WO2012131043A1

WO2012131043A1 - Module for bringing a first product present in a container into contact with a second product, device and associated process

Info

Publication number: WO2012131043A1
Application number: PCT/EP2012/055801
Authority: WO
Inventors: Enric Santanach Carreras; Yan PAFUMI
Original assignee: Capsum
Priority date: 2011-03-31
Filing date: 2012-03-30
Publication date: 2012-10-04
Also published as: FR2973356B1; FR2973356A1

Abstract

This module (16) comprises a hollow body (60) delimiting a main channel (64) for circulation of the first product (14), the main channel (64) having an upstream opening (82) intended to be introduced into a volume of first product (14), and a downstream opening (84) intended to be connected to a mechanism (20) for dispensing the first product. The body (60) comprises a mixer (68) positioned in the main channel (64) and defines a reservoir (62) containing the second product (14), and an auxiliary channel (66) opening into the main channel (64) at a branch connection point (69). The main channel (64) is clear over its entire length between the upstream opening (82) for introducing the first product and the branch connection point (69).

Description

Module for bringing a first product in a container into contact with a second product, device and associated method

The present invention relates to a contacting module for a first product present in a container, with a second product, the module being of the type comprising:

a hollow body delimiting a main circulation channel of the first product, the main channel having an upstream opening intended to be introduced into a volume of first product, and a downstream opening intended to be connected to a distribution mechanism of the first product, the body comprising a mixer arranged in the main channel,

- The body defining at least one reservoir containing the second product, and at least one auxiliary channel opening into the main channel at a stitching point.

Such a module is intended to be inserted into a conventional dispensing device comprising a container and a dispensing mechanism, such as a bottle provided with a pump, an aerosol or any other device.

The first product is for example formed of submillimetric size capsules dispersed in a continuous phase. Such capsules generally comprise a liquid body encapsulated in a gelled envelope. These capsules are used in many technical fields.

Thus, in the food industry, such capsules are used to contain various additives that improve the properties of a food product, such as its taste, or its shelf life.

In the pharmaceutical industry or in the cosmetic industry, the aforementioned capsules are in particular filled with biologically or cosmetically active products. They are used in particular to protect their contents and control the release of the product they contain.

Such capsules are also used in biochemical applications to immobilize cells in bioreactors or as artificial cells in implants.

In all these applications, the capsule casings are generally formed of a biocompatible material with the human body. For this purpose, it is known to form the shell with polymers such as polysaccharides, which are biocompatible, biodegradable and in most cases non-toxic. These polymers can advantageously pass from a liquid state in solution to a substantially more viscous to form a gel ensuring mechanical retention of the liquid contained in the capsule.

Such capsules can be dispensed from a vial by opening the vial and using a sampling tool.

However, in some cases, particularly in the cosmetics field, it is advantageous to dispense a product present in a container using a dispensing mechanism comprising a pump or an aerosol.

Thus, the dispensed product is projected onto a keratinous surface. However, generally commercially available pump dispensing devices are not suitable for dispensing capsules. In particular, it is necessary to break the capsules to release the product they contain at the time of distribution, otherwise the device becomes unusable.

However, no suitable device exists to perform such an operation. For example, WO-97/27947 discloses a dispensing device comprising a module of the aforementioned type. This device makes it possible to mix and distribute two separate products initially contained in the device.

However, the presence of non-return valves limits the type of products that can be dispensed using the dispensing mechanism. In particular, the capsules can not be easily delivered from this device.

An object of the invention is therefore to obtain a contacting module which is simple to manufacture and inexpensive, and which is particularly suitable for the distribution of any type of product, especially in the form of capsules.

For this purpose, the invention relates to a module of the aforementioned type, characterized in that the main channel is clear over its entire length between the upstream opening introduction of the first product and the stitching point.

