SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DELIVERY OF FLUIDS, IN PARTICULAR COLOURED FLUIDS

Abstract

 A system 1 for delivery of fluids, in particular coloured fluids, is described, which is adapted to implement a dosage process wherein containers Bn are filled up in order to obtain a finished product according to a given formula, said formula being representative of the dosage and/or composition of one or more fluids, said system comprising:
- at least one dosage line 3 comprising at least one station Sp;
- at least one magazine 5, 7 comprising delivery valves Vm, wherein a storage point Dm corresponds to each one of them, and wherein they are connected to a tank containing a fluid by means of fluid transportation means 25,36;
- a robot 9 adapted to pick up at least one of said delivery valves Vm from said storage point Dm and place it at a dosage point of said at least one station Sp;
- a control unit 11, adapted to control and monitor said at least one dosage line 3, said at least one magazine 5, 7, and said robot 9.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a system and a method for delivery of fluids, in particular coloured fluids, solvents, water-based paints, inks, etc.

[0002] Current fluid dosage systems make use of integrated dosage machines for correctly dosing the fluids in order to implement a final formula. A final formula is meant to be a compound obtained by means of a single fluid or a mixture of at least two fluids. Current integrated dosage machines comprise a fluid accumulation assembly, a dosage head, and a scale for dosing the components, i.e. the single fluids, in a sequential manner and for moving the containers in order to remove the final product.

[0003] However, such dosage machines must fill up one container at a time for each formula while adding all components sequentially, and this translates into slow production and low profits for the producers.

[0004] Moreover, current valve washing systems use water or solvents that, at the end of the washing process, create dirt and/or pollution. In particular, when solvent is used, its vapours dispersed in the working environment may cause explosions, thus jeopardizing the safety of the operators and of the entire working environment.

[0005] It is therefore one object of the present invention to provide a system and a method for delivery of fluids, in particular coloured fluids, which will improve automation and production times.

[0006] It is another object of the present invention to provide a system and a method for delivery of fluids, in particular coloured fluids, which will increase the finished product production volumes per time unit.

[0007] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a system and a method for delivery of fluids, in particular coloured fluids, which will respect the working environment while making it safer.

[0008] These and other objects of the invention are achieved by a system and a method for delivery of fluids as claimed in the appended claims, which are an integral part of the present description.

[0009] In brief, a system for delivery of fluids, in particular coloured fluids, is described herein, which is adapted to implement a dosage process wherein containers are filled up in order to obtain a finished product according to a given formula, said formula being representative of the dosage and/or composition of one or more fluids. The system according to the invention comprises:

• at least one dosage line comprising at least one station;
• at least one magazine comprising delivery valves, wherein a storage point corresponds to each one of them, and wherein they are connected to a tank containing a fluid by means of fluid transportation means;
• a robot adapted to pick up at least one of said delivery valves from said storage point and place it at a dosage point of said at least one station;
• a control unit, adapted to control and monitor said at least one dosage line, said at least one magazine, and said robot.

[0010] Further features of the invention are set out in the appended claims, which are intended to be an integral part of the present description.

[0011] The above objects will become more apparent from the following detailed description of a system and a method for delivery of fluids, in particular coloured fluids, with particular reference to the annexed drawings, wherein:

• Figure 1 is a first schematic top view of a system according to the invention;
• Figure 2 is a second schematic top view of the system according to the invention;
• Figure 3 is a schematic representation of the system according to the invention;
• Figures 4A, 4B, 4C and 4D show steps of one example of operation of the system according to the invention;
• Figure 4E shows a further example of a system according to the present invention;
• Figure 5A shows a first configuration of a fluid magazine of the system according to the present invention;
• Figures 5B and 5C show a second configuration of a fluid magazine of the system according to the present invention.

[0012] With reference to Figures 1 and 2, there is schematically shown a system 1 for delivery of fluids according to the present invention. In particular, Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 show a schematic top view of the system 1.

[0013] The system 1 comprises a dosage line 3 and at least one magazine 5,7. Preferably, a first magazine 5 is arranged along a first side of the dosage line 3, and a second magazine 7 is arranged along a second side of the dosage line 3.

