RU2841410C2 - Dosing device for dosing ingredients of mixtures, in particular for tyres and method for dosing ingredients of mixtures, in particular for tyres - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: devices and methods of dosing.

SUBSTANCE: group of inventions relates to a device and a method for batching ingredients of a mixture, in particular for tyres, as well as to a batching unit. Dispensing device comprises a storage container, a gate housing disposed in the outlet of the storage container, a mixer and at least one scraping surface, for example, having opposite shape relative to spherical surface of gate of gate body. According to method of dosing provided is at least partial opening of outlet hole and measurement of weight of ingredient collected at collection station, to control the angular position of the gate body as a function of the weight of the ingredient collected at the collection station.

EFFECT: group of inventions ensures increased accuracy of ingredient dosing.

27 cl, 17 dwg

Description

The present invention relates to a device for dosing ingredients of mixtures, in particular for tires, preferably driven by gravity, and to a method for measuring ingredients of mixtures, in particular for tires.

The present invention also relates to a metering valve and a metering installation.

The term "parallel" should be understood within tolerances, such as +/- 20 degrees from a perfectly parallel orientation. Furthermore, the term "parallel" used in relation to a straight line and a flat surface indicates both the possibility that the straight line is at a constant distance from the flat surface and the probability that the straight line lies on the flat surface.

The term "transverse" refers to a perpendicular or inclined arrangement between two physical or geometric elements. The term "perpendicular" should be understood within tolerances, such as +/- 20 degrees from a perfectly perpendicular orientation.

Terms expressed in ordinal numbers, such as, for example, "first", "second", "third", do not imply the necessity of a sequence or a functional relationship between the elements thus indicated. Consequently, each element can be provided independently of the others, for example, the third element of the engine can also be provided in the absence of the first element of the engine and/or the second element of the engine.

The expression "surface located near the outlet" means a surface located at a distance from the outlet in order to influence the passage of the ingredient through it. Preferably, such a surface is located at a distance from the outlet, in particular along the direction transverse to the outlet, no more than twice the width, preferably the diameter of the outlet. Even more preferably, such a surface is located at a distance from the outlet, in particular along the direction transverse to the outlet, no more than the width, preferably the diameter of the outlet.

Referring to the tire manufacturing process, it begins with the preparation of mixtures tailored to each component of the tire based on the specific recipe required. Each mixture is prepared in a special rotary mixer, known under the trade name "Banbury", into which the appropriate ingredients, such as those consisting of elastomers and additives, are introduced.

Ingredients are pre-dosed into appropriate bags according to a specific recipe. Dosing takes place in machines where the operator manually loads the bag into a collection container, which is designed to move along the loading line, stopping at one or more dosing stations containing dosing screws or vibrating channels to collect the ingredient to be dosed into the bag.

Once filled, the bag is lifted manually by the operator, who ensures that it is sealed for transfer to the rotary mixer.

Given the possible production variations, it is necessary to manage a large number of ingredients (e.g. thirty ingredients), which differ not only in composition but also in physical characteristics. In fact, the ingredients used in the tire industry can be in various forms, such as powders, flakes, granules, highly viscous liquids (e.g. oils). Only the wide variability of the form in which the various ingredients required for tire production can occur has required today the use of different dosing stations (screws, vibrating channels) for different types of ingredients. Some of these dosing stations have quite a long dosing time, slowing down the entire system and requiring manual control with the presence of an operator for loading/unloading the bag.

The applicant noted that the dosing systems used so far cannot simultaneously meet conflicting requirements, such as reducing the overall dosing time and increasing the accuracy and quality of the dosing itself. In addition, the applicant noted that the known systems disperse some ingredients into the environment.

In addition to the above, the Applicant noted that the dosing systems used so far are not very versatile in managing the variations related to the amount of ingredient to be dosed and/or the different forms or batches of ingredients to be dosed and/or environmental changes that may affect the physical characteristics of the ingredients to be dosed. This poor versatility is even more significant if it is required that the accuracy and quality of dosing remain constant despite possible changes or even increases. These aspects have so far required that each dosing station be necessarily dedicated to one ingredient and that in the same dosing plant there are different types of dosing stations depending on the ingredient to be dosed, which has hindered the overall management that would facilitate the reconciliation of the above-mentioned conflicting requirements.

U.S. Patent No. 4,130,268 discloses a rotary valve for powder and granular materials, comprising a housing and a valve member, which in the closed position has a concave inner surface facing the flow of material and which in the open position rotates so as to allow the material to pass through its opening. The convex outer surface of the valve member maintains a seal with the valve body, since it is not subject to wear and does not contact the powder material. The rotary valve described in U.S. Patent No. 4,130,268 is used in pneumatic systems for transporting powder material.

Publication WO 2015/063473 discloses a shut-off valve for powder conveying systems. The rotary shut-off element has the shape of a spherical shell, and a pneumatic seal can be activated against the rotary shut-off element.

U.S. Patent Application No. 2004/0079767 discloses a metering device for granular material comprising a rotating cylindrical rotor provided with an internal tube made with two elbow sections. The rotor can be replaced to adapt to different types of materials and particle sizes. A rack system rotates the rotor to feed a certain amount of material.

Other known valves have cleaning systems designed for the parts most susceptible to wear, such as the outlet seal ring, and/or cleaning nozzles activated outside the dosing interval.

The applicant realized that the accuracy and quality with which the dosing of ingredients is carried out are parameters that can influence the quality of the mixtures and, therefore, the final product, in particular the vulcanized tire. The applicant acknowledged that the systems described in US Patent No. 4,130,268 and WO 2015/063473 are implemented to optimize the transport of, for example, pneumatics, materials and, therefore, do not solve the problems related to the reliability of dosing. The applicant also realized that the accuracy and quality of dosing can represent a critical aspect, since it is possible that any problems at the dosing stage, i.e. at the first stage of production, for example, of a tire, only arise at the end of the production process, for example, after the checks carried out on the vulcanized tire.

According to the Applicant, by intervening on some parameters that influence dosing, for example depending on the weight of the collected ingredient, and/or by setting up a universal geometry adaptable to any type of ingredient, which is suitable for automatic cleaning and operation of moving parts, it is possible to combine the above-mentioned conflicting requirements in order to also reduce dosing time and, above all, for large quantities, to increase dosing accuracy and obtain the required quality, avoiding any contamination.

The Applicant has thus discovered that by controlling the rotary opening/closing movement of the valve body depending on the amount of ingredient collected, and/or by providing suitable geometries adapted to possibly providing, preferably, a rotary scraping movement of the valve body during the dosing process, it is possible to obtain an accuracy of the order of 1% also for weights of the collected material of the order of several tens of kg, to reduce the dosing time to a time of the order of 30”, thus being compatible with the automatic management of the bags, to reduce dispersions into the environment and to increase the quality of the ingredient dosed, to prevent possible contamination, and to manage ingredients of any type, also viscous and/or in the form of already prepared mixtures, for example mixtures consisting of powders and/or granules dispersed in an oil base.

More precisely, according to a first aspect, the present invention relates to a dosing device for dosing ingredients of mixtures, in particular for tires, preferably driven by gravity.

Preferably, the dosing device comprises a storage container defining an internal volume adapted to receive an ingredient of the mixtures, in particular for tires.

Preferably, said storage container has an inlet and an outlet.

Preferably, said outlet is located at the bottom of said storage container.

Preferably, said outlet opening has a circular shape.

Preferably, the shutter body is located in said outlet opening, rotating about the shutter axis.

Preferably, said axis of rotation is parallel to said outlet.

Preferably, said shutter body has a shutter surface having a convex profile facing said internal volume. Preferably, the shutter body has a spherical shutter surface.

Preferably, the ingredient collection station is located at the outlet for collecting material from said outlet. Preferably, the ingredient collection station is located below said outlet.

Preferably, said collection station comprises a measuring device configured to generate a measuring signal indicating the amount of ingredient collected.

Preferably, the first motor element is operatively connected to said shutter body in order to cause its rotation around the shutter axis between an angular closing position, in which said preferably spherical surface of the shutter is positioned so as to completely close the outlet opening, and an angular open position, in which said outlet opening is at least partially open on the open surface.

Preferably, the control unit is operatively connected to at least the measuring device and the first engine element and is configured to receive said at least one measuring signal and to generate, depending on the amount of ingredient collected at the collection station, a first control signal directed to the first engine element and adapted to control the degree of opening of the outlet.

The applicant believes that the choice of a preferably spherical convex shape of the valve body and the presence of motor elements controlled on the basis of the quantity (weight) of the ingredient collected at the collection station make it possible to efficiently, quickly and with very high precision dose any type of ingredient for mixtures, in particular tires, regardless of the form in which it occurs (dust, flakes, drops, tablets, granules, oils, etc.) and environmental conditions.

The geometry of the valve body allows for efficient cleaning if necessary, which can also be activated during dosing and can be automated thanks to the fact that the valve body rotates in the same space as the outlet opening and thanks to the possible use of a movable scraping device that can be activated in the area occupied by the valve body itself.

The said scraping device, if present, can be activated both during dosing, in continuous or pulsed mode, and during the interval between two or more successive dosing operations, or during periodic maintenance without the need to disassemble the valve, which simplifies its maintenance and limits machine downtime.

The mode and frequency of activation of the scraping device may depend, among other things, on the viscosity of the material and/or mixture to be dosed.

In addition, the above-mentioned dosing device can reduce the time of filling and spraying the ingredient into the environment and is therefore suitable for use in an automated system.

According to a second aspect, the present invention relates to a metering valve.

Preferably, the metering valve comprises a body forming a passage opening and a shutter body located in said passage opening.