The module according to the invention may comprise one or more of the following characteristics, taken separately or in any technically possible combination:

- the auxiliary channel is cleared over its entire length between the tank and the main channel;

- The main channel extends along a longitudinal axis at least in the vicinity of the stitching point, the auxiliary channel opening transversely into the main channel;

the body delimits a second product injection nozzle in the main channel projecting into the main channel at the point of stitching;

- at the point of tapping, the main channel contains a first fluid, the auxiliary channel containing a second fluid, the ratio of viscosities between the first fluid present in the main channel and the second fluid present in the auxiliary channel being between 1 and 100;

the difference in viscosity between the second fluid present in the auxiliary channel and the first fluid present in the main channel is between 1 Pa.s and 100 Pa.s;

the first product present in the main channel comprises a continuous phase, and a plurality of capsules containing a fluid core;

the capsules have a diameter greater than 500 microns, advantageously greater than 1 mm;

- Each capsule has an outer envelope retaining the heart, the second product being adapted to weaken and / or break the envelope to release the heart.

- The main channel has a cross section greater than or equal to the cross section of each capsule at least between the upstream opening and the stitching point.

the second product contains a biologically active product and / or a cosmetic product;

the wall of the body delimiting the auxiliary channel is opaque.

The invention also relates to a device for dispensing a mixture formed from a first product placed in contact with a second product, the device comprising:

a container delimiting an internal space for receiving a first product;

- a dispensing mechanism mounted on the container; and

- A module according to any one of the preceding claims, disposed in the inner space in contact with the first product, the downstream opening of the main channel being connected to the dispensing mechanism, the upstream opening of the main channel opening into space internal.

The dispensing device according to the invention may comprise one or more of the following characteristics, taken separately or in any technically possible combination:

- The dispensing mechanism comprises a conveyor means for driving the first product in the inner space through the main channel to bring it into contact with the second product.

The subject of the invention is also a process for dispensing a mixture formed from a first product placed in contact with a second product, of the type comprising the following steps:

- Provision of a device as defined above;

- actuation of the distribution mechanism; - circulation of the first product in the main channel from the upstream opening to the downstream opening;

- injection of second product in the main channel from the stitching point of the auxiliary channel;

- contacting the first product with the second product downstream point of the auxiliary channel;

mixing the first product and the second product in the mixer;

- Distribution of the mixture out of the device through the dispensing mechanism.

The method according to the invention may comprise one or more of the following characteristics, taken separately or in any technically possible combination:

the first product comprises a continuous phase, and a plurality of capsules having an outer envelope and a fluid core, the mixture between the first product and the second product causing embrittlement and / or rupture of the envelope to release the fluid core; in the continuous phase.

- Downstream of the stitching point, the capsules break after contact with the second product, the fluid emerging from the mixer being devoid of capsules to allow the distribution without blocking of the fluid through the dispensing mechanism.

The invention will be better understood on reading the description which follows, given solely by way of example, and with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

- Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view along a median plane of a first dispensing device comprising a module according to the invention;

FIG. 2 is a view similar to FIG. 1 of the module according to the invention;

- Figure 3 is a view similar to Figure 1, during the first use of the device of Figure 1;

- Figure 4 is a view similar to Figure 1, after several uses of the device of Figure 4.

In what follows, the terms "upstream" and "downstream" refer to the normal direction of circulation of a fluid. The terms "upper" and "lower" are understood in relation to the orientations represented in the figures.

A first dispensing device 10 according to the invention is illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 4. This device 10 comprises a container 12 receiving a first product 14, a module 16 mixing the first product 14 with a second product 18, the module 16 being disposed in the container 12.

The device 10 further comprises a mechanism 20 for dispensing the mixture formed by the first product 14 and the second product 18. The module 16 is fixed on the mechanism 20.

In this example, the first product 14 is advantageously formed by a plurality of capsules 22 dispersed in a continuous phase 24. Each capsule 22 comprises a fluid core 26 and a gelled outer shell 28 surrounding the entire outer surface of the core 26. The Capsules 22 are for example capsules as described in patent application WO 2010/063937 of the Applicant.