[0014] The dosage line 3 comprises motion means 31, e.g. an automatic conveyor, adapted to move, in the sense and direction of an arrow A, containers B₁, B₂, B₃,..., B_n on support means of the dosage line 3, e.g. a roller track. The dosage line 3 comprises P stations S₁, S₂, S₃,..., S_p, wherein at each p-th station S an n-th container B and an i-th delivery actuator E (E₁, E₂, E₃,..., E_i) can be placed, the latter being arranged in proximity to an opening of an n-th container B. Said i-th delivery actuator E allows delivering the fluid into the n-th container B.

[0015] The first magazine 5 and the second magazine 7 comprise delivery valves V₁, V₂, V₃,..., V_m, wherein a storage point D₁, D₂, D₃,..., D_m corresponds to each one of them. Each delivery valve V₁, V₂, V₃,..., V_m can be connected, through fluid transportation means, to a tank containing a certain fluid, in particular a coloured fluid. More in detail, the fluid transportation means comprise a delivery pump connected to the tank, and a tube with one end connected to the delivery pump; the other end of the tube is connected to the delivery valve V_m. It is clear that the fluid transportation means may comprise technical elements that are alternative to the above-mentioned ones.

[0016] Preferably, the dosage line 3 comprises washing modules L₁, L₂, L₃,..., L_j, each one of which is arranged in proximity to the dosage point. Furthermore, at every station S there is a scale that measures and determines the weight of the container B; this is useful for determining the quantity of fluid delivered into the containers B when the latter are being filled with a fluid.

[0017] In general, it can be stated that, when the dosage process is running, at each station S there is one container B, one delivery actuator E, one scale, and, preferably, one washing module L.

[0018] The function of the washing module L is to wash, and possibly also dry, the delivery valves V once the dosage process has been completed. The term "dosage process" refers herein to an operating process during which the containers B are filled in order to obtain a finished product for each formula.

[0019] The system 1 further comprises a robot 9, in particular a robotic arm, which is free to move forwards and backwards in a longitudinal direction (reference arrow RO) and in a transversal direction (reference arrow RV) of the dosage line 3. The robot 9 is therefore adapted to pick up a delivery valve V₁, V₂, V₃,..., V_m from a storage point D₁, D₂, D₃,..., D_m and place it at a dosage point of the dosage line 3, i.e. on a delivery actuator E₁, E₂, E₃,..., E_i in proximity to an opening of a corresponding container B₁, B₂, B₃,..., B_n.

[0020] With reference to Fig. 3, the system 1 comprises a control unit 11 configured for controlling and monitoring the operation and effectiveness of the whole system 1. More in detail, the control unit 11 comprises at least one processor and memory means (not shown in the drawings), which can execute machine instructions for checking and controlling the system 1. The control unit 11 is connected to the first magazine 5, the dosage line 3, the second magazine 7, and the robot 9; therefore, the control unit 11 can exchange data with said elements 3, 5, 7 and 9.

[0021] For example, the control unit 11 controls PLC ("Programmable Logic Controller") modules included in the dosage line 3, in the first magazine 5, and in the second magazine 7.

[0022] With reference to Figures 2, 4A, 4B, 4C and 4D, the following will illustrate in detail the operation of the system 1.

[0023] Let us consider that the whole dosage process will lead to obtaining a finished product, which will be the outcome of a formula.

[0024] Let us also assume that the formula of the example requires the use of four coloured fluids.

[0025] With reference to Fig. 4A, at step 1 a first container B₁ is positioned on the support means of the dosage line 3 while passing through and entry area 13 of the dosage line 3. The first container B₁ is de facto positioned at a first station S₁, where there are a first delivery actuator E₁ and a first washing module L₁, as well as a first scale. A robot 9 picks up, at a storage point D₁, a first delivery valve V₁ associated with a first coloured fluid 17, and moves it towards the first delivery actuator E₁, which will allow it to open, so that the first coloured fluid 17 will be delivered into the first container B₁. While the first coloured fluid 17 is being delivered, the first scale continuously checks the weight of the first container B₁, until it reaches a limit value dictated by the formula, e.g. 10% of the whole composition. When the first scale detects such limit value, the first delivery actuator E₁ will command the first delivery valve V₁ to close. At the end of step 1, the first container B₁ will thus only contain the first coloured fluid 17.