Preferably, said shutter body is made in the form of a section of a ball having a center located on the shutter axis of said shutter body. Preferably, said shutter axis is parallel to said through hole. Preferably, said shutter axis is offset relative to said through hole.

Preferably, said section of the ball is limited by a spherical surface of the shutter, which has the same radius of said ball and a convex profile, which is adapted to face the ingredient to be dosed. Preferably, said section of the ball is limited by a passage surface, which cuts said ball on one edge, limiting the spherical surface of the shutter and the passage surface.

Preferably, said shutter body rotates around said shutter axis between an angular closed position, in which said spherical surface of the shutter is positioned so as to completely cover the passage opening, and an angular open position, in which said passage opening is at least partially open on said passage surface on the open surface.

Preferably, the passage surface comprises a first portion forming a plane parallel to the axis of the shutter.

Preferably, the passage surface comprises a second portion forming a second plane parallel to the axis of the shutter.

Preferably, the second section intersects the first section.

The applicant believes that the provision of a valve body having a configuration according to a section of the ball, preferably with a convex profile facing the ingredient to be dosed and with a flat passage surface located in said position, allows the ingredient output to be adjusted by dividing the passage opening with different geometries according to the amount (weight) of the ingredient collected in the collection station. In particular, the valve body can be shaped to divide the passage opening according to a circular segment, at least in angular positions close to its angular closing position, in order to obtain both a rapid output of the ingredient in the maximum angular opening position and a high degree of precision when closing the metering valve. This configuration can also be adapted to cooperate with a movable and automatic scraping device in order to ensure a high level of cleaning of the valve and its use with any type of ingredient.

According to its third aspect, the present invention relates to a method for dosing ingredients of mixtures, in particular for tires.

Preferably, the ingredient for mixtures, in particular for tires, is placed in a storage container having an outlet opening leading to an ingredient collection station. Preferably, said outlet opening has a circular shape. Said outlet opening accommodates a shutter body rotating around a shutter axis, preferably parallel to said outlet opening, and having, preferably, a spherical shutter surface, preferably having a convex profile facing said internal volume.

Preferably, said outlet opening is at least partially open to allow the ingredient to pass from the storage container to the collection station through the open surface of the outlet opening.

Preferably, the amount of ingredient collected at the collection station is measured.

Preferably, the degree of opening of the outlet is controlled as a function of the amount of ingredient collected in the collection station.

The applicant believes that the control of the opening, preferably of the spherical surface of the shutter, having a convex profile facing the internal volume, allows dosing effectively, quickly, with high precision and using the same type of dosing device as any type of mixture ingredients, in particular tires, regardless of the form in which they are (dust, flakes, drops, granules, etc.) and environmental conditions. In addition, the above method is designed with the possibility of being adapted for automation, it allows to reduce the time of filling and dispersion of the ingredient into the environment.

According to a fourth aspect, the present invention relates to a dosing installation comprising a plurality of dosing devices.

Preferably, each of said dosing devices is intended for a specific ingredient or for an already prepared mixture. Preferably, said dosing devices are arranged in such a way as to position each outlet at a given height relative to the supporting surface and to form a collection path that extends between the inlet and the outlet. Preferably, at least said collection station is movable along the collection path.

In one or more of the above aspects, the present invention may comprise one or more of the following features.

Preferably, the scraping device is located inside said internal volume and has at least one scraping surface configured and movable for scraping the surface of the dosing device located near the outlet. Preferably, said scraping surface is rotatable around the rotation axis, preferably transverse to said outlet or passage.

Preferably, said at least one scraping surface has an opposite shape relative to said preferably spherical surface of the shutter and/or scraper ring defining the outlet or passage opening and/or the internal surfaces of the storage container located near said outlet or passage opening.

Preferably, a plurality of scraping surfaces are provided, distributed around the axis of rotation. Even more preferably, at least four scraping surfaces are provided, even more preferably, at least six scraping surfaces are provided, distributed around the axis of rotation. Preferably, the number of scraping surfaces is such as to cover a total surface of 5% to 30% (four tabs), preferably 15% to 45% (six tabs), preferably of the spherical surface of the shutter.

The applicant believes that this aspect provides a universal dosing device, adaptable to any type of ingredient (powders, granular or viscous materials) and to possible mixtures of ingredients even of different types, which makes it possible to control the parameters affecting the accuracy and time of dosing more effectively.

Preferably, said at least one scraping surface has a plurality of scraping sections. Even more preferably, at least one scraping section is configured to be driven, preferably rotated, independently of the remaining scraping sections.

Preferably, said scraping surface and, in particular, the first scraping section of the scraping surface, has an opposite shape relative to said, preferably spherical surface of the shutter and is actuatable at least in a section of the, preferably spherical shell formed by said, preferably spherical surface of the shutter when positioned in the angular closing position.

Preferably, said first scraping section is realized by means of a surface of a tab, preferably rotatable around an axis of rotation, integral with a hub, preferably polygonal.

Preferably, said at least one scraping surface has a second scraping section having an opposite shape relative to the scraper ring limiting the outlet or passage opening and activated therein. Preferably, said second scraping section is realized by means of a tab surface, preferably rotatable around the rotation axis, integral with the hub, preferably polygonal.

Preferably, said at least one scraping surface has a third scraping section having an opposite shape relative to the inner surface of the storage container located near said outlet or passage opening and activated therein. Even more preferably, said third scraping section is realized by means of a tab surface, preferably rotatable around the rotation axis, integral with the hub, preferably polygonal.

Preferably, the said foot has a thickness of approximately 3-8 mm.

Preferably, the third engine element is operatively connected to said scraping device to cause rotation of said scraping surface at a scraping speed around said rotation axis. Preferably, said third engine element operates at a speed of 5 to 40 rpm. Even more preferably, for example in the case of at least six scraping surfaces, said third engine element operates at a speed of 5 to 20 rpm.

Preferably, said scraping device comprises one tab for providing the entire scraping surface. Said one tab is preferably rotatable around the rotation axis as a single unit with the hub, preferably polygonal. Alternatively, said scraping device comprises two or more additional tabs interacting with each other for providing said scraping surface. Said additional tabs are preferably rotatable around the rotation axis as a single unit with the hub, preferably polygonal. Preferably, said additional tabs are connected to one hub in the same angular position relative to the rotation axis. Alternatively, said additional tabs are connected to different hubs and, preferably, rotate around the rotation axis independently of each other.

The scraping as described above has proven to be particularly advantageous in the case of powdery and highly compacted materials which tend to adhere to the inner walls of the storage container around the outlet or through-hole. Such compaction is thus prevented by scraping both the closure body and the parts around it and/or by using tabs and therefore scrapers of small thickness. In this way, the material flows continuously and is not compacted. In addition, the scraping device accelerates the final or end stage of dosing by accompanying the material towards the outlet.

Preferably, said control unit is operatively connected to the scraping device and configured to generate a second control signal addressed to the scraping device and adapted to control its operating parameters, such as the scraping speed (intended to be activated, starting from the zero scraping speed of the scraping device and/or the module of the scraping speed and/or the direction of the scraping speed) as a function of the degree of opening of the outlet or passage opening and/or as a function of the amount of ingredient collected in the collection station. Preferably, said control unit is operatively connected to the third element of the motor for controlling the scraping speed.

The applicant believes that the control of the above operating parameters of the scraping device, in particular the scraping speed as a function of the degree of opening of the outlet or passage opening and/or the amount of the collected ingredient, allows the degree of cleaning to be optimized by adapting it to the type of ingredient and the dosing stage in order to determine an additional factor suitable for influencing the quality and accuracy. In addition, the above control is such that it affects the tracking of the material in the direction of the outlet opening in order to accelerate the final or end stage of dosing.

Preferably, said shutter body of the dosing device has the shape of a ball, the center of which is located on the shutter axis. Preferably, said shutter axis is offset relative to the outlet opening. Preferably, said section of the ball is limited by said spherical surface of the shutter, which has a radius like that of the ball and a passage surface, which cuts said ball on one edge, limiting the spherical surface of the shutter and the passage surface. Preferably, in the angular opening position, said outlet opening is at least partially open on said passage surface.

The applicant believes that providing a portion of the ball as a valve body allows the required high cleaning parameters to be met and facilitates the flow of the ingredient leaving the storage container.

Preferably, the passage surface comprises a first portion forming a first plane parallel to the axis of the shutter.

Preferably, the passage surface comprises a second portion forming a second plane parallel to the axis of the shutter. Preferably, the second portion intersects the first portion.

Below, reference is made to a valve, independently belonging to a metering valve and/or a metering device, using the definition of an outlet orifice, which in the case of a metering valve is to be understood as a passage orifice.

Preferably, said portion of the ball comprises a shutter axis.

The applicant believes that this configuration allows for the implementation of a passage surface defining a discharge chute to facilitate the flow of ingredient.

Preferably, said valve body is configured to perform a full angular movement of 120° from the angular closing position to the angular end position of movement.

Preferably, the first section is located at a distance from the axis of the shutter equal to approximately ¾ of the radius of the ball.

Preferably, the first section has a configuration of a circular segment of said open surface of the outlet opening, so as to generate, at least in angular positions of the shutter body close to the angular closing position.

The applicant believes that providing a valve body having a conformation according to a section of a ball, with a passage surface having a first flat section located in such a position, makes it possible to regulate the release of the ingredient by dividing the outlet opening with different geometries according to the amount (weight) of the ingredient collected at the collection station, in particular according to circular segments.

Preferably, said first section has a recess adapted to form, at least in the position of partial angular opening of the shutter body, an effective section of the open surface which has a width parallel to the axis of the shutter, having a value comparable to the value of the length perpendicular to the axis of the shutter.