In this example, each capsule 22 is of spherical shape and advantageously has an outside diameter greater than 500 micron and advantageously submillimetric. The diameter of the capsules is generally less than 5 mm and is in particular between 1 mm and 3 mm.

The core 26 contains at least one fluid advantageously chosen from a biologically active product, a cosmetic product, or an edible product suitable for consumption.

When the first product is a biologically active product, it is advantageously chosen from anticoagulants, anti-thrombogenic agents, anti-mitotic agents, anti-proliferation, anti-adhesion, anti-migration agents, cell adhesion promoters, the factors anti-inflammatory drugs, anti-inflammatory drugs, angiogenics, angiogenesis inhibitors, vitamins, hormones, proteins, antifungals, antimicrobial molecules, antiseptics or antibiotics.

Alternatively, the core 26 contains reagents such as proteins or reagents to form a bioreactor, or to form artificial cells for implants.

A cosmetic product that may be contained in the heart is for example cited in the COUNCIL DIRECTIVE of 27 July 1976 on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to cosmetic products (76/768 / EEC / OJ L 262, 27.9.1976, p. 169). This product is for example a cream, an emulsion, a lotion, a gel and a oil for the skin (hands, face, feet, etc.), a foundation (liquid, paste, powders), a beauty mask ( excluding surface abrasion products of the skin by chemical means), foundation (liquids, pastes, powders), a powder for make-up, powder to be applied after the bath, powders for personal hygiene, etc., toilet soaps, deodorant soaps, etc. perfumes, eau de toilette and cologne, a preparation for baths and showers (salts, foams, oils, gels, etc.), a hair care product: hair dyes, bleaches, for waving, straightening, setting hair setting (lotions, powders, shampoos), hair care (lotions, creams, oils), hair styling (lotions, lacquers, glossines), a cleaning product (lotions, powders, shampoos), a product for shaving ( soaps, mousses, lotions, etc.), make-up and make-up products for the face and eyes, a product intended to be applied to the lips, a product for the care and makeup of nails, an external care product, a sun product, a tanning product without sun, a product for whitening the skin, an anti-wrinkle product.

The edible products that are suitable for consumption by a human being or an animal are advantageously purees of vegetables or fruits such as mashed mango, pear puree, coconut puree, onion cream, leeks, carrots, or other preparations that can mix several fruits or vegetables. Alternatively, it is oils such as a food oil, such as olive oil, soybean oil, grape seed oil, sunflower oil, or any other oil extracted from the plants.

The core 26 is advantageously in the form of a first pure liquid fluid, a solution of the or each first fluid in a liquid solvent, a dispersion such as an emulsion or a suspension of the or each first fluid. in a liquid.

The viscosity of the core 26 is in particular less than 2000 mPa.s.

The core 26 is based on a predominantly aqueous phase or on the contrary a predominantly oily phase.

The gelled envelope 28 of the capsules 22 advantageously comprises a gel containing water and at least one polyelectrolyte reactive with multivalent ions. In an advantageous variant, the envelope 28 also contains a surfactant resulting from its manufacturing process. For the purposes of the present invention, the term "polyelectrolyte reactive with polyvalent ions" means a polyelectrolyte capable of passing from a liquid state in an aqueous solution to a gelled state under the effect of contact with a gelling solution containing multivalent ions such as ions of an alkaline earth metal chosen for example from calcium ions, barium ions, magnesium ions.

In the liquid state, the individual polyelectrolyte chains are substantially free to flow relative to one another. An aqueous solution of 2% by weight of polyelectrolyte then exhibits a purely viscous behavior at the shear gradients characteristic of the forming process. The viscosity of this zero shear solution is between 50 mPa.s and 10,000 mPa.s, advantageously between 3000 mPa.s and 7000 mPa.s.

