EP1444133A1 - Device for dispensing a liquid or pasty product - Google Patents

Device for dispensing a liquid or pasty product

Info

Publication number
EP1444133A1
EP1444133A1 EP02793240A EP02793240A EP1444133A1 EP 1444133 A1 EP1444133 A1 EP 1444133A1 EP 02793240 A EP02793240 A EP 02793240A EP 02793240 A EP02793240 A EP 02793240A EP 1444133 A1 EP1444133 A1 EP 1444133A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
piston
outlet
plate
product
chamber
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP02793240A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1444133B1 (en
Inventor
Dominique Schwab
Timothy Cooper
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Erca Formseal SA
Original Assignee
Erca Formseal SA
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Erca Formseal SA filed Critical Erca Formseal SA
Publication of EP1444133A1 publication Critical patent/EP1444133A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1444133B1 publication Critical patent/EP1444133B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B3/00—Packaging plastic material, semiliquids, liquids or mixed solids and liquids, in individual containers or receptacles, e.g. bags, sacks, boxes, cartons, cans, or jars
    • B65B3/26—Methods or devices for controlling the quantity of the material fed or filled
    • B65B3/30—Methods or devices for controlling the quantity of the material fed or filled by volumetric measurement
    • B65B3/32—Methods or devices for controlling the quantity of the material fed or filled by volumetric measurement by pistons co-operating with measuring chambers
    • B65B3/326—Methods or devices for controlling the quantity of the material fed or filled by volumetric measurement by pistons co-operating with measuring chambers for dosing several products to be mixed

