RU2788661C2 - Pump unit for dosing fluid product - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: dosing equipment.

SUBSTANCE: invention relates to dosing of fluid products, in particular, to a pump unit for dosing a fluid product. The pump unit for dosing a fluid product contains first and second peristaltic pumps 12, 14. First pump 12 contains first rotor 18 having at least one pressure element 20, first cylindrical stator 19, in which rotor 18 is made with the possibility of rotation, and first flexible tube 30 extending along a circumference around stator 19 opposite to first inner wall 19a. Second pump 14 contains second rotor 42 having at least one pressure element 46, second cylindrical stator 44, in which rotor 42 is made with the possibility of rotation, and second flexible tube 54 extending along a circumference around stator 44 opposite second inner wall 44a. Each first and second walls 19a, 44a have first and second radius r1, r2, respectively. Radius r1 is greater than radius r2, and at least one of stators 19, 44 is movable relatively to the other stator 19, 44.

EFFECT: invention is aimed at provision of dosing with a greater degree of accuracy.

32 cl, 15 dwg

Description

FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY TO WHICH THE INVENTION RELATES

The present invention generally relates to the dosing of fluid products and in particular to a pumping station for dosing a fluid product. Embodiments of the present disclosure relate in particular, but not exclusively, to the dispensing of relatively viscous liquids. Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a pumping unit for dispensing precise amounts of fluid product through the use of first and second peristaltic pumps having different diameters.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Peristaltic pumps are well known in the art and are generally used for pumping liquids. In a conventional peristaltic pump, a flexible tube is compressed between a stator and a rotor having one or more clamping elements, and fluid is forced through the flexible tube by a peristaltic action as the rotor rotates. Peristaltic pumps can be used in a variety of applications, and are especially useful when the fluid flow must be carefully dosed and where contamination of the fluid must be avoided. Peristaltic pumps are widely used in medicine, for example, for delivering intravenous (IV) fluids to a patient, and in food and drink applications, for example, for dispensing a predetermined amount of a beverage or beverage component such as a liquid flavor. Peristaltic pumps are also suitable for pumping viscous liquids.

It has previously been suggested, for example in US Pat. No. 7,997,448 B1, that the liquid can be dosed more precisely by means of a pump unit having at least two peristaltic pumps. In US Pat. No. 7,997,448 B1, the rotors of peristaltic pumps are coaxially aligned and driven by a single shaft using clutches, resulting in a complex and bulky device. The present disclosure seeks to provide an improved pumping unit, wherein the improvement in the pumping unit is to perform dosing with a greater degree of accuracy.

ESSENCE OF DISCLOSURE

According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a pumping unit is provided for dispensing a fluid product, the unit comprising:

- the first peristaltic pump, containing:

- the first drive rotor having at least one clamping element;

- the first cylindrical stator, in which the first rotor is rotatable, and the first stator has a first circumferential inner wall with a first radius;

a first flexible tube having an inlet side and an outlet side, the first flexible tube extending circumferentially around the first stator against the first inner wall;

- a second peristaltic pump, comprising:

- a second drive rotor having at least one clamping element;

- a second cylindrical stator, in which the second rotor is rotatable, the second stator having a second circumferential inner wall with a second radius;

a second flexible tube having an inlet side and an outlet side, the second flexible tube extending circumferentially around the second stator against the second inner wall;

wherein the first radius is greater than the second radius and at least one of the stators is movable relative to the other stator.

By providing a pumping unit in which the radius of the first stator is larger than the radius of the second stator, the first peristaltic pump can be operated to deliver a large amount of fluid product in a relatively short period of time, while the second peristaltic pump can be operated generally after operation has ceased. the first peristaltic pump to dispense smaller amounts of fluid product with a greater degree of accuracy.

Each of the first and second rotors may have an axis of rotation, and the axes of rotation may be substantially parallel to each other and may be spaced apart from each other. The first and second rotors may be intermeshable separate first and second external drives, whose axes of rotation may also be substantially parallel to each other and may be spaced apart from each other. By movably mounting at least one of the stators and hence the associated rotor relative to the other stator and associated rotor, the first and second rotors can be properly engaged with the first and second external drives. This eliminates the need for precise positioning and alignment of the first and second stators, and hence the first and second rotors, during the manufacture of the pump unit.

At least one of the stators may be movable towards or away from the other stator. At least one of the stators may be movable relative to the other stator in the same plane. The first and second stators may be coplanar. The first and second rotors may be coplanar.

The installation may include a pump casing.

At least one of the stators may be mounted on the pump housing or in the pump housing for movement relative to the other stator. The movement of at least one of the stators allows movement of the associated rotor and therefore ensures that the alignment and engagement of the rotors with the first and second external drives can be ensured.

