EP4055355A1

EP4055355A1 - Device and method for dispensing drops of liquid

Info

Publication number: EP4055355A1
Application number: EP20816411.1A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Brigitte THITO; Christophe EVERARTS
Original assignee: Family Self Care
Current assignee: Family Self Care
Priority date: 2018-05-09
Filing date: 2020-11-09
Publication date: 2022-09-14
Also published as: EP3567348A1; US20220381600A1; FR3095763B1; WO2019215417A1; FR3095763A1; WO2021089880A1

Abstract

Device (145) for dispensing drops of liquid, characterised in that it comprises: - at least one container (100) for a liquid, comprising at least one internal chamber and an upper opening, each chamber having a lower aperture and a seal sealing the upper opening, the seal having a substantially planar resiliently deformable flexible portion, - at least one mechanical actuation means (146) configured to deform a flexible portion of a seal of at least one container, - a means (147) for selecting the volume of a drop to be dispensed from a plurality of drop volumes, - a means (148) for determining the volume of liquid present in at least one container, and - a means (149) for controlling the actuation means, which means controls the movement from at least one point of the flexible portion of a container seal, as a non-constant function of the drop volume to be dispensed and the volume of liquid present in the container.

Description

DEVICE AND METHOD FOR DISTRIBUTION OF LIQUID DROPS

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a device and a method for dispensing drops of liquid, in particular an aromatic liquid, such as essential oils or vegetable oils used in aromatherapy.

STATE OF THE ART

A number of liquids such as aromatic liquids, such as essential oils for example, have the particularity of degrading over time in the absence of special precautions taken for their conservation. Document WO90 / 03192 describes small reservoirs intended to contain and store such aromatic liquids. These reservoirs are cylindrical in shape and comprise, in the lower part, an orifice for dispensing a calibrated drop of aromatic liquid and, at their upper end, a flexible elastomer cap, elastically deformable so as to form a device of the type. dropper. However, such reservoirs have the drawback that, during the handling of the reservoirs before their nomadic manual use or before their installation in a quiver of a dispenser, the aromatic liquid contained comes into contact with the cap for a more or less prolonged period. made of elastomer, which increases the risk of degradation of the aromatic liquid before its manual use on the move or in the dispenser.

The known liquid distribution devices do not make it possible to control the distribution of drops whose volumes are differentiated.

STATEMENT OF THE INVENTION

The present invention aims to remedy all or part of these drawbacks.

To this end, the present invention relates, according to a first aspect, to a device for dispensing drops of liquid comprising:

- at least one reservoir for a liquid comprising at least one internal chamber and an upper mouth, each chamber being provided with a lower orifice, and with a shutter closing the upper mouth, the shutter having a flexible elastically deformable part substantially plane,

- at least one mechanical actuation means configured to apply a deformation of a flexible part of a shutter of at least one reservoir,

- a means of selecting a volume of a drop to be dispensed, from among a plurality of drop volumes,

- a means for determining the volume of liquid present in at least one reservoir and

- a control means of the actuating means, which controls the displacement of at least one point of the flexible part of a reservoir shutter, according to a non-constant function of the volume of the drop to be dispensed and of the volume of liquid present in the tank.

Thus, the control means and the mechanical actuation means are jointly configured to effect movements of the flexible part of at least one reservoir according to a plurality of amplitudes and / or movement speeds causing the distribution of drops of different volumes, preselected.

It should be noted that the commanded displacement can vary in duration, speed and / or amplitude. In embodiments, the control means of the actuation means controls a speed of movement of at least one point of the flexible part of the tank shutter.

In embodiments, the means for controlling the actuating means controls an amplitude of displacement of at least one point of the flexible portion of the tank shutter.

As discussed above, the amplitude and the rate of deformation of the flexible part impact the volume of the drop dispensed. Modulating one and / or the other makes it possible to produce drops of different preselected volumes.

In embodiments, the dispensing device comprises a temperature sensor, the means for controlling the actuating means controlling a duration, a speed and / or a pulse amplitude which, for a preselected drop volume, varies in depending on the temperature. Taking the temperature into account makes it possible to compensate for thermal variations in the viscosity of the liquid.

In embodiments, the actuating means is electromechanical and the actuating means controlling means controls a duration, speed and / or electrical impulse of the actuating means.

Note that, in this case, this pulse duration impacts both the amplitude and the rate of deformation of the reservoir shutter.

In embodiments, the control means of the actuation means, controls a duration, a speed and / or an amplitude of pulse which, for a preselected drop volume, is a polynomial function of degree greater than or equal to two. the volume of liquid in the tank.

The inventor has discovered that this polynomial function ensures the same volume of droplet dispensed as the reservoir empties and that, as a result, the volume of residual liquid in the reservoir decreases.

In some embodiments, the means for determining the volume of liquid present in at least one reservoir comprises a liquid volume sensor.

For example, this sensor is a strain gauge in a support of the reservoir, the strain being a linear function of the weight of liquid in the reservoir and therefore of the volume of liquid in the reservoir. According to another example, this sensor is an optical sensor which detects a meniscus formed on the surface of the liquid present in the reservoir. According to another example, this sensor is an optical sensor which receives a quantity of light reflected by the reservoir or transmitted through the reservoir in a different manner depending on whether the liquid is on the optical path of the light rays reaching the sensor, or not. According to another example, this sensor is an electric or magnetic field sensor modulated by the presence of liquid in the reservoir.

In some embodiments, the means for determining the volume of liquid present in at least one reservoir comprises means for counting, from the initial volume of liquid in the reservoir, the volumes of the drops already dispensed from the reservoir.

These embodiments have the advantage of not requiring a sensor.

In some embodiments, the dispensing device comprises a pressure sensor for the actuating means on the flexible part of the shutter. Thanks to these arrangements, the positioning tolerances of the reservoirs and / or the shutters on the reservoirs are compensated for by a check of the support of the actuating means before production, by this actuating means of the deformation movement of the part. flexible.

In some embodiments, the actuating means comprises an electromagnet.

In some embodiments, the dispensing device comprises means for receiving drops of liquid distributed by spraying into the air from the reservoir of the dispensing device.

