Automated dosing system for paints

Abstract

A paint dosing system (1) comprising : at least one container (12) adapted to contain fluids; a dosing station (2) for dosing fluids into said at least one container (12); a control system adapted to control and co-ordinate the operations of said dosing system; the container (12) is configured to be positioned at the dosing station (2) in a removable manner. The container (12) comprises : a stirrer (10) for stirring the fluids in the container (12); a cover (4) for selectively opening and closing an aperture (8) of the container (12) through which fluids are introduced into the container (12); connection means (20) for receiving power in order to operate one or more parts of the container (12); a nitrogen inlet (70), separate from the aperture (8), for receiving nitrogen and supplying nitrogen into the container (12). The dosing station (2) comprises: an extractor configured to extract gases coming out through the aperture (8) as a fluid is introduced into the container ( 12 ), a hood (40) configured to take an operative position, in which it covers the aperture (8) and conveys the gases coming out through the aperture (8) towards the extractor, and an idle position, in which it is distant from the aperture (8); a power outlet (30) adapted to be connected to said connection means (20) to supply said power; a nitrogen outlet (72) adapted to be connected to said nitrogen inlet (70) to supply nitrogen thereto.

Description

[0001] TITLE : "Automated dosing system for paints

[0002] DESCRIPTION

[0003] Technical field

[0004] The present invention relates to a system and a method for dosing paints . In particular, the system makes it possible to dose and mix products in order to obtain a desired paint .

[0005] Technical background

[0006] In the paint production industry, solvent-based products are sometimes used which need to be properly mixed and dosed to provide the desired paint . Such products are usually mixed at a dedicated station of a paint production plant . One drawback of this process is that, while dosing such solvent-based products, potentially inflammable vapours are generated.

[0007] Summary of the invention

[0008] It is one obj ect of the present invention to provide a system which can overcome this and other drawbacks of the prior art while at the same time being simple and economical to manufacture, and an associated method.

[0009] According to the present invention, this and other obj ects are achieved through a system and a method having the features set out in the appended independent claims .

[0010] It is understood that the appended claims are an integral part of the technical teachings provided in the following detailed description of the present invention. In particular, the appended dependent claims define some preferred embodiments of the present invention that include some optional technical features .

[0011] Brief description of the drawings

[0012] Further features and advantages of the presentinvention will become apparent in light of the detailed description that follows, provided merely as a non-limiting example with particular reference to the annexed drawings, wherein :

[0013] Figure 1 is a partial perspective view of a dosing system in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0014] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a driving device according to a first embodiment;

[0015] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a motorized cover in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0016] Figure 4 is a side view of Figure 3;

[0017] Figure 5 is a perspective view from above of a motorized hood in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0018] Figure 6 is a perspective view from below of Figure 5; Figure 7 is a perspective view of a system including the dosing station in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 8 is a perspective view of the hood in an idle position;

[0020] Figure 9 is a perspective view of the hood in an operative position;

[0021] Figure 10 is a perspective view of a particular connection portion adapted to connect to the container in order to supply nitrogen and power thereto;

[0022] Figure 11 is a partial perspective view of the system of Figure 7 ;

[0023] Figure 12 is a perspective view showing the connection portion of Figure 10 and the corresponding connectors of the container .Detailed description of the invention

[0024] With reference to the drawings, the following will describe a paint dosing system, as a whole, in accordance with a first non-limiting embodiment of the invention.

[0025] Paint dosing system 1 comprises :

[0026] at least one container 12 adapted to contain fluids ,

[0027] a dosing station 2 for dosing fluids into said at least one container 12,

[0028] a control system adapted to control and coordinate the operations of said dosing system.

[0029] Container 12 is configured to be positioned at dosing station 2 in a removable manner .

[0030] Container 12 comprises :

[0031] a stirrer 10 for stirring the fluids in container 12,

[0032] a cover 4 for selectively opening and closing an aperture 8 of container 12 through which fluids are introduced into container 12,

[0033] connection means 20 for receiving power in order to operate one or more parts of container 12,

[0034] a nitrogen inlet 70, separate from aperture 8, for receiving nitrogen and supplying nitrogen into container 12 .

[0035] Dosing station 2 comprises :

[0036] an extractor configured to extract gases coming out through aperture 8 as a fluid is introduced into container 12,

[0037] a hood 7 configured to take an operative position, in which it covers aperture 8 and conveys the gases coming out through aperture 8 towards the extractor, and an idle position, in which it is distant from aperture8,

[0038] a power outlet 30 adapted to be connected to said connection means 20 to supply said power,

[0039] a nitrogen outlet 72 adapted to be connected to said nitrogen inlet 70 to supply nitrogen thereto .