Both stators can be mounted on the pump casing or in it with the possibility of movement relative to each other. Movement of both stators permits movement of the associated rotors and may further facilitate alignment and engagement of the rotors with the first and second external drives.

At least one of the stators may be formed by the pump housing, and the other stator may be mounted on or in the pump housing for movement relative to the pump housing. An arrangement in which at least one of the stators, namely the fixed stator, is formed by the pump housing can simplify the manufacture of the pump unit.

The first stator may be formed by the pump housing and the second stator may be mounted on or in the pump housing. With this arrangement, the larger diameter stator associated with the first peristaltic pump may be formed by the pump housing, while the smaller diameter stator associated with the second peristaltic pump may be mounted on or in the pump housing. Alternatively, the first stator may be mounted on or in the pump housing and the second stator may be formed by the pump housing. With this arrangement, the larger diameter stator associated with the first peristaltic pump may be mounted on or in the pump housing, while the smaller diameter stator associated with the second peristaltic pump may be formed by the pump housing.

The at least one movable stator may include a stator assembly which may be movable with respect to the pump housing. The installation may include holding means for holding the stator assembly on or in the pump casing, and the holding means may be configured to move the stator assembly relative to the pump casing. The provision of a movable stator in the form of a stator block can simplify the manufacture of the pump unit.

The pump casing may include first and second casing parts which can be movable relative to each other. The first and second stators may be formed by the first and second housing parts. In this arrangement, movement of the first and second housing portions allows the aforementioned relative movement of the first and second stators and their associated rotors to facilitate alignment and engagement of the rotors with the first and second external drives.

The first radius may be at least 20% larger than the second radius. The first radius may be at least 50% larger than the second radius. The first radius may be at least 100% larger than the second radius. The ratio of the first and second radii can be chosen to provide a compromise between the ability of the first pump, with its large radius, to dispense relatively large amounts of fluid product in a relatively short period of time, and the ability of the second pump, with its smaller radius, to dispense a smaller amount of fluid product with a greater degree of accuracy.

The first flexible tube and the second flexible tube may have the same diameter. Thus, the pumping characteristics of the first and second peristaltic pumps are determined exclusively by the different diameters of the first and second stators and their associated first and second rotors.

The diameter and, in particular, the inner diameter of the first flexible tube may differ and may be larger than the diameter of the second flexible tube by at least 20%. The diameter of the first flexible tube may be different and may be greater than the diameter of the second flexible tube by at least 50%. The diameter of the first flexible tube may differ and may be greater than the diameter of the second flexible tube by at least 100%. A larger diameter flexible tube may aid the ability of the first peristaltic pump with its large stator radius to dispense relatively large amounts of fluid in a relatively short period of time, while a smaller diameter flexible tube may aid the ability of the second pump with a smaller stator radius to dispense a smaller amount of fluid with greater accuracy.

The apparatus may include a first product outlet connector on the outlet side of the first flexible tube and may include a second product outlet connector on the outlet side of the second flexible tube. The first product outlet connector may have an outlet axis and the second product outlet connector may have an outlet axis. The outlet axes of the first and second product outlet connectors may be substantially parallel to the axes of rotation of the first and second rotors. The first and second product outlet connectors may be mounted on or in the pump housing and may be movable relative to the pump housing, for example in the same plane as the movable first and/or second stator. By movably mounting the first and second product outlet connectors with respect to the pump housing and therefore with respect to the first and/or second stators and the corresponding rotor(s), correct alignment of the first and second product outlet connectors with externally mounted interacting first and second inlet connectors product can be provided. A fluid tight connection between the first and second product outlet connectors and each of the respective externally mounted first and second product inlet connectors can be guaranteed, and damage or wear caused by misalignment can be avoided or at least minimized. Additionally, the movable mounting of the first and second product outlet connectors relative to the pump housing eliminates the need for precise positioning and alignment of the first and second product outlet connectors during pump assembly manufacture.

The first product outlet connector may comprise a tight fit connector and the second product outlet connector may comprise a tight fit connector. This connector form may be particularly suitable for use with external cooperating first and second product inlet connectors with a snug fit.

The first flexible tube may include a first product outlet on its outlet side, the second flexible tube may include a second product outlet on its outlet side, and wherein the first and second product outlets may be configured to dispense a fluid product directly into the container, or more precisely, into the total container. By dispensing fluid product directly from the first and second product outlets on the outlet side of each of the first and second flexible tubes, the need for external tubes (i.e., tubes that are not part of the pump unit) to perform the dosing operation is avoided, thereby eliminating the need to clean or disinfect the outer tube when it is used to dispense various fluid products.

