FR3095128A1 - Device for automatic preparation of metered mixtures of liquid or semi-liquid products - Google Patents

Abstract

Device for the automatic preparation of metered mixtures of liquid or semi-liquid products The invention relates to a device (1) for preparing mixtures of liquid products comprising at least two reservoirs (2, 2 ', 2' ', 2' '') containing the basic products to be mixed, at least one receptacle (3) for the formation and collection of a predetermined mixture of basic products, at least one active means (4) for circulating and transferring the products from the reservoirs (2, 2 ', 2' ', 2' '') towards said at least one receptacle (3), at least one circuit of fluid circulation lines (5, 5 ') connecting said reservoirs (2, 2', 2 '', 2 '' '), said at least one receptacle (3) and said active means (4), and comprising means (6, 6') for controlling traffic and means for interfacing, connecting and / or connection (7, 8). Device (1) characterized in that the reservoirs (2, 2 ', 2' ', 2' '') consist of calibrated containers each containing a pre-measured quantity of a determined basic product, in that the outlets (9) of said reservoirs (2, 2 ', 2' ', 2' '') are connected to or to a receptacle (3), the contents of a group of reservoirs (2, 2 ', 2' ', 2 '' ') connected to a given receptacle (3) corresponding together to the formulation of the mixture that is to be collected in the receptacle (3) considered and in that the controlled transfer of the contents of the reservoirs (2, 2', 2 '', 2 '' ') concerned towards the or a specific receptacle (3) is carried out by depressurizing said receptacle (3) directly or indirectly by the active means (4). Figure to be published with the abstract: Fig. 7A

Description

Device for the automatic preparation of metered mixtures of liquid or semi-liquid products

The present invention relates to the field of domestic or even professional equipment for producing mixtures by metered association of several liquid or semi-liquid products or substances, and relates to an automatic (or at least semi-automatic) preparation device for metered mixtures of liquid or semi-liquid products.

Many apparatuses and devices of the aforementioned type are already known, in particular for the production of final composite mixtures, in particular by the minute, for example in the sectors of food, drink, horticulture (nutritional contributions to plants ) or chemistry (preparation of paints, preparation of a material with special properties from mutually reacting active substances). However, these known devices mostly have one or more of the following drawbacks: complex construction, complicated use, risk of contamination (in the case of food products or active substances), substantial waste of products, preparation, dosages whose reliability depends directly on the precision of active control and measurement components, and significant constraints related to rinsing and cleaning, limited adaptation to products of different natures, high cost price, significant bulk and/or a need for ongoing maintenance.

Documents EP 0 165 098, EP 0 443 741, US 2008/305241,
US 2006/209625 and EP 2 547 433 illustrate such devices of the state of the art.

There is therefore a demand for a simple device with a low cost price making it possible to overcome at least some, preferably most, of the aforementioned drawbacks.

To this end, the subject of the invention is a device for the automatic or semi-automatic preparation of mixtures of liquid or semi-liquid products, comprising at least two tanks containing the basic products to be mixed, at least one receptacle for the formation and the collection of a predetermined mixture of base products, at least one active means for circulating and transferring the products from the reservoirs to the said at least one receptacle, at least one circuit of fluidic circulation lines connecting the said reservoirs, the said at least one receptacle and said active means and comprising circulation control means and interfacing, connection and/or connection means,
device characterized in that the reservoirs consist of calibrated containers each containing a pre-measured quantity of a determined base product, in that the outlets of the said reservoirs are fluidically connected, directly or with the interposition of control means, to the a receptacle, the contents of the reservoirs connected to a given receptacle corresponding together to the formulation of the mixture that it is desired to collect in the receptacle considered and in that the transfer of the contents of the reservoirs concerned to the or a determined receptacle is carried out by depressurization of said receptacle directly or indirectly by the active means, the control of the circulation in the liquid or semi-liquid transfer and/or gas transfer circuits being advantageously carried out by means of at least one valve module or at least one control unit incorporating at least two valve modules or an equivalent selector or switch means.

The invention will be better understood, thanks to the description below, which relates to preferred embodiments, given by way of non-limiting examples, and explained with reference to the appended diagrammatic drawings, in which:

,

And

are respectively fluidic diagrams (FIGS. 1A and 1B) and block diagram of construction (FIG. 1C) of constructive variants of a device for the automatic preparation of metered mixtures of liquid products according to a first embodiment of the invention, comprising a single group tanks of basic products and a single receptacle of mixtures, three different variants of the device being represented;

,

And

represent simplified fluidic diagrams illustrating three variant embodiments (with various levels of automation) of a preparation device according to the invention each comprising five groups of reservoirs of base products and five mixing receptacles;

is a schematic representation of a ready-to-assemble kit or assembly for producing a preparation device as shown in FIG. 1A;