Preferably, the first section has a shape so as to generate, at least in angular positions of the shutter body close to the angular closing position, an open surface of the outlet opening having at least one elongated section in the direction of the shutter axis, preferably in a shape corresponding to a section of a circular segment.

Preferably, said recess is made by means of a groove, preferably formed in the centre of the first section, which develops in a direction perpendicular to the projection of the axis of the shutter onto the first section, wherein the apex of the groove defines a closing point of the shutter body, which, when located on the plane of the outlet or passage opening or below it, corresponds to the angular position of closing of the shutter body.

Preferably, the shape and dimensions of the groove are a function of the type of ingredients, in particular the shape and size of at least one ingredient in the tablets.

The applicant believes that this aspect expands the scope of application of the dosing device, simplifying the output of the ingredient regardless of its type and making the same dosing device suitable for use with any type of ingredient. In addition, such a position allows for a smoother and more linear control of the reduction of the open surface, especially at the last stage of dosing, which affects the final accuracy.

Preferably, the second section is located at a distance from the axis of the shutter equal to approximately ¼ of the radius "R" of the ball. Preferably, the surface of the passage comprises a third section, forming a third flat surface parallel to the axis of the shutter and, preferably, located at a distance from the axis of the shutter equal to approximately ¼ of the radius of the ball. The third flat surface intersects the second section.

The applicant believes that the second and possibly third portion of the passage surface may form the passage surface in order to limit the dosing time.

Preferably, said storage container contains a stirrer, preferably rotating around a transverse rotation axis, preferably perpendicular to said outlet. Preferably, the second motor element is operatively connected to said stirrer to cause it to rotate around said rotation axis.

Preferably, said control unit is operatively connected to the second engine element and configured to generate a second control signal addressed to the second engine element and configured to control the rotation speed of the stirrer according to the degree of opening of the outlet.

Preferably, said control unit is operatively connected to the second engine element and configured to generate a second control signal addressed to the second engine element and configured to control the rotation speed of the mixer according to the amount of ingredient collected at the collection station.

The applicant believes that controlling the stirrer as a function of the degree of opening of the outlet and/or the amount of ingredient collected allows the flow of the ingredient to be optimized, adapted to the dosing stage in order to determine an additional factor suitable for influencing quality and accuracy.

Said mixer preferably comprises a central shaft forming an axis of rotation and at least one blade extending radially from one end of the central shaft and comprises said scraping surface, whereby said mixer integrates said scraping device.

Said mixer preferably comprises two or more blades uniformly distributed around a central shaft and active, preferably, on the spherical surface of the shutter.

Said stirrer preferably comprises four blades uniformly distributed around a central shaft and active, preferably, on the spherical surface of the shutter.

Preferably, the blade extends from the central shaft, even more preferably from one of its lower ends, and has an arcuate configuration designed to excellently cover a portion, preferably a spherical surface, of the shutter.

Preferably, the extension of the blade is such that it covers the area contained between the central shaft and the outlet opening.

Preferably, the distance between the scraping surface and, preferably, the spherical surface of the shutter is less than 5 mm.

Preferably, said blades are oriented radially relative to said rotation axis. Alternatively, said blades have an inclined orientation relative to the radial direction to said rotation axis in order to influence the ingredient falling from the outlet or being pushed toward the outlet.

In other words, preferably, the blade follows the profile, preferably the spherical surface of the valve for the entire section between the central shaft and the outlet opening, for example, partially covering the meridian of the section of the ball forming the body of the valve, or following the curved pattern of the section of the ball.

Said mixer preferably comprises at least one mixing blade, preferably above a paddle, having an inclined orientation relative to said axis of rotation in order to influence the fall of the ingredient from the outlet or the ejection towards the outlet.

Said control unit is preferably configured to control the rotation direction of the stirring speed of the stirrer as a function of the degree of opening of the outlet opening, in order to influence the fall of the ingredient from the outlet opening or the ejection to the outlet opening. Preferably, the rotation direction of the stirring speed of the stirrer is controlled as a function of the degree of opening of the outlet opening, in order to influence the fall of the ingredient from the outlet opening or the ejection to the outlet opening.

Preferably, the mixing blade is located at a certain distance from the paddle along the axis of rotation. Preferably, two or more mixing blades are provided.

The applicant believes that this aspect improves the distribution of the ingredient in the storage container and facilitates the control of the flow of the ingredient both depending on the type of ingredient and depending on the dosing stage.

Preferably, said mixing blade is connected to the central shaft so as to rotate integrally with the blade.

Said mixer preferably comprises at least one mixing lever which extends radially from the axis of rotation and is located in an intermediate position along the axis of rotation itself.

Preferably, said mixing lever is connected to the central shaft so as to rotate integrally with the paddle.

Preferably, two or more mixing levers are arranged in a stepped manner along and/or around the axis of rotation.

The applicant believes that this aspect improves the distribution of the ingredient in the storage container and helps prevent stagnation, which can negatively affect accuracy.

Preferably, supporting spokes are provided, located transversely to the axis of rotation, inside the storage container to support the central shaft.

Preferably, said first engine element is reversible.

Preferably, said dosing device comprises a safety device capable of automatically closing the outlet opening, returning the shutter body back to the angular closing position.

The outlet is automatically closed in case of malfunction.

Preferably, the safety device comprises an elastic element, functionally acting on the shutter element to return it to the angular closing position. Preferably, the elastic element in the form of a spiral spring is inserted between the shutter shaft and the frame of the dosing device, preferably by means of a lever.

The applicant believes that this aspect increases safety and avoids dispersion of the ingredient.

Preferably, the control unit is configured to calculate the maximum angular position of the opening of the valve body as a function of the final quantity (weight) of the ingredient to be collected at the collection station and at least one value of proximity to the final quantity.

Preferably, the maximum angular position of the opening of the valve body is calculated as a function of the final quantity (weight) of the ingredient to be collected at the collection station and at least one value of approximation to the final quantity.

The applicant believes that this aspect makes it possible to adapt the method of opening the outlet to the amount of ingredient to be dosed.

Preferably, the control unit is configured to generate an opening signal addressed to the first element of the engine configured to cause rotation of the said shutter body from the angular position of closing to the angular position of maximum opening.

Preferably, controlling the degree of opening of the outlet port includes rotating said valve body from the angular position of closing to the angular position of maximum opening.

Preferably, the collection station comprises sensors operatively connected to the control unit and configured to generate a signal about the presence of a collection container at the collection station and/or below the outlet. Preferably, the control unit is configured to subordinate the opening signal upon receiving a signal of the presence of a collection container.

Preferably, opening of the outlet is permitted if the presence of a collection container is detected at the collection station and/or below the outlet.

Preferably, controlling the degree of opening of the outlet port includes decreasing the degree of opening of the outlet port, causing the shutter body to rotate from the angular position of maximum opening to the angular position of closing upon reaching the first value of approaching the final quantity.

Preferably, the first control signal is configured to reduce the degree of opening of the outlet opening, causing the rotation of the shutter body from the angular position of maximum opening to the angular position of closing upon reaching the first value of approaching the final quantity. Preferably, said measuring device is configured to generate a measuring signal indicating reaching at least the first value of approaching the final quantity.

Preferably, the control modes of the degree of opening of the outlet are modified when at least one additional value of approach to the final quantity is reached.

Preferably, the first control signal is suitable for changing the control modes of the degree of opening of the outlet opening when at least one additional value of approaching the final quantity is reached.

Preferably, said measuring device is configured to generate a measuring signal indicating the achievement of at least an additional value of approach to the final quantity.

The applicant believes that by adjusting the degree of opening of the outlet orifice based on achieving values approaching the final quantity, it is possible to gradually optimize the dosing accuracy and reduce the dosing time.

Preferably, when the measuring signal indicates reaching the first value of approach to the final quantity, the first control signal controls the closing of the shutter body with a given angular velocity and/or to reach the first intermediate angular position. Preferably, when the measuring signal indicates reaching the second value of approach, closer to the final quantity, the first control signal controls the closing of the shutter body by changing its angular velocity and/or setting the second intermediate angular position.

Preferably, when the measuring signal indicates reaching the third approximation value, closer to the final quantity, the first control signal controls the closing of the shutter housing by changing its angular velocity and/or setting a third intermediate angular position.

Preferably, when the measuring signal indicates that the final quantity (total weight) has been reached, the first control signal controls the closing of the valve body to reach the closing angular position.

Preferably, during the passage of the ingredient from the storage container to the collection station, the surface of the dosing device located in the immediate vicinity of the outlet opening is scraped, causing movement of at least one scraping surface, preferably rotation of at least one scraping surface around an axis of rotation, preferably transverse to said outlet opening.

Preferably, preferably, the spherical surface of the closure facing the internal volume of the storage container and/or the scraper ring defining the outlet opening and/or the internal surfaces of the storage container located near said outlet opening are scraped, causing a movement, preferably a rotation, of at least one scraping surface of the opposite shape relative to said, preferably, spherical surface of the closure and/or said scraper ring and/or said internal surfaces of the storage container around the axis of rotation. Preferably, said scraping surface is active at least on a section of the, preferably, spherical shell formed by said, preferably spherical surface of the closure when it is located in the angular closing position, and/or on said scraper ring and/or on said internal surfaces of the storage container.

Preferably, said scraping surface has a plurality of scraping sections. Even more preferably, at least one scraping section is arranged in motion, preferably in rotation, independently of the remaining scraping sections.

Preferably, the surface of the dosing device located near the outlet opening is scraped, causing a rotation of a plurality of scraping surfaces distributed around the axis of rotation.

Preferably, the scraping speed corresponding to the rotation speed of the scraping surface is adjusted as a function of the amount of ingredient collected in the collection station and/or as a function of the degree of opening of the outlet.