In embodiments, at least one reservoir for a liquid has at least one internal chamber and an upper mouth, each chamber being provided with a lower orifice, and a shutter closing off the upper mouth, the shutter having a flexible part. elastically deformable substantially planar.

Throughout the present application, the term “substantially plane” is used to refer to a part which, for at least one plane, has a ratio of its area to the area of its projection on said plane which is less than or equal to 1.5.

Thanks to these provisions. Support by a single actuator, for example a user's finger or a mechanical actuator, causes the flexible part to move a predetermined volume. This predetermined volume and the speed of movement of the flexible part determine the calibrated volume of the drop dispensed by the lowest internal chamber of the reservoir.

In some embodiments, the resistance to deformation of the flexible part towards the interior of the reservoir presents, during the deformation of this flexible part, a decrease.

Thanks to these arrangements, when pressing an actuator, the flexible part suddenly deforms from one geometric configuration to another and the predetermined volume is thus calibrated. In addition, the flexible part, or even the entire shutter, can be made of a metal inert to the liquid to be dispensed.

In embodiments, the shutter has a cap removable from the mouthpiece, which cap carries the flexible portion.

In some embodiments, the reservoir comprises a main chamber comprising a quantity of liquid and comprising a lower orifice for distributing the liquid, and a secondary chamber positioned between the shutter and the main chamber, the secondary chamber being separated from the main chamber. by a sealed separation wall provided with the lower orifice of the secondary chamber, which places the main chamber and the secondary chamber in fluid communication.

In some embodiments, the open area of the lower port of the secondary chamber is less than the open area of the delivery port of the main chamber.

In some embodiments, the interior volume of the secondary chamber is at least three times less than the interior volume of the main chamber.

Advantageously, but optionally, the tank has at least one of the following technical characteristics:

- the partition wall is flat;

- The partition wall is generally frustoconical in shape, the top of which extends into the main chamber and carries the lower orifice of the secondary chamber; the reservoir has a symmetry of revolution, the reservoir having the general shape of a cylinder or a cone, for example;

- The dispensing orifice is inclined relative to a longitudinal axis of the reservoir; the liquid in the main chamber is one of an essential oil and a vegetable oil and,

- the tank is made partly of glass.

In some embodiments, the device comprises a carousel comprising a structure for receiving and supporting a plurality of reservoirs.

In some embodiments, the carousel comprises mechanical elements (of the spring or clip type) which make it possible to compensate for the tolerances of the liquid reservoirs.

In some embodiments, the device further comprises a removable orifice shutter, positioned below the orifices and having a rotary connection, and comprising as many cap supports as there are reservoirs, the rotation in one. direction of the orifice shutter positioning the plugs in contact with the distribution orifices, rotation in the other direction moving these plugs away from these orifices.

Thanks to this shutter, liquid leaks are avoided, for example during pressure increases (by increase in temperature or altitude) or acceleration (by jolts / vibrations or movements). This shutter also prevents evaporation / degradation of liquid between two uses of the device.

The shutter plugs are designed so that their shape (dome or cylinder) and their material (in particular elastomer) come to block the openings of the reservoirs in a hermetic manner. In embodiments, the device further comprises a position sensor of the orifice shutter, the drop ejection control means being configured to only control the drop ejection when the plugs are removed. tank openings.

This prevents the drop ejection control when the cap closes the lower opening of each reservoir.

In embodiments, the shutter device is controlled, manually, by the end user, by opening and closing the shutter when a dedicated signal, visual or audible, is provided by the device.

In embodiments, the shutter device is controlled, semi-automatically, by the end user, by opening the shutter when a dedicated signal, visual or audible, is provided by the device; the device closing the shutter automatically (mechanically or electromechanically).

In embodiments, the shutter device is controlled, automatically, with the shutter opening and closing automatically as needed.

For example, electromechanical means are implemented for these semi-automatic or automatic controls.

The various particular characteristics of the dispensing device as described above and in the description and the particular characteristics of the reservoir as described above and in the description are intended to be combined with one another to produce dispensing devices which are the subject of the invention.

According to a second aspect, the present invention relates to a method of dispensing drops of liquid from at least one reservoir for a liquid comprising at least one internal chamber and an upper mouth, each chamber being provided with a lower orifice, and a shutter closing off the upper mouth, the shutter having an elastically deformable flexible part that is substantially flat,

- a step of selecting a volume of a drop to be dispensed, from among a plurality of drop volumes,

- a step of determining the volume of liquid present in at least one reservoir and

a step of controlling at least one mechanical actuation means configured to apply a deformation of a flexible part of a shutter of at least one reservoir, of the displacement of at least one point of the flexible part of a reservoir shutter, according to a non-constant function of the volume of the drop to be dispensed and of the volume of liquid present in the reservoir.

The advantages, aims and particular characteristics of this method being similar to those of the device which is the subject of the present invention, they are not repeated here.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Other advantages, aims and particular characteristics of the invention will emerge from the non-limiting description which follows of at least one particular embodiment of the device which is the subject of the present invention, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of a first embodiment of a liquid reservoir;

Figure 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of a second embodiment of a liquid reservoir;

Figure 3a is a first longitudinal sectional view of the reservoir of Figure 2 illustrating a use of the reservoir in a liquid drop dispensing device of the invention;

Figure 3b is a second longitudinal sectional view of the reservoir of Figure 2 illustrating use of the reservoir in a liquid drop dispensing device of the invention;

FIG. 3c is a third view in longitudinal section of the reservoir of FIG. 2 illustrating a use of the reservoir in a device for dispensing drops of liquid which is the subject of the invention;

Figure 4 shows, in partial side view, a third embodiment of a liquid reservoir provided with a cap under an actuating means;

Figure 5 shows, in partial side view, a fourth embodiment of a liquid reservoir;

FIG. 6 is a side view of a reservoir cap;

Figure 7 shows, in sectional view, a reservoir cap;

FIG. 8 is a top view of a reservoir cap;

FIG. 9 shows, in top view, a variant of the reservoir cap from which the flexible part is convex towards the actuator;

FIG. 10 represents, in side view, the variant of the cap illustrated in FIG. 9; FIG. 11 represents, in perspective, a carousel of a device for dispensing drops of liquid which is the subject of the invention;

FIG. 12 shows, in perspective and in partial view, a device for dispensing drops of liquid which is the subject of the invention;

FIG. 13 represents, in the form of a flowchart, the operating steps of a device for dispensing drops of liquid which is the subject of the invention and

Figure 14 shows, in perspective, a shutter for a carousel illustrated in Figure 11. DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

For clarity, identical or similar elements are identified by identical reference signs in all figures.

