FR3106054A1 - AUTOMATIC DISPENSER OF FLUID PRODUCTS CONTAINED IN CARTRIDGES - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to an automatic dispenser (1) for fluid products contained in cartridges, capable of selectively actuating each cartridge. The distributor comprises: - a frame provided with N slots (E) of product cartridges each provided with a reservoir and a metering pump; - a motor (13) capable of generating an actuating force for the cartridge metering pump; - a transmission member (14a) of the force generated by the motor with N actuating members (15) of the cartridge metering pump; - N clutch mechanisms, each comprising a clutch member (16) reversibly activatable by a linear actuator (17), the clutch mechanisms each being arranged so as to couple or uncouple the transmission member (14a) and an actuator (15); - a central unit programmed to selectively actuate each linear actuator (17) according to a determined preparation instruction of a mixture. Figure for abstract: Fig. 1

Description

AUTOMATIC DISPENSER OF FLUID PRODUCTS CONTAINED IN CARTRIDGES

The invention relates to an automatic dispenser for fluid products contained in cartridges, in particular for the extemporaneous and personalized preparation of a mixture of products from several cartridges, for example, but not exclusively, in the field of food supplements .

Health and cosmetics manufacturers increasingly tend to favor the personalization of products according to the end user. This trend is for example observed for the preparation of pharmaceutical treatments specifically adapted to the patient according to his sex, his age, his genetic heritage, and the specificities of his disease, such as his cancer or the viral strain.

This type of concern also concerns the field of food supplements in order to optimize the effectiveness of these supplements while limiting negative effects and/or overdoses, and adapting the composition of the solution in real time to the actual needs of the patient or of the consumer.

In order to allow such personalized preparation, automatic dispensers have already been proposed comprising at least two cartridges of different components and a mechanical (syringe-pusher type) or pneumatic pumping mechanism.

The patent document FR3044219 describes an automated device comprising a control interface controlling syringe pumps causing the injection of the contents of the syringes into flexible tubes joining in a mixing zone consisting of a connector with several inlets, connected to a ejection cone for the cosmetic composition thus prepared.

However, the use of syringe pumps makes the machine very expensive, imprecise in terms of dispensed volume, impractical for changing product reservoirs, and very cumbersome, as it takes a lot of space to allow the pistons to recoil.

The document US10022741 describes a dispenser making it possible to dispense on demand from several cartridges. The principle of operation consists of the automation of manual pumps. The device is only able to make two different types of dispensations from 5 cartridges: either C1+C2+C3+C4, or C1+C2+C3+C5, Cn representing cartridge n, where n is an integer between 1 and 5, each cartridge comprising a different product.

The device described in this document therefore does not make it possible to produce more than two different combinations. Both the combination of cartridges and the proportion of liquid dispensed between the different cartridges cannot be changed.

The document WO2016090235 describes an apparatus making it possible to personalize a drink with nutrients contained in cartridges. The mechanism described involves a motor to select a cartridge and another actuator (motor or solenoid) to apply pressure to the selected cartridge to eject nutrients.

The device described in this document can only inject from one cartridge at a time. Making a combination from several cartridges is therefore long because it is necessarily sequential (one cartridge after the other). The cartridge selection system can become cumbersome and bulky as the number of cartridges increases. Although a solenoid is mentioned as an alternative to the motor to operate the tank, this solution is unthinkable. Indeed, a solenoid of reasonable size has neither the force nor the amplitude necessary to actuate the dispensing device (pump or other) of the cartridge.

The invention therefore aims to provide an automatic dispenser capable of dispensing several different combinations of fluid products each contained in a different cartridge with a precise dosage by a reproducible mechanical action of the dispenser on the cartridges.

Thus, the invention proposes an automatic dispenser capable of selectively actuating each cartridge.

The dispenser according to the invention is simple, economical, compact and versatile, that is to say that the mechanism according to the invention can be adapted to the shape and/or design of the cartridges. In other words, the mechanism of the dispenser according to the invention is not dependent on the shape of the cartridges, provided that these are equipped with a reservoir equipped with a mechanical metering pump.

This type of manually actuated metering pump is for example described in patents EP1572375 and EP2841206. The dosing accuracy is guaranteed by the dosing pump, which performs a fixed volume dispensation when it is mechanically activated, typically a linear support in an axial direction of the pump. The volume delivered depends on the dosing pump, and it is therefore possible to equip a standard shape tank with dosing pumps of different ejection volumes.

By fluid product, we mean any product that can be dispensed by a mechanical metering pump.

In a particular embodiment, the invention also aims to allow automatic and secure verification of the cartridge, that is to say without user intervention and therefore without risk of human error, to ensure the proper use of the cartridge. , as well as its traceability, the dosage and limiting the use of the cartridge to a predefined quantity of dispensation to avoid overuse, even involuntary, of a potentially dangerous product.

A motor can only generate two different movements: in one direction or the other. Two different movements can therefore only allow two different possible actions: for example, the passage from the deactivated position of the cartridge to the activated position, and the passage from the activated position to the deactivated position of the cartridge. In the document US10022741, a rotation in a first direction corresponds to the support and the release on 4 cartridges, while the rotation in the other direction corresponds to the same thing on the other combination of 4 cartridges.

Therefore, to actuate N cartridges independently, N being an integer greater than or equal to 2, in order to combine them as desired, two solutions are possible.

The first, inspired by that described in the document US10022741, is to use N/2 motors (since a motor can perform two different actuations). The major drawback is that you cannot activate all the cartridges at the same time; one is then obliged to carry out a sequential actuation which is necessarily longer.

The second solution is to use N motors, but this would drastically increase the volume, weight and cost of the distributor, as well as the noise generated by operation.

To avoid this, one could think of using mechanical linear actuators of the solenoid type, but the standard components compatible with a consumer product (small size and low cost) have neither enough power nor enough amplitude to actuate a cartridge of product.

One of the ideas underlying the invention is to use only one source of force sufficient to actuate the cartridges (a motor), to decouple the driving force of the motor from the cartridges, by interposing between the engine and each cartridge a clutch mechanism, and to use linear actuators of the solenoid type to actuate the clutch mechanisms and not to actuate the cartridges directly, thus making it possible to select on which cartridges the force of the engine is passed on.

By convention, in the rest of the present description, a cartridge according to the invention comprises a reservoir of fluid product provided with a mechanical metering pump making it possible to dispense a known dose by a mechanical action on the reservoir (a relative pressure between the reservoir and the pump). In certain embodiments, the cartridge may further comprise a rigid casing in which the fluid reservoir equipped with the metering pump is located, the casing comprising actuating orifices each intended to receive, in use, a actuation carried by the automatic distributor to press the tank against the pump and control the ejection of product.

More specifically, the subject of the invention is an automatic dispenser for fluid products contained in cartridges, characterized in that it comprises:
- A frame provided with N slots for product cartridges each provided with a reservoir and a mechanical metering pump that can be activated in an axial direction of actuation, N being an integer greater than or equal to 2;
- A motor provided with a rotary output shaft capable of generating an actuating force for the mechanical cartridge metering pump;
- A member for transmitting the force generated by the motor to N actuating members of the mechanical cartridge metering pump;
- N clutch mechanisms, each comprising a clutch member reversibly activatable by a linear actuator, each clutch mechanism being arranged to couple or uncouple the transmission member and an actuating member;
- a central unit programmed to selectively actuate each linear actuator according to a determined preparation instruction of a mixture.