The first product outlet and the second product outlet may have the same inside diameter. This may be advantageous in embodiments where the first and second flexible tubes have the same inside diameter.

The first product outlet and the second product outlet may have different inner diameters. This may be advantageous in embodiments where the first flexible tube and the second flexible tube have a different inside diameter.

The inside diameter of the first product outlet may be larger than the inside diameter of the second product outlet. This may be advantageous in embodiments where the inside diameter of the first flexible tube is larger than the inside diameter of the second flexible tube.

The inner diameter of the first product outlet may be larger than the inner diameter of the second product outlet by at least 20%, possibly at least 50%, and possibly at least 100%.

The first and second product outlets may comprise first and second metering nozzles, respectively. The first and second metering nozzles may comprise first and second metering needles, respectively.

The first and second outlets for the product can be mounted on a support. A plurality of said pumping units may be provided to form a pumping system, and the first and second product outlets of each of the pumping units may be mounted on a support to form a plurality of first and second product outlets which may be positioned to dispense fluid product directly into a common container. .

The pump units may comprise a single source of fluid, and the inlet side of the first flexible tube and the inlet side of the second flexible tube may each be in fluid communication with the single source of fluid. This provides a simple and convenient arrangement for dispensing fluid product from a single source of fluid product.

A single source of fluid product may include a reservoir of fluid product. The single source of fluid product may include an airtight flexible bag containing the fluid product.

A single source of fluid product can be installed on the pump housing in a removable manner. When the supply of fluid in the single source of fluid is depleted, it may be removed from the pump casing and a new source of fluid may be installed on the pump casing. With this arrangement, the depleted single source of fluid product can be removed while the pump housing and associated first and second peristaltic pumps are used for further dosing operations.

A single source of fluid product can be permanently installed on the pump casing. The single source of fluid product and the pump housing may be located in a container, which may be made of a rigid material such as corrugated cardboard. When the fluid product supply in the single fluid product source is depleted, the first and second rotors can be disconnected from the first and second external drives by removing the container. The interchangeable container containing the single source of fluid product and the associated pump housing can then be positioned so that the first and second rotors of the first and second peristaltic pumps are engaged with the first and second external drives.

The pump unit may include a first source of fluid product and a second source of fluid product that is not in fluid communication with the first source of fluid product. The inlet side of the first flexible tube may be in fluid communication with the first source of fluid product, and the inlet side of the second flexible tube may be in fluid communication with the second source of fluid product. This arrangement allows the fluid product to be dispensed from separate sources of fluid product. The first fluid product source and the second fluid product source may contain the same fluid product. The first fluid product source and the second fluid product source may alternatively comprise different fluid products.

The first fluid product source and/or the second fluid product source may comprise reservoirs for the fluid product. The first fluid product source and/or the second fluid product source may comprise airtight flexible bags.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Fig. 1a and 1b are schematic illustrations of a first embodiment of a pumping unit;

Fig. 2a-2d are schematic illustrations showing the movement of the stator block of the pump unit shown in figures 1a and 1b;

Fig. 3 is a schematic illustration of a second embodiment of a pumping unit;

Fig. 4 is a schematic illustration of a third embodiment of a pumping unit;

Fig. 5 is a schematic illustration of a fourth embodiment of a pumping unit;

Fig. 6 is a schematic illustration of a fifth embodiment of the pump unit;

Fig. 7 is a schematic illustration of a sixth embodiment of a pumping unit;

Fig. 8 is a schematic illustration of a seventh embodiment of a pump unit;

Fig. 9 is a schematic illustration of an eighth embodiment of the pump unit;

Fig. 10a and 10b are schematic illustrations of a first embodiment of the pumping unit shown in figures 1a and 1b in combination with a releasably connected single source of fluid product;

Fig. 11 is a schematic illustration of the first embodiment of the pumping unit shown in figures 1a and 1b in combination with a connected single source of fluid product;

Fig. 12 is a schematic illustration of a ninth embodiment of a pump unit; and

Fig. 13 is a schematic illustration of a ninth embodiment of the pump unit shown in FIG. 12 in combination with a connected single source of fluid product.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Referring initially to figures 1a and 1b, the pump unit 1 comprises a first peristaltic pump 12, a second peristaltic pump 14 and a pump housing 16.