Referring to Figure 1, we will describe in more detail a first embodiment of a reservoir 21 of liquid. The reservoir 21 contains, or is intended to contain, a liquid 23, such as, for example, without this being limiting, an essential oil or a vegetable oil, or else a cosmetic, therapeutic or food liquid. The reservoir 21 is generally of cylindrical shape and elongated along a longitudinal axis X. Here, the reservoir 21 is of cylindrical shape and has a symmetry of revolution of longitudinal axis X. The reservoir 21 has a lower end 31 and a mouth or end. upper 32. At its lower end 31, the reservoir 21 comprises a dispensing orifice 25 arranged so that, when using the reservoir 21, the dispensing orifice 25 delivers a calibrated drop 34 (see FIG. 3b). of liquid 23. Here, the dispensing orifice 25 is coaxial with the longitudinal axis X. During the dispensing of a drop of liquid 23, the axis X is substantially vertical as illustrated in FIG. 1.

Extending from the lower end 31 along the longitudinal axis X towards the upper mouth 32, the reservoir 21 comprises a first chamber, or main chamber 33, delimited laterally by a wall 30, and comprising, or intended to receive a quantity of liquid 23. The main chamber 33 is delimited in the upper part by a partition wall 26 extending, here, across the reservoir 21. In addition, the main chamber 33 is in fluid connection with the dispensing port 25.

Between the partition wall 26 and the upper mouth 32, the reservoir 21 comprises a second chamber, or secondary chamber, 40 delimited at the bottom by the partition wall 26, and laterally by the wall 30. The secondary chamber 40 is in fluid communication with the main chamber 33 by means of fluidic connection means, here comprising a calibrated orifice 61 passing through the separation wall 26. These fluidic connection means are at least liquid-tight 23, in particular during any handling of the tank 21. This means that if the reservoir 21 is inverted or extended, the liquid 23 contained in the main chamber 33 cannot flow or leak into the secondary chamber 40 through the fluidic connection means, here the orifice 61 calibrated to this effect. The secondary chamber 40 contains air or any other gas.

It should be noted that the fluidic connection means, here the calibrated orifice 61, are not airtight, or any other gas contained in the secondary chamber 40, the latter being able to flow from one chamber to the other. 'other. In some embodiments, the area of the smallest section of the calibrated orifice 61 is less than or equal to the area of the smallest section of the calibrated orifice 25. Even more preferably, the area of the smallest section of the calibrated orifice 61 is less than or equal to a quarter of the area of the smallest section of the calibrated orifice 25. For example, the calibrated orifices 25 and 61 are cylindrical with a circular directrix and their diameter is respectively 1 mm and 0.5 mm. Thus, the surface tension forces prevent the passage of the liquid 23, in particular if it is an essential oil or a vegetable oil, through the orifice 61, in particular if the internal wall 26 is made of glass.

In some embodiments, the area of the smallest section of the gauge orifice 61 is of the same order of magnitude in size as that of the gauge orifice 25. In embodiments, the area of the smaller section of the gauge. the calibrated orifice 61 is greater than the area of the smallest section of the outlet orifice 25.

It should be noted that those skilled in the art of fluid mechanics know, depending on the type and viscosity of the liquid 23 and the material constituting the internal wall 26, determine the geometry of the orifice 61 to prevent the liquid 23 from s 'flows into the secondary chamber 40 when the reservoir 21 is extended or turned over and, preferably, also when the reservoir 21 is agitated or shaken during its transport, during its installation in a carousel or in a dispensing device and during its use. In addition, the air inside the secondary chamber applies pressure to the liquid which retains the liquid in the first chamber. The increase in pressure inside the secondary chamber when a meniscus is formed by the liquid at the port 61 is greater the smaller the volume of the secondary chamber. In addition, when the elastically deformable flexible part is convex towards the outside of the tank (see Figures 9 and 10), the resistance to deformation of this part is higher for a deformation towards the outside of the tank than for a deformation towards inside the reservoir, which again promotes retention of the liquid in the first chamber.

The reservoir 21 also comprises, at its upper mouth 32, a shutter or membrane 24 which closes a mouth of the reservoir 21 and of its secondary chamber 40. The shutter or membrane 24 is flexible and elastically deformable and integrated in a cap of closure of the secondary chamber 40. The membrane 24 is, moreover, arranged so as to form pumping means, in the manner of a drip system, allowing the release of a calibrated drop 34 of liquid 23, as this is explained later with reference to FIGS. 3a to 3c illustrating a second embodiment of a liquid reservoir 22.

Referring now to Figure 2, the second embodiment 22 of the liquid reservoir is described. However, we will only describe the differences it presents with the tank 21 described above.

The reservoir 22 is distinguished firstly by the fact that the dispensing orifice 50 has a longitudinal axis Y which is inclined at an angle a with the longitudinal axis X of the reservoir 22. This angle, preferably between 0 ° and 45 °, allows a deviated release of the calibrated drop 34 of liquid 23 when using the reservoir 22.

The reservoir 22 differs from the reservoir 21 also by the fact that the separation wall 60 is of frustoconical shape, the calibrated orifice 61 being, for example, arranged at the level of the top of the frustoconical shape. As a variant, the calibrated orifice 61 is produced at the level of a frustoconical wall of the wall of partition 60. The frustoconical shape of the partition wall 60 extends, in FIG. 2, into the main chamber 33.

As an alternative embodiment, the liquid reservoir has only one of the two previous differences with the first embodiment of the reservoir 21.

The entire reservoir, 21 or 22, is made, for example, of glass, preferably opaque, apart from the membrane 24 which is made of elastomer.

We will now describe, with reference to Figures 3a to 3c, a use of the reservoir, 21 or 22, previously described in a device for dispensing drops of liquid, or "dispenser" 28 object of the invention.

