FR3112130A1 - Autonomous fluid dispenser device - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention proposes a device for dispensing a fluid product 10, of the hydroalcoholic solution type, comprising a reservoir 1 capable of storing said product 10 and in fluid communication with a dispensing head 30, the drawing of the product 10 being carried out by pressure. Said reservoir 1 has two chambers, with a product chamber 8 connected to said dispensing head 30, and a pressurized gas chamber 7 connected to means for supplying pressurized gas. The two chambers are separated by a deformable membrane. This device comprises means for controlling the distribution of the product 10 associated with a detection system 15 of a request for the product 10, the detection actuating the distribution of the product 10. Figure for the abstract: Figure 1

Description

Autonomous fluid product dispensing device

Technical field of the invention

The invention relates to a device for dispensing a fluid product, of the hydroalcoholic solution or disinfectant solution type.

Any other type of fluid product can be envisaged within the scope of the present invention. For example food products, cosmetics or other cleaning products.

This type of hydroalcoholic solution or gel is particularly suitable for disinfecting hands, and also for disinfecting surfaces exposed to the public. This type of solution has long been used in medical settings. At present, following the COVID 19 pandemic situation, and the request to secure all places frequented by the public, this type of solution is now used in schools, colleges, high schools, in all sales areas (store, supermarket, bar, restaurant), in all places open to the public (museum, administration, etc.), in all businesses, and during all events bringing together the public (stadium, concert, etc.).

All these places must have a device for distributing this hydroalcoholic solution so that people entering these establishments can disinfect their hands when they enter, in order to continue to ensure daily hygiene conditions, at the end of this pandemic.

Technical background

We know the dispensers of fluid products, in the form of a bottle with a push button on which the user presses with one hand in order to recover a dose of product in the palm of his other hand.

The disadvantage with this type of dispenser is the multiplicity of direct contact with the hands of users, which promotes the multiplication of microbes on the surface of the push button.

In addition, these bottles are emptied quickly, and it is necessary to refill them several times a day.

And finally, these bottles are not always very stable when placed on tables. Also, it is common to see some bottles taped against a post at the entrance to the store, for example, so as to immobilize the bottle and so as to avoid cluttering the entrance to the store with a table.

The object of the present invention is to overcome the various drawbacks stated above, by means of a fluid product dispensing device, in the form of a mobile terminal, which allows easy and contactless dispensing of product, with a high capacity which allows the distribution of gel for several days in a row without the need to recharge the terminal and without power supply to be able to position the terminal at any strategic location.

The dispensing device according to the invention comprises a reservoir suitable for storing said product and in fluid communication with a dispensing head, the drawing of the product being carried out by pressure.

Said tank includes:

- an outer body;

- a product chamber for product storage provided with a product outlet connected to said dispensing head;

- a pressurized gas chamber with a gas inlet;

- a deformable membrane housed inside said body and arranged so as to delimit the product chamber relative to the gas chamber, said membrane being deformable so as to modify the volume of one chamber relative to the other chamber , the total volume of the two chambers remaining identical.

Such a double-chambered tank is known to generally store beer. It actually corresponds to a keg of beer under pressure.

This device also comprises means for supplying pressurized gas connected to the gas chamber of the reservoir.

Said device is mainly characterized in that it comprises means for controlling the distribution of the product associated with a system for detecting a demand for the product, the detection actuating the distribution of the product.

The main idea of this invention consists in diverting a barrel of beer, to put another fluid product in it, in this case a hydroalcoholic solution, and to integrate it into a more general dispensing device, which meets constraints in terms of hygiene, safety and method of distribution.

Indeed, hydroalcoholic solutions are generally made from ethanol. However, ethanol, when exposed to the sun for a long time and/or in contact with air, emits toxic vapours. In the case of a classic dispensing bottle, these vapors can escape through the dispensing head, thus causing unpleasant odors and an alteration of the product contained in the bottle. The use of a pressurized double-chamber drum avoids any contact between the product stored inside the drum and the outside air, thus avoiding ethanol vapors. Likewise, the gas inside the gas chamber cannot come into contact with the product contained in the product chamber, which helps to avoid ethanol vapors and preserve the integrity of the long term product.