The first peristaltic pump 12 includes a first rotor 18, usually formed from a molded, substantially rigid plastic material, and a first cylindrical stator 19, in which the first rotor 18 is rotatably mounted. The first rotor 18 includes a plurality of pressure elements 20 in in the form of arcuate protrusions 22 that are integral with the first spindle 24 and project radially outward therefrom, and which are evenly spaced around the circumference of the first spindle 24. In the illustrated embodiment, the first rotor 18 includes three arcuate protrusions 22, but should be understood that the first rotor 18 may include any suitable number of arcuate projections 22. It will also be understood that other types of pressing elements 20 may be used, such as rollers. The first spindle 24 includes a central drive bore 26 which can be engaged with a first external rotary drive 28a (FIGS. 10 and 11), such as an electric motor drive shaft.

The first peristaltic pump 12 includes a first flexible tube 30 which may be made from any suitable resilient plastic material such as polyvinyl chloride. The first flexible tube 30 has an inlet side 32 through which a fluid product, such as a viscous liquid, is supplied to the first peristaltic pump 12, and an outlet side 34 through which a fluid product is supplied from the first peristaltic pump 12. The inlet side 32 and the outlet side 34 are indicated relatively the normal direction of rotation of the first rotor 18 (clockwise in Fig. 1a). The inlet side 32 is connected to the first outlet port 38a of the exhaust manifold 38, and the outlet side 34 is connected to the first product outlet connector 40. First flexible tube 30 extends circumferentially around first cylindrical stator 19 against inner wall 19a, and inlet side 32 and outlet side 34 extend outwardly from first cylindrical stator 19 in a substantially radial direction.

The second peristaltic pump 14 includes a second rotor 42, typically formed from a molded, substantially rigid plastic material, and a second cylindrical stator 44 in which the second rotor 42 is rotatably mounted. The second rotor 42 includes a plurality of clamping members 46 in the form of arcuate projections 48 that are integral with and radially protrude from the second spindle 50 and that are evenly spaced around the circumference of the second spindle 50. In the illustrated embodiment, the second rotor 42 includes three arcuate projections 48, but it should be understood that the second rotor 42 may include any suitable number of arcuate projections 48. It will also be understood that other types of pressing elements 46, such as rollers, may be used. The second spindle 50 includes a central drive bore 52 that can be engaged with a second external rotary drive 28b (FIGS. 10 and 11), such as an electric motor drive shaft.

The second peristaltic pump 14 includes a second flexible tube 54 which may be made from any suitable resilient plastic material such as polyvinyl chloride. The second flexible tube 54 has an inlet side 56 through which a fluid product, such as a viscous liquid, is supplied to the second peristaltic pump 14, and an outlet side 58 through which a fluid product is supplied from the second peristaltic pump 14. The inlet side 56 and the outlet side 58 are indicated relatively the normal direction of rotation of the second rotor 42 (clockwise in Fig. 1a). The inlet side 56 is connected to the second outlet port 38a of the exhaust manifold 38, and the outlet side 58 is connected to the second connector 60 for product outlet. Second flexible tube 54 extends circumferentially around second cylindrical stator 44 against inner wall 44a, and inlet side 56 and outlet side 58 extend outwardly from second cylindrical stator 44 in a substantially radial direction.

The first cylindrical stator 19 has a first radius r1 and the second cylindrical stator 44 has a second radius r2. The first radius r1 is larger than the second radius r2, typically at least 20% larger. In addition, in the embodiment shown, the first flexible tube 30 has a diameter, and in particular an inner diameter, that is larger than the diameter, and in particular the inner diameter, of the second flexible tube 54. As explained earlier in the description, the different diameters of the first and second stators 19 , 44 and associated first and second rotors 18, 42 and possibly different diameters of the first and second flexible tubes 30, 54 of the first and second peristaltic pumps 12, 14 provide each of the pumps 12, 14 with different pumping characteristics. In particular, the larger first pump 12 with its larger diameter first flexible tube 30 is capable of delivering large amounts of liquid or other fluid product in a relatively short period of time, while the smaller second pump 14 with its second smaller diameter flexible tube 54 is able to deliver smaller amounts of liquid. or other fluid product, but with a higher degree of accuracy.

The first and second peristaltic pumps 12, 14 are coplanar, and in particular the first and second rotors 18, 42 are coplanar. The first and second stators 19, 44 are similarly coplanar. The first and second rotors 18, 42 have axes of rotation that are substantially parallel to and spaced apart from each other.