The individual polyelectrolyte chains in the liquid state advantageously have a molar mass greater than 65000 g / mol.

In the gelled state, the individual polyelectrolyte chains together with the multivalent ions form a coherent three-dimensional network which holds the core 26 and prevents its flow. The individual chains are held together and can not flow freely relative to each other. In this state, the viscosity of the formed gel is infinite. In addition, the gel has a threshold of stress to the flow. This stress threshold is greater than 0.05 Pa. The gel also has a modulus of elasticity that is non-zero and greater than 35 kPa.

The three-dimensional gel of polyelectrolyte contained in the envelope 28 traps water and the surfactant when it is present. The mass content of the polyelectrolyte in the envelope 28 is for example between 0.5% and 5%.

The polyelectrolyte is preferably a biocompatible polymer that is harmless to the human body. It is for example produced biologically.

Advantageously, it is chosen from polysaccharides, synthetic polyelectrolytes based on acrylates (sodium, lithium, potassium or ammonium polyacrylate, or polyacrylamide), synthetic polyelectrolytes based on sulfonates (poly (styrene sulfonate)). sodium, for example). More particularly, the polyelectrolyte is selected from an alkaline earth alginate, such as sodium alginate or potassium alginate, gellan or pectin.

Alginates are produced from brown algae called "laminaria", referred to as "sea weed".

Such alginates advantageously have a content of α-L-guluronate greater than about 50%, preferably greater than 55%, or even greater than 60%.

The surfactant is preferably an anionic surfactant, a nonionic surfactant, a cationic surfactant or a mixture thereof. The molecular weight of the surfactant is between 150 g / mol and 10,000 g / mol, advantageously between 250 g / mol and 1500 g / mol.

In the case where the surfactant is an anionic surfactant, it is for example chosen from an alkyl sulphate, an alkyl sulphonate, an alkyl aryl sulphonate, an alkaline alkyl phosphate, a dialkyl sulphosuccinate, an alkaline earth salt of saturated or unsaturated fatty acids. These surfactants advantageously have at least one hydrophobic hydrocarbon chain having a number of carbons greater than 5 or even 10 and at least one hydrophilic anionic group, such as a sulfate, a sulfonate or a carboxylate attached to one end of the hydrophobic chain.

In the case where the surfactant is a cationic surfactant, it is for example chosen from an alkylpyridium or alkylammonium halide salt such as n-ethyldodecylammonium chloride or bromide, cetylammonium chloride or bromide (CTAB) . These surfactants advantageously have at least one hydrophobic hydrocarbon chain having a number of carbons greater than 5 or even 10 and at least one hydrophilic cationic group, such as a quaternary ammonium cation.

In the case where the surfactant is a nonionic surfactant, it is for example chosen from polyoxyethylenated and / or polyoxypropylenated derivatives of fatty alcohols, fatty acids, or alkylphenols, arylphenols, or from alkyls glucosides, polysorbates, cocamides .

The mass content of surfactant in the casing 28 is greater than 0.001% and is advantageously greater than 0.1%.

In this example, the envelope 28 consists exclusively of polyelectrolyte, surfactant, and water. The sum of the mass contents of polyelectrolyte, surfactant, and water is then equal to 100%.

In a variant, each capsule 22 is of the type described in FR FR 61404 of the applicant. Each capsule 22 then comprises a core 26 which contains an intermediate drop of an intermediate phase placed in contact with the gelled envelope 28. The core 26 comprises at least one internal drop of an internal phase disposed in the intermediate drop.

The mass content of capsules 22 in the first product 14 is for example greater than 20%, especially greater than 40%.

The continuous phase 24 is for example formed by a viscosity gel of between 12 Pa.s and 100 Pa.s.

These viscosities are measured by the following method.