[0026] With reference to Fig. 4B, at step 2 the motion means allow the first container B₁ to translate or advance towards the second station S₂ (in the direction of the arrow A) and, preferably at the same time, a second container B₂ is positioned, from the entry area 13, onto the first station S₁. It is worth specifying that it is the control unit 11 that controls the motion means for moving the containers B_n from a first station to a second station when the fluid reaches the limit value dictated by said formula.

[0027] As a consequence, the first delivery actuator E₁ commands the first delivery valve V₁ to open, thereby allowing the first coloured fluid 17 to be delivered into the second container B₂. At the same time, preferably, the robot 9 picks up, from a storage point D₂, a second delivery valve V₂ associated with a second coloured fluid 19, and moves it towards the second delivery actuator E₂, which will allow it to open, so that the second coloured fluid 19 will be delivered into the first container B₁. At the second station S₂, a second scale checks the weight of the first container B₁ until it reaches a limit value dictated by the formula, e.g. 30% of the whole composition (in other words, the second coloured fluid 19 is delivered in a quantity equal to 20% of the entire composition). When the second scale detects such limit value, the second delivery actuator E₂ will command the second delivery valve V₂ to close; likewise, the first delivery valve V₁ will be closed at the first station S₁ for the first coloured fluid 17, which will have been delivered up to a limit value of 10% of the whole composition.

[0028] At the end of step 2 of the method, the first container B₁ will contain 10% of the first coloured fluid 17 and 20% of the second coloured fluid, whereas the second container B₂ will only contain 10% of the first coloured fluid 17.

[0029] With reference to Fig. 4C, at step 3 the motion means allow the first container B₁ to translate or advance towards the third station S₃ and the second container B₂ to translate or advance towards the second station S₃. At the same time, preferably, a third container B₃ is positioned onto the first station S₁.

[0030] As a consequence, the first delivery actuator E₁ commands the first delivery valve V₁ to open, thereby allowing the first coloured fluid 17 to be delivered into the third container B₃, in compliance with the limit value dictated by the formula. The second delivery actuator E₂ commands the second delivery valve V₂ to open, thereby allowing the second coloured fluid 19 to be delivered into the second container B₂, in compliance with the limit value dictated by the formula. At the same time, preferably, the robot 9 picks up, from a storage point D₃, a third delivery valve V₃ associated with a third coloured fluid 21, and moves it towards the third delivery actuator E₃, which will allow it to open, so that the third coloured fluid 21 will be delivered into the first container B₁. At the third station S₃, a third scale checks the weight of the first container B₁ until it reaches a limit value dictated by the formula, e.g. 60% of the whole composition (in other words, the third coloured fluid 21 will be delivered in a quantity equal to 30% of the entire composition).

[0031] When the third scale detects the limit value, the third delivery actuator E₃ will command the third delivery valve V₃ to close; also, the first delivery valve V₁ will be closed at the first station S₁ for the first coloured fluid 17 when a limit value of 10% of the whole composition is reached, and the second delivery valve V₂ will be closed at the second station S₂ for the second coloured fluid 19 when a limit value of 20% of the whole composition is reached.

[0032] At the end of step 3, the first container B₁ will contain 10% of the first coloured fluid 17, 20% of the second coloured fluid 19, and 30% of the third coloured fluid 21, whereas the second container B₂ will contain 10% of the first coloured fluid 17 and 20% of the second coloured fluid 19, and, finally, the third container B₃ will only contain 10% of the first coloured fluid 17.

[0033] With reference to Fig. 4D, at step 4 the motion means allow the first container B₁ to translate or advance towards a fourth station S₄, the second container B₂ to translate or advance towards the third station S₃, and the third container B₃ to translate or advance towards the second station S₂. At the same time, preferably, a fourth container B₄ is positioned onto the first station S₁.

[0034] As a consequence, the first delivery actuator E₁ commands the first delivery valve V₁ to open, thereby allowing the first coloured fluid 17 to be delivered into the fourth container B₄, in compliance with the limit value dictated by the formula. The second delivery actuator E₂ commands the second delivery valve V₂ to open, thereby allowing the second coloured fluid 19 to be delivered into the third container B₃, in compliance with the limit value dictated by the formula. The third delivery actuator E₃ commands the third delivery valve V₃ to open, thereby allowing the third coloured fluid 21 to be delivered into the second container B₂, in compliance with the limit value dictated by the formula.