Pump housing 16 is typically formed from molded, substantially rigid plastic. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1a and 1b, the first stator 19, and in particular the first inner wall 19a, is formed by the pump housing 16 in the form of an annular groove 62a in the pump housing 16. The second stator 44 includes a stator block 64a which is mounted in an additional recess 66a in the pump casing 16 . The dimensions of the stator block 64a are slightly smaller than the dimensions of the recess 66a so that the stator block 64a can move laterally in the recess 66a and hence in the pump housing 16. This lateral movement allows the second stator 44 and its associated second rotor 42 to move relative to the first stator 19 and its associated first rotor 18 in the same plane as shown schematically in FIG. 2a-2d. The pump unit 1 includes holding means (not shown) for holding the stator block 64a in a recess 66a in the pump housing 16 while allowing the aforementioned lateral movement relative to the first stator 19.

Each of the first and second product outlet connectors 40, 60 has an outlet axis that is substantially parallel to the axes of rotation of the first and second rotors 18, 42. This allows the pump unit 1 and in particular the first and second rotors 18, 42 easy to engage and disengage from the first and second external drives 28a, 28b rotation. It also allows the pump unit 1, and in particular the first and second product outlet connectors 40, 60, to be engaged with the externally mounted first and second product inlet connectors 72a, 72b (FIGS. 10 and 11). In order to facilitate alignment of the first and second product outlet connectors 40, 60 with the externally mounted first and second product inlet connectors 72a, 72b, the first and second product outlet connectors 40, 60 are mounted in recesses 74a, 74b in the pump housing 16 which have larger diameter than the outer diameter of the respective connectors 40, 60 and which therefore allows the connectors 40, 60 to move laterally in the recesses 74a, 74b in the pump housing 16 in the same plane as the laterally movable second stator 44 and associated with it a second rotor 42 movable in the lateral direction.

Referring now to FIG. 3 shows a second embodiment of a pumping station 2 which is similar to the pumping station 1 described above with reference to Figures 1 and 2, and in which the respective elements are designated using the same reference numerals.

In the pump unit 2, the second stator 44, and in particular the second inner wall 44a, is formed by the pump housing 16 in the form of an annular recess 62b in the pump housing 16. The first stator 19 includes a stator block 64b which is mounted in an additional recess 66b in the pump casing 16 . The dimensions of the stator block 64b are slightly smaller than the dimensions of the recess 66b so that the stator block 64b can move laterally in the recess 66b and in the pump casing 16. This lateral movement allows the first stator 19 and its associated first rotor 18 to move relative to the second stator 44 and its associated second rotor 42 in the same plane. The pump unit 2 includes holding means (not shown) for holding the stator block 64b in a recess 66b in the pump housing 16 while allowing the aforementioned lateral movement relative to the second stator 44.

Referring now to FIG. 4, a third embodiment of the pumping station 3 is shown, which is similar to the pumping stations 1, 2 described above with reference to FIG. 1-3, and in which the respective elements are designated using the same reference numbers.

In the pump unit 3, the first stator 19 includes a stator block 64b which is mounted in an additional recess 66b in the pump casing 16 . The dimensions of the stator block 64b are slightly smaller than the dimensions of the recess 66b so that the stator block 64b can move laterally in the recess 66b and in the pump casing 16. The second stator 44 also includes a stator block 64a which is mounted in an additional recess 66a in the pump casing 16 . The dimensions of the stator block 64a are slightly smaller than the dimensions of the recess 66a so that the stator block 64a can move laterally in the recess 66a and in the pump housing 16 as described above. In this embodiment, it should be understood that the lateral movement of both stator blocks 64a, 64b in their respective recesses 66a, 66b allows the first and second stators 19, 44 and their associated first and second rotors 18, 42 to move relative to each other in the same plane. .

Referring now to FIG. 5 shows a fourth embodiment of the pumping station 4, which is similar to the pumping station 1 described above with reference to FIG. 1 and 2, and in which the respective elements are designated using the same reference numbers.

In the pump unit 4, the first stator 19, and in particular the first inner wall 19a, is formed by the pump housing 16 in the form of an annular recess 62a in the pump housing 16. The second stator 44 includes a stator block 64c which is mounted at the bent end of the pump housing 16 for lateral movement relative to the pump housing 16, as shown schematically by the arrows in FIG. 5. This lateral movement allows the second stator 44 and its associated first rotor 42 to move relative to the first stator 19 and its associated first rotor 18 in the same plane. The pump unit 4 includes holding means (not shown) for holding the stator block 64c in position at the end of the pump housing 16 while allowing the aforementioned lateral movement relative to the pump housing 16 and the first stator 19.

Referring now to FIG. 6, a fifth embodiment of the pumping station 5 is shown, which is similar to the pumping station described above, and in which the respective elements are designated using the same reference numerals.

