EP4066929B1 - Machine for dispensing liquid, preferably to obtain a detergent product or a cosmetic product, comprising a collector and corresponding method - Google Patents

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to machines for dispensing liquids, preferably to obtain a detergent product or a cosmetic product.

PRIOR ART

We know the state of the art of liquid dispensing machines which include devices for dispensing different liquids. The dispensing machine includes a liquid dispensing nozzle. The machine thus has a set of nozzles under which the user places a container, such as a bottle, to fill it with different liquids falling from the nozzles to obtain a given product, such as a concentrated laundry product with a given perfume.

However, such machines take up a lot of space. Furthermore, the user cannot directly use the product obtained with the machine, but must add water himself to obtain a product ready for use.

The document JP2014152152 A describes a cosmetic liquid preparation device, according to the preamble of claim 1, which comprises cosmetic solution bottles and a water storage bottle. A mixing unit is connected to the bottles through channels, and a bottle is arranged under the mixing unit.

The document WO2019239120 A1 describes an apparatus for producing a personalized cosmetic product. The apparatus includes an inventory section, a dispensing section, a dispensing section, and a container located in the dispensing section.

The aim of the present invention is to propose a new liquid dispensing machine and a corresponding method making it possible to overcome all or part of the problems set out above.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

To this end, the subject of the invention is a liquid dispensing machine, according to claim 1.

Such a design of the machine makes it possible to dispense concentrated liquid components, preferably also with a perfume, which are thus diluted on site with water from the water dispensing device, to produce one or more desired products, for example a maintenance product type product. The product thus obtained can be liquid laundry detergent or dishwashing liquid.

When the water distribution device includes a system for connecting to a water supply (water inlet) external to the machine, the dilution of concentrated liquid can be carried out using the machine by limiting the transport of 'water.

The machine may also include one or more of the following characteristics taken in any technically admissible combination.

According to an advantageous characteristic of the invention, the water distribution device comprises a system for connecting to a water inlet of a water supply circuit located outside the machine, a solenoid valve, preferably a pressure reducer, and possibly a filter.

According to an advantageous characteristic of the invention, the collection channel of the collector has a diameter greater than the diameter of each inlet channel.

• un premier étage d'au moins un canal d'arrivée de liquide qui débouche dans le canal de collecte; et
• un deuxième étage d'au moins un canal d'arrivée de liquide qui débouche dans le canal de collecte à une hauteur donnée le long du canal de collecte, qui est supérieure à la hauteur à laquelle débouche ledit au moins un canal d'arrivée de liquide du premier étage,
• ledit au moins un canal d'arrivée du deuxième étage comprenant au moins un canal d'arrivée d'eau, et de préférence des canaux d'arrivée de parfum.

According to an advantageous characteristic of the invention, the plurality of liquid inlet channels comprises:

• a first stage of at least one liquid inlet channel which opens into the collection channel; And
• a second stage of at least one liquid inlet channel which opens into the collection channel at a given height along the collection channel, which is greater than the height at which said at least one liquid inlet channel opens liquid from the first stage,
• said at least one second stage inlet channel comprising at least one water inlet channel, and preferably perfume inlet channels.

According to an advantageous characteristic of the invention, at least one liquid inlet channel of the first stage is connected by a supply pipe to a distribution module of a first concentrated detergent or cosmetic product forming part of the distribution device of concentrated liquid.

According to an advantageous characteristic of the invention, the diameter of the water inlet channel is less than the diameter of said at least one liquid inlet channel of the first stage.

According to an advantageous characteristic of the invention, the lower end part of the collector comprises an outlet tip capable of being introduced into an inlet orifice of a coupling device, called gripping spout, intended to hold a container to fill, to avoid liquid spilling onto the neck of the container to be filled.

According to an advantageous characteristic of the invention, the machine comprises a coupling device, called gripping spout, positioned below the collector and/or into which an outlet conduit from the collector is introduced, the gripping spout being configured to hold the the tip of a container to be filled, so as to allow liquids arriving in the collector to fall into the container without touching the tip of the container.

• un orifice de passage ménagé dans paroi supérieure du dispositif de couplage, positionné en regard du canal de collecte du collecteur ; et
• un premier logement de connexion, appelé logement inférieur, apte à communiquer avec ledit orifice de passage et débouchant sur la paroi inférieure du dispositif de couplage et de diamètre adapté à la réception d'un embout d'un récipient présentant un premier diamètre.

According to an advantageous characteristic of the invention, the coupling device, preferably made of stainless steel, comprises:

• a passage orifice provided in the upper wall of the coupling device, positioned opposite the collection channel of the collector; And
• a first connection housing, called lower housing, capable of communicating with said passage orifice and opening onto the lower wall of the coupling device and of diameter adapted to receive a tip of a container having a first diameter.

According to an advantageous characteristic of the invention, the coupling device also comprises a second connection housing, called upper housing, capable of communicating with said passage orifice and opening into the first connection housing has a diameter smaller than that of the first connection housing and is adapted to receive a tip of a container having a second diameter;
each connection housing preferably having a tapping or grooves allowing it to cooperate with the thread of the end of the container that said connection housing is capable of receiving.

• un contenant incluant un premier parfum liquide ;
• une pompe ; et
• un système de suspente permettant de suspendre le contenant, pour limiter l'introduction d'air, le système de suspente étant de préférence équipé d'un système de peson permettant de mesurer le poids du contenant suspendu.

According to an advantageous characteristic of the invention, the liquid perfume distribution device comprises several perfume distribution modules, each distribution module comprising:

• a container including a first liquid perfume;
• a pump ; And
• a hanging system making it possible to suspend the container, to limit the introduction of air, the hanging system being preferably equipped with a scale system making it possible to measure the weight of the suspended container.