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a device for dispensing a liquid or pasty product, comprising a supply chamber having a product inlet, a product outlet and means for discharging in a determined manner determined volumes of product through said outlet.
  • a device of this type is for example known from French patent application No. 2 657 430. It is used to deliver determined quantities of product, in a clocked manner, in containers. In particular, it is connected to a container filling installation, on which the containers are advanced step by step, for parking under a filling station in which determined quantities of product are delivered to the containers.
  • the product is initially stored in a pressure tank, to which the product inlet of the supply chamber is connected.
  • the outlet from this chamber is itself connected to a product transport line, which conveys the metered quantities of product to the container filling station.
  • the installation in which this station is located can be a container filling installation, and can be used to fill prefabricated containers. It can also be used to manufacture containers in one or more manufacturing stations, in particular by thermoforming, and to fill these containers in a filling station located downstream from the manufacturing stations. It may be desired, with the same installation, to fill a certain number of containers with a first product, then to fill other containers with another product.
  • a main tank containing the basic product, called white mass is connected to the filling station in a suitable manner.
  • an additive product is brought by the transport line so as to be mixed with the white mass in the filling station or just upstream of the latter, before the mixture is introduced into the containers.
  • an additive product is brought by the transport line so as to be mixed with the white mass in the filling station or just upstream of the latter, before the mixture is introduced into the containers.
  • known installations include a first dispensing device connected to a first product reservoir, and a second similar dispensing device connected to a second reservoir.
  • One or the other of these devices is operated to supply one or the other of the products in the transport line.
  • Such installations have the drawback of not being compact, and of requiring the installation and operation of two separate distribution devices.
  • the object of the invention is to improve this state of the art, by proposing a dispensing device which makes it possible to dose and distribute at least two products, independently of one another.
  • the device of the invention comprises a second supply chamber also having a product inlet, a product outlet and means for discharging in a timed manner determined volumes of product through this outlet and the fact that it includes a distribution outlet and selection means capable of selectively communicating the product outlet from one of the chambers with said distribution outlet by isolating the product outlet from the other from this distribution outlet bedroom.
  • the device of the invention comprises two similar supply chambers, each having an outlet.
  • the outputs of the two chambers are connected to the distribution outlet.
  • the entrances to the rooms can be respectively connected to a first and a second tank containing two different products. To change the product delivered by the dispensing outlet, it is therefore necessary to order the selection means to connect the outlet of one or the other chamber to the dispensing outlet.
  • the means for discharging in a defined manner determined volumes of product comprise a metering cylinder forming a region of the chamber adjacent to the product outlet, a metering piston movable back and forth in said cylinder, at least one product inlet opening formed in said piston and a shutter member capable of releasing or closing said inlet opening.
  • the metering cylinder of each chamber is arranged in a lower region of this chamber, close to its outlet.
  • the entrance to the chamber which is connected to a reservoir, is arranged above the cylinder.
  • the cylinder is filled with product contained in the chamber when the piston rises in said cylinder, the inlet opening being open to allow the passage of the product.
  • the inlet opening is closed and the piston is moved down so that it pushes the product contained in the cylinder in front of it.
  • the intake opening is located in the center of the piston, and can be closed by a valve movable vertically relative to the piston, the stroke of which is also vertical.
  • a valve movable vertically relative to the piston, the stroke of which is also vertical.
  • the shutter member is a plug, able to be moved with the metering piston in the reciprocating movement of the latter and to be rotated relative to it to release or close said intake opening.
  • the shutter member formed by a plug is interesting, insofar as its displacement relative to the piston is easy to control.
  • the rotation of the plug can be controlled precisely, and the fact that the displacement of the plug does not operate in the same direction as the displacement of the piston facilitates the production and control of the device.
  • the device comprises a movable plate, means for moving said plate back and forth and clutch means for selectively making the piston of the first supply chamber or the piston of the second supply chamber integral displacement of the stage.
  • the means for controlling the movement of the pistons are not specific to each piston, but they in fact control the movement of the plate and, depending on whether one wants to push back one or the other of the products, one or the other of the pistons is engaged on this plate.
  • the device according to the invention is more compact, lighter and easier to control. Indeed, the volume of product dosed must be precisely controlled so that the feeding takes place in good conditions in the container feeding station. Consequently, the means of piston displacement control are important elements of this kind of device.
  • the plate has a first and a second passage through which pass respectively the piston rod of the first supply chamber and the piston rod of the second supply chamber, a first clutch means capable of being moved relative to the plate between a disengaged position in which it allows relative sliding between the plate and the piston of the first chamber and a engaged position in which it prevents this sliding, as well as a second clutch means capable of being moved relative to the plate between a disengaged position in which it allows relative sliding between the plate and the piston of the second chamber and a engaged position in which it prevents this sliding.
  • the device of the invention may include control means, or safety means preventing the movement of the plate when the two pistons are engaged (cutting, for example, the supply of energy to the means of movement of the plate. ).
  • FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the general organization of an injection system comprising a distribution device according to the invention
  • FIG. 2 is a vertical sectional view of a device according to the invention.
  • FIG. 3 is a sectional view along line III-III of Figure 2;
  • - Figure 4 is a sectional view along the line IV-IV of Figure 2;
  • FIG. 5 is a top view of the device of Figure 2.
  • FIG. 6 is a front view of FIG. 2, that is to say according to arrow VI of FIG. 3.
  • the system of FIG. 1 is used to bring product, for example a liquid or pasty product, such as yogurt or the like, to a dosing and filling station 10 in which this product is supplied in containers 12 which are brought under this station.
  • the product delivered to station 10 results from the mixture of several products.
  • This mixture comprises a basic product or white mass, initially contained in the reservoir R, as well as an additive coming from a reservoir RA or RB and mixed with the white mass in a mixer 14, before being injected into the station dosing.
  • the white mass can be plain yogurt
  • the additives contained in the RA or RB tank can be fruit extracts from two different species.
  • the product contained in the tank RA or RB is conveyed, according to determined doses and in a clocked manner, in a transport line LT, which brings this product to the mixer 14 in which it is mixed with the white mass coming from the tank R.
  • the distribution outlet 18 can be put in communication with one or the other of the products contained in the tank RA or RB .
  • the injection system is of the type described in French patent application No. 01 13850 filed on October 26, 2001.
  • the system comprises an introduction station 20 which makes it possible to introduce into this line a separating member such as a shuttle which moves in the transport line under the effect of the thrust of the product introduced after it.
  • the system comprises an evacuation station 22 which makes it possible to evacuate this separating member.
  • the system By acting on the selection means 24 of the device 16, it is possible to connect the input of the line LT to one or the other of the tanks RA or RB.
  • a separating member is introduced into the line LT by the introduction station 20, so that it separates from one another the products initially contained in each of the two tanks.
  • This system also includes a return line LR, which allows the separating member extracted from the line LT in station 22, to return to the introduction station 20. For this, a product such as water can to be introduced in the return line LR in order to push the separating member into this line.
  • the system advantageously comprises a washing station 26, which makes it possible to wash the separating member before its introduction into the introduction station 20.
  • the distribution device 16 comprises two supply chambers, 30A and 30B respectively, each having an input, EA and EB respectively, these inputs being respectively connected to the tanks RA and RB.
  • the selection means 24 make it possible to selectively connect the outlet SA of the chamber 30A or the outlet SB of the chamber 30B to the distribution outlet 18 of the device 16.
  • the one of these two chambers which is not connected to the distribution outlet 18 is connected to a purge duct 19 equipped with a purge valve 19 '.
  • the chambers 30A and 30B each comprise a metering cylinder, respectively 32A and 32B, these cylinders being located in the lower part of the chambers 30A and 30B.
  • a metering piston respectively 34A and 34B, is movable in the metering cylinder.
  • the position of the product inlets EA and EB in the chambers 30A and 30B has been indicated by broken lines, although these inlets are not in the plane of the figure. These inlets are in the upper part of the chambers, and the latter are completely filled with product from the pressure tanks, RA and RB respectively.
  • the outlet SA of the chamber 30A or the outlet SB of the chamber 30B can be connected, by a selector 24, either to the distribution outlet 18, or to a purge duct 19.
  • the selector 24 is a rotary selector capable of occupying a first position, visible in FIGS. 1 and 2, in which it communicates the outlet SB of the chamber 30B with the distribution outlet 18 and the outlet SA of the chamber 30A with the purge duct 19 , and a second position in which the situation is reversed, the outlet SA of the chamber 30A communicating with the distribution outlet 18 and the outlet SB of the chamber 30B communicating with the conduit 19.
  • the pistons 34A and 34B each have at least one inlet opening, in this case, they each have two openings, 38A, 38'A and 38B, 38'B respectively.
  • a shutter member, 40A and 40B respectively is capable of closing or releasing the intake openings.
  • the shutter members are constituted by rotary plugs, arranged in the pistons and capable of rotating relative to them.
  • the plugs each comprise at least one intake passage, respectively 42A for the plug 40A and 42B for the plug 40B.
  • Figure 2 shows the valve 40A in its position in which it releases the intake openings 38A, 38'A of the piston 34A, the passage 42A being arranged in register with these openings.
  • the plug 40B is disposed in its closed position of the intake openings 38B, 38'B, and it can be seen that its solid exterior surface is located opposite these openings.
  • the bushels are of the frustoconical type, each piston, respectively 34A, 34B, having a conical cavity in which the bushel is located.
  • the inner periphery of this cavity and the outer periphery of the plug form respectively a first and a second contact surface, which are designated by the references 44A and 44'A for the piston-plug assembly 34A, 40A, the contact surfaces of the piston-plug assembly 34B, 40B, however, is not referenced.
  • the plug and the piston can occupy with respect to each other a working position, in which these contact surfaces are in substantially sealed contact, and a washing position in which they are separated.
  • the plug 40A has been moved relative to the piston 34A so as to separate the contact surfaces 44A and 44'A.
  • the plug 40B occupies, with respect to the piston 34B, its working position.
  • the piston 34A is located outside of its metering cylinder, which is linked to the fact that it is in the washing situation and not in the working situation.
  • FIG. 2 shows the piston-plug assembly 34B, 40B at the end of the stroke, in which a metered quantity of product has been discharged through the outlet SB.
  • the valve 40B is pivoted so as to place its intake passage 42B in register with the intake openings 38B, 38'B of the piston 34B and we go up this piston (with the bushel) to the top of the cylinder.
  • a vacuum is created in the cylinder 32B, and the product contained in the upper part of the chamber 30B naturally tends to fill this cylinder.