In the pump unit 5, the pump housing 16 includes first, second and third housing parts 16a-16c. The first and second stators 19, 44, and in particular their respective first and second inner walls 19a, 44a, are formed by the first and second housing parts 16a, 16b in the form of annular recesses 62a, 62b in the first and second housing parts 16a, 16b. The first and second housing parts 16a, 16b are movably mounted on the third housing part 16c and are movable relative to each other in the same plane, as shown schematically by the arrows in FIG. More specifically, both the first and second body parts 16a, 16b are mounted on opposite ends of the third body part 16c by elastic supports 70a, 70b, which typically comprise an elastic material such as rubber. The first and second product outlet connectors 40, 60 are mounted on the third body portion 16c.

Referring now to FIG. 7, a sixth embodiment of the pumping station 6 is shown, which is similar to the pumping station 5 described above with reference to FIG. 6 and in which the respective elements are designated using the same reference numerals.

In the pump unit 6, the pump housing 16 includes first, second and third housing parts 16a-16c. The first and second stators 19, 44, and in particular their respective first and second inner walls 19a, 44a, are formed by the first and second housing parts 16a, 16b in the form of annular recesses 62a, 62b in the first and second housing parts 16a, 16b. The first product outlet connector 40 is mounted on the second housing portion 16b, and the second product outlet connector 60 is mounted on the first housing portion 16a.

The first, second and third body parts 16a-c are movably mounted relative to each other in the same plane on a frame or resilient support 90, which typically contains an elastic material such as rubber.

Referring now to FIG. 8, a seventh embodiment of the pumping station 7 is shown, which is similar to the pumping station 6 described above with reference to FIG. 7, and in which the respective elements are designated using the same reference numerals.

In the pumping unit 7, the pump casing 16 comprises the first to fifth casing parts 16a-16e. The first and second stators 19, 44, and in particular their respective first and second inner walls 19a, 44a, are formed by the first and second housing parts 16a, 16b in the form of annular recesses 62a, 62b in the first and second housing parts 16a, 16b. The first product outlet connector 40 is installed on the third body part 16c, and the second product outlet connector 60 is installed on the fourth body part 16d.

The body parts 16a-e are movably mounted relative to each other in the same plane on a frame or resilient support 90, which typically comprises a resilient material such as rubber.

Referring now to FIG. 9, an eighth embodiment of the pumping station 8 is shown, which is similar to the pumping station described above, and in which the respective elements are designated using the same reference numerals.

In the pumping unit 8, the pump casing 16 comprises first and second casing parts 16a, 16b. The first and second stators 19, 44, and in particular their respective first and second inner walls 19a, 44a, are formed by the first and second housing parts 16a, 16b in the form of annular recesses 62a, 62b in the first and second housing parts 16a, 16b. The first and second body parts 16a, 16b are movable relative to each other in the same plane on a frame or resilient support 90, which typically contains an elastic material such as rubber.

The first and second product outlet connectors 40, 60 are also independently movable relative to each other and relative to the first and second stators 19, 44 in the frame or resilient support 90.

Referring now to figures 10a and 10b, in the first example, the pump unit 1 is detachably connected to an airtight flexible package 80 containing a fluid product. In order to deliver a fluid product from the flexible package 80, the pump unit 1 may be initially located on the dosing device 82, as shown schematically in Fig.10a. During positioning, the central drive holes 26, 52 in the first and second spindles 24, 50 of the first and second rotors 18, 42 are engaged with the first and second external rotation drives 28a, 28b, respectively. Proper engagement of the first and second outer rotation drives 28a, 28b with the central drive holes 26, 52 is ensured by the fact that the second stator 44 and hence the second rotor 42 can move laterally relative to the first stator 19 and hence the first rotor. eighteen.

The first and second product outlet connectors 40, 60 are also engaged, respectively, with the externally mounted first and second product inlet connectors 72a, 72b during positioning of the pump unit 1 on the dosing device 82. As explained above, the alignment and engagement of the first and second product outlet connectors 40, 60 with the first and second product inlet connectors 72a, 72b is ensured by the fact that the first and second product outlet connectors 40, 60 can move laterally in the recesses 74a, 74b is enlarged in the pump housing 16.

After the pump unit 1 is placed on the dosing device 82, as shown in FIG. 10b, the flexible package 80 may be connected to the pumping unit 1 and in particular the outlet 84 of the flexible package 80 may be connected to the inlet port 38 c of the outlet manifold 38. The outlet manifold 38 ensures that the inlet side 32 of the first flexible tube 30 and the inlet side 56 of the second flexible tube 54 are simultaneously in fluid communication with the fluid product in the flexible bag 80. The flexible bag 80 can be installed in a rigid container 86, such as corrugated cardboard, but it will be understood that this is not strictly necessary.