And

are simplified block diagrams of two other variant embodiments of a preparation device according to the invention capable of producing a single mixture or two distinct mixtures from two sets of reservoirs of base products;

is a fluid diagram of an automated device for preparing mixtures according to an alternative embodiment with three receptacles of the invention (optional control unit not shown);

is a block diagram illustrating a possible practical construction of the device of Figure 7A;

is a fluid diagram of an automated device for preparing mixtures according to an alternative embodiment with five receptacles of the invention (optional control unit not shown);

is a simplified fluidic diagram of an alternative fluidic connection allowing the production of five mixtures by a device as represented in FIGS. 7A and 7B (reduction of the receptacles, with a limited number of suction lines);

And

are top views of two variant embodiments of a lid for a receptacle forming part of the preparation device according to the invention;

is a sectional view of the lid for a receptacle as shown in Figure 10A;

And

are schematic representations of two variant embodiments of sets [group of pre-dosed reservoirs - distribution ramp] forming part of the device according to the invention, as consumables;

,

,

,

And

are schematic cross-sectional views of pre-packaged assemblies (in the form of cylindrical cartridges) of pre-dosed reservoirs of basic products (for example in the form of syringe bodies, pre-filled with doses of liquid food substances to achieve a cocktail), forming part of the device according to the invention as consumables (cartridges);

And

are synoptic and functional diagrams of a valve module according to the invention, controlling the fluid circulation in two lines
(FIG. 15A) or realizing in association with a suitable fluidic wiring a fluidic circuit equivalent to an exclusive OR (FIG. 15B);

,

And

are perspective and partially sectional views of a double valve module according to a first embodiment of the invention, the figures illustrating three different positions of the valve module (Fig. 16A: right lane closed; Fig. 16B : left lane closed; Fig. 16C: both lanes closed);

,

And

are views similar to those of FIGS. 16A to 16C of a first variant of a second embodiment in the form of a double valve module (with the three successive positions: FIG. 17A = left channel closed; FIG. 17B = both lanes closed; Fig. 17C = right lane closed);

,

And

are views from below of the mobile member forming a cam of the module of FIGS. 17, illustrated respectively in the three successive positions of FIGS. 17A to 17C;

,

And

are views similar to those of Figures 17A to 17C of a second variant of the second embodiment in the form of a quadruple valve module with two cams (or of two superimposed double valve modules), illustrated in different operating positions ;

,

And

are top views of the movable member of the quadruple valve module of Figures 19A to 19C, shown in its respective rotational position in each of these figures;

And

are perspective views of the moving parts forming cam(s) of the modules of FIGS. 17 and 19 respectively;

is a sectional view of a fluidic control unit according to the invention functionally integrating three valve modules as shown in Figures 17, and,

And

are exploded views of the valve modules of Figures 17 and 19, respectively.

Figures 1 to 9 all illustrate, symbolically or schematically for the most part, different embodiments of a device 1 for the automatic or semi-automatic preparation of mixtures of liquid or semi-liquid products. This device 1 comprises at least two reservoirs 2, 2', 2'', 2''' containing the base products to be mixed, at least one receptacle 3 for forming and collecting a predetermined mixture of base products, at least one active means 4 for circulating and transferring products from the reservoirs 2, 2', 2'', 2''' to said at least one receptacle 3, at least one line circuit 5, 5' of fluid circulation connecting (fluidically) said reservoirs 2, 2', 2'', 2''', said at least one receptacle 3 and said active means 4, and comprising means 6, 6', 6'' for controlling the circulation and means of interfacing, connection and/or connection 7, 7', 8.

In accordance with the invention, the tanks 2, 2′, 2″, 2″ consist of calibrated containers each containing a pre-measured quantity of a determined basic product. In addition, the outlets 9 of said reservoirs 2, 2', 2'', 2''' are fluidically connected, directly or with the interposition of control means, to the or to a receptacle 3, the contents of a group of reservoirs 2 , 2', 2'', 2''' connected to a given receptacle 3 corresponding together to the formulation of the mixture which it is desired to collect in the receptacle 3 considered. In addition, the transfer of the contents of the reservoirs 2, 2', 2'', 2''' concerned to the or a determined receptacle 3 is carried out by placing the said receptacle 3 under vacuum directly or indirectly by the active means 4, the control of the circulation in the liquid or semi-liquid transfer circuits 5' and/or gas transfer circuits 5 being advantageously carried out by means of at least one valve module 6 or of at least one control unit 6' integrating at least two valve modules 6 or an equivalent selector means or switch 6''.

Thanks to the aforementioned arrangements, the device 1 according to the invention allows the production of mixtures with precise and predetermined formulations, without requiring any measuring or quantification device, avoiding the transit of the products to be mixed through the circulation means. 4 (which can then be, for example, of the electric suction pump type, vacuum source, manual or spring-loaded suction pump, etc.) and allowing pre-packaging of the products in the factory (standardization, hygiene, ease of handling, compliance with standards, etc.).

In addition, the various parts of the device 1 exposed to the products to be mixed (reservoirs 2, 2', 2'', 2''', connection means 7, circulation line ducts 5', possible control members 6, 6 ', 6'', ...) can if necessary constitute, for each mixture to be produced, a single-use consumable assembly, which simply needs to be fluidically connected to the receptacle 3 concerned (the latter possibly also being able to be disposable, and possibly part of the aforementioned consumable set).