  • the piston is then moved upwards until it reaches a defined position so that the volume of product delimited between the high and low positions of the piston corresponds to the volume of metered product to be discharged at each cycle of displacement of the piston.
  • the high position or the low position of the piston can be adjusted by appropriate means to define the volume of product to be discharged.
  • the intake openings 38B, 38'B are closed by pivoting the plug 40B and the piston 34B is moved downward to push the product contained in the cylinder 32B in front of it.
  • the device 16 comprises a shutter 46, disposed downstream of the distribution means 24 or forming part of said means, and making it possible to close the distribution outlet 18 in a clocked fashion.
  • this outlet is open when the piston of one of the chambers is moved downward to discharge a metered amount of product in front of it, but it is closed when this piston has reached its low position, so that when the piston rises with its intake openings open, a vacuum is created in the cylinder of this piston.
  • the shutter 46 is disposed in the conduit forming the distribution outlet 18 and is formed by a rotary valve in two positions.
  • the pistons are carried by rods, respectively 35A and 35B, which extend into the metering chambers, respectively 30A and 30B. They form an integral part of these rods or are fixed to them by any suitable means.
  • protective means such as bellows 48A, 48B are arranged around these rods by being fixed in the upper part to the wall of the chambers. The interior space delimited between the bellows and the piston rods is brought into the ambient air by communication lines not shown in FIG. 2.
  • the piston rods are hollow and valve control rods, respectively 41A and 41B extend inside these rods.
  • the cavity of the plug rod, respectively 41A, 41B has an inlet located at one end of the rod outside the piston and a communication located at the opposite end. More specifically, in the example shown, the entry of the cavity of each plug rod is formed by a fitting, respectively 56'A, 56'B, formed in the fitting head, respectively 56A, 56B.
  • the communication is formed by one or more holes, respectively 57A and 57B, making the plug rod cavity communicate with the outer periphery of the latter.
  • the piston rod respectively 35A, 35B, has an orifice, respectively 57'A, 57'B which is located outside the supply chamber.
  • a barrier fluid such as sterile air can be injected through the inlet 56'B into the plug stem, out through the 57B communication to circulate in the annular space formed between the outer periphery of the plug rod and the inner periphery of the piston rod, and out of this annular space through the orifice 57'B. This helps prevent bacteria from accumulating in and between the plug and piston rods.
  • the communication 57A opens in the supply chamber due to the spacing of the contact surfaces 44A, 44'A.
  • a cleaning solution can be injected through the inlet 56'A and through the orifice 57'A and this solution flows downwards, through the communication 57A and through the space provided between the piston and a bushel. It can then be evacuated via the purge duct 19.
  • the bushels are controlled by the distal ends of their rods, located outside of the chambers 30A and 30B.
  • the control means can for example be rotary pneumatic cylinders. It can thus be seen that the end of the rod 41B of the plug 40B has a radial projection 41'B, which is arranged in the chamber of a rotary actuator 50B. Depending on whether air is injected on one or the other side of this protuberance, the rotation of the plug is controlled in one direction or in the opposite direction.
  • a cylinder 50A of the same type controls the rotation of the plug 40A.
  • each plug is constantly returned to its working position relative to the piston, in which the contact surfaces mentioned above are in substantially sealed contact.
  • these springs bear on the one hand on a fixed part of the jacks 50A, 50B mentioned previously, and on a connector head, respectively 56A, 56B screwed on the rods of the plugs.
  • translational displacement cylinders are also carried by the supports 52A, 52B. It can thus be seen in FIG. 2 that the head 59A of the jack 58A requests the displacement of the rod 41A of the plug 40A downwards relative to the piston 38A. For this, the cylinder head presses on the connector head 56A.
  • the jack 58B is not supplied with pressurized fluid and its head 59B remains at a distance from the connector head 56B.
  • the displacement of the pistons is guided by guide plates, respectively an upper guide plate 60 and a lower guide plate 62. These plates have through passages equipped with guide bearings 64 with which the piston rods cooperate.
  • the supply chambers 30A and 30B have their upper ends formed in a body 31 which is fixed to the lower guide plate 62.
  • the plates 60 and 62 are fixed, for example they are fixed together by fastening and bracing means 66.
  • the device comprises a movable plate 68 which can move back and forth between these plates.
  • the upper and lower extreme positions of the plate are determined by high and low safety stops, respectively 70 and 72, respectively integral with the plates 60 and 62.
  • These may be cells detecting the position of the plate and stopping the supply of the means for controlling the movement of this plate when it reaches a given level with respect to said cells, or else other stop means, for example contacts or simple stops.
  • the piston strokes which determine the volumes of product dosed in the feed chambers, are regulated by acting on the control of the plate drive means.
  • the plate is moved vertically by a worm screw system.
  • the plate carries two ball bearings, respectively 74A, 74B, which are fixed relative to this plate.
  • Screw rods, respectively 76A, 76B cooperate with these bearings.
  • These screw rods define helical tracks for the balls of the bearings, so that the synchronized rotation of the screws consequently displaces the plate 68 in translation.
  • the screws are driven in rotation by pulleys, respectively 78A, 78B , which they wear respectively. These pulleys are themselves rotated by a belt system 80. In fact, as can be seen better in FIG.
  • a servomotor 81 rotates a driving pulley 82, which cooperates with the belt 80 so that the latter drives the driven pulleys 78A and 78B.
  • the pulleys 82, 78A, 78B can be arranged in a triangle, substantially so as to form the vertices of an equilateral triangle. This makes it possible to balance the forces exerted on the belt 80. It can be a single belt arranged so as to reciprocate between the pulleys, or two belts, respectively connected to the pulleys 82 and 78A and pulleys 82 and 78B.
  • An initialization detector 81 makess it possible to know the initialization position of the servomotor 81.
  • Figure 4 is a section in the plane of the plate 68 (perpendicular to the direction of movement of the pistons) and therefore allows a better understanding of the operation of the means for clutching the pistons on this plate.
  • the plate 68 has a first and a second passage, respectively 84A, 84B, through which the piston rods, respectively 35A, 35B pass.
  • pads are placed, respectively 86A, 86B, which limit the friction forces.
  • the clutch means are able to retain the piston rods in these passages or, on the contrary, to allow the plate to slide freely relative to these rods.
  • the first clutch means comprises at least a first spindle secured to the back-and-forth movement of the plate and able to be moved relative to the latter between a disengaged position and a engaged position in which it cooperates with the piston rod of the first chamber for retaining this rod relative to the plate
  • the second clutch means comprises at least a second pin, integral with the back-and-forth movement of the plate and able to be moved by compared to the latter between a disengaged position and a engaged position in which it cooperates with the piston rod of the second chamber to retain this rod relative to the plate.
  • the first clutch means comprises two pins, respectively 87A and 88A
  • the second clutch means comprises two pins, respectively 87B and 88B.
  • the plate includes passages for these pins, formed by bores, respectively 89A and 90A for pins 87A and 88A, and 89B and 90B for pins 87B, 88B.
  • the pins are movable in translation in these bores.
  • the piston rods each have grooves, respectively 91A and 92A for rod 35A, and 91B and 92B for rod 35B. On each piston rod, these grooves are parallel.
  • the rod 35A of the piston 34A is disengaged, and it can be seen that the grooves 91A, 92A are not placed in register with the bores 89A, 90A, which are partially masked by the external periphery of the piston rod.
  • the rod 35B of the piston 34B is engaged, the grooves 91B, 92B being placed in the bores 89B, 90B, so that the pins can be introduced into said bores.
  • the pins cooperate with the grooves of the external periphery of the rod of this piston, to block the latter relative to the plate.
  • the two pins are arranged in a fork with parallel branches and the two grooves of the piston are diametrically opposite.
  • the sets of pins respectively 87A, 88A and 87B, 88B are controlled separately, each being by a cylinder of its own, respectively 94A and 94B.
  • These are for example pneumatic cylinders, the movable part of which directly carries the spindle assemblies.
  • position detection means respectively 95A, 95B are associated with each of the two cylinders to instantly make it possible to know whether the corresponding piston is engaged or not.
  • the cylinders are integral with the plate 68, and are carried by it during its movement.
  • Cylinders and position sensors are shown in Figure 3 for clarity, although they are not normally visible on the section. Means are provided so that, when a piston is disengaged from the plate, move this piston relative to said plate.
  • Figure 2 shows the piston 34A outside of its cylinder 32A. On the other hand, they maintain the piston in a given position, when the latter is disengaged from the plate, to make the metering chamber 34A perfectly inactive.
  • the means for positioning the pistons independently of the plate are formed by jacks, respectively 96A for the piston 34A and 96B for the piston 34B. These jacks are not visible in the plane of Figure 2, but they are in Figures 5 and 6. These jacks are carried by the upper guide plate 60, and their movable parts cooperate with the supports of the pistons, respectively 52A and 52B.
  • each of the cylinders 96A and 96B may include two elementary cylinders, respectively 96'A and 96 "A and 96'B and 96" B to respectively request the displacement of the piston up and down.
  • the corresponding cylinder 96A or 96B is deactivated, so that the piston can slide freely in relation to it.
  • the corresponding cylinder can be activated to maintain its position and to place it in the desired position so that it can be re-engaged.
  • the outputs SA and SB of the chambers 30A and 30B, as well as the distribution outlet 18, are formed in a body 100.
  • This is for example a part, having cells , respectively 100A and 100B which respectively form the lower portions of the metering cylinders 32A and 33B, this part being fixed to a central body 102, in which the central regions of the chambers are formed.
  • the body 100 has a first channel 104A which connects the outlet SA of the chamber 30A to the distribution outlet 18 and a second channel 104B which connects the outlet SB of the chamber 30B to the outlet 18.
  • These channels are also connected to the conduit of purge 19 and the rotary selector 24 is disposed at the intersection of channels 104A, 104B with the distribution outlet 18 and the purge duct 19.
  • the selector 24 selectively isolates one or other of the channels 104A and 104B from the output 18. It then connects the insulated channel to the purge duct 19.
  • the selector 24 is controlled between its two positions by a rotary actuator 106 and the shutter 46 is controlled between its open and closed positions by a rotary actuator 108, synchronized with the movement of the active piston and its plug.
  • the selector 24 and the shutter 46 are in the form of plugs, biased against their respective seats, 24 'and 46' by jacks 106 ', 108' and capable of being moved away from these seats by controlling the same cylinders.
  • these bushels and the various conduits of the body 100 can be washed by circulation of a washing solution.
  • washing a chamber 30A or 30B by introducing a washing solution through the orifices 56'A, 57'A or 56'B, 57'B, the solution can exit through the purge duct 19 to which is connected the chamber considered by the selector 24.
  • the plugs 24 and 46 are spaced from their seats and the washing solution can also be injected through the product inlets EA, EB.
  • the E24 space provided at the rear of the bushel 24 and isolated from the rooms
  • 30A and 30B when this plug is in abutment against its seat can also be used for cleaning, thanks to orifices 24'A and 24'B (only roughed out) used respectively for the supply and evacuation of a washing solution.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Basic Packing Technique (AREA)
  • Feeding, Discharge, Calcimining, Fusing, And Gas-Generation Devices (AREA)
  • Fats And Perfumes (AREA)
  • Jellies, Jams, And Syrups (AREA)

Abstract

The invention concerns a device comprising two feeding chambers (30A, 30B), including each a product intake (EA, EB), a product outlet (SA, SB) and means 34A, 40A, 34B, 40B) for synchronized delivery of specific volumes of product through said outlet. The device comprises a dispensing outlet (18) and selection means (24) for selectively communicating the product outlet (SA, SB) of one of the chambers with said dispensing outlet by isolating therefrom the product outlet of the other chamber.

