EP2326412A1

EP2326412A1 - Mixing in a container of content having a base component and a component to be mixed

Info

Publication number: EP2326412A1
Application number: EP09797569A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Frédéric Bernard; Eric Chevalier
Original assignee: Sartorius Stedim Biotech SA
Current assignee: Sartorius Stedim Biotech SA
Priority date: 2008-07-16
Filing date: 2009-06-16
Publication date: 2011-06-01
Anticipated expiration: 2029-06-16
Also published as: US20110158037A1; US9073023B2; FR2933881A1; FR2933881B1; EP2326412B1; ATE556764T1; WO2010007273A1

Abstract

A mixing process, a spraying and dispersing device, and a mixing device for implementing the process. In the process, components are introduced into a container equipped with introduction elements and mixing elements and the contents are mixed. A mixing facilitator is provided, a spraying and dispersing device that can be connected to the container at one of its introduction element is provided, able to be in an active functional state in which it makes it possible to spray and to disperse a liquid in the container, and then, in a first phase, the base of the contents and then the components to be mixed are introduced into the container, without filling the latter, and in a second phase, the mixing facilitator is introduced into the container via an introduction element, and it is sprayed and dispersed to the components to be mixed by the spraying and dispersing device that is put into the active functional state.

Description

Mixing in a container of a content having a basic component and a component to be mixed

The invention relates to the mixing in a container of a content having a base component and a component to be mixed

The invention relates more particularly to a mixing method, a spraying and dispersing device, specially intended for the implementation of the mixing method and a mixing device, also specially intended for the implementation of the mixing process and including such a projection and dispersion device.

A method of mixing a content in a container, of the type in which:

On the one hand, there is a container provided with means for introducing the components of the contents to be contained therein and to which may be associated means for mixing said content, the components of said content being available, at least one of which is substantially liquid (this component is hereinafter referred to as the "content base") and at least one is intended to be mixed with the base of the contents (this component is hereafter referred to as a "mixing component" )

And then, on the other hand, the components of the contents are introduced into the container and the various components in the container are mixed.

The term "mixing" and "mixing" is understood to mean the operation and the result of the operation, which consists of the fact that several distinct components form the same more or less viscous fluid phase or several phases with a high degree of homogenization.

A mixing method as just described is used for example in the case of bio-pharmaceutical fluids. It can then be implemented by means of a pocket of the type described in document FR-A-2 781 202.

Document FR-A-2 781 202 describes a plastic bag having two large walls and two bellows. Each bellows comprises two small walls connected to each other by an inner fold and each small wall is connected to the adjacent large wall by an outer fold. Such a pocket, once expanded, takes a three-dimensional shape (cylindrical, prismatic, parallelepipedic ...) and can have a volume of 50 liters or more, which justifies that some call it a 3D pocket. In some cases, the component to be mixed is in substantially solid form, in blocks or powder, while being able to be dissolved in the base of the contents. Typically, such a component to be mixed, in the absence of external action, may tend to float on the free surface of the base of the contents or to bulk. As a result, the dissolution of the component to be mixed and its mixing in the base of the contents are made difficult.

In an attempt to overcome this difficulty, it has been proposed to carry out a strong mixing operation, that is to say powerful, which in turn poses other problems such as the appearance of foam. In addition, in some cases, the content to be mixed can be degraded if the mixture it undergoes is powerful.

In other cases, the component to be mixed is not in solid form but for example in the form of a gel, poorly or even immiscible in the base of the contents. The high degree of homogenization that is then desired is made difficult to obtain.

US 2005/279687 discloses a water-gas pressurized device, especially for a multifunctional hydrogen peroxide machine. The device in question comprises a hollow container having in the upper part, a water inlet, a gas inlet, a water collecting means disposed inside the hollow container, having lateral perforations which form outlet orifices of the nebulized water towards the inner face of the cylindrical wall of the hollow container. With such a device, the water is introduced via the inlet and is collected in the collector means. It leaves the collector means by perforations and is projected on the inner face of the cylindrical wall of the container. In its movement, it meets the gas flow introduced into the device via the corresponding arrival. Such a device is not intended for the implementation of a mixing process such as that of the present invention. In addition, if it has projection and dispersion perforations, these do not allow the projected product to reach substantially the entire free surface of the contents of the container, the projected product indeed reaching the inner face of the cylindrical wall hollow container.