The use of such a drum also responds to an environmental problem, in that it is possible to refill it with product in order to reduce packaging waste. This barrel, of large capacity, for example 10 liters, or 20 liters, or more, avoids the multiple purchase of rickshaw bottles and various and varied sprayers. The dispensing device thus offers great autonomy. It is possible to provide a deposit system for barrels, and to organize a collection of used barrels to refill them, and to guarantee the sorting of waste.

The detection system activates the dispensing of a dose of product. This precise dose is managed by the distribution control means. This prevents certain malicious people from using the dispenser for a long time. In addition, the delivery of an accurate dose avoids product waste.

This distribution device works by drawing thanks to pressurized gas supply means connected to the gas chamber. Thus, this dispensing device does not need a motor, to be electrically connected or to have batteries to ensure the draw. Consequently, this distribution device can be installed anywhere, unlike an electrical distribution device which requires a power source nearby. The dispensing device is therefore autonomous and durable.

According to the different embodiments of the invention, which may be taken together or separately:

- Said means for controlling the distribution of the product consist of a solenoid valve placed at the outlet of the reservoir and controlled by a control unit.

- Said control unit consists of an electronic card powered by a battery.

- the dispensing device comprises a product feed pipe extending between the outlet of the product chamber and a nozzle belonging to the dispensing head.

- the product request detection system is contactless, of the infrared motion detector type: this avoids users having to touch an element of the device to obtain the delivery of a dose of product. This is advantageous from a hygienic point of view

- the dispensing device is locked in a public operating mode by default, with a predefined dispensing time delay the predefined time delay makes it possible to obtain a predefined dose of product at the output, suitable for hand washing.

- the dispensing device comprises unlocking means tilting it into a professional mode of operation with a free dispensing delay authorized by the control means: this makes it possible to dispense a larger dose of product, so as to to be able for example to fill a small portable bottle, used for the disinfection of surfaces for example, or that the user can carry in his personal bag. As long as the device is unlocked, dispensing takes place. The timing is therefore free. Dispensing stops as soon as the dispensing device is locked again.

- said unlocking means consist of an RFID system which, when activated, communicates with the control means to authorize the free dispensing timer.

- said RFID system comprises an RFID transmitter located within the device and able to communicate with a radio tag which, when it approaches the transmitter, triggers the sending of a signal by the transmitter to the 'control unit.

- said pressurized gas supply means consist of a cylinder of compressed gas, of the CO2 type, connected to the inlet of the gas chamber via a gas supply pipe, a gas pressure reduction system , of the regulator type, being provided at this gas supply pipe: the distributor operates within an amplitude of between 0.5 and 1.5 bars preferably.

- said tank is equipped with a valve head performing the junction between the product outlet and the product supply line, and performing the junction between the gas inlet and the gas supply line: this valve head valve allows drilling of the tank.

- Said valve head comprises a safety valve.

- the device comprises a frame housing the reservoir, the gas supply means, and the distribution control means.

- said dispensing head has a first end fixed to the frame and a second end comprising said nozzle, the product supply line traversing this dispensing head and opening into the nozzle.

- the product request detection system is integrated into said dispensing head: thus when the user brings his hand closer to the nozzle, the detection system will detect it and trigger the activation of the dispensing of a dose of product.

- the device is autonomous: it does not require any electrical supply by connection or by battery.

Brief description of figures

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear during the reading of the detailed description which will follow for the understanding of which reference will be made to the appended figure in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic view of the dispensing device according to the invention.

Detailed description of the invention

FIG. 1 schematically represents the dispensing device according to the invention.

This device comprises a reservoir 1 with a double pocket, that is to say with 2 independent chambers, isolated from each other, and isolated from the outside air, and separated by a deformable flexible membrane 9.

This reservoir 1 has a rigid outer body 29 and a deformable inner membrane 9. A first chamber 7 is formed in the space defined between the body 29 and the membrane 9. A second chamber 8 is defined inside the membrane 9. The first chamber 7 surrounds the second chamber 8. In this case, the two chambers 7, 8 are concentric. Other types of configuration could be envisaged, for example a central membrane 9 which separates a first chamber defined between the membrane 9 and a first part of the body 29, from a second chamber defined between the membrane 9 and the rest of the body 29 , like a curtain.

In this case, the two chambers are juxtaposed and not concentric.