[0035] At the same time, preferably, the robot 9 picks up, from a storage point D₄, a fourth delivery valve V₄ associated with a fourth coloured fluid 23, moves it towards the fourth delivery actuator E₄, which will allow it to open, so that the fourth coloured fluid 23 will be delivered into the first container B₁. At the fourth station S₄, a fourth scale checks the weight of the first container B₁ until it reaches a limit value dictated by the formula, e.g. 100% of the whole composition (in other words, the fourth coloured fluid 21 will be delivered in a quantity equal to 40% of the entire composition).

[0036] When the fourth scale detects the limit value, the fourth delivery actuator E₄ will command the fourth delivery valve V₄ to close; also, the first delivery valve V₁ will be closed at the first station S₁ for the first coloured fluid 17 when a limit value of 10% of the whole composition is reached, the second delivery valve V₂ will be closed at the second station S₂ for the second coloured fluid 19 when a limit value of 20% of the whole composition is reached, and the third delivery valve V₃ will be closed at the third station S₃ for the third coloured fluid 21 when a limit value of 30% of the whole composition is reached.

[0037] At the end of step 4, the first container B₁ will contain 10% of the first coloured fluid 17, 20% of the second coloured fluid 19, 30% of the third coloured fluid 21, and 40% of the fourth coloured fluid 23. The second container B₂ will contain 10% of the first coloured fluid 17, 20% of the second coloured fluid 19, and 30% of the third coloured fluid 21. The third container B₃ will contain 10% of the first coloured fluid 17 and 20% of the second coloured fluid 19, whereas the fourth container B₄ will only contain 10% of the first coloured fluid 17.

[0038] Therefore, the first container B₁ will contain the finished product and can be picked up by a lift truck and removed through an exit 15 of the dosage line 3.

[0039] The steps of the dosage process just described represent, de facto, a transient during which the dosage line 3 is loaded with containers B and these are filled up with coloured fluids in order to obtain the finished product. Therefore, the dosage process can be continued by feeding containers B into the dosage line 3, as long as a user wants to keep the same composition formula. When the user decides to change the formula of the composition of the finished product, the dosage process will be considered to end. Note that the delivery valves V_m, once they have been placed at the dosage point E_i, will remain stationary throughout the duration of the dosage process. In other words, it is the control unit 11 that commands said delivery valves V_m, once they have been placed at the dosage point E_i, to remain stationary at the dosage point throughout the duration of the dosage process.

[0040] When a maximum number of containers B to be filled up is reached, the dosage line 3 will be emptied by removing the n-th container B.

[0041] When the dosage line 3 is clear, and therefore the production of finished products having a given formula is complete, the robot 9 will pick up each delivery valve V_m and position it at the corresponding washing module L_j. The washing modules L_j will wash, and possibly dry, the delivery valves V_m in such a way that, when the latter are moved to the corresponding storage points D_m, no dripping will occur in the environment. In particular, the washing modules L_j are hermetically sealed, so as to avoid any leakage of product (inks, solvents, dirty water, etc.) into the working environment.

[0042] As an alternative, the delivery valves V_m may be washed, and possibly dried, when the fluid for the current formula is no longer used during the dosage process, in particular when the dosage line 3 is going through the phase wherein the containers B are removed (final step of the dosage process).

[0043] The dosage head is that part of the support which comprises the washing modules Lj and the delivery actuators E_i. This part of the support can move horizontally and vertically relative to the plane of the dosage line 3. The horizontal motion of the dosage head occurs circularly with respect to a fixed point, since the dosage head is hinged at one point, and allows the space above the containers B_n to be easily cleared whenever necessary.

[0044] It is worth pointing out that all of the above-mentioned steps are checked and controlled by the control unit 11. In fact, the information about the formula to be applied is entered into the memory means of the control unit 11. More in detail, such formula information comprises the following data:

• order of delivery of the fluids, and hence which fluid must be associated to a station S_p;
• quantity, in terms of weight and percentage of the whole composition, to be delivered into the containers B_n for each fluid;
• optionally, number of containers B_n to be filled up with the composition of a formula.