There is therefore a problem when it is desired to mix in a container a base of the content and a component to mix solid or not - or difficultly - miscible, when the latter tends to float on the free surface of the base of the content or to take in bulk or can not be mixed with the desired degree of homogenization, or when the mixing operation is too powerful. The invention therefore aims to overcome these problems.

For this purpose, and according to a first aspect, the invention relates to a method of mixing a content in a container, of the type in which: on the one hand,

a container provided with means for introducing the components of the contents to be contained therein and to which may be associated means for mixing said contents,

the components of said content are available, at least one of which is substantially liquid (ie at least one substantially liquid component is referred to as the base of the contents) and at least one is intended to be mixed at the base of the contents (that is at least a component intended to be mixed is called a component to be mixed),

And then, on the other hand, the components of the contents are introduced into the container and the various components in the container are mixed, characterized in that: on the one hand,

a mixing component is provided to form an integral part of said content by being mixed with the other components thereof, this mixing facilitator being liquid and having been specially selected for its compatibility with the required qualities of the content and its ability to promote the mixing operation of the component to be mixed in the content base,

a projection and dispersion device capable of being structurally associated with the container is provided at one of its introduction means (introduction means of the mixing facilitator), the said projection and dispersion device being able to find in a potentially or really active functional state in which it allows to project and disperse a liquid in the container, - then, on the other hand,

in a first phase, the base of the contents is introduced and then the component to be mixed into the container, without filling it, and

in a second distinct subsequent phase, the projection and dispersion device then being associated with the introduction means of the mixing facilitator, the mixing facilitator is introduced into the container by the said introducing means, and is projected into the the dispersant to the component to be mixed by means of said projection and dispersion device returned to the potentially or really active functional state.

According to one embodiment, there is provided a component to be mixed in substantially solid form, in blocks or in powder, which, in the absence of external action, tends to float on the free surface of the base of the contents, and one projects and scatters the mixing facilitator to wetting the floating mixing component on the surface of the base of the contents, this wetting facilitating the dissolution or dispersion of the component to be mixed in the base of the content and their mixture.

In one embodiment, the mixing facilitator is projected by omni-directionally dispersing it over an opening angle to allow the mixing facilitator to substantially reach the entire free surface of the container contents and the floating mixing component which is There is in this realization.

According to a first embodiment, there is a mixing facilitator of the same nature as the one or one of the components of the content base. According to a second embodiment, there is a mixing facilitator of a different nature of the components of the content base.

According to one embodiment, in the first phase, the basic component is introduced into the container by an appropriate introduction means, distinct or not from the means for introducing the facilitator, whereas the projection and dispersion device is structurally associated with the means of introducing the facilitator and is in the inactive functional state.

According to one embodiment, in the first phase, after having introduced into the container the basic component, the removable projection and dispersion device is structurally dissociated from the means for introducing the facilitator, and then the component to the container is introduced into the container. to mix by means of introduction of the facilitator.

According to one embodiment, after having introduced into the container the component to be mixed, the projection and dispersion device is structurally associated with the means of introduction of the facilitator, and then introduced into the container the mixing facilitator by the means of introduction of the facilitator.

According to one embodiment, in the second phase, the introduction, the projection and the dispersion of the mixing facilitator to the component to be mixed are continued, until a part of the component to be mixed is dissolved or dispersed in the base of the content. .

According to one embodiment, the mixing is started at the moment, or before or after the moment, when the introduction of the component to be mixed into the container is begun and the mixing is continued at least until the whole of the component to be mixed is mixed. dissolved or dispersed in the content base. According to one embodiment, there is a mixture of low to medium, depending on the components of the content, without the need for a strong mixture.

According to one embodiment, a closed container is used, except in the first phase for introducing into the container of the component to be mixed.

According to one embodiment, a container is used in the form of a foldable pouch with plastic bellows including a mixing means. More specifically, according to one embodiment, it starts from a collapsible bellows bag in the folded state and, in a preliminary phase, said bellows foldable pocket volume.

According to one embodiment, in a final phase, at least substantially the container is filled with the content base and / or the mixing facilitator, while the projection and dispersion device is associated with the means for introducing the facilitator.

According to a second aspect, the invention is directed to a projection and dispersion device, especially intended for the implementation of the mixing method which has just been described, which includes a wall provided on the one hand with peripheral means of structural association. means for introducing a mixing facilitator of a container having an aperture and an axis D and, on the other hand, projection and dispersion perforations distributed over all or a substantial portion of the surface to be located in view of the aperture and arranged omni directionally on an opening angle (α) about the axis D, adapted to allow the mixing facilitator (Fm) projected and dispersed by said projection and dispersion device d substantially reach the entire free surface (S) of the contents of the container, including the floating mixing component (Cm) therein.