Depending on the nature and type of mixtures to be produced, the base products may have different viscosities and chemical properties, and as a result, the containers 10, 10' of the tanks, the conduits of the lines 5' of circulation of basic products, the receptacles 3, the fluidic connection means 7 and the possible organs 6, 6', 6'' for controlling circulation and transfer will each time have a suitable constitution (materials, dimensions).

In addition to the different possibilities of making the active circulation means 4 (see above), the circulation control means or organs 6, 6', 6'' can also be of various types, manually or piloted. , and be present in the circuit formed by the air circulation lines 5 (suction) and/or in the circuit formed by the commodity circulation lines 5'.

The device 1 can thus comprise, depending on their location and their function, valves for controlling the circulation of liquids, or of products having a viscosity allowing their transfer through ducts, and pneumatic control valves.

The reservoirs of basic products 2, 2', 2'', 2''' can be connected separately and individually to distribution ramps 7' connected, directly or not (interposition of a means 6, 6', 6''), to a given receptacle 3 (cf. FIGS. 2 to 4), or else in a grouped manner, being packaged together with a ramp 7' (cf. FIGS. 1A, 1B, 6 to 9). Each outlet 9 of reservoir 2, 2', 2'', 2''' can be associated with a control means of the manual or piloted valve type 6, or else a simple restriction 12 becoming open under the effect of suction .

In FIGS. 2 to 5, P1, P2, P3, P4, P5 designate the various base products from the various reservoirs 2, 2', 2'', 2''' connected to the circulation line 5' concerned, by via a ramp 7' and, where appropriate, traffic control means 6, 6' (only for the example of FIG. 4).

Similarly, the circulation of gaseous fluid/air in the lines 5 connecting the receptacle(s) 3 to the suction means 4 can be controlled by a manually actuated means 6'', such as a channel selector ( see figure 2), or by an electronically controlled means such as a valve module 6, a set of valve modules 6 or even one or more control units 6' (see figures 1B, 3, 4, 7A, 8). The suction control can also, in a simple way, be carried out by controlling the suction means 4 on/off, by manual action (button) or by means of an electronic piloting and control unit 4 '(see Figures 1A, 1C, 5, 6, 9).

The control by the user can be done entirely manually or by piloting through the 4' unit, controlled manually or remotely (radiofrequency control by tablet or mobile phone - see figure 7B).

As emerges from the preceding description and the appended figures, the device 1 for preparing mixtures according to the invention can be broken down into different variants, more or less automated, more or less complex, in particular in relation to the multiplicity of simultaneous mixtures possible, and more or less expensive (basic kit, or domestic or professional device with an aesthetic covering).

The circuits of lines 5' for transferring liquid or semi-liquid products and of lines 5 for the circulation of gas (essentially sucked air), hereinafter referred to as liquid 5' and gas circulation lines 5, can each be constituted of totally independent lines 5, 5' (when each set or group of reservoirs 2, 2', 2'', 2''' is separately connected to a receptacle 3 and each receptacle 3 is independently connected to the suction means 4 ) or at least partially interconnected and/or interdependent (when the circulation in two or more lines 5, 5′ is controlled by the same double or multiple valve module 6, or by the same fluidic control unit 6′, or when a fluidic selector or switch 6'' manages several lines 5, 5').

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the tanks, and as shown in Figures 1A, 5, 6, 12 and 13, the containers of the calibrated tanks 2, 2', 2'', 2''' each consist of a hollow body 10 adapted to the nature and quantity of pre-dosed basic product to be contained and in which is mounted in a sealed manner a movable piston 10', advantageously sliding, closing at the end of the emptying of the reservoir 2, 2', 2'', 2''' considered the outlet 9 of the latter in a sealed manner.

Such a construction ensures retention of the product in the container 10 in the absence of displacement of the piston 10 ', a controlled progressive emptying of the reservoirs (without the need for air intake), the guarantee of a complete emptying at the end of transfer (absence of deformation of the container 10, final position of the piston 10' driving out any trace of product from the container 10) and the provision of gas tightness after emptying (equivalent to a closed valve), making it possible to detect the end of the delivery of the base product concerned by increasing the depression.

Preferably, the piston 10′ of each reservoir 2, 2′, 2″, 2″ (preferably in the form of a syringe) has a conjugate shape with respect to the internal region 10″ of the hollow body 10 considered surrounding the outlet 9 of said body 10, thus guaranteeing complete emptying of the reservoir concerned when the piston 10' comes to rest on this region 10'' at the end of sliding, after suction of all of the product.

This 10'' region then constitutes the seat of a shut-off valve which is active (closed in a sealed manner) at the end of the emptying of the tank concerned and which is integrated into the latter.

Such a construction allows a simple realization of sets of 2, 2’, 2’’, 2’’ pre-dosed tanks and the integration of an additional closed valve function, active at the end of emptying.