In all cases, the deformation of the membrane 9 leads to a modification of the volume of each chamber 7, 8. In this case, the increase in the volume of the first chamber 7 leads to the decrease in the volume of the second chamber 8, and Conversely.

In the present case, the first chamber 7 corresponds to the gas chamber and the second chamber 8 corresponds to the product chamber. The reverse would have been possible.

The tank 1 can have a capacity of 10 liters of product, 20 liters, or more. It is therefore a reservoir 1 of large capacity, unlike small bottles comprising between 25 and 100 milliliters of product for example.

Preferably, the product 10 consists of a hydroalcoholic solution used for the rapid antisepsis of the hands and surfaces in general. Such a solution has bactericidal, virucidal and fungicidal properties. This solution contains ethanol and has a more liquid texture than the gel. The product 10 is contained in the product chamber 8, which is isolated from the air so as to avoid any risk of alteration of the product 10, and any risk of emanation of ethanol vapor outside the device of distribution.

This dispensing device can operate with any other type of fluid product. For example food products, cosmetics or other cleaning products.

The dispensing device according to the invention mainly comprises a part linked to the path of the gas, a part linked to the path of the product 10 until its distribution, and a control part with an electrical architecture. These three parts work together in a synchronized way.

The part linked to the gas comprises means for supplying gas under pressure connected to the gas chamber 7 of the tank 1. These means for supplying gas under pressure consist of a canister 2 of compressed gas, of the CO2 type, (gas inert), which makes it possible to send gas to the gas chamber 7 via a gas supply pipe 4. This pipe 4 is interrupted by a pressure regulator 3 which makes it possible to limit the pressure in the gas chamber 7 to 1.5 bars maximum, knowing that the tank supports 4 bars of pressure. A safety valve 5 is positioned between the gas chamber 7 and the pressure regulator 3, so as to avoid any overpressure within the gas chamber 7, which could thus cause the membrane 9 of the tank 1 to burst.

Indeed, the reservoir 1 operates within an amplitude of between 0.5 and 1.5 bars preferably.

The gas supply gas pipe opens into an outlet orifice 6 of the gas chamber 7.

The pressure in the gas chamber 7 is ensured by the CO2 cylinder 2. Preferably, it is a 6 kg carboy, which can be purchased commercially, and which ensures the pressure in about thirty 10-litre tanks 1 for example. The distribution device is therefore endowed with great autonomy.

The drilling of tank 1 is ensured by a valve head 28 known from the prior art. This valve head 28 makes it possible to make the connection between the gas supply pipe 4 and the gas inlet 6. The safety valve 5 is housed in this valve head 28.

This valve head 28 also makes it possible to make the connection between the outlet 11 of the product chamber 8 and a product supply line 13 to a distribution head 30.

The pressurized gas chamber 7 exerts pressure on the product chamber 8. Thus, when dispensing is authorized, a dose of product leaves the product chamber 8 under the effect of the pressure of the gas chamber 7. The release of a dose of product leads to a reduction in the volume of the product chamber 8, and the membrane deforms so as to increase the volume of the gas chamber 7 by the same amount thanks to a simultaneous injection of gas.

Means for controlling the distribution of the product 10 are located just downstream of the valve head 28. In this case, it is a solenoid valve 12 thus arranged at the outlet of the reservoir 1 and controlled by a control unit 20. This solenoid valve 12 makes it possible to let the product 10 pass or not to the dispensing head 30. It also makes it possible to control the flow rate of the product 10 which passes through this product supply pipe 13. The solenoid valve 12 is connected to the control unit via a wired connection 24.

These distribution control means are associated with a detection system 15 of a product request 10. This detection system 15 is preferably contactless, of the infrared motion detector type. Any other type of contactless detector can be used in the context of the present invention. The absence of contact to operate the dispensing device is very advantageous for the sake of hygiene and health standards.

For example, this detection system is located in the dispensing head 30, in the vicinity of a dispensing nozzle 14 into which the product feed pipe 13 opens. Thus, when the user brings his hand in the direction of the dispensing nozzle 14, the detection system detects the user's hand and sends a signal to the dispensing control means which thus make it possible to open the solenoid valve 12 to let a dose of product 10 pass which will thus be dispensed via the nozzle 14 in the hand of the user.