According to particular embodiments:
• the or each linear actuator may be a solenoid;
• the automatic dispenser may further comprise a dose delivery control instrument making it possible to verify the actuation of each pump and/or to control the volume of fluid dispensed;
• the control instrument making it possible to check the actuation of each pump can be arranged so as to detect a stroke of the actuation member;
• the control instrument for controlling the volume of fluid dispensed can be arranged under a container intended to receive at least one dose of product;
• each cartridge slot may include a cartridge anti-crushing damper;
• the vending machine may further comprise an engine speed control system;
• the transmission member may be a cylindrical cam connected to the rotary output shaft of the engine, the N cartridge slots being arranged radially around the cylindrical cam, each cartridge slot being provided with:
- an actuating member comprising:
 a piston for actuating the cartridge's mechanical metering pump in translation,
 a lever pivotally mounted on the actuating piston by an axis of rotation arranged between a first end of the lever shaped to follow the cylindrical cam, and a second end of the lever; And
- a clutch mechanism comprising:
 a stop finger mounted pivoting between an engaged position in which the second end of the lever, the axis of rotation of the lever and the stop finger are coplanar, and a disengaged position, in which the second end of the lever, the axis of rotation of the lever and the stop finger are non-coplanar;
 a solenoid arranged to control the pivoting of the stop finger between the engaged position and the disengaged position;
• the transmission member may be an eccentric cam connected to the rotary output shaft of the engine, the N cartridge slots being arranged radially around the eccentric cam, each cartridge slot being provided with:
- an actuating member comprising a lever mounted to pivot by an axis of rotation arranged between a first end of the lever shaped to follow the eccentric cam, and a second end of the lever shaped to be inserted into at least one yoke actuation of the mechanical metering pump carried by the cartridge; And
- a clutch mechanism comprising:
 a mobile support for the axis of rotation of the lever;
 a solenoid arranged to control movement of the movable support of the axis of rotation of the lever between an engaged position in which the first end of the lever can be driven by the eccentric cam to generate pivoting of the lever around its axis of rotation, and a disengaged position in which the first end of the lever cannot be driven by the eccentric cam;
• the transmission member may be a toothed transmission wheel connected to the rotary output shaft of the motor, the N cartridge slots being arranged radially around the toothed transmission wheel, each cartridge slot being provided:
- an actuating member comprising a cylindrical cam provided on the one hand with a toothed drive wheel and on the other hand with a follower member connected to an actuating piston in translation of the cartridge; And
- a clutch mechanism comprising:
 a clutch toothed wheel mounted to move between an engaged position in which the clutch toothed wheel engages in the cam drive toothed wheel and in the engine transmission toothed wheel, and a disengaged position, in which the clutch toothed wheel is disengaged from the cam drive toothed wheel and from the engine transmission toothed wheel;
 a solenoid arranged to control a translation of the toothed clutch wheel between the engaged position and the disengaged position.
• the transmission member may comprise a worm screw connected to the rotary output shaft of the motor, the N cartridge slots being aligned along at least one line parallel to the worm screw, and each cartridge slot being provided:
- A notched transmission wheel meshed in the endless screw and provided, on a flat face, with at least one coupling lug;
- an actuating member comprising a cylindrical cam provided on the one hand with coupling fingers and on the other hand with a follower member connected to an actuating piston in translation of the cartridge;
- a clutch mechanism comprising:
 a clutch sleeve comprising at least one orifice for receiving said at least one toothed wheel coupling lug, the clutch sleeve being mounted guided in translation along the coupling fingers of the cylindrical cam between an engaged position in wherein said at least one transmission toothed wheel coupling pin is inserted into said at least one clutch sleeve receiving hole, and a disengaged position, in which the clutch sleeve is disengaged from said at least one transmission toothed wheel coupling;
 a solenoid arranged to control a translation of the clutch sleeve between the engaged position and the disengaged position;
• each cartridge slot can be fitted with:
- An actuating member comprising an actuating finger mounted in translation in a direction of translation, and retractable against a compressible spring; And
- a clutch mechanism comprising:
 a clutch plate provided with an orifice for passage of the actuating finger and mounted to move in translation between an engaged position in which the passage orifice and the actuating finger are aligned in the direction of translation, and a disengaged position in which the passage orifice and the actuating finger are offset with respect to the direction of translation;
 a solenoid arranged to control the translation of the clutch plate between the engaged position and the disengaged position.
• the motor can drive the transmission member at a speed such that half of the actuating members can be activated per second.
• each cartridge slot can be provided with a cartridge comprising:
- a fluid reservoir provided with a mechanical metering pump that can be activated in an axial direction of actuation and having a product ejection orifice, and
- a rigid casing for protecting the tank and the pump, the rigid casing comprising an outlet orifice intended to be connected with the ejection orifice of the pump, and at least one actuating orifice intended to receive, in use, a cartridge slot actuator, said at least one actuator port having a cross-section smaller than a three-year-old child's finger;
• said at least one actuating orifice may be in the form of a slot and be intended to receive, in use, the second end of the lever, the reservoir being provided with at least one yoke intended to be engaged by the second end of the lever ;
• the actuating member of each cartridge slot can be mounted to move in translation parallel to the axial direction of actuation of the cartridge pump, and be intended to be inserted into an actuation orifice of the shell of the cartridge, the actuation orifice being arranged in the axial direction of actuation with respect to the pump of the cartridge;
• the vending machine may further comprise a system for reading/writing an electronic chip carried by each cartridge;
• the vending machine may include a connection to a remote database for storing information via a communication network, and in which the chip of each cartridge stores at least one serial number of the cartridge, the central unit of the dispenser being programmed to read the serial number in each chip, connect to the remote database to consult the stored information corresponding to the serial number of each cartridge, control the solenoid of each cartridge slot according to this information and modify this information in the remote database to account for the actuation of each cartridge;
• the chip can store at least one piece of information relating to the product contained in the cartridge, the central processing unit of the distributor being programmed to read the information stored in each chip, and to control only the solenoid of the locations for which the product contained in the cartridge must be distributed to couple the transmission member and the actuating member;
• the chip can store at least one cartridge usage history information, the distributor's central processing unit being programmed to read the information stored in each chip, control only the solenoid of the locations whose product contained in the cartridge must be distributed to couple the transmission member and the actuator member, and modify the cartridge usage history in each chip to account for actuation of the cartridge;
• the chip can also store information on the maximum consumable quantity per period of the product, the distributor's central unit being programmed to read the information stored in each chip, consult the usage history information, order only the solenoid of the corresponding cartridge if the maximum consumable quantity per period of the product is not exceeded and blocking the actuation of the corresponding cartridge if the maximum consumable quantity per period of the product is exceeded; and or
• the chip can store at least one cartridge use-limit information, the distributor's central processing unit being programmed to read the use-limit information stored in each chip, controlling only the solenoid of the corresponding cartridge if the cartridge use limit has not been exceeded, and blocking the actuation of the corresponding cartridge if the cartridge use limit is exceeded.