A Brookfield type viscometer with a spindle of size (No.) 05 was used. About 150 g of solution were placed in a beaker of 250 ml volume, having a diameter of about 7 cm so that the height of the volume occupied by the 150 g of solution is sufficient to reach the gauge marked on the mobile. Then, we start the viscometer on a speed of 10 RPM and wait until the value displayed on the screen is stable. Once stable, the speed of rotation is decreased and the viscosity measurement is resumed once the display is stable. This procedure is repeated until the lowest speed is reached. The viscosity at the lowest speed is greater than 1 Pa.s, preferably greater than 100 Pa.s. The second product 18 is for example a product capable of weakening and / or breaking the envelope 28 to allow the release of the core 26 in the continuous phase 24.

In the case where the envelope 28 is a gelled envelope, in the form of ionic gel particles, the second product 18 present in the module 16 contains, for example, a compound capable of chelating the ions capable of forming the gel of the envelope 28 .

These compounds are capable of forming very stable metal complexes. They are suitable for being bound to metal cations in the form of one of its conjugate bases.

Among these chelating compounds, there may be included EDTA or ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid, EGTA or ethylene glycol tetraacetic acid or an alkaline salt of an acid, such as a sodium or potassium salt of a acid, such as citric acid or else acrylic acid, polyacrylic acid, phytic acid, phosphoric acid, tartaric acid.

The mass concentration of chelating compound is in particular greater than 10% and is for example between 15% and 30%.

In another variant, the second product 18 is a polyacrylate-based polymer, or a phosphorus-based acid such as thetic acid.

In a variant, the second product 18 also contains a biologically active product or a cosmetic product as defined above.

The second product 18 also advantageously contains a viscosity modifier, such as a thickener, such as a gum, especially a xanthan gum. In a variant, the viscosity of the second product 18 is greater than the viscosity of the first product 14, in particular greater than the viscosity of the continuous phase 24 of the first product 14.

In another variant, the viscosity of the second product 18 is lower than the viscosity of the first product 14, in particular less than the viscosity of the continuous phase 24 of the first product 14.

In one example, the viscosity of the second product 18 in the reservoir is between 1, 2 and 10 Pa.s. The viscosity of the continuous phase 26 is between 12 Pa.s and 100 Pa.s.

The difference in viscosity between the two phases, expressed as a function of their ratio, may vary from about 1 to about 100.

In particular, the viscosity of the second product 18 is chosen to prevent the diffusion of the species contained in the second product 18 to the first product 14, even if these products 14, 18 are in partial contact, for a duration greater than 10,000 hours, in particular greater than 365 days. The viscosity of each product 14, 18 is moreover greater than 1 Pa.s, preferably greater than 100 Pa.s.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the container 12 has a bottom wall 40, a side wall 42 and an upper wall 44 defining an insertion opening 46 of the distribution mechanism 20.

The container 12 internally delimits an internal space 48 which opens outwards through the insertion opening 46. The internal space 48 contains the first product 14 and the mixing module 16.

The dispensing mechanism 20 is of known type and will not be described in detail. It comprises an actuating member 50 and a conveying means 52 able to circulate a fluid from an upstream opening 54 located in the internal space 48 of the container 12 to a downstream distribution opening 56 for dispensing the fluid to the outside of the device 10.

The conveying means 52 is for example a manually operable pump, or electrically or hydraulically. In a variant, the fluid means 52 is a propulsion means capable of pushing the fluid contained in the internal space 48 through the actuating member 50 to the dispensing opening 56. This means of propulsion is example an aerosol.

With reference to FIG. 2, the contacting module 16 comprises a hollow body 60. The body 60 delimits internally a reservoir 62 of the second product, a main channel 64 for circulating the first product 14 and bringing it into contact with the second product 18, and an auxiliary channel 66 connecting the reservoir 62 of the second product to the main channel 64.

The body 60 further comprises a mixer 68, advantageously a static mixer, disposed in the main conduit 64 downstream of the stitching point 69 of the auxiliary channel 66 in the main channel 64.