Preferably, the mixing speed of the ingredient, corresponding to the rotation speed of the stirrer located in said storage container, is adjusted as a function of the amount of ingredient collected at the collection station and/or as a function of the degree of opening of the outlet.

Preferably, the control of said scraping and/or mixing speed comprises calculating, as a function of the final amount of ingredient to be collected at the collection station, a maximum scraping speed and/or maximum mixing speed and at least one value of approaching the final amount and setting said maximum scraping speed and/or maximum mixing speed.

Preferably, the control unit is configured to calculate, as a function of the final amount of ingredient to be collected at the collection station, the maximum scraping speed and/or the maximum mixing speed and at least one value of approaching the final amount. Preferably, the control unit is configured to generate an activation signal addressed to the second element of the motor, configured to cause rotation of said stirrer at said maximum mixing speed.

Preferably, the activation signal is generated simultaneously with the opening signal.

The applicant believes that this aspect allows the maximum scraping speed to be adapted to the amount of ingredient to be dosed.

Preferably, controlling the scraping speed and/or the mixing speed includes decreasing the scraping speed and/or the mixing speed from the specified maximum scraping speed and/or the specified maximum mixing speed upon reaching the first value approaching the final quantity.

Preferably, the second control signal is configured to reduce the scraping and/or mixing speed from the specified maximum speed upon reaching the first value of approaching the final quantity.

Preferably, the control modes of the scraping speed and/or the mixing speed are changed when at least one additional value of approach to the final quantity is reached.

Preferably, the second control signal is suitable for changing the modes for controlling the scraping speed and/or the mixing speed when at least one additional value of approach to the final quantity is reached.

Preferably, when the measuring signal indicates reaching the first value of approach to the final quantity, the second control signal reduces the scraping speed and/or the mixing speed, starting from the maximum scraping and/or mixing speed, and sets the first scraping and/or mixing speed below the maximum scraping and/or mixing speed.

Preferably, when the measuring signal indicates reaching the second value of approach to the final quantity, close to the final quantity, the second control signal changes, preferably reduces, the speed of scraping and/or mixing, and sets a second, different speed of scraping and/or mixing, preferably lower than the first speed of scraping and/or mixing.

Preferably, when the measuring signal indicates reaching the third value of approach to the final quantity, close to the final quantity, the second control signal changes, preferably reduces, the speed of scraping and/or mixing, and sets a third, different speed of scraping and/or mixing, preferably lower than the second speed of scraping and/or mixing.

Preferably, the third speed of scraping and/or mixing is such as to obtain the correct yield of the last portion of the ingredient, in whatever form it may be, in order to obtain the desired degree of accuracy.

Preferably, when the measuring signal indicates that the final quantity (total weight) has been reached, the second control signal sets the scraping and/or stirring speed to zero.

The applicant believes that by adjusting the scraping speed, in particular the rotation speed of the stirrer based on the values approaching the final quantity, it is possible to gradually optimize the dosing accuracy and reduce the dosing time.

Preferably, the direction of said stirring speed and/or said scraping speed is controlled as a function of the degree of opening of the outlet opening, in order to influence the fall of the ingredient from the outlet opening or the expulsion towards the outlet opening.

Said control unit is preferably configured to control the direction of rotation of the mixing and/or scraping speed as a function of the degree of opening of the outlet opening in order to influence the fall of the ingredient from the outlet opening or the ejection towards the outlet opening.

Preferably, said base comprises a scraper ring mounted inside the storage container and defining the outlet opening.

Preferably, the scraper ring may be connected to the support ring.

Preferably, the storage container develops primarily along a vertically located longitudinal axis.

Preferably, the storage container is made of curved plates connected together by one or more connecting flanges. Preferably, the storage container is divided into sections along the longitudinal axis, for example, an upper section having an inlet, an intermediate section and a lower section having a base.

Preferably, the first element of the engine is directly connected by a key to the shutter shaft, which forms the shutter axis and carries the shutter body.

Preferably, the second element of the engine is directly connected by a key to the central shaft. Preferably, the central shaft passes through the upper portion of the storage container and has an upper end directly connected by a key to the second element of the engine.

Preferably, the dosing device is mounted on a frame designed to position the outlet at a given height relative to the support plane of the frame itself.

Further features and advantages will become more apparent from the detailed description of a preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment of a dosing unit for dosing ingredients of mixtures, in particular for tires, and a method for dosing ingredients of mixtures, in particular for tires, according to the present invention, together with a dosing valve and a dosing unit.

This description is given hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are provided for illustrative and therefore non-limiting purposes only. In the drawings:

Fig. 1 - schematic side view of the dosing unit;

Fig. 1A is a schematic view in detail of the installation of Fig. 1 according to a possible embodiment;

Fig. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a device for dosing ingredients of a mixture, in particular for tires;

Fig. 3 is a schematic front view of the dosing device of Fig. 2, in which some elements have been omitted to highlight others;

Fig. 4 is a sectional view of the dosing device from Fig. 3 along line IV-IV;

Fig.4A-4E - detail "X" from Fig.4, enlarged and in various working configurations;

Fig. 5 - side view of the dosing device from Fig. 3;

Fig. 6 is a sectional view of the dosing device from Fig. 5 along line VI-VI;

Fig. 7 is a schematic perspective view of a component of the dosing device of Fig. 3;

Fig. 8 is a front view of the component from Fig. 7;

Fig.9 is a top view of the component from Fig.7;

Fig.10 is a sectional view of the component from Fig.9 along line X-X;

Fig. 11 is a sectional view of the component from Fig. 8 along line XI-XI;

Fig. 12 is a schematic perspective view of an additional component of the dosing device shown in Fig. 3;

Fig. 12A is a schematic perspective view of an auxiliary element of the additional component from Fig. 12;

Fig. 13A is a sectional view of the additional component from Fig. 12 along line XIII-XIII;

Fig. 14A is a sectional view of the additional component from Fig. 13A along line XIV-XIV;

Fig. 13B is a side view of a component of the dosing device of Fig. 3 according to a possible embodiment;

Fig. 14B is a side view of a component of the dosing device of Fig. 3 according to a possible embodiment;

Fig.15A and Fig.15B are a graph relative to the operation of the dosing device, respectively;

Fig. 16 is a schematic view of the opening surface of the dosing device through which the ingredient to be dosed passes;

Fig. 17A-17D - possible variants of the part “X” from Fig. 4A in an enlarged view.

In the accompanying drawings, reference numeral 1 indicates a dosing device for dosing the ingredients of a mixture, in particular for tires.

The dosing device comprises a storage container 2, defining an internal volume 3, adapted to receive an ingredient of the compositions, in particular for tires. The storage container 2 develops mainly along the longitudinal axis "A", located vertically, and has an upper section 2a and a lower part 2b. Preferably, the storage container 2 is made of curved plates 4, connected together by one or more connecting flanges 5. Preferably, the storage container 2 is divided into sections along the longitudinal axis "A", for example, an upper section 6, an intermediate section 7 and a lower section 8.

The upper section 6 comprises the upper section 2a and has a cylindrical shape, provided with an extension that forms the loading chute 9 of the storage container 2. The intermediate section 7 has the shape of a truncated cone with a downwardly decreasing cross-section along the longitudinal axis "A". The lower section 8 has a cylindrical shape and comprises the lower part 2b.

The storage container 2 has an inlet 10 and an outlet 11.

The inlet opening 10 is located in the upper section 2a and, for example, is made by means of a channel 12 for accessing the internal volume 3. According to the illustrated example, the inlet opening 10 is located in the transverse direction relative to the longitudinal axis "A" on the expansion of the upper section 6 so that it faces the loading chute 9.

If desired, it is possible to expand the internal volume 3 by connecting an additional storage container to the access channel 12.

The outlet opening 11 is located in the lower part 2b of the storage container 2 and has a circular shape, essentially in a horizontal plane. The outlet opening 11 has a diameter of preferably 200 to 300 mm.

The lower part 2b is preferably installed inside the lower section 8. For example, the lower part 2b comprises a scraper ring 13 installed inside the lower section 8 and limiting the outlet opening 11. The scraper ring 13 can be connected to the support ring 14.

The body 15 of the shutter is placed in the outlet opening 11 and rotates around the axis "O" of the shutter, parallel to the plane formed by the outlet opening 11, so that the outlet opening 11 is closed or opened depending on the angular position of the angular body 15. The axis "O" of the shutter is preferably offset relative to the outlet opening 11.

The degree of opening of the outlet opening 11 is determined by the area of the open surface 11a of the outlet opening 11 through which the ingredient passes, which is a variable value depending on the angular position of the shutter body 15.

The valve body 15, located in the outlet opening 11, provides a metering valve that can be used inside the metering device 1 or in various devices. In the case of the metering device 1, the lower section 8 of the storage container 2 performs the functions of housing the metering valve, and the outlet opening 11 performs the functions of a passage opening of the metering valve.

The body 15 of the shutter has the shape of a ball S (indicated by a dotted line in Fig. 4), having a center “C” located on the axis “O” of the shutter, and a radius “R”, preferably ranging from 105 mm to 160 mm.

The section of the ball which forms the body 15 of the shutter is limited on one side by the spherical surface 16 of the shutter which coincides with the outer surface of the ball, and on the other side by the surface 17 of the passage which cuts the ball on one edge 18 which limits the spherical surface 16 of the shutter and the surface 17 of the passage.

The front section 18a of the edge 18 forms a closing zone of the housing 15 of the breechblock, which, when lying in the plane of the outlet opening 11 or below it, corresponds to the angular position of the closing of the housing of the breechblock.