[0040] Preferably, cover 4 is automated. Therefore, it 4 can open and close aperture 8 of container 12 automatically, being in particular co-ordinated by a control system. As an alternative, cover 4 may be a mechanical one, which can be opened / closed by an operator, or a semi-automatic one (e . g. driven by an actuator manually controlled by an operator who, for example, presses a button to control the opening / closing thereof ) . Preferably, aperture 8 is located on an upper part, in particular on the top, of container 12 .

[0041] In the example shown in Fig. 1, container 12 has two apertures 8, corresponding to two covers 4. However, each container 12 may have just one aperture 8.

[0042] Preferably, hood 40 is automated. Therefore, it 40 can switch between the operative position and the idle position automatically, being in particular co-ordinated by a control system. As an alternative, hood 40 may be a mechanical one, which can be moved between said positions by an operator, or a semi-automatic one (e . g. driven by an actuator manually controlled by a user who, for example, presses a button to control the movements thereof ) .

[0043] Preferably, power outlet 30 can automatically connect, being in particular co-ordinated by a control system, to said connection means 20 to supply said power . As an alternative, they 20, 30 can be connected manually to each other .

[0044] Preferably, nitrogen outlet can automatically connect,being in particular co-ordinated by a control system, to said nitrogen inlet in order to supply nitrogen thereto . As an alternative, nitrogen outlet and nitrogen inlet can be connected manually to each other .

[0045] The automated operation, in particular of hood 40, of cover 4, as well as the automated connections between power outlet 30 and connection means 20 and between nitrogen outlet and nitrogen inlet, advantageously make system 1 more efficient, in that such operations are carried out in a fast and accurate manner . Furthermore, operator safety is improved as well, in that the number of manual operations to be carried out in the production plant is considerably reduced .

[0046] Since solvent-based products are sometimes used for paint production, while dosing and mixing such solventbased products in container 12 potentially inflammable vapours are generated. By introducing nitrogen into container 12, the amount of oxygen in contact with potentially inflammable vapours is decreased, resulting in reduced probability of a fire . Moreover, the hood provides simple and effective extraction of the vapours or fumes coming out through aperture 8 of container 12 as the fluids are dosed through said aperture 8 ; this reduces the emission of harmful and inflammable fumes . Therefore, the present invention reduces the risk of a fire starting during the paint production process and makes for a healthier workplace .

[0047] That part of stirrers 10 which is intended to come in contact with the fluid in order to stir / mix it, also referred to as stirring portion, can be made according to per se known types, e . g. rotary blades 100 rotating about a stirring axis 102 (Fig. 2 ) , mobile blades, protrusions,helical elements, etc .

[0048] Dosing station 2 is adapted to introduce one or more fluids (e . g. liquids, powders, a liquid including a granular or powdery phase, etc . ) into container 12. The fluids are intended to form a paint, and may be, for example, colours, colouring substances, pigments, solvents, etc . The fluids introduced into the container may be per se known. That part of dosing station 2 which introduces the fluids into container 12 may made in accordance with per se known types .

[0049] After the various substances have been dosed and mixed in container 12, the fluid thus obtained may be either a desired paint (i . e . a finished product) or a fluid which is useful for producing the paint, but which still has to be subj ected to further processing (preferably outside dosing station 2 ) .

[0050] In particular, system 1 comprises an opening device 6 for automatically opening and closing cover 4 on the respective aperture 8 of container 12. The user is not, therefore, required to manually operate cover 4 in order to open and close said cover 4. In particular, opening device 6 comprises a support 60 for holding cover 4. In addition, a driving device is adapted to move support 60 in order to remove and mount cover 4 from / onto aperture 8 of container 12. In this particular example, support 60 is a flat bar .

[0051] With reference to the particular embodiment shown in Figure 3, opening device 6 is adapted to move cover 4 along a first axis and a second axis x, y, which are preferably perpendicular to each other . In particular, axis x is horizontal, and the other axis y is vertical . Therefore, support 60 is movable along such axes x, y.