Description

Dispositif de distribution d'un produit liquide ou pâteux Device for dispensing a liquid or pasty product
La présente invention concerne un dispositif de distribution d'un produit liquide ou pâteux, comprenant une chambre d'alimentation ayant une entrée de produit, une sortie de produit et des moyens pour refouler de manière cadencée des volumes déterminés de produit à travers ladite sortie.The present invention relates to a device for dispensing a liquid or pasty product, comprising a supply chamber having a product inlet, a product outlet and means for discharging in a determined manner determined volumes of product through said outlet.
Un dispositif de ce type est par exemple connu par la demande de brevet français n° 2 657 430. Il sert à délivrer des quantités déterminées de produit, de manière cadencée, dans des récipients. En particulier, il est relié à une installation de remplissage de récipients, sur laquelle les récipients sont avancés en pas à pas, pour stationner sous une station de remplissage dans laquelle des quantités déterminées de produit sont délivrées dans les récipients.A device of this type is for example known from French patent application No. 2 657 430. It is used to deliver determined quantities of product, in a clocked manner, in containers. In particular, it is connected to a container filling installation, on which the containers are advanced step by step, for parking under a filling station in which determined quantities of product are delivered to the containers.
Le produit est initialement stocké dans un réservoir sous pression, auquel est reliée l'entrée de produit de la chambre d'alimentation. La sortie de cette chambre est elle-même reliée à une ligne de transport de produit, qui convoie les quantités dosées de produit jusqu'à la station de remplissage des récipients.The product is initially stored in a pressure tank, to which the product inlet of the supply chamber is connected. The outlet from this chamber is itself connected to a product transport line, which conveys the metered quantities of product to the container filling station.
L'installation dans laquelle se trouve cette station peut être une installation de remplissage des récipients, et servir à remplir des récipients préfabriqués. Elle peut également servir à fabriquer des récipients dans une ou plusieurs stations de fabrication, en particulier par thermoformage, et à remplir ces récipients dans une station de remplissage située en aval des stations de fabrication. On peut souhaiter, avec une même installation, remplir un certain nombre de récipients avec un premier produit, puis remplir d'autres récipients avec un autre produit. En particulier, lorsque les récipients sont destinés à contenir un produit liquide ou pâteux du genre yaourt, il est assez fréquent qu'il soit nécessaire de changer le parfum du yaourt. Dans un tel cas, la plupart du temps, un réservoir principal contenant le produit de base, dénommé masse blanche, est raccordé à la station de remplissage de manière adaptée. Selon le parfum choisi, un produit additif est amené par la ligne de transport de manière à être mélangé avec la masse blanche dans la station de remplissage ou juste en amont de cette dernière, avant que le mélange soit introduit dans les récipients. Pour changer de parfum, on conserve la même masse blanche, mais on modifie l'additif.The installation in which this station is located can be a container filling installation, and can be used to fill prefabricated containers. It can also be used to manufacture containers in one or more manufacturing stations, in particular by thermoforming, and to fill these containers in a filling station located downstream from the manufacturing stations. It may be desired, with the same installation, to fill a certain number of containers with a first product, then to fill other containers with another product. In particular, when the containers are intended to contain a liquid or pasty product of the yogurt type, it is quite frequent that it is necessary to change the flavor of the yogurt. In such a case, most of the time, a main tank containing the basic product, called white mass, is connected to the filling station in a suitable manner. Depending on the perfume chosen, an additive product is brought by the transport line so as to be mixed with the white mass in the filling station or just upstream of the latter, before the mixture is introduced into the containers. To change the fragrance, we keep the same white mass, but we modify the additive.
Pour permettre de tels changements de produit, des installations connues comprennent un premier dispositif de distribution raccordé à un premier réservoir de produit, et un deuxième dispositif de distribution analogue raccordé à un deuxième réservoir. On fait fonctionner l'un ou l'autre de ces dispositifs pour alimenter l'un ou l'autre des produits dans la ligne de transport. De telles installations présentent l'inconvénient de ne pas être compactes, et de nécessiter la mise en place et le fonctionnement de deux dispositifs de distribution distincts.To allow such product changes, known installations include a first dispensing device connected to a first product reservoir, and a second similar dispensing device connected to a second reservoir. One or the other of these devices is operated to supply one or the other of the products in the transport line. Such installations have the drawback of not being compact, and of requiring the installation and operation of two separate distribution devices.
L'invention a pour but d'améliorer cet état de la technique, en proposant un dispositif de distribution qui permette de doser et de distribuer au moins deux produits, indépendamment l'un de l'autre.The object of the invention is to improve this state of the art, by proposing a dispensing device which makes it possible to dose and distribute at least two products, independently of one another.
Ce but est atteint grâce au fait que le dispositif de l'invention comprend une deuxième chambre d'alimentation ayant également une entrée de produit, une sortie de produit et des moyens pour refouler de manière cadencée des volumes déterminés de produit à travers cette sortie et au fait qu'il comporte une sortie de distribution et des moyens de sélection aptes à faire sélectivement communiquer la sortie de produit de l'une des chambres avec ladite sortie de distribution en isolant de cette sortie de distribution la sortie de produit de l'autre chambre.This object is achieved thanks to the fact that the device of the invention comprises a second supply chamber also having a product inlet, a product outlet and means for discharging in a timed manner determined volumes of product through this outlet and the fact that it includes a distribution outlet and selection means capable of selectively communicating the product outlet from one of the chambers with said distribution outlet by isolating the product outlet from the other from this distribution outlet bedroom.
Ainsi, le dispositif de l'invention comprend deux chambres d'alimentation analogues, ayant chacune une sortie. Les sorties des deux chambres sont reliées à la sortie de distribution. Les entrées des chambres peuvent être respectivement reliées à un premier et à un deuxième réservoir contenant deux produits différents. Pour changer le produit refoulé par la sortie de distribution, il convient donc de commander les moyens de sélection pour relier la sortie de l'une ou de l'autre chambre à la sortie de distribution.Thus, the device of the invention comprises two similar supply chambers, each having an outlet. The outputs of the two chambers are connected to the distribution outlet. The entrances to the rooms can be respectively connected to a first and a second tank containing two different products. To change the product delivered by the dispensing outlet, it is therefore necessary to order the selection means to connect the outlet of one or the other chamber to the dispensing outlet.
Avantageusement, pour chaque chambre, les moyens pour refouler de manière cadencée des volumes déterminés de produit comprennent un cylindre de dosage formant une région de la chambre voisine de la sortie de produit, un piston doseur mobile en va-et-vient dans ledit cylindre, au moins une ouverture d'admission de produit formée dans ledit piston et un organe obturateur apte à libérer ou à obturer ladite ouverture d'admission.Advantageously, for each chamber, the means for discharging in a defined manner determined volumes of product comprise a metering cylinder forming a region of the chamber adjacent to the product outlet, a metering piston movable back and forth in said cylinder, at least one product inlet opening formed in said piston and a shutter member capable of releasing or closing said inlet opening.
Généralement, le cylindre de dosage de chaque chambre est disposé dans une région inférieure de cette chambre, proche de sa sortie. Ainsi, l'entrée de la chambre, qui est reliée à un réservoir, est disposée au-dessus du cylindre. Le cylindre est rempli en produit contenu dans la chambre lorsque le piston remonte dans ledit cylindre, l'ouverture d'admission étant ouverte pour permettre le passage du produit. Lorsque le piston s'est suffisamment déplacé pour déterminer, dans le cylindre, le volume de produit dosé devant être refoulé par la sortie de la chambre, on obture l'ouverture d'admission et l'on déplace le piston vers le bas de telle sorte qu'il refoule devant lui le produit contenu dans le cylindre.Generally, the metering cylinder of each chamber is arranged in a lower region of this chamber, close to its outlet. Thus, the entrance to the chamber, which is connected to a reservoir, is arranged above the cylinder. The cylinder is filled with product contained in the chamber when the piston rises in said cylinder, the inlet opening being open to allow the passage of the product. When the piston has moved enough to determine, in the cylinder, the volume of metered product to be driven back by the outlet of the chamber, the inlet opening is closed and the piston is moved down so that it pushes the product contained in the cylinder in front of it.
Un fonctionnement de ce type est décrit dans la demande de brevet français n° 2 657 430, dont la description est incorporée à la présente demande de brevet.An operation of this type is described in French patent application No. 2,657,430, the description of which is incorporated into the present patent application.
Dans ce document antérieur, l'ouverture d'admission est située au centre du piston, et peut être obturée par une soupape déplaçable verticalement par rapport au piston, dont la course est également verticale. On pourrait choisir d'utiliser un système de ce type dans chaque chambre d'alimentation du dispositif selon la présente invention. Toutefois, avantageusement, l'organe obturateur est un boisseau, apte à être déplacé avec le piston doseur dans le mouvement de va-et-vient de ce dernier et à être tourné par rapport à lui pour libérer ou obturer ladite ouverture d'admission.In this prior document, the intake opening is located in the center of the piston, and can be closed by a valve movable vertically relative to the piston, the stroke of which is also vertical. One could choose to use a system of this type in each supply chamber of the device according to the present invention. However, advantageously, the shutter member is a plug, able to be moved with the metering piston in the reciprocating movement of the latter and to be rotated relative to it to release or close said intake opening.
L'organe obturateur formé par un boisseau est intéressant, dans la mesure où son déplacement par rapport au piston est facile à commander. La rotation du boisseau peut être commandée de manière précise, et le fait que le déplacement du boisseau ne s'opère pas dans le même sens que le déplacement du piston facilite la réalisation et la commande du dispositif.The shutter member formed by a plug is interesting, insofar as its displacement relative to the piston is easy to control. The rotation of the plug can be controlled precisely, and the fact that the displacement of the plug does not operate in the same direction as the displacement of the piston facilitates the production and control of the device.
Avantageusement, le dispositif comprend une platine mobile, des moyens pour déplacer ladite platine en va-et-vient et des moyens d'embrayage pour sélectivement rendre le piston de la première chambre d'alimentation ou le piston de la deuxième chambre d'alimentation solidaire du déplacement de la platine.Advantageously, the device comprises a movable plate, means for moving said plate back and forth and clutch means for selectively making the piston of the first supply chamber or the piston of the second supply chamber integral displacement of the stage.
Avec ces dispositions, les moyens pour commander le déplacement des pistons ne sont pas propres à chaque piston, mais ils commandent en fait le déplacement de la platine et, selon que l'on veut refouler par la sortie de distribution l'un ou l'autre des produits, on embraye l'un ou l'autre des pistons sur cette platine. Il en résulte une économie substantielle, tant pour la fabrication que pour la maintenance du dispositif, par rapport à une situation dans laquelle on utiliserait deux dispositifs de commande analogues (chacun par exemple du type décrit dans la demande de brevet français n° 2 657 430, ayant des pistons commandés séparément). De plus, le dispositif selon l'invention est plus compact, plus léger et plus facile à commander. En effet, le volume de produit dosé doit être contrôlé avec précision pour que l'alimentation se fasse dans de bonnes conditions dans la station d'alimentation des récipients. En conséquence, les moyens de commande du déplacement des pistons constituent des éléments importants de ce genre de dispositif.With these provisions, the means for controlling the movement of the pistons are not specific to each piston, but they in fact control the movement of the plate and, depending on whether one wants to push back one or the other of the products, one or the other of the pistons is engaged on this plate. This results in a substantial saving, both for the manufacture and for the maintenance of the device, compared to a situation in which two analogous control devices would be used (each for example of the type described in French patent application No. 2,657,430 , having pistons ordered separately). In addition, the device according to the invention is more compact, lighter and easier to control. Indeed, the volume of product dosed must be precisely controlled so that the feeding takes place in good conditions in the container feeding station. Consequently, the means of piston displacement control are important elements of this kind of device.
Ainsi, avantageusement, la platine présente un premier et un deuxième passage dans lesquels passent respectivement la tige du piston de la première chambre d'alimentation et la tige du piston de la deuxième chambre d'alimentation, un premier moyen d'embrayage apte à être déplacé par rapport à la platine entre une position débrayée dans laquelle il autorise un coulissement relatif entre la platine et le piston de la première chambre et une position embrayée dans laquelle il empêche ce coulissement, ainsi qu'un deuxième moyen d'embrayage apte à être déplacé par rapport à la platine entre une position débrayée dans laquelle il autorise un coulissement relatif entre la platine et le piston de la deuxième chambre et une position embrayée dans laquelle il empêche ce coulissement.Thus, advantageously, the plate has a first and a second passage through which pass respectively the piston rod of the first supply chamber and the piston rod of the second supply chamber, a first clutch means capable of being moved relative to the plate between a disengaged position in which it allows relative sliding between the plate and the piston of the first chamber and a engaged position in which it prevents this sliding, as well as a second clutch means capable of being moved relative to the plate between a disengaged position in which it allows relative sliding between the plate and the piston of the second chamber and a engaged position in which it prevents this sliding.