The section of the ball forming the body 15 of the shutter contains the axis "O" of the shutter. In other words, the axis "O" of the shutter intersects the section of the ball forming the body 15 of the shutter between the spherical surface 16 of the shutter and the surface 17 of the passage.

The spherical surface 16 of the shutter has a convex profile facing the internal volume 3 and, consequently, the ingredient to be dosed.

In the angular position of closing the housing 15 of the shutter, the spherical surface 16 of the shutter is designed to completely close the outlet opening 11. In this angular position of closing, the spherical surface 16 of the shutter forms a spherical shell, inside which the housing 15 of the shutter moves, assuming, for example, a maximum angular position of opening and one or more partial angular positions of opening. At least in the angular position of maximum opening, the spherical surface 16 of the shutter can be located outside the spherical shell.

As best illustrated in Fig. 7-11, the passage surface 17 comprises a first portion 17a, preferably formed by a plane parallel to the axis "O" of the shutter and located at a distance from the axis "O" of the shutter equal to approximately ¾ of the radius "R" of the ball. In other words, the first portion 17a forms a first flat surface parallel to the axis "O" of the shutter and located at a distance from the axis "O" of the shutter equal to approximately ¾ of the radius "R" of the ball.

The first section 17a has a shape so as to generate, at least in some angular positions of the shutter body 15 close to the angular closing position, the configuration of a circular segment of the open surface 11a of the outlet opening 11.

Preferably, the groove 19 is formed centrally in the first section 17a and develops in a direction perpendicular to the projection of the axis "O" of the shutter in the very first section. The shape and dimensions of the groove 19 are a function of the type of ingredients, in particular the shape and size of at least one ingredient in the tablets.

The apex 20 of the groove 19 forms a closing point of the body 15 of the shutter, which, when lying in the plane of the outlet opening 11 or under it, corresponds to the angular position of the closing of the body of the shutter (Fig. 4A). The radius of the body 15 of the shutter, passing through the said apex 20, represents the closing radius 21.

The groove 19 represents a possible embodiment of a recess made with the possibility of forming, at least in the angular position of partial opening of the housing 15 of the shutter, an effective section P1 of the open surface 11a, which has a width L1 parallel to the axis “O” of the shutter, having a value comparable to the value of the length L2 perpendicular to the axis “O” of the shutter.

The open surface 11a of the through hole 11 also has at least one extended section P2 in the direction of the axis "O" of the shutter, in particular two extended sections P2 if the recess is located centrally to the first section 17a. Fig. 16 schematically shows the through hole 11a in the angular position of partial opening of the housing 15 of the shutter, close to closing.

The passage surface 17 comprises a second section 17b, preferably formed by a plane parallel to the shutter axis "O" and located at a distance from the shutter axis "O" equal to approximately ¼ of the radius "R" of the ball and intersecting the first section 17a. In other words, the second section 17b forms a second flat surface parallel to the shutter axis "O" and located at a distance from the shutter axis "O" equal to approximately ¼ of the radius "R" of the ball and intersecting the first section 17a.

The passage surface 17 may also comprise a third section 17c, preferably formed by a plane parallel to the axis "O" of the shutter and located at a distance from the axis "O" of the shutter equal to approximately ¼ of the radius "R" of the ball and intersecting the second section 17b. In other words, the third section 17c forms a third flat surface parallel to the axis "O" of the shutter and located at a distance from the axis "O" of the shutter equal to approximately ¼ of the radius "R" of the ball and intersecting the second section 17b.

As shown, for example, in Fig. 1-3, the first element 22 of the motor, preferably of the reversible type, is operatively connected to the housing 15 of the shutter to cause its rotation around the axis "O" of the shutter between the angular position of closing and the angular position of maximum opening and vice versa. The first element 22 of the motor can be realized by means of an asynchronous or brushless motor, for example, directly attached to the shaft 23 of the shutter, forming the axis "O" of the shutter and supporting the housing 15 of the shutter. As an alternative, other drives can be provided, for example, hydraulic ones.

Preferably, the dosing device 1 comprises a safety device 24, designed to cause automatic closing of the outlet opening 11, returning the shutter body 15 back to the angular closing position in the event of a failure. For example, the elastic element 25 operatively acts on the shutter element 15 to bring it back to the angular closing position. According to a possible example, the elastic element 25 in the form of a spiral spring is inserted between the shutter shaft 23 and the frame of the dosing device 1, preferably by means of a lever 26.

The safety device 24 may be connected to position sensors and/or mechanical stops configured and arranged so as to mechanically determine the angular position of the end of the stroke and/or the closing position of the housing 15 of the shutter.

The dosing device 1 comprises a stirrer 27 located inside the storage container 2, in particular, in the internal volume 3.

The stirrer 27 is rotating around an axis of rotation, essentially coinciding with the longitudinal axis "A". Such axis of rotation "A" is perpendicular to the outlet opening 11.

The mixer 27 comprises a central shaft 28 forming an axis of rotation "A" and at least one blade 29 which extends radially from the central shaft 28 and comprises a scraping surface R1.

The scraping surface R1 has an opposite shape relative to the spherical surface 16 of the shutter and is active, at least in its section following the rotation of the stirrer 27 around the rotation axis “A”.

In the illustrated example, four blades 29 are provided, which are evenly distributed around the central shaft 28 and are active on the spherical surface 16 of the shutter.

Each blade extends from the central shaft 28, in particular from its lower end, and has an arcuate configuration made with the possibility of excellent coverage of a section of the spherical surface 16 of the shutter. In other words, each blade 29 repeats the profile of the spherical surface 16 of the shutter in a curved manner along the entire distance between the central shaft 28 and the outlet opening 11. The continuation of each blade 29 is such that it covers the section contained between the central shaft 28 and the scraper ring 13.

In other words, as shown, for example, in Fig. 13A, the blades 29 have an inclined orientation relative to the direction radial to the axis of rotation "A" in order to influence the fall of the ingredient from the outlet opening 11 or to the outlet opening 11 (depending on the angle of inclination and the direction of rotation of the blades 29). Alternatively, as illustrated, for example, in Fig. 13B, the blades 29 can be oriented according to a radial plane, partially covering the meridian of the section of the ball that forms the body 15 of the valve.

The distance between each blade 29, in particular each scraping surface R1, and the spherical surface 16 of the shutter is determined by a compromise between the need for effective scraping and the accompanying effect of the material and the need to obtain the correct movement of the shutter body and the stirrer. Preferably, this distance is less than 5 mm, preferably from 0.2 mm to 0.4 mm.

Support spokes 31, for example located transversely to the axis of rotation "A", can be provided inside the storage container 2 to support the central shaft 28.

The stirrer 27 may further comprise at least one stirring lever 32 which extends radially from the central shaft 28 at a certain distance from the blade 29 along the rotation axis "A". In particular, the stirring lever 32 is located in an intermediate position of the central shaft 28 above the blade 29. Two or more stirring levers 32 may be provided, arranged in a stepped order along the rotation axis "A" and/or around the rotation axis "A".

The mixer 27 may further comprise at least one mixing blade 32a having an inclined orientation relative to the rotation axis "A" in order to influence the fall of the ingredient from the outlet opening 11 or to the outlet opening 11 (depending on the angle of inclination and the direction of rotation of the mixing blade). Fig. 12A shows two mixing blades 32a configured to be connected to the central shaft 28 so that they can rotate as a single unit with the blades 29 by means of pins 32b inserted into the sockets 32c of the central shaft 28.

As shown, for example, in Fig. 1-3, the second element 33 of the motor is operatively connected to the stirrer 27 to cause rotation around the axis "A" of rotation of the blade 29 and, therefore, the scraping surface R1, at least in a section of the spherical surface 16 of the shutter. In other words, the second element 33 of the motor causes scraping of the spherical surface 16 of the shutter at a scraping speed determined by the rotation speed of the second element 33 of the motor and the stirrer 27.

The second element 33 of the engine can be realized by an asynchronous or brushless engine, for example, directly connected by a key to the central shaft 28. As an alternative, other drives, for example, hydraulic ones, can be provided. The central shaft 28 passes through the upper section 2a and has an upper end, directly connected by a key to the second element 33 of the engine.

Below the outlet opening 11, the dosing device 1 may comprise a suction cap 2c, designed to be located in communication with a suction source, not shown.

As illustrated by way of example in Figs. 1 and 2, the dosing device 1 is mounted on a frame 34 designed to position the outlet at a given height relative to the supporting plane of the frame itself.

Below the outlet 11, a collection station 35 is provided for collecting the ingredient falling from the storage container 2.

The collection station 35 comprises a measuring device 36 configured to detect the amount of ingredient falling from the storage container 2, preferably a weighing device configured to determine the weight of the ingredient falling from the storage container 2. The measuring device 36 can be implemented by means of a load cell for measuring the weight of the collected ingredient or by means of a volumetric meter for measuring the volume of the collected ingredient.

According to a possible embodiment, the dosing installation 100 comprises a plurality of dosing devices 1, each of which is intended for a specific ingredient. The dosing devices 1 are essentially identical and are preferably arranged in a line along one frame 34 so as to position each outlet 11 at a given height relative to the supporting plane of the frame and to form a collection path 37, which passes between the inlet 37a and the outlet 37b. If necessary, the return path closes the entire path of the dosing installation 100 into a ring.

One or more collection stations 35 may be provided, which are movable along the collection path 37 by means of a conveyor 38, preferably a conveyor belt. The conveyor 38, for example, is designed with the possibility of intermittent movement of the collection station(s) 35 between one or more dosing devices 1.