Turning now to FIG. 11, in the second example, the pump unit 1 is connected to an airtight flexible package 80 containing a fluid product, as described above with reference to Figures 10a and 10b. In this second example, both the pump unit 1 and its associated flexible package 80 are located in a rigid container 86, which can also be formed from corrugated cardboard.

To deliver the fluid product from the flexible bag 80, the rigid container 86 is positioned on the dispenser 82, as shown schematically in FIG. 11. During positioning, the central drive holes 26, 52 in the first and second spindles 24, 50 of the first and second rotors 18, 42 are engaged with the first and second external rotation drives 28a, 28b, respectively. Proper engagement of the first and second outer rotation drives 28a, 28b with the central drive holes 26, 52 is ensured by the fact that the second stator 44 and hence the second rotor 42 can move laterally relative to the first stator 19 and hence the first rotor. eighteen.

The first and second product outlet connectors 40, 60 are also engaged, respectively, with the externally mounted first and second product inlet connectors 72a, 72b during positioning of the rigid container 86 on the dispenser 82. As explained above, the alignment and engagement of the first and second product outlet connectors 40, 60 with the first and second product inlet connectors 72a, 72b is ensured by the fact that the first and second product outlet connectors 40, 60 can move laterally in the recesses 74a, 74b is enlarged in the pump housing 16.

Referring now to FIG. 12 shows a ninth embodiment of the pumping station 9, which is similar to the pumping station 1 described above with reference to FIG. 1 and 2, and in which the respective elements are designated using the same reference numbers.

In the pump unit 9, the first and second flexible tubes 30, 54 include, respectively, the first and second product outlets 100, 102 in the form of first and second metering needles 104, 106 on their outlet sides 34, 58. The first and second metering needles 104 , 106 form a dispensing unit 108 which can be mounted on a support (not shown) by means of a mounting member 110 so that the first and second dispensing needles 104, 106 can dispense fluid product directly into a common container.

The first metering needle 104 has a diameter, and in particular an inner diameter, that is larger than the diameter, and in particular the inner diameter, of the second metering needle 106. It will be appreciated that the larger diameter first metering needle 104 is suitable for dispensing large amounts of a liquid or other flowable product for relatively short time during operation of the larger first pump 12 with its first flexible tube 30 of larger diameter, while the smaller diameter second dispensing needle 106 is suitable for dispensing smaller amounts of liquid or other fluid product, but with a higher degree of accuracy during operation of the smaller second pump 14 with its second flexible tube 54 of smaller diameter.

Turning now to FIG. 13, the pump unit 9 is connected to an airtight flexible bag 80 containing a fluid product in the same manner as described above with reference to FIG. eleven.

To deliver the fluid product from the flexible bag 80, the rigid container 86 is positioned on the dispenser 82, as shown schematically in FIG. 13. During positioning, the central drive holes 26, 52 in the first and second spindles 24, 50 of the first and second rotors 18, 42 are engaged with the first and second external rotation drives 28a, 28b, respectively. As explained above, the correct engagement of the first and second outer rotation drives 28a, 28b with the central drive holes 26, 52 is ensured by the fact that the second stator 44, and hence the second rotor 42, can move laterally relative to the first stator 19, and hence the first rotor 18.

The first and second flexible tubes 30, 54 preferably extend from the first and second pumps 12, 14 through the rigid container 86 and along the flexible package 80 so that they do not interfere with the engagement of the first and second external rotation drives 28a, 28b with the central drive holes 26 , 52. As noted above, the dispensing unit 108, comprising the first and second dispensing needles 104, 106, can be mounted on a support (not shown) by engaging the mounting member 110 with the support.

Although the exemplary embodiments have been described in the preceding paragraphs, it should be understood that various modifications may be made to these embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. Thus, the breadth and scope of the claims should not be limited by the exemplary embodiments described above.

Any combination of the features described above, in all their possible variations, is covered by this disclosure, unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise expressly contradicted by the context.

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, in the description and claims, the words "comprise", "comprising", and the like, are to be construed in an inclusive sense, as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; in other words, in the sense of "including but not limited to".