According to an advantageous characteristic of the invention, in order to distribute given quantities of liquid, the control unit is configured to control a solenoid valve of the water distribution device, a pump system of the concentrated liquid distribution device, and a pump system of the liquid perfume dispensing device when present.

• distribution d'une première portion de la quantité d'eau déterminée ; puis
• distribution d'une quantité de liquide concentré déterminée, et éventuellement d'une quantité de parfum liquide déterminée ; et
• distribution de la deuxième portion restante de la quantité d'eau déterminée pour nettoyer le canal de collecte du collecteur.

According to an advantageous characteristic of the invention, the control unit is configured to, for a given quantity of water to be distributed in the container to fill the container according to a mixture of liquids corresponding to a desired recipe, carry out the following steps:

• distribution of a first portion of the determined quantity of water; Then
• distribution of a determined quantity of concentrated liquid, and possibly a determined quantity of liquid perfume; And
• distribution of the second remaining portion of the quantity of water determined to clean the collection channel of the collector.

According to an advantageous characteristic of the invention, the machine comprising a container to be filled at least partially with several liquids to obtain a given mixture, the machine has a filling zone, in which the container can be placed for the coupling of its tip to device coupling, said filling zone having a width and a depth each greater than the width and depth of the container to allow vertical positioning of the container in different orientations.

According to a particular characteristic of the invention, the machine comprises a printer configured to provide a label to be applied to the container after filling.

According to a particular characteristic of the invention, the control unit is also connected to a load cell system to determine the remaining quantity of liquid in the perfume dispensing device (or in one of its modules), and/or in the concentrated liquid distribution device (or in one of its modules).

According to a particular characteristic of the invention, the control unit is connected to a man-machine interface, which comprises a screen, preferably touchscreen, for displaying information on the screen, such as user instructions or elements to be selected , such as a choice of fragrance, and receive user-entered data.

According to a particular characteristic of the invention, the control unit is also connected to a bar code reader (or QR code), to identify data relating to the container to be filled which is provided with a bar code (or QR code).

• positionner un récipient sous le collecteur, de préférence en couplant le goulot du récipient à un bec de préhension, pour recevoir le liquide qui tombe du canal de collecte ;
• détermination des quantités d'eau, de liquide concentré et de préférence de liquide parfum à distribuer pour obtenir une quantité donnée du mélange souhaité, la détermination des quantités pouvant être réalisée avant ou après le positionnement du récipient ;
• distribution d'une première portion de la quantité d'eau déterminée ; puis
• distribution de la quantité de liquide concentré déterminée, et éventuellement de la quantité de parfum liquide déterminée avant ou après la distribution de liquide concentré ; et
• distribution de la deuxième portion restante de la quantité d'eau déterminée pour nettoyer le canal de collecte du collecteur.

The invention also relates to a method for dispensing liquids in a container to produce in the container a mixture according to a recipe, preferably to obtain a detergent product or a cosmetic product, using a machine according to any one of the previous embodiments, the method comprising the following steps:

• position a container under the collector, preferably by coupling the neck of the container to a gripping spout, to receive the liquid which falls from the collection channel;
• determination of the quantities of water, concentrated liquid and preferably perfume liquid to be distributed to obtain a given quantity of the desired mixture, the determination of the quantities being able to be carried out before or after positioning the container;
• distribution of a first portion of the determined quantity of water; Then
• distribution of the determined quantity of concentrated liquid, and possibly of the determined quantity of liquid perfume before or after the distribution of concentrated liquid; And
• distribution of the second remaining portion of the quantity of water determined to clean the collection channel of the collector.

The fact of using part of the quantity of water to be distributed at the end of the concentrated liquid distribution operations, and preferably of perfume, allows you to avoid having to carry out the additional operation of cleaning the collector of the machine .

The grip spout design makes it easier to fill the container with such a dispensing machine.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

• [Fig. 1] la Figure 1 est une vue schématique de face d'une machine de distribution de liquides selon un mode de réalisation conforme à l'invention ;
• [Fig. 2] la Figure 2 est une vue schématique de profil d'une machine de distribution de liquides selon un mode de réalisation conforme à l'invention, montrant plus particulièrement un collecteur et des connexions fluidiques qui relient le collecteur avec un dispositif de distribution d'eau, un dispositif de distribution de parfum, et un dispositif de distribution d'un autre liquide, tel qu'un concentré de lessive liquide ;
• [Fig. 3] la Figure 3 est une vue schématique de profil d'une machine de distribution de liquides selon un mode de réalisation conforme à l'invention, montrant plus particulièrement l'unité de pilotage de la machine et son agencement avec des composants électriques ou électroniques la machine ;
• [Fig. 4] la Figure 4 est une vue en perspective d'un collecteur associé à un bec de préhension qui est porté par un système de suspente équipé d'un peson, pour une machine de distribution de liquides selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention ;
• [Fig. 5A] la Figure 5A est une vue en coupe d'un collecteur et d'un dispositif de couplage, appelé bec de préhension, permettant de tenir un embout de récipient pour une machine de distribution de liquides selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention, tel que celui de la Figure 1, le bec de préhension étant situé à l'aplomb du collecteur ;
• [Fig. 5B] la Figure 5B est une vue en perspective du collecteur de la Figure 5A ;
• [Fig. 6] la Figure 6 est une vue en coupe transversale du collecteur de la figure 5A montrant l'étage supérieur des canaux d'arrivée du collecteur ;
• [Fig. 7] la Figure 7 est une vue en coupe transversale du collecteur de la figure 5A montrant l'étage inférieur des canaux d'arrivée du collecteur ;
• [Fig. 8] la Figure 8 est une vue en perspective du bec de préhension de la Figure 5A ;
• [Fig. 9] la Figure 9 est une vue en coupe du bec de préhension de la Figure 5A dont le logement d'insertion de plus grand diamètre est en prise avec un embout d'un premier récipient ;
• [Fig. 10] la Figure 10 est une vue en coupe du bec de préhension de la Figure 5A dont le logement d'insertion de plus petit diamètre, qui est disposé entre le logement de réception de plus grand diamètre et l'orifice d'entrée supérieur du bec de préhension, est en prise avec un embout d'un deuxième récipient ;
• [Fig. 11] la Figure 11 est un diagramme montrant des étapes d'une méthode de distribution de liquides selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention.