The collection station 35 comprises a collection container 39, with which a collection bag, not shown, is preferably connected before entering 37a into the collection path 37. The collection bag is subsequently removed from the collection container 39 after exiting 37b from the collection path 37. Alternatively, the collection station 35 may be configured to receive the collection container 39. In addition, the collection station 35 may comprise sensors, which are not shown, configured to detect the presence of the collection container 39 in the collection station 35 and/or below the outlet 11.

The reference numeral 40 denotes a control unit. Preferably, the control unit 40 is operatively connected to the measuring device 36 and/or to the first engine element 22 and/or to the second engine element 33 (Fig. 1).

Reference position 41 denotes one or more vibrators that can be connected to the container 2 for storage outside it.

By means of the control carried out by the control unit 40, the dosing device 1 can, when in use, implement a method for dosing ingredients of mixtures, in particular for tires, according to what is described below.

The ingredient from the mixtures, in particular for tires, is located in the storage container 2.

In the presence of a collection container 39, the outlet opening 11 is at least partially opened to allow the ingredient to pass from the storage container 2 to the collection station 35.

The quantity, in particular the weight of the ingredient collected at the collection station 35, is measured by the measuring device 36. Reference is made below to the weighing device. In particular, the weighing device is configured to generate a measuring signal "M" indicating the weight of the ingredient collected at the collection station 35. Preferably, the measuring device is configured to generate a measuring signal "M" indicating the achievement of at least a value of approach M1, M2, ... to the final (weight) quantity. This measuring signal "M" is sent to the control unit 40.

Depending on the weight of the ingredient collected at the collecting station 35, the control unit 40 controls the degree of opening of the outlet 11 and the rotation speed of the stirrer 27, i.e. the stirring speed. Furthermore, according to the example illustrated in Fig. 1, in which the scraping surfaces R1 are integrated into the stirrer 27, the control unit 40 also controls the scraping speed, in particular of the spherical surface 16 of the shutter, which coincides with the stirring speed.

The control unit 40 is actually configured to receive the measuring signal "M" and, depending on the weight of the ingredient collected at the collection station 35, generates a first control signal S1 and a second control signal S2. In Fig. 1, the signals "M", S1 and S2 are illustrated with reference to one dosing device 1 for ease of illustration.

The first control signal S1 is addressed to the first element 22 of the engine and is intended to control the angular position of the shutter housing 15 and the degree of opening of the outlet opening 11. Preferably, thanks to the first control signal S1, the degree of opening of the outlet opening 11 is adjusted. Even more preferably, thanks to the first control signal S1, the degree of opening of the outlet opening 11 decreases when approaching the final quantity M0, for example, when reaching the first value M1 of approaching the final quantity M0. In addition, the methods for controlling the degree of opening of the outlet opening 11 are modified when at least one additional value of approaching the final quantity is reached, for example, the second value M2 of approaching and the third value M3 of approaching.

The second control signal S2 is addressed to the second motor element 33 and is intended to control the rotation speed of the stirrer 27 and, in accordance with the example just described, also the scraping speed, in particular of the spherical surface 16 of the shutter. Preferably, by means of the second control signal S2, the rotation speed of the stirrer 27 is controlled discretely. For example, by means of the second control signal S2, the rotation speed of the stirrer 27 is reduced when approaching the final quantity M0, for example when reaching a first value of approach M1 to the final quantity M0. Furthermore, the methods for controlling the rotation speed of the stirrer 27 are modified when at least one additional value of approach to the final quantity is reached, for example a second value of approach M2 and a third value of approach M3.

In use, the collection containers 39 enter the collection path 37, possibly provided with corresponding collection bags, and advance along the collection path until they stop below the outlet opening 11 corresponding to the ingredient to be collected. The control unit 40, suitably configured, controls the advancement of each collection container 39 in accordance with the ingredients to be collected.

The control unit 40, suitably configured, calculates the maximum angular position of the opening of the shutter housing 15 depending on the final quantity M0, which is to be collected at the collecting station 35. Such maximum angular position of the opening may coincide with the angular position of the end of the movement, in the case of a large quantity of the ingredient to be collected, or it may be smaller than the angular position of the end of the movement, in the case of a limited quantity of the ingredient to be collected. The control unit 40, suitably configured, also calculates at least one approximation value M1, M2, ... to the final quantity M0.

For example, M0 may be 15 kg (or up to 25 kg). Depending on the type of material (and essentially independent of M0), M1 may be 1 kg to 6 kg before M0, M2 may be about 500 g before M0, and M3 may be about 100 g before M0.

After this, the control unit 40, suitably configured, generates an opening signal addressed to the first element 22 of the motor, configured to cause the rotation of the shutter housing 15 from the angular position of closing to the angular position of maximum opening, such as, for example, shown in Fig. 4B. Possibly, the control unit 40 subordinates the opening signal to a receiving signal indicating the presence of the container 39 for collection, if the corresponding sensors are present.

With reference to the graph in Fig. 15A or 15B, the abscissas show the weight of the collected ingredient, for example, expressed in grams [g]. Preferably, the abscissas show the values M1-M3 of the approximation to the final quantity (weight) M0. The ordinates show both the scraping speed (i.e. the rotation speed of the central shaft 28, preferably expressed in Hz) and the angle of rotation at which the shutter housing 15 is located, relative to the angular position of closing, expressed in degrees.

In the graph in Fig. 15A, the angular position of maximum opening corresponds to the zero value of the weight. For example, the angular position of maximum opening coincides with the angular position of the end of the movement, corresponding to the angular position in which the closing radius 21 is located at an angle δ equal to 120° relative to the position in which it is in the angular closing position (Fig. 4B).

Referring to the graph in Fig. 15A, the control unit 40 generates a first control signal S1 to gradually close the outlet opening 11 by rotating the shutter body 15 from the maximum opening angular position to the closing angular position when the first approach value M1 is reached.

For example, the weighing device generates a measuring signal "M" indicating the achievement of a sequence of approximation values M1-M3, which corresponds to the first control signal S1, which for each approximation value changes the closing speed of the shutter housing 15.

When the measuring signal "M" indicates that the first approach value M1 has been reached, the first control signal S1 causes the shutter body 15 to be closed until the second approach value M2 has been reached. In this interval, the shutter body 15 reaches the first intermediate angular position.

For example, this first intermediate angular position corresponds to an angular position in which the closing radius 21 is located at an angle γ smaller than δ (Fig. 4C).

In the first intermediate angular position, the third section 17c forms a discharge chute for the ingredient from the discharge opening 11.

Continuing along the abscissa of the graph in Fig. 15A, when the measuring signal "M" indicates reaching the second value M2 of the approach, the first control signal S1 modifies the rotation speed of the shutter housing 15, for example, by increasing it, until it reaches the third value M3 of the approach. In this interval, the shutter housing 15 reaches the second intermediate angular position. For example, this second intermediate angular position corresponds to the angular position in which the closing radius 21 is located at an angle β smaller than γ (Fig. 4D).

Continuing along the abscissa of the graph in Fig. 15A, when the measuring signal "M" indicates reaching the third value M3 of the approximation, the first control signal S1 modifies the rotation speed of the shutter housing 15, for example, by decreasing it, until it reaches the final quantity M0. In this interval, the shutter housing 15 reaches the third intermediate angular position. For example, this third intermediate angular position corresponds to the angular position in which only the groove 19 faces the outlet opening 11 and the closing radius 21 is located at an angle α smaller than β (Fig. 4E).

After this, the first control signal S1 causes the closing of the shutter housing 15 to reach the angular closing position.

According to an alternative embodiment illustrated in Fig. 15B, the first control signal S1 modifies the angular position of the shutter housing 15 for each approximation value M1-M3.

All intermediate angular positions are angular positions of opening, in which the outlet opening 11 has an opening surface 11a, i.e., is at least partially open. In particular, the outlet opening 11 is at least partially open on the passage surface 17. Any intermediate angular position, even different from the one shown, can be calculated as an angular position of maximum opening in accordance with the weight of the ingredient to be collected at the collection station. For example, if M0 corresponds to 1-4 kg, the maximum angular position of opening can be close to that shown in Fig. 4D (angle β).

Likewise, the control unit 40, suitably configured, calculates the maximum speed V1 of rotation of the stirrer 27, i.e. the maximum mixing speed, which in the illustrated example corresponds to the maximum scraping speed depending on the weight of the ingredient to be collected at the collection station.

At the same time as the opening signal, the control unit 40, suitably configured, generates an activation signal addressed to the second element 33 of the motor to set the rotation of the stirrer 27 to the maximum speed V1 of stirring/scraping. In other words, the activation signal sets the maximum speed of scraping.

Referring to the graph in Fig. 15A, the control unit 40 generates a second control signal S2 for changing, for example, decreasing the stirring/scraping speed, starting from the maximum stirring/scraping speed V1, after reaching the first approximation value M1.

At each value M1-M3 approaching, the second control signal S2 sets a certain rotation speed V2-V3, for example, lower.

In particular, when the measuring signal "M" indicates that the first approximation value M1 has been reached, the second control signal S2 reduces the stirring/scraping speed, starting from the maximum stirring/scraping speed V1, and sets the first rotation speed V2 lower than the maximum speed V1.

Thereafter, when the measuring signal "M" indicates that the second approximation value M2 has been reached, the second control signal S2 reduces the first stirring/scraping speed V2, and sets the second stirring/scraping speed V3 lower than the first speed V2.

Thereafter, when the measuring signal "M" indicates that the third approximation value M3 has been reached, the second control signal S2 reduces the stirring/scraping speed and sets the third stirring/scraping speed V4 to be lower than the second speed V3.

In the interval in which the rotation speed V4 is set, the body 15 of the shutter reaches the third intermediate angular position in which only the groove 19 faces the outlet opening 11 and is such as to obtain the correct outlet of the last part of the ingredient, in any form (powders, tablets, ...), in order to obtain the desired degree of precision.