[0045] It is also important to stress that the association between a fluid and a station S_p allows saving time throughout the dosage process; in fact, said association will not change until the formula of the composition is changed. As a consequence, the robot 9 will advantageously have to carry out only a few operations in the transient phase of the dosage process for picking up the delivery valves V_m, and in the final phase of the dosage process for washing them and possibly storing them in the magazines 5, 7 (storage points D_m).

[0046] Preferably, the delivery valves V_m are stored in reverse order compared to the order in which the delivery valves V_m were picked up from their storage point D_m (during the initial transient phase of a dosage process). This will avoid any interference with the tubes connected to the delivery valves V_m.

[0047] In the example illustrated so far of the system 1 according to a first embodiment of the invention, there is a dosage line 3 with a plurality of stations S. However, in a second embodiment of the system 1 according to the invention, the dosage line 3 comprises just a single station S, where the robot 9 moves the delivery valves V_m in order to deliver the fluids. In this case, no movements of the containers B will occur on the dosage line 3, but as for the rest the operation of the system will remain unchanged.

[0048] Furthermore, in both the first and second embodiments of the system 1, it is possible to equip at least one station S with a plurality of delivery actuators E_i. In other words, each station S may have multiple delivery actuators E_i capable of receiving delivery valves V_m, so as to speed up the production process carried out by the system 1.

[0049] With reference to Fig. 4E, there is shown an example of a dosage line 3 wherein two delivery actuators E_i are present at each station S.

[0050] With reference to Figs. 5A, 5B and 5C, two possible configurations of the first magazine 5 and second magazine 7 will now be described.

[0051] More in detail, Fig. 5A shows a side view of the system 1 as a whole.

[0052] As can be seen in Fig. 5A, according to a first configuration the first magazine 5 and the second magazine 7 comprise, respectively, a first cable drag chain 51 and a second cable drag chain 71. The first cable drag chain 51 and the second cable drag chain 71 comprise coupling means 52,72 adapted to connect the fluid transportation means 25, in particular a tube 25, to a tank located in the first magazine 5 or in the second magazine 7.

[0053] In particular, said coupling means 52,72 are arranged vertically with respect to the support plane of the first magazine 5 and of the second magazine 7, and one above the other. A tube 25 carrying a specific coloured fluid is connected to each coupling means 52,72.

[0054] A delivery valve V_m, designated by reference numeral 27, is connected to one end of the tube 25. Preferably, the tube 25 is flexible, and is therefore advantageously laid on a support line 29 that extends throughout the length of the dosage line 3. The support line 29 avoids any interference between the tubes 25 when they are arranged over the delivery actuators E_i. Preferably, each valve 27 may be provided with a fluid recirculation tube.

[0055] As previously illustrated, the robot 9 can move in two directions, i.e. longitudinally (arrow designated RO) and transversally (arrow designated RV) relative to the dosage line 3. More in detail, the robot 9 is an electromechanical arm equipped with a clamp 91 at one end, possibly an extensible one, which can work in the area comprised between the first magazine 5 and the second magazine 7, and at least throughout the length of the dosage line 3. Preferably, the robot 9 is anchored to a portal 8 provided with guiding means adapted to allow the same robot 9 to move in the two longitudinal and transversal directions.

[0056] In a variant of the invention, the robot 9 can also be used for moving the containers B_n along the dosage line 3 during the dosage process.

[0057] According to a second configuration, with particular reference to Figures 5B and 5C, the first magazine 5 and the second magazine 7 comprise a first monorail assembly 53 and a second monorail assembly 73, to which the fluid transportation means 25 can be connected. The first magazine 5 is identical to the second magazine 7, and therefore only the first magazine 5 will be described in detail. The first monorail assembly 53 comprises at least one monorail 31 where carriages 33 are arranged, which can translate in the direction of the monorail 31, said carriages 33 being each equipped with a support 34 for bearing the tube 25 that transports the coloured fluid from a drum 35 to the delivery valve V_m, designated by reference numeral 27, by means of a delivery pump 36. Preferably, the at least one monorail 31 is arranged parallel to the dosage line 3; the robot 9 can thus operate along all monorails 31, so as to be able to pick up the delivery valves V_m from their storage points D_m. In particular, the delivery valves V_m are positioned at the corresponding storage points D_m on a rack 37 which is also useful as a support for the tube 25.