According to a first variant embodiment, the wall is deformable between a substantially planar configuration when the said projection and dispersion device is in the inactive functional state and a convexly curved configuration turned towards the inside of the container when the said device of projection and dispersion is in the potentially or really active functional state, said curved configuration defining said omni directional dispersion on said opening angle, the wall being in its substantially flat configuration in the absence of external stress, in particular introducing the mixing facilitator and being responsive to the solicitation exerted on it by the mixing facilitator when introduced into the container so as to be in its curved configuration. According to one embodiment, the wall is provided with perforations which, when the said projection and dispersion device is in the inactive functional state, are substantially closed and which, when the said projection and dispersion device is in the potentially or really active functional state, are open.

According to a second variant embodiment, the wall is similar to that which has just been described, but rigid and not deformable.

In another embodiment, the wall is provided with perforations which are always open, especially when said projection and dispersion device is in the active state inactive.

According to a first embodiment, the perforations of a wall are identical to each other. According to a second embodiment, the perforations are differentiated from each other by their size and / or their shape according to their position on the wall and in order to best fulfill their function.

According to a first variant embodiment, the peripheral means of structural association with a means for introducing a mixing facilitator of a container are in the form of an annular bead adapted to cooperate, removably, with complementary means. means for introducing a mixing facilitator having the shape of an annular recess in the mixing facilitator introduction means.

According to a second variant embodiment, the peripheral means of structural association with a means for introducing a mixing facilitator of a container are constituted by the wall formed by an elastically capable deformable part, by the tension which is exerted on it, to be enlarged and then strung on the collar that it can then grip and on which it is held removably.

According to a third aspect, the invention is directed to a mixing device specially designed for carrying out the mixing method described above, comprising:

a container provided with means for introducing components of the contents that it is intended to receive, including a means for introducing the mixing facilitator situated on its upper wall and in the form of an opening, the means for introducing the facilitator of mixing and the opening having an axis D, - mixing means of said content, associated with the container, and

a projection and dispersion device which comprises a wall provided on the one hand with peripheral means of structural association by means of introduction of a facilitator of mixing and, on the other hand, projection and dispersion perforations distributed over all or a substantial part of the surface intended to be located facing the opening and arranged omni directionally on an opening angle (α) around the axis D, able to allow the mixing facilitator (Fm) projected and dispersed by said projection and dispersion device to substantially reach the entire free surface (S) of the contents of the container, in particular the component to be mixed floating (Cm) that is there.

In one embodiment, the container is closed except when the introduction means of the mixing facilitator is open.

In one embodiment, the container is a foldable bag with plastic bellows including the mixing means.

According to one embodiment, the means for introducing the mixing facilitator is in the form of an opening formed by a peripheral collar adjoining the container, a cap with a liquid introduction port being mounted on the collar, the device for projection and dispersion being structurally associated, in a removable manner, by means of introduction of the mixing facilitator by its peripheral means of structural association cooperating with complementary means of the mixing facilitator introduction means.

Several embodiments of the invention will now be described with the aid of the drawings in which: FIG. 1 is a schematic view of the mixing method according to the invention; it comprises eight diagrams in perspective, respectively figure 1A, figure 1 B, figure

1 C, Figure 1 D, Figure 1 E, Figure 1 F, Figure 1 G and Figure 1 H, corresponding to successive steps of the method, the first being shown in Figure 1A and the last in Figure 1 H; Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view corresponding to Figure 1 G on a larger scale; FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic cross-sectional view of the means for introducing the mixing facilitator forming part of a mixing device, to which is associated a projection and dispersion device, according to a first variant, which is in its functional state; inactive; FIG. 4 is a schematic view similar to FIG. 3, the projection and dispersion device according to the first variant being in its active functional state; FIG. 5 is a schematic elevational view of the projection and dispersion device according to the first variant in its active functional state; FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic cross-sectional view of the means for introducing the mixing facilitator forming part of a mixing device, to which is associated a projection and dispersion device, according to a second variant, which is in its functional state; inactive.

A mixing device 1 specially designed for the implementation of the mixing method described above, comprises first of all a container 2.

In the embodiment shown, the container 2 is closed, except when some introduction means 3 which it is provided and on which we will return is open (Figures 1 D and 1 E).