Other characteristics of the invention will be set out in the detailed description below given with reference to the appended figures, given by way of example, and which represent, respectively:

, a partial schematic perspective view seen from above of a first embodiment of a vending machine according to the invention, illustrating the upper part of the chassis of the vending machine;

, a diagrammatic view in partial radial side section of the first embodiment of an automatic dispenser according to the invention, in the disengaged position and at the start of the actuation cycle of the cartridges by the motor;

, a schematic perspective view of a helical cam used in the first embodiment of Figure 2;

, a diagrammatic view in radial section of the first embodiment of FIG. 2, in the disengaged position and at the start of the actuation cycle of the cartridges by the motor, the illustrated cartridge not being intended to be actuated;

, a partial perspective schematic view of the clutch mechanism of a cartridge in the disengaged position of the first embodiment of Figures 2 and 4;

, a schematic partial perspective view of the clutch mechanism of FIG. 5 in the engaged position;

, a diagrammatic view in partial radial section of the clutch mechanism of the first embodiment in the engaged position and at the start of the actuation cycle of the cartridges by the engine;

, a diagrammatic view in partial radial section of the first embodiment of FIG. 7, in the engaged position and at the end of the actuation cycle of the cartridges by the motor, the illustrated cartridge having been actuated;

, a schematic side view of a variant of the invention in which the cartridge provided with an anti-crushing damper;

, a schematic perspective view of an example of a cartridge that can be used in the dispenser according to the invention, the cartridge comprising a rigid casing provided with a slot-shaped actuation orifice to allow actuation of the metering pump by pivoting two distributor activation rods;

, a schematic perspective view of a rigid casing of the cartridge of Figure 10;

, a schematic perspective view of a reservoir fitted with a mechanical metering pump and actuating yokes, the reservoir being intended to be inserted into the casing of FIG. 11 to form the cartridge of FIG. 9;

, a partial perspective schematic view of an actuation member of a second embodiment of a dispenser according to the invention, adapted and in engagement with a cartridge of FIG. 10, before actuation of the metering pump;

, a schematic view in partial perspective of an actuation member of a second embodiment of a dispenser according to the invention, adapted and in engagement with a cartridge of FIG. 10, after actuation of the metering pump;

, a schematic partial side view of the second embodiment of the distributor according to the invention, in the disengaged position;

, a schematic view in partial side view of the second embodiment of the distributor according to the invention, in the engaged position, the actuating member not yet being activated;

, a schematic view in partial side view of the second embodiment of the distributor according to the invention, in the engaged position, the actuating member being activated;

, a partial schematic side view of a third embodiment of a distributor according to the invention, in which the transmission member, the actuating members and the clutch mechanisms comprise toothed wheels, the mechanism of clutch shown in disengaged position;

, a partial schematic side view of the third embodiment of FIG. 18, the illustrated clutch mechanism of which is in the engaged position, but the actuating member of which is not yet activated;

, a partial schematic side view of the third embodiment of FIG. 18, the illustrated clutch mechanism of which is in the engaged position and the actuating member of which is activated;

, a partial schematic side view of the third embodiment of FIG. 18 with a cartridge variant comprising a rigid casing provided with actuating orifices, of which the illustrated clutch mechanism is in the engaged position and of which the actuation is activated;

, a schematic plan view seen from below of a fourth embodiment of a dispenser according to the invention, in which the cartridge slots are in a matrix, that is to say aligned along two parallel lines;

, a partial cross-sectional schematic view of the fourth embodiment of Figure 22 along section XXII-XXII, illustrating a cartridge slot in which the clutch mechanism is in the disengaged position, and a cartridge slot in which the clutch mechanism is in the engaged position and the actuating member is activated;

, a schematic side view in partial section of a fifth embodiment of a distributor according to the invention in which the clutch mechanism is in the disengaged position and the actuating member is deactivated;

, a schematic side view in partial section of a fifth embodiment of a distributor according to the invention in which the clutch mechanism is in the disengaged position and the actuating member is activated; And

, a schematic side view in partial section of a fifth embodiment of a distributor according to the invention in which the clutch mechanism is in the engaged position and the actuating member is activated.

In general, a vending machine 1 according to the invention comprises a frame 10 provided with N slots for cartridges C of fluid products each comprising a reservoir 11 and a mechanical metering pump 12 that can be activated in an axial direction X-X of actuation.

N is an integer greater than or equal to 2, but of course, the advantage of the invention is to provide more cartridge slots to be able to use more different products and to allow many more combinations of mixtures to be dispensed with. Thus, N is an integer greater than or equal to at least 3, advantageously at least 5, still advantageously at least 8. The number of cartridge slots is in fact limited by the size of the machine, the power of the motor, and the size of the cartridges which must remain reasonable, especially if the dispenser is intended for domestic use.

The distributor 1 according to the invention also comprises a motor 13 provided with a rotary output shaft 13a capable of generating sufficient force to actuate the mechanical metering pump 12 of one or more of the cartridges C simultaneously.

The motor 13 is provided with a member 14 for transmitting the force generated by the motor to N actuating members 15 of the mechanical cartridge metering pump. In other words, the dispenser comprises as many actuating members as there are slots for product cartridges.

According to the invention, the distributor also comprises N clutch mechanisms 16 (that is to say as many as slots for product cartridges), each comprising a clutch member reversibly activatable by a linear actuator 17. Each clutch mechanism 16 is arranged to couple or uncouple, directly or indirectly (as in the case of the first embodiment) the transmission member 14 and an actuating member 15.

In the present invention, a linear actuator is a mechanical actuator capable of generating a linear, i.e. non-circular, force. Furthermore, a linear actuator within the meaning of the present invention has insufficient power to directly actuate the mechanical metering pump of the cartridges.

A linear actuator 17 is preferably an electromagnet with a plunger core, more commonly called a solenoid by abuse of language. The term solenoid will therefore be understood, in the present description, as an electromagnet with a plunger core which is an assembly comprising a coil of electrically conductive wire and a ferromagnetic rod, therefore magnetizable, slidably mounted in the axis of the coil to be moved in translation according to the current flowing in the coil.

In the rest of the description, the linear actuator described and represented is a solenoid, but the person skilled in the art can replace the solenoid with another linear actuator making it possible to actuate the clutch mechanism and not directly the metering pump.

Finally, the dispenser according to the invention comprises a central unit (not shown) programmed to selectively actuate the solenoid 17 of each cartridge location according to a determined preparation instruction of a mixture.

To allow this dispensing, the automatic dispenser according to the invention is therefore capable of selectively actuating each cartridge, once it knows where each cartridge of product is, that is to say once it knows which product is in which location, either because the locations are different and dedicated to a single cartridge, or because the user has informed the distributor via an interface, or because each cartridge includes a code that the distributor can interpret (a visual code type QR Code or bar code; or an electronic code in an electronic chip or RFID), the dispenser being equipped with a suitable reader.

Figures 1 to 8 illustrate a first embodiment of a dispenser according to the invention.

Figure 1 illustrates a partial perspective view of the upper part of the frame 10 of a dispenser 1 according to the invention. This chassis 10 comprises N cartridge slot E (N being an integer greater than or equal to 2) and of which only one slot E is illustrated equipped for the sake of clarity. The frame 10 comprises a motor 13 provided with an output shaft 13a meshed with a transmission member 14 to transmit the driving force of the motor 13 to the actuating members of the cartridges.

In this embodiment, the transmission member is a cylindrical cam 14a, and the N cartridge slots E are arranged in a barrel, that is to say radially around the helical cylindrical cam 14a.

Thus, the N cartridges C to be actuated are positioned around the cam 14a. The diameter of the cam is therefore to be adapted according to N.

In the example shown, the cylindrical cam 14a is actuated from the side. It has an outer surface provided with gear teeth 14b meshing with a pinion 13b carried by the output rotation shaft 13a of the motor 13.

In general, the connection between the engine and the transmission member is made by means of a reduction system to reduce the speed of the transmission member in relation to the speed of rotation of the output shaft. of the motor. In a preferred example, the reduction system is included in the engine. We then speak of a geared motor. Thus, the reference 13 can designate a geared motor, and the shaft 13a is the output shaft of the reduction system coupled to the motor.

Usually, an electric motor usable in a distributor according to the invention rotates with a speed of between 10,000 and 20,000 revolutions per minute, i.e. between 166 and 333 Hz. The reduction system must make it possible to reduce the speed of rotation of the cylindrical cam to the order of the hertz, that is to say the order of the turn per second. Preferably, the speed of rotation of the cylindrical cam is between approximately 1 Hz and approximately 0.2 Hz, that is to say between 1 revolution per second to 1 revolution per 5 seconds.