[0052] In particular, opening device 6 includes a firstlinear actuator 61 for moving cover 4, and also, in particular, support 60, along first axis x, and a second linear actuator 62 for moving cover 4, and also, in particular, support 60, along second axis y. In the illustrated example there is a guide 63, in particular a straight one, mounted to container 12, in particular to a lateral surface thereof . A carriage 64, which is intended to be moved by first actuator 61, is slidably mounted to guide 63 along first axis x . Second actuator 62 is mounted to carriage 64 and to support 60. In the example, opening device 6, and also, in particular, guide 63, is mounted to container 12 through removable fastening means, in particular brackets 65. In the example, opening device 6 is mounted to an upper part of container 12. By way of-non-limiting example, first and / or second actuators 61, 62 may be of the hydraulic, pneumatic, or electric type . In the example, actuators 61, 62 are pneumatic ones . In the particular example shown herein there is a drag chain 69 for guiding and protecting cables, e . g. electric cables .

[0053] In the illustrated example, support 60 is configured to permanently hold cover 4, in particular through removable fastening means (in the example, a screw or bolt 9) that constrain them 4, 60. Therefore, when aperture 8 needs to be closed, support 60 will remain coupled to cover 4 and will hold it in the closed position on aperture 8. According to some possible variants, opening device 6 includes gripping means for taking and releasing cover 4 ; for example, after cover 4 has been positioned on aperture 8 to close aperture 8, the gripping means will release cover 4 and then move away from it . For example, the gripping means may be a gripper or a clamp, e . g. associated with an anthropomorphic arm.In general, according to some preferred embodiments, opening device 6 is adapted to hold cover 4 as it removes it from aperture 8, so as to allow fluids to be dosed into container 12 .

[0054] Preferably, the system comprises sensor means for determining whether cover 4 is closed or open relative to aperture 8 .

[0055] Preferably, cover 4 includes a plurality of (e . g. four) strikers 7 adapted to abut on respective abutment portions 14 associated with container 12 in proximity to aperture 8, in order to keep cover 4 closed on aperture 8. In particular, each striker 7 has a hole 16 (in the example, a through hole) into which a pin 18 of the respective abutment portion 14 is adapted to fit . When pins 18 are in the extracted position and inserted in holes 16, cover 8 stays closed on aperture 8. Optionally, at least one of striker 7 and abutment portion 14 has a sensor generating a signal indicating the position of cover 4 relative to aperture 8, e . g. a signal indicating whether cover 4 is closed or open. The sensor may be, for example, a contact or proximity sensor, an optical sensor, a photocell, etc . According to some possible variants, there is only one striker 7 adapted to abut on a respective abutment portion 14.

[0056] Preferably, abutment portion 14 is an actuator, in particular a pneumatic actuator, configured to move pin 18 between an extracted position, in which said pin 18 can enter the respective hole 16, and a retracted position, in which pin 18 cannot enter hole 16. When pins 18 are in the extracted position and inserted in holes 16, cover 8 stays closed on aperture 8. Conversely, when pins 18 are in the retracted position and not inserted in holes 16, cover 8can be removed from aperture 8 .

[0057] Preferably, abutment portion 14 has a returning means, e . g. an elastic means (e . g. a spring) , for pushing pin 18 towards the extracted position. This advantageously makes it possible to keep cover 8 firmly closed on container 12 even in the absence of power which would otherwise be necessary to hold pins 18 in the extracted position. For example, thanks to the returning means, it is possible to disconnect connection means 20 from power outlet 30 and move container 12 along a production plant while keeping container 12 closed. This reliably ensures that the quality of the fluid product contained in container 12 will not be affected .

[0058] In the example, striker 7 is a protrusion mounted to cover 4, in particular to plate 66. With reference to the example illustrated herein, striker 7 is located in a bottom part of cover 4. Optionally, striker 7 is mounted to cover 4 through removable fastening means, e . g. screws .

[0059] In particular, cover 4 includes a plate 66 to which strikers 7 are mounted. Plate 66 is a prevalently two-dimensional element . Preferably, plate 66 is substantially square, and strikers 7 are mounted to its vertices . In particular, cover 4 includes a circular ring 68 coupled to plate 66 and adapted to abut on a corresponding circular edge 13 defining aperture 8 of container 12. In the illustrated example, ring 68 is under plate 66. According to some possible variants, cover 4 may have shapes other than the one shown and described herein.

[0060] In the example, opening device 6 is adapted to move cover 4 without turning it . Further variants of opening device 6 are also possible wherein it may be implemented as an anthropomorphic arm, or may provide rotation of cover 4through an actuator for opening and closing aperture 8, etc . For example, cover 4 may be hinged to container 12, and an actuator may rotate it in order to open and close it .