The dispenser 28 comprises a receptacle of one or more reservoirs, 21 or 22, described above. Note that a liquid carousel can be used in the receptacle. This carousel comprises for this purpose a structure for receiving and supporting a plurality of reservoirs 21 or 22, in the manner of a quiver. The distributor 28 comprises at least one actuating means 27 arranged so as to press on the membrane 24 during a distribution of the calibrated drop 34 of liquid 23. Here the actuating means comprises an electromagnet 27 operating a finger d 'support 70 coming into contact with the membrane 24. In other embodiments, the actuating means comprises a piezoelectric crystal. The dispenser can include as many actuating means 27 as there are reservoirs 21 or 22 within the device 28.

Figure 3a illustrates a position at rest between the actuating means 27 and the reservoir 21 or 22. In this position, the finger 70 is in contact without pressing on the membrane 24 which is in a rest position. As an alternative embodiment, the finger 70 is not in contact with the membrane and has a free end positioned at a distance from and facing said membrane 24.

Then, as illustrated in FIG. 3b, for a distribution of the calibrated drop 34 of liquid 23, the finger 70 presses on the membrane 24, deforming it towards the inside of the secondary chamber 40, creating within the secondary chamber 40 a increase in the internal pressure of the gas present. Consequently, a flow of pressurized gas 41 passes through the calibrated orifice 61 of the secondary chamber 40 towards the main chamber 33, creating an overpressure within the main chamber 33. This overpressure thus created within the main chamber 33 causes the distribution of the calibrated drop 34 of liquid 23 by expelling the liquid 23 through the distribution orifice 25, 50 from the main chamber 33.

Then, in Figure 3C, the finger 70 releases its support on the membrane 24 which, due to its elasticity returns to the rest position, creating a depression within the secondary chamber 40 which in turn creates an air flow 42 through the calibrated orifice 61 from the main chamber 33 to the secondary chamber. A vacuum then appears within the main chamber 33, which results in the introduction of an air bubble 35 through the distribution orifice 25, 50 within the main chamber 33.

It emerges from the above that such a structure of the reservoir 21 or 22 avoids any contact between the liquid 23 and the membrane 24.

There is seen, in Figure 4, a part, without shutter, of a third embodiment 100 of a liquid reservoir. This reservoir 100 has an outer wall 101, for example made of glass, in the form of a cylinder trunk ending, in its upper part, with a mouth 102 and, in its lower part, with a flat outer wall, perpendicular to the generatrix of the cylinder and comprising a dispensing orifice 103. The reservoir 100 only comprises that ' a single chamber 104. As a variant, the reservoir has another general shape with symmetry of revolution, for example conical. As a variant, the dispensing orifice 103 is inclined relative to a longitudinal axis of the reservoir 100.

There is seen, in Figure 5, a part, without shutter, of a fourth embodiment 110 of a liquid reservoir. This reservoir 110 has an outer wall 111, for example made of glass, in the form of a truncated cone ending, in its upper part, with a mouth 112 and, in its lower part, with a flat outer wall, perpendicular to the axis. of the cone and comprising a dispensing orifice 113. The angle 116 defining the cone is, for example, 80 °. In this embodiment, an internal wall 114 separates an upper chamber 117, called secondary, comprising the mouth 112 and a lower chamber 118, called main. An orifice 115 passes through the internal wall 114. As a variant, the reservoir 110 has another general shape with symmetry of revolution, for example cylindrical. As a variant, the dispensing orifice 113 is inclined relative to a longitudinal axis of the reservoir 110.

As explained with reference to Figures 1 to 3c, preferably, the orifice 115 does not allow the passage of liquid from the main chamber 118 to the secondary chamber 117.

Also in the embodiments of Figures 4 and 5, a flexible part closes the upper mouth, 102 or 112, of the reservoir. This flexible part can either be incorporated directly into the reservoir by forming only one piece, or be in the form of a cover secured to the outer wall, 101 or 111, of the reservoir, or in the form of a cap closing the top. of the reservoir or else an independent membrane which is fixed by means of an external device (by clamping for example). To perform the pumping action, the flexible part of the shutter is deformed. This action can be done in several ways. When the deformation induces a decrease in the volume in the reservoir 100 or 110, this creates an overpressure in the reservoir 100 or 110 and liquid comes out through the lower distribution orifice, 103 or 113. On the contrary, when the deformation induces an increase volume in the reservoir 100 or 110, this creates a vacuum and air enters through the lower distribution orifice, 103 or 113.

In FIGS. 6 to 8, a cap 120 is observed for a cylindrical reservoir with a circular directrix, for example the reservoir 100. The cap 120 comprises a circular base 121 whose surface is greater than that of the mouth 102. This base 121 carries, in its central part, a flexible elastically deformable portion 123 substantially planar. This base 121 also carries an elongation 124 provided with circular teeth of external dimensions greater than the surface of the mouth 102 and of internal dimensions less than the surface of the mouth 102. By resting on the base 121 towards the teeth 122, these teeth 122 close off the mouth 102 in a sealed manner.

One possible service method can be achieved as follows: An actuator applies pressure on top of the flex part which deforms. This results in the expulsion of a drop. Then this actuator releases the pressure and an air bubble enters the tank. The actuation of this flexible part can be carried out in different ways: either automatically in a machine using a pneumatic, hydraulic, electromagnetic or electric actuator, or by manually by pressing directly on the flexible part by hand or through a mechanism. In this second case, the reservoir is used nomadically.

The calibration of the drops is done through several parameters. Indeed, the volume of the drop depends on the size of the dispensing orifice, the viscosity of the liquid, the volume displaced by the deformation of the flexible part and the speed at which this flexible part is deformed. The volume of deformation of the flexible part depends on the stiffness of the flexible part as well as the force exerted on the flexible part and the speed of movement. This force can be either continuous, in which case the volume of the drop is equal to the variation in volume induced by the flexible deformation, or impulse. In this second case, a drop is ejected, its volume depending on the size of the dispensing orifice, the volume of deformation and the duration, speed and / or amplitude of the pulse.