In an advantageous example of embodiment, valid for all the embodiments described, the dispenser according to the invention comprises a system for controlling the speed of the motor making it possible to have a more constant speed and therefore a more precise and reproducible dose.

The example of cylindrical cam 14a, illustrated in FIG. 3, is a helical cylindrical cam with one direction of rotation F1, that is to say it has a high point 14a1 and a low point 14a2 between which extends , on one side a helical path 14a3 and on the other side a steep path 14a4. Thus, in operation, when the cam follower (which will be described later) follows the cam, it goes from the high point to the low point along the helical path, then immediately returns to the high point along the steep path, either by some means elastic return, or by gravity tilting. It is thus understood that the cam could not operate in the other direction since the cam follower would be in abutment against the abrupt path 14a4.

Several alternative cylindrical cam profiles can be envisaged. For example, the cam track can be sinusoidal, so the cam follower moves up and down symmetrically. Alternatively, the symmetrical rise and fall can be linear.

In another example, the steep path slope may be less vertical than that shown in Figure 3.

In yet another example, the climb can be fast at the start and slower towards the end to limit engine effort.

Each cartridge slot is provided with an actuating member 15 comprising a piston 15a for actuating in translation in the axial direction X-X of the mechanical metering pump of the cartridge, and a lever 15b pivotally mounted on the actuating piston 15a by an axis of rotation 15b1.

Under the piston 15a, is the cartridge C, positioned vertically, pump 12 downwards and coming into abutment on the frame 10. The piston is therefore in contact with the bottom of the reservoir 11 of the cartridge in such a way that, when it is actuated downwards, it presses on the tank 11 and actuates its pump 12.

The axis of rotation 15b1 is arranged between a first end 15b2 of the lever, shaped to follow the helical cam 14a (the contact can be direct or by means of a pressure roller), and a second end 15b3 of the lever , intended to cooperate with the clutch mechanism 16 (not shown in Figure 2). As illustrated in Figure 5, the axis of rotation 15b1 and the second end 15b3 of the lever 15b are aligned in the same vertical plane P1.

The clutch mechanism 16, illustrated in Figures 5 and 6, comprises a stop finger 16a pivotally mounted along a Y axis on the frame between an engaged position and a disengaged position.

FIG. 5 illustrates the disengaged position, in which the second end 15b3 of the lever 15b, the axis of rotation 15b1 of the lever and the stop finger 16a are not coplanar. In other words, the vertical plane P2 passing through the stop finger 16a and the vertical plane P1 passing through the axis of rotation 15b1 and the second end 15b3 of the lever 15b are not coincident. Of course, it is understood that by non-coplanar, we mean that the planes P1 and P2 are sufficiently offset for the second end 15b3 of the lever 15b to be able to rise freely without ever coming into contact with the stop finger 16a.

FIG. 6 illustrates the engaged position in which the second end 15b3 of the lever 15b, the axis of rotation 15b1 of the lever and the stop finger 16a are coplanar, that is to say that the planes P1 and P2 coincide in this position. Of course, we understand that by coplanar, we mean that the planes P1 and P2 are sufficiently aligned so that when the second end 15b3 of the lever 15b pivots to rise, it comes into contact with the stop finger 16a. In other words, in this position, the planes P1 and P2 can be slightly offset, what matters is that the stop finger 16a prevents the raising of the second end 15b3 of the lever 15b, as explained below.

Preferably, the contact surface of the stop finger 16a is shaped to ensure alignment with the second end 15b3 of the lever 15b and to prevent this second end 15b3 of the lever from escaping from the stop finger 16a when a force is applied. applied to the lever by the transmission member (here the cylindrical cam 14a).

The pivoting of the stop finger 16a between the engaged position and the disengaged position is controlled by a solenoid 17.

Thanks to the solenoid 17, the stop finger 16a is aligned with the axis of rotation 15b1 and the second end 15b3 of the lever 15b in the plane P1.

The operation of this first embodiment is as follows.

When the cartridge C of the location shown must not be activated, that is to say that the product it contains must not be dispensed, the solenoid 17 is in the disengaged position (FIGS. 2, 4 and 5) . Either it is already, or the central unit of the distributor actuates the solenoid which controls the pivoting of the stop finger 16a from the engaged position to the disengaged position.

Thus, at the start of the rotation (FIG. 2), the first follower end 15b2 of the lever 15b is in contact with the high point of the cam 14a (either because the lever comprises a return spring for this end against the cam, or because the second support end 15b3 of the lever 15b is heavier than the first end, or because the axis of rotation 15b1 of the lever is arranged closer to the first end 15b2). When the dispenser starts dispensing, the motor rotates the cam 14a which gradually lowers the first follower end 15b2 of the lever. The second support end 15b3 rises freely in the direction of the arrow F2 (FIG. 4) all the time that the first follower end 15b2 descends. No movement is therefore transferred to the piston 15a which is not lowered, and the cartridge C is not activated.

If the cartridge C of the location shown must be activated, that is to say that the product it contains must be dispensed, the solenoid 17 switches to the engaged position (figures 6, 7 and 8).

Thus, at the start of the rotation (FIG. 6), when the first follower end 15b2 of the lever 15b is in contact with the high point of the cam 14a, the central unit of the distributor actuates the solenoid 17 which controls the pivoting of the finger of stop 16a from the disengaged position to the engaged position. Stop finger 16a then aligns with axis of rotation 15b1 and second end 15b3 of lever 15b in plane P1.

When the distributor starts dispensing, the motor rotates the cam 14a which progressively lowers the first follower end 15b2 of the lever in the direction of the arrow F3 (FIG. 7). The second support end 15b3 begins by rising slightly freely until it comes to rest against the stop finger 16a which is in the plane of the rotational movement of the lever 15b.

Since the rotation of the cam continues, and the spatial position of the second support end 15b3 is fixed because of the support against the stop finger 16a, the first follower end 15b2 continues to descend by driving the axis of 15b1 rotation downwards in the direction of the arrow F4 (FIG. 8).

As the latter is fixed to the piston 15a, the latter also descends in the direction of the arrow F4 and the cartridge C is activated.

Thus, in the engaged position, when the cam descends the first follower end 15b2, the lever pivots around its second support end 15b3, and no longer around its axis of rotation 15b1 relative to the piston 15a, and therefore presses on the piston, which actuates cartridge C.

So that the cartridge C can no longer be activated, the solenoid 17 causes the stop finger 16a to pivot from the engaged position to the disengaged position.

Preferably, to ensure the reproducibility of the movement of the piston 15a, the latter is mounted to slide along a guide parallel to the axial direction XX of the pump 12. Thus, the lever can only transfer a linear movement to it. parallel to the axial direction XX of actuation of the pump 12.

Also preferably, the axis of rotation 15b1 of the lever is arranged in the plane passing through the axis of symmetry XX of the cartridge so that the force applied to the piston by the lever is applied uniformly to the cartridge C and, especially on pump 12.

Depending on the applications of the invention, it may be important to properly control the stroke of the piston to ensure that the full dose of product has indeed been delivered.

Thus, the piston must make it possible to activate the cartridge with the amplitude necessary for the pump to deliver its full dose as it should, and it must rise with a sufficient amplitude for the pump to be able to recharge in full.

Ensuring the second condition is not difficult, since it is enough to provide sufficient retraction of the piston.

Ensuring that you activate the entire pump can be trickier. Indeed, if an amplitude of movement greater than the stroke of the pump is provided, the piston locks when the pump comes to a stop, thus locking the cam. It is then the entire drive mechanism that can become blocked and damaged.