[0061] Preferably, the control system is operatively connected to opening device 6 for controlling the operations thereof . For example, the control system is configured to determine whether cover 4 is open or closed relative to aperture 8, in particular by exchanging signals with one or more sensors associated with strikers 7 and / or with the respective abutment portions 14. In particular, the control system is adapted to control the motion of actuators 61, 62. For example, the control system is adapted to move cover 4 as a function of a signal indicating whether cover 4 is open or closed, in particular by controlling actuators 61, 62. Preferably, the control system is adapted to move cover 4 as a function of further signals, which may include further detections made within the dosing system, and / or according to commands issued by a user .

[0062] Preferably, hood 40 is coupled to a driving device for moving said hood 40 between the operative position, in which it covers aperture 8 and conveys the gases coming out through aperture 8 towards the extractor, and the idle position, in which it is distant from aperture 8 . In the idle position, hood 40 cannot convey the gases coming out through aperture 8 towards the extractor . In particular, hood 40 is mounted, in particular in a removable manner, to dosing station 2. Preferably, said driving device is automated, so that a user is not required to move hood 40 manually between the operative position and the idle position. In particular said driving device includes one ormore actuators or motors .

[0063] Preferably, hood 40 is configured to change its space occupation: when hood 40 is in the operative position, it occupies more space, and when hood 40 is in the idle position, it occupies less space . In Figures 5, 6, 8, hood 40 is in the idle position and occupies little space .

[0064] In Figure 8, hood 40 is in the idle position and occupies less space . Cover 4 covers aperture 8. In Figure 9, hood 40 is in the operative position and occupies more space . Cover 4 is away from aperture 8.

[0065] In particular, hood 40 comprises a variable-size surface 48 ( for brevity also referred to as "variable surface") , wherein the space occupation of said variablesize surface 48 can be varied. Preferably, the variablesize surface 48 is a deformable surface . By way of nonlimiting example, the deformable surface may be a bellows (like the one shown in the example) , or a foldable or collapsible surface, and may be made of, for example, plastic or fabric . The deformable surface can collapse or fold to increase or decrease the size of hood 40 as necessary. Preferably, the deformable surface is made of antistatic material, in particular antistatic plasticized fabric .

[0066] According to some possible variants, hood 40 includes a plurality of rigid portions configured to be movable between a position in which it occupies more space and a position in which it occupies less space . For example, such rigid portions may, at least partly, interpenetrate to change the size of hood 40. For example, such rigid portions may be circular, cylindrical or f rus toconical portions arranged concentrically, which can assume : a maximum-extension position, in which they join each other,and a minimum-extension position, in which they are radially disposed one within the other . This implementation solution is similar to that employed for collapsible drinking cups . In other words, according to such a variant, the deformable surface is replaced with rigid portions . According to such a variant, therefore, the variable-size surface 48 comprises, and particularly consists of, rigid portions .

[0067] Preferably, there are a first support 41, mounted to a first part of hood 40 (in the example, to an upper part thereof ) , and a second support 42, mounted to a second part of hood 40 (in the example, to a lower part thereof ) . In the example, first support 41 is positioned above second support 42. Such supports 41, 42 are adapted to move relative to each other to vary the space occupation of hood 40. An actuator 44, in particular a linear actuator, is adapted to mutually move supports 41, 42. In particular, first support 41 is mounted in a fixed position, and second support 42 is mounted in a movable manner . In particular, second support 42 is adapted to move vertically. Preferably, second support 42 is adapted to slide along a straight traj ectory. In the example, first support 41 is mounted in a fixed position to dosing station 2. Actuator 44 may be, for example, a hydraulic actuator (e . g. a hydraulic cylinder) or an electric actuator .

[0068] In the example there are two rods 43 for guiding the motion of second support 42. Therefore, second support 42 is slidably mounted to rods 43. Rods 43 act as guides for second support 42 . In the example, rods 43 are vertical . In particular, actuator 44 is adapted to guide second support 42 along rods 43. In the example, a first end of actuator 44 is mounted to first support 41, and a second end ofactuator 44 is integral with second support 42. In particular, the second end (i . e . the lower end in the drawing) of actuator 44 is fixed to a bar 45 slidably mounted to rods 43. Second support 42 is integrally mounted to bar 45, in particular through two connection blocks 49 interposed between them 42, 45. In the example, therefore, lower support 42 lifts and lowers the lower part of hood 40, in particular of the variable-size surface 48 thereof, in order to vary its space occupation.