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will emerge from the description which follows, which is purely illustrative and not limiting and must be read with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

• [ Fig. 1 ] there Figure 1 is a schematic front view of a liquid dispensing machine according to an embodiment according to the invention;
• [ Fig. 2 ] there Figure 2 is a schematic profile view of a liquid dispensing machine according to an embodiment according to the invention, showing more particularly a collector and fluidic connections which connect the collector with a water distribution device, a water distribution device perfume dispensing, and a device for dispensing another liquid, such as liquid laundry concentrate;
• [ Fig. 3 ] there Figure 3 is a schematic profile view of a liquid dispensing machine according to an embodiment according to the invention, showing more particularly the control unit of the machine and its arrangement with electrical or electronic components of the machine;
• [ Fig. 4 ] there Figure 4 is a perspective view of a collector associated with a gripping nozzle which is carried by a suspension system equipped with a load cell, for a liquid dispensing machine according to one embodiment of the invention;
• [ Fig. 5A ] there Figure 5A is a sectional view of a collector and a coupling device, called gripping spout, for holding a container tip for a liquid dispensing machine according to an embodiment of the invention, such as that of there Figure 1 , the gripping spout being located directly above the collector;
• [ Fig. 5B ] there Figure 5B is a perspective view of the collector of the Figure 5A ;
• [ Fig. 6 ] there Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the collector of the figure 5A showing the upper stage of the collector inlet channels;
• [ Fig. 7 ] there Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the collector of the figure 5A showing the lower stage of the collector inlet channels;
• [ Fig. 8 ] there Figure 8 is a perspective view of the gripping spout of the Figure 5A ;
• [ Fig. 9 ] there Figure 9 is a sectional view of the gripping beak of the Figure 5A whose insertion housing of larger diameter engages with a tip of a first container;
• [ Fig. 10 ] there Figure 10 is a sectional view of the gripping beak of the Figure 5A of which the insertion housing of smaller diameter, which is arranged between the receiving housing of larger diameter and the upper inlet orifice of the gripping spout, is engaged with a tip of a second container;
• [ Fig. 11 ] there Figure 11 is a diagram showing steps of a liquid dispensing method according to one embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The concept of the invention is described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which embodiments of the concept of the invention are shown. In the drawings, the size and relative sizes of elements may be exaggerated for clarity. Like numbers refer to like items on all drawings. However, this concept of the invention can be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Instead, these embodiments are provided so that this description is complete, and communicates the scope of the concept of the invention to those skilled in the art.

Reference throughout the specification to “an embodiment” means that a particular functionality, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrase "in one embodiment" in various locations throughout the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular functionalities, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

With reference to the figures, a machine 1 for dispensing liquids is proposed, preferably to obtain a detergent product or a cosmetic product (cosmetic products including hygiene products) which makes it possible to deliver different liquid components, including water, in a container to obtain a desired product corresponding to a mixture according to given proportions and/or quantity. The different liquid components can thus be delivered according to a given recipe, that is to say according to given quantities and/or proportions to obtain a mixture corresponding to the desired product and according to a volume adapted to the container used. Each product that the machine is intended to make it possible to obtain by dispensing liquid components comprises water, a concentrated liquid and preferably a liquid perfume. Concentrated liquid is a separate liquid from water and perfume. Concentrated liquid means a liquid intended to be diluted with water, such as a liquid laundry concentrate. The container may include a vial, can, bottle or other container.

Distribution devices

With reference to the figures, the liquid dispensing machine 1 comprises a device 110 for dispensing water, and a device 130 for dispensing a other liquid. Said other liquid is a concentrated liquid intended to be diluted with water. Advantageously, the machine also includes a liquid perfume dispensing device 120. It can be expected that the machine also includes other distribution devices.

Water distribution device

According to one embodiment, the water distribution device 110 comprises a connection device for connection to a water supply source which is located outside the machine, for example a water inlet. a water supply circuit present in the infrastructure, such as a store, where the liquid dispensing machine is installed. Advantageously, the water distribution device 110 includes a pressure reducer which is used to reduce the water supply pressure. The water distribution device 110 preferably also includes a filtration device which can be used to filter the water.

According to a particular aspect, the water distribution device 110 is provided with a solenoid valve 111 associated with a fluid connection 911 which connects the water distribution device 110 to a collector 140 presented below. The solenoid valve 111 can be controlled by the control unit 190 presented below to control the quantity of water to be delivered.

Concentrated liquid dispensing device

In the example illustrated in the figures, the distribution device 130 comprises several distribution modules 230a, 230b, 230c, 230d, called concentrated liquid distribution modules.