The shutter is made from materials compatible with essential oils, for example materials based on Polypropylene ("PP") and / or based on a polymer that is more flexible than Polypropylene, for example Vistamax (registered trademark), Purell (registered trademark) or Lupolen (registered trademark). For example, the material of which the flexible part of the cap is made comprises at least 25% Polypropylene. According to another example, the material of which the flexible part of the cap is made comprises more than half of Polypropylene and less than half of Vistamax. The geometry of the shutter is based on tests to optimize the degree of deformability. The geometry shown in Figures 9 and 10, when to scale for a cylindrical or conical reservoir with a mouth having an internal diameter of 15 to 35 millimeters, is an example of a geometry allowing the production of calibrated drops. The thickness of the flexible membrane is, for example, less than one millimeter and, more particularly, less than 0.5 millimeters in its thinnest part. This thickness is, for example, 0.3 mm.

As will be understood from reading the above description, the liquid reservoir comprises at least one internal chamber and an upper mouth, each chamber being provided with a lower orifice, and a shutter closing off the upper mouth, the shutter having a substantially planar elastically deformable flexible part. It will be recalled that “substantially plane” designates a part which, for at least one plane, has a ratio of its area to the area of its projection on said plane which is less than or equal to 1.5. Thus, the support by a single actuator, for example a finger of a user or a mechanical actuator, causes the displacement, by the flexible part, of a predetermined volume. This predetermined volume and the speed of movement of the flexible part determine the calibrated volume of the drop dispensed by the lowest internal chamber of the reservoir.

It is observed, in Figures 9 and 10, in top view and in side view of a cap 130. In Figure 10, the mouth 102 of the reservoir 10 is shown partially and dotted to indicate the geometric relationships between the cap 130 and the mouth 102 of the reservoir 101. This cap 130 comprises a circular base 131, the surface of which is greater than that of the mouth 102. This base 131 carries, in its central part, a flexible elastically deformable portion 133 which is substantially flat. In variants such as the one shown, radial ribs 135 serve as a stiffener for the part of the cap 130 which surrounds the flexible central part 133, in order to limit the risks of parasitic deformation. In other variants, the cap 130 does not have radial ribs. The base 131 also carries an elongation 134 configured to be secured, by fitting and in a leaktight manner, to the mouth 102 of the reservoir 100.

In the embodiment of a cap 130 illustrated in Figures 9 and 10, the central flexible portion 133 bulges outwardly of the reservoir. Thus, the resistance to deformation of the flexible part 133 towards the interior of the reservoir, during the deformation of this flexible part, decreases. Consequently, when pressing an actuator, the flexible part suddenly deforms from one geometric configuration to another and the predetermined volume is thus calibrated. In addition, the flexible part, or even the whole of the shutter 130, can be made of a metal which is inert with respect to the liquid to be dispensed.

The fact of bulging outwards, for example in the form of a truncated sphere, a part of the surface of the shutter has the effect that the resistance to sinking is, depending on the distance traveled by the means of actuation from the first press on this membrane:

- first increasing, as long as the entire convex part is in compression,

- then decreasing, when this part flames, that is to say forms a fold.

For example, the radius of curvature of the outer surface (top in figure 10) is between 16 and 20 millimeters, preferably between 17.5 and 18.5 millimeters and the radius of curvature of the inner surface (bottom in figure 10) is between 11 and 15 millimeters, preferably between 12 and 13.5 millimeters.

In the embodiments illustrated in Figures 1 to 3b and 5, the liquid reservoir comprises a main chamber comprising a quantity of liquid and comprising a lower orifice for distributing the liquid, and a secondary chamber positioned between the shutter and the main chamber , the secondary chamber being separated from the main chamber by a sealed separation wall provided with the lower orifice of the secondary chamber, which places the main chamber and the secondary chamber in fluid communication. The open area of the lower port of the secondary chamber is less than the open area of the distribution port of the main chamber. The internal volume of the secondary chamber is less, preferably at least three times less than the internal volume of the main chamber, more preferably at least five times less and even more preferably nine times less.

FIG. 11 shows a carousel 140 comprising a plurality of supports each configured to removably receive a liquid reservoir, for example a reservoir 100. In some embodiments, the carousel 140 comprises mechanical elements, for example. example of the type of springs or clips, which compensate for the mechanical tolerances of liquid reservoirs. In FIG. 12, part of a device 145 for dispensing drops of liquid is observed, comprising a carousel 140 illustrated in FIG. 11 and at least one actuating means 146 configured to exert a support on a flexible part of a shutter. at least one reservoir.

With regard to the carousel 140 and the device 145 for dispensing drops, reference will be made and incorporated by reference here into the international application PCT / FR2018 / 053065 filed on November 30, 2018 with the National Institute of Industrial Property.

Preferably, the mechanical actuation means comprises a control means configuring it to effect displacements of the flexible part of at least one reservoir according to a plurality of amplitudes and / or speeds of movement. For example, in the case of an electromagnet actuation means, a temporal modulation of the current applied to the electromagnet and / or of the duration of application of a constant current temporally modulates the force exerted by the electromagnet and , thus modulates temporally, on the one hand the speed and, on the other hand, the amplitude of its displacement and therefore the amplitude of the deformation of the flexible part of the shutter of the reservoir located opposite this electromagnet. The amplitude and the speed of deformation of the flexible part impacting the volume of the dispensed drop, the modulation of one and / or the other making it possible to produce drops of different calibrated volumes.

In some embodiments, the distribution device 145 comprises a support sensor (not shown) of the actuating means on the flexible part of the shutter. This sensor is, for example, a sensor of the voltage and / or the intensity of the electric current flowing through a coil of an electromagnet, during a slow descent of the actuating means: when the voltage and / or the electric intensity increases suddenly, the actuating means resting on the flexible part of the shutter. This sensor can also be a contact sensor with a switch positioned at the end of the actuating means or an optical sensor, for example. Thus, the positioning tolerances of the reservoirs and / or the shutters on the reservoirs are compensated for by verifying the support of the actuating means before production, by this actuating means of the deformation movement of the flexible part.

What is described below concerns both the reservoirs as shown with reference to Figures 1 to 11 and any other reservoir having a deformable part on which an actuating means can press.