The product supply line 13 and the dispensing head 30 with the nozzle 14 constitute the part linked to the routing of the product 10.

The control part for its part comprises the solenoid valve 12 associated with the control unit 20, and the detection system 15 of the demand for product 10.

For example, the control unit 20 consists of an electronic card operating at low voltage, and powered by a battery 21 via the link 23. For example, it may be a large capacity rechargeable lithium battery 21. Any other type of battery 21 can be considered.

This control unit 20 delays the distribution of the product 10. It makes it possible to open the solenoid valve 12 and to close it after a certain period of time, in order to let a certain quantity of product 10 pass. Thus, the solenoid valve is opened for a predefined period, of the order of 0.5 seconds, or 1 second for example, in order to control exactly the dose of product at the outlet, of the order of 1mL, 3mL, or 4mL for example. There is thus a distribution delay predefined by the control means.

The dispensing device is locked in a so-called “public” mode of operation, with this predefined time delay. This is the default operating mode.

Advantageously, the dispensing device according to the invention can switch from public operation, so that users can disinfect their hands, to so-called "professional" operation, so that authorized personnel can have access to a larger volume. of the product 10 for the rapid filling of containers such as sprays, bottles, buckets, etc.

Consequently, to switch to professional operating mode, the device comprises means for unlocking the dispensing device, where the control means authorize a free dispensing time delay.

These unlocking means consist of an RFID system which, when activated, communicates with the control means to authorize the free dispensing timer.

The activation of this RFID system is done by a person authorized for professional use in possession of a badge 22, a card or another equivalent detection medium.

According to a possible example, the RFID system comprises an RFID transmitter 18 located within the device and able to communicate with a radio tag located on the badge 22 or other medium of a user. The RFID transmitter is connected to the control unit 20 via a wired link 27.

When the badge 22 approaches comes into contact with the transmitter 18, the latter triggers a signal intended for the control unit 20 to signal the need for an increase in the distribution delay. The device is thus unlocked, and switches to professional mode.

The authorized person can thus position the bottle to be filled under the nozzle 14.

Several types of operation can be envisaged.

According to a first possibility, as long as the person keeps the badge in contact with the transmitter 18, the distribution is activated, and the bottle is filled. When the badge is removed, solenoid valve 12 closes to stop dispensing. The device then automatically switches back to the public operating mode, with the dispensing device locked.

According to a second possibility, once the device is unlocked, the person can remove the badge, then upon receipt of a bottle presence detection signal by the detection system, the control unit 20 orders the solenoid valve 12 its opening, until the withdrawal of the bottle by the authorized person. As soon as the user removes the bottle, the detection system 15 detects it and sends a signal to the control unit 20 to order the stoppage of dispensing and close the solenoid valve 12. The device then automatically switches back to the public operating mode, which is the default operating mode, with the dispensing device locked.

As a safety measure, a safety timer can also be programmed, so as to stop dispensing and “lock” the dispensing device if the dispensing request is too long. If this delay is not long enough to fill the entire container, the authorized person can again badge the RFID transmitter 18 to again unlock the device and continue filling the container.

The opening time of the solenoid valve 12 is thus managed in such a way as to control the quantity of product at the outlet.

Other types of operation can be envisaged within the scope of the present invention.

Optionally, a buzzer 19 can be integrated into the device to signal to the authorized person that the triggering by the badge 22 has indeed been taken into account, at the time of unlocking. A sound is thus emitted when switching to the professional operating mode and emits a bib throughout the distribution ensured by the contact of the badge on the RFID transmitter.

Alternatively or cumulatively, the buzzer 19 can be configured to emit a noise at the end of the time delay, to signal the locking, therefore the switch to public operating mode.

This buzzer 19 is connected to the control unit 20 by the wired link 26.

This dispensing device physically corresponds to a mobile terminal, for example mounted on wheels 32 so as to be easily moved. It comprises a frame 17 housing the tank 1, the gas supply means, and the distribution control means.

Preferably, the frame 17 is made of stainless steel, or is preformed of polyethylene. It has at least one side with an access door for changing tank 1 and changing gas tube 2.

Dispensing head 30 has a first end fixed to frame 17 and a second end comprising said nozzle 14. Preferably, this dispensing head 30 extends from an upper face of frame 17.