• un contenant 231 de liquide concentré, de préférence sous forme d'une poche souple dans une caisse, le contenant étant de préférence disposée sur un support incliné, par exemple incliné de 10%, par rapport à l'horizontale ;
• une pompe 232 raccordée au contenant 231, de préférence à la poche souple;
• avantageusement, une vessie 233 est associée à la pompe 232.

Each distribution module 230a, 230b, 230c, 230d of the concentrated liquid distribution device 130 comprises:

• a container 231 of concentrated liquid, preferably in the form of a flexible bag in a box, the container being preferably placed on an inclined support, for example inclined by 10%, relative to the horizontal;
• a pump 232 connected to the container 231, preferably to the flexible bag;
• advantageously, a bladder 233 is associated with the pump 232.

The pump 232 and the bladder 233 are connected to a fluid connection which connects the corresponding distribution module 230, in particular the container 231, to the collector 140.

In the example illustrated in the figures, each module 230a, 230b, 230c, 230d is thus connected by a fluid connection respectively referenced 923a, 923b, 923c, 923d to corresponding inlet channels of the collector 140.

Thus, a buffer pocket - such as the bladder 233 - can be stitched onto the feed line formed by the fluid connection 923 between a main feeder pocket forming the container 231, and the buffer pocket. This makes it possible to completely empty the feeder bag before changing said feeder bag, while allowing continuity of operation of the machine thanks to the buffer pocket while the feeder bag is changed.

The container 231 of each distribution module 230a, 230b, 230c, 230d contains a concentrated liquid different from that contained in the container of another concentrated liquid distribution module 230.

In the example illustrated in the figures, four modules 230a, 230b, 230c, 230d are provided for dispensing concentrated liquids, thus making it possible to offer the user four different concentrated liquids, for example concentrated liquid laundry detergent, concentrated dishwashing liquid, concentrated fabric softener. and concentrated multi-use.

Liquid perfume dispensing device

In the example illustrated in the figures, the machine comprises a device 120 for dispensing liquid perfume.

The liquid perfume distribution device 120 comprises several perfume distribution modules 220a, 220b, 220c making it possible to each distribute a liquid perfume different from the liquid perfume of another distribution module of said distribution device 120.

Each distribution module 220 comprises a container 221, preferably a flexible bag, which contains a liquid perfume and a pump 222. The pump 222 can be connected to the container 221, preferably to a connector located at the lower end of the container 221 .

According to a preferred embodiment, each distribution module 220a, 220b, 220c comprises a suspension system, making it possible to suspend the container 221, in particular to limit the introduction of air into the container 221. The suspension system is preferably equipped with a scale 223 to allow gravity dosing of the liquid perfume.

In the example illustrated in the figures, three liquid perfume distribution modules 220a, 220b, 220c are provided, thus making it possible to offer the user three different liquid perfumes, for example lavender perfume, citrus perfume, peach perfume.

The pump 222 of each distribution module 220a, 220b, 220c is connected to a fluid connection referenced respectively 922a, 922b, 922c which connects the distribution module 220 corresponding to the collector 140.

Collector

The distribution machine 1 comprises a collector 140 to which the liquid distribution devices 110, 120, 130 are connected by fluid connections 900 as explained above. The fluid connections can be flexible pipes, also called flexible.

The collector 140 includes several liquid inlet channels 1411, 1412, 1413, 1414, 1421, 1422, 1423, 1424.

Each inlet channel is connected to one of the distribution devices 110, 120, 130 (in particular to one of the corresponding modules in the example illustrated in the figures) by an associated fluid connection.

The collector 140 comprises a straight collection channel 1401 into which said liquid inlet channels open. When the machine is placed on a horizontal ground, the collection channel 1401 of the collector extends vertically.

The collection channel 1401 extends into the main body 1400 of the collector and is extended in the lower part of the collector 1400 by a conduit 1410 (or end piece) which extends downwards projecting from the main body of the collector 1410. tip 1410 is intended to be introduced into an inlet orifice 1540 of the gripping nozzle 150 to guide the liquid which falls into the collection channel 401, in order to prevent this liquid from falling onto the edge of the neck of the container coupled to the gripping spout 150.

The collection channel 1401 makes it possible to centralize the arrival of the different liquids (ingredients) of a desired product formula or recipe (for example of the detergent or hygiene type). The collection channel 1401 forms a drop well for the liquids which leave the inlet channels. Thus, a liquid arriving through an inlet channel slides along the vertical peripheral wall of the collection channel 1401, which limits the quantity of liquid which remains in the collection channel. In addition, as explained below, the positioning of the water inlet channel above the concentrate inlet channel(s) allows the water to clean by gravity flow the residues of concentrated liquid present on the wall of the collection channel 1401.

In the example illustrated in the figures, each arrival channel is inclined relative to the collection channel 1401 according to an ascending slope towards the outlet of this arrival channel in the collection channel 1401. In other words, with reference to the direction circulation of the liquid, the inlet channel is oriented upwards. The upward slope makes it possible to limit the risk of additional gravity flow after dosing, that is to say to stop the additional flow of liquid after distribution of said liquid. Each channel is preferably straight - that is, not curved.

In the example illustrated in the figures, the arrival channels are distributed around the collection channel 1401.

As recalled above, the collector 140 is provided with fluidic connections which extend between the inlet channels of the collector 140 and the water distribution device 110, the perfume distribution device 120, and the device 130 of liquid distribution.

The collection channel 1401 (or central channel) of the collector 140 has a diameter, for example 12 millimeters, which is greater than the diameter, for example 8 millimeters, of each inlet channel. Such a design makes it possible to avoid the build-up of pressure in the collector during dosing.