In accordance with another advantageous characteristic of the invention, and as illustrated by way of examples in FIGS. 1B, 1C, 6 to 9, 12, 13 and 14, the outlets 9 of the pre-metered reservoirs 2, 2', 2 '', 2''' of a group of tanks whose base products together form a determined mixture to be prepared in a given receptacle 3 are connected in parallel to a distribution ramp 7' with a single outlet 7'', preferably of constitution at least partially flexible or foldable, said reservoirs 2, 2', 2'', 2''' being grouped together and packaged in an envelope 11 also forming a casing.

According to a preferred practical embodiment variant, illustrated in particular by FIGS. 1B, 9, 12, 13 and 14, provision may be made for the bodies of the containers of the reservoirs 2, 2', 2'', 2''' to consist of syringe body 10 and that each envelope 11 containing a determined selection of pre-dosed reservoirs 2, 2', 2'', 2''' and a dispensing ramp 7' constitutes a single-use accessory, such as a consumable of the cartridge type, the containers 10 and the casing 11 advantageously having cylindrical structures.

In the case of a search for a simple construction, in particular avoiding the implementation of active control members in relation to the outlets 9 of reservoirs 2, 2', 2'', 2''', and more generally in the circuit 5' for the circulation of base products from said tanks to receptacles 3, the or each distribution ramp 7' may comprise at least one section of conduit provided with a passage restriction 12, in particular at least one section of conduit connected to an outlet 9 of reservoir 2, 2', 2'', 2'''.

By a chosen implementation of such restrictions, it is possible in particular to organize the sequencing of the emptying of the various tanks of a given set or group and to avoid the mixing of reactive products before they reach the receptacle 3 (for example sequence of washing the pipes between two emptying of product tanks, by rinsing by intermediate emptying of a solvent tank).

In order to be able to use receptacles 3 of various shapes and natures, in particular household receptacles for daily use for food mixtures (glass, cup, bowl, etc.), the device 1 advantageously comprises one or more turntable(s) 8 of connection of the liquid 5′ and gaseous 5 transfer circuits with the or each receptacle 3 in the form of removable cover(s) and each configured to come into sealed application on the opening of the receptacle 3 considered , this under the action of its own weight, and / or by interlocking, as well as under the effect of the depression of said receptacle 3 (see Figures 1B, 16 and 2 to 11).

As shown by way of practical example of embodiment in Figures 10 and 11, each cover 8 can essentially consist of a heavy plate 13, for example metal, covered on the underside by a layer of flexible material 13 ', such as silicone or rubber, and traversed by the ducts of the lines of the liquid and gaseous circulation circuits 5, 5', at the level of passages 14, 14' sealed.

As shown symbolically in Figure 11, the cover 8 can advantageously be provided with an additional mass such as for example a massive and heavy handle (oval shape in the upper part).

In accordance with a preferred constructive implementation of the device 1 according to the invention, and as symbolically emerges from FIGS. 1B, 7A and 8 and by way of example embodiments from FIGS. 15 to 22, said at least one valve module 6 controlling the circulation of liquid fluid(s) consists of a valve module with an integrated electric actuator 15 and which comprises, on the one hand, a valve device 16 comprising a movable member 17 whose positioning controls the circulation of a fluid in at least two circulation lines passing through said valve device 16, and, on the other hand, an actuator 15 able and intended to move in rotation the rotary movable member 17 of the valve device 16 around an axis X. The valve device 16 comprises a support body 18 in which said at least one aforementioned movable member 17 is mounted, forming a cam guided in rotation and provided with at least one control surface 19, 19', and also at least two portions of ducts 20, 20' forming the local segments of the controlled circulation lines, these portions of ducts 20, 20' and this movable member 17 being arranged and configured so that said at least one control surface 19, 19' can come in engagement and modify by local crushing the passage sections of said at least two portions of ducts 20, 20', this in a mutually differentiated manner and according to the position in rotation of the movable member 17. In addition, the actuator 15 consists of a booster mounted on the support body 18, the movable member 17 retaining its angular position in rotation in the absence of active stress from said booster 15.

Thanks to the above arrangements, it is therefore possible to provide a means 6 for controlling the circulation and regulating the flow rates simultaneously in at least two distinct fluidic circulation lines of a circuit 5' for transferring liquids and/or semi-liquids, with limited contamination inside the conduit portions 20, 20', this means 6 having a simple, segmented and compact construction, easy to control and whose energy consumption is limited (in particular in its form of preferred embodiment as a microvalve 6 incorporating a microservomotor 15).

Depending on the configuration of the control surface 19, 19' concerned, that is to say depending on the shape of the profile or peripheral contour of the cam 17 opposite a pair of duct portions 20, 20 ', the rotation of the mobile member 17 can cause similar, differentiated or contrary effects on the portions of conduit 20, 20' which are likely to be impacted by said surface 19, 19', if necessary depending on the angular position reached.

Preferably, the movable member 17 and the or each pair of duct portions 20, 20' are arranged and configured in such a way that over the possible angular rotational range for the movable member 17 around the axis X, the passage of each of said portions 20, 20' can be totally closed (corresponding traffic lane closed) and totally released (corresponding traffic lane fully open) in at least one rotating position.