Having a piston stroke that exactly actuates the pump motion is also tricky, as production variations necessarily cause the ideal stroke to vary, whether on the pump side or the device side. There is therefore a significant risk of having a stroke amplitude that varies from 0.1 to 0.2 mm, which is sufficient to cause a significant error in the assay.

As illustrated in FIG. 9, the invention proposes to provide a piston stroke with an amplitude greater than the stroke necessary to fully activate the pump, and to add to each cartridge location a deformable part 18 (for example a spring or a well-sized elastically deformable part) under the pump, either directly or under the rigid casing when the cartridge includes one. This deformable part 18 constitutes an anti-crushing damper for the cartridge. It is chosen or shaped to be hard enough not to deform when the piston actuates the pump (actuating force of approximately 30N, for example), and to deform when the pump is in abutment and the piston continues to push the pump. cartridge, the force exerted F5 becoming greater than the actuating force of the pump, this part deforms and makes it possible not to block the movement of the cam. This part 18 deforms elastically, that is to say it automatically returns to its initial configuration when the force exerted is less than or equal to the actuation force. Either part 18 itself has an elastic structure, or it is associated with a spring 18a which exerts a return force F6.

Preferably, when the deformable part 18 is deformed, this can actuate a sensor (for example a microswitch or an optical sensor) making it possible to verify that the pump has indeed been actuated.

More generally, the dispenser according to the invention advantageously comprises a dose delivery control instrument making it possible to verify that the actuation of each pump (for example with a microswitch or an optical sensor) and/or to control the volume of fluid dispensed (e.g. with a load cell). Preferably, each cartridge location is equipped with such a dose delivery monitoring instrument.

Preferably, the control instrument making it possible to verify the actuation of each pump is arranged so as to detect a stroke of the actuation member. It is thus possible to ensure that the actuating member has indeed been activated.

Preferably, the control instrument making it possible to control the volume of fluid dispensed is a weight sensor arranged under a container intended to receive at least one dose of product.

To allow optimum operation of the distributor, and that each clutch mechanism can be activated in time, the engine comprises a reduction system capable of driving the transmission member at a speed such that half of the actuating members is activated per second. That is, the motor rotates at a speed of 0.5 Hz. Thus, it takes two seconds for all clutch mechanisms to have been able to be activated. In other words, an activation cycle of a pump takes a time of the order of one second.

The cartridges illustrated above simply consist of a reservoir 11 and a mechanical metering pump 12, and to operate the pump, it suffices to press on the bottom of the reservoir 11.

In some applications, it is desirable to prevent any actuation of the pump 12 when the cartridge is outside the dispenser. To this end, the cartridge may also comprise a rigid casing 19 for protecting the reservoir 11 and the pump 12. This embodiment is illustrated in FIGS. 10 to 12.

To allow actuation of the pump 12, the casing 19 comprises an outlet orifice 19a intended to be connected with the ejection orifice 12a of the pump 12, and at least one actuating orifice 19b intended to receive, in use, an actuating member of the location of the cartridge.

The actuating orifice 19b has a section smaller than a finger section of a three-year-old child, which prevents him from pressing on the tank with his fingers, even when these are thin, and from triggering manually the delivery of product contained in the tank.

In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 10 to 12, the actuating orifices 19b are slot-shaped to allow actuation of the cartridges in a second embodiment of the dispenser according to the invention, the principle of which is illustrated in Figures 13 at 17.

In this second embodiment of distributor 2 according to the invention, the transmission member is an eccentric cam 24 connected to the rotary output shaft 13a of the motor (or of the geared motor when the motor incorporates a reduction mechanism) (See Figures 15 to 17; the envelope 19 has not been shown in these figures for the sake of clarity).

Of course, a person skilled in the art is able to easily assess the size of the fingers of a three-year-old child, which is a reference used in a large number of international safety standards, for example in anti-entrapment systems. fingers from electric car windows (see for example Hohendorff et al., Annals of Anatomy 192 (2010) 156-161). This study shows that the average diameter of the finger of a three-year-old child is greater than 9 millimeters for the smallest phalanx of the little finger, and can go up to 15 millimeters for the index and middle fingers.

By way of illustrative and non-limiting example, the width of slot 19b (or the diameter of a cylindrical orifice for passage of actuating rods 35c1) is between 3 and 6 millimeters, typically of the order of 4 millimeters.

Further, the N slots E of cartridge C are also arranged radially around the eccentric cam 24 .

Each cartridge slot is provided with an actuating member comprising a lever 25 having an axis of rotation 25a arranged between a first end 25b of the lever, shaped to follow the eccentric cam, and a second end 25c of the lever, shaped to s insert into at least one stirrup 11a for actuating the mechanical metering pump carried by the reservoir 11. Preferably, as shown, the second end 25c of the lever is a bifid fork which is inserted into two stirrups 11a. This allows a good homogeneity of the application of the actuation force of the pump.

Each cartridge slot also comprises a clutch mechanism comprising a movable support 26 of the axis of rotation 25a of the lever 25, and a solenoid 27 arranged to control a movement of the movable support 26 of the axis of rotation of the lever between a engaged position and a disengaged position.

In the illustrated embodiment, the mobile support 26 is pivotally mounted on an axis 26a. When solenoid 27 pushes mobile support 26 in the direction of arrow F7, the latter pivots around axis 26a and raises first end 25b of lever 25.

In the disengaged position, illustrated in figure 15, the first end 25b of the lever is too low and cannot be driven by the eccentric cam 24.

If the cartridge C of the location illustrated must be activated, that is to say that the product it contains must be dispensed, the solenoid 27 switches to the engaged position (figures 16 and 17). The solenoid 27 pushes the mobile support 26 in the direction of the arrow F7 until the first end 25b of the lever 25 is sufficiently raised to be driven by the eccentric cam 24.

When the latter comes into contact with the first end 25b of the lever 25, it lifts it by force in the direction of the arrow F8. The lever then pivots around its axis 25a and the second end 25c of the lever lowers in the direction of the arrow F9. The pump 12 being in abutment against the frame 20 of the distributor 2, the movement of the reservoir 11 driven downwards by the second end 25c of the lever, engaged in the stirrups 11a, actuates the pump and ejects a dose of the product contained in the reservoir. .

As in all embodiments of the present invention, the solenoids of each location are controllable independently of each other by the central unit of the dispenser, so that each cartridge can be engaged or disengaged independently of the others.

Figures 18 to 21 illustrate a third embodiment of a vending machine according to the invention.

In this embodiment, the transmission member is a transmission toothed wheel 34 connected to the rotary output shaft 13a of the motor, and the N cartridge slots are arranged radially around the transmission toothed wheel 34.

Each cartridge slot is provided with an actuating member comprising a cylindrical cam 35, for example helical, provided on the one hand with a toothed drive wheel 35a and on the other hand with a follower member 35b connected to a piston 35c for actuating the cartridge in translation.

Each cartridge location is also provided with a clutch mechanism which comprises a toothed clutch wheel 36 mounted to move between an engaged position and a disengaged position, and a solenoid 37 arranged to control a translation of the toothed clutch wheel between the engaged position and the disengaged position.

Figure 18 illustrates the disengaged position, in which the clutch toothed wheel 36 is disengaged from the drive toothed wheel 35a of the cam 35 and from the transmission toothed wheel 34 of the motor 13.

If the cartridge in the location shown must be activated, i.e. the product it contains must be dispensed, the solenoid 37 switches to the engaged position (FIGS. 19 to 21). The solenoid 37 pulls the clutch toothed wheel 36 in the direction of the arrow F10 until the clutch toothed wheel 36 engages in the transmission toothed wheel 34 of the motor 13 then in the cam drive 35a (FIG. 19).