In this example, the body 60 is tubular. It comprises a hollow peripheral wall 70 of vertical axis A-A 'in FIG. The hollow wall 70 delimits successively, while moving away from the axis A-A ', the main channel 64, the auxiliary channel 66 and the reservoir 62.

In this example, the peripheral wall 70 has an outer wall 72 cylindrical or prismatic section, and an inner wall 74, disposed at a distance from the outer wall 72. The inner wall 74 advantageously has a homothetic cross section to the inner wall 72.

The wall 70 further comprises a lower annular partition 76 for closing and an upper partition 78. The partitions 72 to 78 internally delimit the reservoir 62. They close the reservoir 62 substantially completely, with the exception of the partition 78 which has at least one opening 80 for filling the reservoir 62 and with the exception of the auxiliary channel 66 which opens in the reservoir 62.

The internal partition 74 externally delimits the main channel 64.

The main channel 64 thus extends axially along the axis AA 'inside the internal partition 74 between an upstream product introduction opening 82 intended to be placed in the interior space 48 in contact with the first cosmetic product 14 and a downstream opening 84 through which the upstream opening 54 of the mechanism 20 is sealed.

According to the invention, the main channel 64 is completely disengaged between the upstream opening 82 and the stitching point 69 of the auxiliary channel 66.

The cross section of the main channel 64 is thus greater than the maximum cross-section of each capsule 22. The capsules 22 are able to enter the main channel 64 through the upstream opening 82 without being deformed and without obstruction and to be conveyed unhindered to the point of sewing 69.

In particular, no valve, in particular no non-return valve, is interposed on the path of the first product 14 between the internal space 48 and the stitching point 69, thus ensuring unobstructed circulation of this product, particularly when it includes capsules 22.

The auxiliary channel 66 is formed in the peripheral wall of the body 60, advantageously in the internal partition 74. It has a cross section smaller than the cross section of the main channel 64. This cross section is notably smaller than the maximum diameter of the capsules 22.

The auxiliary channel 66 extends continuously between an upstream inlet 88 opening into the reservoir 62 of the second product and a downstream outlet located at the stitching point 69.

In the example shown, the auxiliary channel 66 is completely cleared over its entire length between the inlet 88 and the stitching point 69. No valve, in particular no one-way valve, is interposed on this auxiliary channel 66. The fluid present in the auxiliary channel 66 is thus in constant contact with the fluid flowing in the main channel 64 at the stitching point 69.

In the example shown in the figures, the stitching point 69 is arranged radially projecting towards the axis AA 'in the main channel 64 with respect to the internal partition 74. It thus defines an injection nozzle 90 of the second product in the main channel 64. The nozzle 90 has an inclined surface 92 converging towards the axis AA 'moving from the upstream opening 82 to the downstream opening 84.

Furthermore, in this example, the auxiliary channel 66 has a first longitudinal section 94 extending over substantially the entire length of the body 60, taken along the axis AA 'and at least a second longitudinal section 96, connected to the first longitudinal section by an elbow 98.

As described above, the mixer 68 is a static mixer. It comprises a plurality of static mixing members 98 interposed projecting in the main channel 64 to delimit a tortuous path of the fluid flowing in this channel 64.

The mixer 68 is disposed downstream, and axially spaced from the stitching point

69 to define an intermediate region 100 for contacting the first product conveyed from the upstream opening 82, and the second product 18 injected through the auxiliary channel 66. In this example, the mixing members 98 are formed by deflectors arranged head to tail, which have an L-shaped section.

The mixing module 16 is attached in one piece in the container 12 to be fixed on the dispensing mechanism 20. It thus has a total volume less than the volume of the internal space 48.

It is advantageously mounted in the container 12 from a disassembled configuration located away from the internal space 48 and the mechanism 20 and a configuration mounted in the internal space 48 on the distribution mechanism 20, in which the main channel 64 is connected downstream to the upstream opening 54 of the distribution mechanism 20.