[0058] Advantageously, said second configuration of the fluid magazine 5,7 allows the tube 25 to be easily extended because, when the robot 9 picks up and moves the delivery valve V_m on the delivery actuator E_i, the tube 25 will extend due to the carriages 33 running along the monorail 31.

[0059] The following will describe a method of delivery of fluids according to the present invention, adapted to implement a dosage process wherein containers B_n are filled up in order to obtain a finished product according to a given formula, said formula being representative of the dosage and/or composition of one or more fluids. Said method comprises the steps of:

• picking up, through a robot 9, a delivery valve V_m from a storage point D_m and placing it at a dosage point E (the dosage point corresponds to the position of the delivery actuators E_i along the dosage line 3) of at least one dosage line 3;
• commanding the delivery of said fluid, through a delivery actuator E_i, into a first container B_n, which is present at at least one station S_p;

[0060] The method further envisages to:

• move a first container B_n from a first station to a second station, if the dosage line 3 comprises a plurality of stations S_p;
• place a second container B_n at the entry of the dosage line 3;
• repeat the previous steps until a formula of a composition of said fluids is completed, i.e. until one wants to end the dosage process;
• associate a fluid with one station of the plurality of stations S_p comprised in the dosage line 3, said association remaining valid throughout the duration of the dosage process.

[0061] The dosage process may also end on the basis of the number of containers B_n to be filled up with the composition of a formula, i.e. when the preset number of containers B_n to be filled up is reached. For example, a user may store said preset number of containers B_n to be filled up into the memory means of the control unit 11, which will then verify, by means of a count sensor positioned along the dosage line 3, the number of containers B_n containing the finished product. When the preset number of containers B_n is reached, the dosage process will end.

[0062] The method optionally envisages to:

• wash, and possibly dry, at least one delivery valve V_m at the end of the dosage process.

[0063] The washing and drying operations may alternatively be carried out when the fluid for the current formula no longer needs to be used during the dosage process, in particular when the dosage line 3 is executing the step of removing the containers B (final step of the dosage process).

[0064] Preferably, at the end of the dosage process (before or after the washing and/or drying operations), the robot 9 will bring the delivery valves V_m back to their respective storage points D_m. Preferably, the method according to the invention envisages to bring the delivery valves V_m back to their respective storage points D_m in reverse order compared to the order in which the same delivery valves V_m were picked up from their storage point D_m.

[0065] As an alternative, the method envisages to bring the delivery valves V_m back to their respective storage points D_m in an arbitrary order.

[0066] The present invention also relates to a computer program product which can be loaded into memory means of said control unit 11 and which is adapted to implement the method according to the invention.

[0067] The features of the present invention, as well as the advantages thereof, are apparent from the above description.

[0068] A first advantage of the system and method for delivery of fluids according to the present invention is that they ensure better system automation and shorter production times.

[0069] A second advantage of the invention is that it ensures higher production volumes of finished product.

[0070] A further advantage of the invention is that the working environment will be cleaner and safer for the operators.

[0071] The system and method for delivery of fluids described herein by way of example may be subject to many possible variations without departing from the novelty spirit of the inventive idea; it is also clear that in the practical implementation of the invention the illustrated details may have different shapes or be replaced with other technically equivalent elements.

[0072] For example, the system for delivery of fluids may comprise a plurality of dosage lines, in particular arranged side by side, so that production can be maximized.

[0073] In another variant, the robot may pick up the delivery valves V_m in a different order than that in which the fluids are loaded for the composition of the final formula.

[0074] It can therefore be easily understood that the present invention is not limited to a system and a method for delivery of fluids, but may be subject to many modifications, improvements or replacements of equivalent parts and elements without departing from the inventive idea, as clearly specified in the following claims.

Claims

1. System (1) for delivery of fluids, in particular coloured fluids, adapted to implement a dosage process wherein containers (B_n) are filled up in order to obtain a finished product according to a given formula, said formula being representative of the dosage and/or composition of one or more fluids, said system (1) comprising:

- at least one dosage line (3) comprising at least one station (S_p);

- at least one magazine (5,7) comprising delivery valves (V_m), wherein a storage point (D_m) corresponds to each one of them, and wherein they are connected to a tank containing a fluid by means of fluid transportation means (25,36);

- a robot (9) adapted to pick up at least one of said delivery valves (V_m) from said storage point (D_m) and place it at a dosage point of said at least one station (S_p);

- a control unit (11), adapted to control and monitor said at least one dosage line (3), said at least one magazine (5,7), and said robot (9).