In the embodiment shown, the container 2 is a flexible pouch, foldable by means of bellows 4, plastic. Such a pocket is for example a so-called 3D pocket of the general type described in document FR-A-2 781 202.

Such a bag 2 can have a volume that exceeds 50 I and reaches 3,000 I, which justifies that it can be described as a "large size" pocket.

When deployed and placed in volume, such a pocket 2 has a generally parallelepiped shape with a bottom wall 5, disposed substantially horizontally, four side walls 6, arranged substantially vertically, and an upper wall 7, disposed substantially horizontally.

Such a pocket 2 is intended to be used in association with a rigid rigid container 8 in which it is placed and removably.

It is understood that the invention applies to other types of container 2. It may include rigid containers, which remain open permanently, metal, different capacity.

The container 2 is provided with means for introducing into the volume that it defines the components Co of the content C that it is intended to receive, able to allow these components to be introduced into this space, in the desired quantity. Indeed, these components Co, before being introduced into the container 2 are packaged in means provided for this purpose: tanks, cans, bags ... In this case, it is expected that the container 2 is provided with an introduction means 3 described as "means of introduction of the mixing facilitator".

It is also expected that the container 2 is provided with an introduction means 9 adapted to allow the introduction of a component of liquid constitution or, optionally, more or less viscous.

This introduction means 9 is different from the introduction means 3 or the same as him.

Where appropriate, the container 2 comprises a larger number of such introduction means 3, 9.

In the embodiment shown in the drawings, the introduction means 3 is located on the upper wall 7 and the other separate introduction means 9 is located elsewhere, for example towards the junction between the bottom 5 and one side walls 6.

The introduction means 3 of the mixing facilitator is, in the embodiment shown in the drawings, in the form of an opening 10 formed and delimited by a peripheral flange 11 adjoining the upper wall 7 of the container and directed towards the outside of it. The opening is here wide enough to allow the introduction of one or more components in solid form and more or less bulky.

A cap 12 provided with a liquid introduction port 13 is mounted on the flange 11, in a removable manner, by means of removable fastening means provided for this purpose.

The port 13 may have a structure identical to or similar to that of the corresponding port of the introduction means 9. This port 13 is therefore able to allow the introduction of a component of liquid constitution or, optionally, more or less pasty .

Thus, the introduction means 3 is versatile. When the cap 13 is mounted on the collar, it allows the introduction of a component of liquid constitution or, optionally, more or less pasty. When the cap 13 is removed from the collar, it allows the introduction of a component of solid constitution and more or less bulky. In one embodiment, the detachable fastening means of the cap 12 on the collar 1 1 are distinct from the cap 12 and attached to it, such as clamps. This achievement is not exclusive of others.

The mixing device 1 then comprises means 14 for mixing the content C of the container 2, associated with the container 2.

Such mixing means 14, per se, are known or within the abilities of those skilled in the art. It may be for example a mixing propeller mounted in the container on the bottom 5, driven by appropriate motor means.

The mixing device 1 finally comprises a device 15 for projection and dispersion.

The projection and dispersion device 15 is able to be associated structurally with the container 2, namely by means of introduction 3 of the mixing facilitator.

More specifically, the projection and dispersion device 15 is structurally associated with the introduction means 3 of the mixing facilitator, in a removable manner, by means 16 of structural association device which it is provided arranged to cooperate with complementary means 17 provided with the introduction means 3 of mixing facilitator.

The peripheral means of structural association 16 are, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3 to 5 corresponding to a first variant, in the form of an annular bead adapted to cooperate, removably, with the complementary means 17 of which is equipped with the introduction means 3 for a mixing facilitator, in this case an annular recess in the means of introduction 3 of mixing facilitator, in particular between the collar 11 and the cap 12.

According to another embodiment shown in FIG. 6 corresponding to a second variant, the peripheral means of structural association 16 are constituted by the wall 18 formed by a deformable part elastically adapted, by the tension that is exerted on it, to be widened and then strung on the collar 11 which it can then grip and on which it is held removably. The projection and dispersion device 15 comprises a wall 18, which is provided at its periphery with means 16 of structural association, in particular the bead referred to above.

This wall 18 is provided with projection and dispersion perforations 19, distributed over all or a substantial part of the surface intended to be located facing the opening 10.

Depending on the case, the perforations 19 of a wall 18 are identical to one another or, on the contrary, are differentiated from one another by their size and / or their shape according to their position on the wall 18 and this in order to best fulfill their function .