The lower end portion of the collector 140 comprises a tip 1410 intended to be inserted into an inlet orifice 1540 of the gripping spout 150 presented below, to prevent liquids falling into the collection channel from flowing over the edge of the container neck.

The edge of the outlet orifice of the collection channel 1401, that is to say the free end of the tip 1410 in the example illustrated in the figures, is a linear or fine edge which limits the risk of liquid dripping around the collector outlet.

The collection channel through which the liquid will flow or fall does not have a liquid retention zone.

Advantageously, the inlet channels are located as close as possible to the outlet of the collection channel, to limit the vertical flow surface.

Channel stages

In the example illustrated in the figures, the inlet channels are distributed between a lower floor 141 and an upper floor 142, that is to say on two different heights.

The inlet channels of the upper stage thus open into the central channel 1401 at a given height along the central channel 1401, greater than that at which said at least one liquid inlet channel of the first stage 141 opens. notion of height is considered in the configuration of use of the collector, that is to say in the vertically oriented state of the central channel.

In the example illustrated in the figures, the first stage 141 comprises the liquid channels 1411, 1412, 1413, 1414 which open into the central channel 1401; and the second stage 142 includes the channels 1421, 1422, 1423, 1424.

Preferably, the water inlet channel 1424 which is part of the upper stage 142 has a diameter smaller than the diameter of the channels of the lower stage 141 which convey concentrated liquid. The reduced diameter of the water inlet channel makes it possible to obtain a water pressure adapted to effective cleaning of the collection channel 1401.

• un canal d'arrivée 1411 raccordé par une conduite d'alimentation 923a à un module de distribution 230a d'un premier produit détergent ou cosmétique concentré du dispositif 130 de distribution de liquide concentré;
• un canal d'arrivée 1412 raccordé par une conduite d'alimentation 923b à un module de distribution 230b d'un deuxième produit détergent ou cosmétique concentré du dispositif 130 de distribution de liquide concentré;
• un canal d'arrivée 1413 raccordé par une conduite d'alimentation 923c à un module de distribution 230c d'un troisième produit détergent ou cosmétique concentré du dispositif 130 de distribution de liquide concentré; et
• un canal d'arrivée 1414 raccordé par une conduite d'alimentation 923d à un module de distribution 230d d'un quatrième produit détergent ou cosmétique concentré du dispositif 130 de distribution de liquide concentré.

As illustrated in Figure 7 , the first floor 141 includes:

• an inlet channel 1411 connected by a supply line 923a to a distribution module 230a of a first concentrated detergent or cosmetic product of the concentrated liquid distribution device 130;
• an inlet channel 1412 connected by a supply line 923b to a distribution module 230b of a second concentrated detergent or cosmetic product of the concentrated liquid distribution device 130;
• an inlet channel 1413 connected by a supply line 923c to a distribution module 230c of a third concentrated detergent or cosmetic product of the concentrated liquid distribution device 130; And
• an inlet channel 1414 connected by a supply pipe 923d to a distribution module 230d of a fourth concentrated detergent or cosmetic product of the concentrated liquid distribution device 130.

Each inlet channel can be connected to the corresponding supply pipe (fluidic connection) by a connection conduit 901 which can be elbowed.

Each concentrated detergent or cosmetic product can be used to make different products, for example liquid laundry detergent, dishwashing liquid, multi-purpose liquid cleaner.

• un canal d'arrivée 1421 raccordé par une conduite d'alimentation 922a à un module de distribution 220a d'un premier parfum du dispositif 120 de distribution de parfum ;
• un canal d'arrivée 1422 raccordé par une conduite d'alimentation 922b à un module de distribution 220b d'un deuxième parfum du dispositif 120 de distribution de parfum ;
• un canal d'arrivée 1423 raccordé par une conduite d'alimentation 922c à un module de distribution 220c d'un troisième parfum du dispositif 120 de distribution de parfum ; et
• un canal d'arrivée 1424 raccordé par une conduite 911 d'alimentation en eau au dispositif 110 de distribution d'eau.

As illustrated in Figure 6 , the second floor 142 includes:

• an inlet channel 1421 connected by a supply line 922a to a distribution module 220a of a first perfume of the perfume distribution device 120;
• an inlet channel 1422 connected by a supply line 922b to a distribution module 220b of a second perfume of the perfume distribution device 120;
• an inlet channel 1423 connected by a supply line 922c to a distribution module 220c of a third perfume of the perfume distribution device 120; And
• an inlet channel 1424 connected by a water supply pipe 911 to the water distribution device 110.

Each inlet channel can be connected to the corresponding supply pipe by a connection conduit 902 which can be elbowed.

The collector 140 is made of stainless steel. The collector 140 includes a main part 1400, which includes the liquid inlet channels. This main part 1400 has a general shape, preferably cylindrical. circular section. As recalled above, the main part 1400 is extended downwards by an outlet tip 1410 from the collection channel.

Advantageously, the collector 140 is machined in a single piece, to be more resistant and without a liquid material retention zone. The inlet channels are thus and the collection channel are thus obtained by machining the collector.

The collector 140 is preferably made of stainless steel which is a material that can be machined reliably and precisely, which limits the retention zones.

According to a particular aspect, at least the inlet channel(s) of the upper stage other than the water inlet channel, is or are primed in the sense that they are or are filled with the liquid corresponding which here is perfume. This prevents water from flowing into the other inlet channels. Advantageously, the low perfume flow rate causes the perfume to flow gravitationally into the collection channel without being projected into the other inlet channels.

Grip spout

According to a preferred embodiment, the machine comprises a coupling device 150, called gripping spout, which is positioned below the collector 140 and/or into which the outlet tip 1410 of the collection channel 1401 of the collector 140 is introduced .