2. System (1) according to claim 1, wherein said at least one dosage line (3) comprises a plurality of stations (S_p) and is configured for moving said containers (B_n) from a first station to a second station of said plurality of stations (S_p), and said control unit (11) is configured for associating said fluid with a station of said plurality of stations (S_p) throughout the duration of said dosage process.

3. System (1) according to claim 2, wherein said at least one station (S_p) comprises a scale adapted to determine the weight of a container (B_n) during the delivery of said fluid, and wherein said control unit (11) commands the movement of said containers (B_n) from said first station to said second station when said fluid has reached a limit value dictated by said formula.

4. System (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said control unit (11) commands said delivery valves (V_m), once they have been placed at said dosage point, to remain stationary at said dosage point throughout the duration of said dosage process.

5. System (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said at least one station (S_p) comprises a washing module (L_j) arranged in proximity to said dosage point and adapted to wash said delivery valves (V_m) at the end of said dosage process.

6. System (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein said washing module (L_j) is adapted to dry said delivery valves (V_m) at the end of said dosage process.

7. System (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said robot (9) moves said delivery valves (V_m) back to their respective storage points (D_m) after the end of said dosage process.

8. System (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said at least one magazine (5,7) is arranged on at least one side of said at least one dosage line (3).

9. System (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said robot (9) is free to move forwards and backwards in a longitudinal direction and in a transversal direction of said at least one dosage line (3).

10. System (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said at least one dosage line (3) comprises motion means (31), in particular an automatic conveyor, adapted to move said containers (B_n) on support means of said at least one dosage line (3).

11. System (1) according to one or more of claims 1 to 9, wherein said robot (9) is adapted to move said containers (B_n) on support means of said at least one dosage line (3).

12. System (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said at least one magazine (5,7) comprises a cable drag chain (51,71) comprising coupling means (52,72) adapted to connect said fluid transportation means (25) to said tank of said at least one magazine (5,7).

13. System (1) according to claim 12, wherein said coupling means (52,72) are arranged vertically with respect to a support plane of said at least one magazine (5,7), and one above the other.

14. System (1) according to one or more of claims 1 to 11, wherein said at least one magazine (5,7) comprises a monorail assembly (53,73) to which said fluid transportation means (25) can be connected.

15. Method of delivery of fluids, in particular coloured fluids, adapted to implement a dosage process wherein containers (B_n) are filled up in order to obtain a finished product according to a given formula, said formula being representative of the dosage and/or composition of one or more fluids, said method comprising the steps of:

- picking up, through a robot (9), a delivery valve (V_m) from a storage point (D_m) and placing it at a dosage point (E_i) of at least one dosage line (3);

- commanding the delivery of said fluid, through a delivery actuator (E_i), into a first container (B_n) which is present at a station (S_p) of said at least one dosage line (3).

16. Method according to claim 15, wherein it is envisaged to:

- move said first container (B_n) from a first station to a second station;

- place a second container (B_n) at the entry (13) of said at least one dosage line (3);

- repeat the previous steps until said formula is completed, i.e. until one wants to end said dosage process;

- associate a fluid with at least one station (S_p), said association remaining valid throughout the duration of said dosage process.

17. Method according to claim 16, wherein said dosage process ends when a preset number of containers (B_n) filled up in accordance with said formula has been reached.

18. Method according to one or more of claims 15 to 17, wherein it is envisaged to wash at least one of said delivery valves (V_m) at the end of said dosage process.

19. Method according to one or more of claims 15 to 18, wherein it is envisaged to bring said delivery valves (V_m) back to their respective storage points (D_m), by means of said robot (9), at the end of said dosage process.

20. Method according to claim 19, wherein said step of bringing said delivery valves (V_m) back to their respective storage points (D_m) is carried out in reverse order compared to the order in which said delivery valves (V_m) were picked up from their storage point (D_m).

21. Method according to one or more of claims 16 to 20, wherein said step of moving said first container (B_n) from a first station to a second station is carried out by said robot (9) during the dosage process.

22. Computer program product which can be loaded into a memory of said control unit (11) and which is adapted to implement the method according to one or more of claims 15 to 21.

Drawing