[0069] In particular, lower support 42 includes two supporting rods 46. Supporting rods 46 are integrally mounted to the second end of actuator 44 and to the second part (in the example, the lower part) of hood 40 in order to vary the space occupation of hood 40. Preferably, the two supporting rods 46 are mounted laterally to hood 40, with reference to a plan view. Hood 40 is interposed between the two supporting rods 46. In the example, the two supporting rods 46 are parallel to each other .

[0070] In the example, rods 43 are integrally mounted to first support 41. In particular, rods 43 and first support 41 are mounted to dosing station 2. For example, such elements 41, 43 are mounted to one same portion of dosing station 2. Preferably, a top end of each rod 43 is mounted to a respective fastening plate 47.

[0071] Preferably, first support 41 is a plate . The plate is, therefore, prevalently two-dimensional . Such plate is mounted to, for example, dosing station 2. One end of hood 40, in particular the top end thereof, is mounted to such plate . In the preferred example, the plate of first support 41 and the two supporting rods 46 lie in a plane that is transversal, in particular perpendicular, to the longitudinal axis of rods 43 (which is preferablyvertical) . Hood 40 includes a bottom aperture 50, which in the operative position is adapted to be positioned onto aperture 8 of container to collect the gases coming out through said aperture 8. Preferably, hood 40 also includes a top aperture 52 , through which the gases can exit as they are sucked by the extractor . For example, the extractor is configured to be movably arranged in proximity to said top aperture 52 ; alternatively, the extractor is mounted to said top aperture 52 .

[0072] Preferably, bottom aperture 50 is greater than top aperture 52. Due to this, a compact extractor can be used also for removing gases exiting a container 12 having a large aperture 8, since the gases are first conveyed from bottom aperture 50 (which is bigger) towards top aperture 52 (which is smaller) .

[0073] A lateral surface of hood 40 is adapted to convey the gases from bottom aperture 50 towards the extractor . In other words, the lateral surface is adapted to convey the gases from bottom aperture 50 towards top aperture 52. The lateral surface defines a cavity through which the gas can flow, in particular between apertures 50, 52. In the preferred example, said lateral surface comprises, and particularly consists of, variable-size surface 48. In the example, the lateral surface, in particular variable-size surface 48, has a circular cross-section. Preferably, apertures 50, 52 are circular in shape .

[0074] Preferably, the lateral surface has a tapered shape; in particular, it is larger at bottom aperture 50. According to some possible embodiments, the lateral surface, in particular variable-size surface 48, has a cylindrical, f rustoconical , f rustopyramidal , prismatic, rectangular, etc . shape at least when it is in theoperative position. In the example, the lateral surface has, in the operative position, a substantially f rustoconical shape .

[0075] In particular, first support 41 is mounted to the first part (in the example, the upper part) of variablesize surface 48, and second support 42 is mounted to the second part (in the example, the lower part) of variable size-surface 48.

[0076] In the example, first support 41 has a hole that defines top aperture 52. An aperture in an upper part of the lateral surface, in particular in variable-size surface 48, is located in a position corresponding to the hole of first support 41, so as to form top aperture 52. The upper part of the lateral surface, in particular of variable-size surface 48, is mounted to first support 41, in particular under said first support 41.

[0077] In the example, second support 42 has a plate 54 mounted between the two supporting rods 46, and said plate 54 has a hole that defines bottom aperture 50. An aperture in a lower part of the lateral surface, in particular of variable-size surface 48, is located in a position corresponding to the hole of plate 54, so as to form bottom aperture 50.

[0078] Optionally, as shown in the example, variable-size surface 48 may be at least partly unconstrained, in particular from rods 46. This allows, for example, the execution of maintenance work on hood 40 or on said variable-size surface 48. Moreover, variable-size surface 48 can be dismounted, in particular by turning handles 58 used for securing and releasing surface 48 to / from the parts of hood 40 to which it is mounted. In particular, surface 48 can be removed by moving it in a directiontransversal to the longitudinal direction of rods 46.

[0079] In the particular example shown herein, centering bushings 56 provide position references useful when lifting and lowering hood 40.

[0080] Connection means 20 connect to power outlet 30 in order to supply power useful to operate one or more parts belonging to, or associated with, container 12, e . g. stirrer 10 or cover 4. The energy that can be carried by such means 20, 30 may include one or more of : electric energy, pneumatic energy, hydraulic energy, mechanical energy, electromagnetic energy.