As illustrated in Figures 9 And 10 , the gripping nozzle is configured to allow the tip 815, 825 of a container 81, 82 to be filled to be held, so as to allow the liquids arriving in the collector 140 to fall into the container 81, 82 held by the gripping spout.

As illustrated in Figure 4 , the gripping spout 150 is carried by a suspension system 161, which can itself be fixed to the collector 140 or to another fixed element of the machine, to allow the gripping spout 150 and therefore the container to be suspended in the machine. The hanging system 161 is preferably equipped with a load cell 162, so as to measure the weight of the container thus suspended and therefore to precisely control the dosage of each ingredient coming from the distribution devices 110, 120 and 130.

The tip of a container corresponds to the opening of the container through which it can be filled to obtain the desired mixture, then through which the mixture can be poured out of the container by the user for the desired use of the mixture.

The gripping spout 150 is preferably made of stainless steel.

• un orifice 1540 de passage (encore appelé orifice d'entrée) ménagé dans la paroi supérieure du dispositif de couplage 150, positionné en regard du canal de collecte 1401 du collecteur 140 ; et
• un premier logement de connexion 151, appelé logement inférieur, apte à communiquer, de préférence indirectement par un deuxième logement de connexion 152 présenté ci-dessous, avec ledit orifice 1540 de passage. Le premier logement de connexion 151 débouche sur la paroi inférieure du dispositif de couplage 150 et est de diamètre adapté à la réception d'un embout 815 d'un récipient 81 présentant un premier diamètre.

According to one embodiment, the gripping nose 150 comprises:

• a passage orifice 1540 (also called inlet orifice) provided in the upper wall of the coupling device 150, positioned opposite the collection channel 1401 of the collector 140; And
• a first connection housing 151, called lower housing, capable of communicating, preferably indirectly via a second connection housing 152 presented below, with said passage orifice 1540. The first connection housing 151 opens onto the lower wall of the coupling device 150 and has a diameter adapted to receiving a tip 815 of a container 81 having a first diameter.

The gripping spout 150 also includes a second connection housing 152, called upper housing, capable of communicating with said passage orifice 1540. The second connection housing 152 opens into the first connection housing 151 and is of smaller diameter than that of the first connection housing 151, being adapted to receive a tip 825 of a container 82 having a second diameter.

Each connection housing 151, 152 preferably has a thread or grooves allowing it to cooperate with a thread of the end of the container that said connection housing 151, 152 is capable of receiving.

The gripping spout allows you to receive different types of container tips (necks).

The gripping spout 150 thus makes it possible to selectively insert two containers 81, 82, the diameters of the tips of which are different, by coupling the tip of the chosen container with the corresponding housing of the gripping spout.

It is understood that the gripping spout can comprise a greater number of receiving housings communicating with each other, and of decreasing width dimension from the lowest housing towards the highest housing.

Fill area

The machine makes it possible to at least partially fill different container sizes 81, 82.

As illustrated in figure 1 , the container 81, 82 is able to be placed in a filling zone 102 of the machine, for the coupling of its tip (or neck) to the coupling device 150.

The filling zone 102 has a width and a depth each greater than the width and depth of the container 81, 82 chosen to allow vertical positioning of the container 81, 82 in different orientations.

Control unit

The machine includes a control unit 190 configured to control the distribution devices 110, 120, 130. The control unit 190 is preferably a programmable controller.

The control unit 190 thus makes it possible to deliver liquids into a container according to one or different recipes (that is to say according to given quantities and/or proportions) which can be recorded in a memory of the control unit. piloting. Each recipe is preferably predefined and user selectable.

The control unit 190 makes it possible to control each pump 222, 232, as well as the solenoid valve 111 to control the distribution of liquids according to the desired quantities and proportions.

The control unit 190 can be connected to a man-machine interface, which includes a screen 197, preferably touchscreen, for displaying information on the screen and receiving data entered by the user.

Preferably the man-machine interface does not have a physical button to facilitate use of the machine. The screen is preferably an industrial touch screen.

The machine preferably comprises a barcode/QR-code reader 198 to identify the container 81, 82 chosen by the user, and thus determine data relating to the container to be filled which is provided with a barcode. We can provide that the barcode includes data corresponding to a volume of product with which to fill the container (i.e. data representative of the volume of the container) and to the recipe of the product (i.e. the quantities of the different liquids which make up the product desired by the user. According to a particular aspect, the machine also includes a printer 199, for example of the Linerless type, configured to provide a label to be applied to the container after filling.

The control unit 190 is configured to, for a determined quantity of water to be distributed in the container in order to obtain a given mixture in the container according to a desired recipe, control the distribution of a part of this quantity of water before the distribution of concentrated liquid (to limit the foaming effect) and order at least part of this quantity of water after the distribution of liquid perfume and concentrated liquid to clean the collection channel.

The fact of distributing part of the water necessary to produce the desired product, at the end of preparation of the product, makes it possible to clean the perfume and/or concentrate residues present on the wall of the collection channel. This results in cleaning the collection channel to prevent residues from mixing with the following components of another recipe, while avoiding wasting water. Indeed, if we waited until the container was filled and then, after removing the container, cleaned the collector, the water used would then be lost.

Liquid distribution process

The liquid distribution machine as described above makes it possible to implement a liquid distribution method, one embodiment of which is proposed below in connection with the Figure 11 .

The embodiment is described below in the context where a customer wishes to obtain a product which is liquid laundry detergent, with a lavender scent, in a container with a capacity of 3 liters. Of course, the embodiment also applies to obtaining a liquid product of another composition (recipe) and/or with another perfume and/or in another volume. Depending on the design of the machine, only certain steps can be selected and/or the order of certain steps reversed.