The distribution device 145 also includes:

- means 147 for selecting a volume of a drop to be dispensed, from among a plurality of drop volumes,

a means 148 for determining the volume of liquid present in at least one reservoir and

a means 149 for controlling at least one actuating means 146, which controls the displacement of at least one point of the flexible part of a reservoir shutter, according to a non-constant function of the volume of the drop to be dispensed and the volume of liquid present in the reservoir. Thus, the control means 149 and the mechanical actuation means 146 are jointly configured to effect movements of the flexible part of at least one reservoir according to a plurality of amplitudes and / or movement speeds causing the distribution of drops. of different volumes, preselected.

In embodiments, the means 149 for controlling the actuating means 146 controls a speed of movement of at least one point of the flexible portion of the tank shutter.

In some embodiments, the control means 149 of the actuation means 146 controls an amplitude of displacement of at least one point of the flexible part of the tank shutter. As explained above, the amplitude and the rate of deformation of the flexible part impact the volume of the drop dispensed. The modulation of one and / or the other makes it possible to produce drops of different preselected volumes. In some embodiments, the dispensing device 145 comprises a temperature sensor 141, the means for controlling the actuating means controlling a duration, a speed and / or a pulse amplitude which, for a preselected drop volume, varies according to the temperature detected. Taking the temperature into account makes it possible to compensate for the thermal variations in viscosity of the liquid present in the tank.

In some embodiments, the actuation means 146 is electromechanical, for example an electromagnet, and the control means 149 of the actuation means 146 controls an electrical pulse duration, speed and / or amplitude of the pulse. actuation means 146. Note that, in the case of an electromagnetic actuator with constant electric current between and during the pulses, this pulse duration impacts both the amplitude and the rate of deformation of the reservoir shutter.

In some embodiments, the means 149 for controlling the actuating means 146, controls a duration, the speed and / or the amplitude of the pulse which, for a preselected drop volume, is a polynomial function of higher degree or more. equal to two of the volume of liquid present in the reservoir. The inventor has discovered that this polynomial function ensures the same volume of droplet dispensed as the reservoir empties and that, as a result, the volume of residual liquid in the reservoir decreases. An example of a quadratic polynomial function is presented below.

In some embodiments, the means 148 for determining the volume of liquid present in at least one reservoir comprises a liquid volume sensor.

In some embodiments, the means 148 for determining the volume of liquid present in at least one reservoir comprises means for counting, from the initial volume of liquid in the reservoir, the volumes of the drops already dispensed from the reservoir. Thus, for each drop ejected from a reservoir, the volume determination means 148 subtracts, from the volume of liquid present in the reservoir before ejection, the preselected volume of the ejected drop to obtain the new volume of liquid present in the reservoir. tank after the election. These embodiments have the advantage of not requiring a sensor.

In some embodiments, the dispensing device 145 comprises a pressure sensor for the actuating means on the flexible part of the shutter, as explained above. Thus, the positioning tolerances of the reservoirs and / or of the shutters on the reservoirs are compensated by a check of the support of the actuating means before production, by this actuating means of the deformation movement of the flexible part. In some embodiments, the distribution device 145 comprises means for receiving drops of liquid distributed by spraying into the air coming from the reservoir of the distribution device. Since, preferably, the reservoirs are inclined and their longitudinal axes are oriented towards a point of convergence, these receiving means are placed around this point of convergence.

Further details on a preferred embodiment of the present invention are given below. An electromechanical device, of the electromagnet type, actuates a flexible membrane, composed of a deformable material, sealingly a reservoir, or "vial", containing the essential oil. This vial has a small hole of the essential oil drop at its bottom.

The depression of the flexible membrane causes an overpressure in the vial which allows a drop of essential oil to be ejected through the small orifice, for example circular. This depression is related to the impact force of the rod Ft of the electromagnet to deform the membrane.

This electromagnet operates with a supply voltage, an axial travel of the diaphragm driving rod and a pulse time of the rod.

The electromagnet is characterized by a supply voltage U, an axial travel of the driving rod of the membrane Ct and a pulse time of the rod Ti.

Typically, Ti is between 20ms and 100ms.

The membrane is characterized by its material, its thickness, its shape, its dimensions. The material has a hardness Dm / Young's modulus Em pair compatible with the desired operation under the effect of the depression of the electromagnet. The membrane ensures a perfect seal within the vial to prevent air from escaping during depression and therefore a pressure drop preventing or limiting the ejection of the drop.

The membrane material has properties of resistance to chemical agents contained in essential oils. For example an LDPE (acronym of low density PE for low density polyethylene). The material is inert in contact with food so as not to introduce external agents during its contact or proximity with the essential oil.

The thickness of the epm material allows a maximum driving force Ft of 5N, to compress the interior volume and release a drop.

The shape of the membrane allows both ease of sinking and repeatability of the sinking volume to ensure sufficient and repetitive overpressure in the vial. This membrane allows, for nomadic applications, an easy and repetitive insertion with the finger. A domed spherical membrane in the shape of a blister makes it possible to meet these constraints. It increases the internal pressure of the vial when driving in with the rod, more than a flat membrane, because it has a reserve of volume in the bending of its shape. In addition, it makes it possible to better dose this pressure with this internal volume of the blister form.

The stroke of the electromagnet is, for example, between 1 and 1, 5mm.

The invention aims to control a variable drop volume Vg, this drop being ejected at the outlet of the vial, to ensure distribution of essential oils in predetermined proportions. This drop size Vg is linked to the following parameters: - Membrane impact / deformation force Fm

- Pulse time Ti

- Viscosity of the liquid Vi

- Volume of essential oil liquid in the Vhe vial

- Diameter of the outlet of

- Mf vial material (related to the wettability and surface tension of the liquid).

We therefore have a complex relation Vg = f (Fm, Ti, Vi, Vhe, Of, Mf).

To choose the size and therefore the volume of the drop, the drop dispenser controls the force of impact on the membrane Fm, linked to the force Ft of the rod. This force Fm is linked to the following parameters:

- Electromagnet supply voltage U

- Pulse time Ti

- Distance electromagnet - membrane linked to Ct

- Flexibility of the membrane Dm and Em

- Epm membrane thickness

- Shape of the membrane

- Diameter of the blister.