The module 16 can thus be inserted in a simple manner in containers 12 of standard configuration by adapting to various distribution mechanisms 20.

The operation of the dispensing device 10 according to the invention will now be described.

Initially, as shown in FIG. 1, the module 16, the reservoir 62 of which is filled with the second product 18, is mounted on the dispensing mechanism 20 and is then inserted into the interior space 48.

The inner space 48 is also filled with first product 14. The first product 14 advantageously comprises capsules 22 arranged in the continuous phase 24.

The continuous phase 24 is then present in the main channel 64.

The difference in viscosity between the first fluid present in the main channel 64 and the second fluid present in the auxiliary channel 66 is chosen to prevent significantly the diffusion of species of the first fluid in the second fluid, on a time scale greater than several hours, especially greater than 365 days.

Thus, the difference in viscosity, expressed in terms of ratio of the viscosities between the first fluid present in the main channel 64 and the fluid present in the auxiliary channel 66 can vary from 1 to 100, using viscosity values as measured by the method described above.

It is therefore possible to use a module 16 in which the auxiliary channel 66 as the main channel 64 are completely disengaged, which simplifies the design of the module 16 and improves its operation.

When the user of the device 10 wishes to dispense the product 14, he actuates the actuating member 50.

The conveying means 52 are then activated to cause a first product inlet 14 into the main channel 64 by suction. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the first product 14 rises in the main channel 64, which results in sucking the second product 18 present in the auxiliary channel 66 from the stitching point 69 (see FIG. 3).

The first product 14 and the second product 18 then mix in the intermediate region 100, then in the static mixer 68, before being conveyed to the upstream opening 54 of the distribution mechanism 20.

Then, the thus formed mixture of first product 14 and second product 18 is distributed through the downstream opening 56, for example to be applied to a keratinous surface of a user.

When the first product 14 contains capsules 22, and the second product

18 contains at least one compound capable of weakening and / or breaking the envelope 28 of the capsules 22, the bringing into contact between the capsules 22 and the second product 18, downstream of the stitching point 16 causes the rupture of the envelope 28 .

The core 26 is then released into the continuous phase 24 and mixes with the continuous phase 24 to form a continuous fluid comprising the core 26, the envelope residue.

28, the second product 18 and the continuous phase 24.

This continuous fluid then passes easily through the dispensing mechanism 20, especially when this mechanism 20 comprises a pump.

With the module 16 which has just been described, and in the absence of obstacles in the main channel 64 to the point of sewing 69, the capsules 22 back in the channel main 64. Once contacted with the second product 18, the capsules 22 become fragile and break, to release their heart 26. This causes an effective distribution of the fluid in the heart 26. The dispensing device 10 is particularly adapted to dispense a first product 14 comprising submillimeter-sized capsules 22 containing a core 26.

In addition, although the module 16 is of particularly simple design, the amount of fluid dispensed at each actuation of the dispensing mechanism 20 is substantially constant and controlled, in particular by a suitable choice of the viscosity of the second product 18, and by a design adequate auxiliary channel 66.

In a variant, the first product 14 is in homogeneous form and does not contain any capsules 22. It comprises, for example, compounds which must be mixed with the second product 18 only during the dispensing of the first product 14.

In a variant (not shown), the body of the module 16 defines a plurality of reservoirs 62 each containing separate second products. Each reservoir 62 is then connected to the main channel 54 via a clean auxiliary channel 86 or a separate single auxiliary channel 86 into a plurality of separate compartments.

In another variant, the wall 70 of the body 60 located around the auxiliary channel 86 is opaque to visible light, in particular for wavelengths between 400 nm and 800 nm, so as not to expose the product contained in the channel auxiliary 86 to light.