Claims (43)

1. Pumping unit for dosing a fluid product, while the pumping unit contains: - the first peristaltic pump, containing: - the first drive rotor having at least one clamping element; - the first cylindrical stator, in which the first rotor is rotatable, and the first stator has a first circumferential inner wall with a first radius; a first flexible conduit having an inlet side and an outlet side, the first flexible conduit extending circumferentially around the first stator against the first inner wall; - a second peristaltic pump, comprising: - a second drive rotor having at least one clamping element; - a second cylindrical stator, in which the second rotor is rotatable, the second stator having a second circumferential inner wall with a second radius; a second flexible conduit having an inlet side and an outlet side, the second flexible conduit extending circumferentially around the second stator against the second inner wall; where the first radius is greater than the second radius and at least one of the stators is movable relative to the other stator. 2. Pumping unit according to claim. 1, additionally containing a pump housing. 3. Pumping unit according to claim. 2, in which at least one of the stators is mounted on or in the pump housing for movement relative to the other stator. 4. Pumping unit according to claim 2 or 3, in which both stators are mounted on or in the pump housing for movement relative to each other. 5. The pumping unit according to claim 2 or 3, wherein at least one of the stators is formed by the pump housing and the other stator is mounted on or in the pump housing for movement relative to the pump housing. 6. Pumping unit according to any one of paragraphs. 2-5, in which at least one movable stator comprises a stator block movable relative to the pump housing. 7. Pumping unit according to claim 6, in which the installation includes holding means for holding the stator unit on or in the pump housing, and wherein the holding means is configured to move the stator unit relative to the pump housing. 8. Pumping unit according to any one of paragraphs. 2-7, in which the pump housing comprises first and second housing parts that are movable relative to each other, and the first and second stators are formed by the first and second housing parts. 9. A pumping station according to any preceding claim, wherein the first radius is at least 20% larger than the second radius. 10. A pumping station according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first radius is at least 50% larger than the second radius. 11. A pumping station according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first radius is at least 100% larger than the second radius. 12. A pumping station according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first flexible tube and the second flexible tube have the same internal diameter. 13. Pumping unit according to any one of paragraphs. 1-11, in which the first flexible tube and the second flexible tube have a different inner diameter. 14. Pumping unit according to claim 13, in which the inner diameter of the first flexible tube is larger than the inner diameter of the second flexible tube. 15. The pumping unit according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the inside diameter of the first flexible tube differs from the inside diameter of the second flexible tube by at least 20%. 16. Pumping unit according to any one of paragraphs. 13-15, in which the inner diameter of the first flexible tube differs from the inner diameter of the second flexible tube by at least 50%. 17. Pumping unit according to any one of paragraphs. 13-16, in which the inner diameter of the first flexible tube differs from the inner diameter of the second flexible tube by at least 100%. 18. A pumping unit according to any preceding claim, wherein the unit comprises a first product outlet connector on the outlet side of the first flexible tube and having a outlet axis, a second product outlet connector on the outlet side of the second flexible tube and having an outlet axis, wherein the outlet axis of the first and the second product outlet connectors are substantially parallel to the axes of rotation of the first and second rotors, and the first and second product outlet connectors are mounted on or in the pump housing and movable relative to the pump housing. 19. The pumping unit of claim 18, wherein the first and second product outlet connectors comprise push-fit connectors. 20. Pumping unit according to any one of paragraphs. 1-17, wherein the first flexible tube includes a first product outlet on its outlet side, the second flexible tube includes a second product outlet on its outlet side, and wherein the first and second product outlets are configured to dispense a fluid product directly into the container. 21. Pumping unit according to claim 20, wherein the first product outlet and the second product outlet have the same internal diameter. 22. Pumping unit according to claim 20, wherein the first product outlet and the second product outlet have a different internal diameter. 23. Pumping unit according to claim 22, wherein the inside diameter of the first product outlet is larger than the inside diameter of the second product outlet. 24. Pumping unit according to any one of paragraphs. 20-23, in which the first and second product outlets contain, respectively, the first and second metering nozzles. 25. The pumping unit of any preceding claim, further comprising a single source of fluid, wherein the inlet side of the first flexible tube and the inlet side of the second flexible tube are each in fluid communication with the single source of fluid. 26. The pumping unit of claim 25, wherein the single source of fluid product comprises a reservoir of fluid product. 27. The pumping unit of claim 25, wherein the single source of fluid product comprises an airtight flexible bag containing the fluid product. 28. Pumping unit according to any one of paragraphs. 1-24, further comprising a first fluid product source and a second fluid product source not in fluid communication with the first fluid product source, wherein: the inlet side of the first flexible tube is in fluid communication with the first source of fluid product; as well as the inlet side of the second flexible tube is in fluid communication with the second source of fluid product. 29. The pumping unit of claim 28, wherein the first fluid source and the second fluid source contain the same product. 30. The pumping unit of claim 28, wherein the first fluid source and the second fluid source contain different products. 31. Pumping unit according to any one of paragraphs. 28-30, wherein the first fluid product source and/or the second fluid product source comprise fluid product reservoirs. 32. Pumping unit according to any one of paragraphs. 28-30, wherein the first fluid product source and/or the second fluid product source comprises airtight flexible bags.

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