Lorsqu'un piston est débrayé, sa tige reste en place dans le passage correspondant de la platine, et celle-ci coulisse librement par rapport à cette tige, sans déplacer ce piston. Pour embrayer le piston, il suffit de commander le moyen d'embrayage correspondant, de manière à empêcher ce coulissement et à entraîner ainsi ce piston avec la platine. Il est préférable d'éviter que les deux pistons soient embrayés en même temps ou, au moins, d'éviter de déplacer la platine dans une telle situation. Pour ce faire, le dispositif de l'invention peut comprendre des moyens de contrôle, ou des moyens de sécurité empêchant le déplacement de la platine lorsque les deux pistons sont embrayés (coupant par exemple l'alimentation en énergie des moyens de déplacement de la platine). L'invention sera bien comprise et ses avantages apparaîtront mieux à la lecture de la description détaillée qui suit, d'un mode de réalisation représenté à titre d'exemple non limitatif. La description se réfère aux dessins annexés sur lesquels :When a piston is disengaged, its rod remains in place in the corresponding passage of the plate, and the latter slides freely relative to this rod, without moving this piston. To engage the piston, it suffices to control the corresponding clutch means, so as to prevent this sliding and thus to drive this piston with the plate. It is preferable to avoid that the two pistons are engaged at the same time or, at least, to avoid moving the plate in such a situation. To do this, the device of the invention may include control means, or safety means preventing the movement of the plate when the two pistons are engaged (cutting, for example, the supply of energy to the means of movement of the plate. ). The invention will be clearly understood and its advantages will appear better on reading the detailed description which follows, of an embodiment shown by way of nonlimiting example. The description refers to the accompanying drawings in which:
- la figure 1 est un schéma montrant l'organisation générale d'un système d'injection comprenant un dispositif de distribution conforme à l'invention ;- Figure 1 is a diagram showing the general organization of an injection system comprising a distribution device according to the invention;
- la figure 2 est une vue en coupe verticale d'un dispositif conforme à l'invention ;- Figure 2 is a vertical sectional view of a device according to the invention;
- la figure 3 est une vue en coupe selon la ligne III-III de la figure 2 ; - la figure 4 est une vue en coupe selon la ligne IV-IV de la figure 2 ;- Figure 3 is a sectional view along line III-III of Figure 2; - Figure 4 is a sectional view along the line IV-IV of Figure 2;
- la figure 5 est une vue de dessus du dispositif de la figure 2 ; et- Figure 5 is a top view of the device of Figure 2; and
- la figure 6 est une vue de devant de la figure 2, c'est-à-dire selon la flèche VI de la figure 3. Le système de la figure 1 sert à amener du produit, par exemple un produit liquide ou pâteux, tel que du yaourt ou analogue, jusqu'à une station de dosage et de remplissage 10 dans laquelle ce produit est délivré dans des récipients 12 qui sont amenés sous cette station. Par exemple, le produit délivré dans la station 10 résulte du mélange de plusieurs produits. Ce mélange comprend un produit de base ou masse blanche, initialement contenu dans le réservoir R, ainsi qu'un additif provenant d'un réservoir RA ou RB et mélangé à la masse blanche dans un mélangeur 14, avant d'être injecté dans la station de dosage. Par exemple, la masse blanche peut être du yaourt nature, tandis que les additifs contenus dans le réservoir RA ou RB peuvent être des extraits de fruits de deux espèces différentes.FIG. 6 is a front view of FIG. 2, that is to say according to arrow VI of FIG. 3. The system of FIG. 1 is used to bring product, for example a liquid or pasty product, such as yogurt or the like, to a dosing and filling station 10 in which this product is supplied in containers 12 which are brought under this station. For example, the product delivered to station 10 results from the mixture of several products. This mixture comprises a basic product or white mass, initially contained in the reservoir R, as well as an additive coming from a reservoir RA or RB and mixed with the white mass in a mixer 14, before being injected into the station dosing. For example, the white mass can be plain yogurt, while the additives contained in the RA or RB tank can be fruit extracts from two different species.
A l'aide d'un dispositif de distribution 16, le produit contenu dans le réservoir RA ou RB est acheminé, selon des doses déterminées et de manière cadencée, dans une ligne de transport LT, qui amène ce produit jusqu'au mélangeur 14 dans lequel il est mélangé avec la masse blanche provenant du réservoir R. En effet, grâce au dispositif de distribution 16, la sortie de distribution 18 peut être mise en communication avec l'un ou l'autre des produits contenus dans le réservoir RA ou RB.Using a distribution device 16, the product contained in the tank RA or RB is conveyed, according to determined doses and in a clocked manner, in a transport line LT, which brings this product to the mixer 14 in which it is mixed with the white mass coming from the tank R. Indeed, thanks to the distribution device 16, the distribution outlet 18 can be put in communication with one or the other of the products contained in the tank RA or RB .
Dans l'exemple représenté, le système d'injection est du type décrit dans la demande de brevet français n° 01 13850 déposée le 26 octobre 2001. Au voisinage de l'entrée de la ligne de transport relié à la sortie de distribution, le système comprend un poste d'introduction 20 qui permet d'introduire dans cette ligne un organe séparateur tel qu'une navette qui se déplace dans la ligne de transport sous l'effet de la poussée du produit introduit après lui. Au voisinage de la sortie S de la ligne de transport LT, le système comprend un poste d'évacuation 22 qui permet d'évacuer cet organe séparateur. Ainsi, sur toute la longueur de la ligne de transport LT située entre les postes 20 et 22, l'organe séparateur inséré dans cette ligne au poste 20 et retiré de ladite ligne au poste 22, permet de séparer l'un de l'autre les produits respectivement situés en aval et en amont de cet organe.In the example shown, the injection system is of the type described in French patent application No. 01 13850 filed on October 26, 2001. In the vicinity of the entry of the transmission line connected to the distribution outlet, the system comprises an introduction station 20 which makes it possible to introduce into this line a separating member such as a shuttle which moves in the transport line under the effect of the thrust of the product introduced after it. In the vicinity of the outlet S of the transport line LT, the system comprises an evacuation station 22 which makes it possible to evacuate this separating member. Thus, over the entire length of the transport line LT located between stations 20 and 22, the separating member inserted into this line at station 20 and removed from said line at station 22, makes it possible to separate one from the other the products respectively located downstream and upstream of this member.
En agissant sur les moyens de sélection 24 du dispositif 16, on peut raccorder l'entrée de la ligne LT à l'un ou l'autre des réservoirs RA ou RB. Lorsque l'on passe d'un réservoir à l'autre, on introduit un organe séparateur dans la ligne LT par le poste d'introduction 20, de telle sorte qu'il sépare l'un de l'autre les produits initialement contenus dans chacun des deux réservoirs. Ce système comporte également une ligne de retour LR, qui permet à l'organe séparateur extrait de la ligne LT dans le poste 22, de revenir jusqu'au poste d'introduction 20. Pour cela, un produit tel que de l'eau peut être introduit dans la ligne de retour LR afin de pousser l'organe séparateur dans cette ligne. Sur cette ligne, le système comprend avantageusement un poste de lavage 26, qui permet de laver l'organe séparateur avant son introduction dans le poste d'introduction 20. Ce système est décrit plus en détail par la demande de brevet français précitée n° 01 13850 déposée le 26 octobre 2001, dont l'enseignement est intégralement incorporé à la présente demande de brevet. Le dispositif de distribution 16 comprend deux chambres d'alimentation, respectivement 30A et 30B, ayant chacune une entrée, respectivement EA et EB, ces entrées étant respectivement raccordées aux réservoirs RA et RB. Les moyens de sélection 24 permettent de sélectivement raccorder la sortie SA de la chambre 30A ou la sortie SB de la chambre 30B à la sortie de distribution 18 du dispositif 16. Celle de ces deux chambres qui n'est pas raccordée à la sortie de distribution 18 est reliée à un conduit de purge 19 équipé d'une vanne de purge 19'. En référence à la figure 2, on décrit maintenant plus en détail la conformation des chambres d'alimentation 30A et 30B et les moyens de refoulement des produits qui équipent ces chambres. Ainsi, les chambres 30A et 30B comprennent chacune un cylindre de dosage, respectivement 32A et 32B, ces cylindres étant situés en partie inférieure des chambres 30A et 30B. Pour chaque chambre, un piston doseur, respectivement 34A et 34B, est mobile dans le cylindre de dosage. On a indiqué par des cercles en trait interrompu la position des entrées EA et EB de produit dans les chambres 30A et 30B, bien que ces entrées ne se trouvent pas dans le plan de la figure. Ces entrées sont en partie haute des chambres, et ces dernières sont intégralement remplies de produit provenant des réservoirs sous pression, respectivement RA et RB.By acting on the selection means 24 of the device 16, it is possible to connect the input of the line LT to one or the other of the tanks RA or RB. When passing from one tank to another, a separating member is introduced into the line LT by the introduction station 20, so that it separates from one another the products initially contained in each of the two tanks. This system also includes a return line LR, which allows the separating member extracted from the line LT in station 22, to return to the introduction station 20. For this, a product such as water can to be introduced in the return line LR in order to push the separating member into this line. On this line, the system advantageously comprises a washing station 26, which makes it possible to wash the separating member before its introduction into the introduction station 20. This system is described in more detail by the aforementioned French patent application No. 01 13850 filed on October 26, 2001, the teaching of which is fully incorporated into this patent application. The distribution device 16 comprises two supply chambers, 30A and 30B respectively, each having an input, EA and EB respectively, these inputs being respectively connected to the tanks RA and RB. The selection means 24 make it possible to selectively connect the outlet SA of the chamber 30A or the outlet SB of the chamber 30B to the distribution outlet 18 of the device 16. The one of these two chambers which is not connected to the distribution outlet 18 is connected to a purge duct 19 equipped with a purge valve 19 '. With reference to FIG. 2, the configuration of the supply chambers 30A and 30B and the means for discharging the products which equip these chambers will now be described in more detail. Thus, the chambers 30A and 30B each comprise a metering cylinder, respectively 32A and 32B, these cylinders being located in the lower part of the chambers 30A and 30B. For each chamber, a metering piston, respectively 34A and 34B, is movable in the metering cylinder. The position of the product inlets EA and EB in the chambers 30A and 30B has been indicated by broken lines, although these inlets are not in the plane of the figure. These inlets are in the upper part of the chambers, and the latter are completely filled with product from the pressure tanks, RA and RB respectively.
La sortie SA de la chambre 30A ou la sortie SB de la chambre 30B peut être reliée, par un sélecteur 24, soit à la sortie de distribution 18, soit à un conduit de purge 19. En l'espèce, le sélecteur 24 est un sélecteur rotatif capable d'occuper une première position, visible sur les figures 1 et 2, dans laquelle il fait communiquer la sortie SB de la chambre 30B avec la sortie de distribution 18 et la sortie SA de la chambre 30A avec le conduit de purge 19, et une deuxième position dans laquelle la situation est inverse, la sortie SA de la chambre 30A communiquant avec la sortie de distribution 18 et la sortie SB de la chambre 30B communiquant avec le conduit 19. Les pistons 34A et 34B présentent chacun au moins une ouverture d'admission, en l'espèce, ils présentent chacun deux ouvertures, respectivement 38A, 38'A et 38B, 38'B.The outlet SA of the chamber 30A or the outlet SB of the chamber 30B can be connected, by a selector 24, either to the distribution outlet 18, or to a purge duct 19. In this case, the selector 24 is a rotary selector capable of occupying a first position, visible in FIGS. 1 and 2, in which it communicates the outlet SB of the chamber 30B with the distribution outlet 18 and the outlet SA of the chamber 30A with the purge duct 19 , and a second position in which the situation is reversed, the outlet SA of the chamber 30A communicating with the distribution outlet 18 and the outlet SB of the chamber 30B communicating with the conduit 19. The pistons 34A and 34B each have at least one inlet opening, in this case, they each have two openings, 38A, 38'A and 38B, 38'B respectively.
Pour chaque piston, un organe obturateur, respectivement 40A et 40B, est apte à obturer ou à libérer les ouvertures d'admission. Plus précisément, dans l'exemple représenté, les organes obturateurs sont constitués par des boisseaux rotatifs, disposés dans les pistons et capables de tourner par rapport à eux. Les boisseaux comprennent chacun au moins un passage d'admission, respectivement 42A pour le boisseau 40A et 42B pour le boisseau 40B. La figure 2 montre le boisseau 40A dans sa position dans laquelle il libère les ouvertures d'admission 38A, 38'A du piston 34A, le passage 42A étant disposé en registre avec ces ouvertures. En revanche, le boisseau 40B est disposé dans sa position de fermeture des ouvertures d'admission 38B, 38'B, et l'on voit que sa surface extérieure pleine est située en regard de ces ouvertures.For each piston, a shutter member, 40A and 40B respectively, is capable of closing or releasing the intake openings. More specifically, in the example shown, the shutter members are constituted by rotary plugs, arranged in the pistons and capable of rotating relative to them. The plugs each comprise at least one intake passage, respectively 42A for the plug 40A and 42B for the plug 40B. Figure 2 shows the valve 40A in its position in which it releases the intake openings 38A, 38'A of the piston 34A, the passage 42A being arranged in register with these openings. On the other hand, the plug 40B is disposed in its closed position of the intake openings 38B, 38'B, and it can be seen that its solid exterior surface is located opposite these openings.
En l'espèce, les boisseaux sont de type tronconique, chaque piston, respectivement 34A, 34B, présentant une cavité conique dans laquelle se trouve le boisseau. La périphérie intérieure de cette cavité et la périphérie extérieure du boisseau forment respectivement une première et une deuxième surface de contact, qui sont désignées par les références 44A et 44'A pour l'ensemble piston-boisseau 34A, 40A, les surfaces de contact de l'ensemble piston-boisseau 34B, 40B n'étant en revanche pas référencées. Pour chaque piston, le boisseau et le piston peuvent occuper l'un par rapport à l'autre une position de travail, dans laquelle ces surfaces de contact sont en contact sensiblement étanche, et une position de lavage dans laquelle elles sont écartées. Ainsi, sur la figure 2, le boisseau 40A a été déplacé par rapport au piston 34A de manière à écarter les surfaces de contact 44A et 44'A. En revanche, le boisseau 40B occupe, par rapport au piston 34B, sa position de travail. D'ailleurs, sur la figure 2, le piston 34A se trouve en dehors de son cylindre de dosage, ce qui est lié au fait qu'il est en situation de lavage et pas en situation de travail.In this case, the bushels are of the frustoconical type, each piston, respectively 34A, 34B, having a conical cavity in which the bushel is located. The inner periphery of this cavity and the outer periphery of the plug form respectively a first and a second contact surface, which are designated by the references 44A and 44'A for the piston-plug assembly 34A, 40A, the contact surfaces of the piston-plug assembly 34B, 40B, however, is not referenced. For each piston, the plug and the piston can occupy with respect to each other a working position, in which these contact surfaces are in substantially sealed contact, and a washing position in which they are separated. Thus, in Figure 2, the plug 40A has been moved relative to the piston 34A so as to separate the contact surfaces 44A and 44'A. On the other hand, the plug 40B occupies, with respect to the piston 34B, its working position. Moreover, in FIG. 2, the piston 34A is located outside of its metering cylinder, which is linked to the fact that it is in the washing situation and not in the working situation.