The product supply pipe 13 runs through the entirety of this dispensing head 30 and opens into the nozzle 14. Any type of nozzle 14 can be used, so as to have any type of jet at the outlet. The product demand detection system 15 is integrated into the dispensing head 30. A wired connection 25 is provided between this detection system 15 and the control unit 20, and also runs through the entirety of the dispensing head. 30.

According to one possibility, this head 30 has a rectilinear section 16 of vertical appearance, therefore extending perpendicularly to the upper face of the frame 17, followed by a curved section incorporating the nozzle 14, like a mixer tap, so that the user can position his hand under the nozzle 14 and the product 10 dispensed falls on the user's hand. The detection system 15 is located in the vicinity of the nozzle 14 of distribution. Alternatively, the detection system 15 could be located in the rectilinear section 16 of the head 30, at the height of the nozzle 14. Preferably, the upper face of the frame 17 comprises a zone 31 slightly curved inwards, serving as recovery of excess hydroalcoholic solution at the time of distribution. This zone 31 is located under the nozzle 14 of distribution.

According to another possibility (not shown), the head 30 has a single rectilinear section of horizontal appearance, therefore extending in the plane of the upper face of the frame 17. The detection system 15 is located in the vicinity of the nozzle 14 of distribution. Preferably, the frame 17 comprises a cup for recovering the hydroalcoholic solution attached to a side face of the frame, and located under the nozzle 14 for dispensing.

The configuration shown in the figure is only one possible example, in no way limiting, of the invention which, on the contrary, encompasses the variants of shapes and designs within the reach of those skilled in the art.

Claims (15)

Device for dispensing a fluid product (10), of the hydroalcoholic solution type, comprising a reservoir (1) capable of storing said product (10) and in fluid communication with a dispensing head (30), the drawing of the product (10 ) being carried out by pressure, said tank (1) comprising:

• an outer body (29);
• a product chamber (8) for storing the product (10) provided with a product outlet (11) connected to said dispensing head (30);
• a pressurized gas chamber (7) provided with a gas inlet (6);
• a deformable membrane (9) housed inside said body (29) and arranged so as to delimit the product chamber (8) with respect to the gas chamber (7), said membrane (9) being deformable so as to modifying the volume of one chamber relative to the other chamber, the total volume of the two chambers remaining identical;

the device also comprising means for supplying pressurized gas connected to the gas chamber (7) of the tank (1), said device being characterized in that it comprises means for controlling the distribution of the product (10) associated with a detection system (15) of a request for a product (10), the detection actuating the distribution of the product (10). Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the said means for controlling the dispensing of the product (10) consist of a solenoid valve (12) arranged at the outlet of the tank (1) and controlled by a control unit (20). Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said control unit (20) consists of an electronic card powered by a battery (21). Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a product feed pipe (13) extending between the outlet (11) of the product chamber (8) and a nozzle (14) belonging to the distribution head (30). Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the system (15) for detecting a request for a product (10) is contactless, of the infrared motion detector type. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is locked in a public mode of operation by default, with a distribution delay predefined by the control means. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises unlocking means switching it to professional operating mode with a free dispensing delay authorized by the control means. Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said unlocking means consist of an RFID system (18,22) which, when activated, communicates with the control means to authorize the free dispensing timer. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the said pressurized gas supply means consist of a canister (2) of compressed gas, of the CO2 type, connected to the inlet (6) of the gas chamber (7) via a gas supply pipe (4), a gas pressure reduction system, of the regulator type (3), being provided at this gas supply pipe (4). Device according to the preceding claim when it depends on claim 4, characterized in that the said reservoir (1) is equipped with a valve head (28) forming the junction between the product outlet (11) and the supply line. supply of the product (13), and forming the junction between the gas inlet (6) and the gas supply pipe (4). Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the said valve head (28) includes a safety valve (5). Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a frame (17) housing the tank (1), the gas supply means, and the distribution control means. Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the said dispensing head (30) has a first end fixed to the frame (17) and a second end including the said nozzle (14), the product feed pipe (13) running through this distribution head (30) and opening into the nozzle (14). Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the system (15) for detecting a request for a product (10) is integrated into the dispensing head (30). Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is autonomous.