In the case of a valve module 6 of the normally closed type, the at least two portions of ducts 20, 20' can be closed simultaneously by the associated cam surface 19, 19' in at least one angular position, if necessary. on a beach (see Figures 15, 16C and 17B).

In the case of a valve module 6 of the normally open type, the at least two portions of ducts 20, 20' can be opened simultaneously by absence of contact with the control surface concerned in at least one angular position, if necessary on a beach.

The double microvalve module construction 6 illustrated in FIGS. 15A and 15B thus functionally comprises two valves Va and Vb arranged in parallel, integrated in the same valve device 3 (with a single support body 6) and each comprising an inlet Ea, Eb and a clean Sa, Sb output.

As also emerges from the aforementioned figures, the portions of ducts 20, 20' have elastically deformable walls, are arranged, if necessary in pairs, opposite a control surface 19, 19', preferably on either side other from the axis of rotation X of the movable member 17, and are mounted with a wedged hold and a rectilinear extension in the support body 18. The crushing stresses exerted selectively by the or each control surface 19, 19' , preferably in the form of a circumferential band, on the or each associated pair of duct portions 20, 20', depending on the angular position of the movable member 17 forming a cam, can be directed substantially parallel to the axis of rotation X of the movable member 17 (Figures 16) or substantially radially and perpendicularly relative to the axis of rotation X of said movable member 17 (Figures 17 and 19).

The portions of ducts 20, 20' are for example made of silicone or a similar material that is flexible and chemically neutral (compared to the basic products).

In the context of the preferred applications of the invention, the diameters of the portions of ducts 20, 20' are of the order of a millimeter (for example between 0.5 mm and 3 mm approximately).

The various possible states for the valve module 6 are preferably achieved by a rotation around the axis X of less than 360°, advantageously between 120° and 270°, preferably around 180°, of the movable member 17.

The servomotor 15 implemented in the context of the invention and controlled in rotary position, is advantageously a micro-servomotor incorporating control electronics and a reduction gear, for example of the type known under the designation Tower Pro (registered name) Micro Servo SG90. This type of actuator can be controlled directly by a 4' electronic control unit, without a power interface.

In the event of axial crushing stresses, the control surface 19 may in this case consist, for example, of a discoidal end surface of a cylindrical body constituting the cam 17, said surface having a prominent plate, extending over the approximately half the area of the surface, and perpendicular to the X axis (half-moon), and a sloping region, connected to the plate along a diameter and extending back from said plate (Figures 16).

In the event of radial crushing stresses, the or each control surface 19, 19' consists of a circumferential band with a suitable contour, located opposite an associated portion of duct 20, 20'. In this embodiment, the feedback stresses are not directed towards the servomotor 15 but are absorbed by the X-axis guide bearing (FIGS. 17 and 19).

While FIGS. 17 and 18 illustrate a double valve module 6, that is to say comprising a single control surface 19 acting on two portions of ducts 20 and 20' in a given plane, it is possible to provide a multiple valve module 6, which with a single movable member 17 can control the fluid circulation in several pairs of superimposed conduit portions 20, 20', located in mutually parallel planes and spaced apart along the X axis.

Thus, in accordance with a variant of the second embodiment and as illustrated in Figures 19 (for a quadruple valve), the movable member 17 may have a stepped and/or composite structure and comprises at least two control surfaces 19, 19' mutually offset along its axis of rotation X, each control surface 19, 19' acting on a separate pair of associated duct portions 20, 20'. The various control surfaces 19, 19' of the movable member 17 may or may not have similar profiles and be angularly offset around the axis of rotation X of said movable member, for example by 0°, 45°, 90 ° or 180°.

This thus leads to a multiple valve module 6, controlled by a single actuator 15 and whose states (opening/closing of the various controlled channels) are determined by a stepped cam 17 with multiple control surfaces 19, 19'.

The angular offset mentioned makes it possible to carry out, with such a multiple valve module 6, fluid circulation regulation sequences, with simultaneous, offset or opposite passage openings and closures for the different pairs of conduit portions 20, 20 'part of said module.

In the example illustrated in Figures 19, the two control surfaces 19 and 19' are similar in terms of profiles but mutually offset by 180° (in phase opposition). Such a construction makes it possible in particular to produce an inverter circuit with a single valve module 6.

Although for the control surfaces 19, 19' numerous shapes of profiles can be envisaged, it is advantageously provided that the or each control surface 19, 19' has, on the one hand, at least one region 21 of a first type whose distance from the axis of rotation X is maximum, preferably strongly prominent or convex, and whose positioning opposite a portion of conduit 20, 20' results in maximum crushing of the latter, preferably with a shutter tightness of its passage, and, on the other hand, at least one region 21 'of a second type whose distance from the axis of rotation X is minimal, preferably slightly prominent or substantially flat, and whose positioning opposite a portion of duct 20, 20' generates substantially no crushing of the latter, these regions 21, 21' being offset around the axis of rotation X or located opposite to each other with respect to this X axis.