La figure 2 montre l'ensemble piston-boisseau 34B, 40B en fin de course, dans laquelle une quantité dosée de produit a été refoulée par la sortie SB. A partir de cette situation, pour admettre une nouvelle quantité de produit dans le cylindre 32B, on fait pivoter le boisseau 40B de manière à placer son passage d'admission 42B en registre avec les ouvertures d'admission 38B, 38'B du piston 34B et l'on remonte ce piston (avec le boisseau) vers le haut du cylindre. Dans cette situation, il se crée une dépression dans le cylindre 32B, et le produit contenu dans la partie supérieure de la chambre 30B a naturellement tendance à remplir ce cylindre. Le piston est alors déplacé vers le haut jusqu'à ce qu'il parvienne dans une position définie de telle sorte que le volume de produit délimité entre les positions haute et basse du piston corresponde au volume de produit dosé devant être refoulé à chaque cycle de déplacement du piston. Bien entendu, la position haute ou la position basse du piston peut être réglée par des moyens appropriés pour définir le volume de produit devant être refoulé. Dans cette position haute, on referme les ouvertures d'admission 38B, 38'B en faisant pivoter le boisseau 40B et l'on déplace le piston 34B vers le bas pour refouler devant lui le produit contenu dans le cylindre 32B.FIG. 2 shows the piston-plug assembly 34B, 40B at the end of the stroke, in which a metered quantity of product has been discharged through the outlet SB. From this situation, to admit a new quantity of product into the cylinder 32B, the valve 40B is pivoted so as to place its intake passage 42B in register with the intake openings 38B, 38'B of the piston 34B and we go up this piston (with the bushel) to the top of the cylinder. In this situation, a vacuum is created in the cylinder 32B, and the product contained in the upper part of the chamber 30B naturally tends to fill this cylinder. The piston is then moved upwards until it reaches a defined position so that the volume of product delimited between the high and low positions of the piston corresponds to the volume of metered product to be discharged at each cycle of displacement of the piston. Of course, the high position or the low position of the piston can be adjusted by appropriate means to define the volume of product to be discharged. In this high position, the intake openings 38B, 38'B are closed by pivoting the plug 40B and the piston 34B is moved downward to push the product contained in the cylinder 32B in front of it.
Le dispositif 16 comprend un obturateur 46, disposé en aval des moyens de distribution 24 ou faisant partie desdits moyens, et permettant d'obturer de manière cadencée la sortie de distribution 18. En effet, cette sortie est ouverte lorsque le piston de l'une des chambres est déplacé vers le bas pour refouler devant lui une quantité dosée de produit, mais elle est refermée lorsque ce piston a atteint sa position basse, pour faire en sorte que, lorsque le piston remonte avec ses ouvertures d'admission dégagées, une dépression se crée dans le cylindre de ce piston. En l'espèce, comme on le voit sur la figure 3, l'obturateur 46 est disposé dans le conduit formant la sortie de distribution 18 et est formé par un boisseau rotatif à deux positions.The device 16 comprises a shutter 46, disposed downstream of the distribution means 24 or forming part of said means, and making it possible to close the distribution outlet 18 in a clocked fashion. In fact, this outlet is open when the piston of one of the chambers is moved downward to discharge a metered amount of product in front of it, but it is closed when this piston has reached its low position, so that when the piston rises with its intake openings open, a vacuum is created in the cylinder of this piston. In this case, as seen in Figure 3, the shutter 46 is disposed in the conduit forming the distribution outlet 18 and is formed by a rotary valve in two positions.
Les pistons sont portés par des tiges, respectivement 35A et 35B, qui s'étendent dans les chambres de dosage, respectivement 30A et 30B. Ils font corps avec ces tiges ou sont fixés sur elles par tout moyen approprié. Pour protéger les produits contenus dans les chambres 30A et 30B du contact des tiges des pistons, des moyens de protection tels que des soufflets 48A, 48B sont disposés autour de ces tiges en étant fixés en partie haute à la paroi des chambres. L'espace intérieur délimité entre les soufflets et les tiges des pistons est mis à l'air ambiant par des conduites de communication non représentées sur la figure 2.The pistons are carried by rods, respectively 35A and 35B, which extend into the metering chambers, respectively 30A and 30B. They form an integral part of these rods or are fixed to them by any suitable means. To protect the products contained in the chambers 30A and 30B from contact with the piston rods, protective means such as bellows 48A, 48B are arranged around these rods by being fixed in the upper part to the wall of the chambers. The interior space delimited between the bellows and the piston rods is brought into the ambient air by communication lines not shown in FIG. 2.
En l'espèce, les tiges des pistons sont creuses et des tiges de commande des boisseaux, respectivement 41A et 41B s'étendent à l'intérieur de ces tiges. Pour chaque piston doseur, respectivement 34A, 34B, la cavité de la tige du boisseau, respectivement 41A, 41B présente une entrée située à une extrémité de la tige extérieure au piston et une communication située à l'extrémité opposée. Plus précisément, dans l'exemple représenté, l'entrée de la cavité de chaque tige de boisseau est formée par un raccord, respectivement 56'A, 56'B, formée dans la tête de raccord, respectivement 56A, 56B. Pour chaque tige de boisseau, la communication est formée par un ou plusieurs perçages, respectivement 57A et 57B, faisant communiquer la cavité de la tige du boisseau avec la périphérie extérieure de cette dernière.In this case, the piston rods are hollow and valve control rods, respectively 41A and 41B extend inside these rods. For each metering piston, respectively 34A, 34B, the cavity of the plug rod, respectively 41A, 41B has an inlet located at one end of the rod outside the piston and a communication located at the opposite end. More specifically, in the example shown, the entry of the cavity of each plug rod is formed by a fitting, respectively 56'A, 56'B, formed in the fitting head, respectively 56A, 56B. For each plug rod, the communication is formed by one or more holes, respectively 57A and 57B, making the plug rod cavity communicate with the outer periphery of the latter.
Pour sa part, la tige du piston, respectivement 35A, 35B, présente un orifice, respectivement 57'A, 57'B qui est situé en dehors de la chambre d'alimentation.For its part, the piston rod, respectively 35A, 35B, has an orifice, respectively 57'A, 57'B which is located outside the supply chamber.
En position de travail, comme pour l'ensemble piston-boisseau 34B, 40B de la figure 2, un fluide barrière tel que de l'air stérile peut être injecté par l'entrée 56'B dans la tige du boisseau, ressortir par la communication 57B pour circuler dans l'espace annulaire ménagé entre la périphérie externe de la tige du boisseau et la périphérie interne de la tige du piston, et ressortir de cet espace annulaire par l'orifice 57'B. Ceci permet d'éviter l'accumulation de bactéries dans les tiges de boisseau et du piston, et entre elles.In the working position, as for the piston-plug assembly 34B, 40B in FIG. 2, a barrier fluid such as sterile air can be injected through the inlet 56'B into the plug stem, out through the 57B communication to circulate in the annular space formed between the outer periphery of the plug rod and the inner periphery of the piston rod, and out of this annular space through the orifice 57'B. This helps prevent bacteria from accumulating in and between the plug and piston rods.
En position de lavage, comme pour l'ensemble piston-boisseau 34A, 40A de la figure 2, la communication 57A s'ouvre dans la chambre d'alimentation du fait de Pécartement des surfaces de contact 44A, 44'A. Dans cette position, on peut injecter une solution de nettoyage par l'entrée 56'A et par l'orifice 57'A et cette solution s'écoule vers le bas, par la communication 57A et par l'espace ménagé entre le piston et le boisseau. Elle peut alors être évacuée par le conduit de purge 19.In the washing position, as for the piston-plug assembly 34A, 40A of FIG. 2, the communication 57A opens in the supply chamber due to the spacing of the contact surfaces 44A, 44'A. In this position, a cleaning solution can be injected through the inlet 56'A and through the orifice 57'A and this solution flows downwards, through the communication 57A and through the space provided between the piston and a bushel. It can then be evacuated via the purge duct 19.
Les boisseaux sont commandés par les extrémités distales de leurs tiges, situées en dehors des chambres 30A et 30B. Les moyens de commande peuvent par exemple être des vérins pneumatiques rotatifs. On voit ainsi que l'extrémité de la tige 41B du boisseau 40B présente une saillie radiale 41'B, qui est disposée dans la chambre d'un vérin rotatif 50B. Selon que l'air est injecté de l'un ou de l'autre côté de cette excroissance, la rotation du boisseau est commandée dans un sens ou dans le sens opposé. Un vérin 50A du même type commande, quant à lui, la rotation du boisseau 40A.The bushels are controlled by the distal ends of their rods, located outside of the chambers 30A and 30B. The control means can for example be rotary pneumatic cylinders. It can thus be seen that the end of the rod 41B of the plug 40B has a radial projection 41'B, which is arranged in the chamber of a rotary actuator 50B. Depending on whether air is injected on one or the other side of this protuberance, the rotation of the plug is controlled in one direction or in the opposite direction. A cylinder 50A of the same type controls the rotation of the plug 40A.
Ces vérins sont portés par des supports, respectivement 52A et 52B, eux-mêmes portés par les extrémités distales des tiges de piston, respectivement 35A et 35B.These cylinders are carried by supports, respectively 52A and 52B, themselves carried by the distal ends of the piston rods, respectively 35A and 35B.
Grâce à des ressorts de rappel, respectivement 54A, 54B, chaque boisseau est constamment rappelé dans sa position de travail par rapport au piston, dans laquelle les surfaces de contact évoquées précédemment sont en contact sensiblement étanches. Par exemple, ces ressorts prennent appui d'une part sur une partie fixe des vérins 50A, 50B évoqués précédemment, et sur une tête de raccord, respectivement 56A, 56B vissée sur les tiges des boisseaux. Pour commander le positionnement des boisseaux dans leurs positions de lavage, des vérins de déplacement en translation sont également portés par les supports 52A, 52B. On voit ainsi sur la figure 2 que la tête 59A du vérin 58A sollicite le déplacement de la tige 41A du boisseau 40A vers le bas par rapport au piston 38A. Pour cela, la tête du vérin appuie sur la tête de raccord 56A. En revanche, le vérin 58B n'est pas alimenté en fluide sous pression et sa tête 59B reste à distance de la tête de raccord 56B.Thanks to return springs, respectively 54A, 54B, each plug is constantly returned to its working position relative to the piston, in which the contact surfaces mentioned above are in substantially sealed contact. For example, these springs bear on the one hand on a fixed part of the jacks 50A, 50B mentioned previously, and on a connector head, respectively 56A, 56B screwed on the rods of the plugs. To control the positioning of the plugs in their washing positions, translational displacement cylinders are also carried by the supports 52A, 52B. It can thus be seen in FIG. 2 that the head 59A of the jack 58A requests the displacement of the rod 41A of the plug 40A downwards relative to the piston 38A. For this, the cylinder head presses on the connector head 56A. On the other hand, the jack 58B is not supplied with pressurized fluid and its head 59B remains at a distance from the connector head 56B.
Le déplacement des pistons est guidé par des plaques de guidage, respectivement une plaque de guidage supérieure 60 et une plaque de guidage inférieure 62. Ces plaques présentent des passages traversants équipés de coussinets de guidage 64 avec lesquels coopèrent les tiges des pistons. En l'espèce, les chambres d'alimentation 30A et 30B ont leurs extrémités supérieures formées dans un corps 31 qui est fixé à la plaque de guidage inférieure 62. Les plaques 60 et 62 sont fixes, elles sont par exemple fixées entre elles par des moyens de fixation et d'entretoisement 66.The displacement of the pistons is guided by guide plates, respectively an upper guide plate 60 and a lower guide plate 62. These plates have through passages equipped with guide bearings 64 with which the piston rods cooperate. In this case, the supply chambers 30A and 30B have their upper ends formed in a body 31 which is fixed to the lower guide plate 62. The plates 60 and 62 are fixed, for example they are fixed together by fastening and bracing means 66.
Le dispositif comprend une platine mobile 68 qui peut se déplacer en va-et-vient entre ces plaques. Les positions extrêmes haute et basse de la platine sont déterminées par des arrêts de sécurité haut et bas, respectivement 70 et 72, respectivement solidaires des plaques 60 et 62. Il peut s'agir de cellules détectant la position de la platine et stoppant l'alimentation des moyens de commande du déplacement de cette platine lorsqu'elle parvient à un niveau donné par rapport auxdites cellules, ou bien, d'autres moyens d'arrêt, par exemple des contacts ou des simples butées. Les courses des pistons, qui déterminent les volumes de produit dosés dans les chambres d'alimentation, sont quant à elles réglées en agissant sur la commande des moyens d'entraînement de la platine.The device comprises a movable plate 68 which can move back and forth between these plates. The upper and lower extreme positions of the plate are determined by high and low safety stops, respectively 70 and 72, respectively integral with the plates 60 and 62. These may be cells detecting the position of the plate and stopping the supply of the means for controlling the movement of this plate when it reaches a given level with respect to said cells, or else other stop means, for example contacts or simple stops. The piston strokes, which determine the volumes of product dosed in the feed chambers, are regulated by acting on the control of the plate drive means.