Claims

1. - Module (16) for bringing a first product (14) in a container (12) into contact with at least a second product (18), the module (16) comprising:

a hollow body (60) delimiting a main channel (64) for circulating the first product (14), the main channel (64) having an upstream opening (82) intended to be introduced into a volume of first product (14), and a downstream opening (84) for connection to a first product dispensing mechanism (20), the body (60) comprising a mixer (68) disposed in the main channel (64),

the body defining at least one reservoir (62) containing the second product (14), and at least one auxiliary channel (66) opening into the main channel (64) at a stitching point (69);

characterized in that the main channel (64) is clear along its entire length between the upstream opening (82) for introducing the first product and the stitching point (69).

2. - Module (16) according to claim 1, characterized in that the auxiliary channel (66) is clear over its entire length between the reservoir (62) and the main channel (64).

3. - Module (16) according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the main channel (64) extends along a longitudinal axis (Α-Α ') at least in the vicinity of the stitching point ( 69), the auxiliary channel (66) opening transversely into the main channel (64).

4. Module (16) according to claim 3, characterized in that the body (60) defines a nozzle (90) of second product injection (18) into the main channel (64) projecting into the main channel ( 64) at the stitching point (69).

5. - Module (16) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at the point of stitching (69), the main channel (64) contains a first fluid, the auxiliary channel (66) containing a second fluid, the ratio of the viscosities between the first fluid present in the main channel (64) and the second fluid present in the auxiliary channel (66) being between 1 and 100.

6. - Module (16) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first product (14) present in the main channel (64) comprises a continuous phase (24), and a plurality of capsules (22). containing a fluid heart (26).

7. - Module (16) according to claim 6, characterized in that the capsules (22) have a diameter greater than 500 microns, preferably greater than 1 mm.

8. - Module (16) according to any one of claims 6 or 7, characterized in that each capsule (22) has an outer shell (28) retaining the heart (26), the second product (18) being adapted to weaken and / or break the envelope (28) to release the heart (26).

9. - Module (16) according to any one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that the main channel (64) has a cross section greater than or equal to the cross section of each capsule (22) at least between the upstream opening (82) and the stitching point (69).

10. - Device (10) for dispensing a mixture formed from a first product (14) brought into contact with a second product (16), the device (10) comprising:

- a container (12) defining an inner space (48) for receiving a first product (14);

- a dispensing mechanism (20) mounted on the container (12); and

a module (16) according to any one of the preceding claims disposed in the internal space (48) in contact with the first product, the downstream opening (84) of the main channel (64) being connected to the distribution mechanism ( 20), the upstream opening (82) of the main channel (64) opening into the internal space (48).

1 1. - Device (10) according to claim 10, characterized in that the dispensing mechanism (20) comprises a conveying means (52) adapted to drive the first product (14) present in the internal space (48) through the main channel (64) for bringing it into contact with the second product (18).

12. A method of dispensing (64) a mixture formed from a first product

(14) contacted with a second product (18), of the type comprising the following steps:

- Providing a device (10) according to any one of claims 10 to 1 1;

- actuation of the dispensing mechanism (20);

- Circulating the first product (14) in the main channel (64) from the upstream opening (82) to the downstream opening (84);

- injecting second product (18) into the main channel (64) from the stitching point (69) of the auxiliary channel (66);

- contacting the first product (14) with the second product (18) downstream stitching point (69) of the auxiliary channel (66);

mixing the first product (14) and the second product (18) in the mixer (68);

- Distribution of the mixture out of the device (10) via the dispensing mechanism (20).

13.- Method according to claim 12, characterized in that the first product (14) comprises a continuous phase (24), and a plurality of capsules (22) having an outer shell (28) and a fluid core (26), mixing the first product (14) and the second product (18) causing embrittlement and / or rupture of the shell (28) to release the core fluid (26) in the continuous phase (24).

14.- Method according to claim 13, characterized in that downstream of the stitching point, the capsules (22) break after contact with the second product (18), the fluid emerging from the mixer (68) being devoid of capsules (22) for allowing non-blocking delivery of this fluid through the dispensing mechanism (20).