In order to provide a two-state valve module 6 for each channel or line controlled and with a simultaneous closed/shutter position of the two controlled channels, the or each control surface 19, 19' may comprise a region 21 of the first type and a region 21' of the second type. These two regions 21 and 21' can be offset by 180° around the axis of rotation X of the mobile member, the region 21 of the first type extending over substantially at least approximately 180° around the axis of rotation X. In addition, region 21 of the first type and region 21' of the second type can be continuously connected by intermediate regions 21'' of control surface 19, 19' having a progressively increasing or decreasing distance with respect to the axis of rotation X along the direction of movement on the intermediate region 21'' concerned, namely towards region 21 of the first type or towards region 21' of the second type.

Preferably, each control surface 19, 19' has a profile or a shape of circumferential contour without setback and continuously rounded (cf. figures 18).

In order to be able to define, for a given pair of portions of ducts 20, 20', states of closure of the two channels and/or of opening of the two channels, in addition to states of opening of only one of the two channels ( the other being closed), the or each control surface 19, 19' comprises three regions 21, 21' of one of the first and second types and three or one region(s) 21', 21 of the other of said first and second types, two regions 21 of the first type and/or two regions 21' of the second type being arranged with an offset of 180° around the axis of rotation X of the movable member 17, being interposed between a pair of opposite regions comprising a region 21 of the first type and a region 21' of the second type.

Advantageously, from a constructive point of view, the or each valve module 6, double or multiple, is formed of two components assembled together, namely, a functional component formed by the servomotor 15 whose output axis carries a member forming a rotary cam 17 and presenting the control surface(s) 19, 19', and a structural component formed by the support body 18 in the form of a U-shaped frame. The booster 15 is fixed to the free ends of the wings 18 'of the U and the portions of ducts 20, 20' are housed in the base 18'' of the U forming a cradle, and rest against two adjacent and mutually perpendicular planar surfaces, one of said surfaces being perpendicular to the direction of the force d crushing exerted by the cam 17 and the other of said surfaces being perpendicular to the direction of the axis of rotation X (see Figures 22).

Thus, each valve module 6 has its own servomotor.

In FIGS. 19A to 19C and 20B, it is easy to note that the two control stages (control surfaces 19 and 19') of the valve module 6, each of which controls the fluid circulation in two portions of ducts 20 and 20' each connected to a separate line 5, 5' of a circuit, thus make it possible to regulate the passage of fluid(s) in four different lines 5, 5', completely independent of each other or not (belonging to the same network or to the same part network of circulation lines), hence the name quadruple valve module for this embodiment variant. Of course, the invention is not limited to the two variants represented (double valve module and quadruple valve module), but can also be declined with more than two control surfaces 19, 19'. Finally, a simple or basic valve module can be obtained by connecting only one of the two portions of conduits 20, 20' to a circulation line 5, 5'.

As a replacement for several valve modules 6, or in addition to such modules 6, the preparation device 1 according to the invention may comprise at least one multi-way fluidic control unit 6', for controlling the circulation of fluid liquid or gas in at least two pairs of circulation lines, the lines of each pair being controlled in a mutually interdependent manner or not. This 6' unit functionally integrates at least two 6 valve modules as described above.

Such a unit 6′ consists of at least two functional components each comprising its own servomotor 15, the output shaft of which drives or corresponds to the axis of rotation X of the cam 17 having at least one control surface 19, 19′ which can come into engagement under pressure with two portions of ducts 20, 20' forming the local segments of the circulation lines, with a view to the selective local sealing of their passage by crushing, these different pairs of portions 20, 20' being mounted in the different compartments 22 of a single support body 18, in one piece or composite, which is compartmentalized in line with the different functional components 15, 17 attached.

The device 1 then incorporates a fluidic regulation unit (unit 6') capable of controlling numerous liquid, semi-liquid or gaseous circulation lines, and integrating double or multiple valve modules 6, this in the form of a unit of compact and designed according to predetermined operating sequences to be performed.

This unit 6' can be of the composite type and be constituted by the side-by-side assembly of two or more valve modules 6 each comprising its own support body 18 each defining a compartment 22 (instead of a support body 18 unique in one piece for all the valve modules 6 integrated into the unit 6' and subdivided into compartment 22, in accordance with another constructive variant).

A valve module 6 or a regulation unit 6' referred to herein is described in even more detail in French patent application No. 1904163 filed on April 18, 2019 in the name of the applicant.

The valve modules 6 of the same 6′ unit may possibly regulate fluids of different natures, or even at various flow rates, and/or have non-uniform sizes.

As shown by way of example in Figure 5, for a simple device 1 with a receptacle 3 and devoid of any means of controlling circulation, said preparation device 1 can be in the form of a kit or ready-to-use set. -to-assemble, which makes it inexpensive and easy to package and market.

When the number of receptacles 3 to be filled with mixtures is greater, in particular greater than initially planned during the acquisition of device 1, the latter may comprise at least one cover 8 having at least two sealed passages 14 receiving passing through line ducts 5' of the liquid circulation circuit and/or at least two sealed passages 14' receiving passing through line ducts 5 for gas circulation. Such a cover may be included in the original kit or be available as a separate optional accessory.

Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described and shown in the appended drawings. Modifications remain possible, in particular from the point of view of the constitution of the various elements or by substitution of technical equivalents, without thereby departing from the scope of protection of the invention.

Claims (17)

Device (1) for the automatic or semi-automatic preparation of mixtures of liquid or semi-liquid products, comprising at least two tanks (2, 2', 2'', 2''') containing the basic products to be mixed, at at least one receptacle (3) for forming and collecting a predetermined mixture of base products, at least one active means (4) for circulating and transferring the products from the reservoirs (2, 2', 2'',2''') to said at least one receptacle (3), at least one circuit of fluid circulation lines (5, 5') connecting said reservoirs (2, 2', 2'', 2''') , said at least one receptacle (3) and said active means (4), and comprising means (6, 6', 6'') for controlling circulation and means for interfacing, connecting and/or connecting (7, 7', 8),
device (1) characterized in that the reservoirs (2, 2', 2'', 2''') consist of calibrated containers each containing a pre-measured quantity of a determined base product, in that the outlets (9) of said reservoirs (2, 2', 2'', 2''') are fluidically connected, directly or with the interposition of control means, to the or to a receptacle (3), the contents of a group of reservoirs (2, 2', 2'', 2''') connected to a given receptacle (3) corresponding together to the formulation of the mixture which it is desired to collect in the receptacle (3) in question and in that the transfer of the contents of the reservoirs (2, 2', 2'', 2''') concerned towards the or a determined receptacle (3) is carried out by placing the said receptacle (3) under vacuum directly or indirectly by the active means (4) , the control of the circulation in the liquid or semi-liquid transfer (5') and/or gas transfer (5) circuits being advantageously carried out by means of at least one valve module (6) or at least one at least one control unit (6') incorporating at least two valve modules (6) or an equivalent selector or switch means (6''). Device according to Claim 1, characterized in that the containers of the calibrated reservoirs (2, 2', 2'', 2''') each consist of a hollow body (10) adapted to the nature and quantity of product of base pre-dosed to contain and in which is mounted in a leaktight manner a mobile piston (10'), advantageously sliding, closing off at the end of the emptying of the reservoir (2, 2', 2'', 2''') considered the outlet ( 9) of the latter in a leaktight manner, said piston (10') preferably having a shape matching with respect to the internal region (10'') of the hollow body (10) surrounding said outlet (9). Device according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the outlets (9) of the pre-dosed reservoirs (2, 2', 2'', 2''') of a group of reservoirs whose base products together form a determined mixture to be prepared in a given receptacle (3) are connected in parallel to a distribution ramp (7') with a single outlet (7''), preferably of at least partially flexible or collapsible constitution, said reservoirs (2, 2 ', 2'', 2''') being grouped together and packaged in an envelope (11) also forming a covering. Device according to Claims 2 and 3, characterized in that the bodies of the containers of the reservoirs (2, 2', 2'', 2''') consist of bodies of syringes (10) and in that each envelope (11 ) containing a determined selection of pre-dosed reservoirs (2, 2', 2'', 2''') and a dispensing ramp (7') constitutes a single-use accessory, such as a consumable of the cartridge type, the containers (10) and the casing (11) advantageously having cylindrical structures. Device according to either of Claims 3 and 4, characterized in that the or each distribution ramp (7') comprises at least one section of conduit provided with a passage restriction (12), in particular at least one section conduit connected to an outlet (9) of reservoir (2, 2', 2'', 2'''). Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it comprises one or more plates (8) for connecting the circuits for transferring liquid products (5') and for circulating gas (5). with the or each receptacle (3) being in the form of removable cover(s) and each configured to come into sealed application on the opening of the receptacle (3) in question, this under the action of its own weight, and/or by interlocking, as well as under the effect of the depression of said receptacle (3). Device according to Claim 6, characterized in that each cover (8) consists essentially of a heavy plate (13), for example metal, covered on the underside by a layer of flexible material (13'), such as silicone or rubber, and crossed by the ducts of the lines of the liquid and gaseous circulation or transfer circuits (5, 5'), at the level of sealed passages (14, 14'). Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the said at least one valve module (6) controlling the circulation of liquid fluid(s) consists of a valve module with an electric actuator (15) integrated and which comprises, on the one hand, a valve device (16) comprising a movable member (17) the positioning of which controls the circulation of a fluid in at least two circulation lines passing through said valve device (16), and, on the other hand, an actuator (15) able and intended to displace in rotation the rotary movable member (17) of the valve device (16) around an axis (X), in that the valve device (16) comprises a support body (18) in which is mounted said at least one aforementioned movable member (17), forming a cam guided in rotation and provided with at least one control surface (19, 19'), and also at the least two portions of ducts (20, 20') forming the local segments of the controlled circulation lines, these portions of ducts (20, 20') and this movable member (17) being arranged and configured in such a way that the said at least a control surface (19, 19') can come into engagement and modify, by local crushing, the passage sections of said at least two portions of ducts (20, 20'), this in a mutually differentiated manner and as a function of the rotational position of the movable member (17), and in that