during said suction phase alternately comprises a multiple component product; said aspiration comprising an aspiration cycle, said aspiration cycle being repeated throughout said aspiration phase, at least two of said respective valves (16, 18, 116, 118) being alternately in said open configuration during said aspiration cycle; A metering method, wherein if at the end of an aspiration phase an aspiration cycle is in progress, said aspiration cycle resumes at the next aspiration phase from where it was interrupted.

2. The metering method of claim 1, wherein the metering device (10, 110) comprises at least two respective component product supply channels (16, 18, 116, 118), a gas supply channel (20, 120) and a solvent supply channel (22, 122).

3. 3. The metering method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the multi-component product consists of a given number of component products, and the aspiration comprises the following steps, in the current order: opening a first valve in the supply channel of a first component product, aspirating a first volume of the first component product by means of the metering pump (14, 114), closing the first valve, opening a second valve in the supply channel of a second component product, aspirating a second volume of the second component product by means of the metering pump (14, 114), closing the second valve, until the given number of valves is reached, and the aforementioned steps are repeated throughout the aspiration phase.

4. 3. A method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the volume of each respective component product aspirated during a suction cycle is equal to the product of a respective predetermined ratio and the total volume of each respective component product aspirated during said suction cycle, the sum of said respective ratios being equal to 1.

5. The method of claim 1 or 2, comprising detecting an aspiration volume during said aspiration by said metering pump (14, 114).

6. 6. The metering method according to claim 5, wherein the detection of the aspiration volume is performed by a sensor of the aspiration volume or a sensor of the movement of the metering pump (46, 146).

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

8. 3. The metering method of claim 1 or 2, wherein each component product supply channel (116, 118) of the metering device (110) includes a respective secondary pump (160, 162) suitable for pumping the respective component product to the inlet (126) of the metering pump (114), each respective secondary pump (160, 162) being disposed upstream of the respective valve (134, 136) of the component product supply channel (116, 118).

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

10. 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the mixer (45, 145) is located proximate to the outlet (28, 128) of the metering pump (14, 114).

11. A metering device (10, 110) for a multi-component product, comprising a metering pump (14, 114), a plurality of feed channels (16, 18, 116, 118) for each of said component products, and a control module (48, 148), said metering pump (14, 114) having an inlet (26, 126) and an outlet (28, 128), said inlet (26, 126) being connected to each of said plurality of component product feed channels (16, 18, 116, 118), each component product feed channel (16, 18, 116, 118) being provided with a respective valve (34, 36, 134, 136), each valve (34, 36, 134, 136) being connected to said valves (34, 36, 134, 136). 6) having at least one closed configuration blocking the passage of the corresponding component product to the inlet (26, 126) and at least one open configuration allowing the passage of the corresponding component product to the inlet (26, 126), the outlets (28, 128) are suitable for connection to a coating product applicator (13, 113), and the control module (48, 148) is suitable for controlling the respective valves (34, 36, 134, 136), the control module (48, 148) being configured to perform aspiration in accordance with the aspiration step of the method according to claim 1 or 2.

12. An application 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), said coating product applicator (13, 113) being connected to an outlet (28, 128) of a metering pump (14, 114), whereby said metering pump (14, 114) supplies said coating product applicator (13, 113).

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