[0081] According to a preferred embodiment, connection means 20 and power outlet 30 are configured to supply electric energy useful for operating stirrer 10. Therefore, they 20, 30 include electric connectors, which may be per se known, preferably having electrically conductive (e . g. metallic) portions suitable to be put in mutual contact, e . g. in the form of a plug-socket connection. In this case, therefore, stirrer 10 can be operated by an electric motor associated with it 10. When connected, they 20, 30 conduct electric energy from an electric power supply system (e . g. an electric grid) to stirrer 10. For example, connection means 20 may be a socket, and power outlet 30 may be a plug.

[0082] Furthermore, connection means 20 and power outlet 30 are also configured to supply pneumatic energy, in particular a gas (e . g. air) , for operating cover 4 or covers 4. Therefore, they 20, 30 also include pneumatic connectors, which may be per se known, such as, for example, a male connector and a female connector adapted to be mutually engaged. In this case, therefore, cover 4 can be operated by a pneumatic motor associated with it 10. When connected, they 20, 30 carry a gas from an externalsupply system to cover 4. In this example, therefore, connection means 20 and power outlet 30 comprise electric connection means and pneumatic connection means .

[0083] In general, connection means 20 and power outlet 30 include at least one first connector and, respectively, at least one second connector, configured to connect to each other and supply energy useful for operating one or more parts belonging to, or associated with, container 12. In the above-described example there are a first electric connector and a first pneumatic connector adapted to cooperate with a second electric connector and a second pneumatic connector, respectively.

[0084] Preferably, system 1 comprises an actuator, such as a linear actuator, for moving power outlet 30 in order to connect it to, or disconnect it from, connection means 20. Preferably, the actuator is automated.

[0085] Preferably, system 1 comprises an actuator, such as a linear actuator, for moving nitrogen outlet 72 in order to connect it to, or disconnect it from, nitrogen inlet 70. Preferably, the actuator is automated.

[0086] In the example shown herein, with reference to Figure 10, power outlet 30 and nitrogen outlet 72 are mounted to one same support 74. Support 74 shown in the drawing is essentially a plate . System 1 comprises an actuator 76, in particular a linear actuator, for moving said support 74, in particular vertically, thereby also moving said elements 30, 72. As it moves support 74, actuator 76 establishes the connection / disconnection between power outlet 30 and connection means 20 and between nitrogen outlet 72 and nitrogen inlet 70. Actuator 76 may be a motor, e . g. an electric motor .

[0087] Preferably, the control system is configured for :moving actuator 76; connecting and disconnecting power outlet 30 to / from connection means 20 and nitrogen outlet 72 to / from nitrogen inlet 70. Optionally, sensor means are provided for checking the connections between said elements 20, 30, 70, 72. Such sensor means are operatively connected to the control system, e g. for the execution of system operations and / or for providing information to the user .

[0088] In particular, there is a column 78, which can be fixed to a floor, along which actuator 76 can move . Support 74 is mounted to actuator 76, in particular through a bracket 80.

[0089] In the example shown herein, with reference to Figure 12, connection means 20 and nitrogen inlet 70 are mounted to one same support 94, which is optionally mounted to a base 90 of container 12. In the example, support 94 is essentially a plate .

[0090] In the example, connection means 20 and nitrogen inlet 70 are located near a lower part of container 12. By lowering or lifting support 74, actuator 76 connects or disconnects elements 20-30 and 70-72.

[0091] In the non-limiting embodiment shown in Fig. 7, dosing station 2 comprises a dosing head 82, in particular having a plurality of nozzles 84 for dosing fluids (e . g. liquids, gels, pastes, powders) into container 12. In particular, nozzles 84 are movable towards or away from aperture 8 of container 12, for the purpose of dosing the product whenever necessary. In particular, nozzles 84 are arranged in a circumferential position.

[0092] In the example there is a suction duct 86 for conveying the gases exiting hood 40 towards the extractor (or suction device) . Therefore, the extractor extracts, through suction duct 86 and hood 40, the gases coming outthrough aperture 8 of container 12 during the dosing operations . Preferably, the control system co-ordinates the operation of the extractor in relation to the operations of other parts of system 1. In Fig. 11, numeral 92 designates an initial portion of suction duct 86, which 92 is arranged over hood 40.

[0093] In the example, dosing station 2 comprises a supporting structure 88 that supports hood 40, as clearly shown in Fig. 11 . Preferably, it 88 also supports dosing head 82 and suction duct 86.