the actuator (15) consists of a servomotor mounted on the support body (18), the movable member (17) retaining its angular position in rotation in the absence of active solicitation from said booster (15). Device according to Claim 8, characterized in that the portions of ducts (20, 20') have elastically deformable walls, are arranged, where appropriate in pairs, facing a control surface (19, 19'), preferentially on either side of the axis of rotation (X) of the movable member (17), and are mounted with a wedged hold and a rectilinear extension in the support body (18), the crushing stresses exerted selectively by the or each control surface (19, 19'), preferably in the form of a circumferential strip, on the or each associated pair of duct portions (20, 20'), as a function of the angular position of the movable member (17) forming a cam, being directed substantially parallel to the axis of rotation (X) of the movable member (17) or substantially radially and perpendicularly relative to the axis of rotation (X) of said movable member (17). Device according to any one of Claims 8 and 9, characterized in that the movable member (17) has a stepped and/or composite structure and comprises at least two control surfaces (19, 19') mutually offset along its axis of rotation (X), each control surface (19, 19') acting on a separate pair of associated duct portions (20, 20'), the different control surfaces (19, 19') of the mobile (17) which may or may not have similar profiles and be angularly offset around the axis of rotation (X) of said mobile member, for example by 0°, 45°, 90° or 180°. Device according to any one of Claims 8 to 10, characterized in that the or each control surface (19, 19') has, on the one hand, at least one region (21) of a first type whose distance to the axis of rotation (X) is maximum, preferably strongly prominent or convex, and whose positioning opposite a portion of duct (20, 20') results in maximum crushing of the latter, preferably with a sealed closure of its passage, and, on the other hand, at least one region (21') of a second type whose distance from the axis of rotation (X) is minimal, preferably slightly prominent or substantially planar, and whose positioning opposite a duct portion (20, 20') generates substantially no crushing of the latter, these regions (21, 21') being offset around the axis of rotation (X) or located opposite the from each other with respect to this axis (X). Device according to Claim 11, characterized in that the or each control surface (19, 19') comprises a region (21) of the first type and a region (21') of the second type, these two regions (21 and 21' ) being offset by 180° around the axis of rotation (X) of the movable member, the region (21) of the first type extending over substantially at least approximately 180° around the axis of rotation (X) , and the region (21) of the first type and the region (21') of the second type being able to be connected continuously by intermediate regions (21'') of control surface (19, 19') presenting a progressively increasing or decreasing distance relative to the axis of rotation (X) in the direction of movement on the intermediate region (21'') concerned, namely towards the region (21) of the first type or towards the region (21') of the second type. Device according to Claim 11, characterized in that the or each control surface (19, 19') comprises three regions (21, 21') of one of the first and second types and three or one region(s) (21 ', 21) of the other of said first and second types, two regions (21) of the first type and/or two regions (21') of the second type being arranged with an offset of 180° around the axis of rotation ( X) of the mobile member (17) by being interposed between a pair of opposite regions comprising a region (21) of the first type and a region (21') of the second type. Device according to any one of Claims 8 to 12, characterized in that the or each valve module is formed of two components assembled together, namely, a functional component formed by the servomotor (15) whose output axis carries a rotatable cam member (17) presenting the control surface(s) (19,19'), and a structural component formed by the support body (18) in the form of a U-shaped frame, the servomotor (15 ) being fixed on the free ends of the wings (18') of the U and the portions of ducts (20, 20') being housed in the base (18'') of the U forming a cradle, and resting against two mutually adjacent flat surfaces perpendicular, one of said surfaces being perpendicular to the direction of the crushing force exerted by the cam (17) and the other of said surfaces being perpendicular to the direction of the axis of rotation (X). Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 7, characterized in that it comprises at least one multi-way fluidic control unit (6'), for controlling the circulation of liquid or gaseous fluid in at least two pairs of circulation lines, the lines of each pair being controlled in a mutually interdependent manner or not, in that this unit (6') functionally integrates at least two valve modules (6) according to any one of Claims 8 to 14 and in that it consists of at least two functional components each comprising its own servomotor (15), the output shaft of which drives or corresponds to the axis of rotation (X) of the cam (17) having at least one surface (19, 19') which can come into engagement under pressure with two portions of ducts (20, 20') forming the local segments of the circulation lines, with a view to the local selective closure of their passage by crushing, these different pairs of portions (20, 20') being mounted in the different compartments (22) of a single support body (18), in one piece or composite, which is compartmentalized in adequacy with the different functional components (15, 17) reported. Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 15, characterized in that it is in the form of a ready-to-assemble kit or assembly. Device according to Claims 7 and 16, characterized in that it comprises at least one cover (8) having at least two sealed passages (14) receiving in a traversing manner line ducts (5') of the liquid circulation circuit and / or at least two sealed passages (14') receiving in a traversing manner line ducts (5) for gas circulation.