The rotation F1a of the motor is therefore transmitted to the toothed drive wheel 35a which begins to rotate in the direction of the arrow F11.

The toothed drive wheel 35a being integral with the cylindrical cam (here helical) 35, the latter also begins to rotate, so that the cam follower 35b slides along the cam 35 and descends in the direction of the arrow F12.

The cam follower 35b being integral with a piston 35c, the latter also descends and presses on the reservoir 11, thus crushing the pump 12 to eject a dose of product (figure 20).

The distributor can advantageously provide a reduction system to accelerate or, on the contrary, reduce the speed of rotation of the toothed drive wheel 35a of the cam relative to the toothed transmission wheel 34 of the motor 13

Figure 21 illustrates a variant in which the dispenser is used with cartridges comprising a rigid envelope 39 provided with actuation orifices 39a. In this variant, which is applicable to all embodiments of the invention with the exception of the second, the actuating orifice(s) 39a are arranged in the axial direction XX of actuation of the pump of the cartridge, in the bottom of the casing 39 facing the bottom of the tank 11.

In this case, the piston 35c comprises actuating rods 35c1 of suitable size such that the actuating rods 35c1 can be inserted into the actuating holes 39a. The actuating rods 35c1 are thus mounted movable in translation parallel to the axial direction XX of actuation of the pump. The actuating rods 35c1 thus push the bottom of the tank in the direction of the arrow F12 against the pump and allow the ejection of a dose of product. On the other hand, the rigid envelope 39 does not move.

Figures 22 and 23 illustrate a fourth embodiment of distributor 4 according to the invention.

In this embodiment, the transmission member comprises an endless screw 44 connected to the rotary output shaft 13a of the motor 13. The N cartridge slots are aligned along at least one parallel line (here two parallel lines) at the endless screw.

In addition to the endless screw 44, the transmission member comprises N toothed transmission wheels 44a (that is to say as many as cartridge slots), meshed in the endless screw 44.

Each toothed transmission wheel 44a comprises two flat faces and a toothed edge. Each toothed wheel 44a is provided, on a flat face, with at least one coupling pin 44b.

Each cartridge slot also comprises a cartridge actuating member comprising a cylindrical cam 45, for example helical, provided on the one hand with coupling fingers 45a and on the other hand with a follower member 45b connected to a piston 45c actuation in translation of the cartridge.

Each cartridge location also comprises a clutch mechanism comprising a clutch sleeve 46 comprising at least one orifice for receiving said at least one coupling pin 44b of the toothed transmission wheel 44a.

The clutch sleeve 46 is mounted guided in translation along the coupling fingers 45a of the cylindrical cam 45 between an engaged position and a disengaged position.

Each cartridge location also includes a solenoid 47 arranged to control a translation of the clutch sleeve 46 between the engaged position and the disengaged position.

The right part of figure 23 illustrates the disengaged position. In this position, the clutch sleeve 46 is disengaged from the coupling lugs of the transmission toothed wheel 44a.

When the cartridge must be activated, i.e. the product it contains must be dispensed, the solenoid 47 switches to the engaged position (left part of figure 23). The solenoid 47 lowers the clutch sleeve 46 along the coupling fingers 45a of the cam, until the coupling lugs 44b of the gear wheel 44a are inserted into the receiving holes of the clutch sleeve 46. Thus, the clutch sleeve engages both with the coupling fingers 45a of the cam 45 and with the coupling lugs 44b of the toothed transmission wheel 44a.

The rotation of the endless screw 44 is thus transmitted by the notched transmission wheel 44a, the coupling lugs 44b, and the coupling sleeve 46 to the coupling fingers 45a of the cam 45 which will also start rotating.

Cam follower 45b then slides along cam 45 and rises in the direction of arrow F13.

The cam follower 45b being integral with a piston 45c, the latter also rises and presses on the reservoir 11, thus crushing the pump 12 to eject a dose of product.

The dispenser can advantageously provide a reduction system to accelerate or, on the contrary, reduce the speed of rotation of the toothed transmission wheel 44a of each cartridge slot relative to the endless screw 44.

Figures 24 to 26 illustrate a fifth embodiment of a distributor 5 according to the invention.

In this embodiment, the motor associated with a transmission plate (not shown) provided with N actuating members (that is to say as many as cartridge slots) comprising an actuating finger 55 mounted in translation in the direction of activation XX of the mechanical metering pump of the cartridge in the slot.

According to the invention, each actuating finger 55 is retractable against a compressible spring 55a when it encounters an obstacle during translation.

In this embodiment, each of the N clutch mechanisms comprises a clutch plate 56 provided with an orifice 56a for passage of the actuating finger 55.

The clutch plate 56 is mounted to move in translation in a plane located between the cartridge reservoir and the retractable actuating finger 55, between an engaged position and a disengaged position, by a solenoid 57.

In the disengaged position, the passage orifice 56a and the actuating finger 55 are offset with respect to the direction of translation. In other words, the actuating finger is moved in translation in the direction Z1, while the axis of the passage orifice 56a is oriented in a direction Z2 parallel to the direction Z1, but offset with respect to Z1 (figure 24 ) so that the actuating finger 55 cannot pass through the passage orifice 56a.

When the actuating finger 55 is activated by the transmission plate and the clutch plate is in the disengaged position, the actuating finger will abut against the clutch plate and retract in the direction of the arrow F14 to do not block the distributor (figure 25).

When the cartridge must be activated, i.e. the product it contains must be dispensed, the solenoid 57 switches to the engaged position (figure 26). The solenoid 57 pushes (or pulls depending on the configuration) the clutch plate 56 in the direction of the arrow F15, until the passage orifice 56a and the actuating finger 55 are aligned in the direction of translation Z1. The actuating finger can then come into contact with the bottom of the cartridge reservoir (possibly through a rigid casing) and actuate the pump by pushing the reservoir in the direction of arrow F16.

In all the previous embodiments, the vending machine advantageously comprises a system for reading/writing an electronic chip carried by each cartridge, which allows it to know which product is in which location.

In a first variant, the chip stores at least one piece of information relating to the product contained in the cartridge. In this case, the dispenser being programmed to read the information stored in each chip, and allow the actuation of the corresponding cartridge if the product contained in the cartridge must be dispensed and block the actuation of the corresponding cartridge if the product contained in the cartridge should not be dispensed.

To this end, the central unit of the dispenser is programmed to control only the solenoid of the locations whose product contained in the cartridge must be dispensed to couple the transmission member and the actuating member.

Thus, the dispenser is programmed to refer to a dispensing prescription and can selectively actuate one or more cartridges depending on the product they contain.

The product type information allows the vending machine to identify the product contained, and to be able to adjust its dispensing program by avoiding a risk of human error when programming the machine, in particular in the positioning cartridges in the vending machine. Indeed, if the vending machine can contain several cartridges, identifying which product is in which slot is essential. Identifying them using the chip is more reliable than entering the information manually during installation. The fact that the information relating to the product contained is stored in the cartridge itself allows the user to place the cartridges in any free slots, the distributor determining alone the location of the various products.

In a second variant, alternatively or in combination with the first variant, the chip stores at least one serial number of the cartridge. In this case, the vending machine according to the invention comprises a connection to a remote information storage database via a communication network, and it is programmed to read the serial number in each chip, to connect to the base of remote data to consult the stored information corresponding to the serial number of each cartridge, then to adapt the actuation of the corresponding cartridge according to this information. It can advantageously be programmed to modify the information in the remote database to take into account the actuation or non-actuation of each cartridge.