[0094] Optionally, a base 90 supports container 12. Base 90 may be removably coupled to container 12. In the illustrated example, container 12 is moved by a user by means of a lift truck. According to some possible variants, base 90 may be movable on conveyor belts or by automated guided vehicles . Optionally, base 90 may be equipped with wheels .

[0095] In particular, there is a flow sensor for detecting the nitrogen flow entering container 12 through connection 70-72. Preferably, the control system is operatively connected to the flow sensor .

[0096] The dosing system of the present invention may be comprised in a plant for production of paints and the like, wherein said plant may include a plurality of per se known stations and apparatuses, even if not mentioned in the present specification.

[0097] The invention further concerns a method for preparing paints, comprising the following steps :

[0098] a) providing a system 1 according to the invention, b) moving container 12 to dosing station 2,

[0099] c) connecting connection means 20 to power outlet 30,d) connecting nitrogen inlet 70 to nitrogen outlet 72,

[0100] e) if cover 4 is closed, opening cover 4,

[0101] f ) introducing one or more fluids into container 12, g) bringing hood 40 into the operative position and extracting the gases coming out through aperture 8 of container 12,

[0102] h) operating stirrer 10 to stir the contents of container 12,

[0103] i) supplying nitrogen into container 12 from nitrogen inlet 70,

[0104] j ) stopping stirrer 10 and nitrogen supply,

[0105] k) bringing hood 40 into the idle position,

[0106] l) closing cover 4,

[0107] m) disconnecting connection means 20 from power outlet 30,

[0108] n) disconnecting nitrogen inlet 70 from nitrogen outlet 72,

[0109] o) moving container 12 away from dosing station 2. Preferably, some or all of the above-mentioned steps are co-ordinated by the control system. Preferably, the method is partially or integrally executed in an automated manner .

[0110] Preferably, at least steps c, d, e, k, 1, m, n are carried out automatically, in particular by means of the control system. Preferably, at least steps c-o are carried out automatically, in particular by means of the control system.

[0111] In particular, said method comprises, without limitation, the steps of :

[0112] with cover (s) 4 closed, supplying nitrogen at high pressure (e . g. 6 bar) for a predetermined time based on thecapacity of container 12 (preferably, for as long as necessary to introduce an amount of nitrogen equal to approximately 50% of the volume of container 12 ) , stopping the high-pressure nitrogen supply and waiting for a stabilization time,

[0113] activating the low-pressure nitrogen supply and waiting for a stabilization time,

[0114] opening cover 4, lowering hood 40, and starting the dosing of fluids,

[0115] while dosing, keeping the nitrogen supply at low pressure (lower than high pressure, e . g. 1 bar) on, when dosing is complete, lifting hood 40, closing cover (s) 4, and stopping the nitrogen supply,

[0116] after a stabilization time, removing container 12. Therefore, system 1 preferably includes a nitrogen supply circuit for supplying nitrogen, through said connection 70-72, into container 12 at a lower pressure and at a higher pressure . During the dosing of fluids, the control system is adapted to supply nitrogen at the lower pressure .

[0117] In this embodiment, nitrogen is introduced into container 12 prior to starting the dosing operation (with cover 4 still closed) ; then, nitrogen supply continues during the dosing operation (with cover 4 open and hood 40 in the operative position) .

[0118] One purpose of nitrogen introduction is to reduce the oxygen concentration in container 12 when oxygen-sensitive products are used (which, therefore, must be prevented as much as possible from coming in contact with oxygen) . A further purpose is to reduce the amount of VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) emitted into the atmosphere . Nitrogen provides dilution of the VOC concentration. Hood 40 and theextraction system reduce the emissions of nitrogen and VOCs during the dosing operation. When dosing is complete, cover 4 is closed onto container 12 to prevent emissions of VOCs into the environment as container 12 is moved.

[0119] The invention further concerns a computer program containing instructions for the execution of the method. In particular, the program contains instructions for executing at least steps b-o, for the purpose of implementing the above-mentioned method in system 1 of the invention. The computer program may be stored in a non-volatile memory medium, such as a USB flash drive, a hard disk, a CD, etc .

[0120] Of course, without prejudice to the principle of the invention, the forms of embodiment and the implementation details may be extensively varied from those described and illustrated herein by way of non-limiting example, without however departing from the scope of the invention as set out in the appended claims .

[0121] Barzand & Zanardo S .p .A.