In this position or near this position, the open surface 11a of which is schematically illustrated in Fig. 16, the control unit 40 can change the direction of rotation of the stirrer 27, in particular in the case where the blades 29 have an inclined orientation (Fig. 13A) and/or the mixing blades 32a are present, so as to influence the fall of the ingredient from the outlet opening or to be pushed towards the outlet opening.

Upon reaching the final quantity M0 corresponding to the total weight, the shutter body 15 returns to the closed position and the stirrer 27 stops.

In alternative embodiments and operations, a scraping device 42 may be provided, having at least one scraping surface R1 rotating around the rotation axis "A", preferably a plurality of scraping surfaces R1 distributed around the rotation axis "A". According to a possible example, at least four scraping surfaces are provided, even more preferably at least six scraping surfaces distributed around the rotation axis.

The scraping surface R1 is designed to scrape the surface of the dosing device 1 located near the outlet opening 11. For example, the scraping surface R1 has a first scraping portion 30 having an opposite shape relative to the spherical surface 16 of the shutter. Such a first scraping portion 30 is movable and active on the spherical surface 16 of the shutter, preferably at least on a section of the spherical shell forming the spherical surface 16 of the shutter, when it is located in the angular closing position. In other words, the scraping device 42 is structurally separated from the stirrer 27, as illustrated, for example, in Fig. 14B, on which the scraping surfaces R1, similar to those made by the blades 29, consist of a lower surface of tabs 30a distributed around the longitudinal axis "A" and rotating around it as a single unit with the hub 30b. Preferably, the tab has a thickness of approximately 8 mm.

In Fig. 14B, four tabs 30a are preferably provided. Preferably, the number of scraping surfaces is such as to cover a total surface of between 5% and 30% (four tabs), preferably 15% and 45% (six tabs), preferably of the spherical surface of the shutter.

According to the example of Fig. 14B, the stirring speed and the scraping speed are different and can be controlled independently, for example by providing a third motor element, preferably of a reversible type, intended for the scraping device 42 and controlled in an independent manner from the second motor element. Therefore, the second control signal S2 can contain separate control information intended, respectively, for the scraping device 42 and the stirrer 47 for controlling them, as described below.

In this case, the control unit 40 controls the degree of opening of the shutter opening 11 by means of the first control signal S1 as a function of the measuring signal "M", while the spherical surface 16 of the shutter is cleaned by moving each scraping surface R1 during the passage of the ingredient from the storage container 2 through the open surface 11a.

The control unit 40 can be operatively connected to the scraping device 42 and configured to generate a second control signal S2, in this case also addressed to the third element of the motor of the scraping device 42. The second control signal S2 can be designed to control the scraping speed (rotation) of the scraping device 42 itself according to the degree of opening of the outlet opening 11 (Fig. 1A) or according to the amount of ingredient collected at the collection station 35 (Fig. 1B).

Also in this embodiment, a stirrer 27 may be provided, structurally different from the scraping device 42, for example comprising mixing blades 32a and/or a lever 32 for stirring. The control unit 40 may be operatively connected to the stirrer 27, and the second control signal S2, also addressed to the second motor element 33, may be designed to control the rotation speed of the stirrer 27, that is, the stirring speed according to the degree of opening of the outlet opening 11 (Fig. 1A) or according to the amount of ingredient collected at the collecting station 35 (Fig. 1B). In other words, in addition to structural independence, the scraping device 42 and the stirrer 27 are controlled independently of the control unit 40. Also in this case, near the position shown in Fig. 4E, the open surface 11a of which is schematically illustrated in Fig. 16, the control unit 40 can change the direction of rotation of the stirrer 27, in particular in the case where the mixing blades 32a are present, so as to influence the fall of the ingredient from the outlet or the expulsion towards the outlet.

According to further embodiments, the scraping surface R1 may have more scraping areas, each of which is intended for a part of the device.

The scraping surface R1 and, in particular, the corresponding scraping sections that produce it, can be made of two or more additional tabs 30a, 43a, i.e. they interact with each other to form the scraping surface R1, rotating around the rotation axis "A" as a single unit with the hub 30b, preferably polygonal, even more preferably hexagonal. Preferably, two or more additional tabs are connected to the hub 30b in the same angular position relative to the rotation axis "A", for example, on the same surface of the polygonal hub. Alternatively, the additional tabs 30a, 43a are connected to different hubs and are, preferably, rotating around the rotation axis "A" independently of each other.

Alternatively, the scraping surface R1 and, in particular, the corresponding scraping sections that produce it, can be made of a single tab 43b, that is, a single tab 43b that forms a continuous scraping surface R1, rotating around the axis of rotation "A" as a single unit with the hub 30b, preferably polygonal, even more preferably hexagonal.

Preferably, a plurality of scraping surfaces R1 are provided, distributed around the rotation axis "A", for example six scraping surfaces R1, one on each surface of the hexagonal hub 30b.

Preferably, the scraping surface R1 has one or more of:

- a first scraping section 30 of opposite shape relative to the spherical surface 16 of the shutter and activated at least on a section of the spherical shell forming the spherical surface 16 of the shutter when it is located in the angular closing position.

- a second scraping section 30' of the opposite shape relative to the scraper ring 13, limiting the outlet opening 11 and activated in it;

- a third scraping section 30'' of the opposite shape relative to the inner surface of the storage container 2, located near the outlet opening 11 and activated in it;

Regardless of whether they are referred to as the "first," "second," and "third" scraping sites, each scraping site can be present independently of the others.

Fig. 17A illustrates an embodiment comprising tabs 30a, structurally similar to the tabs illustrated in Fig. 14B, that is, each forms a first scraping portion 30 of a scraping surface R1 of an opposite shape relative to the spherical surface 16 of the shutter and activated at least in a portion of the spherical shell forming the spherical surface 16 of the shutter when located in the angular closing position. In addition to the tabs 30a, tabs 43a are provided, each of which complements the tab 30a in defining the scraping surface R1. The tabs 43a are designed to form a second scraping portion 30' and a third scraping portion 30''. In addition, each tab 43a comprises a connecting lever 44, which projects from the hub 30b. According to a possible embodiment, which is not illustrated, the second scraping portion 30' and the third scraping portion 30'', thus the tabs 43a, can be omitted.

Fig. 17B illustrates an embodiment that differs from the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 17A in that each tab 30a forms a first scraping portion 30 and a second scraping portion 30', while each tab 43a, in addition to tab 30a in forming the scraping surface R1, forms a third scraping portion 30'' and comprises a connecting lever 44 that projects from the hub 30b. According to a possible embodiment, which is not shown, the third portion 30'' and thus tab 43a, can be omitted.

Fig. 17C illustrates an embodiment which differs from the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 17A in that each tab 30a forms a first scraping portion 30, while each tab 43a, in addition to tab 30a in forming the scraping surface R1, forms a third scraping portion 30'' and includes a connecting lever 44 which projects from the hub 30b. In this case, therefore, the second scraping portion 30' is not provided.

Fig. 17D illustrates an embodiment in which each scraping surface R1 and, in particular, the corresponding scraping sections that make it up are formed by a single tab 43b. Possibly, the connecting lever 44 can be omitted.

The dosing device 1 in the above-described embodiment can, when used, implement the method for dosing ingredients of mixtures, in particular for tires, described above and is further characterized in that it allows scraping the surface of the dosing device located near the outlet opening 11 and, in particular, the spherical surface 16 of the shutter facing the internal volume 3 of the storage container and/or the scraper ring 13 limiting the outlet opening 11 and/or the internal surfaces of the storage container 2 located near the outlet opening itself. Said scraping is obtained during the passage of the ingredient from the storage container 2 to the collection station 35, causing rotation of the scraping surface R1, made according to one of the previously described possible embodiments.

If at least six scraping surfaces R1 are provided, the scraping speed can be maintained low, thus ensuring that the third engine element operates at a speed between 5 and 20 rpm.

According to a further alternative, the mixer 27 comprises two structurally and functionally distinct units: the first unit comprises blades 29, possibly having corresponding scraping surfaces R1, and the second unit comprises mixing blades 32a. The blades 29 may be radial or have different orientations.

The two units can be controlled independently of both the value of the rotation speed and its direction. Also in this case, in fact, near the position shown in Fig. 4E, whose open surface 11a is schematically illustrated in Fig. 16, the control unit 40 can change the direction of rotation of the blades 29, in particular if it is configured to affect the fall of the ingredient from the outlet or the pushing to the outlet. Alternatively or additionally, the control unit 40 can change the direction of rotation of the mixing blades 32a.