In this variant as in the following ones, the dispenser programming includes a dispensing prescription, i.e. the quantity to be dispensed per dose, per period and per product. This prescription can be stored locally in a memory of the distributor, stored remotely in a database that can be consulted via a communication network, or read on a removable medium (smart card or NFC card type) by the distributor and possessed by each user. .

The unique identification number ensures the traceability of the product, from the supplier to the end user. The identification number also makes it possible to remotely consult a certain amount of information associated with this serial number in a remote database, in particular prescription information, usage history, maximum consumable quantity per period of the product. Thus, these data can be adjusted remotely by the prescribing professional, which allows the dispenser according to the invention to distribute doses updated in almost real time and which take into account the progress of the user.

In a third variant, alternatively or in combination with the first and/or the second variant, the chip advantageously stores information on the history of use of the cartridge that carries it.

In this case, the vending machine is programmed to read the usage history information stored in each chip, and adapt the actuation of the corresponding cartridge according to this information, by controlling only the solenoid of the slots whose product contained in the cartridge must be dispensed to couple the transmission member and the actuating member.

The dispenser CPU is also programmed to modify the cartridge usage history in each chip to account for any actuation of the cartridge.

By adapting the operation, it is understood that the system authorizes or not the actuation of a cartridge according to the historical information. For example, if the cartridge has already been activated within a given period of time (eg a 24 hour period), the system will prevent the cartridge from being activated.

The fact that the history information is stored in the cartridge itself prevents the user from circumventing the security system by placing the cartridge in question in another dispenser in the hope that the latter will deliver a dose of the product contained in this cartridge.

Preferably, in a fourth variant in combination with the third variant, the chip also stores information on the maximum consumable quantity per period of the product, for example information on the maximum consumable quantity per day of the product.

In this case, the vending machine system is programmed to read the information stored in the chip of each cartridge, to consult the usage history information, to only control the solenoid of the corresponding cartridge if the maximum consumable quantity per period of the product is not exceeded and to block the actuation of the corresponding cartridge if the maximum consumable quantity per period of the product is exceeded.

Advantageously, the dispenser can be programmed to compare the prescribed quantity with the maximum consumable quantity per period of the product. This makes it possible to secure the dosage by guaranteeing that the programming of the automatic dispenser is always adapted to the product contained in the cartridge.

Preferably, the dispenser is programmed to modify the history information in the chip to account for actuation of the cartridge.

Thus, the quantity of product in each cartridge is updated each time the cartridge is used by the vending machine, and ensures that the follow-up of the quantity of usable product is carried out even when used with several different machines.

Advantageously, this information can also be transmitted to the manufacturer or to the supplier by a communication network of the Internet type, which makes it possible to trigger the delivery of a replacement cartridge.

Preferably, each time a cartridge is inserted into a machine, the machine interrogates a dedicated database to find out whether this cartridge has already been used and what quantity of product remains in the cartridge.

The history of use of the machine, combined with the maximum consumable quantity of the product per day, makes it possible to secure the dosage by preventing too many dispensations from being carried out in a given period, which could lead to the dispensation of a dangerous amount of product. Storing this information directly on the cartridges avoids circumventing this restriction by using the cartridges in another machine.

The electronic chip therefore allows feedback and makes it possible to dynamically adapt the operation of the vending machine.

In a fifth variant, alternatively or in combination with one or more of the previous variants, the chip stores at least one item of information on the cartridge usage limit.

In this case, the dispenser is programmed to read the shelf life information stored in each chip, to control only the solenoid of the corresponding cartridge if the shelf life of the cartridge is not exceeded, and to blocking the actuation of the corresponding cartridge if the cartridge usage limit is exceeded.

This avoids the use of cartridges whose product is no longer suitable for consumption.

In a sixth variant, alternatively or in combination with one or more of the previous variants, the chip can store at least batch number information. In this case, the dispenser is programmed to read the lot number information stored in each chip, compare it with information contained in the remote database, and block the actuation of the corresponding cartridge if the corresponding lot number presents a manufacturing defect.

The vending machine according to the invention is therefore capable of dispensing several different combinations of fluid products each contained in a different cartridge, since it allows selective activation of the cartridges.

In addition, the dispenser according to the invention allows precise dosing by a reproducible mechanical action of the dispenser on the cartridges.

Thanks to the use of a single motor and low-power linear actuators, the dispenser according to the invention is simple, economical and space-saving.

In addition, it is versatile, that is to say that the mechanism according to the invention can be adapted to the shape and/or the design of the cartridges. In other words, the mechanism of the dispenser according to the invention is not dependent on the shape of the cartridges, provided that these are equipped with a reservoir equipped with a mechanical metering pump.

The system according to the invention makes it possible to adapt to all mechanical metering pumps, in particular to the different stroke amplitudes necessary to actuate the pumps. Indeed, depending on the volume dispensed, the pumps have different actuation strokes. For example, for a given type of pump, a pump delivering a volume of 1 milliliter requires a stroke of 7.5 millimeters, while a pump delivering a volume of 2 milliliters requires a stroke of 12 millimeters. The system according to the invention can therefore be easily dimensioned according to the distribution volume of the pumps used.

Claims (22)