D is the axis - arranged generally vertically - of the opening 10 and the introduction means 3 of mixing facilitator.

The wall 18 is provided with projection and dispersion perforations 19 arranged omni-directionally over an opening angle α about the axis D, so as to allow the mixing facilitator Fm which is projected and dispersed by the device. projection and dispersion 15 to substantially reach the entire free surface S of the contents of the container 2 and, as will be seen later in the embodiment aimed more specifically at a component to be mixed Cm in solid form, the said component to be mixed Cm lying at this free surface S and floating there.

In a first embodiment shown in the figures, the wall 18, made for example of a material such as silicone, is deformable between a substantially flat configuration (FIG. 3) and a convexly curved configuration turned towards the inside of the container. 2 and concavity turned towards the cap 12 and the port 13 (Figure 4).

The projection and dispersion device 15 is either associated with the container 2, namely with its introduction means 3 of mixing facilitator or dissociated from it. When it is associated, it is, when necessary in a potentially or really active functional state in which it allows to project and disperse a liquid introduced by the port 13 into the container 2. When no project and no does not disperse a liquid introduced by the port 13 into the container 2, the projection and dispersion device 15 is either in this same potentially or really active functional state or in an inactive functional state in which the introduction means 3 of the facilitator mixture is for example closed. The wall 18 is in its substantially planar configuration (FIG. 3) when the projection and dispersion device 15 is in the inactive functional state. It is in its curved configuration (FIG. 4) when the projection and dispersion device 15 is in the potentially or actually active functional state.

The wall 18 is in its substantially flat configuration in the absence of external stress, including the introduction of a liquid through the port 13. It is responsive to the stress exerted on it by such a liquid introduced into the container through the port 13 and then, under the effect of the pressure exerted by the liquid in question, the curved configuration.

In the embodiment envisaged, when the projection and dispersion device 15 is in the inactive functional state, the perforations 19 are substantially closed, while they are open, when the projection and dispersion device 15 is at the same position. active functional state.

The embodiment of the projection and dispersion device 15 which has just been described is not exclusive of others, of a different nature or structure, fulfilling the same function and providing identical or similar results. Thus, according to a second embodiment, the wall 18 is similar to that described above, but it is rigid and not deformable. Such a rigid wall 18 can be either flat or curved as just described. Also, according to another embodiment, the wall 18, deformable or rigid, is provided with perforations 19 which are always open, especially when said projection and dispersion device 15 is in the inactive functional state.

The method according to the invention aims to ensure the mixing of the content C found in the container 2.

This content C comprises several distinct components Co, which are mixed in the container 2, thanks to the mixing device 1 which has just been described, notably thanks to the projection and dispersion device 15.

One of the components Co is substantially liquid. By this we mean that it is totally in liquid form or that it has a more or less pasty form. As indicated above, this component is hereafter conventionally called "content base" Cb. One of the components Co is intended to be mixed at the base of the content Cb. As indicated above, this component is hereinafter conventionally referred to as "component to be mixed" Cm.

It is understood that the number of these components is not limited to two. It can be provided several components forming the base of the content Cb, and / or several components forming the component to be mixed Cm.

In the application more specifically described herein, the component to be mixed Cm has a substantially solid form, being either in blocks or in powder form. This component is apt, if it is miscible with the base of the content Cb to be dissolved in it, or if it is not miscible with it to be nevertheless dispersed in it with a high degree of homogenization.

According to another embodiment, the component to be mixed Cm has a fluid form and it is not miscible in the base of the content Cb. This is for example a gel, suspended in the content base Cb.

More specifically, the invention finds its interest in the case of a component to be mixed Cm in substantially solid form which, in the absence of external action, tends to float at the free surface S of the content base Cb.

One of the components Co is intended to be an integral part of the content C being mixed with the other components Cb and Cm thereof. This component is liquid and has been specially selected for its compatibility with the required qualities of the content C and its ability to promote the mixing operation of the component to be mixed Cm in the content base Cb. This component is conventionally referred to as a "mixing facilitator".

Depending on the case, the mixing facilitator Fm is of the same nature as the content base Cb or, conversely, of a different nature. In one embodiment, the mixing facilitator Fm is water.

In a first phase of the process (FIGS. 1C to 1F), the base of the content Cb is introduced and the component to be mixed Cm into the container 2 without completely filling it.