[0122] / LT

Claims

CLAIMS1 . Paint dosing system ( 1 ) comprising :at least one container ( 12 ) adapted to contain fluids ; a dosing station ( 2 ) for dosing fluids into said at least one container ( 12 ) ;a control system adapted to control and co-ordinate the operations of said dosing system;wherein the container ( 12 ) is configured to be positioned at the dosing station ( 2 ) in a removable manner ;the container ( 12 ) comprises :- a stirrer ( 10 ) for stirring the fluids in the container ( 12 ) ,- a cover ( 4 ) for selectively opening and closing an aperture ( 8 ) of the container ( 12 ) through which fluids are introduced into the container ( 12 ) ,- connection means ( 20 ) for receiving power in order to operate one or more parts of the container ( 12 ) ,- a nitrogen inlet ( 70 ) , separate from the aperture ( 8 ) , for receiving nitrogen and supplying nitrogen into the container ( 12 ) ;the dosing station ( 2 ) comprises :- an extractor configured to extract gases coming out through the aperture ( 8 ) as a fluid is introduced into the container ( 12 ) ,- a hood ( 40 ) conf igured to take an operative position, in which it covers the aperture ( 8 ) and conveys the gases coming out through the aperture ( 8 ) towards the extractor, and an idle position, in which it is distant from the aperture ( 8 ) ,- a power outlet ( 30 ) adapted to be connected to said connection means ( 20 ) to supply said power,- a nitrogen outlet ( 72 ) adapted to be connected to saidnitrogen inlet (70) to supply nitrogen thereto .

2. System according to claim 1, wherein the power outlet (30) is adapted to supply power to said connection means (20) in order to operate the stirrer ( 10) and the cover (4) .

3. System according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the connection means (20) and the power outlet (30) are also configured to exchange data .

4. System according to claim 3, comprising sensors for acquiring one or more of the following data : container filling level ( 12 ) ; information about an operating state of the cover ( 4 ) .

5. System according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the hood (40) is configured to change its space occupation: when the hood (40) is in the operative position, it occupies more space, and when the hood (40) is in the idle position, it occupies less space .

6. System according to claim 5, wherein the hood (40) comprises a variable-size surface (48 ) that makes it possible to vary its space occupation.

7. System according to claim 6, wherein the variable-size surface (48 ) is a deformable surface .

8. System according to claim 7, wherein the deformable surface is made of antistatic material, in particular antistatic plasticized fabric .

9. System according to any one of claims 5 to 8, comprising a first support (41 ) , mounted to a first part of the hood (40) , and a second support (42 ) , mounted to a second part of the hood (40) , wherein such supports (41, 42) are adapted to move relative to each other to vary the space occupation of the hood (40) .

10. System according to any one of the preceding claims,wherein :- the cover ( 4 ) is automated,- the hood ( 40 ) is automated,- the power outlet ( 30 ) is adapted to automatically connect to said connection means ( 20 ) ,the nitrogen outlet ( 72 ) is adapted to automatically connect to said nitrogen inlet ( 70 ) .11 . Plant for paint production, comprising a dosing system ( 1 ) in accordance with any one of the preceding claims . 12 . Method for preparing paints , comprising the following steps :a ) providing a system ( 1 ) according to claim 1 ,b ) moving the container ( 12 ) to the dosing station ( 2 ) , c ) connecting the connection means ( 20 ) to the power outlet ( 30 ) ,d) connecting the nitrogen inlet ( 70 ) to the nitrogen outlet ( 72 ) ,e ) i f the cover ( 4 ) is closed, opening the cover ( 4 ) , f ) introducing one or more fluids into the container ( 12 ) ,g) bringing the hood ( 40 ) into the operative position and extracting the gases coming out through the aperture ( 8 ) of the container ( 12 ) ,h) operating the stirrer ( 10 ) to mix the contents of the container ( 12 ) ,i ) supplying nitrogen into the container ( 12 ) from the nitrogen inlet ( 70 ) ,j ) stopping the stirrer ( 10 ) and the nitrogen supply, k) bringing the hood ( 40 ) into the idle position,l ) closing the cover ( 4 ) ,m) disconnecting the connection means ( 20 ) from the power outlet ( 30 ) ,n) disconnecting the nitrogen inlet ( 70 ) from the nitrogen outlet ( 72 ) ,o ) moving the container ( 12 ) away from the dosing station ( 2 ) .13 . Method according to claim 12 , wherein at least steps c-o are automated .Barzand & Zanardo S . p .A.

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