Automatic dispenser (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) for fluid products contained in cartridges, characterized in that it comprises:
- a frame (10) provided with N slots (E) for cartridges (C) of products each provided with a reservoir (11) and a mechanical metering pump (12) activatable in an axial direction (XX) of actuation, N being an integer greater than or equal to 2;
- a motor (13) provided with a rotary output shaft (13a) capable of generating an actuating force for the mechanical metering pump (12) of the cartridges (C);
- a transmission member (14, 14a, 24, 34, 44) of the force generated by the motor with N actuating members (15, 25, 35, 45, 55) of the mechanical metering pump (12) of the cartridges (VS);
- N clutch mechanisms (16), each comprising a clutch member (16a, 26, 36, 46, 56) reversibly activatable by a linear actuator (17, 27, 37, 47, 57), each mechanism clutch being arranged to couple or uncouple the transmission member (14, 14a, 24, 34, 44) and an actuating member (15, 25, 35, 45, 55);
- a central unit programmed to selectively actuate each linear actuator (17, 27, 37, 47, 57) according to a determined preparation instruction of a mixture. A vending machine according to claim 1, wherein the or each linear actuator (17, 27, 37, 47, 57) is a solenoid. Automatic dispenser according to any one of claims 1 or 2, further comprising a dose delivery control instrument making it possible to verify the actuation of each pump and/or to control the volume of fluid dispensed. Automatic dispenser according to Claim 3, in which the control instrument making it possible to check the actuation of each pump is arranged so as to detect a stroke of the actuation member. Automatic dispenser according to Claim 3, in which the control instrument making it possible to control the volume of fluid dispensed is arranged under a container intended to receive at least one dose of product. Vending machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5, in which each cartridge slot comprises a cartridge anti-crushing damper (18). A vending machine according to any of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a motor speed control system. Automatic dispenser according to any one of Claims 1 to 7, in which the transmission member (14) is a cylindrical cam (14a) connected to the rotary output shaft (13a) of the motor (13), the N locations (E) of cartridge (C) being arranged radially around the cylindrical cam (14a), each location (E) of cartridge (C) being provided:
- an actuating member comprising:
• a translation actuation piston (15a) of the mechanical metering pump (12) of the cartridge (C),
• a lever (15b) pivotally mounted on the actuating piston (15a) by an axis of rotation (15b1) arranged between a first end (15b2) of the lever shaped to follow the cylindrical cam (14a), and a second end ( 15b3) of the lever (15b); And
- a clutch mechanism comprising:
• a stop finger (16a) pivotally mounted between an engaged position in which the second end (15b3) of the lever (15b), the axis of rotation (15b1) of the lever (15b) and the stop finger (16a) are coplanar, and a disengaged position, in which the second end (15b3) of the lever (15b), the axis of rotation (15b1) of the lever (15b) and the stop finger (16a) are non-coplanar;
• a solenoid (17) arranged to control the pivoting of the stop finger (16a) between the engaged position and the disengaged position. Automatic dispenser according to any one of Claims 1 to 7, in which the transmission member is an eccentric cam (24) connected to the rotary output shaft (13a) of the motor, the N slots (E) of cartridge ( C) being arranged radially around the eccentric cam (24), each location (E) of cartridge (C) being provided with:
- an actuating member comprising a lever (25) pivotally mounted by an axis of rotation (25a) arranged between a first end (25b) of the lever (25) shaped to follow the eccentric cam (24), and a second end (25c) of the lever (25) shaped to fit into at least one actuating yoke (11a) of the mechanical metering pump (12) carried by the cartridge (C); And
- a clutch mechanism comprising:
• a movable support (26) of the axis of rotation (25a) of the lever (25);
• a solenoid (27) arranged to control a movement of the movable support (26) of the axis of rotation (25a) of the lever (25) between an engaged position in which the first end (25b) of the lever (25) can be driven by the eccentric cam (24) to generate a pivoting of the lever (25) around its axis of rotation (25a), and a disengaged position in which the first end (25b) of the lever (25) cannot be driven by the eccentric cam (24). Automatic dispenser according to any one of Claims 1 to 7, in which the transmission member is a toothed transmission wheel (34) connected to the rotary output shaft (13a) of the motor (13), the N slots ( E) of cartridge (C) being arranged radially around the toothed transmission wheel (34), each slot (E) of cartridge (C) being provided with:
- an actuating member comprising a cylindrical cam provided on the one hand with a toothed drive wheel and on the other hand with a follower member connected to an actuating piston in translation of the cartridge; And
- a clutch mechanism comprising:
• a toothed clutch wheel mounted to move between an engaged position in which the toothed clutch wheel engages in the toothed wheel for driving the cam and in the toothed wheel for transmitting the engine, and a disengaged position, in which the clutch toothed wheel is disengaged from the cam drive toothed wheel and the engine transmission toothed wheel;
• a solenoid arranged to control a translation of the toothed clutch wheel between the engaged position and the disengaged position. Automatic dispenser according to any one of Claims 1 to 7, in which the transmission member comprises a worm screw connected to the rotary output shaft of the motor, the N slots (E) of the cartridge (C) being aligned according to at least one line parallel to the endless screw (44), and each location (E) of cartridge (C) being provided with:
- a toothed transmission wheel (44a) meshed in the endless screw (44) and provided, on a flat face, with at least one coupling lug (44b);
- an actuating member comprising a cylindrical cam (45) provided on the one hand with coupling fingers (45a) and on the other hand with a follower member (45b) connected to an actuating piston (45c) in translation of the cartridge (C);
- a clutch mechanism comprising:
• a clutch sleeve (46) comprising at least one orifice for receiving said at least one coupling pin (44b) of the toothed wheel (44a), the clutch sleeve (46) being mounted guided in translation along the coupling fingers (45a) of the cylindrical cam (45) between an engaged position in which said at least one coupling lug (44b) of the notched transmission wheel (44a) is inserted into said at least one sleeve receiving orifice clutch (46), and a disengaged position, in which the clutch sleeve (46) is disengaged from said at least one coupling pin (44b) of the toothed transmission wheel (44a);
• a solenoid (47) arranged to control a translation of the clutch sleeve (46) between the engaged position and the disengaged position. Automatic dispenser according to any one of Claims 1 to 7, in which each slot (E) of cartridge (C) is provided with:
- an actuating member comprising an actuating finger (55) mounted in translation in a direction of translation (Z1), and retractable against a compressible spring (55a); And
- a clutch mechanism comprising:
• a clutch plate (56) provided with a passage orifice (56a) of the actuating finger (55) and mounted movable in translation between an engaged position in which the passage orifice (56a) and the finger d actuation (55) are aligned in the direction of translation (Z1), and a disengaged position in which the passage orifice (56a) and the actuation finger (55) are offset with respect to the direction of translation (Z1 );
• a solenoid (57) arranged to control the translation of the clutch plate (56) between the engaged position and the disengaged position. Automatic dispenser according to any one of Claims 1 to 12, in which the motor drives the transmission member at a speed such that half of the actuating members can be activated per second. Automatic dispenser according to any one of Claims 1 to 13, in which each slot (E) of cartridge (C) is provided with a cartridge (C) comprising:
- a fluid reservoir (11) provided with a mechanical metering pump (12) that can be activated in an axial direction (XX) of actuation and having a product ejection orifice (12a), and
- a rigid casing (19, 39) for protecting the tank (11) and the pump (12), the rigid casing (19, 39) comprising an outlet orifice (19a) intended to be connected with the orifice of ejection (12a) of the pump (12), and at least one actuation orifice (19b, 39a) intended to receive, in use, an actuation member (25, 35c1) of the location (E) of cartridge (C), said at least one actuation orifice (19b, 39a) having a cross-section smaller than a three-year-old child's finger. A vending machine according to claim 14 when dependent on claim 9, wherein said at least one actuation orifice (19b) is slot-shaped and is intended to receive, in use, the second end (25c) of the lever (25), the tank (11) being provided with at least one stirrup (11a) intended to be engaged by the second end (25c) of the lever (25). Automatic dispenser according to Claim 14, in which the actuating member (35c1) of each location (E) of cartridge (C) is mounted so as to be able to move in translation parallel to the axial direction (XX) of actuation of the pump (12 ) of the cartridges (C), and intended to be inserted into an actuation orifice (39a) of the casing (39) of the cartridge, the actuation orifice (39a) being arranged in the axial direction (XX) actuation relative to the pump (12) of the cartridge (C). Automatic dispenser according to any one of Claims 1 to 16, further comprising a system for reading/writing an electronic chip carried by each cartridge. Vending machine according to claim 17, comprising a connection to a remote information storage database via a communication network, and in which the chip of each cartridge stores at least a serial number of the cartridge, the central unit of the dispenser being programmed to read the serial number in each chip, connect to the remote database to consult the stored information corresponding to the serial number of each cartridge, control the solenoid of each cartridge location according to this information and modify this information in the remote database to account for the actuation of each cartridge. Vending machine according to any one of claims 17 or 18, in which the chip stores at least one item of information relating to the product contained in the cartridge, the central unit of the dispenser being programmed to read the information stored in each chip, and to control only the solenoid of the slots from which the product contained in the cartridge must be dispensed to couple the transmission member and the actuating member. Vending machine according to any one of Claims 17 to 19, in which the chip stores at least information on the history of use of the cartridge, the central unit of the distributor being programmed to read the information stored in each chip, to order only the solenoid of the slots from which the product contained in the cartridge is to be dispensed to couple the transmission member and the actuating member, and modify the cartridge usage history in each chip to take into account the cartridge actuation. Vending machine according to claim 20, in which the chip further stores information on the maximum consumable quantity per period of the product, the central unit of the distributor being programmed to read the information stored in each chip, consult the historical information of use, only control the solenoid of the corresponding cartridge if the maximum consumable quantity per period of the product is not exceeded and block the actuation of the corresponding cartridge if the maximum consumable quantity per period of the product is exceeded. Vending machine according to any one of Claims 17 to 21, in which the chip stores at least one piece of information on the time limit for use of the cartridge, the central processing unit of the machine being programmed to read the information on the time limit for use stored in each chip, controlling only the solenoid of the corresponding cartridge if the cartridge life limit is not exceeded, and blocking the actuation of the corresponding cartridge if the cartridge life limit is exceeded .