Insofar as starting from a collapsible gusseted bag 2 initially located in the folded state, the method comprises a preliminary phase in which said volume is adjusted. Foldable pocket with bellows and placed in the resistant container 8 (Figures 1A and 1B). Such operations are in themselves known or within the abilities of those skilled in the art.

In this situation, and in the first phase, the projection and dispersion device 15 is structurally associated with the introduction means 3 of the mixing facilitator by cooperating the respective means 16 and 17.

The projection and dispersion device 15 is then in the inactive functional state.

In this situation, the base component Cb is introduced into the container 2 by the appropriate introduction means 9 provided for this purpose, distinct or not from the introduction means 3 of the mixing facilitator.

As indicated, the basic component CB does not completely fill the container 2 and has a free surface S.

The operation which has just been described is illustrated by FIG.

In the same first phase, after having introduced in the container 2 the basic component Cb, the projection and dispersion device 15 of the introduction means 3 of the mixing facilitator is structurally dissociated.

To do this, the cap 12 is removed, the projection and dispersion device 15 is removed and the opening 10 is left free.

The operation that has just been described is illustrated by FIG.

In this situation, the mixing component Cm is introduced into the container 2 via the introduction means 3 of the mixing facilitator, more precisely through the opening 10. This is possible even for a component to be mixed in solid form, because of sufficient size given at opening 10.

As indicated, the component to be mixed Cm, in solid form, may tend to float on the free surface S of the base of the content Cb.

The operation which has just been described is illustrated by FIG. In a separate and subsequent second phase, the projection and dispersion device 15 is again associated with the introduction means 3 of the mixing facilitator by cooperating the respective means 16 and 17.

In this situation, the mixing facilitator Fm is introduced into the container 2 by the introduction means 3 provided for this purpose.

Thanks to the presence of the projection and dispersion device 15, then rendered in the active functional state, the wall 18 which was in its substantially flat configuration is placed in its curved configuration, under the effect of the stress exerted on it by the mixing facilitator introduced through port 13.

In doing so, the mixing facilitator is projected by dispersing it towards the base of the content Cb and towards the component to be mixed Cm.

The mixing facilitator Fm is projected and dispersed as just indicated to humidify the mixing component Cm which floats on the free surface S of the content base Cm.

It is this humidification which facilitates the dissolution or dispersion of the component to be mixed Cm in the base of the content Cb and their respective mixture.

As is apparent from the foregoing description, the mixing facilitator Fm is projected by omni-directionally dispersing it over an opening angle α so that the mixing facilitator Fm substantially reaches the entire free surface S of the contents of the container 2 and the component to mix floating Cm found therein, in this variant embodiment.

In this second phase, the introduction, the projection and the dispersion of the mixing facilitator Fm to the component to be mixed Cm are continued, until a part of the component to be mixed Cm is dissolved or sufficiently dispersed in the base of the content. Cb. In general, it is not essential to continue the projection and dispersion of the mixing facilitator Fm until the totality of the component to be mixed Cm is dissolved or dispersed in the base of the content Cb.

The operation which has just been described is illustrated by FIG. The contents of the container 2 are mixed by the mixing means 14.

The mixing is begun, at the moment, or most often before the moment, but also possibly after the moment, when the introduction of the component to be mixed Cm into the container (FIG. 1 E) is begun and the mixing is continued at least until at the moment when the whole of the component to be mixed is dissolved or dispersed in the base of the contents (FIG. 1H). This moment is generally subsequent to that when the introduction, the projection and the dispersion of the mixing facilitator Fm to the component to be mixed Cm are terminated.

The invention makes it possible to carry out a mixture of low to medium power, and this depending on the components Cb, Cm, content. It is not essential to use a mixture of high power, with the benefits that result.

The method also comprises a final phase in which at least substantially the container 2 is filled with the content base Cb and / or the mixing facilitator Fm, while the projection and dispersion device is associated with the introduction means 3 of the facilitator of mixing.

The operation which has just been described is illustrated by FIG.