In step 1101, the customer enters a container, here called a bottle, and has it identified by the machine, for example by having a bar code present on the bottle read by a bar code reader 198 or OR-code of the machine. Thus in step 1103, the control unit 190 identifies the volume of the bottle and the type of liquid product to be composed.

The control unit then triggers, in step 1105, the emission, preferably by display on screen 197, of a message indicating the perfumes available for the identified product associated with the bottle. The customer can then in step 1107 select, for example on a touch screen interface or using another man-machine interface, the perfume he wants. In this example the user selects the lavender scent.

The control unit determines from the data of the identified container the quantities of each liquid (water, liquid perfume, concentrated liquid) to be distributed.

In step 1109, the control unit indicates to the user to position the bottle in the machine. The user then inserts in step 1111, the neck of the container into the corresponding housing 151 or 152 of the gripping spout 150. These steps 1109 or 1111 can be carried out further upstream.

Preferably, the control unit carries out in step 1113 a step of checking the tare of the bottle in relation to the volume of the identified bottle. After verification, the control unit can indicate to the user in step 1115 that distribution can begin by asking the user to press a corresponding control element, for example a digital or physical button, corresponding to the “start” command. The user thus presses the “start” button in step 1117 so that the machine can proceed with the dosage of the components to obtain a given volume of desired product in the bottle.

The control unit then carries out several component dosing (distribution) steps to deliver the quantities of liquid making it possible to obtain in the container a mixture corresponding to a stored recipe, the execution of which makes it possible to obtain the desired product and the volume corresponding which were identified during the identification of the bottle, with the selected perfume.

Thus, in step 1119, the control unit controls the dosage of a first portion of the water which is necessary to produce the desired product according to the quantity (volume) identified.

In step 1121, the control unit controls the dosage of the perfume which was previously selected in step 1107, according to a quantity adapted to the identified volume of the container (and therefore adapted to the quantity of each of the other components of the product ).

In step 1123, the control unit controls the dosage of the concentrated liquid which is necessary to produce the desired product according to the determined quantity. In this example the concentrated liquid is concentrated liquid laundry detergent.

Then, in step 1125, the control unit controls the dosage of the second portion of water which is necessary to produce the desired product according to the quantity (volume) identified. The addition of the first portion and the second portion of quantity of water forms the overall quantity of water necessary to obtain the desired quantity of product. This second portion of water allows, at the same time as it completes the first portion of water used to produce the composition of the product, to clean the central channel of the collector through which the other distributed liquids fall or flow, such as as perfume or concentrated liquid.

Once the bottle is filled with the desired product and according to the quantity (volume) determined, the control unit can indicate that the dispensing operation is completed, for example by displaying a corresponding message (step 1127).

• Code-barre ;
• Liste des ingrédients (Liste INCI) ;
• Date, heure et lieu de fabrication ;
• type de produit ;
• parfum ;
• volume ; et
• N° lot unique.

The control unit can, in step 1129, perform a computer recording of traceability information. In step 1131, the control unit can order the printing using the printer 199 of a traceability label with all or part of the following data:

• Barcode;
• List of ingredients (INCI List);
• Date, time and place of manufacture;
• type of product ;
• scent ;
• volume ; And
• Unique batch number.

The user can then recover the bottle by removing the neck of the bottle relative to the gripping spout (step 1133), then the user can stick the traceability label on the bottle (step 1135).

In step 1137, the control unit controls the return to the home interface (home page) of the machine to allow the next user to fill a given container with a desired product.

Advantageously, the machine includes a storage space 103 allowing reserves of liquid containers to be stored, preferably in the form of a pocket in a box.

According to one embodiment, the machine includes a covering which includes wooden parts. Preferably, the front wall includes doors and wooden panels. Thus the lower part of the front of the machine can be fitted with wooden doors to allow access to the areas in which the pockets connected to the pumps are located. The machine includes a presentation space 101 capable of housing containers, for the presentation of the products produced on the machine.

The control unit is preferably made in the form of an industrial programmable controller (PLC).

Generally speaking, the functions and steps described can be implemented in the form of a computer program or via hardware components (e.g. programmable gate arrays). In particular, the functions and steps operated by the control unit can be carried out by instruction sets or computer modules implemented in a processor or controller or be carried out by dedicated electronic components or components of the FPGA or ASIC type. It is also possible to combine computer parts and electronic parts.

The control unit is thus an electronic and/or computer unit. When it is specified that said unit is configured to perform a given operation, this means that the unit includes computer instructions and the corresponding execution means which make it possible to carry out said operation and/or that the unit comprises corresponding electronic components.

According to one embodiment, it is also possible for the machine to be provided with an air blowing system allowing, via a blowing channel provided in the collector, to blow air into the central channel (collection channel) of the collector and thus eject any drop remaining in the central channel of the collector.

The invention is not limited to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings.

Furthermore, the term “comprising” does not exclude other elements or steps. Furthermore, features or steps that have been described with reference to one of the embodiments set forth above may also be used in combination with other features or steps of other embodiments set forth above. Where technically permissible, the order of certain steps may be reversed.