Claims (48)

1. A dosing device (1) for dosing ingredients of a mixture, in particular for tyres, preferably operating under the action of gravity, wherein the dosing device (1) comprises: a storage container (2) forming an internal volume (3) adapted to receive an ingredient of a mixture, in particular for tires, wherein the storage container (2) has an inlet opening (10) and an outlet opening (11), a shutter body (15) located in the outlet opening (11), rotating around a shutter axis (O) parallel to the outlet opening (11), and having a shutter surface (16) having a convex profile facing the internal volume (3), an ingredient collection station (35) located at the outlet (11) and containing a measuring device (36) configured to generate a measuring signal (M) indicating the amount of ingredient collected, a first element (22) of the motor, operatively connected to the housing (15) of the shutter in order to cause its rotation about the axis (O) of the shutter between an angular position of closing, in which the surface (16) of the shutter is arranged so as to completely cover the outlet opening (11), and an angular position of opening, in which the outlet opening (11) is at least partially open on the open surface (11a), a control unit (40) operatively connected to at least the measuring device (36) and the first element (22) of the engine and configured to: - calculating the angular position of the maximum opening of the shutter body (15) depending on the final quantity (M0) of the ingredient collected at the collection station (35) and at least one approximation value (M1-M3) approaching the final quantity (M0), - generating an opening signal directed to the first element (22) of the engine, configured to ensure rotation of the housing (15) of the shutter from the angular position of closing to the angular position of maximum opening, - receiving said at least one measuring signal (M) and - generating, as a function of the quantity of ingredient collected at the collection station (35), a first control signal (S1) directed to the first element (22) of the engine and adapted to control the degree of opening of the outlet opening (11), reducing the degree of opening of the outlet opening (11), causing the rotation of the housing (15) of the shutter from the angular position of maximum opening to the angular position of closing upon reaching the first value (M1) of approaching the final quantity, wherein the first control signal (S1) is adapted to change the control modes of the degree of opening of the outlet opening (11) upon reaching the final quantity by at least one additional approximation value (M2-M3). 2. The dosing device (1) according to claim 1, in which the outlet opening (11) has a circular shape, and the body (15) of the shutter has a spherical surface (16) of the shutter, wherein the dosing device comprises a scraping device (42) located inside the internal volume (3) and having at least one scraping surface (R1) having an opposite shape relative to the spherical surface (16) of the shutter, wherein the scraping surface (R1) is rotatable around an axis of rotation (A) transverse to the outlet opening (11) and activated at least in a section of the spherical shell formed by the spherical surface (16) of the shutter when it is located in the angular closing position. 3. The dosing device (1) according to claim 2, in which the control unit (40) is operatively connected to the scraping device (42) and is configured to generate a second control signal (S2) addressed to the scraping device (42) and adapted to control the scraping speed of the scraping device itself according to the degree of opening of the outlet opening (11) and/or according to the amount of ingredient collected at the collection station (35). 4. A dosing device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the outlet opening (11) has a circular shape and the body (15) of the valve has a spherical surface (16) of the valve, wherein the body (15) of the valve is in the shape of a section of a ball (S) having a centre (C) located on the axis (O) of the valve, wherein said axis of the valve is preferably offset relative to the outlet opening (11), wherein said section of the ball is limited by a spherical surface (16) of the valve having the same radius (R) of the ball (S), and a passage surface (17) which cuts said ball (S) along one edge (18) limiting the spherical surface (16) of the valve and the passage surface (17) so that in the angular opening position the outlet opening (11) is at least partially open on the passage surface (17). 5. The dosing device (1) according to item 4, in which the specified section of the ball contains the axis (O) of the shutter. 6. The dosing device (1) according to claim 4 or 5, in which the passage surface (17) comprises a first section (17a) forming a first plane parallel to the axis (O) of the shutter, and a second section (17b) forming a second plane parallel to the axis (O) of the shutter. 7. A dosing device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, comprising a stirrer (27) located in a storage container (2), rotating around an axis of rotation (A) transverse to the outlet (11), and a second motor element (33) operatively connected to the stirrer (27) in order to cause it to rotate around the axis of rotation (A). 8. The dosing device (1) according to claim 7, in which the control unit (40) is operatively connected to the second element (33) of the engine and is designed to generate a second control signal (S2) addressed to the second element (33) of the engine and adapted to control the rotation speed of the stirrer (27) as a function of the degree of opening of the outlet (11). 9. The dosing device according to claim 7 or 8, in which the control unit (40) is operatively connected to the second element (33) of the engine and is configured to generate a second control signal (S2) addressed to the second element (33) of the engine and configured to control the rotation speed of the stirrer (27) as a function of the amount of ingredient collected at the collection station (35). 10. A dosing device (1) according to any one of claims 7 to 9, depending on claim 2 or 3, in which the stirrer (27) comprises a central shaft (28) forming an axis (A) of rotation, and at least one blade (29) which extends radially from one end of the central shaft (28) and comprises said scraping surface (R1), so that the stirrer (27) includes said scraping device (42). 11. The dosing device (1) according to claim 10, in which the outlet opening (11) has a circular shape, and the body (15) of the shutter has a spherical surface (16) of the shutter, wherein the stirrer (27) comprises two or more blades (29), uniformly distributed around the central shaft (28) and active on the spherical surface (16) of the shutter. 12. The dosing device (1) according to claim 11, in which the blades (29) are oriented radially relative to the axis (A) of rotation. 13. The dosing device (1) according to claim 11, in which the blades (29) have an inclined orientation relative to the direction radial relative to the axis (A) of rotation, in order to influence the fall of the ingredient moving from the outlet opening or being pushed towards the outlet opening. 14. A dosing device (1) according to any one of claims 7 to 13, wherein the stirrer (27) comprises at least one mixing blade (32a) having an orientation that is inclined relative to the axis (A) of rotation in order to influence the fall of the ingredient moving from the outlet or being pushed towards the outlet. 15. The dosing device (1) according to paragraphs 10 and 14, in which the mixing blade (32a) is connected to the central shaft (28) for rotation as a single unit with the paddle (29). 16. A dosing device (1) according to any one of claims 7 to 15, in which the stirrer (27) comprises at least one lever (32) for stirring, which extends radially from the axis (A) of rotation and is located in an intermediate position along the axis (A) of rotation. 17. A method for dosing ingredients of a mixture, in particular for tyres, in which: - placing the ingredient of the mixture, in particular for tires, in a container (2) for storage, having an outlet (11) leading to a station (35) for collecting the ingredient, wherein in the outlet (11) a body (15) of the shutter is placed, rotating around an axis (O) of the shutter, parallel to the outlet (11), and having a surface (16) of the shutter having a convex profile facing the internal volume (3), - the angular position of the maximum opening of the shutter body (15) is calculated depending on the final quantity (M0) of the ingredient collected at the collection station (35) and at least one value (M1-M3) of the approach approaching the final quantity (M0), - at least partially opening the outlet opening (11) to allow the ingredient to pass from the storage container (2) to the collection station (35) through the open surface (11a) of the outlet opening (11), - measure the amount of ingredient collected at the collection station (35), - control the degree of opening of the outlet (11) as a function of the amount of ingredient collected in the collection station (35), In this case, control of the degree of opening of the outlet includes: - rotation of the shutter body (15) from the angular position of closing to the angular position of maximum opening, - a decrease in the degree of opening of the outlet (11), causing the rotation of the body (15) of the shutter from the angular position of maximum opening to the angular position of closing upon reaching the first value (M1) of approaching the final quantity, wherein the method for dosing the ingredients of the mixture for tires includes changing the control modes of the degree of opening of the outlet opening (11) upon reaching at least one additional approximation value approaching the final quantity (M2, M3). 18. A method for dosing the ingredients of a tire mixture according to claim 17, in which the closing speed of the valve body (15) is changed for each value (M1-M3) of approach. 19. A method for dosing the ingredients of a tire mixture according to claim 17, in which the angular position of the valve body (15) is changed for each value (M1-M3) of approximation. 20. A method for dosing ingredients of a tire mixture according to any one of claims 17 to 19, wherein the outlet opening (11) has a circular shape and the body (15) of the valve has a spherical surface (16) of the valve, wherein the method comprises, during the passage of the ingredient from the storage container (2) to the collection station (35), scraping the spherical surface (16) of the valve facing the internal volume (3) of the storage container, causing rotation of a scraping surface (R1) of an opposite shape relative to the spherical surface (16) of the valve around an axis of rotation (A) transverse to the outlet opening (11), wherein the scraping surface (R1) is actuatable on at least one section of the spherical surface of the shell formed by the spherical surface (16) of the valve located in the angular closing position. 21. A method for dosing ingredients of a mixture, in particular for tyres according to claim 20, in which the scraping speed of the spherical surface (16) of the shutter is controlled, corresponding to the speed of rotation of the scraping surface (R1) as a function of the amount of ingredient collected in the collection station (35) and/or as a function of the degree of opening of the outlet opening (11). 22. A method for dosing ingredients of a tire mixture according to any one of claims 17-21, in which the speed of scraping the ingredient is controlled, corresponding to the speed of rotation of the mixer (27) located in the said storage container (2) as a function of the amount of ingredient collected in the collection station (35) and/or as a function of the degree of opening of the outlet (11). 23. The method for dosing the ingredients of a tire mixture according to paragraphs 21 and 22, wherein when controlling the scraping speed and/or the mixing speed: - are calculated as a function of the final quantity (M0) of the ingredient to be collected at the collection station (35), the maximum scraping speed and/or the maximum mixing speed and at least one approximation value (M1-M3) approaching the final quantity (M0), - set the specified maximum scraping speed and/or maximum mixing speed. 24. The method for dosing the ingredients of a tire mixture according to claim 23, wherein controlling the scraping speed and/or the mixing speed comprises reducing the scraping speed and/or the mixing speed starting from the maximum scraping speed and/or the maximum mixing speed upon reaching the first value (M1) approaching the final quantity. 25. A method for dosing ingredients of a tire mixture according to claim 24, wherein the control modes of the scraping speed and/or the mixing speed are changed upon reaching at least one additional value (M2, M3) of approach approaching the final quantity. 26. A method for dosing ingredients of a tyre mixture according to claims 21 and 22, in which the direction of rotation of the scraping speed and/or the mixing speed is controlled as a function of the degree of opening of the outlet (11) in order to influence the fall of the ingredient when moving away from the outlet or the expulsion towards the outlet. 27. A dosing installation (100) comprising a plurality of dosing devices (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein each of the dosing devices (1) is preferably intended for a specific ingredient, wherein the dosing devices (1) are arranged in such a way as to position each outlet (11) at a certain height relative to the support plane and to form a collection path (37) that extends between the inlet (37a) and the outlet (37b), wherein at least the collection station (35) is movable along the collection path (37).