Claims

A method of mixing a content (C) in a container (2), of the type in which: - on the one hand,

a container (2) provided with means for introducing the components Co of the content (C) to be there and to which may be associated mixing means (14) of said content (C),

the components of said content (C) are available, at least one of which is substantially liquid (content base Cb) and at least one is intended to be mixed with the base of the content (component to be mixed),

And then, on the other hand, the components of the contents (C) are introduced into the container (2) and the various components in the container (2) are mixed, characterized in that - on the one hand,

a component - a mixing facilitator Fm - is provided, intended to be an integral part of said content (C), being mixed with the other components thereof, this mixing facilitator (Fm) being liquid and having been specially selected for its compatibility with the required qualities of the content (C) and its ability to promote the mixing operation of the component to be mixed in the content base (Cb),

a projection and dispersion device (15) capable of being structurally associated with the container (2) is provided at one of its introduction means (introduction means (3) of the mixing facilitator); said projection and dispersion device (15) which can be in a potentially or really active functional state in which it allows to project and disperse a liquid in the container (2), - then, on the other hand,

in a first phase, introducing the base of the content (Cb) then the component to be mixed (Cm) into the container (2), without filling it, and

in a second distinct subsequent phase, the projection and dispersion device (15) being then associated with the introduction means (3) of the mixing facilitator, the mixing facilitator (Fm) is introduced into the container (2) by said introduction means (3), and is projected by dispersing it to the component to be mixed (Cm) by means of said projection and dispersion device (15) returned to the potentially or actually active functional state.

2. A method of mixing according to claim 1, characterized in that it has a mixing component (Cm) in fluid form not or miscible in the base of the content (Cb), for example a gel.

3. A method of mixing according to claim 1, characterized in that one has a mixing component (Cm) in substantially solid form, in blocks or powder, capable of being dissolved or dispersed with a degree of high homogenization in the content base (Cb).

4. A method of mixing according to claim 3, characterized in that one has a component to be mixed (Cm) in substantially solid form, in blocks or powder, which, in the absence of external action, tends to float on the free surface (S) of the base of the contents (Cb), and the mixing facilitator (Fm) is sprayed and dispersed to moisten the mixing component (Cm) floating on the surface (S) of the base content (Cb), this wetting facilitating the dissolution or dispersion of the component to mix (Cm) in the base of the content (Cb) and mixing.

5. Mixing method according to claim 4, characterized in that the mixing facilitator (Fm) is projected by omni-directionally dispersing it over an opening angle (α) suitable for allowing the mixing facilitator ( Fm) to substantially reach the entire free area (S) of the contents of the container (2) and the floating mixing component (Cm) therein.

6. A method of mixing according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that one has a mixing facilitator (Fm) of the same nature as the one or one of the components of the content base (Cb).

7. A method of mixing according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it has a mixing facilitator (Fm) of a different nature of the components of the content base (Cb).

8. Mixing process according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that in the first phase, is introduced into the container (2) the base component by an introduction means (9) appropriate, separate or not the means for introducing (3) the facilitator, while the projection and dispersion device (15) is structurally associated with the introduction means (3) of the facilitator and is in the active state inactive.

Mixing method according to claim 8, characterized in that in the first phase, after having introduced into the container (2) the basic component (Cb), the projection and dispersion device is structurally dissociated (15). , removable, medium (3) introduction of the facilitator, then introduced into the container (2) the component to be mixed (Cm) by the introduction means (3) of the facilitator.

Mixing method according to claim 9, characterized in that, after having introduced into the container (2) the component to be mixed (Cm), the projection and dispersion device (15) is structurally combined by means of introducing (3) the facilitator, then introducing into the container (2) the mixing facilitator (Fm) by the introduction means (3) of the facilitator.

1 1. A method of mixing according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that in the second phase, the introduction, projection and dispersion of the mixing facilitator (Fm) to the component to be mixed is continued. (Cm), until a part of the component to be mixed (Cm) is dissolved or dispersed in the base of the content (Cb).

12. A method of mixing according to any one of claims 1 to 1 1, characterized in that one begins mixing at the moment, or before or after the moment, when one begins the introduction of the component to mix (Cm ) in the container (2) and mixing is continued at least until all the component to be mixed (Cm) is dissolved or dispersed in the content base (Cb).

13. A method of mixing according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that one proceeds to a mixture of low to medium depending on the components of the content (C), without the need for a strong mixture.

14. Mixing method according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that it implements a closed container (2), except in the first phase for introduction into the container (2). component to mix.

15. A method of mixing according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that it implements a container (2) in the form of a foldable pouch with plastic bellows including a mixing means (14).

16. A method of mixing according to claim 15, characterized in that one starts from a collapsible pocket with bellows (2) in the folded state and, in a preliminary phase, is said volume said bellows foldable pocket .

17. Mixing method according to any one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that, in a final phase, is filled at least substantially the container (2) with the base of the content (Cb) and / or the facilitator mixture (FM), while the projection and dispersion device (15) is associated with the introduction means (3) of the mixing facilitator.