Claims (14)

1. A machine (1) for dispensing liquids, preferably for obtaining a detergent product or a cosmetic product, comprising:

   - a device (110) for dispensing water;

   - preferably, a device (120) for dispensing liquid perfume;

   - a device (130) for dispensing concentrated liquid; and

   - a driver unit (190), preferably a programmable logic controller, configured to drive the dispensing devices (110, 120, 130),

   the machine comprising a collector (140), preferably made from stainless steel, which comprises:

   - several liquid intake channels (1411, 1412, 1413, 1414, 1421, 1422, 1423, 1424), each intake channel being connected to one of the dispensing devices (110, 120, 130), and

   - a collection channel (1401), which extends vertically, and into which said liquid intake channels open, said collection channel (1401) having an outlet orifice opposite which a container (81, 82) is able to be positioned to receive the liquid which falls from the collection channel (1401);

   characterized in that at least one, preferably each, intake channel is inclined relative to the collection channel (1401) along an upward slope, toward the through hole of this intake channel into the collection channel (1401).
2. The machine according to claim 1, wherein the device (110) for dispensing water comprises a system for connection to a water intake of a water supply circuit situated outside the machine, a solenoid valve (111), preferably a pressure reducer, and optionally a filter.
3. The machine according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the diameter of the collection channel (1401) of the collector (140) is larger than the diameter of each intake channel.
4. The machine according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of liquid intake channels comprises:

   a first stage (141) of at least one liquid intake channel (1411, 1412, 1413, 1414) that opens into the collection channel (1401); and

   a second stage (142) of at least one liquid intake channel (1421, 1422, 1423, 1424) that opens into the collection channel (1401) at a given height along the collection channel (1401), which is greater than the height at which said at least one liquid intake channel of the first stage (141) opens out,

   said at least one intake channel of the second stage (142) comprising at least one water intake channel (1424), and preferably perfume intake channels.
5. The machine according to claim 4, wherein at least one liquid intake channel (1411, 1412, 1413, 1414) of the first stage (141) is connected by a supply pipe to a module for dispensing a first concentrated detergent or cosmetic product forming part of the device (130) for dispensing concentrated liquid.
6. The machine according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the diameter of the water intake channel (1424) is smaller than the diameter of said at least one liquid intake channel of the first stage (141).
7. The machine according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lower end part of the collector (140) comprises an outlet endpiece (1410) able to be inserted into an inlet orifice (1540) of a coupling device (150), called gripping spout, intended to hold a container to be filled, to prevent liquid from being poured onto the neck of the container to be filled.
8. The machine according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a coupling device (150), called gripping spout, positioned below the collector (140) and/or in which an outlet pipe of the collector is inserted,
   the gripping spout (150) being configured to hold the endpiece (815, 825) of a container (81, 82) to be filled, so as to allow the liquids that arrive in the collector (140) to fall into the container (81, 82) without touching the endpiece of the container.
9. The machine according to claim 8, wherein the coupling device (150), preferably made from stainless steel, comprises:

   - a passage orifice (1540) arranged in the upper wall of the coupling device (150), positioned opposite the collection channel (1401) of the collector (140); and

   - a first connection housing (151), called lower housing, able to communicate with said passage orifice (1540) and opening onto the lower wall of the coupling device (150) and of diameter suitable for receiving an endpiece (815) of a container (81) having a first diameter.
10. The machine according to claim 9, wherein the coupling device (150) also comprises:

    - a second connection housing (152), called upper housing, able to communicate with said passage orifice (1540) and opening into the first connection housing (151) and of diameter smaller than that of the first connection housing (151) and suitable for receiving an endpiece (825) of a container (82) having a second diameter;

    each connection housing (151, 152) preferably having a tapping or grooves making it possible to cooperate with the thread of the endpiece of the container that said connection housing (151, 152) is able to receive.
11. The machine according to any one of the preceding claims and comprising a device (120) for dispensing liquid perfume, wherein the device (120) for dispensing liquid perfume comprises several modules (220) for dispensing perfume, each dispensing module (220) comprising:

    - a container (221) including a first liquid perfume;

    - a pump (222); and

    - a suspension system making it possible to suspend the container (221), to limit the introduction of air, the suspension system preferably being equipped with a spring scale system (223) making it possible to measure the weight of the suspended container (221).
12. The machine according to any one of the preceding claims and comprising a device (120) for dispensing liquid perfume, wherein, in order to distribute the given quantities of liquid, the driver unit (190) is configured to drive a solenoid valve (111) of the device (110) for dispensing water, a pump system (232) of the device (130) for dispensing concentrated liquid, and a pump system (222) of the device (120) for dispensing liquid perfume when it is present.
13. The machine according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the driver unit (190) is configured, for a given quantity of water to be dispensed in the container to fill the container according to a mixture of liquids corresponding to a desired recipe, to carry out the following steps:

    - dispensing a first portion of the determined quantity of water; then

    - dispensing a determined quantity of concentrated liquid, and optionally a determined quantity of liquid perfume; and

    - dispensing the remaining second portion of the determined quantity of water to clean the collection channel of the collector.
14. A method for dispensing liquids in a container (81, 82) to produce a mixture in the container (81, 82) according to a recipe, preferably to obtain a detergent product or a cosmetic product, using a machine according to any one of the preceding claims,
    the method comprising the following steps:

    - positioning a container (81, 82) below the collector (140), preferably by coupling the neck of the container (81, 82) to a gripping spout (150), to receive the liquid that falls from the collection channel (1401);

    - determining the quantities of water, concentrated liquid and preferably perfume liquid to be dispensed to obtain a given quantity of the desired mixture, the determination of the quantities being able to be done before or after positioning the container;

    - dispensing a first portion of the determined quantity of water; then

    - dispensing the determined quantity of concentrated liquid, and optionally the determined quantity of liquid perfume before or after dispensing concentrated liquid; and

    - dispensing the remaining second portion of the determined quantity of water to clean the collection channel (1401) of the collector (140).

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