Selon une disposition avantageuse de l'invention, la platine est déplacée verticalement par un système de vis sans fin. Ainsi, la platine porte deux coussinets à billes, respectivement 74A, 74B, qui sont fixes par rapport à cette platine. Des tiges de vis, respectivement 76A, 76B coopèrent avec ces coussinets. Ces tiges de vis définissent des pistes hélicoïdales pour les billes des coussinets, de sorte que la rotation synchronisée des vis déplace en conséquence en translation la platine 68. En l'espèce, les vis sont entraînées en rotation par des poulies, respectivement 78A, 78B, qu'elles portent respectivement. Ces poulies sont elles-mêmes entraînées en rotation par un système de courroie 80. En effet, comme on le voit mieux sur la figure 5, un servomoteur 81 entraîne en rotation une poulie menante 82, qui coopère avec la courroie 80 pour que cette dernière entraîne les poulies menées 78A et 78B. Par exemple, les poulies 82, 78A, 78B peuvent être disposées en triangle, sensiblement de manière à former les sommets d'un triangle équilatéral. Ceci permet d'équilibrer les efforts s'exerçant sur la courroie 80. Il peut s'agir d'une seule courroie disposée de manière à former des va-et-vient entre les poulies, ou de deux courroies, respectivement raccordées aux poulies 82 et 78A et aux poulies 82 et 78B. Un détecteur d'initialisation 81' permet de connaître la position d'initialisation du servomoteur 81.According to an advantageous arrangement of the invention, the plate is moved vertically by a worm screw system. Thus, the plate carries two ball bearings, respectively 74A, 74B, which are fixed relative to this plate. Screw rods, respectively 76A, 76B cooperate with these bearings. These screw rods define helical tracks for the balls of the bearings, so that the synchronized rotation of the screws consequently displaces the plate 68 in translation. In this case, the screws are driven in rotation by pulleys, respectively 78A, 78B , which they wear respectively. These pulleys are themselves rotated by a belt system 80. In fact, as can be seen better in FIG. 5, a servomotor 81 rotates a driving pulley 82, which cooperates with the belt 80 so that the latter drives the driven pulleys 78A and 78B. For example, the pulleys 82, 78A, 78B can be arranged in a triangle, substantially so as to form the vertices of an equilateral triangle. This makes it possible to balance the forces exerted on the belt 80. It can be a single belt arranged so as to reciprocate between the pulleys, or two belts, respectively connected to the pulleys 82 and 78A and pulleys 82 and 78B. An initialization detector 81 'makes it possible to know the initialization position of the servomotor 81.
Pour régler la course des pistons, on peut utiliser l'électronique de commande du moteur.To adjust the piston stroke, you can use the engine control electronics.
La figure 4 est une coupe dans le plan de la platine 68 (perpendiculairement à la direction de déplacement des pistons) et permet donc de mieux comprendre le fonctionnement des moyens d'embrayage des pistons sur cette platine. La platine 68 présente un premier et un deuxième passage, respectivement 84A, 84B, à travers lesquels passent les tiges de piston, respectivement 35A, 35B. Dans ces passages, sont placés des coussinets, respectivement 86A, 86B, qui limitent les efforts de frottement. Les moyens d'embrayage sont aptes à retenir les tiges de piston dans ces passages ou, au contraire, à laisser la platine coulisser librement par rapport à ces tiges.Figure 4 is a section in the plane of the plate 68 (perpendicular to the direction of movement of the pistons) and therefore allows a better understanding of the operation of the means for clutching the pistons on this plate. The plate 68 has a first and a second passage, respectively 84A, 84B, through which the piston rods, respectively 35A, 35B pass. In these passages, pads are placed, respectively 86A, 86B, which limit the friction forces. The clutch means are able to retain the piston rods in these passages or, on the contrary, to allow the plate to slide freely relative to these rods.
Plus précisément, le premier moyen d'embrayage comprend au moins une première broche solidaire du déplacement en va-et-vient de la platine et apte à être déplacé par rapport à cette dernière entre une position débrayée et une position embrayée dans laquelle elle coopère avec la tige du piston de la première chambre pour retenir cette tige par rapport à la platine, et le deuxième moyen d'embrayage comprend au moins une deuxième broche, solidaire du déplacement en va-et-vient de la platine et apte à être déplacé par rapport à cette dernière entre une position débrayée et une position embrayée dans laquelle elle coopère avec la tige du piston de la deuxième chambre pour retenir cette tige par rapport à la platine.More specifically, the first clutch means comprises at least a first spindle secured to the back-and-forth movement of the plate and able to be moved relative to the latter between a disengaged position and a engaged position in which it cooperates with the piston rod of the first chamber for retaining this rod relative to the plate, and the second clutch means comprises at least a second pin, integral with the back-and-forth movement of the plate and able to be moved by compared to the latter between a disengaged position and a engaged position in which it cooperates with the piston rod of the second chamber to retain this rod relative to the plate.
Par l'exemple représenté, comme on le voit sur la figure 4, le premier moyen d'embrayage comprend deux broches, respectivement 87A et 88A, de même que le deuxième moyen d'embrayage comprend deux broches, respectivement 87B et 88B. La platine comprend des passages pour ces broches, formés par des alésages, respectivement 89A et 90A pour les broches 87A et 88A, et 89B et 90B pour les broches 87B, 88B.By the example shown, as can be seen in FIG. 4, the first clutch means comprises two pins, respectively 87A and 88A, just as the second clutch means comprises two pins, respectively 87B and 88B. The plate includes passages for these pins, formed by bores, respectively 89A and 90A for pins 87A and 88A, and 89B and 90B for pins 87B, 88B.
Les broches sont mobiles en translation dans ces alésages. De leur côté, les tiges des pistons présentent chacune des gorges, respectivement 91A et 92A pour la tige 35A, et 91B et 92B pour la tige 35B. Sur chaque tige de piston, ces gorges sont parallèles. Sur les figures 2 et 4, la tige 35A du piston 34A est débrayée, et l'on voit que les gorges 91A, 92A ne sont pas placées en registre avec les alésages 89A, 90A, qui sont partiellement masqués par la périphérie externe de la tige du piston. En revanche, la tige 35B du piston 34B est embrayée, les gorges 91B, 92B étant placées dans les alésages 89B, 90B, de sorte que les broches peuvent être introduites dans lesdits alésages. Les broches coopèrent avec les gorges de la périphérie externe de la tige de ce piston, pour bloquer cette dernière par rapport à la platine. Pour chaque ensemble d'embrayage, les deux broches sont disposées en fourche à branches parallèles et les deux gorges du piston sont diamétralement opposées.The pins are movable in translation in these bores. For their part, the piston rods each have grooves, respectively 91A and 92A for rod 35A, and 91B and 92B for rod 35B. On each piston rod, these grooves are parallel. In FIGS. 2 and 4, the rod 35A of the piston 34A is disengaged, and it can be seen that the grooves 91A, 92A are not placed in register with the bores 89A, 90A, which are partially masked by the external periphery of the piston rod. On the other hand, the rod 35B of the piston 34B is engaged, the grooves 91B, 92B being placed in the bores 89B, 90B, so that the pins can be introduced into said bores. The pins cooperate with the grooves of the external periphery of the rod of this piston, to block the latter relative to the plate. For each clutch assembly, the two pins are arranged in a fork with parallel branches and the two grooves of the piston are diametrically opposite.
Dans l'exemple représenté, les ensembles de broches, respectivement 87A, 88A et 87B, 88B sont commandés séparément, en l'étant chacun par un vérin qui lui est propre, respectivement 94A et 94B. Il s'agit par exemple de vérins pneumatiques dont la partie mobile porte directement les ensembles de broche. Avantageusement, des moyens de détection de position, respectivement 95A, 95B sont associés à chacun des deux vérins pour permettre instantanément, de savoir si le piston correspondant est embrayé ou non. Les vérins sont solidaires de la platine 68, et sont portés par elle lors de son déplacement.In the example shown, the sets of pins, respectively 87A, 88A and 87B, 88B are controlled separately, each being by a cylinder of its own, respectively 94A and 94B. These are for example pneumatic cylinders, the movable part of which directly carries the spindle assemblies. Advantageously, position detection means, respectively 95A, 95B are associated with each of the two cylinders to instantly make it possible to know whether the corresponding piston is engaged or not. The cylinders are integral with the plate 68, and are carried by it during its movement.
Les vérins et les détecteurs de position sont représentés sur la figure 3 pour plus de clarté, bien qu'ils ne soient normalement pas visibles sur la coupe. Des moyens sont prévus pour que, lorsqu'un piston est débrayé de la platine, déplacer ce piston par rapport à ladite platine.Cylinders and position sensors are shown in Figure 3 for clarity, although they are not normally visible on the section. Means are provided so that, when a piston is disengaged from the plate, move this piston relative to said plate.
Ces moyens permettent d'une part, comme on le voit pour le piston 34A de la figure 2, de placer les pistons dans des positions qu'il n'est pas toujours possible d'atteindre avec un déplacement opéré avec la platine. Ainsi, la figure 2 montre le piston 34A en dehors de son cylindre 32A. D'autre part, ils maintiennent le piston dans une position donnée, lorsque celui-ci est débrayé par rapport à la platine, pour rendre la chambre de dosage 34A parfaitement inactive.These means allow on the one hand, as seen for the piston 34A of Figure 2, to place the pistons in positions that it is not always possible to reach with a movement operated with the plate. Thus, Figure 2 shows the piston 34A outside of its cylinder 32A. On the other hand, they maintain the piston in a given position, when the latter is disengaged from the plate, to make the metering chamber 34A perfectly inactive.
Enfin, lorsque l'on souhaite réembrayer un piston précédemment débrayé, il importe de correctement caler sa position pour pouvoir placer les gorges 91A, 92A dans les alésages 89A, 90A. Dans l'exemple représenté, les moyens de positionnement des pistons indépendamment de la platine sont formés par des vérins, respectivement 96A pour le piston 34A et 96B pour le piston 34B. Ces vérins ne sont pas visibles sur le plan de la figure 2, mais ils le sont sur les figures 5 et 6. Ces vérins sont portés par la plaque de guidage supérieure 60, et leurs parties mobiles coopèrent avec les supports des pistons, respectivement 52A et 52B. En l'espèce, chacun des vérins 96A et 96B peut comprendre deux vérins élémentaires, respectivement 96'A et 96"A et 96'B et 96"B pour respectivement solliciter le déplacement du piston vers le haut et vers le bas. Lorsqu'un piston est embrayé sur la platine, le vérin correspondant 96A ou 96B est désactivé, de sorte que le piston peut coulisser librement par rapport à lui. En revanche, lorsque le piston est débrayé par rapport à la platine, on peut activer le vérin correspondant pour maintenir sa position et pour le placer dans la position souhaitée afin de pouvoir le réembrayer.Finally, when it is desired to re-engage a previously disengaged piston, it is important to correctly wedge its position in order to be able to place the grooves 91A, 92A in the bores 89A, 90A. In the example shown, the means for positioning the pistons independently of the plate are formed by jacks, respectively 96A for the piston 34A and 96B for the piston 34B. These jacks are not visible in the plane of Figure 2, but they are in Figures 5 and 6. These jacks are carried by the upper guide plate 60, and their movable parts cooperate with the supports of the pistons, respectively 52A and 52B. In this case, each of the cylinders 96A and 96B may include two elementary cylinders, respectively 96'A and 96 "A and 96'B and 96" B to respectively request the displacement of the piston up and down. When a piston is engaged on the plate, the corresponding cylinder 96A or 96B is deactivated, so that the piston can slide freely in relation to it. On the other hand, when the piston is disengaged from the plate, the corresponding cylinder can be activated to maintain its position and to place it in the desired position so that it can be re-engaged.
Comme le montrent les figures 2 et 3, les sorties SA et SB des chambres 30A et 30B, de même que la sortie de distribution 18, sont formées dans un corps 100. Il s'agit par exemple d'une pièce, présentant des alvéoles, respectivement 100A et 100B qui forment respectivement les portions inférieures des cylindres de dosage 32A et 33B, cette pièce étant fixée à un corps central 102, dans lequel sont formées les régions centrales des chambres. Le corps 100 a un premier canal 104A qui relie la sortie SA de la chambre 30A à la sortie de distribution 18 et un deuxième canal 104B qui relie la sortie SB de la chambre 30B à la sortie 18. Ces canaux sont également reliés au conduit de purge 19 et le sélecteur rotatif 24 est disposé à l'intersection des canaux 104A, 104B avec la sortie de distribution 18 et le conduit du purge 19.As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the outputs SA and SB of the chambers 30A and 30B, as well as the distribution outlet 18, are formed in a body 100. This is for example a part, having cells , respectively 100A and 100B which respectively form the lower portions of the metering cylinders 32A and 33B, this part being fixed to a central body 102, in which the central regions of the chambers are formed. The body 100 has a first channel 104A which connects the outlet SA of the chamber 30A to the distribution outlet 18 and a second channel 104B which connects the outlet SB of the chamber 30B to the outlet 18. These channels are also connected to the conduit of purge 19 and the rotary selector 24 is disposed at the intersection of channels 104A, 104B with the distribution outlet 18 and the purge duct 19.
Selon sa position, le sélecteur 24 isole sélectivement l'un ou l'autre des canaux 104A et 104B de la sortie 18. Il raccorde alors le canal isolé au conduit de purge 19.Depending on its position, the selector 24 selectively isolates one or other of the channels 104A and 104B from the output 18. It then connects the insulated channel to the purge duct 19.
Le sélecteur 24 est commandé entre ses deux positions par un vérin rotatif 106 et l'obturateur 46 est commandé entre ses positions ouverte et fermée par un vérin rotatif 108, synchronisé avec le déplacement du piston actif et de son boisseau.The selector 24 is controlled between its two positions by a rotary actuator 106 and the shutter 46 is controlled between its open and closed positions by a rotary actuator 108, synchronized with the movement of the active piston and its plug.
En fait, le sélecteur 24 et l'obturateur 46 se présentent sous la forme de boisseaux, rappelés contre leurs sièges respectifs, 24' et 46' par des vérins 106', 108' et capables d'être écartés de ces sièges par commande des mêmes vérins. Lorsque les boisseaux sont ainsi écartés, ces boisseaux et les différents conduits du corps 100 peuvent être lavés par circulation d'une solution de lavage. Lors du lavage d'une chambre 30A ou 30B, par introduction d'une solution de lavage par les orifices 56'A, 57'A ou 56'B, 57'B, la solution peut ressortir par le conduit de purge 19 auquel est raccordée la chambre considérée par le sélecteur 24. Pour le lavage de l'ensemble du dispositif, les boisseaux 24 et 46 sont écartés de leurs sièges et la solution de lavage peut également être injectée par les entrées de produit EA, EB.In fact, the selector 24 and the shutter 46 are in the form of plugs, biased against their respective seats, 24 'and 46' by jacks 106 ', 108' and capable of being moved away from these seats by controlling the same cylinders. When the bushels are thus separated, these bushels and the various conduits of the body 100 can be washed by circulation of a washing solution. When washing a chamber 30A or 30B, by introducing a washing solution through the orifices 56'A, 57'A or 56'B, 57'B, the solution can exit through the purge duct 19 to which is connected the chamber considered by the selector 24. For washing the entire device, the plugs 24 and 46 are spaced from their seats and the washing solution can also be injected through the product inlets EA, EB.
L'espace E24, ménagé à l'arrière du boisseau 24 et isolé des chambresThe E24 space, provided at the rear of the bushel 24 and isolated from the rooms
30A et 30B lorsque ce boisseau est en appui contre son siège, peut également être utilisé pour le nettoyage, grâce à des orifices 24'A et 24'B (seulement ébauchés) servant respectivement à l'alimentation et à l'évacuation d'une solution de lavage.30A and 30B when this plug is in abutment against its seat, can also be used for cleaning, thanks to orifices 24'A and 24'B (only roughed out) used respectively for the supply and evacuation of a washing solution.
Il en va de même pour l'espace E46 ménagé à l'arrière du boisseau 46, grâce aux orifices 46'A et 46'B (seulement ébauchés). The same goes for the space E46 formed at the rear of the plug 46, thanks to the orifices 46'A and 46'B (only roughed out).