18. Apparatus for projection and dispersion, especially intended for the implementation of the mixing process according to any one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that it comprises a wall (18) provided on the one hand with structurally associated peripheral means (16) for an introduction means (3) of a mixing facilitator of a container (2) having an opening (10) and an axis D and, on the other hand, projection perforations and dispersion (19) distributed over all or a substantial part of the surface intended to be located opposite the opening 10 and arranged omni directionally on an opening angle (α) about the axis D, suitable to allow the mixing facilitator (Fm) projected and dispersed by said projection and dispersion device (15) to substantially reach the entire free surface (S) of the contents of the container (2), in particular the floating mixing component ( Cm) who is there.

Projection and dispersion device according to Claim 18, characterized in that the wall (18) is deformable between a substantially flat configuration when the said projection and dispersion device (15) is in the inactive functional state. and an inwardly convex curved configuration of the container (2) when said projection and dispersion device (15) is in the active functional state, said curved configuration defining said omni directional dispersion on said angle of rotation. opening (α), the wall (18) being in its substantially flat configuration in the absence of external stress, in particular introduction of the mixing facilitator (Fm) and being responsive to the stress exerted on it by the mixing facilitator (Fm) when introduced into the container (2) so as to be in its curved configuration.

20. A projection and dispersion device according to claim 19, characterized in that the wall (18) is provided with perforations (19) which, when the said projection and dispersion device (15) is in the state inactive, are substantially closed and which, when said projection and dispersion device (15) is in the active functional state, are open.

21. Apparatus projection and dispersion according to claim 18, characterized in that the wall (18) is rigid.

22. Device for projection and dispersion according to any one of claims 18, 19, 21, characterized in that the wall (18) is provided with perforations (19) which are always open, especially when said projection device and dispersion is in the inactive functional state.

23. Spraying and dispersing device according to any one of claims 18 to 22, characterized by identical perforations (19).

24. Device projection and dispersion according to any one of claims 18 to 22, characterized by perforations (19) differentiated by their size and / or their shape according to their position on the wall (18).

25. Device for projection and dispersion according to any one of claims 18 to 24, characterized in that the peripheral means (16) of structural association with an introduction means (3) facilitator mixing a container (2) are in the form of an annular bead adapted to cooperate, removably, with complementary means (17) of the introduction means (3) of mixing facilitator having the shape of a hollow annular recess in the introduction means (3) of mixing facilitator.

26. projection and dispersion device according to any one of claims 18 to 24, characterized in that the peripheral means (16) of structural association with a means of introduction (3) facilitator mixing a container (2) are constituted by the wall (18) formed by a deformable piece elastically adapted, by the tension that is exerted on it, to be widened and then strung on the collar (1 1) that it can then grip and on which it is held removably.

27. Mixing device specially adapted for carrying out the mixing process according to any one of claims 4 to 17, comprising: - a container (2) provided with means for introducing (3, 9) components of the content it is intended to receive, including an introduction means (3) of the mixing facilitator located on its upper wall (7) and in the form of an opening (10), the means (3) for introducing a facilitator of mixing and the opening (10) having an axis D, mixing means (14) for said content, associated with the container (2), and

a projection and dispersion device (15) which comprises a wall (18) provided, on the one hand, with means (16) for structural association with the introduction means (3) of a mixing facilitator, and on the other hand, projection and dispersion perforations (19) distributed over all or a substantial part of the surface intended to be situated facing the opening (10) and arranged omni-directionally over an opening angle ( α) about the axis D, able to allow the mixing facilitator (Fm) projected and dispersed by the said projection and dispersion device (15) to reach substantially the entire free surface (S) of the contents of the container ( 2), especially the floating mixing component (Cm) therein.

28. Mixing device according to claim 27, characterized in that the container (2) is closed, except when introduction means (3) of the mixing facilitator is open.

29. Mixing device according to any one of claims 27 and 28, characterized in that the container (2) is a foldable pouch with plastic bellows including mixing means (14).

Mixing device according to any one of Claims 27 to 29, characterized in that the means (3) for introducing the mixing facilitator is in the form of an opening (10) formed by a peripheral collar. (1 1) adjacent to the container (2), a cap (12) with a port (13) for introducing liquid being mounted on the flange (1 1), the projection and dispersion device (15) being structurally associated , removably, by means of introduction (3) of the mixing facilitator by its peripheral means (16) of structural association cooperating with complementary means (17) of the introduction means (3) of mixing facilitator.