We therefore have a complex relation Fm = f (U, Ti, Ct, Dm, Em, epm, blister form)

The parameters of the above equations have influences on the final result:

On the energy / initial impact force:

- The shorter Ti, the greater Fm

- The more U is important, the more Fm is important On the ease of penetration of the membrane:

- The weaker Em is, the weaker Fm will be to press (and vice versa)

- The weaker epm, the weaker Fm will be to push in

- The larger the diameter of the blister, the lower Fm will be to press in

- The greater the radius of curvature of the blister, the greater Fm will be to drive in. The inventor discovered a family of equations defining the size and volume of an ejected drop.

There are three types of parameters that affect the volume of an ejected drop:

- the parameters which are fixed in a physical way by calibration: tensions, dimensions and mechanical tolerances, etc. These parameters were defined during design and were imposed on the equipment,

- parameters which are variable and defined by the environment: temperature, aging, etc. These parameters must be able to be measured in order to take them into account in the calculations (need to have sensors),

- parameters which are variable and defined by the machine: pulse duration, pulse speed and / or pulse amplitude, oil used, etc.

For given fixed parameters, the inventor discovered a relationship between the pulse duration, for a preselected drop volume, and certain measurable or determinable parameters: t = a ^* V ² + b ^* V + c ^* T + d With: t = the pulse duration that must be applied to have a drop of the target volume V = the volume of liquid remaining in the flask T = the ambient temperature.

For the implementation of the control means of the electromagnet (particular actuation means), the control means keeps in memory, for each liquid present in a tank, the values of the constants a, b, c and d .

In variants, the control means implements a polynomial function which does not take into account the temperature, the latter being considered as the ambient temperature of 20 ° C. In variants, the control means implements a polynomial function of degree greater than two.

In the method 150 illustrated in FIG. 13, during a step 151, the composition of the liquids to be dispensed is determined. For example, this determination is made on the basis of a user profile and the needs of this user. During a step 152, the liquid reservoirs to be used are determined. These reservoirs correspond to the liquids entering into the composition determined during step 151. During a step 153, the number and volume of calibrated drops to be dispensed by each selected reservoir are determined, depending on the composition to be obtained. During a step 154, in the case where only one actuator is used, the carousel is rotated to place a first selected reservoir opposite this actuator.

During a step 155, the volume of liquid present in the reservoir is determined by measurement or estimation.

During a step 156, as a function of the volumes of calibrated drops to be dispensed, the amplitude and the speed of the movement of the actuator are determined for the liquid considered. As discussed above, the amplitude and speed of movement both influence the volume of drops dispensed.

In the case where the actuating means is electromechanical with constant current between and during the pulses, the durations of electrical pulses corresponding to the drops to be dispensed of the liquid present in the reservoir are determined. For example, the polynomial relationship described above is implemented to determine this electrical pulse duration.

During a step 157, the actuator presses on the flexible part of the shutter of the reservoir, with the amplitude of movement and the speed of movement determined, for example with the duration of the electrical pulse determined in during step 153. The number of calibrated drops and their volumes determined during step 153 are thus distributed.

During a step 158, it is determined whether there is still at least one liquid to be dispensed. If so, we return to step 154 to present a corresponding reservoir facing the actuator. Otherwise, the process ends at step 159.

Note that, in the case where the carousel is provided with as many actuators as there are reservoirs, steps 154 and 158 are omitted and steps 157 relating to the different liquids and reservoirs can be carried out simultaneously.

Thus, in embodiments, the method of dispensing drops of liquid from at least one reservoir comprises: a step of selecting a volume of a drop to be dispensed, from among a plurality of drop volumes,

FIG. 14 shows, in perspective, an orifice shutter 160 for a carousel, for example the carousel 140 illustrated in FIG. 11. The orifice shutter 160 is positioned below the orifices 25, 50, 103 or 113, and the carousel 140. It has a rotating connection 164, that is to say mobile in rotation with respect to the central axis. 142 of the carousel 140. The orifice shutter 160 has as many supports 161 of plugs 163 as there are reservoirs 100 in the carousel 140, here eight. A handle 162 allows the user to move the orifice shutter 160 in rotational rotation to, alternatively, position the plugs 163 in contact with the distribution orifices 25, 50, 103 or 113 of the reservoirs 100 or to move these away. plugs 163 of these orifices in such a way that each orifice of a reservoir is located opposite a free gap 165 between two plugs 163. A position sensor 166, for example a dry contact, detects the position of the shutter d Ports 160. For example, position sensor 166 detects that the port shutter 160 is in one of these two positions. The caps 163, which here take the form of domes, are, for example, of the same material as the cap of the reservoirs 100. The shapes (for example dome or cylinder) and each material (in particular elastomer), of the caps 163 are configured to that these plugs 163 obstruct the openings of the reservoirs in a hermetic manner.

When inserting a carousel 140 into an apparatus for dispensing drops of liquids, the user must open the shutter 160, that is to say, move the plugs 163 away from the dispensing ports. The signal from the sensor 166 authorizes the control means 149 of the dispensing device to control the movement of at least one point of a flexible part of a tank shutter only when the caps are moved away from the orifices 25, 50, 103. , 113 of 100 tanks.

In variants of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 14, the orifice shutter is motorized and rotated when the distribution device is switched on, to allow distribution, and possibly between two of its uses, to avoid leaks or evaporation of liquids retained in tanks 100.

Preferably, the orifice shutter is removable. One-way rotation of the orifice shutter positions the caps in contact with the dispensing orifices. Rotation in the other direction moves these plugs away from these holes.

The shutter plugs are designed so that their shape (dome or cylinder) and their material (in particular elastomer) obstruct the openings of the reservoirs in a hermetic manner. In embodiments, the device further comprises a position sensor of the orifice shutter, the drop ejection control means being configured to only control the drop ejection when the plugs are removed. tank openings. The drop ejection control is thus prohibited when the stopper closes the lower orifice of each reservoir.

In embodiments, the shutter device is controlled, manually, by the end user, by opening and closing the shutter when a dedicated signal, visual or audible, is provided by the device. For example, a display (not shown) displays a written or symbolized instruction to manually open or close the shutter.