Claims

REVENDICATIONS
1. Dispositif de distribution d'un produit liquide ou pâteux, comprenant une première chambre d'alimentation (30A) ayant une entrée de produit (EA) raccordée à un premier réservoir, une première sortie de produit (SA) et des moyens (34A, 40A) pour refouler de manière cadencée des volumes déterminés de produit à travers ladite sortie, caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend une deuxième chambre d'alimentation (30B) ayant une entrée de produit (EB) reliée à un deuxième réservoir, une deuxième sortie de produit (SB) et des moyens (34B, 40B) pour refouler de manière cadencée des volumes déterminés de produit à travers cette sortie et en ce qu'il comporte une sortie de distribution (18) et des moyens de sélection (24) aptes à faire sélectivement communiquer la sortie de produit de l'une des chambres avec ladite sortie de distribution en isolant de cette sortie de distribution la sortie de produit de l'autre chambre.1. Device for dispensing a liquid or pasty product, comprising a first supply chamber (30A) having a product inlet (EA) connected to a first reservoir, a first product outlet (SA) and means (34A , 40A) for delivering defined volumes of product in a timed manner through said outlet, characterized in that it comprises a second supply chamber (30B) having a product inlet (EB) connected to a second tank, a second product outlet (SB) and means (34B, 40B) for delivering, in a clocked manner, determined volumes of product through this outlet and in that it comprises a dispensing outlet (18) and selection means (24) able to selectively communicate the product outlet from one of the chambers with said distribution outlet by isolating from this distribution outlet the product outlet from the other chamber.
2. Dispositif selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que les sorties de produit (SA, SB) des deux chambres (30A, 30B) et la sortie de distribution (18) sont formées dans un corps (100) ayant un premier canal (104A) reliant la sortie de la première chambre à la sortie de distribution et un deuxième canal reliant la sortie de la deuxième chambre à ladite sortie de distribution, les moyens de sélection étant aptes à sélectivement isoler l'un ou l'autre desdits canaux de ladite sortie de distribution.2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the product outlets (SA, SB) from the two chambers (30A, 30B) and the distribution outlet (18) are formed in a body (100) having a first channel ( 104A) connecting the outlet of the first chamber to the distribution outlet and a second channel connecting the outlet of the second chamber to said distribution outlet, the selection means being able to selectively isolate one or the other of said channels from said distribution outlet.
3. Dispositif selon la revendication 1 ou 2, caractérisé en ce que, pour chaque chambre (30A, 30B), les moyens pour refouler de manière cadencée des volumes déterminés de produit comprennent un cylindre de dosage (32A, 32B) formant une région de la chambre voisine de la sortie de produit (SA, SB), un piston doseur (34A, 34B) mobile en va-et-vient dans ledit cylindre, au moins une ouverture d'admission de produit (38A, 38'A, 38B, 38'B) formée dans ledit piston et un organe obturateur (40A, 40B) apte à libérer ou à obturer ladite ouverture d'admission.3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, for each chamber (30A, 30B), the means for discharging in a timed manner determined volumes of product comprise a metering cylinder (32A, 32B) forming a region of the chamber next to the product outlet (SA, SB), a metering piston (34A, 34B) movable back and forth in said cylinder, at least one product inlet opening (38A, 38'A, 38B , 38'B) formed in said piston and a shutter member (40A, 40B) capable of releasing or closing said inlet opening.
4. Dispositif selon la revendication 3, caractérisé en ce que l'organe obturateur est un boisseau (40A, 40B), apte à être déplacé avec le piston doseur (34A, 34B) dans le mouvement de va-et-vient de ce dernier et à être tourné par rapport à lui pour libérer ou obturer ladite ouverture d'admission (38A, 38'A, 38B, 38'B).4. Device according to claim 3, characterized in that the shutter member is a plug (40A, 40B), capable of being moved with the metering piston (34A, 34B) in the reciprocating movement of the latter and being rotated relative to it to release or seal said intake opening (38A, 38'A, 38B, 38'B).
5. Dispositif selon la revendication 4, caractérisé en ce que, pour chaque piston doseur (34A, 34B), le boisseau (40A, 40B) et le piston doseur présentent respectivement une première et une deuxième surface de contact (44A, 44'A) et sont aptes à occuper, l'un par rapport à l'autre, une position de travail dans laquelle lesdites surfaces sont en contact sensiblement étanche et une position de lavage dans laquelle ces surfaces sont écartées. 5. Device according to claim 4, characterized in that, for each metering piston (34A, 34B), the plug (40A, 40B) and the metering piston respectively have a first and a second contact surface (44A, 44'A) and are capable of occupying, with respect to each other, a working position in which said surfaces are in substantially sealed contact and a position of washing in which these surfaces are spread.
6. Dispositif selon la revendication 5, caractérisé en ce que, pour chaque piston doseur (34A, 34B), le boisseau (40A, 40B) est disposé à l'intérieur du piston et présente une tige creuse (41A, 41B) elle-même disposée à l'intérieur de la tige (35A, 35B) du piston, la cavité de la tige du boisseau présentant une entrée (56'A, 56'B) située à une extrémité de la tige extérieure au piston et une communication (57A, 57B) située à l'extrémité opposée, tandis que la tige (35A, 35B) du piston présente un orifice (57'A, 57'B) situé en dehors de la chambre d'alimentation.6. Device according to claim 5, characterized in that, for each metering piston (34A, 34B), the plug (40A, 40B) is disposed inside the piston and has a hollow rod (41A, 41B) itself even disposed inside the rod (35A, 35B) of the piston, the plug rod cavity having an inlet (56'A, 56'B) located at one end of the rod external to the piston and a communication ( 57A, 57B) located at the opposite end, while the rod (35A, 35B) of the piston has an orifice (57'A, 57'B) located outside the supply chamber.
7. Dispositif selon l'une quelconque des revendications 3 à 6, caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend une platine mobile (68), des moyens (81, 80, 74A, 74B, 76A, 76B, 78A, 78B) pour déplacer ladite platine en va-et-vient et des moyens d'embrayage (87A, 88A, 87B, 88B, 91A, 92A, 91B, 92B) pour sélectivement rendre le piston (34A) de la première chambre d'alimentation (30A) ou le piston (34B) de la deuxième chambre d'alimentation (30B) solidaire du déplacement de la platine. 7. Device according to any one of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that it comprises a mobile plate (68), means (81, 80, 74A, 74B, 76A, 76B, 78A, 78B) for moving said back and forth plate and clutch means (87A, 88A, 87B, 88B, 91A, 92A, 91B, 92B) to selectively return the piston (34A) of the first supply chamber (30A) or the piston (34B) of the second supply chamber (30B) integral with the movement of the plate.
8. Dispositif selon la revendication 7, caractérisé en ce que la platine présente un premier et un deuxième passage (84A, 84B) dans lesquels passent respectivement la tige (41A) du piston (34A) de la première chambre d'alimentation (30A) et la tige (41B) du piston (34B) de la deuxième chambre d'alimentation (30B), un premier moyen d'embrayage (87A, 88A) apte à être déplacé par rapport à la platine (68) entre une position débrayée dans laquelle il autorise un coulissement relatif entre la platine (68) et le piston (34A) de la première chambre et une position embrayée dans laquelle il empêche ce coulissement, ainsi qu'un deuxième moyen d'embrayage (87B, 88B) apte à être déplacé par rapport à la platine entre une position débrayée dans laquelle il autorise un coulissement relatif entre la platine (68) et le piston (34B) de la deuxième chambre et une position embrayée dans laquelle il empêche ce coulissement.8. Device according to claim 7, characterized in that the plate has a first and a second passage (84A, 84B) through which pass respectively the rod (41A) of the piston (34A) of the first supply chamber (30A) and the rod (41B) of the piston (34B) of the second supply chamber (30B), a first clutch means (87A, 88A) able to be moved relative to the plate (68) between a disengaged position in which it allows relative sliding between the plate (68) and the piston (34A) of the first chamber and a engaged position in which it prevents this sliding, as well as a second clutch means (87B, 88B) capable of being moved relative to the plate between a disengaged position in which it allows relative sliding between the plate (68) and the piston (34B) of the second chamber and a engaged position in which it prevents this sliding.
9. Dispositif selon la revendication 8, caractérisé en ce que le premier moyen d'embrayage comprend au moins une première broche (87A, 88A), solidaire du déplacement en va-et-vient de la platine et apte à être déplacée par rapport à cette dernière entre une position débrayée et une position embrayée dans laquelle elle coopère avec la tige (41A) du piston (34A) de la première chambre (30A) pour retenir ladite tige par rapport à la platine (68), et en ce que le deuxième moyen d'embrayage comprend au moins une deuxième broche (87B, 88B), solidaire du déplacement en va-et-vient de la platine et apte à être déplacée par rapport à cette dernière entre une position débrayée et une position embrayée dans laquelle elle coopère avec la tige (41B) du piston (34B) de la deuxième chambre (30B) pour retenir cette tige par rapport à la platine (68).9. Device according to claim 8, characterized in that the first clutch means comprises at least a first pin (87A, 88A), integral with the reciprocating movement of the plate and capable of being displaced relative to the latter between a disengaged position and a engaged position in which it cooperates with the rod (41A) of the piston (34A) of the first chamber (30A) to retain said rod relative to the plate (68), and in that the second clutch means comprises at least a second pin (87B, 88B), integral with the reciprocating movement of the plate and able to be moved relative to the latter between a disengaged position and a engaged position in which it cooperates with the rod (41B) of the piston (34B) of the second chamber (30B) to retain this rod relative to the plate (68).
10. Dispositif selon la revendication 9, caractérisé en ce que les moyens de commande des déplacements de chaque broche comprennent un vérin (94A, 94B) solidaire de la platine (68). 10. Device according to claim 9, characterized in that the means for controlling the displacements of each spindle comprise a jack (94A, 94B) integral with the plate (68).
11. Dispositif selon l'une quelconque des revendications 7 à 10, caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend des moyens (96A, 96B) pour, lorsqu'un piston (34A, 34B) est débrayé de la platine (68), déplacer ce piston par rapport à ladite platine.11. Device according to any one of claims 7 to 10, characterized in that it comprises means (96A, 96B) for, when a piston (34A, 34B) is disengaged from the plate (68), move this piston with respect to said plate.
12. Dispositif selon l'une quelconque des revendications 7 à 11, caractérisé en ce que les moyens pour déplacer la platine en va-et-vient comprennent un système de vis sans fin (76A, 76B).12. Device according to any one of claims 7 to 11, characterized in that the means for moving the plate back and forth comprise a worm system (76A, 76B).
13. Dispositif selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 12, caractérisé en ce qu'il comporte un obturateur (46), disposé à la sortie de distribution (18) et apte à être ouvert et fermé de manière cadencée.13. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that it comprises a shutter (46), disposed at the dispensing outlet (18) and capable of being opened and closed in a clocked manner.
14. Dispositif selon la revendication 13, caractérisé en ce qu'il comporte un conduit de purge (19), apte à être sélectivement relié à la sortie (SA, SB) de chaque chambre de distribution (30A, 30B). 14. Device according to claim 13, characterized in that it comprises a purge duct (19), capable of being selectively connected to the outlet (SA, SB) of each distribution chamber (30A, 30B).
EP02793240A 2001-11-15 2002-11-15 Device for dispensing a liquid or pasty product Expired - Lifetime EP1444133B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR0114770 2001-11-15
FR0114770A FR2832124B1 (en) 2001-11-15 2001-11-15 DEVICE FOR DISPENSING A LIQUID OR PASTY PRODUCT
PCT/FR2002/003912 WO2003042039A1 (en) 2001-11-15 2002-11-15 Device for dispensing a liquid or pasty product

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EP1444133A1 true EP1444133A1 (en) 2004-08-11
EP1444133B1 EP1444133B1 (en) 2005-03-30

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AT (1) ATE292046T1 (en)
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KR101216235B1 (en) * 2010-10-13 2012-12-28 세크론 주식회사 Apparatus for supplying a powder material
FR3043072A1 (en) * 2015-11-02 2017-05-05 Erca DEVICE FOR DELIVERING DOSE QUANTITIES OF LIQUID OR PASTY PRODUCT
IT202200003845A1 (en) * 2022-03-02 2023-09-02 Pirovano S R L DOSING VALVE FOR FLUID PRODUCTS AND DOSING SYSTEM FOR FLUID PRODUCTS EQUIPPED WITH SUCH A VALVE

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FR2657430B1 (en) 1990-01-23 1994-02-25 Roland Torterotot DOSER-DISPENSER AND METHOD FOR DOSING A PASTY AND / OR LIQUID PRODUCT.
FR2708563B1 (en) * 1993-08-02 1995-10-27 Erca Unit and method for dosing and distribution of liquid and / or pasty products.
DK25394A (en) * 1994-03-04 1995-09-05 Stormax International As Process for volumetric filling of molds with a flowable mass and a device for carrying out the method
DE59800608D1 (en) * 1997-08-18 2001-05-17 Benhil Gasti Verpackungsmaschi Device and method for the metered filling of liquid to pasty products

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ATE292046T1 (en) 2005-04-15
DE60203533D1 (en) 2005-05-04
CN1585710A (en) 2005-02-23
FR2832124A1 (en) 2003-05-16
DE60203533T2 (en) 2006-02-16
FR2832124B1 (en) 2004-09-03
CN1274554C (en) 2006-09-13
WO2003042039A1 (en) 2003-05-22
ES2239267T3 (en) 2005-09-16
EP1444133B1 (en) 2005-03-30

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