In embodiments, the shutter device is controlled, semi-automatically, by the end user, by opening the shutter when a dedicated signal, visual or audible, is provided by the device. The device closes the shutter automatically, for example with mechanical or electromechanical means (not shown).

In embodiments, the shutter device is controlled, automatically, with the shutter opening and closing automatically as needed. For example, electromechanical means (not shown) are implemented for these automatic movement controls.

Claims

1. Device (145) for dispensing drops of liquid, characterized in that it comprises:

- at least one reservoir (21, 22, 100, 110) for a liquid comprising at least one internal chamber (33, 104, 118) and an upper mouth (32, 102, 112), each chamber being provided with an orifice lower (25, 50, 103, 113), and of a shutter (24, 120, 130) closing off the upper mouth, the shutter having a flexible part (123, 133) elastically deformable substantially flat,

- at least one mechanical actuation means (27, 70, 146) configured to apply a deformation of a flexible part of a shutter of at least one reservoir,

- means (147) for selecting a volume of a drop to be dispensed, from among a plurality of drop volumes,

- a means (148) for determining the volume of liquid present in at least one reservoir and

- a means (149) for controlling the actuating means, which controls the displacement of at least one point of the flexible part of a reservoir shutter, according to a non-constant function of the volume of the drop to be dispensed and of the volume of liquid in the reservoir.

2. Device (145) according to claim 1, wherein the means (149) for controlling the actuating means (27, 70, 146) controls a displacement speed of at least one point of the flexible part of the. shutter (24, 120, 130) of reservoir (21, 22, 100, 110).

3. Device (145) according to one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the means (149) for controlling the actuating means (27, 70, 146) controls a displacement amplitude of at least one point of the flexible part of the shutter (24, 120, 130) of the reservoir (21, 22, 100, 110).

4. Device (145) according to one of claims 1 to 3, which comprises a temperature sensor (141), the means (149) for controlling the actuating means (27, 70, 146) controlling a duration, a pulse speed and / or amplitude which, for a preselected droplet volume, varies as a function of temperature.

5. Device (145) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the actuating means (27, 146) is electromechanical and the means (149) for controlling the actuating means (27, 70) controls a duration, speed and or amplitude of an electric pulse of the actuating means.

6. Device (145) according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the means (149) for controlling the actuating means (27, 70, 146), controls a duration, a speed and / or an amplitude d pulse which, for a preselected drop volume, is a polynomial function of a degree greater than or equal to two of the volume of liquid present in the reservoir (21, 22, 100, 110).

RECTIFIED SHEET (RULE 91) ISA / EP

7. Device (145) according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the means (148) for determining the volume of liquid present in at least one reservoir (21, 22, 100, 110) comprises a volume sensor of liquid.

8. Device (145) according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the means (148) for determining the volume of liquid present in at least one reservoir (21, 22, 100, 110) comprises counting means, to the initial volume of liquid in the reservoir, the volumes of the drops already dispensed from the reservoir.

9. Device (145) according to one of claims 1 to 8, which comprises a support sensor of the actuating means (27, 70, 146) on the flexible part of the shutter (24, 120, 130). .

10. Device (145) according to one of claims 1 to 9, which comprises means for receiving drops of liquid distributed by projection into the air from reservoirs (21, 22, 100, 110) of the distribution device. .

11. Device (145) according to one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the shutter (24, 120, 130) having a flexible part (123, 133) elastically deformable which, for at least one plane, has a ratio of its surface on the surface of its projection on said plane which is less than or equal to 1, 5.

12. Device (145) according to one of claims 1 to 11, which comprises a carousel (140) comprising a structure for receiving and supporting a plurality of reservoirs (21, 22, 100, 110).

13. Device (145) according to claim 12, wherein the carousel comprises mechanical elements configured to compensate for the mechanical tolerances of the reservoirs (21, 22, 100, 110).

14. Device (145) according to one of claims 1 to 13, which further comprises a shutter (160) of orifices (25, 50, 103, 113) positioned below the orifices and having a connection (164 ) rotating, and comprising as many supports (161) of plugs (163) as there are reservoirs (21, 22, 100, 110), the rotation in one direction of the orifice shutter positioning the plugs in contact distribution orifices, the rotation in the other direction moving these plugs away from these orifices.

15. Device (145) according to claim 14, which comprises a position sensor of the shutter (160) of orifices, the means (149) for controlling the ejection of drops being configured so as not to control the ejection of drops. only when the plugs (163) are moved away from the orifices (25, 50, 103, 113) of the reservoirs.

16. Device (145) according to one of claims 14 or 15, wherein the shutter (160) orifice is controlled, manually, by the user, by opening and closing the shutter when a signal dedicated, visual or sound, is provided by the device.

RECTIFIED SHEET (RULE 91) ISA / EP

17. Device (145) according to one of claims 14 or 15, wherein the shutter (160) is controlled, semi-automatically, by the end user, by opening the shutter when a dedicated signal, visual or audible, is provided by the device, the device closing the shutter automatically.

18. Device (145) according to one of claims 14 or 15, wherein the shutter (160) is controlled automatically, the shutter opening and closing automatically.

19. Method (150) of dispensing drops of liquid from at least one reservoir (21, 22, 100, 110) for a liquid comprising at least one internal chamber (33, 104, 118) and an upper mouth ( 32, 102, 112), each chamber being provided with a lower orifice (25, 50, 103, 113), and with an obturator (24, 120, 130) closing off the upper mouth, the obturator having a part substantially planar elastically deformable flexible (123, 133), method characterized in that it comprises:

- a step (153) of selecting a volume of a drop to be dispensed, from among a plurality of drop volumes,

- a step (155) of determining the volume of liquid present in at least one reservoir and

- a step (156, 157) of controlling at least one mechanical actuation means (27, 70, 146) configured to apply a deformation of a flexible part of a shutter of at least one reservoir, of the displacement at least one point of the flexible part of a reservoir shutter, according to a non-constant function of the volume of the drop to be dispensed and of the volume of liquid present in the reservoir.

RECTIFIED SHEET (RULE 91) ISA / EP